bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex-Specific Differences In Plasma Lipid Profiles Are Associated With Gulf War Illness
Authors: Oberlin Sarah , Nkiliza Aurore , Parks Megan , Evans James E. , Klimas Nancy , Keegan Andrew P. , Sullivan Kimberly , Krengel Maxine H. , Mullan Michael , Crawford Fiona , Abdullah Laila 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Nearly 250,000 veterans from the 1990-1991 Gulf War have Gulf War Illness (GWI), a condition with heterogeneous pathobiology that remains difficult to diagnose. As such, availability of blood biomarkers that reflect the underlying biology of GWI will help clinicians provide appropriate care to ill veterans. In this study, we measured blood lipids to examine the influence of sex on the association between blood lipids and GWI diagnosis. Methods: Plasma lipid extracts from GWI (n=100) and control (n = 45) participants were subjected to reversed-phase nano-flow liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Results: An influence of sex and GWI case status on plasma neutral lipid and phospholipid species was observed. Among male participants, triglycerides, diglycerides, and phosphatidylcholines were increased while cholesterol esters were decreased in GWI compared to controls. In female participants, ceramides were increased in GWI cases compared to controls. Among male participants, unsaturated triglycerides, phosphatidylcholine and diglycerides were increased while unsaturated cholesterol esters were lower in GWI cases compared to controls. The ratio of arachidonic acid- to docosahexaenoic acid-containing triglyceride species was increased in female and male GWI cases as compared to their sex-matched controls. Conclusion: Differential modulation of neutral lipids and ratios of arachidonic acid to docosahexaenoic acid in male veterans with GWI suggest metabolic dysfunction and inflammation. Increases in ceramides among female veterans with GWI also suggest activation of inflammatory pathways. Future research should characterize how these lipids and their associated pathways relate to GWI pathology to identify biomarkers of the disorder.
Choosing Wisely Canada: Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society’s List of Top Items Physicians and Patients Should Question in Fertility Medicine
Authors: Jones Claire , Hawkins Leslie , Friedman Catherine Leah , Hitkari Jason , McMahon Eileen , Born Karen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To create a Choosing Wisely Canada list of the top 5 diagnostic and therapeutic interventions that should be questioned in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility in Canada.Methods: The Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) National Working Group developed an initial list of recommendations of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions that are commonly used, but are not supported by evidence, and could expose patients to unnecessary harm. These were chosen based on their prevalence, cost, potential for harm, and quality of supporting evidence. A modified Delphi consensus was used over 5 rounds to generate ideas, review supporting evidence, assess clinical relevance, estimate recommendation impact and narrow the recommendations list to 5 items. Results: Fifty unique ideas were first proposed by the working group, and after 5 rounds including a survey of Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) members, the final list of recommendations was created, including topics related to unnecessary investigations and interventions for patients with infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, and those undergoing IVF. In this article, we describe not only the Delphi process used to determine the list, but also provide a summary of the evidence behind each of the final recommendations. Conclusions: The list of 5 recommendations highlights opportunities to initiate conversations between clinicians and patients about the risks, benefits, harms and costs of unnecessary fertility treatments and procedures in a Canadian context.
Physical Characteristics and Cell-Adhesive Properties of In Vivo Fabricated Hyaluronan/Bacterial Cellulose Nanocomposites
Authors: Takahama Ryo , Kato Honami , Takayama Go , Tajima Kenji , Kondo Tetsuo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study attempts to clarify the basic material properties of in-vivo-fabricated hyaluronan (HA)/bacterial cellulose (BC) nanocomposites prepared previously. BC membranes (pellicles) generated by Gluconacetobacter hansenii (G. hansenii) are promising biomaterials owing to their outstanding biocompatible properties. Recently, specific demands for biomedical applications of BC have increased owing to its excellent mechanical properties. Although many techniques have been developed to improve the biofunctional properties of BC pellicles, such modifications remain limited owing to technical difficulties in the modulation of complex biosynthetic processes. Therefore, we previously developed an in vivo modification technique to produce nanocomposite pellicles composed of BC and HA (in vivo HA/BC), which are directly secreted from genetically engineered G. hansenii. In the present study, the HA extractability and content rate, physical characteristics, and cytocompatibility of in vivo HA/BC have been investigated in comparison to conventional in situ HA/BC and native BC pellicle. The results suggested that HA more strongly adsorbed to the solid BC surface of in vivo HA/BC than that of in situ HA/BC, which possibly affected the dynamic viscoelastic characteristics. Furthermore, in vivo HA/BC showed remarkably high human epidermal cell adhesion. These results indicate the great potential of in vivo modification to expand the usefulness of BC-based biomaterials.
Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Nusinersen-Treated Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Freigang Maren , Steinacker Petra , Wurster Claudia Diana , Schreiber-Katz Olivia , Osmanovic Alma , Petri Susanne , Koch Jan Christoph , Rostásy Kevin , Falkenburger Björn , Ludolph Albert Christian , Otto Markus , Hermann Andreas , Günther René 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundActivated astroglia is involved in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases and has also been described in animal models of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Given the urgent need of biomarkers for treatment monitoring of new RNA-modifying and gene replacement therapies in SMA, we examined glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) concentrations as a marker of astrogliosis in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of children and adult patients with SMA before and during treatment with nusinersen.Methods58 adult patients and 21 children with genetically confirmed 5q-associated SMA from 4 German motor neuron disease specialist care centers and 30 age- and sex-matched controls were prospectively included in this study. GFAP concentration was measured in CSF and motor performance and disease severity were assessed.ResultsCSF GFAP concentrations did not differ from controls but showed higher levels in more severely affected patients after adjustment for patients’ age. Within 14 months of nusinersen treatment, CSF GFAP concentrations did not change significantly.ConclusionsGFAP concentration in CSF of patients with long-standing SMA is not useful to assess disease severity or predict treatment response, but might support the hypothesis that glial activation is involved in SMA pathology.
Phenotypic Screen and Transcriptomics Approach Complement Each Other in Functional Genomics of Defensive Stink Gland Physiology
Authors: Lehmann Sabrina , Atika Bibi , Grossmann Daniela , Schmitt-Engel Christian , Strohlein Nadi , Majumdar Upalparna , Richter Tobias , Weißkopf Matthias , Ansari Salim , Teuscher Matthias , Hakeemi Muhammad Salim , Li Jianwei , Weißbecker Bernhard , Klingler Martin , Bucher Gregor , Wimmer Ernst A. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background

Functional genomics uses unbiased systematic genome-wide gene disruption or analyzes natural variations such as gene expression profiles of different tissues from multicellular organisms to link gene functions to particular phenotypes. Functional genomics approaches are of particular importance to identify large sets of genes that are specifically important for a particular biological process beyond known candidate genes, or when the process has not been studied with genetic methods before.
Results

Here, we present a large set of genes whose disruption interferes with the function of the odoriferous defensive stink glands of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. This gene set is the result of a large-scale systematic phenotypic screen using a reverse genetics strategy based on RNA interference applied in a genome-wide forward genetics manner. In this first-pass screen, 130 genes were identified, of which 69 genes could be confirmed to cause knock-down gland phenotypes, which vary from necrotic tissue and irregular reservoir size to irregular color or separation of the secreted gland compounds. The knock-down of 13 genes caused specifically a strong reduction of para-benzoquinones, suggesting a specific function in the synthesis of these toxic compounds. Only 14 of the 69 confirmed gland genes are differentially overexpressed in stink gland tissue and thus could have been detected in a transcriptome-based analysis. Moreover, of the 29 previously transcriptomics-identified genes causing a gland phenotype, only one gene was recognized by this phenotypic screen despite the fact that 13 of them were covered by the screen.
Conclusion

Our results indicate the importance of combining diverse and independent methodologies to identify genes necessary for the function of a certain biological tissue, as the different approaches do not deliver redundant results but rather complement each other. The presented phenotypic screen together with a transcriptomics approach are now providing a set of close to hundred genes important for odoriferous defensive stink gland physiology in beetles.
Development of Social Life Impact for Mother (SLIM) Scale At First Trimester to Identify Mothers Who Need Social Support During Postpartum: A Hospital-Based Prospective Study in Japan
Authors: Okamoto Yoko , Doi Satomi , Isumi Aya , Sugawara Junichi , Maeda Kazuhisa , Satoh Shoji , Fujiwara Takeo , Mitsuda Nobuaki 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Postpartum social problems, such as postpartum depression and bonding disorders, are important risk factors for child maltreatment. Mothers with such problems are known to need social support. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Social Life Impact for Mother (SLIM) scale to identify mothers in Japan who need social support during postpartum.Methods: Hospital-based prospective study was implemented covering nation-wide area of Japan. A total of 7462 pregnant women completed the SLIM scale at first trimester, and postpartum social problems (postpartum depression and bonding disorders) were assessed at one month after delivery (N=5768, follow-up rate: 77.3%). Multivariate logistic regression was applied to investigate the association between SLIM scale and postpartum social problems.Results: The SLIM scale predicted postpartum social problems in moderate accuracy (AUC=0.63, 95% confidence interval: 0.60-0.65). Further stratification by local clinic and tertiary hospital did not affect the estimates.Conclusion: The SLIM scale at prenatal checkup may be useful for obstetricians to detect mothers with postpartum social problems. Further intervention study using SLIM score is warranted.
Speed Is Associated With, But Does Not Cause, Polarization in the Moral Evaluation of Real-World Images
Authors: Chunyu Ma , Zommara Noha Mohsen , Ounjai Kajornvut , Ju Xi , Lauwereyns Johan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In human perceptual decision-making, the speed-accuracy tradeoff establishes a causal link between urgency and reduced accuracy. Less is known about how urgency affects the moral evaluation of visual images. Here, we asked participants to give ratings for a diverse set of real-world images on a continuous scale from -10 (“very immoral”) to +10 (“very moral”). We used a cueing procedure to inform the participants on a trial-by-trial basis whether they could make a Self-Paced (SP) evaluation or whether they had to perform a Time-Limited (TL) evaluation within 2 seconds. In the SP condition, fast responses were associated with more extreme evaluations. Compared to the SP condition, the responses in the TL condition were much faster, indicating that our urgency manipulation was successful. However, comparing the SP versus TL conditions, we found no significant differences in the moral evaluation of the real-world images. The data indicated that, while speed is associated with polarization, urgency does not cause participants to make more extreme evaluations. Instead, the correlation between speed and polarization likely reflects the ease of processing. Images that are obviously moral or immoral are categorized faster and given more extreme evaluations than images for which the moral interpretation is uncertain.
Validation of the Swedish Version of Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Index
Authors: Hallberg Kristofer , Salomonsson Björn 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe Western Ontario of the Shoulder index (WOOS) is a patient-reported, disease-specific instrument, designed to measure quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder. The Swedish Shoulder Arthroplasty Registry (SSAR) uses WOOS and EuroQoL 5-dimensions 3 levels (EQ-5D-3L) as patient reported outcome measures. The purpose of this study was to test the validity, responsiveness, and reliability of the Swedish translation of WOOS for patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder.MethodsData was collected from three shoulder arthroplasty studies performed during 2005-2013, with 23, 21, and 19 patients respectively. Forms were collected preoperatively, and postoperatively between 12 and 24 months. WOOS and EQ-5D-3L were used in all three studies. Additionally, the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) (n=23) was used in one study, and the Constant-Murley score (CMS) (n=40) in two of the studies. Validity was analysed by calculating Pearson’s correlation coefficient (PCC). Cronbach’s alpha (CA) was used to estimate internal consistency and reliability. The responsiveness of WOOS was measured by calculating effect size and standardized response mean. To assess the performance of WOOS over time, we present repeated measures of WOOS in the registry over a 10-year period.ResultsThe validity analysis showed excellent correlations of WOOS to CMS, OSS and EQ-5D 3L, with Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.72, 0.83, and 0.62 respectively (P<0.001). There were adequate floor effects in the sport and lifestyle domains preoperatively, and adequate ceiling effects in all domains postoperatively. There were no floor effects and adequate ceiling effects for total WOOS. Analyzing reliability, Cronbach’s alpha was 0.95 for the pre- and postoperative WOOS scores combined. The analysis of responsiveness for WOOS showed an effect size of 2.52 and a standardized response mean of 1.43.The individual results measured by WOOS within the registry shows stable levels from 1 to 10 years.ConclusionThe Swedish translation of WOOS is valid, reliable, and responsive for use in a clinical setting for patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis treated with shoulder arthroplasty, and we regard it as an appropriate instrument for use in the Swedish Shoulder Arthroplasty Registry.
Barriers and Facilitators to HIV Prevention Interventions for Reducing Risky Sexual Behavior Among Youth Worldwide: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mbengo Fungai , Adama Esther , Towell-Barnard Amanda , Bhana Arvin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Interventions aimed at reducing risky sexual behavior is considered an important strategy for averting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among youth (15-24 years) who continue to be vulnerable to the disease. Enhancing intervention success requires a comprehensive understanding of the barriers and facilitators to interventions targeting youth. However, there is lack of a systematic review of both quantitative and qualitative studies to comprehensively identity and synthesize barriers and facilitators to HIV prevention interventions for reducing risky sexual behavior among youth worldwide. This review aimed to identify and synthesize barriers and facilitators to HIV prevention interventions for reducing risky sexual behavior among youth globally based on original peer-reviewed studies published in the last decade. Methods: The Joanna Briggs Institute approach for mixed methods systematic reviews and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were used to guide this review. Seven electronic databases, Cambridge and Oxford journals, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and World Health Organization websites, and reference lists of included studies were searched for eligible articles. Studies that met the inclusion criteria underwent quality appraisal and data extraction. Findings were analyzed using thematic synthesis and underpinned by the Determinant Framework.Results: Overall, eight qualitative studies, four quantitative studies and one mixed methods study were included in the review. Several barriers and facilitators across the five Determinant Framework domains were identified. Most of the barriers fell under the characteristics of the context domain (e.g., gender-biased norms). The next important group of barriers emerged within the characteristics of the end users domain (e.g., fear of relationship breakdown). In terms of facilitators, the majority fell under the characteristics of the context domain (e.g., financial support from family) and characteristics of the end users domain (e.g., fear of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections). The next common set of facilitators appeared within the characteristics of the strategy of facilitating implementation domain (e.g., implementation of intervention with fidelity).Conclusion: This review identified several multi-level barriers and facilitators to HIV prevention interventions for reducing risky sexual behavior among youth. Multi-level and combination approaches are needed to address these factors and enhance intervention success.
Microbial Communities Performing Hydrogen Solventogenic Metabolism of Volatile Fatty Acids
Authors: Mockaitis Gustavo , Bruant Guillaume , Foresti Eugenio , Zaiat Marcelo , Guiot Serge 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Four different physicochemical pretreatments on an anaerobic inoculum used for alcohol production from acetate and butyrate are evaluated. Experiments were conducted in single batches using acetate and butyrate as substrates at 30°C and with a pressurized headspace of pure H2 at 2.15 atm (218.2 MPa). Thermal and acidic-thermal pretreatments lead to higher production of both ethanol and butanol. Modelling shows that the highest attainable concentrations of ethanol and butanol produced were 122 mg L−1 and 97 mg L−1 for the thermal pretreatment (after 17.5 days) and 87 mg L−1 and 143 mg L−1 for the acidic-thermal pretreatment (after 18.9 days). Thermodynamic data indicated that a high H2 partial pressure favoured solventogenic metabolic pathways. Acidic-thermal pretreatment selected a bacterial community more adapted to the conversion of acetate and butyrate into ethanol and butanol, respectively. Thermal-acidic pretreatment was unstable, showing significant variability between replicates. Acidic pretreatment showed the lowest alcohol production.
Effect of Silicon on Morpho-Physiological Attributes, Yield and Cadmium Accumulation in Two Maize Genotypes with Contrasting Root System Size and Health Risk Assessment
Authors: An Tingting , Gao Yamin , Kuang Qiqiang , Wu Yujie , Zaman Qamar uz , Zhang Yi , Xu Bingcheng , Chen Yinglong 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background and aims Cadmium (Cd) contamination is a serious threat to plants and humans. Silicon (Si) was reported to have some alleviative effects on plant tolerance to Cd stress. However, whether Si alleviates Cd toxicity in maize genotypes with contrasting root system size are unknown. Methods Effects of Si applications (0 and 200 mg kg-1 soil) on shoot and root growth, Cd uptake and transportation under Cd treatments (0 and 20 mg kg-1 soil) were assessed at the silking and maturity of maize genotypes Zhongke11 (large-rooted) and Shengrui999 (small-rooted) in a pot experiment. Results Root dry weight, plant height and root length were significantly affected by Si addition. Root volume and average root diameter were significantly positively correlated with root Cd concentration, bioaccumulation and translocation factor, respectively, of two maize genotypes at the silking stage. Addition of Si significantly increased Cd concentration, content, bioconcentration and translocation factor in roots of Zhongke11, but reduced the values of these parameters in Shengrui9999 at both growth stages. Under Cd stress, grain Cd concentration in the Si treatment was decreased by 14.4% (Zhongke11) and 21.4% (Shengrui999) than that in non-Si treatment. Grain yield was significantly negatively correlated with root Cd accumulation. Moreover, addition of Si significantly reduced Cd daily intake and health risk index in maize.Conclusions This study demonstrated that addition of Si reduced health risk by eliminating Cd accumulation in maize shoot and grain, and alleviated Cd stress with more profound effects in the small-rooted genotype Shengrui999.
Promoting the Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Philosophic Scoping Review
Authors: Amoo Tumilara Busayo , Lucas Ruth 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of an infant’s life and continued breastfeeding for 2 years. The global rate of exclusive breastfeeding is low at 33%. Thus, it is important to identify philosophical and theory-based strategies that can promote exclusive breastfeeding. The aim of the study is to identify philosophical schools of thought and theories used in research on promoting the practice of exclusive breastfeeding.
Methods

A scoping review using Arksey and O'Malley's framework explored the phenomenon of exclusive breastfeeding practice promotion. Searches were conducted using CINAHL Plus full-text, PubMed, APA PsycInfo and Academic Search Premier. Search terms included theory, philosophy, framework, model, exclusive breastfeeding, promotion, support, English, and publication between 2000 - 2020.
Results

The online search yielded 877 articles, however, only 40 met the inclusion criteria for the scoping review. The articles promoting exclusive breastfeeding used pragmatism (n=1) or phenomenology (n = 2) philosophies and theories of self-efficacy (n = 10), theory of planned behaviour (n = 10) and social cognitive theories (n = 17). Theories of self-efficacy and planned behaviour were the most effective theories that increased exclusive breastfeeding rates.
Conclusions

Theory-based exclusive breastfeeding promotion strategies are effective to increase the rates of exclusive breastfeeding. Theory of planned behaviour is better compared with theories of self-efficacy for program content development and implementation in Randomized Controlled Trial studies. Future breastfeeding interventions should be based on relevant philosophies and guided by theories of self-efficacy and planned behaviours.