bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temperature and light effects on Trichobilharzia szidati cercariae with implications for a risk analysis
Authors: Al-Jubury Azmi , Kania Per , Bygum Anette , Buchmann Kurt 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Cercarial dermatitis (swimmer’s itch) caused by bird schistosome cercariae, released from intermediate host snails, is a common disorder also at higher latitudes. Several cases were observed in the artificial Danish freshwater Ringen Lake frequently used by the public for recreational purposes. The lake may serve as a model system when establishing a risk analysis for this zoonotic disease. In order to explain high risk periods we determined infection levels of intermediate host snails from early spring to late summer (March, June and August) and elucidated the effect of temperature and light on parasite shedding, behavior and life span.

Results
Field studies revealed no shedding snails in March and June but in late summer the prevalence of Trichobilharzia szidati infection (in a sample of 226 pulmonate Lymnaea stagnalis snails) reached 10%. When investigated under laboratory conditions the cercarial shedding rate (number of cercariae shed per snail per day) was positively correlated to temperature raising from a mean of 3000 (SD 4000) at 7 °C to a mean of 44,000 (SD 30,000) at 27 °C). The cercarial life span was inversely correlated to temperature but the parasites remained active for up to 60 h at 20 °C indicating accumulation of cercariae in the lake during summer periods. Cercariae exhibited positive phototaxy suggesting a higher pathogen concentration in surface water of the lake during daytime when the public visits the lake.

Conclusion
The only causative agent of cercarial dermatitis in Ringen Lake detected was T. szidati. The infection risk associated with aquatic activities is low during spring and early summer (March-June). In late summer the risk of infection is high since the release, behavior and life span of the infective parasite larvae have optimal conditions.
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) in cancer therapy
Authors: Ocaña Alberto , Pandiella Atanasio 
Published: September 2020

AbstractExploitation of the protein degradation machinery as a therapeutic strategy to degrade oncogenic proteins is experiencing revolutionary advances with the development of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs). PROTACs are heterobifunctional structures consisting of a ligand that binds a protein to be degraded and a ligand for an E3 ubiquitin ligase. The bridging between the protein of interest and the E3 ligase mediated by the PROTAC facilitates ubiquitination of the protein and its proteasomal degradation. In this review we discuss the molecular medicine behind PROTAC mechanism of action, with special emphasis on recent developments and their potential translation to the clinical setting.
Facial masks in children: the position statement of the Italian pediatric society
Authors: Villani Alberto , Bozzola Elena , Staiano Annamaria , Agostiniani Rino , Del Vecchio Antonio , Zamperini Nicola , Marino Francesco , Vecchio Davide , Corsello Giovanni 
Published: September 2020

AbstractFacial masks may be one of the most cost-effective strategies to prevent the diffusion of COVID 19 infection. Nevertheless, fake news are spreading, alerting parents on dangerous side effects in children, such as hypercapnia, hypoxia, gut dysbiosis and immune system weakness. Aim of the Italian Pediatric Society statement is to face misconception towards the use of face masks and to spread scientific trustable information.
Public support for healthcare-mediated disclosure of hereditary cancer risk information: Results from a population-based survey in Sweden
Authors: Andersson Andreas , Hawranek Carolina , Öfverholm Anna , Ehrencrona Hans , Grill Kalle , Hajdarevic Senada , Melin Beatrice , Tham Emma , Hellquist Barbro Numan , Rosén Anna 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Targeted surveillance of at-risk individuals in families with increased risk of hereditary cancer is an effective prevention strategy if relatives are identified, informed and enrolled in screening programs. Despite the potential benefits, many eligible at-risk relatives remain uninformed of their cancer risk. This study describes the general public’s opinion on disclosure of hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) risk information, as well as preferences on the source and the mode of information.

Methods
A random sample of the general public was assessed through a Swedish citizen web-panel. Respondents were presented with scenarios of being an at-risk relative in a family that had an estimated increased hereditary risk of CRC; either 10% (moderate) or 70% (high) lifetime risk. A colonoscopy was presented as a preventive measure. Results were analysed to identify significant differences between groups using the Pearson’s chi-square (χ2) test.

Results
Of 1800 invited participants, 977 completed the survey (54%). In the moderate and high-risk scenarios, 89.2 and 90.6% respectively, would like to receive information about a potential hereditary risk of CRC (χ2, p = .755). The desire to be informed was higher among women (91.5%) than men (87.0%, χ2, p = .044). No significant differences were found when comparing different age groups, educational levels, place of residence and having children or not. The preferred source of risk information was a healthcare professional in both moderate and high-risk scenarios (80.1 and 75.5%). However, 18.1 and 20.1% respectively would prefer to be informed by a family member. Assuming that healthcare professionals disclosed the information, the favoured mode of information was letter and phone (38.4 and 33.2%).

Conclusions
In this study a majority of respondents wanted to be informed about a potential hereditary risk of CRC and preferred healthcare professionals to communicate this information. The two presented levels of CRC lifetime risk did not significantly affect the interest in being informed. Our data offer insights into the needs and preferences of the Swedish population, providing a rationale for developing complementary healthcare-assisted communication pathways to realise the full potential of targeted prevention of hereditary CRC.
Independent and joint cross-sectional associations of statin and metformin use with mammographic breast density
Authors: Lee Argov Erica J. , Acheampong Teofilia , Terry Mary Beth , Rodriguez Carmen B. , Agovino Mariangela , Wei Ying , Athilat Shweta , Tehranifar Parisa 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Well-tolerated and commonly used medications are increasingly assessed for reducing breast cancer risk. These include metformin and statins, both linked to reduced hormone availability and cell proliferation or growth and sometimes prescribed concurrently. We investigated independent and joint associations of these medications with mammographic breast density (MBD), a useful biomarker for the effect of chemopreventive agents on breast cancer risk.

Methods
Using data from a cross-sectional study of 770 women (78% Hispanic, aged 40–61 years, in a mammography cohort with high cardiometabolic burden), we examined the association of self-reported “ever” use of statins and metformin with MBD measured via clinical Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) density classifications (relative risk regression) and continuous semi-automated percent and size of dense area (Cumulus) (linear regression), adjusted for age, body mass index, education, race, menopausal status, age at first birth, and insulin use.

Results
We observed high statin (27%), metformin (13%), and combination (9%) use, and most participants were overweight/obese (83%) and parous (87%). Statin use was associated with a lower likelihood of high density BI-RADS (RR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.45 to 0.80), percent dense area (PD) (β = − 6.56, 95% CI = − 9.05 to − 4.06), and dense area (DA) (β = − 9.05, 95% CI = − 14.89 to − 3.22). Metformin use was associated with lower PD and higher non-dense area (NDA), but associations were attenuated by co-medication with statins. Compared to non-use of either medication, statin use alone or with metformin were associated with lower PD and DA (e.g., β = − 6.86, 95% CI: − 9.67, − 4.05 and β = − 7.07, 95% CI: − 10.97, − 3.17, respectively, for PD) and higher NDA (β = 25.05, 95% CI: 14.06, 36.03; β = 29.76, 95% CI: 14.55, 44.96, respectively).

Conclusions
Statin use was consistently associated with lower MBD, measured both through clinical radiologist assessment and continuous relative and absolute measures, including dense area. Metformin use was associated with lower PD and higher NDA, but this may be driven by co-medication with statins. These results support that statins may lower MBD but need confirmation with prospective and clinical data to distinguish the results of medication use from that of disease.
Effects of yoga, aerobic, and stretching and toning exercises on cognition in adult cancer survivors: protocol of the STAY Fit pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gothe Neha P. , Erlenbach Emily D. , Streeter Samuel L. , Lehovec Linda 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Cancer survivors experience compromised quality of life due to impaired cognitive function as a result of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Although exercise has proven to be effective in improving cognitive function across the lifespan, interventions comprehensively testing the effectiveness for cancer survivors are limited. The STAY Fit Trial is a three-armed pilot randomized controlled trial designed to compare the effects of a 12-week yoga, aerobic walking, and stretch and tone intervention on cognitive function among adult cancer survivors.

Methods
This pilot study aims to recruit 75 adult cancer survivors who will complete assessments of cognitive function, cardiovascular fitness, physical activity, and psychosocial measures at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. The aims of STAY Fit are (1) to assess the efficacy of yoga to improve cognitive function among cancer survivors, compared to aerobic exercise and an active control group; (2) to examine changes in cardiovascular fitness as a result of the interventions; and (3) to assess changes in quality of life among our population as a result of the exercise interventions.

Discussion
The STAY Fit Trial will test the effectiveness of yoga, aerobic exercise, and stretching and toning exercises in improving cognitive function and fitness among adult cancer survivors. The results of this pilot study will enable us to understand the most effective physical activity modality to improve cognitive function in this population and potentially combat cancer-related cognitive impairment.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03650322. Registered on 28 August 2018.
Relationship between household food insecurity and food and nutrition literacy among children of 9–12 years of age: a cross-sectional study in a city of Iran
Authors: Khorramrouz Fatemeh , Doustmohammadian Azam , Eslami Omid , Khadem-Rezaiyan Majid , Pourmohammadi Parisa , Amini Maryam , Khosravi Maryam 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between household food insecurity (HFI) with food and nutrition literacy (FNLIT) in a sample of Iranian children. This cross sectional study was performed on 315 children aged 9 to 12 years recruited from the primary schools throughout Mashhad, Iran. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) was used to assess the HFI. Also, overall FNLIT score and its sub-categories were evaluated using a validated 40-item questionnaire.

Results
The prevalence of HFI in the total sample was about 56%. Also, almost 14% of students had a low FNLIT score. Food insecure children had significantly lower levels of FNLT and some subscales including nutrition knowledge, food choice literacy, and food label literacy than the food-secure subjects, moreover, they had a higher likelihood of having low FNLIT score (OR = 2.89, CI 1.03–8.09; p = 0.04). In conclusion, there is a negative association between HFI and FNLIT in children. Further studies to confirm this finding are needed.
Effects of mesenchymal stromal cell-conditioned media on measures of lung structure and function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies
Authors: Moreira Alvaro , Naqvi Rija , Hall Kristen , Emukah Chimobi , Martinez John , Moreira Axel , Dittmar Evan , Zoretic Sarah , Evans Mary , Moses Delanie , Mustafa Shamimunisa 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Lung disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. A breach in the lung alveolar-epithelial barrier and impairment in lung function are hallmarks of acute and chronic pulmonary illness. This review is part two of our previous work. In part 1, we demonstrated that CdM is as effective as MSCs in modulating inflammation. Herein, we investigated the effects of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-conditioned media (CdM) on (i) lung architecture/function in animal models mimicking human lung disease, and (ii) performed a head-to-head comparison of CdM to MSCs.

Methods
Adhering to the animal Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation protocol, we conducted a search of English articles in five medical databases. Two independent investigators collected information regarding lung: alveolarization, vasculogenesis, permeability, histologic injury, compliance, and measures of right ventricular hypertrophy and right pulmonary pressure. Meta-analysis was performed to generate random effect size using standardized mean difference with 95% confidence interval.

Results
A total of 29 studies met inclusion. Lung diseases included bronchopulmonary dysplasia, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pulmonary fibrosis. CdM improved all measures of lung structure and function. Moreover, no statistical difference was observed in any of the lung measures between MSCs and CdM.

Conclusions
In this meta-analysis of animal models recapitulating human lung disease, CdM improved lung structure and function and had an effect size comparable to MSCs.
Smart antenna with automatic beam switching for mobile communication
Authors: Ma Yuchen , Wang Junhong , Li Yujian , Chen Meie , Li Zheng , Zhang Zhan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA new kind of smart antenna capable of automatically switching its main beam to track a moving target is presented. The antenna, which is suitable for mobile communication in long straight spaces, such as railways or highways, integrates a sensing element, signal processing element, and radiating element. The sensing element works based on a frequency-modulated continuous wave and delivers a beat frequency signal containing environmental information to the signal processing element, which is used to control the excitation of the radiating element. To verify the efficiency of the proposed antenna, a prototype is fabricated and implemented in a real corridor scenario. Furthermore, the error vector magnitude (EVM) along the test path is investigated to evaluate the system performance when using the proposed antenna. The results show that this kind of smart antenna is capable of improving mobile communication quality and decreasing energy consumption. Therefore, it is a promising candidate for mobile communication.
Multiplicity of solutions for a class of fractional $p(x,\cdot )$-Kirchhoff-type problems without the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition
Authors: Hamdani M. K. , Zuo J. , Chung N. T. , Repovš D. D. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe are interested in the existence of solutions for the following fractional $p(x,\cdot )$
p
(
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-Kirchhoff-type problem: $$ \textstyle\begin{cases} M ( \int _{\Omega \times \Omega } {\frac{ \vert u(x)-u(y) \vert ^{p(x,y)}}{p(x,y) \vert x-y \vert ^{N+p(x,y)s}}} \,dx \,dy )(-\Delta )^{s}_{p(x,\cdot )}u = f(x,u), \quad x\in \Omega , \\ u= 0, \quad x\in \partial \Omega , \end{cases} $$

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are continuous functions. Using variational methods, especially the symmetric mountain pass theorem due to Bartolo–Benci–Fortunato (Nonlinear Anal. 7(9):981–1012, 1983), we establish the existence of infinitely many solutions for this problem without assuming the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition. Our main result in several directions extends previous ones which have recently appeared in the literature.
Numerical solution for generalized nonlinear fractional integro-differential equations with linear functional arguments using Chebyshev series
Authors: Ali Khalid K. , Abd El Salam Mohamed A. , Mohamed Emad M. H. , Samet Bessem , Kumar Sunil , Osman M. S. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn the present work, a numerical technique for solving a general form of nonlinear fractional order integro-differential equations (GNFIDEs) with linear functional arguments using Chebyshev series is presented. The recommended equation with its linear functional argument produces a general form of delay, proportional delay, and advanced non-linear arbitrary order Fredholm–Volterra integro-differential equations. Spectral collocation method is extended to study this problem as a matrix discretization scheme, where the fractional derivatives are characterized in the Caputo sense. The collocation method transforms the given equation and conditions to an algebraic nonlinear system of equations with unknown Chebyshev coefficients. Additionally, we present a general form of the operational matrix for derivatives. The introduced operational matrix of derivatives includes arbitrary order derivatives and the operational matrix of ordinary derivative as a special case. To the best of authors’ knowledge, there is no other work discussing this point. Numerical test examples are given, and the achieved results show that the recommended method is very effective and convenient.
Heavy metal gradients from rural to urban lakes in central China
Authors: Xia Wentong , Wang Rui , Zhu Bin , Rudstam Lars G. , Liu Yinglong , Xu Yanxue , Xin Wei , Chen Yushun 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundLimited information is available on heavy metal patterns in lakes under rapid watershed urbanization, especially considering a large spatial gradient with a long linear distance and great variations in topographic relief. To fill this gap, we studied concentrations of a series of heavy metals in both water and sediments from 20 lakes along a rural to urban gradient in central China, and we aimed to understand the effects of urban processes on heavy metal dynamics in lake ecosystems. Studied lakes were divided into five groups: A (rural reservoir group), B (rural commercial fishing group), C (urban park group), D (urban recreational fishing group), and E (urban commercial fishing group). An inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) and an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) were used to analyze the heavy metals in water and sediments.ResultsAn increasing trend of most heavy metals in water from rural to urban lakes was observed. Concentrations of cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), magnesium (Mn), iron (Fe), and aluminum (Al) in water were significantly lower in rural group A than those in other groups. Arsenic in sediments of rural group A was lower than those in other groups. No other heavy metal element in sediments was significantly different among groups. The enrichment factor analysis of selected heavy metals showed there were different degrees of enrichments of heavy metals in sediments. The potential ecological risk index showed a low level for heavy metals in sediments of all studied lakes.ConclusionsResults indicated that urban processes could have an impact on heavy metals in lake water. The sources of heavy metals in sediments were more likely from anthropogenic activities. These results could enhance our understanding of metal dynamics in lake ecosystems under urbanization and could help prevent heavy metal pollutions and promote sustainable management of urban ecosystems.
Treatment adherence among patients with hypertension: findings from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Algabbani Fahad M. , Algabbani Aljoharah M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundHypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of mortality globally. Patient’s adherence to treatment is a cornerstone factor in controlling hypertension and its complications. This study assesses hypertension patients’ adherence to treatment and its associated factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study targeted outpatients aged ≥18 years who were diagnosed with hypertension. Participants were recruited using a systemic sampling technique. The two main measurements were assessing adherence rate of antihypertensive medications using Morisky scale and identifying predictors of poor medication adherence among hypertensive patients including socio-economic and demographic data, health status, clinic visits, medication side effects, medications availability, and knowledge. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess factors associated with poor adherence.ResultsA total of 306 hypertensive outpatients participated in this study. 42.2% of participants were adherent to antihypertensive medications. Almost half of participants (49%) who reported having no comorbidities were adherent to antihypertensive medications compared to participants with one or more than one comorbidities 41, 39% respectively. The presence of comorbid conditions and being on multiple medications were significantly associated with medication adherence (P-values, respectively, < 0.004, < 0.009). Patients with good knowledge about the disease and its complications were seven times more likely to have good adherence to medication (P <  0.001).ConclusionsNon-adherence to medications is prevalent among a proportion of hypertensive patients which urges continuous monitoring to medication adherence with special attention to at risks groups of patients. Patients with comorbidities and on multiple medications were at high risk of medication non-adherence. Patients’ knowledge on the disease was one of the main associated factors with non-adherence.