bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of lifestyle interventions on epigenetic signatures of liver fat: Central randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yaskolka Meir Anat , Keller Maria , Müller Luise , Bernhart Stephan H. , Tsaban Gal , Zelicha Hila , Rinott Ehud , Kaplan Alon , Gepner Yftach , Shelef Ilan , Schwarzfuchs Dan , Ceglarek Uta , Stadler Peter , Blüher Matthias , Stumvoll Michael , Kovacs Peter , Shai Iris 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsIn the CENTRAL trial context, we found diverse liver fat dynamics in response to different dietary interventions. Epigenetic mechanisms may contribute to the intraindividual variation. Moreover, genetic factors are involved in developing nonalcoholic fatty‐liver disease (NAFLD), a disease reflected by an increase in intrahepatic fat (IHF). In this exploratory analysis, we primarily aimed to examine the effect of lifestyle interventions on DNA‐methylation of NAFLD related genes associated with IHF.MethodsFor 120 participants from the CENTRAL trial, an 18‐month regimen of either low‐fat (LF) or Mediterranean‐low carbohydrate (MED/LC) diets, with or without physical activity (PA+/PA−), was instructed. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure IHF%, which was analysed for association with CpG specific DNA‐methylation levels of 41 selected candidate genes. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms known to be associated with NAFLD within the studied genes were genotyped by TaqMan assays.ResultsAt baseline, participants (92% men; body mass index = 30.2 kg/m2) had mean IHF of 10.7% (59% NAFLD). Baseline‐IHF% was inversely correlated with DNA‐methylation at individual CpGs within AC074286.1, CRACR2A, A2MP1, FARP1 (P < .05 for all multivariate models). FARP1 rs9584805 showed association with IHF, with the prevalence of NAFLD and baseline methylation level of the CpG site (cg00071727) associated with IHF%. Following 18‐month lifestyle intervention, differential DNA‐methylation patterns were observed between diets at cg14335324 annotated to A2MP1 (P = .04, LF vs. MED/LC), and differential DNA‐methylation between PA groups within AC074286.1, CRACR2A, and FARP1 CpGs (P < .05 for all, PA−vs. PA+).ConclusionsThis study suggests epigenetic markers for IHF and potential epigenetic remodeling after long‐term lifestyle interventions.
Life‐history trade‐offs and the genetic basis of fitness in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Ellis Thomas James , Postma Froukje M. , Oakley Christopher G. , Ågren Jon 
Published: May 2021

AbstractResources allocated to survival cannot be used to increase fecundity, but the extent to which this trade‐off constrains adaptation depends on overall resource status. Adaptation to local environmental conditions may therefore entail the evolution of traits that increase the amount of resources available to individuals (their resource status or ‘condition’). We examined the relative contribution of trade‐offs and increased condition to adaptive evolution in a recombinant inbred line population of Arabidopsis thaliana planted at the native sites of the parental ecotypes in Italy and Sweden in 2 years. We estimated genetic correlations among fitness components based on genotypic means and explored their causes with QTL mapping. The local ecotype produced more seeds per fruit than did the non‐local ecotype, reflected in stronger adaptive differentiation than was previously shown based on survival and fruit number only. Genetic correlations between survival and overall fecundity, and between number of fruits and number of seeds per fruit, were positive, and there was little evidence of a trade‐off between seed size and number. Quantitative trait loci for these traits tended to map to the same regions of the genome and showed positive pleiotropic effects. The results indicate that adaptive differentiation between the two focal populations largely reflects the evolution of increased ability to acquire resources in the local environment, rather than shifts in the relative allocation to different life‐history traits. Differentiation both in phenology and in tolerance to cold is likely to contribute to the advantage of the local genotype at the two sites.
Examining the optimal cutoff values of HADS, PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7 as screening instruments for depression and anxiety in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Snijkers Johanna T. W. , van den Oever Wendy , Weerts Zsa Zsa R. M. , Vork Lisa , Mujagic Zlatan , Leue Carsten , Hesselink Martine A. M. , Kruimel Joanna W. , Muris Jean W. M. , Bogie Roel M. M. , Masclee Ad A. M. , Jonkers Daisy M. A. E. , Keszthelyi Daniel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundSelf‐rating scales are frequently used to screen for anxiety and depression in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Different cutoff values are recommended in literature, and guidelines have suggested the use of other screening instruments over time. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between the most commonly used psychological screening instruments for anxiety and depression in IBS and to compare custom cutoff scores for these instruments.MethodsIrritable bowel syndrome patients (n = 192) completed several questionnaires including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS, HADS‐A and HADS‐D subscale), Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7). Agreement at different cutoff points, for depressive and anxiety disorder, was assessed by use of the Gwet AC1 coefficient.Key ResultsHospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)‐D and PHQ‐9 scores, and HADS‐A and GAD‐7 scores showed high correlations (rs = 0.735 and rs = 0.805, respectively). For depressive disorder, a Gwet AC1 value of 0.829 was found when recommended cutoff points from literature were compared (PHQ‐9 cutoff ≥10, HADS‐D cutoff ≥8). For anxiety disorder, a Gwet AC1 value of 0.806 was found when recommended cutoff points from literature were compared (GAD‐7 cutoff ≥10, HADS‐A cutoff ≥8). Even higher agreements were found when higher HADS cutoff values were chosen, with impact on sensitivity and specificity.Conclusions & InferencesCustom cutoff values deem the HADS subscales (HADS‐D and HADS‐A) concordant to PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7 scores. The choice of a cutoff value has substantial impact on sensitivity/specificity and is dependent on patient population, setting, and the purpose of use.
Higher‐order evidence and losing one's conviction
Authors: Henderson Leah 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThere has been considerable puzzlement over how to respond to higher‐order evidence. The existing dilemmas can be defused by adopting a ‘two‐dimensional’ representation of doxastic attitudes which incorporates not only substantive uncertainty about which first‐order state of affairs obtains but also the degree of conviction with which we hold the attitude. This makes it possible that in cases of higher‐order evidence the evidence sometimes impacts primarily on our conviction, rather than our substantive uncertainty. I argue that such a two‐dimensional representation is naturally developed by making use of imprecise probabilities.
Migration as a determinant of childhood obesity in the United States and Latin America
Authors: Vilar‐Compte Mireya , Bustamante Arturo V. , López‐Olmedo Nancy , Gaitán‐Rossi Pablo , Torres Jaqueline , Peterson Karen E. , Teruel Graciela , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael 
Published: May 2021

SummaryInternational migration has economic and health implications. The acculturation process to the host country may be linked to childhood obesity. We use the Community Energy Balance (CEB) framework to analyze the relationship between migration and childhood obesity in Mexican households with international migrants. Using longitudinal data from the Mexican Family Life Survey (MxFLS), we examine how migrant networks affect childhood obesity in origin communities. We also review binational health programs that could be effective at tackling childhood obesity in migrant households from Mexico. Children embedded in migrant networks are at greater risk of developing overweight or obesity, suggesting a significant relationship between childhood obesity and international migration in Mexican households. Based on our search criteria, our analysis of health outreach programs shows that Ventanillas de Salud (VDS)/Health Windows has great promise to prevent childhood obesity in a culturally sensitive and trustful environment. The CEB framework is useful to understand how migration contributes to the risk of childhood overweight and obesity in migrant households. VDS is a feasible and replicable strategy with great potential to address childhood obesity among migrant families accounting for the dynamic and binational determinants of childhood obesity.
Decision tree‐based rules outperform risk scores for childhood asthma prognosis
Authors: Owora Arthur H. , Tepper Robert S. , Ramsey Clare D. , Becker Allan B. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere are no widely accepted prognostic tools for childhood asthma; this is in part due to the multifactorial and time‐dependent nature of mechanisms and risk factors that contribute to asthma development. Our study objective was to develop and evaluate the prognostic performance of conditional inference decision tree–based rules using the Pediatric Asthma Risk Score (PARS) predictors as an alternative to the existing logistic regression‐based risk score for childhood asthma prediction at 7 years in a high‐risk population.MethodsThe Canadian Asthma Primary Prevention Study data were used to develop, compare, and contrast the prognostic performance (area under the curve [AUC], sensitivity, and specificity) of conditional inference tree‐based decision rules to the pediatric asthma risk score for the prediction of childhood asthma at 7 years.ResultsConditional inference decision tree–based rules have higher prognostic performance (AUC: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.81, 0.88; sensitivity = 47%; specificity = 93%) than the pediatric asthma risk score at an optimal cutoff of ≥6 (AUC: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.76; sensitivity = 60%; specificity = 74%). Moreover, the pediatric asthma risk score is not linearly related to asthma risk, and at any given pediatric asthma risk score value, different combinations of its pediatric asthma risk score clinical variables differentially predict asthma risk.ConclusionConditional inference tree–based decision rules could be a useful childhood asthma prognostic tool, providing an alternative way to identify unique subgroups of at‐risk children, and insights into associations and effect mechanisms that are suggestive of appropriate tailored preventive interventions. However, the feasibility and effectiveness of such decision rules in clinical practice is warranted.
The effects on isotopic composition of leaf water and transpiration of adding a gas‐exchange cuvette
Authors: Farquhar Graham D. , Griffani Danielle S. , Barbour Margaret M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAn expression was earlier derived for the non‐steady state isotopic composition of a leaf when the composition of the water entering the leaf was not necessarily the same as that of the water being transpired (Farquhar and Cernusak 2005). This was relevant to natural conditions because the associated time constant is typically sufficiently long to ensure that the leaf water composition and fluxes of the isotopologues are rarely steady. With the advent of laser‐based measurements of isotopologues, leaves have been enclosed in cuvettes and time courses of fluxes recorded. The enclosure modifies the time constant by effectively increasing the resistance to the one‐way gross flux out of the stomata because transpiration increases the vapour concentration within the chamber. The resistance is increased from stomatal and boundary layer in series, to stomata, boundary layer and chamber resistance, where the latter is given by the ratio of leaf area to the flow rate out of the chamber. An apparent change in concept from one‐way to net flux, introduced by Song, Simonin, Loucos and Barbour (2015) is resolved, and shown to be unnecessary, but the value of their data is reinforced.
Clustering and Automatic Labelling Within Time Series of Categorical Observations—With an Application to Marine Log Messages
Authors: Gramuglia Emanuele , Storvik Geir , Stakkeland Morten 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
System logs or log files containing textual messages with associated time stamps are generated by many technologies and systems. The clustering technique proposed in this paper provides a tool to discover and identify patterns or macrolevel events in this data. The motivating application is logs generated by frequency converters in the propulsion system on a ship, while the general setting is fault identification and classification in complex industrial systems. The paper introduces an offline approach for dividing a time series of log messages into a series of discrete segments of random lengths. These segments are clustered into a limited set of states. A state is assumed to correspond to a specific operation or condition of the system, and can be a fault mode or a normal operation. Each of the states can be associated with a specific, limited set of messages, where messages appear in a random or semi-structured order within the segments. These structures are in general not defined a priori. We propose a Bayesian hierarchical model where the states are characterised both by the temporal frequency and the type of messages within each segment. An algorithm for inference based on reversible jump MCMC is proposed. The performance of the method is assessed by both simulations and operational data.
In the borderland of the body: How home‐dwelling older people experience frailty
Authors: Søvde Bente Egge , Sandvoll Anne Marie , Natvik Eli , Drageset Jorunn 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRationaleThe increasing number of frail home‐dwelling older people has sharpened the focus on discovering and implementing suitable treatment and care in clinical practice, aiming to prevent loss of physical functioning and preserve their autonomy and well‐being. People's embodied experiences may yield rich descriptions to help to understand frailty. Thoroughly understanding older people's individual perceptions is especially relevant because the numbers of home‐dwelling older people are increasing, and people tend to develop more health problems and become frailer as they age. Their perspectives are important to develop knowledge and high‐quality care.AimTo explore the lived experiences of frail home‐dwelling older people.MethodsWe conducted a phenomenological study to obtain in‐depth descriptions of the phenomenon. We interviewed 10 home‐dwelling older adults (seven women and three men, 72–90 years old) in depth about their lived experience of frailty. We analysed the data using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach described by van Manen.FindingsThe lived experience of frailty is described in one essential theme: frailty as being in the borderland of the body, including three interrelated subthemes: (1) the body shuts down; (2) living on the edge; and (3) not giving up.ConclusionsOur study gives insight into lived experiences with frailty among home‐dwelling older people related to their own body. Older people's experience of meaningful activities strengthened their feeling of being themselves, despite their frail and deteriorating body. Healthcare providers must consider the strategies of frail older people to consider both their vulnerabilities and self‐perceived strengths. The resources and deficits of frail older people present in the state of being frail need to be recognised.
Immunodiagnosis and molecular validation of Toxoplasma gondii‐recombinant dense granular (GRA) 5 protein for the detection of toxoplasmosis in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Arab‐Mazar Zahra , Javadi Mamaghani Amirreza , Fallahi Shirzad , Rajaeian Simin , Koochaki Ameneh , Seyyed Tabaei Seyyed Javad , Rezaee Hanieh 
Published: May 2021

AbstractToxoplasmosis causes serious complications in immunocompromised and pregnant women. Serological tests for the detection of toxoplasmosis are often designed from parasitic tachyzoites antigens. The process of producing these antigens is very difficult. The purpose of this study was evaluation of T. gondii‐rGRA5 for the immunodiagnosis and molecular detection of Toxoplasma infection using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and LAMP methods in hemodialysis patients. The GRA5 gene was successfully expressed and purified by affinity chromatography assay and evaluated by western blot. Then it was used to design an ELISA assay. A total of 260 samples were tested for anti‐Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies using a commercial ELISA kit and designed ELISA kit. Finally, the LAMP method was used to evaluate the precision and reliability of the results obtained by commercial and designed ELISA kits. The consistency of the results of two methods was analyzed using the Kappa coefficient of agreement. The rGRA5 revealed higher immunoreactivity with 1:100 dilution of sera from toxoplasmosis patients. The specificity and sensitivity of the assay were 93% and 96%, respectively. According to the Kappa coefficient, there was a substantial correlation between the results of ELISA and LAMP based on rGRA5 (≈98%, p < 0.001). Also it showed that rGRA5 protein can be used as an antigenic protein for designing sero‐diagnostic tests to identify Toxoplasma infection especially in hemodialysis patients.
Leveraging cultural narratives to promote trait inferences rather than stereotype activation during person perception
Authors: Harris Lasana T. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractStereotypes are cognitive constructs that make available a suite of traits and behaviors relevant to a social target. However, they also fuel social biases against social targets based on their perceived social group membership. Traditional approaches to social bias reduction focus primarily on the affective component—prejudice—on cognitive control as a regulatory tool, and on changing stereotype content. Here, I focus instead on changing the initial categorization processes, moving away from stereotype activation to trait inferences during person perception. Specifically, I argue that traits, another cognitive construct, can be promoted instead as the default social categorization. This can occur if cultural narratives highlight behavior rather than social groups, making trait inferences more salient as an initial categorization process rather than stereotype activation.
Gaps in hypertension care and control: a population‐based study in low‐income urban Medellin, Colombia
Authors: Londoño Agudelo Esteban , Pérez Ospina Viviana , Battaglioli Tullia , Taborda Pérez Cecilia , Gómez‐Arias Rubén , Van der Stuyft Patrick 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo assess hypertension prevalence and the extent and associated factors of hypertension diagnosis, follow‐up, treatment and control gaps in low‐income urban Medellin, Colombia.MethodsWe randomly sampled 1873 adults aged 35 or older. Unaware hypertensive individuals were defined as those without previous diagnosis whose average blood pressure was equal to or above 140/90 mmHg. For aware hypertensive patients, control was delimited as average blood pressure below 140/90 if under 59 years old or diabetic, and as less than 150/90 otherwise. We used logistic regression to identify care gap‐associated factors.ResultsHypertension prevalence was 43.5% (95% CI 41.2–45.7). We found 28.2% aware and 15.3% unaware hypertensive individuals, which corresponds to a 35.1% (95% CI 31.9–38.5) underdiagnosis. This gap was determined by age, sex, education and lifestyle factors. 14.4% (95% CI 11.6–17.6) of aware hypertensive patients presented a follow‐up gap, 93.4% (95% CI 90.9–95.2) were prescribed antihypertensive drugs, but 38.9% (95% CI 34.7–43.3) were not compliant. The latter was strongly associated with follow‐up. The hypertension control gap in aware hypertensive patients, 39.0% (95% CI: 34.9–43.2), was associated with being older, having diabetes, weakly adhering to pharmacological treatment and receiving poor non‐pharmacological advice. Overall, 60.4% (95% CI 57.0–63.8) of aware and unaware hypertensive participants had either diagnosed but uncontrolled or undiagnosed hypertension.ConclusionsWe found high hypertension prevalence coupled with, from an international perspective, encouraging awareness and control figures. Still, there remains ample room for improvement. Our findings can assist in designing integrated primary healthcare measures that further strengthen equitable and effective access to hypertension care and control.
Hyporegenerative anemia in anti‐M‐associated hemolytic disease of the fetus
Authors: Li Si , He Zhiming , Mo Chunyan , Ji Yanli , Luo Yanmin , Fang Qun , Gao Yu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe anti‐M antibody can lead to hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) and adverse fetal outcomes, especially in the Asian population. However, fetal erythropoiesis resulting from M alloimmunization needs further investigation.Study Design and MethodsWe analyzed erythropoiesis in eight fetuses with M alloimmunization and compared them with the fetuses affected by anti‐D. They were matched as pairs according to the gestational age of diagnosis and the hematocrit before treatment. Paired t‐tests or paired Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests were conducted to compare the difference in the cord blood indexes. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlativity between hematocrit and the reticulocyte percentage in the two groups.ResultsThe fetuses in the MN group had lower reticulocyte count and percentage than those in the RhD group (p < .05). All of the fetal reticulocyte production indexes (RPIs) in the MN group were less than 2, indicating an inadequate hemopoietic response to anemia, while the majority of the RPIs in the RhD group (85.7%) were significantly higher (p = .003), with 6 cases greater than 2.5. Hematocrit was negatively correlated with reticulocyte percentage (y = 54.7–171.7x, r2 = 0.825, p = .005) in the RhD group, while no significant correlation was found in the MN group. No difference in the number of IUT, interval, or the fetal outcome was found between the two groups.ConclusionFetal reticulocytopenia provided direct evidence of an inadequate hemopoietic response in HDFN due to anti‐M, leading to hyporegenerative anemia. Once the IgG component of anti‐M is detected, close monitoring should be considered.
Introduction
Authors: Linn Andrew , Ahn Elise S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis brief introduction opens with an overview of the region of Central Asia, its constituent countries and a discussion of how they do or do not constitute a discrete region, historically, politically, or linguistically. The introduction goes on to note previous work on Englishes in the region before providing an overview of the contents of the special issue, how the articles are organised, the key themes arising from them, and some potential avenues for further work.