bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrically conductive silicon oxycarbide thin films prepared from preceramic polymers
Authors: Ricohermoso Emmanuel III , Klug Florian , Schlaak Helmut , Riedel Ralf , Ionescu Emanuel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis work focuses on silicon oxycarbide thin film preparation and characterization. The Taguchi method of experimental design was used to optimize the process of film deposition. The prepared ceramic thin films with a thickness of c. 500 nm were characterized concerning their morphology, composition, and electrical properties. The molecular structure of the preceramic polymers used for the preparation of the ceramic thin films as well as the thermomechanical properties of the resulting SiOC significantly influenced the quality of the ceramic films. Thus, an increase in the content of carbon was found beneficial for the preparation of crack‐free thin films. The obtained ceramic films exhibited increased electrical conductivity as compared to monolithic SiOC of similar chemical composition. This was shown to correlate with the unique hierarchical microstructure of the SiOC films, which contain large oxygen‐depleted particles, mainly consisting of highly graphitized carbon and SiC, homogeneously dispersed in an oxygen‐containing amorphous matrix. The matrix was shown to also contain free carbon and to contribute to charge carrier transport between the highly conductive large particles. The ceramic thin films possess electrical conductivities in the range from 5.4 to 8.8 S/cm and may be suitable for implementation in miniaturized piezoresistive strain gauges.
Hepatitis B and C among patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: a population‐based study
Authors: Cohen Jeffrey M. , Kridin Khalaf , Perez‐Chada Lourdes M. , Merola Joseph F. , Cohen Arnon D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundHidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory condition related to multiple systemic diseases and infections.MethodsThis retrospective cross‐sectional study from 1999 to 2015 used the database of Clalit Health Services, the largest managed care organization in Israel, to explore the association between HS and hepatitis B and C. Sociodemographic and clinical information was compared using χ2 tests for sex and socioeconomic status and t‐tests for age. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to compare the odds of hepatitis B and C in those with and without HS.ResultsIn multivariate analysis controlling for sex, age as a continuous variable, Arab ancestry, and history of drug abuse, HS was associated with a 1.87‐fold increased odds (95% CI 1.11–3.17, P = 0.019) of hepatitis B (HBV). HS was also associated with HCV in multivariate analysis controlling for sex, age per year, Arab ancestry, alcohol use, and drug use, with a 1.74‐fold increased odds (95% CI 1.05–2.89, P = 0.032) of hepatitis C (HCV) among those with HS as compared to controls.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated an association between HS and both hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
The complicated relationships of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia and platelet factor 4 antibodies with COVID‐19
Authors: Favaloro Emmanuel J. , Henry Brandon Michael , Lippi Giuseppe 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCOVID‐19 (coronavirus disease 2019) represents a prothrombotic disorder, and there have been several reports of platelet factor 4/heparin antibodies being present in COVID‐19‐infected patients. This has thus been identified in some publications as representing a high incidence of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), whereas in others, findings have been tempered by general lack of functional reactivity using confirmation assays of serotonin release assay (SRA) or heparin‐induced platelet aggregation (HIPA). Moreover, in at least two publications, data are provided suggesting that antibodies can arise in heparin naïve patients or that platelet activation may not be heparin‐dependent. From this literature, we would conclude that platelet factor 4/heparin antibodies can be observed in COVID‐19‐infected patients, and they may occur at higher incidence than in historical non‐COVID‐19‐infected cohorts. However, the situation is complex, since not all platelet factor 4/heparin antibodies may lead to platelet activation, and not all identified antibodies are heparin‐dependent, such that they do not necessarily reflect “true” HIT. Most recently, a “HIT‐like” syndrome has reported in patients who have been vaccinated against COVID‐19. Accordingly, much more is yet to be learnt about the insidious disease that COVID‐19 represents, including autoimmune outcomes in affected patients.
COVID‐19 and pregnancy: A scoping review on pregnancy characteristics and outcomes
Authors: de Oliveira Karoline Faria , de Oliveira Jacqueline Faria , Wernet Monika , Carvalho Paschoini Marina , Ruiz Mariana Torreglosa 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimThe study aim was to map clinical characteristics and the evolution of pregnancies in pregnant women with confirmed diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.MethodsSearching four databases, studies were investigated that described the evolution of pregnancies in women diagnosed with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection through laboratory tests. A scoping review was undertaken, including 35 articles published in English. Two pairs of independent researchers synthesized the data.ResultsMost studies were case studies or case series and had a low risk of bias. A predominance of cases was found in women over the age of 30 years who got infected in the third term of pregnancy and who had comorbidities. The prematurity index varied with the heterogeneity of the samples, and the cases of abortion occurred in combination with severe forms of infection. Caesarean section deliveries predominated, indicated mainly by respiratory decompensation caused by infection. Most women were discharged.ConclusionBased on the reviewed studies, the profile and evolution of pregnant women infected with COVID‐19 could be evaluated.
Modifiable early life exposures associated with adiposity and obesity in 3‐year old children born to mothers with obesity
Authors: Dalrymple Kathryn V. , Flynn Angela C. , Seed Paul T. , Briley Annette L. , O'Keeffe Majella , Godfrey Keith M. , Poston Lucilla ,   the UPBEAT Consortium
Published: May 2021

SummaryBackgroundChildren born to mothers with obesity are at increased risk of obesity. Influences underlying this predisposition include in‐utero exposures, genetic predisposition and a shared family environment. Effective intervention strategies are needed to prevent obesity in these high‐risk children; this requires evaluation of modifiable pregnancy and early‐life risk factors.ObjectivesTo assess the individual and cumulative contributions of maternal and early‐life modifiable exposures on childhood adiposity and obesity outcomes in 3‐year‐old children born to women with obesity.MethodsWe used adjusted regression to assess the individual and cumulative contributions of six exposures (early pregnancy BMI, excessive gestational weight gain, mode of infant feeding and three measures of childhood eating habits [food responsiveness, slowness in eating and a processed/snacking dietary pattern score]) on body composition in 495 three‐year‐old children. Outcomes included BMI z‐score, arm circumference and overweight/obesity (BMI≥25.0 kg/m2).ResultsWhile the UPBEAT intervention did not influence adiposity outcomes in 3‐year‐old children, the six modifiable exposures combined incrementally to increase childhood adiposity and obesity. For each additional exposure, children had a higher BMI z‐score (β = 0.35SD [95% confidence interval: 0.23, 0.47]), arm circumference (β = 0.59 cm [0.40, 0.79]) and risk of overweight/obesity (relative risk 1.49 [1.26, 1.77]). Compared to no exposures, children with four or more exposures had a higher BMI z‐score (1.11SD [0.65, 1.58]), arm circumference (2.15 cm [1.41, 2.89]) and risk of overweight/obesity (3.01 [1.67, 5.41]) (all P < 0.001).ConclusionOur findings suggest that complex interventions targeting preconception, pregnancy, perinatal and early childhood exposures offer a potential strategy for prevention of pre‐school obesity.
Measures and narratives of the nature, causes and consequences of violent assaults and risk perception of psychiatric hospitals in Ghana: Mental Health workers’ perspectives
Authors: Atinga Roger A. , Yarney Lily , Saa‐Touh Mort Kingsley , Gariba Joshua A. , Salifu Yendork Joana 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLiterature shows that mental healthcare workers in Ghana face incessant fear of patient violence that compromise safe care delivery. However, the nature, scale, perceived causes, and consequences of these assaults and how they shape risk perceptions have received limited empirical attention, hence the need for this study. The study employed sequential explanatory mixed methods where questionnaire administration preceded and informed the design of an interview guide used for in‐depth interviews with health workers in referral psychiatric hospitals. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze the quantitative data. Qualitative data were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Findings showed that physical and non‐physical violent assaults and risk perceptions of the hospitals were statistically and significantly associated with females (P < 0.01), nurses (P < 0.01), other clinical cadre (P < 0.01), and those with low job tenure (P < 0.05). About 57% and 71% of the sample reported experiencing physical and non‐physical assaults, respectively. Major and minor injuries and psychosocial problems were frequent sequelae following physical violent assaults. As a result, 80% of the participants perceived the hospitals environment to be unsafe to provide care. Violent assaults compromises safety and care delivery efforts suggesting the need for systematic interventions to minimize mental healthcare workers exposure to patient violence.
Dodecylamine rapidly kills of spores of multiple Firmicute species: properties of the killed spores and the mechanism of the killing
Authors: DeMarco A.M. , Korza G. , Granados M.R. , Mok W.W.K. , Setlow P. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Aims
Previous work showed that Bacillus subtilis dormant spore killing and germination by dodecylamine take place by different mechanisms. This new work aimed to optimize killing of B. subtilis and other Firmicutes spores and to determine the mechanism of the killing.

Methods and Results
Spores of seven Firmicute species were killed rapidly by dodecylamine under optimal conditions and more slowly by decylamine or tetradecylamine. The killed spores were not recovered by additions to recovery media, and some of the killed spores subsequently germinated, all indicating that dodecylamine-killed spores truly are dead. Spores of two species treated with dodecylamine were more sensitive to killing by a subsequent heat treatment, and spore killing of at least one species was faster with chemically decoated spores. The cores of dodecylamine-killed spores were stained by the nucleic acid stain propidium iodide, and dodecylamine-killed wild-type and germination-deficient spores released their stores of phosphate-containing small molecules.

Conclusions
This work indicates that dodecylamine is likely a universal sporicide for Firmicute species, and it kills spores by damaging their inner membrane, with attendant loss of this membrane as a permeability barrier.

Significance and Impact of the Study
There is a significant need for agents that can effectively kill spores of a number of Firmicute species, especially in wide area decontamination. Dodecylamine appears to be a universal sporicide with a novel mechanism of action, and this or some comparable molecule could be useful in wide area spore decontamination.
Gender and racial/ethnic differences in food selectivity in children with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Rancaño Katherine M. , Bandini Linda G. , Curtin Carol , Eliasziw Misha , Odoms‐Young Angela , Must Aviva 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe examined differences in food selectivity by gender and parent race/ethnicity in children with intellectual disabilities.MethodA convenience sample of 56 children with intellectual disabilities was analysed. A modified Youth/Adolescent Food Frequency Questionnaire and a 3‐day food record were used to measure child food refusal rate and food repertoire, respectively.ResultsBoys were about twice as likely to refuse total foods (rate ratio = 2.34, 95%CI = 1.34–4.09) and fruits (rate ratio = 2.03, 95%CI = 1.04–3.95) and 54% more likely to refuse vegetables (rate ratio = 1.54, 95%CI = 0.93–2.54). Children with Hispanic parents were twice as likely to refuse vegetables compared to children with non‐Hispanic White parents (rate ratio = 2.00, 95%CI = 1.03–3.90). In analyses stratified by the presence or absence of co‐occurring probable autism spectrum disorder, boys had greater food selectivity than girls.ConclusionsThis study expands our understanding of food selectivity in children with intellectual disabilities.
Spatial phylogenomics of acrobat ants in Madagascar—Mountains function as cradles for recent diversity and endemism
Authors: Camacho Gabriela P. , Loss Ana Carolina , Fisher Brian L. , Blaimer Bonnie B. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimA crucial step to protecting biodiversity is assessing species diversity and endemism. We delineate spatial patterns of diversity in Malagasy ants on a phylogenetic and taxonomic level to identify centers of diversity and endemism, and evaluate the ‘museum vs. cradle’ hypothesis with regard to ant endemism.LocationMadagascar.TaxonAnts, genus Crematogaster.MethodsWe estimated distribution models for 33 Crematogaster species and generated a phylogeny based on ultraconserved elements. We calculated species richness (SR), phylogenetic diversity (PD), weighted (WE), phylogenetic endemism (PE), randomized phylogenetic diversity (PD‐sig), and relative phylogenetic diversity (RPD) and endemism (RPE). Categorical analyses of neo‐ and paleo‐endemism (CANAPE) and the phylo‐jaccard index were used to delineate centers of neo‐ and paleo‐endemism. We correlated these measures with elevation metrics to investigate the role of mountains in generating ant endemism.ResultsWe found extensive phylogenetic clustering (significantly low PD‐sig) and short branches (low RPD) at higher elevations in central and south‐central to southern Madagascar. In contrast, phylogenetic overdispersion (significantly high PD‐sig) and long branches (high RPD) predominate at lower elevations in eastern humid and northern western dry forests. CANAPE and phylo‐jaccard estimated five centers of endemism, whereby neo‐ and mixed endemism were significantly correlated with higher elevations, and paleo‐endemism with lower elevations.Main conclusionsCenters of ant endemism are located in western dry and humid forests of northern Madagascar, eastern humid forests, and in the southern Central Highland region. Mountainous areas appear to be cradles of recent diversification for acrobat ants, whereas lower elevations may be regarded as centers of paleo‐endemism and thus museums for relict lineages. Species diversification among acrobat ants may have coincided with the arrival of a new biome in the central highlands of Madagascar.
Untargeted and targeted gingival metabolome in rodents reveal metabolic links between high‐fat diet‐induced obesity and periodontitis
Authors: Chen Zi‐yun , Xu Tian‐tian , Liang Zhao‐jia , Zhao Li , Xiong Xiao‐qin , Xie Kun‐ke , Yu Wan‐xin , Zeng Xiao‐wen , Gao Jie , Zhou Ying‐hong , Luo Gang , Yu Ting 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimTo characterize gingival metabolome in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity in mice with/without periodontitis.MethodsHFD‐induced obesity mouse model was established by 16‐week feeding, and a lean control group was fed with low‐fat diet (n = 21/group). Both models were induced for periodontitis on the left sides by molar ligation for 10 days, whereas the right sides were used as controls. Gingival metabolome and arginine metabolism were analysed by non‐targeted/targeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.ResultsOf 2247 reference features, presence of periodontitis altered 165 in lean versus 885 in HFD mice; and HFD altered 525 in absence versus 1435 in presence of periodontitis. Compared with healthy condition, periodontitis and HFD had distinct effects on gingival metabolome. Metabolomic impacts of periodontitis were generally greater in HFD mice versus lean controls. K‐medoids clustering showed that HFD amplified the impacts of periodontitis on gingival metabolome in both intensity and extensity. Ten metabolic pathways were enriched, including 2 specific to periodontitis, 5 specific to HFD and 3 shared ones. Targeted validation on arginine metabolism confirmed the additive effects between HFD and periodontitis.ConclusionThe obese population consuming excessive HFD display amplified metabolic response to periodontitis, presenting a metabolic susceptibility to exacerbated periodontal destruction.
Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor might exacerbate Graves’ disease: A multicenter observational case–control study
Authors: Sekizaki Tomonori , Kameda Hiraku , Nomoto Hiroshi , Cho Kyu Yong , Nakamura Akinobu , Takahashi Kiyohiko , Miyoshi Arina , Wada Norio , Takeuchi Jun , Nagai So , Miyoshi Hideaki , Atsumi Tatsuya 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4), namely CD26, is expressed on the surface of immune cells, suggesting that inhibition of DPP‐4 might affect the immune system. The current multicenter observational case–control study was carried out to investigate the effects of DPP‐4 inhibitor (DPP‐4i) administration on Graves' disease (GD) activity. This study comprised patients with GD and type 2 diabetes, who were administered an oral hypoglycemic agent including DPP‐4i. Exacerbation of GD was defined as an increase of antithyroid drug dose by 6 months after oral hypoglycemic agent administration. A total of 80 patients were enrolled and divided into an exacerbation group or a non‐exacerbation group. The frequency of DPP‐4i administration was significantly higher in the exacerbation group (88%) than that in the non‐exacerbation group (31%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, there was a significant association between DPP‐4i administration and GD exacerbation (odds ratio 7.39). The current study suggests that DPP‐4i administration is associated with GD exacerbation.
Effects of WeChat‐based psychological interventions on the mental health of patients with suspected new coronavirus pneumonia: A pilot study
Authors: Hu Jing , Cai Zhiyue , Ma Xiaoli 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveSuspected patients with new coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) may suffer from unique mental health problems. However, the shortage of medical personnel and the infectiousness of the disease have challenged traditional psychological interventions. This study investigated the effects of a new WeChat‐based psychological intervention on the mental health of suspected NCP patients.MethodsThis study included 48 participants (control group = 24 vs. intervention group = 24). The control group received conventional NCP nursing, and the intervention group received conventional NCP nursing and the WeChat psychological interventions. Participants completed the Self‐rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self‐rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS) on the day of, and the 14th day after, admission.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the two groups (p > .05) regarding demographic characteristics, education, work status, anxiety, depression, or acute stress disorder on the day of admission (p > .05). On the 14th day after admission, the intervention group showed an improvement in anxiety (p < .05) and a significant improvement in depression and acute stress disorder compared with the control group (p < .01).ConclusionThe WeChat‐based psychological interventions can have a positive effect on the mental health problems of suspected NCP patients.
Religion and informational influence: Evidence from individual tax behavior in the U.S.
Authors: Kurt Didem , Kurt Ahmet C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis article seeks to understand whether and how religion plays a role in people's information search and dissemination behavior in the domain of individual taxes. Survey data show that religious participants exhibit greater uncertainty about a tax filing decision than atheist participants, and Google search data reveal that the U.S. tax season is marked by a notably higher search interest in religious teachings on taxes. Interestingly, people's tendency to ask “why” questions about taxes and their online search interest in tax loss strategies are greater in states with higher religiosity. In parallel, users from highly versus less religious states include more interrogatives and fewer certainty words in their tax‐related tweets posted during the 2019 U.S. federal government shutdown. These findings collectively suggest that people's certitude about individual tax matters decreases with religiosity.
Cleaning Zirconia Surface Prior To Bonding: A Comparative Study of Different Methods and Solutions
Authors: Sulaiman Taiseer A. , Altak Ali , Abdulmajeed Awab , Rodgers Brandon , Lawson Nathaniel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate resin cement bond strength after removal of salivary contamination from a zirconia surface using different cleaning solutions and air‐borne particle abrasion.Materials and methodsOne‐hundred and twenty zirconia specimens (KATANA STML, Noritake) were prepared and divided into 12 groups (n = 10). Groups were subjected to a notched‐edge shear bond strength test (ISO 29022) to analyze the bonding efficiency of a resin cement (Panavia V5, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.) before and after contamination with saliva. Group 1 (control) was prepared and cemented without salivary contamination. Group 2 was coated with ceramic primer (Clearfil Ceramic Primer Plus, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.) then subjected to salivary contamination then tested. Group 3 was contaminated, cleaned by air‐borne particle abrasion, ceramic primer and resin cement applied, and tested. Groups 4 to 12 were contaminated, and then different cleaning solutions (water, 4.5% hydrofluoric acid, 35% phosphoric acid, Ivoclean, KATANA cleaner, Zirclean, sodium hypochlorite 4%, and 7.5%) were used to decontaminate the zirconia surface, followed by ceramic primer, resin cement application, and tested. One‐way ANOVA and Tukey post‐hoc analysis was used to analyze the data.ResultsOne‐way ANOVA showed statistical differences among cleaning procedures (p < 0.001, F = 13.48). Air‐borne particle abrasion was the only group which provided a bond strength (21 ± 2.8 MPa) that was not statistically different than the control group in which no contamination occurred (25.3 ± 3.3 MPa) (p = 0.247). The use of hydrofluoric acid and zirconia cleaning solutions resulted in bond strengths values which were not statistically different from each other (17.5‐19.1 MPa).ConclusionAir‐borne particle, zirconia cleaning solutions and hydrofluoric acid are feasible to decontaminate the zirconia surface from saliva prior to bonding the restoration.