bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensitive Method for the Confident Identification of Genetically Variant Peptides in Human Hair Keratin
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Burke Meghan C. , Wallace William E. , Liang Yuxue , Sheetlin Sergey L. , Mirokhin Yuri A. , Tchekhovskoi Dmitrii V. , Stein Stephen E. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractRecent reports have demonstrated that genetically variant peptides derived from human hair shaft proteins can be used to differentiate individuals of different biogeographic origins. We report a method involving direct extraction of hair shaft proteins more sensitive than previously published methods regarding GVP detection. It involves one step for protein extraction and was found to provide reproducible results. A detailed proteomic analysis of this data is presented that led to the following four results: (i) A peptide spectral library was created and made available for download. It contains all identified peptides from this work, including GVPs that, when appropriately expanded with diverse hair‐derived peptides, can provide a routine, reliable, and sensitive means of analyzing hair digests; (ii) an analysis of artifact peptides arising from side reactions is also made using a new method for finding unexpected modifications; (iii) detailed analysis of the gel‐based method employed clearly shows the high degree of cross‐linking or protein association involved in hair digestion, with major GVPs eluting over a wide range of high molecular weights while others apparently arise from distinct non‐cross‐linked proteins; and (v) finally, we show that some of the specific GVP identifications depend on the sample preparation method.
B‐mode Ultrasound Measurement of Facial Soft Tissue Thickness for Craniofacial Identification: A Standardized Approach
Authors: Meikle Brandon , Stephan Carl N. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractFacial soft tissue thicknesses (FSTT) have long formed a quantitative cornerstone of craniofacial identification methods. Measurement approaches could, however, be improved by standardization that enhances the utility/comparability of these FSTT data between studies and authors. This applies equally within the broad classes of measurement techniques, just as it does between them, where many different varieties of tools, tool settings, and practitioner techniques are used within each measurement modality. Although B‐mode ultrasound is popularly used and holds some prime advantages, such as the measurement of upright living subjects, technical recommendations that provide basic underlying data structure and standardization are essentially nonexistent. This paper provides the first systematic and illustrated description of a standardized B‐mode ultrasound measurement method designed to maximize data utility for craniofacial identification purposes.
Are Canned Beverages Industries Progressively Switching to Bisphenol AF?
Authors: Russo Giacomo , Varriale Fabio , Barbato Francesco , Grumetto Lucia 
Published: October 2019

AbstractSeven bisphenols, endocrine‐disruptor chemicals, were analytically determined for risk assessment in 52 large‐consumption beverages collected from the Italian market. The analytes under examination were bisphenol A, bisphenol F, bisphenol E, bisphenol B, bisphenol AF, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, and bisphenol M. The concentration levels of all bisphenols detected ranged from <LOQ to 1,358 ng/mL in beers and from <LOQ to 76 ng/mL in energy drinks. The results of this monitoring study demonstrate the high presence of some congeners in beers, such as bisphenol AF, for which a European regulation is not yet available. Although the concentrations of the investigated bisphenols and that are under European regulations for migration into the food (Bisphenol A and BADGE) resulted below the legal limits in all screened beverages, the importance of their presence in foods should not be underestimated. Indeed, the safety of these analogues has not entirely been demonstrated and they could contribute to the total daily intake of endocrine disruptors, with special regards to specific demographics.
Cell senescence contributes to tissue regeneration in zebrafish
Authors: Da Silva‐Álvarez Sabela , Guerra‐Varela Jorge , Sobrido‐Cameán Daniel , Quelle Ana , Barreiro‐Iglesias Antón , Sánchez Laura , Collado Manuel 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCellular senescence is a stress response that limits the proliferation of damaged cells by establishing a permanent cell cycle arrest. Different stimuli can trigger senescence but excessive production or impaired clearance of these cells can lead to their accumulation during aging with deleterious effects. Despite this potential negative side of cell senescence, its physiological role as a pro‐regenerative and morphogenetic force has emerged recently after the identification of programmed cell senescence during embryogenesis and during wound healing and limb regeneration. Here, we explored the conservation of tissue injury‐induced senescence in a model of complex regeneration, the zebrafish. Fin amputation in adult fish led to the appearance of senescent cells at the site of damage, and their removal impaired tissue regeneration. Despite many conceptual similarities, this tissue repair response is different from developmental senescence. Our results lend support to the notion that cell senescence is a positive response promoting tissue repair and homeostasis.
Default contagion and systemic risk in loan guarantee networks
Authors: Li Wenwei , Ben Shenglin , Hommel Ulrich , Paterlini Sandra , Yu Jiefang 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis paper studies systemic risk in the Chinese debt market stemming from inter‐corporate loan guarantees using field data from Zhejiang Province. We apply a weighted and directed network model to analyse the implications for default contagion and systemic risk under different stress testing scenarios. The empirical results indicate that the topology of the loan guarantee network is close to a ‘scale‐free’ structure, which is known to be robust against accidental failures but vulnerable to coordinated attacks. Hence, the network is able to cope with idiosyncratic shocks resulting from single company failures, but can easily suffer from more widespread contagion if a group of systemically important companies are hit by a targeted shock. We further demonstrate that within our sample of small and medium‐sized enterprise (SME) companies, increasing leverage reduces network stability and exacerbates the effects of contagion. More lenient bank lending policies increase the survival rate of sample companies and thereby reduce the losses from default contagion.
Novel laparoscopic cornual resection of interstitial pregnancy using the Endo GIA™ Universal Stapler (Medtronic): A series of 12 cases
Authors: Yoong Wai , Neophytou Christina , de Silva Lester , Adeyemo Adewale , Lodhi Wasim 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundThe maternal mortality of interstitial pregnancy is five times greater than that of other ectopic gestations due to potential haemorrhage. Minimal access surgical techniques usually comprise cornual resection and cornuostomy, requiring laparoscopic suturing skills.AimTo describe a case series using a laparoscopic automatic stapling device with reloadable cartridges to resect the cornu, enabling surgeons less familiar with intracorporeal suturing to avoid laparotomy when managing interstitial pregnancy.Materials and MethodsTwelve cases of laparoscopic cornual resections for interstitial pregnancies with the Endo GIA™ Universal Stapler (Medtronic) were collected prospectively over eight years. Outcome measures include human chorionic gonadotropin beta subunit (hβCG) levels, successful laparoscopic completion, estimated blood loss, intra‐and post‐operative complications and length of stay.ResultsMedian age and gestation at surgery were 31 years (range: 20–44) and eight weeks (range: 5–12), respectively. All involved live interstitial gestations, and 4/12 cases had significant haemoperitoneum at laparoscopy. The median blood loss was 300 mL (range 100–3500), and five women had blood loss >500 mL. The median serum hβCG level was 6429 IU/L (range: 1800–58690), and the median ectopic size was 4 cm (range 2–6). All cases were completed laparoscopically with no intra‐ or post‐operative complications, although two women required blood transfusions. Median length of stay was 40 h. Further pregnancies could only be followed in 2/12 cases due to the migratory nature of our local population.ConclusionWe describe a case series of 12 laparoscopic cornual resections for interstitial pregnancies using Endo GIA™ Universal Stapler, which simultaneously staples and transects the tissues, thus minimising the need for laparoscopic intracorporeal suturing.
An international survey about rapid sequence intubation of 10,003 anaesthetists and 16 airway experts
Authors: Zdravkovic M. , Berger‐Estilita J. , Sorbello M. , Hagberg C. A. 
Published: October 2019

SummaryPulmonary aspiration of gastric content is a significant cause of anaesthesia‐related morbidity and mortality. High‐quality prospective randomised evidence to support prevention strategies, such as rapid sequence intubation, is difficult to generate due to well‐described practical, ethical and methodological barriers. We aimed to generate an understanding of worldwide practice through surveying clinically practicing anaesthetists and airway experts. Our survey was designed to assess the influence of: departmental standards; patient factors; socio‐economic factors; training; and supervision. We surveyed 10,003 anaesthetists who responded to an invitation to participate on LinkedIn. We then surveyed 16 international airway experts on the same content. When asked about a hypothetical patient with intestinal obstruction, respondents expressed preferences for [OR (95%CI)]: the head‐up or ‐down position 4.26 (3.98–4.55), p < 0.001; nasogastric tube insertion 29.5 (26.9–32.3), p < 0.001; and the use of cricoid force 2.80 (2.62–3.00), p < 0.001, as compared with a hypothetical patient without intestinal obstruction also requiring rapid sequence intubation. Respondents from lower income countries were more likely to prefer [OR (95%CI]: the supine position 2.33 (2.00–2.63), p < 0.001; nasogastric tube insertion 1.29 (1.09–1.51), p = 0.002; and cricoid force application 2.54 (2.09–3.09), p < 0.001 as compared with respondents from higher income countries for a hypothetical patient with intestinal obstruction. This survey, which we believe is the largest of its kind, demonstrates that preferences for positioning, nasogastric tube use and cricoid force application during rapid sequence intubation vary substantially. Achieving agreed consensus may yield better training in the principles of rapid sequence intubation.
Cycles, waves, and pulses: Retinoic acid and the organization of spermatogenesis
Authors: Gewiss Rachel , Topping Traci , Griswold Michael D. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundSpermatogenesis in mammals is organized in a manner that maximizes sperm production. The central aspect of this organization is the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium that is characterized by an asynchronous repeating series of germ cell associations. These cell associations are the result of a fixed point of entry into the cycle at regular short time intervals and the longer time required for cells to fully differentiate and exit the cycle.ObjectiveThis review will examine the current information on the action and metabolism of retinoic acid in the testis, the interaction of retinoic acid (RA) with the cycle and the spermatogenic wave, and the mechanisms that can lead to synchronous spermatogenesis. Finally, the unique applications of synchronous spermatogenesis to the study of the cycle and the mass isolation of specific germ cell populations are described.Materials and methodsRetinoic acid metabolism and spermatogonial differentiation have been examined by gene deletions, immunocytochemistry, chemical inhibitors, and mass spectrometry.Results, discussion, and conclusionBoth the Sertoli cells and the germ cells have the capacity to synthesize retinoic acid from retinol and in the mouse the entry into the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium, and the subsequent conversion of undifferentiated spermatogonia into differentiating spermatogonia is governed by a peak of RA synthesis occurring at stages VIII‐IX of the cycle. Normal asynchronous spermatogenesis can be modified by altering RA levels, and as a result the entire testis will consist of a few closely related stages of the cycle.
Fertility in adult men born with hypospadias: A nationwide register‐based cohort study on birthrates, the use of assisted reproductive technologies and infertility
Authors: Skarin Nordenvall Anna , Chen Qi , Norrby Christina , Lundholm Cecilia , Frisén Louise , Nordenström Anna , Almqvist Catarina , Nordenskjöld Agneta 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundFertility in men with hypospadias may be affected due to anatomical, surgical, or etiological factors and associated conditions. Fertility is further influenced by psychosocial and genetic factors, often shared within families.ObjectiveTo evaluate fertility in men born with hypospadias and assess confounding by familial factors.Materials and methodsA population‐based cohort of 1.2 million men born in Sweden 1964‐1998, identified through national demographic and healthcare registers. Associations between hypospadias and (a) being a biological father, (b) conceiving through ART, and (c) diagnosis of male infertility were investigated in the full cohort with logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazard models, expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs), respectively, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A stratified proportional hazard model, conditional on sibling group, was used to control for shared familial confounding.ResultsMen with hypospadias, as a whole group, had a lower probability of having biological children (adjusted HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.83‐0.92). A significant association was present in both distal (adjusted HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85‐0.96) and proximal hypospadias (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.42‐0.81). Men with hypospadias more often became fathers through ART, regardless of concomitant cryptorchidism. The initial association between hypospadias and the diagnosis of infertility disappeared in sensitivity analyses excluding cryptorchidism.DiscussionMen with hypospadias displayed lower birthrates as compared to their brothers and the general population. Mere birthrates may, however, be a questionable measure of fertility in a population using family planning. However, men with hypospadias were also at higher risk of reproducing through ART and did more often receive a diagnosis of male infertility. Altogether, these findings indicate impaired fertility in men with hypospadias.ConclusionsFertility in men with hypospadias is impaired, as shown by lower birthrates, increased use of ART and higher risk of receiving a diagnosis of male infertility.
On the Coloniality of “New” Mega‐Infrastructure Projects in East Africa
Authors: Enns Charis , Bersaglio Brock 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis article responds to a preference for short‐term history in research on the infrastructure turn by engaging with the longue durée of East Africa’s latest infrastructure scramble. It traces the history of LAPSSET in Kenya and the Central Corridor in Tanzania, revealing the coloniality of new and improved transport infrastructure along both corridors. This exercise demonstrates how the spatial visions and territorial plans of colonial administrators get built in to new infrastructure and materialise in ways that serve the interests of global capital rather than peasant and indigenous peoples being promised more modern, prosperous futures. The article concludes by suggesting that a focus on the longue durée also reveals uneven patterns of mobility and immobility set in motion during the colonial scramble for Africa and reinforced after independence. These “colonial moorings” are significant as they shape political reactions to new mega‐infrastructure projects today and constrain the emancipatory potential of infrastructure‐led development.
Perceptions, outcomes, and regret following social egg freezing in the UK; a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Jones Benjamin P. , Kasaven Lorraine , L'Heveder Ariadne , Jalmbrant Maria , Green Joy , Makki Mahmoud , Odia Rabi , Morris Guy , Bracewell Milnes Timothy , Saso Srdjan , Serhal Paul , Ben Nagi Jara 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIntroductionSocial egg freezing enhances reproductive autonomy by empowering women with the capacity to delay their childbearing years, while preserving the opportunity to maintain biological relation with subsequent offspring. However, age‐related obstetric complications, economic implications and the risk of unsuccessful future treatment make it a controversial option. Despite the upward trend in women electively cryopreserving their eggs, there is limited data about the women’s perceptions, having undergone the process. The aim of this study was to investigate the motivations of women who have undergone social egg freezing, identify their perceptions following treatment, and assess potential feelings of regret.Material and methodsThis cross‐sectional survey, based at a fertility clinic in the UK, used an electronic questionnaire to assess the motivations and perceptions of women who underwent social egg freezing between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2018.ResultsOne hundred questionnaires were distributed, and 85 women responded (85% response rate). The most frequent reason for freezing oocytes was not having a partner with 56 (70%) women saying it “definitely” influenced their decision. The majority of women (83%; n = 68) knew there was a chance of treatment failure in the future and that a live birth could not be guaranteed. More than half (n = 39; 51%) disagreed or strongly disagreed that the 10‐year UK storage limit is fair. One‐third of respondents (n = 17; 33%) felt the storage time should be indefinite and 29% (n = 15) believed it should be up to the age of 50. Twenty percent (n = 15) of the women who underwent social egg freezing have successfully had a baby or are currently pregnant, half (n = 8; 53%) of whom conceived spontaneously and a quarter (n = 4; 26%) used their stored oocytes. In all, 91% (n = 73) had no regrets over their decision to undergo social egg freezing.ConclusionsWe demonstrate herein important and novel insights into the motivations and perceptions of women from a UK population who have undergone social egg freezing. Despite potential physical, psychological, and financial burdens, only a small minority of women experience regret after social egg freezing. We also highlight clear discontent with the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority storage limit among social egg freezers in the UK.
Effects of long working hours and shift work during pregnancy on obstetric and perinatal outcomes: A large prospective cohort study—Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Suzumori Nobuhiro , Ebara Takeshi , Matsuki Taro , Yamada Yasuyuki , Kato Sayaka , Omori Toyonori , Saitoh Shinji , Kamijima Michihiro , Sugiura‐Ogasawara Mayumi ,   the Japan Environment & Children’s Study Group
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe work patterns of pregnant women may be related to adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes. This study aimed to clarify the effects of weekly working time according to frequencies of night shifts during pregnancy on adverse outcomes in Japan.MethodsThe Japan Environment and Children's Study, a prospective cohort study, was conducted in 15 regions nationwide in Japan. The study population included pregnant women with singleton pregnancies (n = 99 744). The mothers’ working hours and frequencies of night shifts during the first and the second/third trimesters were assessed using a self‐administered questionnaire. Outcome data were collected from medical transcripts.ResultsCompared with nonworking women, women who worked during pregnancy had significantly increased adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of threatened miscarriage (maximum aOR: 1.47, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.26‐1.73) and of threatened preterm labor (maximum aOR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.41‐1.87). Increased aORs were observed for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (maximum aOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.39‐2.93) in women working ≥36 hours per week with night shifts, for vacuum/forceps delivery (maximum aOR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.22‐1.48) at ≥36 hours with or without night shifts, and for small‐for‐gestational‐age babies (aOR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.10‐1.59) at ≥46 hours with night shifts. In contrast, lower aORs were observed for gestational diabetes and meconium‐stained amniotic fluid in women working without night shifts.ConclusionsWork during pregnancy slightly increased the risks of threatened miscarriage and threatened preterm labor. Long working hours increased the risks of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, vacuum/forceps delivery, and small‐for‐gestational‐age babies.
A relational perspective on women’s empowerment: Intimate partner violence and empowerment among women entrepreneurs in Vietnam
Authors: Huis Marloes Anne , Hansen Nina , Lensink Robert , Otten Sabine 
Published: October 2019

Research has mainly studied women’s empowerment assessing personal (e.g., self‐esteem) or relational (e.g., decision‐making) empowerment indicators. Women are not isolated individuals; they are embedded in social relationships. This is especially relevant in more collectivist societies. The current research provides a relational perspective on how husbands may hamper women’s empowerment by inflicting intimate partner violence (IPV) assessing women’s self‐reported experience. We tested the link between self‐esteem and experienced IPV on financial intra‐household decision‐making power among women entrepreneurs (N = 1,347) in Northern Vietnam, a collectivistic society undergoing economic development. We report two measurement points. As expected, self‐esteem (and not IPV) was positively related to more power in intra‐household decision‐making on small expenditures, which are traditionally taken by women. However, IPV (and not self‐esteem) was related to less decision‐making power on larger expenditures, traditionally a domain outside women’s power. We test and discuss the directionality of the effects and stress the importance of considering women’s close relationship when investigating signs of women’s empowerment.