bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simvastatin loaded chitosan guided bone regeneration membranes stimulate bone healing
Authors: Murali Vishnu Priya , Guerra Fernanda D. , Ghadri Najib , Christian James M. , Stein Sidney H. , Jennings Jessica A. , Smith Richard A. , Bumgardner Joel D. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveElectrospun chitosan membranes (ESCM) modified with short‐chain fatty acids have the ability to control the release of simvastatin (SMV), an anti‐cholesterol drug with osteogenic potential, for guided bone regeneration (GBR) applications. This study evaluated in vivo osteogenic effects of rapid short release of SMV (4 weeks) vs long sustained release (8 weeks) from acetic anhydride (AA)—and hexanoic anhydride (HA)‐modified ESCMs, respectively.MethodsAA ESCMs loaded with 10 or 50 µg SMV and HA ESCMs loaded with 50 µg SMV were evaluated for biocompatibility and bone formation at 4 and 8 weeks, in 5 mm critical size rat calvarial defects, using histological evaluation and micro‐CT analysis.ResultsNo severe inflammatory response was noticed around the ESCMs. Less hydrophobic AA membranes showed signs of resorption by week 4 and were almost completely resorbed by week 8 whereas the more hydrophobic HA membranes resorbed slowly, remaining intact over 8 weeks. In micro‐CT analysis, 10 µg SMV‐loaded AA membranes did not show significant bone formation as compared to non‐loaded AA membranes at either evaluation time points. 50 µg SMV‐loaded AA membranes stimulated significantly more bone formation than non‐loaded AA membranes by week 4 (%bone = 31.0 ± 5.9% (AA50) vs 18.5 ± 13.7% (AA0)) but showed no difference at week 8. HA membranes with 50 µg SMV showed significantly more bone formation as compared to corresponding non‐loaded membranes by week 8 (%bone = 61.7 ± 8.9% (HA50) vs 33.9 ± 29.7% (HA0)), though such an effect was not significant at week 4.ConclusionThese results indicate that modified ESCMs may be used to control the release of SMV and promote bone healing in GBR applications.
Thermal metamorphism of CM chondrites: A dehydroxylation‐based peak‐temperature thermometer and implications for sample return from asteroids Ryugu and Bennu
Authors: Velbel Michael A. , Zolensky Michael E. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe target bodies of C‐complex asteroid sample return missions are carbonaceous chondrite‐like near‐Earth asteroids (NEAs), chosen for the abundance and scientific importance of their organic compounds and “hydrous” (including hydroxylated) minerals, such as serpentine‐group phyllosilicates. Science objectives include returning samples of pristine carbonaceous regolith from asteroids for study of the nature, history, and distribution of its constituent minerals, organic material, and other volatiles. Heating after the natural aqueous alteration that formed the abundant phyllosilicates in CM and similar carbonaceous chondrites dehydroxylated them and altered or decomposed other volumetrically minor constituents (e.g., carbonates, sulfides, organic molecules; Tonui et al. 2003, 2014). We propose a peak‐temperature thermometer based on dehydroxylation as measured by analytical totals from electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) of matrices in a number of heated and aqueously altered (but not further heated) CM chondrites. Some CM lithologies in Maribo and Sutter’s Mill do not exhibit the matrix dehydroxylation expected for surface temperatures expected from insolation of meteoroids with their known orbital perihelia. This suggests that insolated‐heated meteoroid surfaces were lost by ablation during passage through Earth’s atmosphere, and that insolation‐heated material is more likely to be encountered among returned asteroid regolith samples than in meteorites. More generally, several published lines of evidence suggest that episodic heating of some CM material, most likely by impacts, continued intermittently and locally up to billions of years after assembly and early heating of ancestral CM chondrite bodies. Mission spectroscopic measures of hydration can be used to estimate the extent of dehydroxylation, and the new dehydroxylation thermometer can be used directly to select fragments of returned samples most likely to contain less thermally altered inventories of primitive organic molecules.
Effect of a baby‐friendly workplace support intervention on exclusive breastfeeding in Kenya
Authors: Kimani‐Murage Elizabeth W. , Wilunda Calistus , Macharia Teresia Njoki , Kamande Eva Watiri , Gatheru Peter Muriuki , Zerfu Tadesse , Donfouet Hermann Pythagore Pierre , Kiige Laura , Jabando Susan , Dinga Lynette Aoko , Samburu Betty , Lilford Richard , Griffiths Paula , Jackson Debra , Begin France , Moloney Grainne 
Published: April 2021

AbstractExclusive breastfeeding (EBF) during the first 6 months of life is crucial for optimizing child growth, development and survival, as well as the mother's wellbeing. Mother's employment may hinder optimal breastfeeding, especially in the first 6 months. We assessed the effectiveness of a baby‐friendly workplace support intervention on EBF in Kenya. This pre‐post intervention study was conducted between 2016 and 2018 on an agricultural farm in Kericho County. The intervention targeted pregnant/breastfeeding women residing on the farm and consisted of workplace support policies and programme interventions including providing breastfeeding flexi‐time and breaks for breastfeeding mothers; day‐care centres (crèches) for babies near the workplace and lactation centres with facilities for breast milk expression and storage at the crèches; creating awareness on available workplace support for breastfeeding policies; and home‐based nutritional counselling for pregnant and breastfeeding women. EBF was measured through 24‐h recall. The effect of the intervention on EBF was estimated using propensity score weighting. The study included 270 and 146 mother–child dyads in the nontreated (preintervention) group and treated (intervention) group, respectively. The prevalence of EBF was higher in the treated group (80.8%) than in the nontreated group (20.2%); corresponding to a fourfold increased probability of EBF [risk ratio (RR) 3.90; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.95–5.15]. The effect of the intervention was stronger among children aged 3–5 months (RR 8.13; 95% CI 4.23–15.64) than among those aged <3 months (RR 2.79; 95% CI 2.09–3.73). The baby‐friendly workplace support intervention promoted EBF especially beyond 3 months in this setting.
Analysing indoor mycobiomes through a large‐scale citizen science study in Norway
Authors: Martin‐Sanchez Pedro M. , Estensmo Eva‐Lena F. , Morgado Luis N. , Maurice Sundy , Engh Ingeborg B. , Skrede Inger , Kauserud Håvard 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn the built environment, fungi can cause important deterioration of building materials and have adverse health effects on occupants. Increased knowledge about indoor mycobiomes from different regions of the world, and their main environmental determinants, will enable improved indoor air quality management and identification of health risks. This is the first citizen science study of indoor mycobiomes at a large geographical scale in Europe, including 271 houses from Norway and 807 dust samples from three house compartments: outside of the building, living room and bathroom. The fungal community composition determined by DNA metabarcoding was clearly different between indoor and outdoor samples, but there were no significant differences between the two indoor compartments. The 32 selected variables, related to the outdoor environment, building features and occupant characteristics, accounted for 15% of the overall variation in community composition, with the house compartment as the key factor (7.6%). Next, climate was the main driver of the dust mycobiomes (4.2%), while building and occupant variables had significant but minor influences (1.4% and 1.1%, respectively). The house‐dust mycobiomes were dominated by ascomycetes (⁓70%) with Capnodiales and Eurotiales as the most abundant orders. Compared to the outdoor samples, the indoor mycobiomes showed higher species richness, which is probably due to the mixture of fungi from outdoor and indoor sources. The main indoor indicator fungi belonged to two ecological groups with allergenic potential: xerophilic moulds and skin‐associated yeasts. Our results suggest that citizen science is a successful approach for unravelling the built microbiome at large geographical scales.
Clinical associations of functional dyspepsia with gastric dysrhythmia on electrogastrography: A comprehensive systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Varghese Chris , Carson Daniel A. , Bhat Sameer , Hayes Tommy C. L. , Gharibans Armen A. , Andrews Christopher N. , O'Grady Greg 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundFunctional dyspepsia (FD) is a common gastroduodenal disorder, yet its pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Bioelectrical gastric slow‐wave abnormalities are thought to contribute to its multifactorial pathophysiology. Electrogastrography (EGG) has been used to record gastric electrical activity; however, the clinical associations require further evaluation.AimsThis study aimed to systematically assess the clinical associations of EGG in FD.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases were systematically searched for articles using EGG in adults with FD. Primary outcomes were percentage normal versus abnormal rhythm (bradygastria, normogastria, and tachygastria). Secondary outcomes were dominant power, dominant frequency, percentage coupling, and the meal responses.Results1751 FD patients and 555 controls from 47 studies were included. FD patients spent less time in normogastria while fasted (SMD −0.74; 95%CI −1.22 to −0.25) and postprandially (−0.86; 95%CI −1.35 to −0.37) compared with controls. FD patients also spent more fasted time in bradygastria (0.63; 95%CI 0.33–0.93) and tachygastria (0.45; 95%CI 0.12–0.78%). The power ratio (−0.17; 95%CI −0.83–0.48) and dominant frequency meal‐response ratio (0.06; 95%CI −0.08–0.21) were not significantly different to controls. Correlations between EGG metrics and the presence and timing of FD symptoms were inconsistent. EGG methodologies were diverse and variably applied.ConclusionAbnormal gastric slow‐wave rhythms are a consistent abnormality present in FD, as defined by EGG and, therefore, likely play a role in pathophysiology. The aberrant electrophysiology identified in FD warrants further investigation, including into underlying mechanisms, associated spatial patterns, and symptom correlations.
Relationship between symptoms during a gastric emptying study, daily symptoms and quality of life in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kuwelker Saatchi , Prichard David O. , Bailey Kent , Bharucha Adil E. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimsGastric emptying is of limited utility for predicting the severity of symptoms in patients with diabetes mellitus and gastrointestinal symptoms. We evaluated the extent to which symptoms recorded during a 13C‐spirulina‐based gastric emptying breath test (GEBT) or scintigraphy predicting the severity of daily symptoms in diabetes mellitus.MethodsGastric emptying, symptoms during a gastric emptying study, either scintigraphy (n = 38) or GEBT (n = 111), and daily gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated in 149 patients with diabetes mellitus and variably severe gastrointestinal symptoms.Key ResultsGastric emptying was normal, delayed, and rapid in 37%, 52%, and 9% measured with the GEBT and 55%, 34%, and 11% of patients measured with scintigraphy; differences between GEBT and scintigraphy were not significant. Daily symptoms were moderately severe or more intense in 58% and 21% of patients undergoing scintigraphy and GEBT (P < 0.0001). Symptoms during the GEBT (46%) and emptying thalf (3%) explained 50% of the variance in daily symptoms in the GEBT group. In the scintigraphy group, symptoms explained 29% of this variance; the thalf was insignificant. Patients who reported that one or more symptoms were more severe than the others during the GE study were more likely (OR 3.98, 95% CI 2.16, 7.33) to report the same symptom(s) as being the most severe in the daily diary.ConclusionsSymptoms during a GEBT and to a lesser extent during scintigraphy, but not gastric emptying predict the severity of daily symptoms and may serve as a biomarker in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Greater intolerance to uncertainty predicts poorer quality of life in adults with cyclic vomiting syndrome
Authors: Levinthal David J. , Romutis Stephanie , Rajalaban Ajai , Kumar Vishnu C. S. , Feldman Robert , Althouse Andrew D. , Venkatesan Thangam 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundCyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is an idiopathic disorder of gut‐brain interaction characterized by recurrent bouts of nausea and vomiting. Although CVS negatively impacts quality of life (QOL), the determinants of impaired QOL among adult CVS sufferers are not fully understood. The unpredictability of CVS attacks may generate anticipatory anxiety and worsen quality of life in a substantial proportion of patients with CVS. Intolerance to uncertainty (IU) is a cognitive trait in which individuals experience distress when faced with unpredictable situations, particularly those with potentially negative consequences. Higher trait IU is a well‐established vulnerability factor linked to the development of multiple psychiatric conditions, including anxiety. However, the extent to which higher IU is associated with impaired QOL in adults with CVS is not known.MethodsTo explore this issue, we surveyed 118 adult CVS patients and obtained demographic information, clinical features, reported healthcare utilization, and standardized assessments of IU, anxiety and panic, and QOL.Key ResultsAdult CVS patients with higher IU did not report a greater frequency of CVS attacks or overall CVS‐related healthcare utilization than those with lower IU. Yet, this group demonstrated substantially poorer physical and mental health‐related QOL and higher rates of anxiety‐spectrum disorders.Conclusions & InferencesHigher degrees of IU are associated with increased anxiety and reduced QOL in patients with CVS. IU is a malleable cognitive trait that can be targeted by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Our results suggest that some CVS patients may benefit from non‐pharmacologic therapies such as CBT.
Pressure pain thresholds in office workers with chronic neck pain: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nunes Alexandre Maurício Passos , Moita João Paulo Azinheira Martins , Espanha Maria Margarida Marques Rebelo , Petersen Kristian Kjær , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to (a) compare pressure pain threshold (PPT) values between office workers with chronic neck pain and asymptomatic controls; (b) establish reference PPT values in chronic neck pain; and (c) evaluate associations between PPTs and pain intensity, and disability.MethodsSeven English/Portuguese databases were searched for relevant literature. Studies investigating adult office workers (age >18 years) with chronic neck pain were included if PPTs were an outcome. The risk of bias was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. Meta‐analysis was conducted if a cluster contained at least two studies reporting the same PPTs.ResultsTen high quality, two low quality, and one poor quality studies were included. The meta‐analysis revealed decreased PPT values in the upper trapezius, extensor carpi ulnaris, and tibialis anterior in office workers with chronic neck pain when compared with healthy workers, without a statistical difference (p > 0.05). The PPT reference value in the upper trapezius was 263 kPa (95% confidence interval [CI] = 236.35 to 289.70), and 365 kPa (95% CI = 316.66 to 415.12) for the tibialis anterior in office workers with chronic neck pain. No correlations were found between the upper trapezius PPT and pain intensity and disability.ConclusionThis meta‐analysis found that all the PPT measurements were not significantly reduced in office workers with chronic neck pain compared with healthy workers. These assumptions were based on a small sample of existing studies, and therefore further studies are necessary to quantify the differences in PPTs. Hypersensitivity PPT reference values are proposed for localized and extrasegmental sites in office workers with chronic neck pain.
Evaluating the mental health of children in a local hospital outpatient clinic
Authors: Saito Mari , Kikuchi Yutaka , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Hoshina Masaru 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe 30‐item Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment (QTA30) is a standardized triage and assessment tool for assessing pediatric psychosomatic disorders. It is estimated that one in 10 children in Japan experience difficulties in their school life. Using the QTA30 we evaluated mental health in children at an outpatient clinic in a local hospital.MethodsAll elementary and junior high school students (≥9 years) who visited our institution between December 1 2019 and March 31 2020 were asked to complete the QTA30.ResultA total of 372 children responded. Half of the children with a psychosomatic disorder and 9% of children with other chronic disorders were suspected to have poor mental health. Suspected poor mental health was associated with higher odds of female gender (odds ratio [OR]: 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–3.39), junior high school students (OR: 3.73, 95% CI: 2.11–6.73), and not enjoying exercise (OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.16–3.9). The mean ± standard deviation total QTA30 score was significantly worse in children with psychosomatic disorders (38.0 ± 19.1) among children with other chronic diseases; however, only the score in children with central precocious puberty (27.4 ± 13.7) showed no difference.ConclusionBased on our survey, the percentage of children suspected to have mental health problems manifesting as non‐psychosomatic chronic disorders was similar to the proportion of children suspected to experience difficulties with their school life. Pediatricians should carefully consider the possibility of mental health problems when children are seen in regular visits to the outpatient clinic.
Discretion of the Future: Conceptualizing Everyday Acts of Collective Creativity at the Street‐Level
Authors: Visser E. Lianne , Kruyen Peter M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAlthough scholars and practitioners promote creative uses of discretion in the delivery of public services, there is limited empirical research that explains through which activities street‐level practitioners develop creative solutions. Based on over 300 hours of ethnographic observations of child and family practitioners, we demonstrate the pattern of collective and deliberate experimenting that encompasses creative discretion. The development of this subtype of discretion helps to better analyze and perform it, while simultaneously nuancing the potential positive outcomes of creative uses of discretion for public service provision. Additionally, we explain the collective nature of creative discretion, which has important implications for both research and practice of creativity at the street‐level. Finally, we show that street‐level practitioners become architects of the political and organizational system in which they work by changing the rules and provision, the organization of work, and the development of policy through their performance of creative discretion.
Pharmacological treatment of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Singh Dave 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPharmacological treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) aims to alleviate symptoms and reduce the future risk of events such as exacerbations, disease progression and death. The heterogeneity of COPD results in variable responses to pharmacological interventions. COPD treatment has evolved towards a precision medicine approach, integrating clinical and biomarker information in order to optimize treatment decisions for each individual. The evidence supporting the use of blood eosinophil counts to predict responses to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in COPD patients has led to the adoption of this biomarker for use in clinical practice. The development of novel double and triple inhaled combination treatments containing long‐acting bronchodilators with or without ICS has involved some landmark randomized controlled trials in COPD patients. These studies have provided valuable evidence to direct the use of different classes of combination treatments. However, there are still some unresolved questions and debates. This review article describes the advances in the pharmacological treatment of COPD, particularly the personalization of treatment. The evidence base for current recommendations is discussed, and controversial issues are dissected.
Modified Poisson Regression Analysis of Grouped and Right-Censored Counts
Authors: Fu Qiang , Zhou Tian-Yi , Guo Xin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractGrouped and right-censored (GRC) counts are widely used in criminology, demography, epidemiology, marketing, sociology, psychology and other related disciplines to study behavioural and event frequencies, especially when sensitive research topics or individuals with possibly lower cognitive capacities are at stake. Yet, the co-existence of grouping and right-censoring poses major difficulties in regression analysis. To implement generalised linear regression of GRC counts, we derive modified Poisson estimators and their asymptotic properties, develop a hybrid line search algorithm for parameter inference, demonstrate the finite-sample performance of these estimators via simulation, and evaluate its empirical applicability based on survey data of drug use in America. This method has a clear methodological advantage over the ordered logistic model for analysing GRC counts.
Using psychological science to support social distancing: Tradeoffs between affiliation and disease‐avoidance motivations
Authors: Young Steven G. , Brown Mitch , Sacco Donald F. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHumans are an intensely social species with a pervasive need for affiliation and social interaction. However, satisfying this fundamental motive comes with risk, including increased exposure to others' communicable pathogens. Consequently, disease mitigation strategies may require humans to downregulate their interest in socialization when pathogenic threat is elevated. Subsequent unsatisfactorily met affiliation needs can result in downregulation of disease avoidance goals in the service of social inclusion, albeit at the cost of putting individuals at greater risk for pathogen exposure. The current review summarizes past work in social and evolutionary psychology demonstrating affiliation and disease‐avoidance motivation tradeoffs. We then apply this research by articulating strategies to support and maintain social distancing behaviors in the face of loneliness, which is of particular importance during pandemic outbreaks such as COVID‐19. Finally, we propose novel and integrative research questions related to affiliation/pathogen‐avoidance tradeoffs.