bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are Australian parents following feeding guidelines that will reduce their child's risk of dental caries?
Authors: Martin‐Kerry Jacqueline , Gussy Mark , Gold Lisa , Calache Hanny , Boak Rachel , Smith Michael , de Silva Andrea 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundEarly childhood is an important time to establish eating behaviours and taste preferences, and there is strong evidence of the association between the early introduction of sugar‐sweetened beverages and obesity and dental caries (tooth decay). Dental caries early in life predicts lifetime caries experience, and worldwide expenditure for dental caries is high.MethodsQuestionnaire data from the Splash! longitudinal birth cohort study of young children in Victoria, Australia was used to examine beverage consumption and parental feeding behaviours of young children, aiming to provide contemporary dietary data and assess consistency with the Australian dietary guidelines.ResultsFrom 12 months of age, the proportion of children drinking sugar‐sweetened beverages consistently increased with age (e.g. fruit juice consumed by 21.8% at 12 months and 76.7% at 4 years of age). However, the most common beverages for young children are milk and water, consistent with Australian dietary guidelines. In relation to other risk factors for dental caries, at 6 months of age children were sharing utensils, and at 12 months three quarters of carers tasted the child's food before feeding.ConclusionsThe increasing consumption of sugar‐sweetened beverages and prevalence of other risk factors for dental caries and obesity through early childhood continues to be a problem despite efforts to raise awareness of these issues with parents.
Epigenetic variations due to nutritional status in early‐life and its later impact on aging and disease
Authors: Gomez‐Verjan Juan C. , Barrera‐Vázquez Oscar S. , García‐Velázquez Lizbeth , Samper‐Ternent Rafael , Arroyo Pedro 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEpigenetics refers to changes in gene function, not resulting from the primary DNA sequence, influenced by the environment. It provides a link between the molecular regulation of the genome and the environmental signals exposed during the life of individuals (including lifestyle, social behavior, development, and nutrition). Notably, early development (intrauterine or postnatal) is highly influenced by the adverse socioeconomic status that leads to malnutrition or obesity; these conditions induce changes over the fetal epigenetic programming and can be transferred by transgenerational inheritance, inducing alterations of the transcription of genes related to several metabolic and neurological processes. Moreover, obesity during pregnancy, and excessive gestational weight gain are associated with an increased risk of fatal pregnancy complications, and adverse cardio‐metabolic, respiratory and cognitive‐related outcomes of the future child. However, most of our knowledge in this field comes from experimental animal models, that partially resemble the nutritional effects of humans. In this context, nutritional effects implicated in historical famines represent valuable information about the transgenerational effects of undernutrition and stress. In the present review, we attempt to describe the most outstanding results from the most studied famines about the impact of malnutrition on the epigenome.
Endogenous α1‐antitrypsin levels in the perilymphatic fluid correlates with severity of hearing loss
Authors: El‐Saied Sabri , Schmitt Heike , Durisin Martin , Joshua Ben‐Zion , Abu Tailakh Muhammad , Prenzler Nils , Lenarz Thomas , Kaplan Daniel M. , Lewis Eli C. , Warnecke Athanasia 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the levels of endogenous α1‐antitrypsin in the perilymph of patients undergoing cochlear implant (CI), and its reverse association with the severity of hearing loss.Study DesignRetrospective study.SettingTertiary care university hospital.ParticipantsThe study includes 38 patients undergoing CI surgery, 11 patients diagnosed with congenital deafness and 27 non‐congenital deafness, eight patients diagnosed with moderate hearing loss (N = 8; PTA = 70 dB), severe hearing loss (N = 11; PTA 70‐90 dB) and profound hearing loss (N = 19; PTA > 90 dB).Main outcome and measure1 to 12 μL perilymphatic fluids were collected by micropipette. α1‐antitrypsin levels were determined, and current and historic audiological parameters were obtained.ResultsThe congenital and non‐congenital group exhibited AAT concentrations of 2.5 ± 1.9 × 106 LFQ and 3.2 ± 1.2 × 106 LFQ, respectively (mean ± SD; P = .38). Mean levels of α1‐antitrypsin in the perilymph fluid within the moderate group was 3.64 × 106 ± 2.1 × 106 LFQ vs 3.5 × 106 ± 1.2 × 106 in severe hearing loss (P = .81) and 2.4 × 106 ± 1.1 × 106 LFQ in the profound hearings loss group (P = .06). The difference in levels of AAT in samples from the severe hearings loss group vs the profound hearings loss group reached statistical significance (P = .04).ConclusionInsufficiency in α1‐antitrypsin levels in the perilymph fluid of the inner ear appears to display a relationship with the severity of hearing loss. The prospect of introducing clinical‐grade plasma‐purified α1‐antitrypsin directly onto the site of cochlear injury deserves thorough investigation.
An experimental test of the genetic consequences of population augmentation in an amphibian
Authors: Byrne Phillip G. , Silla Aimee J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSupplementing declining populations with individuals from different populations (population augmentation) is increasingly being considered an effective way to genetically rescue threatened species. However, the general value of population augmentation remains contentious, largely because few studies have experimentally tested the genetic consequences of mixing individuals from different populations. Among amphibians, which typically display fine‐scale genetic structuring, there is a high risk that population augmentation might exacerbate population decline via outbreeding depression. Here, we use artificial fertilization techniques combined with a cross‐classified breeding design (North Carolina Type II) to investigate the fitness consequences of outbreeding in the near threatened brown toadlet (Pseudophryne bibronii). Our results revealed that outcrossed families suffered from significantly lower fertilization success, hatching success and larval survival to metamorphosis. These findings suggest that inter‐population crosses might be susceptible to genetic incompatibility and outbreeding depression. However, because genetic factors specific to one of our study populations may have caused outcrossed families to have reduced fitness, an additional breeding experiment involving full factorial crosses will be required to draw firm conclusions. Nevertheless, our findings underscore the need for caution when conducting population augmentation in amphibians. Before mixing populations that might be evolutionary distinct, we encourage conservation managers to use artificial fertilization techniques and cross‐classified breeding designs to critically assess the risk of outbreeding depression. We argue that widespread adoption of this approach will enable more rapid assessment of the risks associated with population augmentation and improve the management of threatened amphibians globally.
Role of fractal dimension in distinguishing benign from malignant endometrial clusters in liquid‐based cervical samples
Authors: Gupta Parikshaa , Gupta Nalini , Rajwanshi Arvind , Dey Pranab 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionExfoliated endometrial cells are often seen as hyperchromatic crowded groups (HCGs) in cervical samples. It is challenging for the cytopathologists to discriminate between HCGs of benign and malignant endometrial cells. Fractal dimension (FD) analysis has proved to be a useful tool in discriminating between different types of cell groups in previous studies.AimsThis study was conducted to evaluate the utility of FD for differentiating between benign and malignant endometrial HCGs, in liquid‐based cervical samples.MethodsTwo groups of cervical samples, with subsequent histopathology, were selected: Group A: 30 cases with benign endometrial HCGs; and Group B: 39 cases with malignant endometrial HCGs. Image J, NIH and FracLac software were used for selecting and measuring the FD of the HCGs. Student t‐test was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe mean FD for benign endometrial HCGs (1.066943 ± 0.0699) was significantly lower than that of the malignant endometrial HCGs (1.086271 ± 0.05121; P = .001). Using receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, we determined that an FD cut‐off value of 1.01 would yield sensitivity of 90.3%, specificity of 26.1%, positive predictive value of 47.3% and negative predictive value of 78.6%.ConclusionThe measurement of FD of HCGs in cervical samples can serve as a useful screening adjunct to differentiate malignant from benign HCGs, owing to its high sensitivity. However, in view of its low specificity and positive predictive value, we recommend that cases labelled as malignant by the FD value be confirmed for malignancy by other methods.
Psoriasis 2.0: Facebook as a source of disease‐related information for patients with psoriasis
Authors: Schuster Barbara , Ziehfreund Stefanie , Biedermann Tilo , Zink Alexander 
Published: April 2020

SummaryBackground and objectivesThe Internet is a commonly used source of health‐related information. Social media allow psoriasis patients to seek and share information about their disease. However, they also involve risks such as misinformation and envy. The aim of this study was to explore the relevance and suitability of Facebook as a source of disease‐related information for patients with psoriasis.Patients and methodsCross‐sectional study consisting of an online survey (11/2017–01/2018). The link was published on a German information website focused on psoriasis. We also collected data about the respondents' general and disease‐related Facebook habits as well as their assessment of opportunities and risks of Facebook in the context of psoriasis.Results101 participants with psoriasis completed the questionnaire. Of these, 75 % reported using Facebook at least once a month, and 72 % of Facebook users stated that they had searched for disease‐related information on Facebook. Active members of psoriasis‐related Facebook groups deemed Facebook more helpful for coping with psoriasis. 60 % of Facebook users reported unreliable information and 57 % reported sales promotions regarding psoriasis when using Facebook.ConclusionsWe found that Facebook is a relevant source of information for psoriasis patients. However, the quality of information offered seems insufficient and needs to be improved.
A novel method for sexing live adult Alphitobius diaperinus
Authors: Arena Julieta Soledad , Defagó María Teresa 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis work aimed to identify discriminant morphological characteristics in Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) adults that enable live males and females to be distinguished. The method of sexing proposed here is based on dimorphism of the 8th abdominal sternite and is 100% accurate. The method allows differentiation of the sexes non‐destructively.
Structural analysis of β‐L‐arabinobiose‐binding protein in the metabolic pathway of hydroxyproline‐rich glycoproteins in Bifidobacterium longum
Authors: Miyake Masayuki , Terada Tohru , Shimokawa Michiko , Sugimoto Naohisa , Arakawa Takatoshi , Shimizu Kentaro , Igarashi Kiyohiko , Fujita Kiyotaka , Fushinobu Shinya 
Published: April 2020

Bifidobacterium longum is a symbiotic human gut bacterium that has a degradation system for β‐arabinooligosaccharides, which are present in the hydroxyproline‐rich glycoproteins of edible plants. Whereas microbial degradation systems for α‐linked arabinofuranosyl carbohydrates have been extensively studied, little is understood about the degradation systems targeting β‐linked arabinofuranosyl carbohydrates. We functionally and structurally analyzed a substrate‐binding protein (SBP) of a putative ABC transporter (BLLJ_0208) in the β‐arabinooligosaccharide degradation system. Thermal shift assays and isothermal titration calorimetry revealed that the SBP specifically bound Araf‐β1,2‐Araf (β‐Ara2) with a Kd of 0.150 μm, but did not bind L‐arabinose or methyl‐β‐Ara2. Therefore, the SBP was termed β‐arabinobiose‐binding protein (BABP). Crystal structures of BABP complexed with β‐Ara2 were determined at resolutions of up to 1.78 Å. The findings showed that β‐Ara2 was bound to BABP within a short tunnel between two lobes as an α‐anomeric form at its reducing end. BABP forms extensive interactions with β‐Ara2, and its binding mode was unique among SBPs. A molecular dynamics simulation revealed that the closed conformation of substrate‐bound BABP is stable, whereas substrate‐free form can adopt a fully open and two distinct semi‐open states. The importer system specific for β‐Ara2 may contribute to microbial survival in biological niches with limited amounts of digestible carbohydrates.DatabaseAtomic coordinates and structure factors (codes 6LCE and 6LCF) have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (http://wwpdb.org/).
On the application of laser shock peening for retardation of surface fatigue cracks in laser beam‐welded AA6056
Authors: Kashaev Nikolai , Ushmaev Dmitrii , Ventzke Volker , Klusemann Benjamin , Fomin Fedor 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe present study aims to investigate the extent to which the fatigue behaviour of laser beam‐welded AA6056‐T6 butt joints with an already existing crack can be improved through the application of laser shock peening. Ultrasonic testing was utilized for in situ (nondestructive) measurement of fatigue crack growth during the fatigue test. This procedure allowed the preparation of welded specimens with surface fatigue cracks with a depth of approximately 1.2 mm. The precracked specimens showed a 20% reduction in the fatigue limit compared with specimens without cracks in the as‐welded condition. Through the application of laser shock peening on the surfaces of the precracked specimens, it was possible to recover the fatigue life to the level of the specimens tested in the as‐welded condition. The results of this study show that laser shock peening is a very promising technique to recover the fatigue life of welded joints with surface cracks, which can be detected by nondestructive testing.
Characterizing female patients with haemophilia A: Administrative claims analysis and medical chart review
Authors: Farej Ryan , Batt Katharine , Afonja Olubunmi , Martin Carolyn , Aubert Ronald , Carlyle Maureen , White John , Sidonio Robert F. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimHaemophilia A (HA) is a male‐predominant disorder, yet women and girls can have factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency with bleeding events requiring treatment. This study aimed to identify and characterize female patients with HA.MethodsAdministrative claims dated 01 January 2012‐31 July 2016 were accessed for patients with 18 months’ coverage by commercial or Medicare Advantage with Part D insurance. Patients were included by HA diagnoses or treatments and/or bleeding‐related diagnoses or procedures, and excluded by haemophilia B or qualitative platelet disorder diagnoses. A sample of charts was examined for bleeding history, HA therapies and bleeding treatments. All‐cause healthcare utilization and costs were also described.ResultsAmong 353 patients meeting initial inclusion criteria, 86 charts were procured, with 8 patients identified as having HA. Their mean age was 60 ± 17 years and most were Medicare‐insured. The mean Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 2.50 ± 2.56; the most prevalent comorbid conditions involved coagulation/haemorrhage, fluid/electrolyte balance and non‐traumatic joint disorders. Over 18 months, a mean of 54 ambulatory visits and 120 pharmacy fills were observed; mean medical costs were $86 694 and pharmacy costs were $25 396.ConclusionsIdentifying females with HA is challenging using healthcare claims, because diagnostic nomenclature is unclear for female patients treated for bleeding events. Although chart abstraction enhanced claims data, very few female patients were identified with HA. Nevertheless, even in a small sample, sizeable burden in comorbidity and healthcare use was observed. Improved nomenclature and coding for HA diagnoses for women and girls is key to improving research and treatment.
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: The evolving landscape, animal models and future perspectives
Authors: Akiyama Yoshiyuki , Luo Yi , Hanno Philip M , Maeda Daichi , Homma Yukio 
Published: April 2020

AbstractInterstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is a debilitating condition of unknown etiology characterized by persistent pelvic pain with lower urinary tract symptoms and comprises a wide variety of potentially clinically useful phenotypes with different possible etiologies. Current clinicopathological and genomic evidence suggests that interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome should be categorized by the presence or absence of Hunner lesions, rather than by clinical phenotyping based on symptomatology. The Hunner lesion subtype is a distinct inflammatory disease with proven bladder etiology characterized by epithelial denudation and enhanced immune responses frequently accompanied by clonal expansion of infiltrating B cells, with potential engagement of infection. Meanwhile, the non‐Hunner lesion subtype is a non‐inflammatory disorder with little evidence of bladder etiology. It is potentially associated with urothelial malfunction and neurophysiological dysfunction, and frequently presents with somatic and/or psychological symptoms, that commonly result in central nervous sensitization. Animal models of autoimmune cystitis and neurogenic sensitization might serve as disease models for the Hunner lesion and non‐Hunner lesion subtypes, respectively. Here, we revisit the taxonomy of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome according to current research, and discuss its potential pathophysiology and representative animal models. Categorization of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome based on cystoscopy is mandatory to design optimized treatment and research strategies for each subtype. A tailored approach that specifically targets the characteristic inflammation and epithelial denudation for the Hunner lesion subtype, or the urothelial malfunction, sensitized/altered nervous system and psychosocial problems for the non‐Hunner lesion subtype, is essential for better clinical management and research progress in this complex condition.
Medical masks vs N95 respirators for preventing COVID‐19 in healthcare workers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Bartoszko Jessica J. , Farooqi Mohammed Abdul Malik , Alhazzani Waleed , Loeb Mark 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory protective devices are critical in protecting against infection in healthcare workers at high risk of novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID‐19); however, recommendations are conflicting and epidemiological data on their relative effectiveness against COVID‐19 are limited.PurposeTo compare medical masks to N95 respirators in preventing laboratory‐confirmed viral infection and respiratory illness including coronavirus specifically in healthcare workers.Data SourcesMEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL from January 1, 2014, to March 9, 2020. Update of published search conducted from January 1, 1990, to December 9, 2014.Study SelectionRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the protective effect of medical masks to N95 respirators in healthcare workers.Data ExtractionReviewer pair independently screened, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence.Data SynthesisFour RCTs were meta‐analyzed adjusting for clustering. Compared with N95 respirators; the use of medical masks did not increase laboratory‐confirmed viral (including coronaviruses) respiratory infection (OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.90‐1.25; I2 = 0%; low certainty in the evidence) or clinical respiratory illness (OR 1.49; 95% CI: 0.98‐2.28; I2 = 78%; very low certainty in the evidence). Only one trial evaluated coronaviruses separately and found no difference between the two groups (P = .49).LimitationsIndirectness and imprecision of available evidence.ConclusionsLow certainty evidence suggests that medical masks and N95 respirators offer similar protection against viral respiratory infection including coronavirus in healthcare workers during non–aerosol‐generating care. Preservation of N95 respirators for high‐risk, aerosol‐generating procedures in this pandemic should be considered when in short supply.
Inefficient incentives and nonprice allocations: Experimental evidence from big‐box restaurants
Authors: Kapoor Sacha 
Published: April 2020

AbstractQueues are puzzling because they are consistent with wasted profit in equilibrium. Standard rationales trace the puzzle to the pricing of goods. This article uses field experimental evidence from large‐scale restaurants to trace the puzzle to the pricing of labor. The customary wage contract in these settings fosters congestion and longer queues because it can encourage workers to emphasize the quality rather than quantity of output. To study this problem, the field experiment pays waiters bonuses for customer volume on days with excess demand, in addition to the tips and hourly wages they customarily receive. The experimental contract shortens queues substantially, generating surplus gains for consumers with no discernible cost in terms of perceived service quality. Workers earn more via the bonuses and because they earn more in tips. Short‐run profits increase by at least 49%. There is no discernible reduction in long‐run profit. The firm reverted to the baseline contract on excess demand days after many months of evidence, even after acknowledging the gains from the experimental contract. The evidence suggests the puzzle may partly be explained by inefficient wage contracting.
In the intimacy of the darkness: Genetic polyandry in deep‐sea luminescent lanternsharks Etmopterus spinax and Etmopterus molleri (Squaliformes, Etmopteridae)
Authors: Duchatelet Laurent , Oury Nicolas , Mallefet Jérôme , Magalon Hélène 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMultiple paternity seems common within elasmobranchs. Focusing on two deep‐sea shark species, the velvet belly lanternshark (Etmopterus spinax) and the slendertail lanternshark (Etmopterus molleri) we inferred the paternity in 31 E. spinax litters from Norway (three to 18 embryos per litter) and six E. molleri litters from Japan (three to six embryos), using 21 and 10 specific microsatellites, respectively. At least two E. spinax litters were sired from multiple fathers each, with highly variable paternal skew (1:1 to 9:1). Conversely, no clear signal of genetic polyandry was found in E. molleri.