bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VioBio lab adaptive optics: technology and applications by women vision scientists
Authors: Marcos Susana , Benedí‐García Clara , Aissati Sara , Gonzalez‐Ramos Ana M , Lago Carmen M , Radhkrishnan Aiswaryah , Romero Mercedes , Vedhakrishnan Shrilekha , Sawides Lucie , Vinas Maria 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPurposeAdaptive Optics allows measurement and manipulation of the optical aberrations of the eye. We review two Adaptive Optics set‐ups implemented at the Visual Optics and Biophotonics Laboratory, and present examples of their use in better understanding of the role of optical aberrations on visual perception, in normal and treated eyes.Recent findingsTwo systems (AOI and AOII) are described that measure ocular aberrations with a Hartmann‐Shack wavefront sensor, which operates in closed‐loop with an electromagnetic deformable mirror, and visual stimuli are projected in a visual display for psychophysical measurements. AOI operates in infrared radiation (IR) light. AOII is provided with a supercontiniuum laser source (IR and visible wavelengths), additional elements for simulation (spatial light modulator, temporal multiplexing with optotunable lenses, phase plates, cuvette for intraocular lenses‐IOLs), and a double‐pass retinal camera. We review several studies undertaken with these AO systems, including the evaluation of the visual benefits of AO correction, vision with simulated multifocal IOLs (MIOLs), optical aberrations in pseudophakic eyes, chromatic aberrations and their visual impact, and neural adaptation to ocular aberrations.SummaryMonochromatic and chromatic aberrations have been measured in normal and treated eyes. AO systems have allowed understanding the visual benefit of correcting aberrations in normal eyes and the adaptation of the visual system to the eye's native aberrations. Ocular corrections such as intraocular and contact lenses modify the wave aberrations. AO systems allow simulating vision with these corrections before they are implanted/fitted in the eye, or even before they are manufactured, revealing great potential for industry and the clinical practice. This review paper is part of a special issue of Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics on women in visual optics, and is co‐authored by all women scientists of the research team.
Pre‐ and postnatal Lactobacillus reuteri treatment alters DNA methylation of infant T helper cells
Authors: Forsberg Anna , Huoman Johanna , Söderholm Simon , Bhai Mehta Ratnesh , Nilsson Lennart , Abrahamsson Thomas R. , Ernerudh Jan , Gustafsson Mika , Jenmalm Maria C. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundPerinatal childhood exposures, including probiotic supplementation, may affect epigenetic modifications and impact on immune maturation and allergy development. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of pre‐ and postnatal Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation on DNA methylation in relation to immune maturation and allergy development.MethodsDNA methylation patterns were investigated for allergy‐related T helper subsets using a locus‐specific method and at a genome‐wide scale using the Illumina 450K array. From a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled allergy prevention trial with pre‐ and postnatal probiotic supplementation, CD4+ T helper cells were obtained at birth (from cord blood), and 12 and 24 months of age (total (placebo/probiotics); locus‐specific method: CB = 32 (17/15), 12 months = 24 (9/15), 24 months = 35 (15/20); Illumina: CB = 19 (10/9), 12 months = 10 (6/4), 24 months = 19(11/8)).ResultsComparing probiotics to placebo, the greatest genome‐wide differential DNA methylation was observed at birth, where the majority of sites were hypomethylated, indicating transcriptional accessibility in the probiotic group. Bioinformatic analyses, including network analyses, revealed a module containing 91 genes, enriched for immune‐related pathways such as chemotaxis, PI3K‐Akt, MAPK and TGF‐β signalling. A majority of the module genes were associated with atopic manifestations (OR = 1.43, P = 2.4 × 10−6), and a classifier built on this model could predict allergy development (AUC = 0.78, P = 3.0 × 10e−3). Pathways such as IFN‐γ signalling and T‐cell activation were more hypermethylated at birth compared with later in life in both intervention groups over time, in line with DNA methylation patterns in the IFNG locus obtained by the locus‐specific methodology.ConclusionMaternal L. reuteri supplementation during pregnancy alters DNA methylation patterns in CD4+ T cells towards enhanced immune activation at birth, which may affect immune maturation and allergy development.
Regional and temporal differentiation of virulence phenotypes of Puccinia triticina from common wheat in Russia during the period 2001–2018
Authors: Gultyaeva Elena I. , Shaydayuk Ekaterina L. , Kosman Evsey G. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractLeaf rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia triticina, is one of the most damaging rust diseases of wheat in Russia. Populations of P. triticina were monitored in seven regions of Russia from 2001 to 2018, with a total of 5,191 single urediniospore isolates from bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) being analysed. Populations have changed significantly in all regions since 2012, after 2 years of drought (2010–2011). Regional collections of P. triticina were also significantly different between the two periods 2001–2009 and 2012–2018, with changes along two geographic gradients from West Siberia to the north‐west and south‐west (North Caucasia) of the European part of Russia. All tested isolates were avirulent to resistance gene Lr9 in 2001–2009 but, since 2010, virulence to Lr9 has occurred and annually increased in the Asian part of Russia (Ural and West Siberia) due to deployment of cultivars with the Lr9 gene. Virulence to Lr2a and Lr15 was considerably lower in Dagestan (6%–33%) and all European regions (35%–67%) than in Asian regions (84%–96%). During 2001–2009, virulence on Lr1 was also lower in Dagestan (33%) and the European regions (50%–77%) than in Asia (91%–96%); however, by 2012–2018, nearly all isolates were virulent on Lr1. Remarkable changes were observed in frequencies of P. triticina races defined by their virulence/avirulence to Lr1 and Lr2a genes. We postulate the P. triticina population in Dagestan is specific to that area and pathogen populations in European and Asian parts of Russia are distinct.
Maternal age at delivery and fertility of the next generation
Authors: Reynolds Tamara S. , Lynch Courtney D. , Hade Erinn M. , Allain Dawn C. , Westman Judith A. , Toland Amanda E. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundWhile most known causes of infertility relate to the health of the woman and/or her partner, questions have been raised regarding the possible contributions of transgenerational or epigenetic factors.ObjectiveThe goal of this hypothesis‐generating work was to examine whether Generation 1’s (G1’s) age at the delivery of G2 (Generation 2) was associated with G2’s fertility in later life.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of women (G2s) recruited online in 2016. A questionnaire queried G2s regarding demographics and fertility. The primary exposure was G1’s age at G2’s birth. Outcome measures included the following: 12‐month infertility, time to pregnancy, and childlessness. The adjusted relative risk (RR) of G2 infertility and childlessness by G1 age at G2’s birth was estimated through a modified Poisson regression approach. The fecundity odds ratio (FOR) for the association between G1’s age at G2 birth and time to pregnancy for G2 was estimated by discrete‐time survival models, with complementary log–log link.ResultsA total of 2,854 women enrolled. We found no association between G1 age at G2’s birth and G2 infertility. Being born to a G1 aged 15‐19 years was associated with a longer time to pregnancy for G2 (FOR 0.84, 95% confidence interval 0.72, 0.99), relative to being born to a G1 aged 20‐24 years. We observed the suggestion of a possible increased risk of childlessness among G2s born to older G1s, but the estimate was imprecise.ConclusionsWhile being born to a G1 who was 15‐19 years old was associated with an increase in G2 time to pregnancy, we found no association between G1 age at G2’s birth and infertility and only the suggestion of a modest association with childlessness. These data suggest a possible subtle effect of G1 age at G2’s birth on G2 fertility, which warrants further study.
Inter‐individual variation in response to resistance training in cardiometabolic health indicators
Authors: Ahtiainen Juha P. , Sallinen Janne , Häkkinen Keijo , Sillanpää Elina 
Published: March 2020

Resistance training (RT) may improve metabolic health; however, the extent of its effectiveness is constantly evaluated to assess improvements in the group means, thus obscuring the heterogeneous individual effects. This study investigated inter‐individual variation in response to RT as reflected in metabolic health indicators and how age, sex, nutrition, and pre‐training phenotypes are associated with such variabilities.MethodsPreviously collected data of men and women (39‐73 years, 135 trained, 73 non‐trained controls) were pooled for analysis. Measurements were taken twice before training to estimate individual day‐to‐day variations and measurement errors (n = 208). The individual responsiveness to the 21‐week RT in cardiometabolic health indicators (ie, systolic blood pressure, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), cholesterol and triglycerides) was determined. Body composition was estimated by bioimpedance and dietary intake according to 4‐day food diaries.ResultsMetabolic responses to RT seemed to be highly individual, and both beneficial and unfavorable changes were observed. Large inter‐individual variations in training response were not explained by a subject's age, sex, body composition, or nutritional status, with the exception of improvements in HDL‐C, which were associated with simultaneous decreases in body fat in older women. The incidence of metabolic syndrome diminished following RT.ConclusionThis study showed that RT could improve some specific metabolic health indicators beyond normal day‐to‐day variations, especially in blood lipid profile. Further studies are needed to elucidate genetic and other mechanisms underlining the heterogeneity of RT responses. This knowledge may be useful in providing individually tailored exercise prescriptions as part of personalized preventative health care.
Updated National Estimates of Disparities in Physical Activity and Sports Participation Experienced by Children and Adolescents With Disabilities: NSCH 2016–2017
Authors: Ross Samantha M. , Smit Ellen , Yun Joonkoo , Bogart Kathleen , Hatfield Bridget , Logan Samuel W. 
Published: March 2020

Background: Children and adolescents with disabilities often report low levels of physical activity (PA). Estimating the magnitude of PA disparities has been previously challenged by underreporting and variability in subsampling of disability. Using the National Survey of Children’s Health, this study estimated the population-level PA disparities experienced and the association between disability status and PA engagement. Methods: Weighted prevalence of PA engagement (National Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (2nd edition) and sports participation) was compared across disability groups for children (n = 20,867, 6–11 y) and adolescents (n = 28,651, 12–17 y) and found to be 12%. Age-stratified multivariable logistic regressions estimated the likelihood of PA engagement as a function of disability status and type, after adjusting for child and household factors. Results: Children, but not adolescents, with disabilities had significantly lower odds of being sufficiently active compared with peers without disabilities (adjusted odds ratio = 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.60–0.94). Across age groups, the lowest prevalence rates were observed among those experiencing function and mobility disabilities. Children and adolescents were significantly less likely to participate in sports compared with peers. Conclusion: Children with function and mobility disabilities were identified as priority subpopulations least likely to be sufficiently active. The disparity in sports participation highlights a critical intervention point for increasing PA among children with disabilities.
Umbilical cord milking in preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Balasubramanian Haribalakrishna , Ananthan Anitha , Jain Vaibhav , Rao Shripada C , Kabra Nandkishor 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of umbilical cord milking in preterm infants.DesignRandomised controlled trials comparing umbilical cord milking with delayed cord clamping/immediate cord clamping in preterm infants were identified by searching databases, clinical trial registries and reference list of relevant studies in November 2019. Fixed effects model was used to pool the data on various clinically relevant outcomes.Main outcome measuresMortality and morbidities in preterm neonates.ResultsNineteen studies (2014 preterm infants) were included. Five studies (n=922) compared cord milking with delayed cord clamping, whereas 14 studies (n=1092) compared milking with immediate cord clamping. Cord milking, as opposed to delayed cord clamping, significantly increased the risk of intraventricular haemorrhage (grade III or more) (risk ratio (RR): 1.95 (95% CI 1.01 to 3.76), p=0.05). When compared with immediate cord clamping, cord milking reduced the need for packed RBC transfusions (RR:0.56 (95% CI 0.43 to 0.73), p<0.001). There was limited information on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. The grade of evidence was moderate or low for the various outcomes analysed.ConclusionUmbilical cord milking, when compared with delayed cord clamping, significantly increased the risk of severe intraventricular haemorrhage in preterm infants, especially at lower gestational ages. Cord milking, when compared with immediate cord clamping, reduced the need for packed RBC transfusions but did not improve clinical outcomes. Hence, cord milking cannot be considered as placental transfusion strategy in preterm infants based on the currently available evidence.
Retinal cavitations in macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel): longitudinal structure–function correlations
Authors: Cai Cindy X , Choong John , Farsiu Sina , Chiu Stephanie J , Chew Emily Y , Jaffe Glenn J 
Published: March 2020

Background/aimsTo quantify retinal cavitation size over time in macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) and to correlate changes with visual acuity and area of ellipsoid zone loss.MethodsOptical coherence tomography (OCT) macula volume scans from sham eyes included in a prospective, phase II clinical trial of human ciliary neutrophic factor for MacTel at baseline, 1 year and 2 years of follow-up were analysed. Cavitations were segmented by two independent readers. Total cavitation volume was compared with area of ellipsoid zone loss and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).ResultsFifty-one eyes from 51 unique patients (mean age 62 years, range 45–79 years) were included. Intraclass correlation between readers for cavitation volume was excellent (>0.99). Average cavitation volume was 0.0109 mm3, 0.0113 mm3and 0.0124 mm3at baseline, 1 year and 2 years, respectively. The average rate of cavitation volume change was +0.0039 mm3/year. 10 eyes (20%) had a significant change in cavitation volume during the study (3 decreased, 7 increased). Eyes with increased cavitation volume had worse BCVA compared with eyes with no change/decreased cavitation volume (71.5 vs 76.1 ETDRS letters, respectively). Cavitation volume was negatively correlated to BCVA (r=−0.37) but not to area of ellipsoid zone loss. Cavitation volume was negatively predictive of BCVA in both univariate and multivariate mixed-effects modelling with ellipsoid zone loss.ConclusionsRetinal cavitations and their rate of change in MacTel can be reliably quantified using OCT. Cavitations are negatively correlated with visual acuity and may be a useful OCT-based biomarker for disease progression and visual function in MacTel.
Severe dysfunctional tear syndrome patients and resolution of central corneal staining: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Teo Zhen Ling , Chu Clarisse , Tong Louis 
Published: March 2020

PurposeSevere dry eye is widely prevalent yet difficult to treat. This study aims to evaluate for improvement in epithelial status and the risk factors for lack of improvement in a cohort of patients in Singapore with severe dry eye.MethodsWe retrospectively identified 1712 patients with severe dry eye (≥grade 3 Delphi) in at least one eye, referred to a tertiary centre dry eye clinic from 2006 to 2017. We included patients with central corneal staining grade of ≥2 at referral and minimum follow-up duration of 6 months (n=407). An epithelial staining grade of <2 at the last visit was considered a significantly improved outcome.ResultsThe mean follow-up duration was 4.0±2.4 years, with 88.0% (358/407) of patients achieving significant improvement. Various treatment modalities including topical corticosteroids (32.4%), cyclosporine (52.8%) and punctal plugs (24.1%) were used. Risk factors for non-improvement of staining grade include autoimmune disease (OR 3.2, 95% CI: 1.7 to 6.1), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (OR 3.4 (1.8 to 6.6)), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (OR 3.4 (1.0 to 11.7)), reduced baseline Schirmer’s test (OR 2.1 (1.2 to 3.9)) and reduced tear break up time (OR 2.0 (1.0 to 3.8)). On multivariate analyses, RA and GVHD were still significant risk factors. Gender, age and meibum viscosity were not significantly associated with epithelial staining grade improvement.ConclusionsOverall, a high rate of corneal epithelial improvement was achieved. Nevertheless, there is an unmet need for more effective measures to reduce epitheliopathy in severe dry eye, especially in patients with systemic immune-mediated disease.
Views and experiences of nurses in providing end-of-life care to patients in an ED context: a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Mughal Amber , Evans Catrin 
Published: March 2020

IntroductionWith an increase in the population living with terminal illness, many patients are accessing EDs during the last days of their life. Yet EDs are often not well prepared to provide end-of-life (EOL) care. The aim of this review was to identify and synthesise studies that describe the views and experiences of emergency nurses in providing EOL care so as to understand the barriers and challenges that they face while caring for these patients and to identify factors that can support appropriate care delivery.MethodA qualitative meta-synthesis was undertaken using a thematic approach. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument tool. Five databases were searched in June 2016.ResultsEleven qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria and were assessed as having high quality. Sixty-nine findings were identified, combined into 11 descriptive themes and then synthesised into 3 analytical themes: (1) Incongruent ED environment and EOL care. (2) Lack of resources, systems and capacity. (3) EOL care as a rewarding act or an emotional burden.ConclusionThe review identified a need for: (1) Additional training for nurses. (2) The development of clear guidelines in the form of pathways and protocols. (3) Having a separate space for the dying. (4) Providing a supportive environment for staff dealing with high emotional burden and challenging workloads. In order to improve EOL care, organisations must work on the barriers that hinder care provision.
Evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of maximal aortic diameter, length and volume for prediction of aortic dissection
Authors: Heuts Samuel , Adriaans Bouke P , Rylski Bartosz , Mihl Casper , Bekkers Sebastiaan C A M , Olsthoorn Jules R , Natour Ehsan , Bouman Heleen , Berezowski Mikolaj , Kosiorowska Kinga , Crijns Harry J G M , Maessen Jos G , Wildberger Joachim , Schalla Simon , Sardari Nia Peyman 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveManagement of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) comprises regular diameter follow-up until the indication criterion for prophylactic surgery is reached. However, this approach is unable to predict the majority of acute type A aortic dissections (ATAADs). The current study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ascending aortic diameter, length and volume for occurrence of ATAAD.MethodsThis two-centre observational cohort study retrospectively screened 477 consecutive patients who presented with ATAAD between 2009 and 2018. Of those, 25 (5.2%) underwent CT angiography (CTA) within 2 years before dissection onset. Aortic diameter, length and volume of these patients (‘pre-ATAAD’) were compared with those of TAA controls (n=75). Receiver operating curve analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the three different measurements.Results96% of patients with pre-ATAAD did not meet the surgical diameter threshold of 55 mm before dissection onset. Maximal aortic diameters (45 (40–49) mm vs 46 (44–49) mm, p=0.075) and volume (126 (95–157) cm3vs 124 (102–136) cm3, p=0.909) were comparable between patients with pre-ATAAD and TAA controls. Conversely, ascending aortic length (84±9 mm vs 90±16 mm, p=0.031) was significantly larger in patients with pre-ATAAD. All three parameters had an area under the curve of >0.800. At the 55 mm cut-off point, the maximal diameter yielded a positive predictive value (PPV) of 20%. While maintaining same specificity levels, measurements of aortic volume and length showed superior diagnostic accuracy (PPV 55% and 70%, respectively).ConclusionMeasurements of aortic volume and length have superior diagnostic accuracy compared with the maximal diameter and could improve the timely identification of patients at risk for ATAAD.
Thermodynamic properties of higher-dimensional dS black holes in dRGT massive gravity
Authors: Ma Yubo , Zhang Yang , Zhang Lichun , Wu Liang , Huang Yumei , Pan Yu 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOn the basis of the state parameter of de Sitter space-time satisfying the first law of thermodynamics, we can derive some effective thermodynamic quantities. When the temperature of the black hole horizon is equal to that of the cosmological horizon, we think that the effective temperature of the space-time should have the same value. Using this condition, we obtain a differential equation of the entropy of the de Sitter black hole in the higher-dimensional de Rham, Gabadadze and Tolley (dRGT) massive gravity. Solving the differential equation, we obtain the corrected entropy and effective thermodynamic quantities of the de Sitter black hole. The results show that for multi-parameter black holes, the entropy satisfied differential equation is invariable with different independent state parameters. Therefore, the entropy of higher-dimensional dS black holes in dRGT massive gravity is only a function of the position of the black hole horizon, and is independent of other state parameters. It is consistent with the corresponding entropy of the black hole horizon and the cosmological horizon. The thermodynamic quantities of self-consistent de Sitter space-time are given theoretically, and the equivalent thermodynamic quantities have the second-order phase transformation similar to AdS black hole, but unlike AdS black hole, the equivalent temperature of de Sitter space-time has a maximum value. By satisfying the requirement of thermodynamic equilibrium and stability of space-time, the conditions for the existence of dS black holes in the universe are obtained.