bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of leukocyte telomere length with obesity‐related traits in Asian children with early‐onset obesity
Authors: Ooi Delicia Shu Qin , Dorajoo Rajkumar , Gurung Resham L. , Dehghan Roghayeh , Lim Yvonne Yijuan , Ho Cindy Wei Li , Tay Veronica , Karuppiah Vijaya , Loke Kah Yin , Lim Su Chi , Liu Jian‐Jun , Sng Andrew Anjian , Lee Yung Seng 
Published: January 2021

SummaryBackgroundLeukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with obesity and obesity‐related traits, and there are ethnic‐specific determinants of LTL.ObjectiveTo evaluate LTL associations with obesity and metabolic parameters in Asian children with early‐onset obesity.MethodsGenomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes of a cohort of children with (N = 371) and without obesity (N = 23), and LTL was measured using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Blood plasma was used for metabolic phenotyping. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and STATA.ResultsChildren with obesity had shorter LTL (coefficient = −0.683, PAdj = 1.24 × 10−3) as compared to children who were lean. LTL was found to be associated with waist circumference (coefficient = −0.326, PAdj = 0.044) and skin‐fold measures (coefficient between 0.267 and 0.301, PAdj between 4.27 × 10−4 and 7.06 × 10−7) in children with obesity. However, no significant associations were observed between LTL and metabolic parameters, and between LTL and inflammatory cytokines. LTL also did not significantly mediate the risk of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children with obesity.ConclusionsWe showed for the first time that Asian children with severe obesity had shorter LTL, and the shortening of LTL was associated with other adiposity measures including waist circumference and skin‐fold measurements.
Initiating and integrating a personalized end of life care project in a community hospital intensive care unit: A qualitative study of clinician and implementation team perspectives
Authors: Yeung Eugenia , Sadowski Laurie , Levesque Kelsea , Camargo Mercedes , Vo Allen , Young Elayn , Duan Erick , Tsang Jennifer L. Y. , Cook Deborah , Tam Benjamin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRationaleThe end of life (EOL) experience in the intensive care unit (ICU) can be psychologically distressing for patients, families, and clinicians. The 3 Wishes Project (3WP) personalizes the EOL experience by carrying out wishes for dying patients and their families. While the 3WP has been integrated in academic, tertiary care ICUs, implementing this project in a community ICU has yet to be described.ObjectivesTo examine facilitators of, and barriers to, implementing the 3WP in a community ICU from the clinician and implementation team perspective.MethodsThis qualitative descriptive study evaluated the implementation of the 3WP in a 20‐bed community ICU in Southern Ontario, Canada. Patients were considered for the 3WP if they had a high likelihood of imminent death or planned withdrawal of life‐sustaining therapy. Following the qualitative descriptive approach, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with purposively sampled clinicians and implementation team. Data from transcribed interviews were analyzed in triplicate through qualitative content analysis.ResultsInterviews with 12 participants indicated that the 3WP personalized and enriched the EOL experience. Interviewees indicated higher intensity education strategies were needed to enable spread as the project grew. Clinicians described many physical resources for the project but suggested more non‐clinical project support for orientation, continuing education, and data collection. A majority of wishes focused on physical resources including keepsakes, which helped facilitate project spread when clinician capacity was attenuated by competing duties.ConclusionsIn this community hospital, ICU clinicians and implementation team members report perceived improved EOL care for patients, families, and clinicians following 3WP initiation and integration. Implementing individualized and meaningful wishes at EOL for dying patients in a community ICU requires adequate planning and time dedicated to optimizing clinician education. Adapting key features of an intervention to local expertise and capacity may facilitate spread during project initiation and integration.
First record of the pencil cardinal Epigonus denticulatus (Perciformes: Epigonidae) in the Azores archipelago
Authors: Catarino Diana , Stefanni Sergio , Porteiro Filipe M. , Rosa Alexandra , Giacomello Eva 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe pencil cardinal Epigonus denticulatus is a small deep‐water fish inhabiting continental slopes usually between 300 and 600 m depth. We report the first record of E. denticulatus in the Azores archipelago, where one specimen was found floating by fisherman off Faial island. Meristic and morphometric characters are in accordance with those reported for the species and molecular analyses further supported species identity. The record of E. denticulatus as a native species in the Azores increases the number of Epigonus species in the region to a total of three.
Systemic phaeohyphomycosis in splitnose rockfish (Sebastes diploproa) caused by Devriesia sp.
Authors: Peel Melanie J. , Adams Lance , Stevens Brittany , Garner Michael M. , Maguire Cheryl 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA novel pathogen was documented after two wild‐caught, juvenile, splitnose rockfish presented with buphthalmia, grey corneal endothelial plaques and evidence of uveitis. Cytologic evaluation of ocular contents revealed fungal hyphae. Histologic evaluation identified multiple fungal granulomas and granulomatous inflammation in the globes, periocular tissue and heart. Fungi were slender, hyphenated and branched at angles, had parallel cell walls and had brown pigmentation in haematoxylin‐ and eosin‐stained sections. Both fish were diagnosed with phaeohyphomycosis. Culture with nuclear ribosomal RNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) segment identification further classified the fungus as Devriesia sp., which has not been previously documented as a cause of disease in animals.
Ethylene and salicylic acid synergistically accelerate leaf senescence in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Chaoqi , Dai Shouyi , Zhang Zhong‐Lin , Lao Wenqing , Wang Ruiying , Meng Xianqing , Zhou Xin 
Published: January 2021

SummaryThe phytohormones ethylene and salicylic acid (SA) have long been known to promote senescence, but their interplay during this process remains elusive. Here we report the synergistic effects of ethylene and SA on promoting leaf senescence in Arabidopsis. EIN3, a key transcription factor of ethylene signaling, physically interacted with the core SA signaling regulator NPR1 in senescing leaves. EIN3 and NPR1 synergistically promoted the expression of the senescence‐associated genes ORE1 and SAG29. The senescence phenotype was more delayed for the ein3eil1npr1 triple mutant than ein3eil1 or npr1 with ethylene or/and SA treatment. NPR1‐promoted leaf senescence may depend on functional EIN3/EIL1.
Ultra‐high frequency ultrasonography (UHFUS)‐guided minor salivary gland biopsy: A promising procedure to optimize labial salivary gland biopsy in Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Izzetti Rossana , Ferro Francesco , Vitali Saverio , Nisi Marco , Fonzetti Silvia , Oranges Teresa , Donati Valentina , Caramella Davide , Baldini Chiara , Gabriele Mario 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundSjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by an inflammatory infiltrate of exocrine salivary and lachrymal glands. Diagnosis is complex, and minor salivary gland biopsy and subsequent focus score (FS) calculation appear of extreme importance in the diagnostic work‐up of the disease. Ultra‐high frequency ultrasonography (UHFUS) is a recently introduced diagnostic technique, which is gaining an increasingly important role in intraoral imaging. This study aims at exploring the usefulness of UHFUS for obtaining valuable labial salivary gland samples to assess the histopathological features of SS patients.MethodsPatients with clinical suspect of SS and eligible for minor salivary gland biopsy were enrolled. UHFUS scan of the lower lip was performed. Glandular echostructure was classified according to Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) scoring system. The glands to be sampled were selected on the basis of UHFUS evaluation and biopsied. The areas of the samples were recorded and compared with those obtained without UHFUS guidance. The correlation between UHFUS grade and labial gland FS was also assessed.ResultsThe areas of the samples obtained with UHFUS guidance were significantly higher (7.25 ± 3.98 mm2) than those obtained by conventional procedures (5.79 ± 3.49 mm2, P = .02). UHFUS correlated significantly with the salivary gland FS (r = .532, P = .001).ConclusionUHFUS seems a promising tool in SS diagnostic algorithm, being able to provide a valuable support to the biopsy procedure. Further studies are mandatory to confirm the role of UHFUS in SS.
Affirming both independent and interdependent values improves achievement for all students and mitigates cultural mismatch for first‐generation college students
Authors: Hecht Cameron A. , Priniski Stacy J. , Tibbetts Yoi , Harackiewicz Judith M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMany first‐generation college students—whose parents have not obtained a 4‐year college degree—experience a “cultural mismatch” due to a lack of alignment between the independent values of their university (consistent with the culture of higher education) and their own interdependent values (consistent with working‐class culture). We documented this mismatch at a 4‐year university (n = 465), and then tested a values‐affirmation intervention in a laboratory study (n = 220) that encouraged students to affirm both independent values and interdependent values. We compared this intervention, which had not previously been tested in a 4‐year university, to a standard values‐affirmation intervention and control. This intervention increased first‐generation students’ perceptions of cultural match and improved achievement on a math test for all students, on average, by increasing confidence and reducing distraction on the test. Encouraging students to integrate independent and interdependent values may improve first‐generation college students’ experiences in higher education.
The oral health status of America's rural children: An opportunity for policy change
Authors: Crouch Elizabeth , Nelson Joni , Merrell Melinda A. , Martin Amy 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of our study was to examine the association between rurality and select oral health care metrics: teeth condition, decay, and access measures such as preventive dental care among children in the United States.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study with a sample of 20,842 respondents from the 2017 to 2018 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH), a nationally representative sample of U.S. children. Socio‐demographic information, residence, and oral health and healthcare utilization information were used to create study variables. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and a multivariable regression model were performed.ResultsRural children were less likely to have a preventive dental visit than urban children (84.9 percent versus 87.5 percent, P = 0.03). Children residing in rural areas were more likely to have their teeth condition reported as fair or poor than children residing in urban areas (7.3 percent versus 6.6 percent, P = 0.02). Compared to their urban counterparts, rural children were also less likely to have received fluoride treatment (46.6 percent versus 52.5 percent, P = 0.0022) and less likely to have received a dental sealant (19.5 percent versus 22.5 percent, P = 0.0147). In adjusted analysis, there was no significant difference in receiving a preventive dental visit for rural children, compared to their urban counterparts.ConclusionsAs preparations are made for the 2020 Surgeon General's report on oral health, the current study provides important evidence to inform future advocacy and legislative priorities. To reduce urban–rural disparities among children, there must be enhanced dental care access, dental workforce expansion, and increased awareness about preventive oral health services.
Melatonin rescues the reproductive toxicity of low‐dose glyphosate‐based herbicide during mouse oocyte maturation via the GPER signaling pathway
Authors: Cao Mingjun , Wang Yufeng , Yang Fan , Li Jizhou , Qin Xunsi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGlyphosate‐based herbicides (GBHs) are a group of widely used broad‐spectrum agricultural pesticides. Due to the recalcitrance of GBH, it has been found in food and environment as a contaminant, posing a threat to public health. The health risks associated with GBH have been indicated by reporting acute toxicity data (an acute exposure of GBH at a 0.5% dose), which primarily discuss toxicity in relation to accidental high‐rate exposure. Currently, there is little information regarding the toxicity of GBH at environmentally relevant levels. In this study, we used mature mouse oocytes to study the toxic effects of low‐dose GBH exposure in vitro (0.00001%–0.00025%) and in vivo (0.0005%, orally administered through daily drinking water) during meiotic maturation. GBH exposure led to meiotic maturation failure with spindle defects and chromosome misalignment. In addition, GBH treatment severely reduced sperm‐binding ability and disrupted early embryo cleavage. Moreover, GBH exposure significantly increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and apoptotic rates. Evidence indicates that such effects in GBH‐exposed oocytes are likely due to overexpression of the G‐protein estrogen receptor (GPER/GPR30). Remarkably, we found that melatonin administration elicited significant protection against GBH‐induced oocyte deterioration via preserving the expression of GPR30, along with activation of its downstream signaling event (pERK/ERK). Taken together, these results revealed that low‐dose glyphosate has a certain adverse effect on oocyte maturation and early embryo cleavage, and highlight the protective roles of melatonin.
Not Breathing Easy: “Disarticulated Homework” in Asthma Management
Authors: Spray Julie , Carter Chelsey R. , Waters Erika A. , Hunleth Jean M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRecent health policy in the United States encourages an outsourcing of labor from professional practice into domestic spaces, where in theory, medical professionals supply the training, technologies, and guidance needed to discharge responsibility for care to patients or caregivers. Mattingly et al. (2011) term this labor “chronic homework,” describing the relationship between the assigning and undertaking of medical care at the borders of professional and domestic domains. This is a system predicated on relationships between professional and caregiver. However, in our research with families and providers in two U.S. sites, we observed a “disarticulation” of asthma care from professional medicine. Caregivers may undertake routine asthma management with little physician oversight, transforming chronic homework into what we term “disarticulated homework.” We argue that expanding the concept of chronic homework to theorize disarticulation processes can help elucidate how health disparities are reproduced in the gap between medical systems and domestic life. [asthma, self‐management, caregiving pharmaceuticalization, health disparities]
Fine‐scale genetic structure reflects limited and coordinated dispersal in the colonial monk parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus
Authors: Dawson Pell Francesca S. E. , Senar Juan Carlos , Franks Daniel W. , Hatchwell Ben J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe genetic structure of animal populations has considerable behavioural, ecological and evolutionary implications and may arise from various demographic traits. Here, we use observational field data and molecular genetics to determine the genetic structure of an invasive population of monk parakeets, Myiopsitta monachus, at a range of spatial scales, and investigate the demographic processes that generate the observed structure. Monk parakeets construct large nests that can house several pairs occupying separate chambers; these nests are often aggregated within nesting trees. We determined patterns of relatedness within compound nests, within nesting trees and between trees. Spatial autocorrelation analyses of pairwise genetic relatedness revealed fine‐scale genetic structure with relatives of both sexes spatially clustered within, but not beyond, nesting trees. In addition, males were more related to males sharing their compound nests than to other males occupying the same nesting tree. By contrast, males and females within compound nests were not significantly more closely related than elsewhere in the same tree, and we found no evidence for inbreeding. Adults showed high breeding site fidelity between years despite considerable disturbance of nest sites. Natal dispersal was female‐biased, but dispersal distances were relatively short with some natal philopatry observed in both sexes. Sibling coalitions, typically of males, were observed amongst both philopatric and dispersing birds. Our results show significant clustering of kin within compound nests and nesting trees resulting from limited and coordinated natal dispersal, with subsequent breeding site fidelity. The resulting genetic structure has implications for social behaviour in this unusual parrot species.
What is the association between student well‐being and high‐stakes examination scores?
Authors: Monrad Seetha U. , Wolff Margaret , Kurtz Joshua , Deiorio Nicole M. , Sabo Roy , Stringer Jake K. , Santen Sally A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionAs educators seek to improve medical student well‐being, it is essential to understand the interplay between distress and important outcomes. Performance on Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination has played a significant role in selection for postgraduate residency positions in the United States and consequently has been a source of great stress for medical students. The purpose of this study was to examine whether student well‐being correlates with performance on a high stakes licensing examination.MethodsBetween 2014 and 2016, three sequential cohorts of medical students at the University of Michigan Medical School completed the Medical Student Well‐Being Index (MSWBI) at the end of their 2nd‐year curriculum, shortly before taking Step 1. Associations between well‐being and Step 1 scores were investigated while adjusting for MCAT scores and cumulative second‐year course scores.ResultsIn total, 354 students were included in the analysis (68.1% of potential responders). On bivariate analysis, poor student well‐being (0 = low distress [high well‐being], 7 = high distress [poor well‐being]) was associated with lower Step 1 examination scores (slope = −2.10, P < .01), and well‐being accounted for 5% of overall Step 1 score variability (R2 = .05). However, after adjustment for MCAT scores and cumulative GPA (full model R2 = .51), the relationship between well‐being and Step 1 score was no longer significant (slope = −0.70, P‐value = .06).ConclusionsWhen controlling for metrics of academic performance, student well‐being prior to taking Step 1 was not associated with how well students performed on Step 1 for the study sample.
Characteristics of the gastrointestinal microbiota in paired live kidney donors and recipients
Authors: Chan Samuel , Morrison Mark , Hawley Carmel M. , Campbell Scott B. , Francis Ross S. , Isbel Nicole M. , Pascoe Elaine M. , Johnson David W. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere are few studies that have examined whether dysbiosis occurs in kidney donors and transplant recipients following kidney transplant surgery.AimTo ascertain whether changes occur in the gastrointestinal microbiota of the kidney donor and recipient following kidney transplantation.MethodsKidney transplant recipients and their donors were prospectively enrolled in a pilot study to collect one faecal sample prior to, and another faecal sample between four to eight weeks following surgery. Gastrointestinal microbiota richness, Shannon diversity measures and functional assessments of kidney donors and recipients were analysed via metagenomic sequencing.ResultsThe study included 12 donors (median age 56 years, 6 females) and 12 recipients (median age 51 years, 3 females). Donor microbiota showed no significant changes in gastrointestinal microbiota richness, Shannon diversity, or functional assessments before and after nephrectomy. Recipient microbiota was altered post‐transplant, reflected in reductions of the mean (±SD) richness values (156 ± 46.5 to 116 ± 38.6, p = 0.002), and Shannon diversity (3.57 ± 0.49 to 3.14 ± 0.52, p = 0.007), and a dramatic increase in Roseburia spp. abundance post‐transplant (26‐fold increase from 0.16 ± 0.0091 to 4.6 ± 0.3; p = 0.006; FDR = 0.12). Functionally, the post‐transplant microbial community shifted towards those taxa using the glycolysis pathway (1.2‐fold increase; p = 0.02; FDR = 0.26) for energy metabolism, while those functions involved with reactive oxygen species degradation decreased (2.6‐fold; p = 0.006; FDR = 0.14).ConclusionLive donor kidney transplantation and standard care post‐transplant result in significant alterations in gut microbiota richness, diversity, composition and functional parameters in kidney transplant recipients but not in their kidney donors.
The Historical Presidency: Andrew Jackson in the Age of Trump
Authors: Feller Daniel 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDonald Trump’s embrace of Andrew Jackson as his presidential model made Jackson a centerpiece for debate as a kind of stand‐in for American history at large. The Trump camp acclaimed his aggressive nationalism and insurgent populism, while critics condemned him for exemplifying American xenophobia, bigotry, and racism. Both portraits reduced Jackson to caricature. While Trump praised him for purportedly raising tariffs and rattling sabers, critics charged him with originating Indian genocide, reducing public policy to private vendetta, and practicing unbridled personal violence. Thus, the resemblance between Jackson and Trump, touted by both sides for opposite reasons, rested on historical facts that were oversimplified and often demonstrably untrue. Politicians and pundits led in distorting the record, but scholars were acquiescent and even directly complicit in warping evidence to propound a shallow historical analogy for political effect.