bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of iron on intestinal development and epithelial maturation of suckling piglets
Authors: Zhou Jing , Dong Zhenglin , Wan Dan , Wang Qiye , Haung Jing , Huang Pengfei , Li Yali , Ding Xueqin , Li Jianzhong , Yang Huansheng , Yin Yulong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to discover the effects of iron on the intestinal development and epithelial maturation of suckling piglets. Twenty-seven newborn male piglets from 9 sows (3 piglets per sow), with similar body weight, were selected. The 3 piglets from the same sow were randomly divided into 1 of the 3 groups. The piglets were orally administrated with 2 mL of normal saline (CON group) or with 25 mg of iron by ferrous sulfate (OAFe group; dissolved in normal saline) on the 2nd, 7th, 12th, and 17th day, respectively, or intramuscularly injected with 100 mg of iron by iron dextran (IMFe group) on the 2nd day. The slaughter was performed on the 21st day and intestinal samples were collected. Compared with the CON group, iron supplementation significantly increased the length (P &lt; 0.001), weight (P &lt; 0.001), relative weight (P &lt; 0.001), and the length:weight ratio (P &lt; 0.001) of the small intestine in both OAFe and IMFe groups. The villus height (P &lt; 0.001), crypt depth (CD) (P &lt; 0.001), villus width (P = 0.002), and surface area (P &lt; 0.001) in the jejunum of IMFe and OAFe piglets were also greater than those in CON piglets. The mRNA expression of trehalase (Treh; P = 0.002) and sucrase isomaltase (Sis; P = 0.043), markers of epithelial maturation, increased in OAFe and IMFe piglets, respectively. Moreover, enterocyte vacuolization, observed in fetal-type enterocyte, was reduced in OAFe and IMFe piglets, compared with CON piglets. However, no significant difference in the expression of the target genes of wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was observed. The results indicated that both oral administration and intramuscular injection with iron promoted intestinal development and epithelial maturation in suckling piglets and that the effects of iron may be independent of wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Sugar content of diet does not buffer against chronic oral imidacloprid exposure in the alfalfa leafcutting bee (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)
Authors: Cecala Jacob M , Baronia Danelle Angeline , Wilson Rankin Erin E 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBees are economically critical pollinators, but are declining broadly due to several stressors, including nontarget exposure to insecticides and deficiencies in nutrition. Understanding the simultaneous impact of stressors, particularly interactions between them, is critical to effectively conserving bees. Although behavioral effects of pesticides like neonicotinoids have received some attention in solitary bees, our understanding of how they are modulated by diet quality is limited. Furthermore, scarce data exist on what concentrations of orally ingested neonicotinoids elicit mortality in solitary bees. In a controlled exposure laboratory experiment, we investigated how diet quality, as sugar concentration, and chronic oral exposure to imidacloprid affect adult alfalfa leafcutting bees, Megachile rotundata (Fabricius). We provided individuals ad libitum with either 20 or 50% (m/m) sucrose syrups containing either 0, 30, or 300 ppb imidacloprid (measuring 0, 27, and 209 ppb via an ELISA assay). Over 5 wk, we tracked behavior and survivorship of individuals. Imidacloprid decreased survivorship in a dose-dependent fashion, but sucrose content did not affect survivorship, even in bees not fed imidacloprid. In the high imidacloprid treatment, 45% of bees were observed in a motionless supine position while still alive, with this effect appearing to be buffered against by the higher sucrose diet. Our results suggest that diets higher in sugar concentration may prevent an intermediate stage of poisoning, but do not ultimately extend longevity. In devising risk assessments for bees, it is important to consider that interactions between stressors may occur in the stages leading up to death even if survivorship is unaffected.
The COVID-19 Pandemic: Identifying Adaptive Solutions for Colorectal Cancer Screening in Underserved Communities
Authors: Nodora Jesse N , Gupta Samir , Howard Nicole , Motadel Kelly , Propst Tobe , Rodriguez Javier , Schultz James , Velasquez Sharon , Castañeda Sheila F , Rabin Borsika , Martínez María Elena 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically impacted numerous health and economic fronts. Because of the stay-at-home mandate and practice of physical distancing, nearly all preventive care measures have been halted, including colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. The health consequences of this temporary suspension are of great concern, particularly for underserved populations, who experience substantial CRC-related disparities. In this commentary, we describe challenges and opportunities to deliver COVID-19–adapted CRC screening to medically underserved populations receiving care in community health centers (CHC). This perspective is based on key informant interviews with CHC medical directors, teleconference discussions, and strategic planning assessments. To address the unprecedented challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, we identify 2 broad calls to action: invest in CHCs now and support equitable and adaptable telehealth solutions now and in the future. We also recommend 4 CRC-specific calls to action: establish COVID-19–adapted best practices to implement mailed fecal immunochemical test programs, implement grassroots advocacy to identify community gastroenterologists who commit to performing colonoscopies for CHC patients, assess cancer prevention priorities among individuals in underserved communities, and assess regional CRC screening and follow-up barriers and solutions. The COVID-19 pandemic may further exacerbate existing CRC screening disparities in underserved individuals. This will likely lead to delayed diagnosis, a shift to later-stage disease, and increased CRC deaths. To prevent this from happening, we call for timely action and a commitment to address the current extraordinary CRC screening challenges for vulnerable populations.
Palatal steatocystoma simplex—a rare oral finding at an even rarer location
Authors: Kaya Sebahat , Zimmer Stefanie , Kämmerer Peer Wolfgang 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACT
Steatocystoma is a rare, benign cyst that mostly originates from a dermal sebaceous gland. It can be divided into steatocystoma multiplex—with multiple locations—and steatocystoma simplex occurring at a single site. The lesion is mostly located on the skin but can be found on other locations as well. This is the first case report of steatocystoma simplex that was found in the palate of a 37-year-old male. After resection with small safety margins and local wound dressing, no recurrence was detected during a follow-up of 1.5 years.
Pediatric Prehospital Airway Management by U.S. Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan
Authors: Koslow Elizabeth A , Borgman Matthew A , April Michael D , Schauer Steven G 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionAirway obstruction is a treatable cause of potentially preventable death on the battlefield. Emergency cricothyrotomies are rarely performed in developed countries, but are a common prehospital procedure in recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. We describe prehospital airway interventions performed on pediatric casualties with a focus on cricothyrotomy during these recent conflicts.Materials and MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of previously published dataset from the Department of Defense Trauma Registry for pediatric encounters from January 2007 to January 2017. Within our dataset we searched for all instances of airway interventions in the prehospital setting.ResultsDuring this time, there were 3,439 pediatric casualties in the registry with a total of 18 prehospital cricothyrotomies and 211 prehospital intubations. For cricothyrotomies, the median age was 10 years, most (72.2%) were male, median composite injury score was 25, most were injured by explosive (44.4%), more commonly located in Afghanistan (77.8%), and approximately half survived to hospital discharge (44.4%). The head was most frequently injured (44.4%). Of those undergoing endotracheal intubation, the median age was 10 years, most (75.8%) were male, median injury score was 17, most were injured by explosives (53.5%), most were in Afghanistan (85.7%), and most survived to hospital discharge (66.8%). The head/neck most frequently had a serious injury (56.8%).ConclusionsIn this dataset, 6.8% of children underwent prehospital intubation and 0.5% underwent prehospital cricothyrotomy. Airway interventions were frequently associated with head injuries. This highlights the importance of training and equipping prehospital medical personnel for pediatric trauma care in accordance with military clinical practice guidelines.
Black dwarf supernova in the far future
Authors: Caplan M E 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACT
In the far future, long after star formation has ceased, the universe will be populated by sparse degenerate remnants, mostly white dwarfs, though their ultimate fate is an open question. These white dwarfs will cool and freeze solid into black dwarfs while pycnonuclear fusion will slowly process their composition to iron-56. However, due to the declining electron fraction, the Chandrasekhar limit of these stars will be decreasing and will eventually be below that of the most massive black dwarfs. As such, isolated dwarf stars with masses greater than ∼1.2 M⊙ will collapse in the far future due to the slow accumulation of iron-56 in their cores. If proton decay does not occur, then this is the ultimate fate of about 1021 stars, approximately 1 percent of all stars in the observable universe. We present calculations of the internal structure of black dwarfs with iron cores as a model for progenitors. From pycnonuclear fusion rates, we estimate their lifetime and thus delay time to be 101100 yr. We speculate that high-mass black dwarf supernovae resemble accretion induced collapse of O/Ne/Mg white dwarfs while later low mass transients will be similar to stripped-envelope core-collapse supernova, and may be the last interesting astrophysical transients to occur prior to heat death.
Digestive gland microbiome of Pleurobema cordatum: mesocosms induce dysbiosis
Authors: Aceves Alison K , Johnson Paul D , Atkinson Carla L , van Ee Brian C , Bullard Stephen A , Arias Cova R 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACT
Herein, we characterized the digestive gland (‘gut’) bacterial community (microbiome) of the Ohio pigtoe, Pleurobema cordatum (Rafinesque, 1820), using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Two populations were compared: wild P. cordatum (n = 5) from the Tennessee River and P. cordatum (n = 9) relocated to artificial mesocosms and exposed to various thermal regimes for 2 weeks. We also characterized the bacterial communities from the habitat (water and sediment) of these wild and mesocosm-held populations. The gut microbiome of wild P. cordatum was dominated by members of the bacterial phylum Tenericutes (72%). By contrast, the gut microbiome of mesocosm-held P. cordatum was dominated by members of the bacterial phylum Proteobacteria (64%). We found no temperature-associated difference in the gut microbiome of mesocosm-held P. cordatum. The bacterial communities of water and sediment from the Tennessee River were diverse and distinct from those of the studied mussels. By contrast, the bacterial communities of water and sediment in the mesocosms were dominated by Proteobacteria. These results suggest that when the studied mussels were moved into artificial rearing environments, their gut microbiome shifted to reflect that of their habitat (i.e. an increase in Proteobacteria). Moreover, the abundance of Tenericutes (also previously reported in other unionids) was reduced from 72% in wild mussels to 3% in mesocosm-held mussels. As a result, we think that mesocosm-held P. cordatum became dysbiotic, which could explain the observed wasting syndrome and associated trickling mortalities in captive P. cordatum.
DNA methylation profiling identifies epigenetic differences between early versus late stages of diabetic chronic kidney disease
Authors: Lecamwasam Ashani , Novakovic Boris , Meyer Braydon , Ekinci Elif I , Dwyer Karen M , Saffery Richard 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
We investigated a cross-sectional epigenome-wide association study of patients with early and late diabetes-associated chronic kidney disease (CKD) to identify possible epigenetic differences between the two groups as well as changes in methylation across all stages of diabetic CKD. We also evaluated the potential of using a panel of identified 5′-C-phosphate-G-3′ (CpG) sites from this cohort to predict the progression of diabetic CKD.

Methods
This cross-sectional study recruited 119 adults. DNA was extracted from blood using the Qiagen QIAampDNA Mini Spin Kit. Genome-wide methylation analysis was performed using Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChips (HM850K). Intensity data files were processed and analysed using the minfi and MissMethyl packages for R. We examined the degree of methylation of CpG sites in early versus late diabetic CKD patients for CpG sites with an unadjusted P-value &lt;0.01 and an absolute change in methylation of 5% (n = 239 CpG sites).

Results
Hierarchical clustering of the 239 CpG sites largely separated the two groups. A heat map for all 239 CpG sites demonstrated distinct methylation patterns in the early versus late groups, with CpG sites showing evidence of progressive change. Based on our differentially methylated region (DMR) analysis of the 239 CpG sites, we highlighted two DMRs, namely the cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 (CRISP2) and piwi-like RNA-mediated gene silencing 1 (PIWIL1) genes. The best predictability for the two groups involved a receiver operating characteristics curve of eight CpG sites alone and achieved an area under the curve of 0.976.

Conclusions
We have identified distinct DNA methylation patterns between early and late diabetic CKD patients as well as demonstrated novel findings of potential progressive methylation changes across all stages (1–5) of diabetic CKD at specific CpG sites. We have also identified associated genes CRISP2 and PIWIL1, which may have the potential to act as stage-specific diabetes-associated CKD markers, and showed that the use of a panel of eight identified CpG sites alone helps to increase the predictability for the two groups.
Plasma total adiponectin and changes in renal function in a cohort from the community: the prospective Data from an Epidemiological Study on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome study
Authors: Fumeron Frédéric , El Boustany Ray , Bastard Jean-Philippe , Fellahi Soraya , Balkau Beverley , Marre Michel , Venteclef Nicolas , Velho Gilberto , Roussel Ronan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
High adiponectin levels are associated with diabetic nephropathy. Nevertheless, it is not known whether plasma adiponectin is associated with renal function decline in the general population. We evaluated whether adiponectin concentrations were associated with changes in renal function in a community cohort, the Data from an Epidemiological Study on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome (DESIR) study.

Methods
Plasma adiponectin concentrations were measured in a random sample of 3284 people from the DESIR study, a 9-year prospective cohort from the general population. Data were analysed for three endpoints during follow-up: incidence of Stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD); the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criterion ‘certain drop in eGFR’ and rapid kidney function decline [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope steeper than −3 mL/min/1.73 m2/year].

Results
After exclusion of participants with an eGFR &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline and those with type 2 diabetes or impaired fasting glycaemia at any time during follow-up (remaining n = 2174), there was a 113% higher risk for a rapid decline in kidney function in participants with adiponectin above the third tertile (T3) versus below the first tertile (T1) (Ptrend = 0.004) and a 53% higher risk for kidney function decline as defined by the KDIGO criterion (Ptrend = 0.04). In a cross-sectional analysis, adiponectin was positively associated with urinary albumin:creatinine ratio at baseline (P = 0.009).

Conclusions
In a healthy cohort from the general population, higher levels of plasma adiponectin were associated with decreased renal function at baseline and at follow-up. This result is similar to what is observed in people with diabetic nephropathy, in contrast with animal models of nephropathy.
Youth Knowledge of Tobacco 21 and its Association With Intention to Use Tobacco
Authors: Dai Hongying , Chaney Lisa , Ellerbeck Edward , Friggeri Ressa , White Nancy , Catley Delwyn 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
Raising the minimum legal age (MLA) of tobacco sales from 18 to 21 (Tobacco 21 [T21]) has recently been implemented nationwide as a method to reduce tobacco use, but empirical data on youth knowledge of T21 policies and related pathways to tobacco use are limited.

Methods
Data were collected from the 2018 Kansas Communities That Care Student Survey. Knowledge of the MLA was compared between T21 and non-T21 regions using a quasi-experimental design. Logistic regression and mediation analysis were conducted to assess the association between knowledge of the MLA, influencing factors, and intention to use tobacco.

Results
Of 16 949 students (aged between 11 and 18) completing the T21 survey, fewer students responded correctly about the MLA in T21 than in non-T21 regions (37.4% vs. 46.3% responded correctly, 27.6% vs. 24.2% responded incorrectly, respectively). In T21 regions, Hispanics and students who support T21 were more likely to respond correctly about the MLA. Among current non-tobacco users in T21 regions, students who responded correctly about the MLA were less likely to report intention to use tobacco (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.6–0.8]) than those who responded incorrectly. The pathway from knowledge of the MLA to intention to use tobacco was significantly mediated by increased support for T21 (p = .002), perceived difficulty in accessing cigarettes (p = .042), and reduced susceptibility to peer influence (p = .027).

Conclusions
Knowledge of the MLA was inversely associated with intention to use tobacco among youth. Educational campaigns to raise awareness and support for T21 among youth may improve the impact of T21 policies.

Implications
This study examined youth knowledge of the MLA to purchase tobacco products, and whether knowledge of the MLA was associated with reduced intention to use tobacco. It also examined other influencing factors (eg, perceived support for T21) and potential mediation pathways linking knowledge of the MLA with intention to use tobacco. Given the nationwide adoption of T21, educational campaigns to promote knowledge of the policy may improve its impact.
Does the Contrast Dispersion Pattern During Fluoroscopically Guided Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection Predict Short-Term Pain and Functional Outcomes? An Exploratory Analysis of Prospective Cohort Data
Authors: Conger Aaron , Sperry Beau P , Cheney Cole W , Kuo Keith , Petersen Russel , Randall Dustin , Salazar Fabio , Cunningham Shellie , Henrie A Michael , Bisson Erica , Kendall Richard , Teramoto Masaru , McCormick Zachary L 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSummary of Background DataNo study has evaluated the relationship between contrast dispersion patterns and outcomes after fluoroscopically guided cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection (CTFESI).ObjectivesDetermine whether contrast dispersion patterns predict pain and functional outcomes after CTFESI.MethodsSecondary analysis of data collected during two prospective studies of CTFESI for the treatment of refractory radicular pain. Contrast dispersion patterns visualized by true anteroposterior (AP) projections during CTFESIs were categorized by flow: 1) completely external to the lateral border of the neuroforamen (zone 1); 2) within the neuroforamen but without entry into the lateral epidural space (zone 2); and 3) with extension into the lateral epidural space (zone 3). At baseline and at 1 month post-CTFESI, neck pain, arm pain, and “dominant index pain” (the greater of arm or neck pain) were evaluated using a numeric rating scale (NRS); physical function was assessed using the Five-Item Version of the Neck Disability Index (NDI-5).ResultsOne-month post-CTFESI, neck pain, arm pain, and “dominant index pain” reductions of ≥50% were observed in 39.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28.2–51.8), 55.6% (95% CI, 43.0–67.5), and 44.1% (95% CI, 32.7–56.2) of participants, respectively. Regarding “dominant index pain,” 72.7% (95% CI, 40.8–91.2), 39.4% (95% CI, 24.2–57.0), and 37.5% (95% CI, 20.5–58.2) of participants reported ≥50% pain reduction when zone 1, zone 2, and zone 3 contrast flow patterns were observed. Contrast dispersion zone was not significantly associated with subgroup differences in neck pain, arm pain, or NDI-5 scores (P&gt;0.05).ConclusionImprovements in pain and function 1 month after treatment with CTFESI did not differ significantly based on the contrast dispersion pattern. Future study is needed to confirm or refute these findings in other procedural settings, in broader patient populations, and with longer-term outcome assessment.
The Macroeconomics of Microfinance
Authors: Buera Francisco J , Kaboski Joseph P , Shin Yongseok 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
What is the aggregate and distributional impact of microfinance? To answer this question, we develop a quantitative macroeconomic framework of entrepreneurship and financial frictions in which microfinance is modelled as guaranteed small-size loans. We discipline and validate our model using recent empirical evaluations of small-scale microfinance programs. We find that the long-run general equilibrium impact is substantially different from the short-run effect. In the short-run partial equilibrium, output and capital increase with microfinance but total factor productivity (TFP) falls. In the long run, when general equilibrium effects are considered, as should be for economy-wide microfinance interventions, scaling up microfinance has only a small impact on per-capita income, because an increase in TFP is offset by lower capital accumulation. However, the vast majority of the population benefits from microfinance directly and indirectly. The welfare gains are larger for the poor and the marginal entrepreneurs, although higher interest rates in general equilibrium tilt the gains toward the rich.