bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Audiological Performance in Children with Inner Ear Malformations Before and After Cochlear Implantation: A Cohort Study of 274 Patients
Authors: Ozkan Hilal Burcu , Cicek Cinar Betul , Yucel Esra , Sennaroglu Gonca , Sennaroglu Levent 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveInner ear malformations (IEMs) are common in children with hearing loss. The different types of IEMs form a unique subgroup of cochlear implant (CI) candidates. We aimed to evaluate the auditory perception outcomes of CI in children with different types of IEMs and compare them with CI users without IEMs.MethodsThe study included 274 CI users with and without IEMs as two groups (n = 137, each). Both groups’ chronological age at implantation and duration of CI usage was matched (± 8 months). All subjects were evaluated pre‐operatively and post‐operatively by the Ling's sound test and the auditory perception test battery, which includes the Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (MAIS), closed‐set Pattern Perception Test (PPT) and open‐set Sentence Recognition Test (SRT). Besides, children with IEMs were assessed for language development.ResultsProgress in the IEMs’ group differed according to the type of ear anomaly. CI users with enlarged vestibular aqueduct had the highest scores, while users with common cavity had the lowest. Children with IEMs performed well on the closed‐set test while having difficulty with the open‐set test.ConclusionCochlear implantation outcomes are favourable in IEMs’ patients with a cochlear nerve visible on magnetic resonance imaging. Our results indicate that it is critical to take the anatomical differences into account during follow‐up and rehabilitation programmes. Each CI user should be evaluated according to his or her individual needs.
Examining if the relationship between BMI and incident type 2 diabetes among middle–older aged adults varies by race/ethnicity: evidence from the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Rodriguez L. A. , Bradshaw P. T. , Shiboski S. C. , Fernandez A. , Vittinghoff E. , Herrington D. , Ding J. , Kanaya A. M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimsDisparities persist on the prevalence of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in racial/ethnic minorities in the USA. This study evaluated the association between BMI and incident type 2 diabetes risk by racial/ethnic group, to determine whether BMI and presence of type 2 diabetes risk factors may help clinicians better target type 2 diabetes screening.MethodsThis prospective cohort analysis included 5659 adults free of type 2 diabetes at baseline from the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), a population‐based cohort (2000–2011). BMI was measured at baseline and time‐updated at subsequent visits. Incident type 2 diabetes was defined as fasting glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/l, or use of any diabetes medications.ResultsThe mean (sd) age was 62 (10) years and 42% of participants were white, 26% African American, 20% Hispanic and 12% Chinese American. During follow‐up, 696 (12%) new type 2 diabetes cases were observed. In age‐ and sex‐adjusted models, in the presence of one or more type 2 diabetes risk factors (the most common scenario), a 10% risk of incident type 2 diabetes was observed at a BMI of 21.7 kg/m2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 20.1 to 22.8] in Chinese Americans, 23.8 kg/m2 (22.7 to 24.9) in Hispanics, 24.7 kg/m2 (23.7 to 25.6) in African Americans and 26.2 kg/m2 (25.1 to 26.9) in white participants.ConclusionsThis study supports including BMI and presence of type 2 diabetes risk factors as action points for clinicians to prioritize which adults aged ≥ 45 years should be screened. The application of race/ethnicity‐specific BMI thresholds may reduce the disparity of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes observed in minority groups.
Facial area and hairiness of pollinators visiting semi‐natural grassland wild plants predict their facial pollen load
Authors: Goulnik Jérémie , Plantureux Sylvain , Van Reeth Colin , Baude Mathilde , Mesbahi Geoffrey , Michelot‐Antalik Alice 
Published: August 2020

1. Consequences of a decline in pollination function in semi‐natural ecosystems are largely unknown due to variability in pollinator effectiveness, that is, their contribution to pollen deposition alone. While pollination effectiveness has been shown to be related to body size and hairiness of pollinators for some crops, studies encompassing a wide diversity of pollinators interacting with wild plant communities are lacking.2. Thus, the relationships between pollen load, which is a measurement of pollen transport ability and a proxy of pollinator effectiveness, and morphological traits of pollinators sampled in 16 grasslands in Moselle, France, were investigated. The area, hairiness, and pollen load of each pollinator's face were measured for 658 individuals from 127 bee and fly species interacting with 36 wild plant species. Pollinator dry mass was also measured on 543 individuals from 109 species.3. Dry body mass and facial area of pollinators were positively linked. This study highlights that bees transported significantly more pollen grains on their face than flies. Furthermore, bees' faces were larger and hairier. We also found that pollinators' facial pollen load increased with facial area and hairiness when we considered all pollinators. However, hairiness is not significant within pollinator group (bees or flies), mirroring a potential phylogenetic signal.4. Hence, this study shows a wide diversity of pollinator and plant species in which larger and hairier pollinators may transport more pollen grains, at least on their face. However, future studies involving other pollinator body parts are needed to generalise these relationships.
Technology‐enabled collaborative care for youth with early psychosis: A protocol for a feasibility study to improve physical health behaviours
Authors: Selby Peter , Vojtila Lenka , Ashfaq Iqra , Dragonetti Rosa , Melamed Osnat C. , Carriere Rebecca , LaChance Laura , Kohut Sara Ahola , Hahn Margaret , Mulsant Benoit H. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimIndividuals with psychotic disorders have poorer health outcomes and die earlier due to cardiovascular diseases when compared to healthy populations. Contributing factors include low levels of physical activity, poor nutrition and tobacco smoking. Currently, patients navigate a fragmented health‐care system to seek physical and mental health services, often without access to evidence‐based health promotion interventions, especially in non‐academic settings or rural areas, increasing client barriers at the individual and provider level. To address these gaps, we wish to test the feasibility and impact of a Technology‐Enabled Collaborative Care for Youth (TECC‐Y) model to improve healthy behaviours among youth with early psychosis. The model addresses geographical barriers and maldistribution of physical and mental health care.MethodsA randomized controlled trial, including youth (ages of 16‐29) with early psychosis (diagnosed in the past 5 years) residing in Ontario, Canada. Our primary outcome is client engagement. Secondary outcomes include smoking status, physical health and nutrition. Participants are randomly assigned to either a health coach supervised by a virtual care team, or a self‐directed learning group (e‐platform with psychoeducational materials). Assessments are conducted at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 weeks.ResultsThis paper presents the protocol of the study. Recruitment commenced in August 2018. This study was registered on 16 July 2018 on clinicaltrials.gov (Registry ID: NCT03610087).ConclusionsTECC‐Y will determine if a technology‐based collaborative care model engages youth with early psychosis, and whether this will be associated with changes in smoking, physical health and nutrition.
Study design synopsis: Designing and performing pharmacokinetic studies for systemically administered drugs in horses
Authors: Bermingham Eden , Davis Jennifer L. , Whittem Ted 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe goal of this editorial is to discuss best practice design, execution and reporting of a pharmacokinetic (PK) study in horses. Our target readers are clinicians who plan to perform this type of research, in a field, clinic or research setting but we also hope that this article might help readers of such work to appraise the articles and understand the quality of the studies. Our emphasis will be on appropriate study design and analytical method, drug and drug formulation choice and route of administration, animal choice, sample collection, storage and shipping, and reporting, rather than the PK data analysis itself.
Enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit polymorphisms in melanoma skin cancer risk
Authors: Belpinati Francesca , Malerba Giovanni , Dal Toè Melissa , Ceccuzzi Laura , Rodolfo Monica , Poli Albino , Turco Alberto , Vergani Elisabetta , Sangalli Antonella , Gomez‐Lira Macarena 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMelanoma is the most deadly skin cancer, and its incidence is growing. EZH2, a member of the Polycomb Group (PcGs) proteins family, plays an important biological role in the occurrence and development of melanoma. EZH2 germline genetic polymorphisms have not been yet evaluated in melanoma predisposition. Three hundred thirty sporadic Italian melanoma patients and 333 healthy volunteers were genotyped to analyse the association between EZH2 variants rs6950683, rs2302427, rs3757441, rs2072408 and melanoma risk. The functionality of rs6950683 alleles was investigated in keratinocytes (HaCat), melanoma cells (A375) and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293), using promoter‐reporter assays. Genotype distribution of SNPs showed that rs6950683T and rs3757441C alleles were positively associated with melanoma risk (P = .003 and .004, respectively). Haplotype analysis revealed that TCCA and CCCG haplotypes were associated with a higher risk of melanoma (P = .02 and .04, respectively). Functional assays demonstrated that allele rs6950683T reduce promoter activity in the three cell lines analysed compared to C allele. rs6950683T and rs3757441C alleles in the EZH2 gene appear positively associated with melanoma risk in the analysed population. In addition, we demonstrated for the first time the functional role of rs6950683 upstream polymorphism on EZH2 gene expression regulation.
Regional variations in life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of canola‐derived jet fuel produced in western Canada
Authors: Obnamia Jon A. , MacLean Heather L. , Saville Bradley A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study investigates the life cycle GHG emissions of jet fuel produced via the hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) pathway from canola grown in western Canada, with a focus on characterizing regional influences on emissions. We examine the effects of geographic variations in soil type, agricultural inputs, farming practices, and direct land use changes on life cycle GHG emissions. We utilize GREET 2016 but replace default feedstock production inputs with geographically representative data for canola production across eight western Canadian regions (representing 99% of Canada's canola production) and replace the default conversion process with data from a novel process model previously developed in ASPEN in our research group wherein oil extraction is integrated with the HEFA‐based fuel production process. Although canola production inputs and yields vary across the regions, resulting life cycle GHG emissions are similar if effects of land use and land management changes (LMC) are not included; 44–48 g CO2e/MJ for the eight regions (45%–50% reduction compared to petroleum jet fuel). Results are considerably more variable, 16–58 g CO2e/MJ, when including effects of land use and LMC directly related to conversion of lands from other uses to canola production (34%–82% reduction compared to petroleum jet fuel). We establish the main sources of emissions in the life cycle of canola jet fuel (N‐fertilizer and related emissions, fuel production), identify that substantially higher emissions may occur when using feedstock sourced from regions where conversion of forested land to cropland had occurred, and identify benefits of less intense tillage practices and increased use of summerfallow land. The methods and findings are relevant in jurisdictions internationally that are incorporating GHG emissions reductions from aviation fuels in a low carbon fuel market or legislating carbon intensity reduction requirements.
Stimulation of Posterior Thalamic Nuclei Induces Photophobic Behavior in Mice
Authors: Sowers Levi P. , Wang Mengya , Rea Brandon J. , Taugher Rebecca J. , Kuburas Adisa , Kim Youngcho , Wemmie John A. , Walker Christopher S. , Hay Debbie L. , Russo Andrew F. 
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveA hallmark of migraine is photophobia. In mice, photophobia‐like behavior is induced by calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), a neuropeptide known to be a key player in migraine. In this study, we sought to identify sites within the brain from which CGRP could induce photophobia.DesignWe focused on the posterior thalamic region, which contains neurons responsive to both light and dural stimulation and has CGRP binding sites. We probed this area with both optogenetic stimulation and acute CGRP injections in wild‐type mice. Since the light/dark assay has historically been used to investigate anxiety‐like responses in animals, we measured anxiety in a light‐independent open field assay and asked if stimulation of a brain region, the periaqueductal gray, that induces anxiety would yield similar results to posterior thalamic stimulation. The hippocampus was used as an anatomical control to ensure that light‐aversive behaviors could not be induced by the stimulation of any brain region.ResultsOptogenetic activation of neuronal cell bodies in the posterior thalamic nuclei elicited light aversion in both bright and dim light without an anxiety‐like response in an open field assay. Injection of CGRP into the posterior thalamic region triggered similar light‐aversive behavior without anxiety. In contrast to the posterior thalamic nuclei, optogenetic stimulation of dorsal periaqueductal gray cell bodies caused both light aversion and an anxiety‐like response, while CGRP injection had no effect. In the dorsal hippocampus, neither optical stimulation nor CGRP injection affected light aversion or open field behaviors.ConclusionStimulation of posterior thalamic nuclei is able to initiate light‐aversive signals in mice that may be modulated by CGRP to cause photophobia in migraine.
Systemic administration of IL‐33 induces a population of circulating KLRG1hi type 2 innate lymphoid cells and inhibits type 1 innate immunity against multiple myeloma
Authors: Guillerey Camille , Stannard Kimberley , Chen Jason , Krumeich Sophie , Miles Kim , Nakamura Kyohei , Smith Jessica , Yu Yuan , Ng Susanna , Harjunpää Heidi , Teng Michele WL , Engwerda Christian , Belz Gabrielle T , Smyth Mark J 
Published: August 2020

AbstractType 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are important producers of type 2 cytokines whose role in hematological cancers remains unclear. ILC2s are a heterogeneous population encompassing distinct subsets with different tissue localization and cytokine responsiveness. In this study, we investigated the role of bone marrow (BM) ILC2s and interleukin (IL)‐33‐stimulated ILC2s in multiple myeloma, a plasma cell malignancy that develops in the BM. We found that myeloma growth was associated with phenotypic and functional alterations of BM ILC2s, characterized by an increased expression of maturation markers and reduced cytokine response to IL‐2/IL‐33. We identified a population of KLRG1hi ILC2s that preferentially accumulated in the liver and spleen of Il2rg−/− Rag2−/− mice reconstituted with BM ILC2s. A similar population of KLRG1hi ILC2s was observed in the blood, liver and spleen of IL‐33‐treated wild‐type mice. The presence of KLRG1hi ILC2s in ILC2‐reconstituted Il2rg−/− Rag2−/− mice or in IL‐33‐treated wild‐type mice was associated with increased eosinophil numbers but had no effect on myeloma progression. Interestingly, while decreased myeloma growth was observed following treatment of Rag‐deficient mice with the type 1 cytokines IL‐12 and IL‐18, this protection was reversed when mice received a combined treatment of IL‐33 together with IL‐12 and IL‐18. In summary, our data indicate that IL‐33 treatment induces a population of circulating inflammatory KLRG1hi ILC2s and inhibits type 1 immunity against multiple myeloma. These results argue against therapeutic administration of IL‐33 to myeloma patients.
Explaining individual differences in infant visual sensory seeking
Authors: Piccardi Elena Serena , Johnson Mark H. , Gliga Teodora 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIndividual differences in infants’ engagement with their environment manifest early in development and are noticed by parents. Three views have been advanced to explain differences in seeking novel stimulation. The optimal stimulation hypothesis suggests that individuals seek further stimulation when they are under‐responsive to current sensory input. The processing speed hypothesis proposes that those capable of processing information faster are driven to seek stimulation more frequently. The information prioritization hypothesis suggests the differences in stimulation seeking index variation in the prioritization of incoming relative to ongoing information processing. Ten‐month‐old infants saw 10 repetitions of a video clip and changes in frontal theta oscillatory amplitude were measured as an index of information processing speed. Stimulus‐locked P1 peak amplitude in response to checkerboards briefly overlaid on the video at random points during its presentation indexed processing of incoming stimulation. Parental report of higher visual seeking did not relate to reduced P1 peak amplitude or to a stronger decrease in frontal theta amplitude with repetition, thus not supporting either the optimal stimulation or the processing speed hypotheses. Higher visual seeking occurred in those infants whose P1 peak amplitude was greater than expected based on their theta amplitude. These findings indicate that visual sensory seeking in infancy is explained by a bias toward novel stimulation, thus supporting the information prioritization hypothesis.
Fiscal procyclicality in emerging markets: The role of institutions and economic conditions
Authors: Bergman U. Michael , Hutchison Michael 
Published: August 2020

AbstractProcyclicality of fiscal policy is a common feature in emerging markets, by contrast with high‐income economies, and leads to greater business‐cycle amplitudes. We investigate potential causes of fiscal procyclicality, including a host of economic and institutional variables of especial import in emerging markets. We employ dynamic panel methods in a large sample of countries to investigate what factors are associated with fiscal cyclicality. We find that fiscal procyclicality is mainly due to procyclical fluctuations in government investment expenditure. In addition, we find that procyclical fiscal policy is positively associated with government debt levels, terms‐of‐trade volatility, and costs of foreign borrowing, while negatively associated with better government efficiency. Only a weak association is found between International Monetary Fund program participation and fiscal procyclicality. Finally, we find that certain fiscal rules are associated with lower fiscal procyclicality and, in particular, balanced‐budget rules may help mitigate the adverse cyclicality effects of high terms‐of‐trade volatility and government debt burdens in emerging markets.
Empirical models of trigonal distortions and polarization in perovskites
Authors: Smith Evan , Wander Olivia , Ubic Rick 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCorrelative models derived from empirical relations describing synthesis‐structure relationships are essential to guiding and improving future research and development of functional materials, yet few models exist for the prediction of structural distortions in perovskites. In this work, a data‐mining approach has been employed to collect structural data for trigonally distorted perovskites in specific model systems. Correlative models were developed which describe the relationship between the c/a ratio and the ratio of the pseudocubic lattice constant (apc) to the B‐X bond length (rBX). General models were then created for the c/a ratio in terms of the modified tolerance factor for trigonal perovskites with symmetry and perovskite‐like compounds with R3c symmetry. These models accurately predict the lattice constants in trigonally distorted perovskites and LiNbO3 type perovskite‐like compounds. In addition, a general model was developed, which accurately predicts polarization in trigonal LiNbO3 type perovskite‐like compounds in space group R3c.
Effect of humour intervention programme on depression, anxiety, subjective well‐being, cognitive function and sleep quality in Chinese nursing home residents
Authors: Zhao Jinping , Yin Huiru , Wang Xinxin , Zhang Guangwei , Jia Yong , Shang Binghan , Zhao Jinyang , Wang Chunyan , Chen Li 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of an 8‐week humour intervention programme on reducing depression and anxiety and improving subjective well‐being, cognitive function and sleep quality in nursing home residents.DesignA single‐blinded and quasi‐experimental design with repeated measures.MethodsSeventy‐four older adults were recruited from May 2018–September 2018, with 37 older adults in the humour group received humour intervention and 37 in the control group received no intervention. The intervention was an 8‐week humour intervention programme for older adults to learn to use humour and release their emotions. Primary outcomes include depression, anxiety and subjective well‐being and secondary outcomes were cognitive function and sleep quality. Two‐way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the differences of outcome measures between the two groups. Outcomes were measured at baseline, 8 and 16 weeks.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the two groups at baseline. The adherence to the sessions of humour intervention over the 8‐weeks was 97.6%.Two‐way repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant improvement in depression, anxiety, subjective well‐being and sleep quality during the postintervention (8 weeks) and follow‐up (16 weeks) periods in the humour group versus the control group. However, a significant time × group interaction for cognitive function was only found during postintervention.ConclusionThe humour intervention programme was effective in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms and increasing subjective well‐being, cognitive function and sleep quality in older adults.ImpactPhysical and mental health problems are common among older adults in nursing homes. The study demonstrated that humour intervention has feasibility and potential to be used as an effective non‐pharmacological intervention in improving well‐beings of Chinese nursing home residents.Trial RegistrationChiCTR1800016148.