bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gut enterotypes are stable during Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus probiotic supplementation
Authors: Haddad Eliot N. , Sugino Kameron Y. , Tucker Robin M. , Comstock Sarah S. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe human gut microbiome has been classified into three distinct enterotypes (Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Ruminococcus). The relationship between probiotics and gut enterotype is not yet clear. Cayenne pepper is effective in vitro as a prebiotic for Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, so cayenne ingestion with probiotics may lead to more profound gut microbial shifts. We aimed to determine whether probiotics (with or without cayenne pepper) alter gut bacterial community composition and if these changes are associated with the original gut enterotype of the individual. A total of 27 adult participants provided three fecal samples: prior to probiotic treatment (baseline), post probiotic treatment (probiotic), and post probiotic plus cayenne pepper treatment (probiotic + cayenne). DNA was extracted, amplified, and the V4 region sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform using V2 chemistry. Sequence reads were processed in mothur and assigned using the SILVA reference by phylotype. Three enterotypes characterized the study population—Bacteroides (B; n = 6), Prevotella (P; n = 11), and Ruminoccocus (R; n = 10). There was no significant increase in probiotic genera in fecal samples after treatment periods. Alpha diversity scores were significantly lower in B‐type but not in P‐ or R‐type individuals after probiotic treatment. For the majority of individuals, their enterotype remained constant regardless of probiotic (and cayenne) treatment. This suggests that baseline gut community characteristics and enterotype classification influence responsiveness to probiotic treatment, but that enterotype is stable across administration of prebiotic and probiotics.Practical ApplicationA person's gut microbial community influences their responsiveness to probiotics and prebiotic ingredients. Consumers must understand that it is difficult to shift their gut microbiota even with simultaneous administration of prebiotic and probiotic. Greater understanding of these phenomena will enable consumers to choose the most efficacious products for their needs.
Epigraphica Dusaria I. Some Nabataean, Hismaic and Hismaic/Nabataean inscriptions with rock drawings from the Ḥismā desert, north‐west of Tabūk (Saudi Arabia)
Authors: Norris Jérôme , Al‐Manaser Ali 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis paper studies a group of inscriptions and rock drawings from Ṭūr al‐Qawwās in the Ḥismā desert (Saudi Arabia). These include two Nabataean and three Hismaic inscriptions, in addition to a Hismaic/Nabataean bilingual. The presence of Hismaic and Nabataean texts carved side by side as well as this new ANA/Nabataean bilingual raise the question of the linguistic diversity in northern Arabia and that of the relationships between the Nabataeans and their nomadic neighbours. From the point of view of Nabataean grammar, the texts provide us with new lexical items at the same time as they illustrate a new example of an optative use of the prefix conjugation. One of the inscriptions is a prayer to Dushara that exhibits a unique religious formula requesting the deity’s protection. Leading to reflect on the association of rock art with Nabataean inscriptions, the drawings are also of interest. They include a rare representation of a bird, possibly an eagle, which could find its source of influence in the Nabataean sculpture. Just as interesting are a cameleer dressed withizārandridāʾ, and the figure of a saddled equid which suggests, for the first time, an occasional employment of horse saddles among the Nabataeans.
Randomized Trial of Therapy Dogs Versus Deliberative Coloring (Art Therapy) to Reduce Stress in Emergency Medicine Providers
Authors: Kline Jeffrey A. , VanRyzin Kimberly , Davis Jacob C. , Parra Jonathan A. , Todd Maxwell L. , Shaw Liza L. , Haggard Benjamin R. , Fisher Michelle A. , Pettit Katherine L. , Beck Alan M. 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTObjectiveCognitive stress during shift work contributes to burnout in emergency department (ED) workers. We hypothesize that if physicians and nurses interact with a therapy dog for 5 minutes while on ED shift, both their perceived and their manifested stress levels will decrease.MethodsIn this single‐center, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial (NCT03628820), we tested the effectiveness of therapy dogs versus coloring a mandala and versus no intervention (control) on provider stress. Consenting emergency medicine physicians and nurses provided three self‐reported assessments of stress and saliva samples at the start (T1), at the middle (T2), and near the end (T3) of shift. Thirty minutes prior to T2, participants were randomized to either interacting with a therapy dog or coloring for 5 minutes; controls had neither. Stress was assessed on visual analog scale (VAS, 0–100 mm) and with salivary cortisol (Salimetrics) and the modified Perceived Stress Scale (mPSS‐10). To assess potential change in participant behavior, patients of providers in either group were asked to complete an internally derived survey of empathic behaviors displayed by providers at T1 and T3.ResultsWe enrolled 122 providers (n = 39 control, n = 40 coloring, n = 43 dog); 48% were residents, and 60% enrolled on an evening shift. At T1, mean (±SD) VAS score was not different between groups (18.2 [±17.8] mm). At T3, VAS tended to increase with coloring (24.5 mm), remain unchanged in controls (20 mm), and decreased slightly with dogs (13.6 mm, p = 0.018 vs. coloring, Tukey’s post hoc). Salivary cortisol levels were consistently highest at the beginning of each providers’ shift and were significantly decreased versus control in both the dog and the coloring groups (p < 0.05, Tukeyʼs). We observed no difference between groups for the mPSS‐10 nor in patient reported survey of empathic behaviors.ConclusionThis randomized controlled clinical trial demonstrates preliminary evidence that a 5‐minute therapy dog interaction while on shift can reduce provider stress in ED physicians and nurses.
Dihydromyricetin Protects the Liver via Changes in Lipid Metabolism and Enhanced Ethanol Metabolism
Authors: Silva Joshua , Yu Xin , Moradian Renita , Folk Carson , Spatz Maximilian H. , Kim Phoebe , Bhatti Adil A. , Davies Daryl L. , Liang Jing 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundExcess alcohol (ethanol, EtOH) consumption is a significant cause of chronic liver disease, accounting for nearly half of the cirrhosis‐associated deaths in the United States. EtOH‐induced liver toxicity is linked to EtOH metabolism and its associated increase in proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and the subsequent activation of Kupffer cells. Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a bioflavonoid isolated from Hovenia dulcis, can reduce EtOH intoxication and potentially protect against chemical‐induced liver injuries. But there remains a paucity of information regarding the effects of DHM on EtOH metabolism and liver protection. As such, the current study tests the hypothesis that DHM supplementation enhances EtOH metabolism and reduces EtOH‐mediated lipid dysregulation, thus promoting hepatocellular health.MethodsThe hepatoprotective effect of DHM (5 and 10 mg/kg; intraperitoneal injection) was evaluated using male C57BL/6J mice and a forced drinking ad libitum EtOH feeding model and HepG2/VL‐17A hepatoblastoma cell models. EtOH‐mediated lipid accumulation and DHM effects against lipid deposits were determined via H&E stains, triglyceride measurements, and intracellular lipid dyes. Protein expression of phosphorylated/total proteins and serum and hepatic cytokines was determined via Western blot and protein array. Total NAD+/NADH Assay of liver homogenates was used to detect NAD + levels.ResultsDHM reduced liver steatosis, liver triglycerides, and liver injury markers in mice chronically fed EtOH. DHM treatment resulted in increased activation of AMPK and downstream targets, carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT)‐1a, and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC)‐1. DHM induced expression of EtOH‐metabolizing enzymes and reduced EtOH and acetaldehyde concentrations, effects that may be partly explained by changes in NAD+. Furthermore, DHM reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in sera and cell models.ConclusionIn total, these findings support the utility of DHM as a dietary supplement to reduce EtOH‐induced liver injury via changes in lipid metabolism, enhancement of EtOH metabolism, and suppressing inflammation responses to promote liver health.
Socio‐economic differences in all‐cause mortality in people with alcohol use disorder: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Rossow Ingeborg , Amundsen Ellen J. , Samuelsen Sven Ove 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground and aimsWhile alcohol‐attributable mortality rates are higher in low socio‐economic status (SES) groups, less is known about SES differences in all‐cause mortality in alcohol use disorder (AUD). The aim of this study was to explore whether there are SES differences in people with AUD, regarding (i) treatment admission, (ii) all‐cause mortality risk and (iii) relative mortality risk.Design and settingA prospective cohort study in Norway, follow‐up period from 2009–10 to 2013. Data on SES and mortality were obtained through linkages to national registries, using national unique ID numbers.ParticipantsAUD patients (age 20+) admitted to treatment in 2009–10 (n = 11 726) and age and gender frequency‐matched controls from the general population (n = 12 055).MeasurementsThe SES indicator was education level (low, intermediate and high). Mortality was calculated as deaths per 1000 person‐years during the 4‐year observation period.FindingsAdmission to AUD treatment was elevated in the low compared with the high SES categories (OR = 3.31, 95% CI = 3.09, 3.55). Among AUD patients, mortality risk was elevated in the low SES category (HR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.45). Relative mortality risk from AUD was significantly higher in the high SES (HR = 8.65, 95% CI = 6.16, 12.14) compared with the low SES categories (HR = 3.29, 95% CI = 2.61, 4.15).ConclusionAdmission to treatment for alcohol use disorders in Norway appears to decrease with increasing socio‐economic status, and relative mortality risk from alcohol use disorder appears to increase with increasing socio‐economic status.
Characterizing the predictive validity of measures of susceptibility to future use of combustible, vaporized and edible cannabis products in adolescent never‐users
Authors: Barrington‐Trimis Jessica L. , Bae Dayoung , Schiff Sara , Davis Jordan , Unger Jennifer B. , Leventhal Adam M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground and aimsThe construct of susceptibility to substance use initiation (i.e. cognitive proclivity to future use) is critical for prevention efforts in adolescent populations. This study aimed to provide empirical evidence for the validity of the susceptibility construct for different cannabis products (i.e. combustible, edible or vaporized cannabis), and evaluate whether susceptibility measures are predictive of subsequent initiation.DesignProspective cohort study including baseline data (Spring 2015) and four follow‐up surveys administered every 6 months through Spring 2017.SettingTen schools in the Los Angeles, California metropolitan area.ParticipantsAdolescents [n = 2100; mean age = 16.1; standard deviation (SD) = 0.41; 54% female] who reported never having used any cannabis product at baseline.MeasurementsWe assessed five indices of a susceptibility to use cannabis composite index at baseline, adapted from a validated tobacco use index (intention to use, willingness, curiosity and positive/negative cannabis use outcome expectancies, with four response categories, definitely not [1] to definitely yes [4]), by cannabis product (combustible, edible or vaporized). A composite index was created for each product by averaging responses across the five susceptibility items. Subsequent initiation of use of each cannabis product was assessed at each follow‐up wave.FindingsFactorial validity for unidimensionality for each five‐item index (by product) was confirmed. The composite index for susceptibility to cannabis use was greatest for combustible (mean = 1.44; SD = 0.58), moderate for edible (mean = 1.37; SD = 0.53) and lowest for vaporized cannabis (mean = 1.30; SD = 0.44). The associations of each composite susceptibility index with subsequent initiation of that product and each of the other cannabis products over follow‐up (i.e. cross‐product associations) were statistically significant, with hazard ratios ranging from 2.30 to 2.80 across 24 months of follow‐up (all Ps < 0.05).ConclusionsA five‐item susceptibility to cannabis use composite index (by product) appears to be useful for characterizing and predicting youth at risk for cannabis use initiation across a spectrum of cannabis products.
Bilirubin estimates from smartphone images of newborn infants’ skin correlated highly to serum bilirubin levels
Authors: Aune Anders , Vartdal Gunnar , Bergseng Håkon , Randeberg Lise Lyngsnes , Darj Elisabeth 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimNeonatal jaundice is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, and identifying the condition remains a challenge. This study evaluated a novel method of estimating bilirubin levels from colour‐calibrated smartphone images.MethodsA cross‐sectional prospective study was undertaken at two hospitals in Norway from February 2017 to March 2019, with standardised illumination at one hospital and non‐standardised illumination at the other hospital. Healthy term‐born infants with a normal birthweight were recruited up to 15 days of age. The main outcome measures were bilirubin estimates from digital images, plus total bilirubin in serum (TSB) and transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB).ResultsBilirubin estimates were performed for 302 newborn infants, and 76 had severe jaundice. The correlation between the smartphone estimates and TSB was measured by Pearson's r and was .84 for the whole sample. The correlation between the image estimates and TcB was 0.81. There were no significant differences between the hospitals. Sensitivity was 100%, and specificity was 69% for identifying severe jaundice of more than 250 µmol/L.ConclusionA smartphone‐based tool that estimated bilirubin levels from digital images identified severe jaundice with high sensitivity and could provide a screening tool for neonatal jaundice.
Canadian consumer acceptance of gene‐edited versus genetically modified potatoes: A choice experiment approach
Authors: Muringai Violet , Fan Xiaoli , Goddard Ellen 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn 2016, second‐generation genetically modified (GM) potatoes were approved for production and sale in Canada. In this study, we analyze how consumer acceptance of GM potatoes may be affected by various factors, including the trait introduced (i.e., the product benefits), the type of breeding technology used, and the developer of the potato using any technology. We conduct an online survey and use a stated choice experiment to collect data on consumer acceptance of GM and other potatoes in Canada. Random utility models are used to analyze the economic value consumers place on the various attributes of the potatoes. Our results show that consumers are willing to pay more for a health attribute (reduced acrylamide produced when potatoes are fried) and an environmental attribute. Respondents in general need to face discounted prices to buy potatoes created by either gene editing or GM (either transgenic or cisgenic/intragenic) technologies. However, consumers are in general more accepting of the gene editing technology than the GM technologies. Our results also show that government is the most preferred developer of the potatoes, regardless of technology. Results from this study can help guide public and private management of the introduction of new foods when the products are developed with unpopular technologies.
Lessons Never Learned: Crisis and gender‐based violence
Authors: John Neetu , Casey Sara E , Carino Giselle , McGovern Terry 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic exposes underlying inequalities in our socio‐economic and health systems, such as gender‐based violence (GBV). In emergencies, particularly ones that involve quarantine, GBV often increases. Policymakers must utilize community expertise, technology and existing global guidelines to disrupt these trends in the early stages of the COVID‐19 epidemic. Gender norms and roles relegating women to the realm of care work puts them on the frontlines in an epidemic, while often excluding them from developing the response. It is critical to value women’s roles in society and include their voices in the decision‐making process to avoid unintended consequences and ensure a comprehensive response that caters to the needs of the most vulnerable groups.
What have we learned about renal protection from the cardiovascular outcome trials and observational analyses with SGLT2 inhibitors?
Authors: Sridhar Vikas S. , Rahman Habib U. , Cherney David Z.I. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractOver the past 5 years, sodium‐glucose cotransport 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been increasingly regarded as glycaemic agents with cardiovascular (CV) and renal protective effects. The CV benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors have been well established in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and a range of CV comorbidities at baseline. Subsequently, the renal benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors were established in the CREDENCE trial, a dedicated renal outcome trial where canagliflozin reduced the primary composite renal outcome by 30%. In light of these trials, clinical practice guidelines have rapidly evolved, recommending the use of SGLT2 inhibitors as renal and cardioprotective agents in appropriate patient populations. Accordingly, it is important to have an in‐depth understanding of the evidence underlying the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with T2D based on published clinical trials and real‐world evidence (RWE) studies, as well as information related to potential safety concerns. To accomplish this, we reviewed the evidence for renal protection and safety with SGLT2 inhibitors in the EMPA‐REG OUTCOME, CANVAS Program and DECLARE‐TIMI 58 CV safety trials, and in the growing body of evidence emerging from real‐world studies. This body of work has shown that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the risk of surrogate renal endpoints such as albuminuria and mitigate the risk of hard renal endpoints including doubling of serum creatinine and end‐stage kidney disease in patients with T2D.
An updated overview of diabetic nephropathy: Diagnosis, prognosis, treatment goals and latest guidelines
Authors: Selby Nicholas M. , Taal Maarten W. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDiabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major healthcare challenge. It occurs in up to 50% of those living with diabetes, is a major cause of end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) that requires treatment with dialysis or renal transplantation, and is associated with significantly increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. DN is a clinical syndrome characterized by persistent albuminuria and a progressive decline in renal function, but it is increasingly recognized that the presentation and clinical course of kidney disease in diabetes is heterogeneous. The term diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is now commonly used to encompass the spectrum of people with diabetes who have either albuminuria or reductions in renal function. In this article, the clinical presentation and approach to diagnosis of DKD will be discussed, as will its prognosis. The general principles of management of DKD will also be reviewed with reference to current international guidelines.
Legacy effects override soil properties for CO2 and N2O but not CH4 emissions following digestate application to soil
Authors: Rosace Maria Chiara , Veronesi Fabio , Briggs Stephen , Cardenas Laura M. , Jeffery Simon 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe application of organic materials to soil can recycle nutrients and increase organic matter in agricultural lands. Digestate can be used as a nutrient source for crop production but it has also been shown to stimulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from amended soils. While edaphic factors, such as soil texture and pH, have been shown to be strong determinants of soil GHG fluxes, the impact of the legacy of previous management practices is less well understood. Here we aim to investigate the impact of such legacy effects and to contrast them against soil properties to identify the key determinants of soil GHG fluxes following digestate application. Soil from an already established field experiment was used to set up a pot experiment, to evaluate N2O, CH4 and CO2 fluxes from cattle‐slurry‐digestate amended soils. The soil had been treated with farmyard manure, green manure or synthetic N‐fertilizer, 18 months before the pot experiment was set up. Following homogenization and a preincubation stage, digestate was added at a concentration of 250 kg total N/ha eq. Soil GHG fluxes were then sampled over a 64 day period. The digestate stimulated emissions of the three GHGs compared to controls. The legacy of previous soil management was found to be a key determinant of CO2 and N2O flux while edaphic variables did not have a significant effect across the range of variables included in this experiment. Conversely, edaphic variables, in particular texture, were the main determinant of CH4 flux from soil following digestate application. Results demonstrate that edaphic factors and current soil management regime alone are not effective predictors of soil GHG flux response following digestate application. Knowledge of the site management in terms of organic amendments is required to make robust predictions of the likely soil GHG flux response following digestate application to soil.
Efficacy and safety of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in patients with hepatitis C virus infection aged ≥75 years
Authors: Kinoshita Akiyoshi , Koike Kazuhiko , Mizuno Yusuke , Ogata Itsuro , Kobayashi Yutaro , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Shiraishi Koichi , Yoshida Hideo , Nakata Ryo , Yamada Norie , Yasuda Kiyomi 
Published: April 2020

AimOpportunities to treat older patients with hepatitis C virus infection have increased. We investigated the efficacy and safety of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in patients with HCV infection aged ≥75 years.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 131 patients with hepatitis C virus infection treated with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir at nine institutions in Japan. The patients were divided into two groups according to their age: the elderly group (n = 43, aged ≥75 years) and younger group (n = 88, aged <75 years). We compared the clinical characteristics, virologic response and adverse events between the two groups. The predictive factors for adverse events were also assessed.ResultsThe presence of cirrhosis (27.9%), a history of hepatocellular carcinoma (23.3%) and comorbidities (88.4%) were more frequently observed in the elderly group than in the younger group. Six (14.0%) patients in the elderly group and 19 (21.6%) in the younger group dropped out before the sustained virologic response 12 assessment. In the intention‐to‐treat population, 86.0% in the elderly group and 78.4% in the younger group achieved sustained virologic response 12 (P = 0.30). In the modified intention‐to‐treat population, all patients achieved sustained virologic response 12. A total of 27.5% of patients experienced adverse events. The most frequently observed adverse events was pruritus, and was significantly associated with female sex, the presence of hemodialysis and serum albumin at baseline <4.0 g/dL.ConclusionGlecaprevir/pibrentasvir therapy was effective and well tolerated, even in elderly patients with hepatitis C virus infection aged ≥75 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••–••.