bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Report of Blastocystis Infection in Pigs from Large Farms in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Wang Rongjun , Zhang Ying , Jiang Yuxi , Xing Jinming , Tao Dayong , Qi Meng 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBlastocystis is a common intestinal protozoan in humans and various animals worldwide. A few studies have reported the genetic characterization of Blastocystis in pigs in China, but no epidemiological data are available from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. In this study, 801 fecal samples were collected from seven scale pig farms in Xinjiang and tested by polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis of the partial SSU rRNA gene. The average infection rate of Blastocystis was 21.7% (174/801), with 7.1% in preweaning piglets, 10.0% in postweaning piglets, 31.8% in fattening pigs, and 41.9% in sows (χ2 = 104.89; P < 0.01). Blastocystis subtypes ST1 (7/174), ST3 (2/174), and ST5 (165/174) were identified, with subtype ST5 being predominant in each of the pig farms and in each of the age groups. ST3 and ST5 were identified in preweaning piglets, and ST1, ST3, and ST5 were identified in postweaning piglets. In contrast, only the subtype ST5 was observed in fattening pigs and sows. Genetic polymorphisms were observed at the intrasubtype level, including two variations of ST1 (ST1A, ST1B), and seven of ST5 (ST5A to ST5G), by sequence alignment analysis and phylogenetic analysis. More studies are needed to elucidate the transmission and public health significance of Blastocystis in pigs in various areas.
Efficacy of IPL therapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lu Lingling , Shi Meiling , Chen Zhiwei 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundIntense pulse light (IPL) has been adopted by numerous patients. However, no existing study has analyzed the efficiency and safety of IPL in the treatment of acne vulgaris.ObjectiveTo assess the efficiency and safety of IPL in the treatment of acne vulgaris.MethodsElectronic databases, including Embase, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE, were retrieved to identify related studies. In this study, the primary and secondary outcomes were the mean percentage reduction of inflammatory acne lesion improvement (MPRI) and the mean percentage reduction of noninflammatory acne lesion improvement (NMPRI), respectively. Between‐study heterogeneities were assessed using the I 2 statistic.ResultsEight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 450 patients were enrolled into the present analysis. With regard to MPRI, the result of IPL group was poorer than that of control group [mean deviation (MD) = −4.37 (95% confidence interval CI: −7.83, −0.91),P = .01]. In addition, the efficiency of IPL was poor among African and Asian populations [MD = −3.87 (95% CI: −7.36, −0.37),P = .03; MD = −28.37 (95% CI: −52.26, −4.18),P = .02]. Meanwhile, difference in the efficiency between IPL and 1064 nm Nd:YAG was not statistically significant [MD = −3.25 (95% CI: −7.01, −0.51).P = .09]. Besides, the efficiency of IPL was lower than that of PDL [MD = −28.37 (95% CI: −52.26, −4.18),P = .02]. There was no statistically significant difference in the efficiency between IPL and other treatments for NMPRI. With regard to adverse effects, erythema (46.73%) and pain (39.13%) were the most common.ConclusionsIPL is not so efficient as other supplementary therapies. For inflammatory acne lesions, the efficiency of IPL is poorer than that of PDT. Difference in geographic regions may affect the IPL efficiency. However, the results obtained in this study should be cautiously interpreted due to the heterogeneities and the lack of studies with a large sample size.
Assessment of ADMA, IMA, and Vitamin A and E Levels in Patients with Acne Vulgaris
Authors: Tunçez Akyürek Fatma , Saylam Kurtipek Gulcan , Kurku Huseyin , Akyurek Fikret , Unlu Ali , Abusoglu Sedat , Ataseven Arzu 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundAcne vulgaris is a common skin disease in adolescents known to be associated with oxidative stress. However, the number of studies in which oxidative stress and antioxidants are evaluated together is limited.AimsIn this study, we aimed to investigate L‐arginine/nitric oxide (NO) pathway metabolites, ischemia‐modified albumin (IMA), and vitamin A and E levels in patients with acne and its association with disease severity.Patients/MethodsNinety patients with acne and 30 healthy adults were included in the study. The serum levels ofL‐arjinin, L‐arginine metabolites, IMA, and vitamins A and E measured in the patient and control groups.ResultsAsymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), LNG‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine (L‐NMMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), and IMA levels were significantly higher in the patients with acne than in the control group (P ˂ .05). The L‐arginine/ADMA ratio and citrulline and vitamin A levels were significantly lower in patients with acne than those of the controls (P ˂ .05). ADMA and IMA plasma levels were increased in parallel with the disease severity (P ˂ .05). L‐arginine/ADMA ratio, L‐arginine, citrulline, and vitamin A plasma levels decreased as the disease became severe (P ˂ .05). Although L‐arginine and vitamin E levels were lower in the patient group compared to the control group, the difference was not statistically significant (P ˃ .05).ConclusionThese results suggest that IMA and L‐arginine‐NO pathway associated with ischemia and oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of acne vulgaris.
Efficacy and safety results of micellar water, cream and serum for rosacea in comparison to a control group
Authors: Guertler Anne , Jøntvedt Nora Marie , Clanner‐Engelshofen Benjamin M. , Cappello Christian , Sager Angelika , Reinholz Markus 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundRosacea is a common inflammatory skin disorder with centrofacial erythema, flushing, telangiectasia, papules/pustules, and possible ocular or phymatous manifestation. Patients’ skin is particularly sensitive to chemical and physical stimuli leading to burning, stinging, dryness, and skin tightness.ObjectiveDermatological evaluation of the efficacy and safety of skin care products designed for centrofacial erythema in rosacea patients, in comparison with a control group using objective measurements. Rosacea symptoms (itching, tension, warmth, burning, dryness) and quality of life were examined.MethodsSixty Caucasians with centrofacial erythema were enrolled in an 8‐week prospective study, fifty of them exclusively using the study products (micellar water, cream, and serum) with ten participants randomly assigned to a control group. Patients were evaluated at baseline (V0), at 4 weeks (V1), and at 8 weeks (V2). Three‐dimensional objective measurements (VECTRA®) as well as standardized questionnaires were used.ResultsResults were compared with the control group. A significant reduction of 16% in skin redness as indicated by VECTRA® analysis was seen in the intervention group comparing V0‐V2. Furthermore, rosacea‐associated symptoms diminished by 57.1%, while life quality of affected patients within the intervention group improved by 54.5% comparing V0‐V2, respectively.ConclusionsA skin care regime suitable for sensitive and redness‐prone skin led to an enhanced clinical appearance, to a decrease of associated symptoms in rosacea patients, and to an improved life quality.
Facial rejuvenation using stem cell conditioned media combined with skin needling: A split‐face comparative study
Authors: El‐Domyati Moetaz , Moftah Noha H. , Nasif Ghada A. , Ameen Sameh W. , Ibrahim Michel R. , Ragaie Maha H. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe use of stem cells derived growth factors is representing a novel treatment modality in facial rejuvenation. Nowadays, skin needling is considered a very famous treatment of skin aging. However, the addition of such derived products, augments its therapeutic efficacy in the management and delay of skin aging.ObjectiveComparing the effect of amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cell derived conditioned media (AF‐MSC‐CM) combined with skin needling versus the needling alone in the management of facial aging.MethodsBoth sides of the face of ten volunteers, suffering from facial aging, were treated with five sessions of skin needling, 2 weeks apart. After skin microneedling, AF‐MSC‐CM was added topically to the right side only. Clinical, histological, and morphometrical assessment of the treated skin was done at 1 month after the last session.ResultsThe percentage of improvement of aged skin increased significantly on the combined treated side (AF‐MSC‐CM and dermaroller [DR]), when compared with the other side (DR only) (P < .001). Remodeling of the dermal structures was observed mainly on the combined side. Meanwhile, histometry of the epidermis revealed a significant increase in the epidermal thickness on both treated sides.ConclusionAF‐MSC‐CM combined with skin needling was more efficient in managing facial aging than skin needling alone.
Role of KLF2: New insight in inflammatory acne pathogenesis
Authors: Ibrahim Menha A. , Mohammed Shuzan Ali , Elhabak Doaa M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundAcne is an inflammatory skin condition of pilosebaceous unit. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial with a central role of inflammatory and pro‐inflammatory cytokines mediators. Downregulated Kruppel‐like factor 2 (KLF2) leads to rapid secretion of many cytokines that are involved in acne pathogenesis.AimsThis study aimed at evaluating the level of KLF2 mRNA, clarifying its role in acne pathogenesis and its relation to acne lesion type, degree of severity, and outcome.Patients and MethodsThe level of KLF2 mRNA was measured in 100 patients with acne and 50 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls by using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR).ResultsThe value of KLF2 mRNA was lower in acne patients than control group (P < .001), being lowest in inflammatory acne group (grades III, IV, and V) than noninflammatory acne group (grades I and II) and highest in the control group (P < .001). KLF2 mRNA was decreased significantly with increased acne severity grade (P < .001). KLF2 mRNA was lower in cases healed by scars than those healed by postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.ConclusionsDecreased serum level of KLF2 is not only a claimed for AV pathogenesis but also a predictor for degree of acne severity and outcome.
Non surgical facial reshaping using MD Codes
Authors: Bertossi Dario , Nocini Pier Francesco , Rahman Eqram , Heydenrych Izolda , Kapoor Krishan Mohan , de Maio Mauricio 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundBoth age‐related and congenital volume deficiencies may be addressed through the injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. Deep injection provides structural support, more superficial fat‐tissue injection mediates contouring, and superficial intradermal use of HA filler and/or onabotulinumtoxinA may be used for refinement.AimsTo evaluate the clinical efficacy, patient satisfaction, and safety of the MD Codes approach as a proposed standardized methodology for full‐face rejuvenation.MethodsThis was a retrospective, single‐center study of 250 consecutive adult patients undergoing full‐face rejuvenation with HA fillers (Vycross) and onabotulinumtoxinA based on the MD Codes approach.ResultsThe mean age was 39.4 ± 11.6 years, and 80.4% were female. All patients were treated with HA filler in the midface; 89.6% were also treated in the upper face, and 63.2% in the lower face. The mean number of syringes used was 14 ± 4 (range 4‐25), with more syringes typically required in older versus younger patients. All patients received onabotulinumtoxinA treatment. Mean FACE‐Q Appearance‐Related Psychosocial Distress score decreased from 54.3 ± 9.3 pretreatment to 36.1 ± 8.9 at 3 months post‐treatment (P < .05). The most common complications were bruising (35.2%), transient soft‐tissue edema (14.0%), and prolonged periorbital edema (3.6%).ConclusionsFull‐face rejuvenation based on the MD Codes approach provides significant esthetic improvements, with no major safety issues observed.
Longitudinal Multimodal fMRI to Investigate Neurovascular Changes in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Crofts Andrew , Trotman‐Lucas Melissa , Janus Justyna , Kelly Michael , Gibson Claire L. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTHypertension is an important risk factor for age‐related cognitive decline and neuronal pathologies. Studies have shown a correlation between hypertension, disruption in neurovascular coupling and cerebral autoregulation, and cognitive decline. However, the mechanisms behind this are unclear. To further understand this, it is advantageous to study neurovascular coupling as hypertension progresses in a rodent model. Here, we use a longitudinal functional MRI (fMRI) protocol to assess the impact of hypertension on neurovascular coupling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Eight female SHRs were studied at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, as hypertension progressed. Under an IV infusion of propofol, animals underwent fMRI, functional MR spectroscopy, and cerebral blood flow (CBF) quantification to study changes in neurovascular coupling over time. Blood pressure significantly increased at 4 and 6 months (P < .0001). CBF significantly increased at 4 months old (P < .05), in the acute stage of hypertension. The size of the active region decreased significantly at 6 months old (P < .05). Change in glutamate signal during activation, and N‐acetyl‐aspartate (NAA) signal, remained constant. This study shows that, while cerebral autoregulation is impaired in acute hypertension, the blood oxygenation‐level‐dependent (BOLD) response remains unaltered until later stages. At this stage, the consistent NAA and glutamate signals show that neuronal death has not occurred, and that neuronal activity is not affected at this stage. This suggests that neuronal activity and viability is not lost until much later, and changes observed here in BOLD activity are due to vascular effects.
Paleoclimatic evolution as the main driver of current genomic diversity in the widespread and polymorphic Neotropical songbird Arremon taciturnus
Authors: Buainain Nelson , Canton Roberta , Zuquim Gabriela , Tuomisto Hanna , Hrbek Tomas , Sato Hiromitsu , Ribas Camila C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSeveral factors have been proposed as drivers of species diversification in the Neotropics, including environmental heterogeneity, the development of drainage systems and historical changes in forest distribution due to climatic oscillations. Here, we investigate which drivers contributed to the evolutionary history and current patterns of diversity of a polymorphic songbird (Arremon taciturnus) that is widely distributed in Amazonian and Atlantic forests as well as in Cerrado gallery and seasonally‐dry forests. We use genomic, phenotypic and habitat heterogeneity data coupled with climatic niche modelling. Results suggest the evolutionary history of the species is mainly related to paleoclimatic changes, although changes in the strength of the Amazon river as a barrier to dispersal, current habitat heterogeneity and geographic distance were also relevant. We propose an ancestral distribution in the Guyana Shield, and recent colonization of areas south of the Amazon river at ~380 to 166 kya, and expansion of the distribution to southern Amazonia, Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest. Since then, populations south of the Amazon River have been subjected to cycles of isolation and possibly secondary contact due to climatic changes that affected habitat heterogeneity and population connectivity. Most Amazonian rivers are not associated with long lasting isolation of populations, but some might act as secondary barriers, susceptible to crossing under specific climatic conditions. Morphological variation, while stable in some parts of the distribution, is not a reliable indicator of genetic structure or phylogenetic relationships.
Incidence and risk factors for acute delirium in older patients with a hip fracture: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Aldwikat Rami K. , Manias Elizabeth , Nicholson Patricia 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the incidence, and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative risk factors for postoperative delirium in older patients undergoing surgical fixation of a hip fracture. Electronic medical records were examined of 260 patients who underwent a surgical fixation of a hip fracture between June 2017 and October 2018 at a university‐affiliated tertiary care hospital in Victoria, Australia. Demographic, clinical, and perioperative data were examined for potential risk factors for postoperative delirium. Of the 260 patients, 63 patients (24.2%) developed delirium postoperatively. Univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that advanced age, comorbidity, cognitive impairment, dementia, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and antipsychotic usage were significant risk factors for delirium, while doses of paracetamol, fentanyl, and diazepam showed complex associations. Multivariate logistic regression analysis determined comorbidity and cognitive impairment as independent risk factors for the development of delirium. This study demonstrates the importance of evaluation of medications prescribed in the perioperative period as modifiable risk factors, in order to identify patients at high risk of delirium and enable targeted monitoring and treatment during patients' hospitalization.
Improving plant drought tolerance and growth under water limitation through combinatorial engineering of signalling networks
Authors: Schulz Philipp , Piepenburg Katrin , Lintermann Ruth , Herde Marco , Schöttler Mark A. , Schmidt Lena K. , Ruf Stephanie , Kudla Jörg , Romeis Tina , Bock Ralph 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAgriculture is by far the biggest water consumer on our planet, accounting for 70 per cent of all freshwater withdrawals. Climate change and a growing world population increase pressure on agriculture to use water more efficiently (‘more crop per drop’). Water‐use efficiency (WUE) and drought tolerance of crops are complex traits that are determined by many physiological processes whose interplay is not well understood. Here, we describe a combinatorial engineering approach to optimize signalling networks involved in the control of stress tolerance. Screening a large population of combinatorially transformed plant lines, we identified a combination of calcium‐dependent protein kinase genes that confers enhanced drought stress tolerance and improved growth under water‐limiting conditions. Targeted introduction of this gene combination into plants increased plant survival under drought and enhanced growth under water‐limited conditions. Our work provides an efficient strategy for engineering complex signalling networks to improve plant performance under adverse environmental conditions, which does not depend on prior understanding of network function.
Trends in first‐trimester nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and use of select treatments: Findings from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Authors: Schrager Nina L. , Adrien Nedghie , Werler Martha M. , Parker Samantha E. , Van Bennekom Carla , Mitchell Allen A. ,   for the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundAlthough nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is common, the secular and demographic trends of NVP and its treatments are not well‐studied.ObjectivesTo describe the prevalence and patterns of first‐trimester NVP and selected treatments among controls in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS).MethodsNational Birth Defects Prevention Study is a population‐based case–control study of birth defects in the United States (1997‐2011). We collected self‐reported data about NVP and use of commonly reported pharmacological and herbal/natural treatments (ondansetron, promethazine, pyridoxine, metoclopramide, doxylamine succinate, ginger, phosphorated carbohydrate solution, and prochlorperazine) from mothers of non‐malformed control infants. We estimated the prevalence of NVP and selected treatments and examined secular and demographic trends (education, race/ethnicity, and maternal age) for such use, adjusting for study centre.ResultsAmong 10 540 mothers of controls, 7393 women (70.1%) reported first‐trimester NVP, and 12.2% of those used one or more of the commonly reported treatments. Specific treatment use varied after adjustment for study centre (ondansetron: 3.4%; promethazine: 4.2%; pyridoxine: 3.2%; metoclopramide: 0.7%; doxylamine succinate: 1.7%; ginger: 1.0%; phosphorated carbohydrate solution: 0.4%; and prochlorperazine: 0.3%). Treatment use increased for each agent over the study period. Women with more years of education reported more NVP and treatment use. White (72%), Hispanic (71%), and other race (73%) women reported more NVP than Black women (67%); White women used selected NVP treatments most frequently, and Black women used them more than Hispanic women. Though women aged 25‐34 years reported more NVP (72%) than younger (69%) or older (67%) women, the frequency of medication use was similar among women aged 25‐34 and ≥35, and lower among women aged <25 years.ConclusionsNational Birth Defects Prevention Study controls reported NVP at frequencies similar to those previously reported. Of note, we observed an increase in use of selected treatments over time, and variations in NVP and treatments by study site and demographic factors.
A Research Agenda for the Study of Policy Entrepreneurs
Authors: Petridou Evangelia , Mintrom Michael 
Published: July 2020

The study of policy entrepreneurs as agents of change has developed greatly in recent years, supported by increasingly more sophisticated theoretical and empirical research. In this article, we first consider how the concept of the policy entrepreneur can be integrated into broader theories of the policy process, with particular focus on the compatibility of the concept with the narrative policy framework. We then propose that further empirical research on policy entrepreneurs focus on five tasks: (i) delimiting policy entrepreneurs as a distinct class of actor; (ii) investigating contextual factors that encourage the emergence of policy entrepreneurs; (iii) further specifying the strategies policy entrepreneurs deploy; (iv) improving the measurement of the impact policy entrepreneurs have in the policy process; and (v) identifying when policy entrepreneurs prompt widescale change. New theoretical and empirical contributions along these lines could do much to advance our understanding of agency and structure in contemporary politics.
Using frost‐sensitive cover crops for timely nitrogen mineralization and soil moisture management
Authors: Storr Tom , Simmons Robert W. , Hannam Jacqueline A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCover crops can be utilized to lower soil nitrate leaching. However, depending on the species grown and cover crop termination management, this may lead to nitrogen (N) immobilization and/or depletion of soil moisture available to the following cash crop, potentially impacting on crop yields. Cover crop management is also dependent on using herbicides to terminate growth prior to planting the next crop. We used an alternative method for cover crop termination by capitalizing on plant senescence by frost in a multi‐species cover crop established over winter between wheat and maize. The cover crops accumulated greater quantities of N than the control. However, upon cover crop senescence due to cold temperatures, the partially terminated cover crop significantly increased topsoil available N from December to late February. This available N in the topsoil could be susceptible to leaching although this was not observed in our study. Cover crops did not have a significant prolonged effect on soil moisture over winter and late spring. The following maize yields were not significantly different between the control and cover crop treatment. Frost‐sensitive cover crop species could not be reliably terminated under a temperate climate, but provided a continuous supply of soil available N as the plants senesced. Depending on the soil moisture and weather conditions in the spring, there could be a N leaching risk although this could be mitigated by establishing early spring crops.