bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Ficopomatus enigmaticus ecosystem‐engineered habitat structure on population parameters of the amphipod Melita palmata: A NIS‐NIS interaction study
Authors: Bazterrica María Cielo , Barón Pedro J. , Álvarez Graciela , Obenat Sandra M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe variability of some population (demo) parameters of the gammarid amphipod Melita palmata was associated with contrasting habitat structures created by the non‐indigenous reef‐builder polychaete Ficopomatus enigmaticus in the Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon (37°40 S, 57°23 W, Argentina). Sampling of M. palmata was conducted biweekly during the reproductive period in F. enigmaticus reefs and sediment from reef‐free areas, accounting for the vertical distribution and the presence/absence of macroalgae. Males, females (non‐ovigerous and ovigerous), and juveniles are present in both reefs and sediment, but the abundance of M. palmata is several orders of magnitude higher in reefs. Reefs’ M. palmata population (demo) displays variations in: (a) abundance, (b) mean size, and (c) proportions of demographic categories. In reefs, females show a higher proportion of ovigerous specimens and a female‐biased sex ratio, contrasting the 1:1 ratio observed in sediment. Individuals are more abundant in the surface layer covered with macroalgae in reefs (small sizes) and macroalgae or valves in sediment. The association of M. palmata to F. enigmaticus reefs drives its permanency in the system, enhancing its reproductive potential via different reproductive traits and habitat use, with a reduced potential to spread to marginal areas.
Lower prevalence of aortic dilatation among preemptive pediatric renal transplant recipients – A cross‐sectional cohort study
Authors: Surak Aimann , Filler Guido , Sharma Ajay Parkash , Torres Canchala Laura Alejandra , Grattan Michael 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundAortic dilatation is a cardiovascular complication in pediatric renal transplant recipients and may have an increased risk of aortic dissection, aortic rupture, and death. Studies failed to show an association between blood pressure and aortic dilatation; however, 24‐hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was not performed. There was also no comparison between preemptive transplantation and dialysis.MethodsAfter ethics approval, a retrospective cross‐sectional study was performed on all prevalent pediatric renal transplant recipients from a single tertiary care center. The presence of aortic dilatation was determined using standard echocardiographic measurements, and those with other risk factors for aortic dilatation were excluded. Associations between 24‐hours ABPM, renal function, dialysis history, and aortic dimensions were determined.ResultsWe enrolled 37 participants with the following characteristics: 46% female, mean age 14.5 ± 3.7 years, 16% preemptive transplantation, and median end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) combined vintage (time from ESRD onset to echocardiogram) 597 days (range 289‐1290 days). We found 16/37 patients (43%) with aortic dilatation at any level, mostly mild. There was no association between 24‐hours ABPM measurements and aortic dilatation. None of the preemptively transplanted children had aortic dilatation.ConclusionThis study confirms a high prevalence of aortic dilatation among pediatric renal transplant recipients, which appears to be independent of hypertension on 24‐hour ABPM. Patients with preemptive renal transplantation did not have aortic dilatation, suggesting that the effects of dialysis may contribute to the high prevalence of this complication. Pediatric cardiologists need to carefully assess aortic dimensions in these at‐risk patients.
Staging Science: Authoritativeness and Fragility of Models and Measurement in the COVID‐19 Crisis
Authors: Van Dooren Wouter , Noordegraaf Mirko 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn the COVID‐19 crisis, society pins its hopes on science to play an authoritative role in reducing uncertainty and ambiguity. But is science up to the task? This is far from self‐evident. The demands on science in times of crisis run counter to the values of good, normal science. Crisis science needs to be fast, univocal, personalized, and direct, while normal science is slow, contentious, collective, and sensitive to complexity. Science can only play its atypical role if it is staged in the public arena. Some patterns of staging stand out: personalization, visualization, and connection to lived experiences. So far, the staging of science has been successful, but it is fragile. The COVID‐19 crisis shows the potential of well‐staged forms of alliance between science and policy, but when the general assumption is that scientists will “solve” societal “problems,” the staging of science has gone too far.
Defective Microspore Development 1 is required for microspore cell integrity and pollen wall formation in rice
Authors: Ren Lijun , Zhao Tingting , Zhang Lei , Du Guijie , Shen Yi , Tang Ding , Li Yafei , Luo Qiong , Cheng Zhukuan 
Published: May 2020

SummaryHighly coordinated pollen wall patterning is essential for male reproductive development. Here, we report the identification of Defective Microspore Development 1 (DMD1), which encodes a nuclear‐localized protein possessing transactivation activity. DMD1 is preferentially expressed in the tapetum and microspores during post‐meiotic development. Mutations in DMD1 cause a male‐sterile phenotype with impaired microspore cell integrity. The mutants display abnormal callose degradation, accompanied by inhibited primexine thickening in the newly released microspores. Several genes associated with callose degradation and primexine formation are downregulated in dmd1 anthers. In addition, irregular Ubisch body morphology and discontinuous endexine occur, and the baculum is completely absent in dmd1. DMD1 interacts with Tapetum Degeneration Retardation (TDR), a basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor required for exine formation. Taken together, our results suggest that DMD1 is responsible for microspore cell integrity, primexine formation and exine pattern formation during Oryza sativa (rice) microspore development.
The parotid secretory protein BPIFA2 is a salivary surfactant that affects lipopolysaccharide action
Authors: Nandula Seshagiri Rao , Huxford Ian , Wheeler Thomas T. , Aparicio Conrado , Gorr Sven‐Ulrik 
Published: May 2020

New FindingsWhat is the central question of this study?The salivary protein BPIFA2 binds lipopolysaccharide, but its physiological function is not known. This study uses a new knockout mouse model to explore the physiological role of BPIFA2 in the oral cavity and systemic physiology.What is the main finding and its importance?BPIFA2 is a crucial surfactant in mouse saliva. In its absence, saliva exhibits the surface tension of water. Depletion of BPIFA2 affects salivary and ingested lipopolysaccharide and leads to systemic sequelae that include increased insulin secretion and metabolomic changes. These results suggest that the lipopolysaccharide‐binding activity of BPIFA2 affects the activity of ingested lipopolysaccharide in the intestine and that BPIFA2 depletion causes mild metabolic endotoxaemia.AbstractSaliva plays important roles in the mastication, swallowing and digestion of food, speech and lubrication of the oral mucosa, antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory activities, and the control of body temperature in grooming animals. The salivary protein BPIFA [BPI fold containing family A member 2; former names: parotid secretory protein (PSP), SPLUN2 and C20orf70] is related to lipid‐binding and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐binding proteins expressed in the mucosa. Indeed, BPIFA2 binds LPS, but the physiological role of BPIFA2 remains to be determined. To address this question,Bpifa2knockout (Bpifa2tm1(KOMP)Vlcg) (KO) mice were phenotyped, with emphasis on the saliva and salivary glands. Stimulated whole saliva collected from KO mice was less able to spread on a hydrophobic surface than wild‐type saliva, and the surface tension of KO saliva was close to that of water. These data suggest that BPIFA2 is a salivary surfactant that is mainly responsible for the low surface tension of mouse saliva. The reduced surfactant activity of KO saliva did not affect consumption of dry food or grooming, but saliva from KO mice contained less LPS than wild‐type saliva. Indeed, mice lacking BPIFA2 responded to ingested LPS with an increased stool frequency, suggesting that BPIFA2 plays a role in the solubilization and activity of ingested LPS. Consistent with these findings, BPIFA2‐depleted mice also showed increased insulin secretion and metabolomic changes that were consistent with a mild endotoxaemia. These results support the distal physiological function of a salivary protein and reinforce the connection between oral biology and systemic disease.
Inverse Estimation of Heat Transfer Coefficient and Reference Temperature in Jet Impingement
Authors: Kadam Anil Ramkishanrao , Hindasageri Vijaykumar , Kumar G. N. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Applications of impinging jets are wide-ranging from cooling to heating in industrial as well as domestic field. Most of the reported heat transfer distribution data to and from impinging jets have been found from steady-state measurements. This study utilizes the solution to three-dimensional (3D) inverse heat conduction problem to estimate transient temperatures on the impingement side. Then, the temperature gradient is determined near the impingement wall (∼0.01 mm inside) with which transient heat flux is estimated on the impingement side. Instead of steady-state values, transient heat flux and corresponding wall temperatures are utilized in a thin foil technique to find out heat transfer coefficient and reference temperature simultaneously. The scope of the present technique is examined through its application to impinging jets with various configurations such as laminar jet, turbulent jet, hot jet, cold jet, and multiple jets. In all cases, estimations are reasonably close. The application of this inverse technique can be extended to any configuration of jet impingement irrespective of geometry of nozzle (circular/rectangular), the orientation of nozzle (orthogonal/inclined), the temperature of a jet (hot/cold), Reynolds numbers (laminar/turbulent), the nozzle-to-plate spacing (any Z/d), and roughness of the plate surface. The effect of plate thickness on the accuracy of the present technique is also studied. Up to 5 mm thick plates can be used in impinging jet applications without worrying much on accuracy. The use of the present technique significantly reduces the experimental cost and time since it works on transient data of just a few seconds.
Preventing diabetes after pregnancy with gestational diabetes in a Cree community: an inductive thematic analysis
Authors: Pace Romina , Loon Orenda , Chan Deborah , Porada Helene , Godin Catherine , Linton Jonathan , Linton Paul , Torrie Jill , Dasgupta Kaberi 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionHistorical and political factors underpin the disproportional burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women, a harbinger of future T2DM, in Indigenous populations. There is a need for T2DM prevention strategies driven by the voices of Indigenous women. In this study, we aimed to understand the perspectives of Cree women with prior GDM living in northern Quebec, where over a quarter of pregnancies are complicated by GDM.Research design and methodsA local healthcare worker invited women with GDM in the prior 5 years to participate in semistructured interviews. A Cree-origin research partner and a researcher jointly conducted interviews in-person or by teleconference. Open-ended questions addressed GDM experience, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and needs/preferences pertinent to designing a T2DM prevention program aimed at women affected by GDM. We adopted an inductive thematic analysis framework to categorize experiences and opinions.ResultsAmong the 13 mothers interviewed, some success with health behavior changes during pregnancy was reported but there were difficulties postpartum resulting from time constraints, costs of healthy foods, discomfort at the gym related to not being perceived as athletic, and safety concerns. They acknowledged the existence of programs addressing T2DM prevention in their community but did not participate. They endorsed preferences for group sessions, with family collaboration and childcare, that addressed healthy cooking and physical activity and incorporated traditional elements.ConclusionCree mothers with a history of GDM highlighted several barriers to diabetes prevention. We are working to address these barriers through the creation of a Cree-facilitator-led community-based intervention.
Lung cancer survival and mortality in Taiwan following the initial launch of targeted therapies: an interrupted time series study
Authors: Hsu Jason C , Wei Chen-Fang , Yang Szu-Chun , Lin Peng-Chan , Lee Yang-Cheng , Lu Christine Y 
Published: May 2020

ObjectivesTwo oral targeted therapies, gefitinib and erlotinib, were first approved and then launched into the market for treatment of late-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Taiwan in 2003 and 2006, respectively. The aim of this study were to determine the trends in lung cancer burden and examine changes in lung cancer-related survival rates and mortality following the launch of these new drugs.SettingYearly lung cancer-related data (1994–2013), including incidence, number of newly diagnosed patients, survival rate and mortality, were retrieved from the Taiwan Cancer Registry Database.Design and outcome measuresUsing a time series design with autoregressive integrated moving average model, we investigated and projected trends in the incidence and early diagnosis of lung cancer in Taiwan. We also estimated the changes in survival rates and mortality following the launch of targeted therapies using interrupted time series and segmented regression models.ResultsThe age-standardised incidence of lung cancer increased from 22.53 per 100 000 people in 1994 to 34.09 in 2013, and it was projected to reach 38.98 by 2020. The rate of early-stage NSCLC at diagnosis increased from 12.63% in 2004 to 23.99% in 2013, and it was projected to reach 32.95% by 2020. The 2-year lung cancer survival increased by 19.81% (95% CI 14.90% to 24.71%) 3 years following the launch of gefitinib. Lung cancer mortality declined by 5.97% (95% CI −8.20% to −3.73%) 3 years following the launch of gefitinib.ConclusionsLung cancer survival rate increased and mortality decreased significantly following the launch of gefitinib and erlotinib in Taiwan.
Mixed methods evaluation of workshops for citizen health advocates about financial conflicts of interests in healthcare
Authors: Moynihan Ray , Fabbri Alice , Parker Lisa , Bero Lisa 
Published: May 2020

ObjectivesTo evaluate workshops delivered to citizen health advocates about financial conflicts of interest in healthcare, transparency databases which disclose industry payments in the USA and Australia and the pros and cons of advocacy groups accepting industry sponsorship.DesignThematic analysis of workshop participant recorded discussions, and pre, post and 3-month follow-up questionnaires on confidence and knowledge about financial conflicts of interest, transparency databases and the merits of advocacy organisations accepting industry sponsorship.Participants and setting48 citizen health advocates participated in a half-day workshop, held in four Australian cities, which ended with a 1-hour recorded discussion. Participants were recruited with assistance from leading state-based health advocacy organisations.ResultsThe thematic analysis of the recorded discussions revealed two major themes, (i) transparency and (ii) relationships with industry; and three minor themes: a lack of awareness about conflicts of interest and transparency, issues relating to trust and next steps in terms of potential reforms. In relation to transparency, participants felt strong support for transparency, strongly favouring the mandatory, extensive and accessible US Open Payments over the self-regulatory Australian model. Participants also noted that transparency had limitations, including the utility of disclosed information. In relation to industry sponsorship of advocacy groups, some participants expressed an openness to and support for accepting sponsorship, while many expressed a caution around potential downsides. Questionnaire results showed increases in both confidence and knowledge after the workshop, though only 23 of 48 participants returned the 3-month follow-up questionnaire.ConclusionsFollowing a half-day workshop, citizen health advocates recruited by leading health advocacy organisations expressed strong support for tough transparency rules, and mixed feelings about advocacy groups accepting sponsorship from industry. Study limitations include a non-representative sample and a large drop-out at the 3-month post-workshop follow-up.
Machine learning health-related applications in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Carrillo-Larco Rodrigo M , Tudor Car Lorainne , Pearson-Stuttard Jonathan , Panch Trishan , Miranda J Jaime , Atun Rifat 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionMachine learning (ML) has been used in bio-medical research, and recently in clinical and public health research. However, much of the available evidence comes from high-income countries, where different health profiles challenge the application of this research to low/middle-income countries (LMICs). It is largely unknown what ML applications are available for LMICs that can support and advance clinical medicine and public health. We aim to address this gap by conducting a scoping review of health-related ML applications in LMICs.Methods and analysisThis scoping review will follow the methodology proposed by Levac et al. The search strategy is informed by recent systematic reviews of ML health-related applications. We will search Embase, Medline and Global Health (through Ovid), Cochrane and Google Scholar; we will present the date of our searches in the final review. Titles and abstracts will be screened by two reviewers independently; selected reports will be studied by two reviewers independently. Reports will be included if they are primary research where data have been analysed, ML techniques have been used on data from LMICs and they aimed to improve health-related outcomes. We will synthesise the information following evidence mapping recommendations.Ethics and disseminationThe review will provide a comprehensive list of health-related ML applications in LMICs. The results will be disseminated through scientific publications. We also plan to launch a website where ML models can be hosted so that researchers, policymakers and the general public can readily access them.
Biomarkers of exposure and early effect in three contaminated sites of southern Italy: protocols for etiological epidemiological studies
Authors: Gorini Francesca , Bustaffa Elisa , Bolignano Davide , Cori Liliana , Faita Francesco , Gastaldelli Amalia , Interdonato Monica , Minichilli Fabizio , Quattrone Giancarlo , Squadrito Francesco , Tripepi Giovanni , Vassalle Cristina , Bianchi Fabrizio 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionEnvironmental pollution has been progressively becoming one of the main risk factors to human diseases. In particular, populations living in high-contaminated sites are particularly exposed to environmental toxicants, with consequent increased risks to human health. In Italy, there are currently ongoing three epidemiological etiological studies aimed at evaluating the association between exposure to inorganic and organic chemicals and presence of biological markers of early effects in population living in three National Priority Contaminated Sites (NPCSs). Specifically, the correlations concern preclinical indicators of liver disease in Priolo NPCS, thyroid diseases in Milazzo-Valle del Mela NPCS and cardiovascular risk and kidney damage in Crotone NPCS.Methods and analysisOverall, approximately 1300 subjects of both sexes will be enrolled in the three NPCSs according to specific inclusion criteria. For each subject, serum and urine specimens are collected, on which the determination of biological markers of exposure and early effects for the selected outcomes are performed. Individual information on environmental and occupational exposure, medical history, diet and life habits is obtained through questionnaires provided by web platform. In Milazzo-Valle del Mela and Crotone NPCSs, not invasive instrumental and imaging examinations are performed in order to evaluate further risk factors of thyroid carcinoma and cardiovascular disease, respectively.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol studies have been approved by the Ethics Committees responsible for the three involved NPCSs: the Ethics Committee ‘Catania 2’ for the NPCS of Priolo (21 July 2017, n. 500/2017/CECT2), the Ethics Committee of the University Hospitals of Messina for the NPCS of Milazzo-Valle del Mela (19 February 2018, n.2/2018); the Ethics Committee of the Region of Calabria for the NPCS of Crotone (20 July 2017, n. 174). Results will be disseminated among policy-makers, citizens, stakeholders and scientific community through the organisation of conferences and events, and the publication on international peer/reviewed journals.
Can a teacher-led mindfulness intervention for new school entrants improve child outcomes? Protocol for a school cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Quach Jon L , Deery Ben , Kern Margaret , Clinton Janet , Gold Lisa , Orsini Francesca , Sciberras Emma 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionThe first years of school are critical in establishing a foundation for positive long-term academic, social and well-being outcomes. Mindfulness-based interventions may help students transition well into school, but few robust studies have been conducted in this age group. We aim to determine whether compared with controls, children who receive a mindfulness intervention within the first years of primary school have better: (1) immediate attention/short-term memory at 18 months post-randomisation (primary outcome); (2) inhibition, working memory and cognitive flexibility at 18 months post-randomisation; (3) socio-emotional well-being, emotion-regulation and mental health-related behaviours at 6 and 18 months post-randomisation; (4) sustained changes in teacher practice and classroom interactions at 18 months post-randomisation. Furthermore, we aim to determine whether the implementation predicts the efficacy of the intervention, and the cost effectiveness relative to outcomes.Methods and analysisThis cluster randomised controlled trial will be conducted in 22 primary schools in disadvantaged areas of Melbourne, Australia. 826 students in the first year of primary school will be recruited to detect between groups differences of Cohen’s d=0.25 at the 18-month follow-up. Parent, teacher and child-assessment measures of child attention, emotion-regulation, executive functioning, socio-emotional well-being, mental health-related behaviour and learning, parent mental well-being, teacher well-being will be collected 6 and 18 months post-randomisation. Implementation factors will be measured throughout the study. Intention-to-treat analyses, accounting for clustering within schools and classes, will adopt a two-level random effects linear regression model to examine outcomes for the intervention versus control students. Unadjusted and analyses adjusted for baseline scores, baseline age, gender and family socioeconomic status will be conducted.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been received by the Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of Melbourne. Findings will be reported in peer-review publications, national and international conference presentations and research snapshots directly provided to participating schools and families.Pre-Results Trial registration numberAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619000326190).