bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does Cochlear Implantation Affect Openness-to-Experience in Profound Postlingual Hearing Loss?
Authors: Muigg Franz , Weichbold Viktor W , Kuehn Heike , Seebacher Josef , Galvan Oliver 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Recent studies suggest that hearing loss in postlingually deafened adults may be associated with lowered levels of the personality factor Openness to experience. This study investigated whether cochlear implantation in postlingually deafened adults raises the level of Openness to experience. Fifty-five postlingually deafened adults (mean age: 63 years) were assessed with the Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness-Five-Factor-Inventory (NEO-FFI), a questionnaire capturing the five personality factors Extraversion, Openness to experience, Neuroticism, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness. Personality assessment occurred before cochlear implantation and 24 months after implant activation. On factors Extraversion, Neuroticism, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness the mean scores of the sample were equal to population norms, both before and after cochlear implantation. On factor Openness to experience, the mean score was significantly lower before cochlear implantation, and remained so thereafter. Openness to experience may be reduced in some groups of deaf or hard of hearing persons. Cochlear implantation had no effect on any personality factor, at least not after two years of implant use.
Dietary patterns and food insecurity of students participating in a food aid programme: the Mediterranean perspective
Authors: Kastorini Christina-Maria , Markaki Ioanna , Tsiampalis Thomas , Critselis Elena , Petralias Athanassios , Linos Athena ,   the DIATROFI Program Research Team
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
To explore the effect of household food insecurity on dietary patterns of children and adolescents participating in a school food-aid programme in regions of Greece with low socioeconomic status.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted during the school year 2013–14, among 406 schools in low socioeconomic status regions of Greece. Dietary habits and sociodemographic characteristics of students and their families were recorded. Factor analysis was used in order to derive children’s and adolescents’ dietary patterns and analysis of covariance was performed to examine the effect of households’ food insecurity level on those patterns. A total of 31 399 students participated in the study; 16 652 children (5–11 years) and 14 747 adolescents (12–18 years).

Results
Factor analysis identified five dietary patterns in both age groups, explaining the 49.1% (children) and 53.0% (adolescents) of the total variation in intake. After adjusting for various factors, the household’s food insecurity was significantly associated with the majority of the derived patterns in both age groups, with most pronounced differences being observed for the consumption of red meat, poultry and fish, fruits, as well as red processed meat, cereals and dairy products, which was lower among children and adolescents with food insecurity. Children with food insecurity consumed significantly more unhealthy food, such as chips, fast food, sugared drinks, sweets, French fries and mayonnaise sauce.

Conclusions
Promotion of healthy eating to households facing food insecurity is of crucial importance, giving emphasis in the design of low cost, yet highly nutritious programmes.
Trends in Microbiology publications: are classic scientific journals condemned to extinction?
Authors: Maicas Sergi , Sánchez-Fresneda Ruth , Argüelles Juan-Carlos 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACT
Scientific journals have played an essential role in the diffusion of research breakthroughs. For many years there was no competition between journals, but, in recent decades they have become categorized by a careful assessment of their published contents based on several metric parameters. Of greater note, the ‘prestige index’ has become an essential tool used by public and private institutions to develop their scientific policy. Thus, the evaluation of research staffs, the concession of grants or fellowships and even the scholarly reputation and academic positions are mainly founded on a given journal's ‘quality’. As a consequence, the prestige of some journals has gone up, based on the assumption that they publish cutting-edge science, while the reputation of others has gone down. Within the field of Microbiology, we have carried out a direct analysis by monitoring several representative classic journals according to customary metric parameters over 20 years. This analysis also covers another set of journals of recent appearance (novel journals). Although a direct comparison between both groups is not possible, this approach serves to perceive the trends of publication among microbiologists. Our preliminary conclusion is that the continued existence of many so-termed classic journals devoted to Microbiology is seriously threatened.
NIK inhibitor impairs chronic periodontitis via suppressing non-canonical NF-κB and osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Wang Jiang , Wang Bo , Lv Xin , Wang Lei 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTPeriodontitis is an inflammatory disease that causes damages to periodontium and alveolar bone. Overactivation and formation of osteoclasts can cause bone destruction, which contributes to periodontitis development. Receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-mediated NF-κB signaling plays an essential role in osteoclasts differentiation. We aimed to study the effects of NIK-SMI1, an NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) inhibitor, on the osteoclastogenesis in vitro and periodontitis progression in vivo. A ligature-induced mice model of periodontitis was incorporated to test the potential therapeutic effect of NIK-SMI1 on periodontitis. The target protein and mRNA expression levels were determined by Western blot assay and real-time PCR assay, respectively. We found that the administration of NIK-SMI1 strongly inhibited the RANKL-stimulated non-canonical NF-κB signaling as demonstrated by decreased nuclear p52 expression and activity. Blocking NIK activity also resulted in reduced osteoclasts specific genes expression and enhanced IFN-β expression. NIK-SMI1 treatment resulted in attenuated periodontitis progression and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression in vivo. Our study suggested that NIK-SMI1 exerts beneficial effects on the mitigation of osteoclastogenesis in vitro and periodontitis progression in vivo. Application of NIK-SMI1 may serve as a potential therapeutic approach for periodontitis.
Berberine functions as a negative regulator in lipopolysaccharide -induced sepsis by suppressing NF-κB and IL-6 mediated STAT3 activation
Authors: Wang Yin , Du Pengfei , Jiang Donghui 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTSepsis is a deadly complication raised by bacterial pathogens-induced dysregulated innate inflammatory response. Thus, anti-inflammatory is a potential therapeutic treatment for septic patients. Numerous evidence exhibited that berberine possesses potent anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative activities. However, the effect of berberine on sepsis is not fully understood. The anti-inflammatory effect of berberine was evaluated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages differentiation model in vitro and using LPS/D-galactosamine-challenged septic mice model in vivo. The secreted protein levels were determined by ELISA assay. The multiple targets mRNA and protein levels were measured by quantitative RT-PCR and western blot assay, respectively. Our study demonstrated that administration of berberine significantly attenuated lung tissue injury, and potently increased the survival rate of septic mice by modulating excessive inflammatory response with negligible side-effects. We further found that berberine inhibited the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-(IL)-1β and IL-6 via suppressing nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1 (NF-κB) signaling activation. Our study strongly supported the concept that berberine may serve as a single drug or a promising adjuvant that can be used in conjunction with other medications for the treatment of septic patients.
IsoXpressor: A Tool to Assess Transcriptional Activity within Isochores
Authors: Ayad Lorraine A K , Dourou Athanasia-Maria , Arhondakis Stilianos , Pissis Solon P 
Published: August 2020

AbstractGenomes are characterized by large regions of homogeneous base compositions known as isochores. The latter are divided into GC-poor and GC-rich classes linked to distinct functional and structural properties. Several studies have addressed how isochores shape function and structure. To aid in this important subject, we present IsoXpressor, a tool designed for the analysis of the functional property of transcription within isochores. IsoXpressor allows users to process RNA-Seq data in relation to the isochores, and it can be employed to investigate any biological question of interest for any species. The results presented herein as proof of concept are focused on the preimplantation process in Homo sapiens (human) and Macaca mulatta (rhesus monkey).
Assessing community health research capacity across stakeholders: adapting a tool
Authors: Humphries Debbie , Gupta Ravi , Dukpa Tshering , Wangmo Dechen 
Published: August 2020

SummaryMulti-sectoral collaborative approaches with strong community engagement are essential for addressing health disparities. A valid tool for assessing organizational research and capacity for community health research stakeholders could help strengthen organizational capacity for engagement in such collaborations. This study was conducted to validate an innovative tool for assessing research activity and capacity of a spectrum of stakeholder organizations to provide support for strengthening community health research capacity in Bhutan. In-person interviews with academics (n = 10), clinicians (n = 10), government staff (n = 10), consultants (n = 2) and management of health-related civil society organizations (CSOs; n = 12 interviews/organizations, 13 individuals) were recorded and transcribed. Questions covered individual and organizational research activity and capacity, research networks and an international version of the Community Research Assessment Tool (CREAT-I). Almost all participants (84%) had participated in community health research projects. Social network analysis showed a large, interconnected cluster with a few key individuals linking across sectors. CREAT-I responses identified the highest capacity in organizational support for research among academic participants, while clinical and CSO participants reported highest capacity in practical research experiences and government participants reported highest capacity in research specific experiences. The CREAT-I tool showed strong internal reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.91) and validity. Limited money, time and skilled staff were identified as barriers to research. The CREAT-I assesses community health research capacity of organizations, and such a tool could be useful in identifying research capacity needs, monitoring impact of research capacity-building activities and contributing to a greater capacity for multi-sectoral collaborative approaches to community health research in international settings.
Serum Serotonin Differentiates Between Disease Activity States in Crohn’s Patients
Authors: Manzella Christopher R , Jayawardena Dulari , Pagani Wilfredo , Li Ye , Alrefai Waddah A , Bauer Jessica , Jung Barbara , Weber Christopher R , Gill Ravinder K 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundDiagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) utilize invasive methods including endoscopy and tissue biopsy, with blood tests being less specific for IBDs. Substantial evidence has implicated involvement of the neurohormone serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in the pathophysiology of IBDs. The current study investigated whether serum 5-HT is elevated in patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD).MethodsSerum samples were obtained from a German cohort of 96 CD and UC patients with active disease, refractory disease, or remission of disease based upon their disease activity index (DAI) and disease history. High pressure liquid chromatography with tandemmass spectrometry was used to measure 5-HT, tryptophan (TRP), and kynurenine (KYN) levels in the serum samples, and Luminex Multiplex ELISA was used to measure cytokine levels. Intestinal mucosal biopsies were obtained from a separate cohort of healthy and CD patients, and the immunoreactivity of the serotonin transporter (SERT) was determined.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in TRP or KYN levels between disease categories in either UC or CD. Interestingly, 5-HT levels were significantly elevated in patients with active CD but not active UC when compared with the levels in remission or refractory disease. Serum 5-HT was superior to C-reactive protein and circulating cytokines in differentiating between disease categories in CD. Additionally, SERT immunoreactivity was decreased in the ileum and colon of patients with CD compared to healthy controls.ConclusionWe have shown that the serum 5-HT can differentiate between active disease and refractory disease or remission among CD patients, emphasizing the potential suitability of serum 5-HT as an auxiliary measure in diagnosing active CD.
Differing about Difference: Relational IR from around the World
Authors: Trownsell Tamara A , Tickner Arlene B , Querejazu Amaya , Reddekop Jarrad , Shani Giorgio , Shimizu Kosuke , Behera Navnita Chadha , Arian Anahita 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDifference, a central concern to the study of international relations (IR), has not had its ontological foundations adequately disrupted. This forum explores how existential assumptions rooted in relational logics provide a significantly distinct set of tools that drive us to re-orient how we perceive, interpret, and engage both similarity and difference. Taking their cues from cosmological commitments originating in the Andes, South Asia, East Asia, and the Middle East, the six contributions explore how our existential assumptions affect the ways in which we deal with difference as theorists, researchers, and teachers. This initial conversation pinpoints key content and foci of future relational work in IR.
Endogenous 1-H-Pyrrole-2,3,5-Tricarboxylic Acid (PTCA) in Hair and Its Forensic Applications: A Pilot Study on a Wide Multi-Ethnic Population
Authors: Casati Sara , Angeli Ilaria , Ravelli Alessandro , Bergamaschi Roberta F , Guzzi Andrea , Giannasi Chiara , Brini Anna T , Minoli Mauro , Orioli Marica 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Over the years, several studies have shown that many factors are likely to affect the results of forensic hair analyses and complicate their interpretation. Among these factors, one of the major drawbacks in hair analysis is the affectability of deposited xenobiotics by cosmetic treatments, which could be eventually used to adulterate the sample. It is well known that some cosmetic treatments containing hydrogen peroxide, such as permanent dyeing or bleaching, lead to the formation of 1-H-pyrrole-2,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (PTCA), a melanin degradation product. Considering that PTCA is also an endogenous compound, spontaneously formed by natural oxidation of melanin, its only detection in hair is not enough to confirm a cosmetic oxidative treatment. For this reason, the aim of the present work was to develop and validate a reliable liquid–liquid extraction method in ultra-high-performance liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of endogenous PTCA in hair from a wide multi-ethnic population (African, Arab, Asian-Pacific, Caucasian, Hispanic and Indian). According to previous studies, untreated hair samples showed a PTCA content of 8.54 ± 5.72 ng/mg (mean ± standard deviation [SD]), ranging between 0.44 and 23.7 ng/mg; after in vitro cosmetic bleaching, PTCA increased to 16.8 ± 6.95 ng/mg (range: 4.16–32.3 ng/mg). Comparing baseline PTCA levels of each subgroup with the others, we could not observe any statistically significant difference, except for Caucasians (P &lt; 0.05), wherein the concentrations were lower. Further studies and a wider sampling are necessary to elucidate the role of PTCA as diagnostic marker of cosmetic hair treatment in forensic field.
BaeR participates in cephalosporins susceptibility by regulating the expression level of outer membrane proteins in Escherichia coli
Authors: Wang Shuaiyang , You Chunbo , Memon Fareed Qumar , Zhang Geyin , Sun Yawei , Si Hongbin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The two-component system BaeSR participates in antibiotics resistance of Escherichia coli. To know whether the outer membrane proteins involve in the antibiotics resistance mediated by BaeSR, deletion of acrB was constructed and the recombined plasmid p-baeR was introduced into E. coli K12 and K12△acrB. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antibacterial agents were determined by 2-fold broth micro-dilution method. Gene expressions related with major outer membrane proteins and multidrug efflux pump-related genes were determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The results revealed that the MICs of K12ΔacrB to the tested drugs except for gentamycin and amikacin decreased 2- to 16.75-folds compared with those of K12. When BaeR was overexpressed, the MICs of K12ΔacrB/p-baeR to ceftiofur and cefotaxime increased 2.5- and 2-fold, respectively, compared with their corresponding that of K12△acrB. At the same time, the expression levels of ompC, ompF, ompW, ompA and ompX showed significant reduction in K12ΔacrB/p-baeR as compared with K12△acrB. Moreover, the expression levels of ompR, marA, rob and tolC also significantly ‘decreased’ in K12ΔacrB/p-baeR. These findings indicated that BaeR overproduction can decrease cephalosporins susceptibility in acrB-free E. coli by decreasing the expression level of outer membrane proteins.
Comparison Among Bone Marrow and Wheat Flour’s Mixture and Standard Treatment on Healing Second-Degree Burn Wound in Rats
Authors: Jafari Saboreh , Jalali Rostam , Jalili Cyrus , Jamshidpoor Tahereh 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe treatment of extensive skin burns remains as a challenge for health care personnel. This study aimed to compare the combination of bone marrow and wheat flour with standard treatment on animal models. In this experimental study, 45 male rats were randomly assigned into three groups as follows: The first group was control (no treatment), the second group received bone marrow and wheat flour combination topically, and the third group received standard treatment (1% silver sulfadiazine). The treatment lasted for up to 21 days. On the 22nd day, the rats were killed. The number of blood vessels and hair follicles was measured in the burn wound bed. The area and depth of the wound were also measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16. The results showed that, complete closure of the wound was better in the bone marrow treated group compared with the group receiving the silver sulfadiazine and the control group. Furthermore, the wound healing was better in the silver sulfadiazine group compared with the control group. Microscopic examination revealed a significant increase in the number of hair follicles and blood vessels in the bone marrow and silver groups compared with the control group. The results showed that, the group treated with bone marrow, because of the presence of mesenchymal and stem cells can cause stimulating angiogenesis and producing vegetative tissue, hence it improved maturation, shrinkage, and contraction of the wound in comparison with the silver sulfadiazine and control groups
Perceived Burnout Among Burn Surgeons: Results From a Survey of American Burn Association Members
Authors: Sutherland Mason , Kinslow Kyle , Boneva Dessy , McKenney Mark , Elkbuli Adel 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Burnout is a significant and increasingly recognized issue. They aimed to investigate burn surgeons’(BSurg) perceptions regarding burnout, contributing factors, and implications to better identity possible targeted interventions. A 42-question anonymous online survey was distributed by the ABA to BSurg members. Respondents included BSurgs in university or nonuniversity hospital settings. Experience of burnout was reported among 89.8% of university and 84.6% of nonuniversity hospital-affiliated respondents. After adjusting for confounders, university BSurgs exhibited a higher risk of perceived burnout compared with nonuniversity settings (aOR: 1.081, 95% CI: 0.237, 4.937). Women BSurgs were at 5 times higher risk of reporting burnout compared with men (aOR: 5.048, 95% CI: 0.488, 52.255). BSurgs aged 40 to 44 had twice the risk of reporting burnout as ≥50 (aOR: 1.985, 95% CI:0.018, 216.308). Practicing for 21 to 30 years had 12 times higher risk of reporting burnout than practicing &gt;30 (aOR: 12.264, 95% CI: 0.611, 246.041). Those working &lt;50 hr/wk reported burnout more frequently than those who work ≥80 hr/wk (aOR: 2.469, 95% CI: 0.80, 76.662). Overall reports of burnout were high amongst burn surgeon respondents. Those with 21 to 30 years of clinical practice were at significantly higher risk of reporting burnout despite believing that their colleagues’ burnout was more frequent than their own. Interventions addressing perceived burnout in younger burn surgeons may be limited by lack of participation due to fear of repercussions from administration or peers. Future administration-led burnout initiatives should acknowledge the differences between burn surgeon groups and offer resources unique to the individual physician’s needs for burnout prevention to be successful.
Crack development assessment using modal analysis in peridynamic theory
Authors: Freimanis Andris , Paeglitis Ainars 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIf structural damage remains undetected and is allowed to grow, structure's load-bearing capacity deteriorates, which can lead to costly repairs or in extreme cases its collapse. Modal analysis is widely used to detect structural damage because, when damage, such as cracks, is introduced, structure's geometrical and/or mechanical properties change, and these changes can be used for damage detection. Peridynamics is a non-local alternative to the continuum mechanics theory that represents forces and displacements using integral equations, which are defined even with discontinuous displacement fields, thus making this theory an attractive option for damage modeling. In this paper, authors verify peridynamic (PD) modal analysis against finite-element (FE) results, and validate it against experimental modal analysis results. The modal solver was implemented in the open-source program Peridigm and four different damage configurations were considered for verification and validation. The results show close agreement between the PD and the FE results, and the PD and the experimental results. Moreover, PD modal frequencies are shown to have similar accuracy to experimental data as the FE results. It is also shown that the frequency shifts are comparable between all three types of modal analysis. The PD mode shapes agreed well with both the FE and the experimental mode shapes at all considered damage configurations. Furthermore, the change in mode shapes from the introduced damage is similar in all three analyses.