bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zinc supplementation improves body weight management, inflammatory biomarkers and insulin resistance in individuals with obesity: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial
Authors: Khorsandi Hoda , Nikpayam Omid , Yousefi Reyhaneh , Parandoosh Maryam , Hosseinzadeh Nima , Saidpour Atoosa , Ghorbani Arman 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The present study was designed to determine whether zinc supplementation would increase the effects of restricted calorie diet (RCD) on obesity.

Methods and materials
A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was performed on 40 obese subjects who were randomly assigned to receive zinc supplements (30 mg/day) or placebo for a period of 15-weeks. Both groups were under a restricted calorie diet (~ 300 kcal lower than the estimated energy requirement). Anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers, appetite, and dietary intakes were determined during the study period.

Results
The reductions of body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and hip circumference were significantly higher in the zinc group compared to the placebo group (P = 0.032, 0.025, 0.003, and 0.0001, respectively). Lower levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein, apelin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and appetite score were observed in the zinc group in comparison with the placebo group (P = 0.0001, 0.001, 0.031 and 0.001 respectively).

Conclusion
This study indicates that Zn supplementation with a restricted calorie diet has favorable effects in reducing anthropometric measurements, inflammatory markers, insulin resistance and appetite in individuals with obesity, and may play an effective role in the treatment of obesity.
Trial registration This clinical trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov at the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NCT02516475).
Reducing effect of insulin resistance on alpha-synuclein gene expression in skeletal muscle
Authors: Khoshi Amirhosein , Goodarzi Golnaz , Mohammadi Rezvan , Arezumand Roghaye , Moghbeli Meysam , Najariyan Mahnaz 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlpha-synuclein (SNCA) as the presynaptic protein is expressed in different tissues and prevents insulin-resistance (IR) through increasing glucose-uptake by adipocytes and muscles. However, the effect of insulin metabolism on SNCA expression has scarcely elucidated. In present study we assessed the probable effect of insulin resistance on SNCA expression in muscle C2C12 cells and also skeletal muscle tissues of type 2 diabetic mice.Materials and methodsSixteen male C57BL/6 mice were divided into two experimental groups, including control and type 2 diabetic mice with IR (induced by high-fat diet + low-dose streptozotocin). The animals of the study involved the measurements of fasting blood glucose, oral-glucose-tolerance-test, as well as fasting plasma insulin. Moreover, insulin-resistant and insulin-sensitive muscle C2C12 cells were prepared. The insulin-resistance was confirmed by the glucose-uptake assay. Comparative quantitative real time PCR was used to assess theSNCAexpression.ResultsThe obtained results have showed a significant ~ 27% decrease inSNCAexpression level in muscle tissue of diabetic mice (P = 0.022). Moreover, there was a significant change ofSNCAexpression in insulin-resistant C2C12 cells (P < 0.001).ConclusionType 2 diabetes due to insulin-resistance can decreaseSNCAgene expression in muscles. In addition to the role of SNCA in cell susceptibility to insulin and glucose uptake, the SNCA expression can also be affected by insulin metabolism.
Pituitary abscess: two case reports
Authors: Nordjoe Yaotse Elikplim , Aubin Igombe Suzanne Rita , Laamrani Fatima Zahra , Jroundi Laila 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Pituitary abscess is a rare condition with nonspecific symptoms that can be delayed. Proper diagnosis needs to occur preoperatively so that the management can be set up accordingly. Accurate diagnosis is challenging because many differential diagnoses can exhibit the same magnetic resonance imaging features.

Case presentation
We report two cases of pituitary abscess. The first patient was a 66-year-old Arab woman who underwent a surgical procedure for a pituitary macroadenoma and presented 3 months later with chronic headaches and panhypopituitarism. A pituitary abscess was found on the follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. The second patient was a 64-year-old Arab man with no medical history who presented with a chiasmal syndrome with headaches and panhypopituitarism. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a heterogeneous pituitary mass that turned out to be a pituitary abscess intraoperatively. These two patients were treated with hormone substitution, endoscopic transsphenoidal drainage, and antibiotherapy, with excellent outcomes.

Conclusions
Pituitary abscess is a rare and serious condition. Preoperative diagnosis can be challenging because of the many existing differential diagnoses upon imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging is the mainstay technique of imaging due to its multimodal nature. These cases demonstrate the variable patterns of a pituitary abscess seen on magnetic resonance imaging and the potential difficulties in achieving an accurate diagnosis preoperatively due to many other conditions potentially exhibiting the same magnetic resonance imaging features.
Priming primary care providers to engage in evidence-based discussions about cannabis with patients
Authors: Kansagara Devan , Becker William C. , Ayers Chelsea , Tetrault Jeanette M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCannabis use has become increasingly common in the U.S. in recent years, with legalization for medical and recreational purposes expanding to more states. With this increase in use and access, providers should be prepared to have more conversations with patients about use. This review provides an overview of cannabis terminology, pharmacology, benefits, harms, and risk mitigation strategies to help providers engage in these discussions with their patients. Current evidence for the medical use of cannabis, cannabis-related diagnoses including cannabis use disorder (CUD) and withdrawal syndromes, and the co-use of opioids and cannabis are discussed. It is crucial that providers have the tools and information they need to deliver consistent, evidence-based assessment, treatment, prevention and harm-reduction, and we offer practical guidance in these areas.
The impact of bilateral endoscopic inferior turbinoplasty with or without adenoidectomy on the quality of life of children: A retrospective case series study
Authors: Mourad Ahmed , Jaffal Hussein , El-Hakim Ismaeel , El-Hakim Hamdy 
Published: December 2019

Background Inferior turbinoplasty (IT) and adenoidectomy (Ad) are frequently resorted to in children with chronic rhinitis (CR) refractory to medical therapy. The aim of this study is to document the long-term improvement in quality of life (QOL) in children with CR following endoscopic IT with or without Ad. Methods A retrospective case series study was conducted. We searched a prospectively kept surgical database for children ≤18 years old who had CR who underwent endoscopic IT with or without Ad between 2009 and 2016 at a tertiary care children's center. Patients with sinonasal pathologies other than CR, had craniofacial syndromes or dysmorphism and had other sinonasal procedures or trauma were excluded. Collected data included demographics, secondary diagnoses, duration of follow-up, and complications of procedures. The Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory (GCBI) was administered by phone to assess QOL improvement. Results One hundred sixty-five eligible subjects were identified. Eighty-nine subjects met the inclusion criteria. Data was collected for the 60 subjects that were reached. Forty-two patients had IT only while 18 had IT and Ad. The mean age was 10.7 ± 2.7 years, with 31 males and 29 females. The median duration of follow-up (25th, 75th percentile) was 38.1 months (24.6, 55.8). The median GCBI score (25th, 75th percentile) was 22.9 (6.3, 39.6) revealing an overall positive benefit in all domains. There was only one complication. Conclusions This study validates prior findings regarding improvement of QOL and safety of IT with or without Ad for children with CR and indicates it is maintained in the long term.
Industry- and liquidity-based momentum in Australian equities
Authors: Tan Yeng May , Cheng Fan Fah 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis study examined momentum profitability in Australia, providing further evidence for intermediate-term momentum profitability. Using data spanning different market states, we found that momentum was stronger after the global financial crisis. We also examined industry-level momentum strategies and found strong evidence for industry momentum. Specifically, industries that perform well relative to other industries continue to outperform others while those that underperform continue to perform poorly. This finding suggests the exploitability of return continuation and profit-making opportunities for traders at the industry level. Regarding liquidity, we found that it has no clear predictive power for momentum returns. Hence, our results do not appear to support the conjecture that liquidity can be a determining factor for momentum profitability in Australia.
Nurture interest-driven creators in programmable robotics education: an empirical investigation in primary school settings
Authors: Kong Siu-Cheung , Wang Yi-Qing 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn response to the call from the founders of the Interest-Driven Creator (IDC) theory, this study aimed to explore the relationship of the interest loop with creativity in the context of robotics education. Specifically, we designed a programmable robotics course for primary school students. We attempted to explore in detail how interest loop, i.e., triggering interest, immersing interest, and extending interest, exerts influences on students’ robotics creation. Eight hundred one online questionnaires were collected from students who participated in our designed programmable robotics activities. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was first used for validation of each study variable, and results suggested a good fit of the study variables in terms of convergent and discriminant validity. Then, structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted for examining the potential relationships between them, and results indicated significant and positive paths from triggering interest to immersing interest, and from immersing interest to extending interest, suggesting the valid theoretical proposition of interest loop of IDC theory. In addition, immersing interest is positively related to robotics creation, which in turn increases the chance of extending interest. Our findings suggested the importance of raising students’ interest in robotics learning such that young students can become life-long interest-driven creators. Implications of the study were discussed at the end of the paper.
Fibroblast-like synovial cell production of extra domain A fibronectin associates with inflammation in osteoarthritis
Authors: Kragstrup Tue W. , Sohn Dong H. , Lepus Christin M. , Onuma Kazuhiro , Wang Qian , Robinson William H. , Sokolove Jeremy 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA) involves wear and tear, and a state of low-grade inflammation. Tissue repair responses include transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)-induced myofibroblast production of extracellular matrix. Fibronectins are an essential part of the extracellular matrix, and injection of fibronectin fragments into rabbit joints is a previously established animal model of OA. Fibronectin containing the ED-A domain is currently being used as drug delivery target in the development of anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Dekavil).

Methods
In this study, samples of synovial membrane were obtained from patients with knee OA undergoing joint replacement surgery. Immunostaining for ED-A fibronectin and the myofibroblast marker alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) was performed on fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS) and synovial membranes. RAW 264.7 macrophages were incubated with recombinant ED-A fibronectin.

Results
The staining of ED-A fibronectin in OA FLS was increased by TGFβ but not by TNFα, lipopolysaccharide, or IL-6 (n = 3). ED-A fibronectin co-stained with the myofibroblast marker αSMA in both the OA FLS (n = 3) and in the OA synovial membranes (n = 8). ED-A fibronectin staining was associated with both number of lining layer cells (rho = 0.85 and p = 0.011) and sublining cells (rho = 0.88 and p = 0.007) in the OA synovium (n = 8), and co-distributed with TNFα (n = 5). Recombinant ED-A fibronectin increased the production of TNFα by RAW 264.7 macrophages (n = 3).

Conclusions
The disease process in OA shares features with the chronic wound healing response. Our findings support utilizing ED-A fibronectin for drug delivery or therapeutic targeting to reduce pro-inflammatory responses in OA.
Descriptive study of non-fatal interpersonal violence in a Nigerian City
Authors: Onyishi Nnaemeka Thaddeus , Ohayi Samuel Robsam 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundInterpersonal violence is rampant in our society such that the news media is constantly awash with reports of violent incidents. Understanding the peculiarities of violence in a given population is key to devising effective preventive measures. This is a descriptive study of assault victims referred by the police to the Clinical Forensic unit of a University Teaching Hospital. Structured interview using preset questions was conducted on each assault victim. Data obtained was analyzed with IBM SPSS statistics version 20. Descriptive analysis and tests of statistical significance were done as appropriate. This study aimed to determine the peculiar characteristics of interpersonal violence in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria.ResultsThere were 220 victims and 471 assailants in the study. The age range of victims was 6–80 years and mean age (SD) was 33 (12.5) years. The age range of assailants was 15–65 years with mean age (SD) 34.2 (9.5) years. More males than females were involved either as victims (P= 0.02) or as assailants (P< 0.001). Most of the incidents (36.8%) occurred in residential areas followed by business or workplace-related disagreements (32%). Land dispute was the underlying factor in 3.6% of the cases. The prevalence of intimate partner violence was rather low (2.3%) but this may be due to under reporting. Where guns were involved, they were used as cudgel rather than fire arm.ConclusionsInterpersonal violence often occurred in the context of and as a corollary to a person’s life endeavors and daily activities. Most cases of interpersonal violence occurred in residential quarters. Males in active, productive age are mostly involved both as victims and as assailant.
Odontometric parameters as a forensic tool for stature estimation among three Asian ethnicities
Authors: Rao K Bharath , Natarajan Madhumitha , Amalan Arul , Saran Runki , Gupta Ravi , Kumar Saurabh , Singh Amith , Chakravarthy P. Kalyana 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The height of an individual in the upright posture is referred to as stature. The evaluation of the stature of an individual is an essential step in identification. Estimation of stature is commonly performed using the long bones as they positively correlate with the stature. The correlation between the dimensions of the skull, jaw and stature of an individual has been reported among specific populations. To date, only a few studies have correlated odontometric parameters with stature among populations. Teeth and oral structures can be used to estimate the stature of an individual. The objective of our study was to determine and establish a relationship to estimate the stature of individuals among three different Asian ethnicities using four odontometric parameters as a forensic tool. The Asian ethnicities chosen in our study were Malay, Indian and Chinese.
The five parameters were the height of an individual, intercanine width, interpremolar width, arc length and mesiodistal dimension of the six anterior teeth. The height was measured with the individual standing upright and barefooted. The mesiodistal width of the anterior teeth was measured at the contact points; the intercanine and interpremolar widths were measured at the cusp tips from the left to the right quadrant; the arc length was measured at the middle one-third position of the crown from the right to the left canine.

Results
The results showed that out of the four odontometric parameters, only the arc length was significantly associated with the height of the individuals among the ethnicities chosen.

Conclusion
Thus, of the four selected parameters, the arc length may be helpful in the estimation of stature among the selected Asian ethnicities. Dimensions of the teeth can be used as an adjunct to other aids in estimating the stature of an individual and hence is a vital forensic tool.
Muxama and other traditional food products obtained from tuna in south Portugal and Spain: review and future perspectives
Authors: Esteves Eduardo , Aníbal Jaime 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThere is evidence that consumers perceive fish as healthy (Carlucci D et.al, Appetite 84:212–27,2015; Vanhonacker F et.al, Br Food J 115:508–25,2013; Verbeke W et.al, Public Health Nutr 8:422–9,2005.). Historically, the development of (traditional) processing techniques allowed for the preservation of excess quantities of fresh fish for storage or transport. Those technologies are not well documented and are being lost with the trend to urbanization and consumption of convenience, ready-to-eat food. In the so-called developed world, there is still a considerable demand for traditionally processed (sea)food products, wherein the raw material and the final product are of high value. Muxama or mojama is a traditional, highly valued food product prepared from dry-cured tuna loins that is a delicatessen in the southern Iberian Peninsula: Algarve (Portugal) and Andalucía, Murcia, Alicante, and Valencia (Spain). The tuna (mostly Thunnus obesus and T. albacares) loins are salted and dried following a typically artisanal process that incorporates empirical knowledge passed down numerous generations since at least the tenth century Common Era (Aníbal J and Esteves E, Muxama and estupeta: traditional food products obtained from tuna loins in South Portugal and Spain, Traditional food products 2016, Lindkvist KB et.al, Can Geogr-Géogr Can 52:105–20,2008, Gallart-Jornet L et.al, La salazón de pescado, una tradición en la dieta mediterránea [The salting of fish, a tradition in the Mediterranean diet] 2005.). The production process changed little over the years but is different among locations, even supporting distinct certifications. The stability of muxama derives from the reduced water activity. Furthermore, the drying method has secondary effects on flavor, color, and nutritional value of the product. In southern Portugal and Spain, muxama is the prime food product obtained from tuna at the end of the traditional quartering of tunas, named ronqueamento in Portugal or ronqueo in Spain. Other food products obtained from tuna include Estupeta, Mormos, Rabinhos, Faceiras and Orelhas, Ventresca, Tarantela and Sangacho, Espinheta, Tripa, Bucho, and Ovas. These products result from employing different manufacturing procedures and processes. In this paper, we tentatively describe the main features of the processing stages and traditional food products obtained from tuna produced in the southern Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain) and discuss the interactions of knowledge systems and transmission of traditional knowledge regarding its production.
What can DTI add in acute ischemic stroke patients?
Authors: Mahmoud Bahaa Eldin , Mohammad Mohammad Edrees , Serour Dalia K. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Cerebrovascular stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Imaging with conventional MR techniques cannot provide reliable information as regard the integrity of the white matter tracts and therefore limiting its ability to predict the clinical outcome. While prediction of the motor outcome becomes more crucial for determining the specific rehabilitation strategies and final clinical outcomes, the purpose of this study was to assess the value of diffusion tensor MR imaging in patients with acute ischemic stroke as a prognostic imaging modality to predict the clinical outcome.

Results
A significant statistical association was found between the tractography findings and the clinical score at admission (p 0.0005) and the clinical recovery after 3 months (p 0.001). Residual neurological deficits were found in patients with disrupted tracts; on the other hand, near complete clinical recovery was found in patients with non-disrupted tracts. Also, significant statistical association was found between the degree of FA reduction in the affected tracts and the clinical score at admission (p 0.001) and the clinical recovery after 3 months (p 0.01). Correlation between the FA values at the site of infarctions and the corresponding area of the brain on the contralateral side revealed significant statistical difference.

Conclusion
DTI offers a potential tool for prediction of the clinical outcome of acute stroke patients as it can detect the microstructural changes in the white matter tracts affected by the ischemic lesions which cannot be detected by conventional MRI and therefore can help in determining the rehabilitation strategy
In the Shadow of the Silk Road
Authors: Karrar Hasan H. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis article asks, (1) Why did Afiyatabad, a nondescript bazaar along the Pakistan-China border, emerge along an uninhabited stretch of the Karakoram highway?, and (2) How did Afiyatabad adapt—through bazaar infrastructure, local capital investment, and labor migration—first to state-led development, and more recently, to the promise of economic corridor development? The article illustrates how Afiyatabad emerged from unfolding border regimes on Pakistan's central Asian margins since the 1980s. More recently, the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), one of six corridors under Beijing's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is channeling upwards of $50 billion of Chinese investment into Pakistan. Yet this border locale has seen little benefit. This article argues that current transborder investments, corresponding infrastructure development, and new assemblages such as economic corridors are moving capital between increasingly distant nodes, in the process leaving places such as Afiyatabad behind.
State as Illusion?
Authors: Watts Michael J. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Moral Economies of Corruption is an important intervention, and Steven Pierce provides an alternative way of viewing the long history of anticorruption programs in Nigeria. As Michael J. Watts' contribution discusses, there are a number of dangers that lurk in the discursive and performative orientation of the book. Sometimes the shifting character of what constitutes corruption produces less a systematic account of corruption than a history of shifting political cultures (much of which has, of course, been covered in a variety of ways by scholars of Nigeria). But if the purpose is to see the work that corruption undertakes, then it would also require a careful and granular accounting of the shifting pacts, coalitions, and political cartels linking the business world, the security forces, and the vast fiscal federalism composed of thirty-six states and seven-hundred-odd local government councils covering the last seven decades. The political settlements that have arisen through different conjunctures and across the turbulent history of oil busts and booms need to be clearly explicated if both state effects and the political work of corruption claims are to be fully realized.