bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship of Phosphatidylethanol Biomarker to Self‐Reported Alcohol Drinking Patterns in Older and Middle‐Age Adults
Authors: Cherrier Monique M. , Shireman Laura M. , Wicklander Katie , Yeung Winnie , Kooner Preetma , Saxon Andrew J. , Simpson Tracy , Terman Greg , Shen Danny 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundRisky alcohol consumption is on the rise among older adults. Biomarkers such as phosphatidylethanol (PEth) have been used to evaluate the correspondence between an objective, laboratory‐based biomarker and self‐report of alcohol consumption. This study examined the relationship between PEth, self‐report of alcohol consumption, and health indices in a sample of community‐dwelling older to middle‐age adults (aged 35 to 89) with healthy and risky levels of alcohol consumption.MethodsSelf‐reports of alcohol consumption were collected using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Form 30. In addition, indices of health along with a blood sample to determine PEth values were collected (N = 183).ResultsPEth was correlated with age, AUDIT‐C, AUDIT total, alcohol consumption, mood, and liver function measures but not with medical comorbidity or body mass index (J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 73, 2018, 633). Alcohol consumption over the past 30 days measured with Form 30 was the strongest predictor of PEth levels for both middle‐age and older adults, with age a small contributing predictor. General alcohol consumption patterns for amount of alcohol consumed over a 30‐day period revealed middle‐age adults consumed larger amounts of alcohol compared with older adults, but older adults consumed alcohol on more days than middle‐age adults. Middle‐age participants evidenced higher PEth levels than older adults at comparable drinking rates.ConclusionsOverall, findings suggest a strong relationship between alcohol consumption and PEth levels with age a small but contributing factor to predicting PEth levels.
Advances and novel developments in environmental influences on the development of atopic diseases
Authors: Alkotob Shifaa Suhayl , Cannedy Cade , Harter Katharina , Movassagh Hesam , Paudel Bibek , Prunicki Mary , Sampath Vanitha , Schikowski Tamara , Smith Eric , Zhao Qi , Traidl‐Hoffmann Claudia , Nadeau Kari C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAlthough genetic factors play a role in the etiology of atopic disease, the rapid increases in the prevalence of these diseases over the last few decades suggest that environmental, rather than genetic factors are the driving force behind the increasing prevalence. In modern societies, there is increased time spent indoors, use of antibiotics, and consumption of processed foods and decreased contact with farm animals and pets, which limit exposure to environmental allergens, infectious parasitic worms, and microbes. The lack of exposure to these factors is thought to prevent proper education and training of the immune system. Increased industrialization and urbanization have brought about increases in organic and inorganic pollutants. In addition, Caesarian birth, birth order, increased use of soaps and detergents, tobacco smoke exposure and psychosomatic factors are other factors that have been associated with increased rate of allergic diseases. Here, we review current knowledge on the environmental factors that have been shown to affect the development of allergic diseases and the recent developments in the field.
Butyrate as a bioactive human milk protective component against food allergy
Authors: Paparo Lorella , Nocerino Rita , Ciaglia Elena , Di Scala Carmen , De Caro Carmen , Russo Roberto , Trinchese Giovanna , Aitoro Rosita , Amoroso Antonio , Bruno Cristina , Di Costanzo Margherita , Passariello Annalisa , Messina Francesco , Agangi Annalisa , Napolitano Marcello , Voto Luana , Gatta Giusy Della , Pisapia Laura , Montella Francesco , Mollica Maria Pina , Calignano Antonio , Puca Annibale , Berni Canani Roberto 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundFood allergy (FA) is a growing health problem worldwide. Effective strategies are advocated to limit the disease burden. Human milk (HM) could be considered as a protective factor against FA, but its mechanisms remain unclear. Butyrate is a gut microbiota‐derived metabolite able to exert several immunomodulatory functions. We aimed to define the butyrate concentration in HM, and to see whether the butyrate concentration detected in HM is able to modulate the mechanisms of immune tolerance.MethodsHM butyrate concentration from 109 healthy women was assessed by GS‐MS. The effect of HM butyrate on tolerogenic mechanisms was assessed in in vivo and in vitro models.ResultsThe median butyrate concentration in mature HM was 0.75 mM. This butyrate concentration was responsible for the maximum modulatory effects observed in all experimental models evaluated in this study. Data from mouse model show that in basal condition, butyrate up‐regulated the expression of several biomarkers of gut barrier integrity, and of tolerogenic cytokines. Pretreatment with butyrate significantly reduced allergic response in three animal models of FA, with a stimulation of tolerogenic cytokines, inhibition of Th2 cytokines production and a modulation of oxidative stress. Data from human cell models show that butyrate stimulated human beta defensin‐3, mucus components and tight junctions expression in human enterocytes, and IL‐10, IFN‐γ and FoxP3 expression through epigenetic mechanisms in PBMCs from FA children. Furthermore, it promoted the precursors of M2 macrophages, DCs and regulatory T cells.ConclusionThe study's findings suggest the importance of butyrate as a pivotal HM compound able to protect against FA.
Can child drowning be eradicated? A compelling case for continued investment in prevention
Authors: Peden Amy E. , Franklin Richard C. , Clemens Tessa 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimTo explore temporal trends in fatal child drowning and benchmark progress across three high‐income countries to provide prevention and future investment recommendations.MethodsA total population analysis of unintentional fatal drownings among 0‐ to 19‐year‐olds in Australia, Canada and New Zealand from 2005 to 2014 was undertaken. Univariate and chi‐square analyses were conducted, age‐ and sex‐specific crude rates calculated and linear trends explored.ResultsA total of 1454 children drowned. Rates ranged from 0.92 (Canada) to 1.35 (New Zealand) per 100 000. Linear trends of crude drowning rates show both Australia (y = −0.041) and Canada (y = −0.048) reduced, with New Zealand (y = 0.005) reporting a slight rise, driven by increased drowning among females aged 15‐19 years (+200.4%). Reductions of 48.8% in Australia, 51.1% in Canada and 30.4% in New Zealand were seen in drowning rates of 0‐ to 4‐year‐olds. First Nations children drowned in significantly higher proportions in New Zealand (X2 = 31.7; P < .001).ConclusionContinual investment in drowning prevention, particularly among 0‐ to 4‐year‐olds, is contributing to a reduction in drowning deaths; however, greater attention is needed on adolescents (particularly females) and First Nation's children. Lessons can be learned from each country's approach; however, further investment and evolution of prevention strategies will be needed to fully eradicate child drowning deaths.
Welfare and immigration regimes: A fuzzy set ideal type analysis of immigrants’ social rights and responsibilities in 27 OECD countries
Authors: Kim Kyunghwan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis article studies the social rights and responsibilities of immigrants in an international comparative perspective, focusing on two main institutions underpinning immigrants’ social rights and responsibilities (i.e., the welfare regime and immigration regime of the host state). Drawing on literature about both welfare and immigration regimes, its fussy set ideal type analysis highlights three fuzzy sets for welfare regimes (i.e., income protection, employment protection, and activation) and three for immigration regimes (individual equality, cultural difference, and citizenship conditionality) in order to explore and explain differences in immigrants’ social rights and responsibilities in different nations. Through a multidimensional investigation of these different dimensions of both welfare and immigration regimes, it presents new insights into the social rights and responsibilities of immigrants. Analysis provides some support for existing understandings of welfare and immigration regimes but simultaneously highlights, in some cases, shifts in regimes which challenge them, particularly existing nations’ classification.
A left shift in the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)
Authors: Vogel Dominik J. , Formenti Federico , Retter Andrew J. , Vasques Francesco , Camporota Luigi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCritically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) present with hypoxaemia and are mechanically ventilated to support gas exchange. We performed a retrospective, observational study of blood gas analyses (n = 3518) obtained from patients with COVID‐19 to investigate changes in haemoglobin oxygen (Hb–O2) affinity. Calculated oxygen tension at half‐saturation (p50) was on average (±SD) 3·3 (3·13) mmHg lower than the normal p50 value (23·4 vs. 26·7 mmHg; P < 0·0001). Compared to an unmatched historic control of patients with other causes of severe respiratory failure, patients with COVID‐19 had a significantly higher Hb–O2 affinity (mean [SD] p50 23·4 [3·13] vs. 24·6 [5.4] mmHg; P < 0·0001). We hypothesise that, due to the long disease process, acclimatisation to hypoxaemia could play a role.
Cerebellar developmental deficits underlie neurodegenerative disorder spinocerebellar ataxia type 23
Authors: Smeets Cleo J.L.M. , Ma Kai Yu , Fisher Simon E. , Verbeek Dineke S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSpinocerebellar ataxia type 23 (SCA23) is a late‐onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by slowly progressive gait and limb ataxia, for which there is no therapy available. It is caused by pathogenic variants in PDYN, which encodes prodynorphin (PDYN). PDYN is processed into the opioid peptides α‐neoendorphin and dynorphins (Dyn) A and B; inhibitory neurotransmitters that function in pain signaling, stress‐induced responses and addiction. Variants causing SCA23 mostly affect Dyn A, leading to loss of secondary structure and increased peptide stability. PDYNR212W mice express human PDYN containing the SCA23 variant p.R212W. These mice show progressive motor deficits from 3 months of age, climbing fiber (CF) deficits from 3 months of age, and Purkinje cell (PC) loss from 12 months of age. A mouse model for SCA1 showed similar CF deficits, and a recent study found additional developmental abnormalities, namely increased GABAergic interneuron connectivity and non‐cell autonomous disruption of PC function. As SCA23 mice show a similar pathology to SCA1 mice in adulthood, we hypothesized that SCA23 may also follow SCA1 pathology during development. Examining PDYNR212W cerebella during development, we uncovered developmental deficits from 2 weeks of age, namely a reduced number of GABAergic synapses on PC soma, possibly leading to the observed delay in early phase CF elimination between 2 and 3 weeks of age. Furthermore, CFs did not reach terminal height, leaving proximal PC dendrites open to be occupied by parallel fibers (PFs). The observed increase in vGlut1 protein—a marker for PF‐PC synapses—indicates that PFs indeed take over CF territory and have increased connectivity with PCs. Additionally, we detected altered expression of several critical Ca2+ channel subunits, potentially contributing to altered Ca2+ transients in PDYNR212W cerebella. These findings indicate that developmental abnormalities contribute to the SCA23 pathology and uncover a developmental role for PDYN in the cerebellum.
Effect of recombinant human growth hormone on liver fat content in young adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Pan Chelsea S. , Weiss Julian J. , Fourman Lindsay T. , Buckless Colleen , Branch Karen L. , Lee Hang , Torriani Martin , Misra Madhusmita , Stanley Takara L. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent in young adults with obesity. Obesity is associated with relative growth hormone (GH) deficiency, and data from animal studies and from humans with pituitary GH deficiency suggest a role for GH deficiency in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. The effects of GH on NAFLD in those with obesity are unknown, however, prompting this pilot study to assess effects of GH administration on measures of NAFLD in young adults.MethodsTwenty‐four men and women aged 18–29 years with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, hepatic fat fraction (HFF) ≥ 5% on proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) z‐score ≤ 0 were randomized to treatment with recombinant human GH (rhGH) versus no treatment for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in HFF.ResultsCompared to no treatment, the effect size of rhGH on absolute HFF over 24 weeks was −3.3% (95% confidence interval: −7.8%, 1.2%; p = .14). At 24 weeks, HFF < 5% was achieved in 5 of 9 individuals receiving rhGH versus 1 of 9 individuals receiving no treatment (p = .04). rhGH did not significantly reduce ALT, AST or GGT. Serum IGF‐1 increased as expected with rhGH treatment, and there were no changes in fasting lipids, C‐reactive protein, fasting glucose or 2‐h glucose following an oral glucose tolerance test.ConclusionData from this pilot study suggest that rhGH treatment in young adults with obesity and NAFLD may have benefits to reduce liver fat content, although larger studies are needed to confirm this effect.
The nature and prevalence of kinship care: Focus on young kinship carers
Authors: Kiraly Meredith , Hoadley David , Humphreys Cathy 
Published: October 2020

AbstractYoung kinship carers tend to be overlooked in kinship care policy and practice. This Australian research project explored the prevalence of kinship care households in Australia, with a particular focus on households headed by young kinship carers. Census data were utilized to explore the number of kinship care households across the carer age spectrum and some of their characteristics, including households with Indigenous carers and carers with a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) identity. Characteristics of households headed by carers aged 16–30 years were explored in some detail, and comparisons made with young parents. The data pointed to particular challenges for young kinship carers in relation to post‐secondary education, employment and income security. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
Missing heritability in Bloom syndrome: First report of a deep intronic variant leading to pseudo‐exon activation in the BLM gene
Authors: Backers Lynn , Parton Bram , De Bruyne Marieke , Tavernier Simon J. , Van Den Bogaert Kris , Lambrecht Bart N. , Haerynck Filomeen , Claes Kathleen B.M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPathogenic biallelic variants in the BLM/RECQL3 gene cause a rare autosomal recessive disorder called Bloom syndrome (BS). This syndrome is characterized by severe growth delay, immunodeficiency, dermatological manifestations and a predisposition to a wide variety of cancers, often multiple and very early in life. Literature shows that the main mode of BLM inactivation is protein translation termination. We expanded the molecular spectrum of BS by reporting the first deep intronic variant causing intron exonisation. We describe a patient with a clinical phenotype of BS and a strong increase in sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), who was found to be compound heterozygous for a novel nonsense variant c.3379C>T, p.(Gln1127Ter) in exon 18 and a deep intronic variant c.3020‐258A>G in intron 15 of the BLM gene. The deep intronic variant creates a high‐quality de novo donor splice site, which leads to retention of two intron segments. Both pseudo‐exons introduce a premature stop codon into the reading frame and abolish BLM protein expression, confirmed by Western Blot analysis. These findings illustrate the role of non‐coding variation in Mendelian disorders and herewith highlight an unmet need in routine testing of Mendelian disorders, being the added value of RNA‐based approaches to provide a complete molecular diagnosis.
Let‐7 mediated airway remodelling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease via the regulation of IL‐6
Authors: Di Tingting , Yang Yue , Fu Congli , Zhang Zixiao , Qin Chu , Sai Xiaoyan , Liu Jiaxin , Hu Caixia , Zheng Mingfeng , Wu Yan , Bian Tao 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundMyofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition are observed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the mechanisms of regulation of myofibroblast differentiation remain unclear.Materials and methodsWe detected let‐7 levels in peripheral lung tissues, serum and primary bronchial epithelial cells of COPD patients and cigarette smoke (CS)‐exposed mice. IL‐6 mRNA was explored in lung tissues of COPD patients and CS‐exposed mice. IL‐6 protein was detected in cell supernatant from primary epithelial cells by ELISA. We confirmed the regulatory effect of let‐7 on IL‐6 by luciferase reporter assay. Western blotting assay was used to determine the expression of α‐SMA, E‐cadherin and collagen I. In vitro, cell study was performed to demonstrate the role of let‐7 in myofibroblast differentiation and ECM deposition.ResultsLow expression of let‐7 was observed in COPD patients, CS‐exposed mice and CS extract (CSE)‐treated human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. Increased IL‐6 was found in COPD patients, CS‐exposed mice and CSE‐treated HBE cells. Let‐7 targets and silences IL‐6 protein coding genes through binding to 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of IL‐6. Normal or CSE‐treated HBE cells were co‐cultured with human embryonic lung fibroblasts (MRC‐5 cells). Reduction of let‐7 in HBE cells caused myofibroblast differentiation and ECM deposition, while increase of let‐7 mimics decreased myofibroblast differentiation phenotype and ECM deposition.ConclusionWe demonstrate that CS reduced let‐7 expression in COPD and, further, identify let‐7 as a regulator of myofibroblast differentiation through the regulation of IL‐6, which has potential value for diagnosis and treatment of COPD.
Positive and meaningful lives: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of eudaimonic well‐being in first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Gleeson John F. M. , Eleftheriadis Dina , Santesteban‐Echarri Olga , Koval Peter , Bastian Brock , Penn David L. , Lim Michelle H. , Ryan Richard M. , Alvarez‐Jimenez Mario 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundFirst‐episode psychosis typically has its onset during adolescence. Prolonged deficits in social functioning are common in FEP and yet often variance in functioning remains unexplained. Developmental psychology frameworks may be useful for understanding these deficits. Eudaimonic well‐being (EWB), or positive self‐development, is a developmental psychology construct that has been shown to predict mental health outcomes across multiple populations but has not been systematically reviewed in FEP.AimOur aim was to systematically review the evidence for: the predictors of EWB, the effectiveness of EWB interventions and to examine the quality of this research in FEP.MethodsSelected studies measured either composite or components of EWB. A systematic search produced 2876 abstracts and 122 articles were identified for full screening which produced 17 final papers with 2459 participants.ResultsStudies comprised six RCTs, eight prospective follow‐up studies and three case‐controlled studies. Self‐esteem and self‐efficacy were the most commonly measured components. A meta‐analysis of RCTs revealed no statistically significant effect of interventions on self‐esteem. The extant research indicates that character strengths may be associated with higher EWB. Self‐esteem may be lower in FEP compared with age matched controls but not different from ultra‐high risk patients. Self‐esteem appears to be associated with poorer insight and improved therapeutic alliance. Significant problems with both external and internal validity of reviewed studies were apparent.ConclusionsThe hypotheses that lowered EWB is a risk factor for both onset of FEP and for poorer functional outcomes warrant further investigation. There is currently no evidence for effective interventions for EWB in FEP.
Life cycle of an endangered riffle beetle, Leptelmis gracilis Sharp (Coleoptera: Elmidae), in the Hiikawa River system, Shimane prefecture, Japan
Authors: Morimoto Ryosuke , Hayashi Masakazu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe studied the life cycle of the riffle beetle Leptelmis gracilis Sharp, 1888 from a population located in a river stream with lotic environments. Samples were collected monthly, between September 2018 and August 2019, from a tributary of the Hiikawa River in Izumo city, Shimane Prefecture, Honshu, Japan. Larvae were separated into five distinct groups based on size. The first and last instar larval sizes were identified through rearing methods. From these results, we determined that the larval stage of this species consists of five instars. From the monthly evaluations, the number of individuals corresponding to each instar period suggested that last‐instar larvae were dominant in May and that new adults emerged from July to August. Landing and pupation were estimated to occur from May to June. Monthly observations revealed that mature eggs were present in the female abdomen from April to June, as well as from August to September. It is, therefore, predicted that overwintering adults mainly oviposit from spring to early summer, while new adults oviposit from late summer to early autumn.
Estimation of glass eel (Anguilla anguilla) exploitation in the Severn Estuary, England
Authors: Aprahamian Miran , Wood Peter 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMark‐release‐recapture trials were conducted to determine the exploitation rate of glass eel Anguilla anguilla (L.) by handheld dip nets in the Severn Estuary in the spring of 2020. The glass eel were marked with Rhodamine B at a concentration of 0.1 g/L, 200 glass eel/L for 4.5 hr and then placed in fresh water for 36–48 hr to monitor mortality. In trial 1, 891 ± 100 of the 20,455 glass eel were recaptured while in trial 2,373 ± 172 of the 27,923 glass eel released were recaptured. The exploitation rate was estimated to be 4.36% (±0.49) in trial 1 and 1.33% (±0.62) in trial 2. The size of the glass eel population from trial 1 was estimated to be 24.69 t (22.46 – 28.81), and the overall exploitation rate of the fishery for the season was 7.8% (6.7% – 8.6%). Comparisons are made with studies in other estuaries and with conservation targets set by the EU Eel Regulation and the Eel Management Plan for the River Severn. The study suggests the fishery is not the main cause of the Severn RBD failing to meet escapement targets.