bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gut microbiota regulation and anti‐inflammatory effect of β‐carotene in dextran sulfate sodium‐stimulated ulcerative colitis in rats
Authors: Zhu Lingyu , Song Yang , Liu Huilin , Wu Min , Gong Haizhou , Lan Hainan , Zheng Xin 
Published: April 2021

Abstractβ‐Carotene displays antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities and prevents the development of cancer. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a kind of inflammatory bowel disease that is accompanied by a certain risk of colon cancer. However, the role of β‐carotene in the modulation of gut microbiota and UC improvement is unclear. In this research, the properties of β‐carotene on anti‐inflammatory and the composition of gut microbiota were evaluated in a rat model of UC induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The results revealed that β‐carotene significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the severity of colitis in rats, as assessed using body weight (6.00 ± 1.73%), colon length (22.23 ± 0.53%), and disease activity index, and improved the structure of the colon damaged. Moreover, colonic levels of proinflammatory cytokines were significantly lower following β‐carotene supplementation. β‐Carotene intervention also lowered the expression levels of phosphorylated p65 (0.60 ± 0.02), p38 (0.57 ± 0.00), Erk (0.63 ± 0.04), and JNK (0.70 ± 0.00). The result of the relative abundance of gut microbiota showed that DSS administration significantly changed the microbial structure at the phylum and genus levels of rats. Furthermore, β‐carotene treatment significantly increased the abundance of Faecalibacterium, the levels of which negatively correlated with the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Faecalibacterium may be a potential target in the alleviation of DSS‐induced UC. β‐Carotene can alleviate DSS‐induced UC through the regulation of gut microbiota. This study provides a reference for the rational use of β‐carotene in the treatment of UC.Practical Applicationβ‐Carotene can relieve ulcerative colitis and regulate the gut microbiota; the nutritional intervention of β‐carotene enhancing animal health.
Research on nondestructive identification of grape varieties based on EEMD‐DWT and hyperspectral image
Authors: Xu Min , Sun Jun , Zhou Xin , Tang Ningqiu , Shen Jifeng , Wu Xiaohong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractGrape varieties are directly related to the quality and sales price of table grapes and consumed products (raisin, wine, grape juice, etc.). To satisfy the identification requirements of rapid, accurate, and nondestructive detection, an improved denoising algorithm based on ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is proposed to couple with the hyperspectral image (HSI) of grape varieties in this study. First, the hyperspectral data of grape varieties are collected by using HSI instrument, and denoised by the proposed EEMD‐DWT and other denoising algorithms. CARS‐SPA (competitive adaptive reweighed sampling coupled with successive projections algorithm) is introduced to select the effective wavelengths and a discriminative model is constructed by using support vector machine (SVM). Finally, Monte Carlo experiments verified that EEMD‐DWT was an effective and powerful spectra denoising method, and the SVM model constructed by combining with CARS‐SPA had an excellent identification accuracy (99.3125%). The results suggested that the key wavelengths selected by using CARS‐SPA and EEMD‐DWT could be an alternative to the deal with HSI, and its potential to become a method for identifying grape varieties.Practical ApplicationTraditional grape varieties identification methods are destructive and time consuming. Therefore, HSI technology is applied to realize fast and nondestructive identification of grape varieties in this study. The research results indicate that it is feasible to combine HSI technology with machine learning algorithm to discriminate grape varieties. It is of great significance for grape grading and the promotion of excellent varieties, and also provides reference for grape industry producers to identify grape varieties quickly and accurately.
The relationship between life‐sustaining treatment limitation and organ donation in Swedish intensive care: A nationwide register study
Authors: Nolin Thomas , Walther Sten 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundLife‐sustaining treatment limitation (LSTL) on the intensive care unit (ICU) may affect the rate of organ donation after brain death (DBD). The primary aim of this study was to examine whether there is a relationship between LSTL and DBD. Furthermore, we aimed to determine the rate of LSTL involved in ICU deaths and to describe technical and procedural characteristics of LSTL on Swedish ICUs.MethodsThis was an observational cohort study on all ICU deaths (n = 13 156) in Sweden between 2014 and 2017. We analysed differences in DBD rates between deaths in ICU with and those without LSTL, using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.ResultsAfter excluding 1084 deaths on specialised ICUs and units not registering goals of treatment, the study population comprised 12 072 deaths including 615 DBDs, of which 7865 had LSTL, 1706 had no LSTL and 2501 had no stated goals of treatment. The final cohort on which the relationship between DBD and LSTL was analysed comprised 9571 deaths including 419 DBDs. When no LSTL was documented, the rate of organ donation was 9.5% compared to 3.3% when LSTL was documented (P < .001). LSTL was associated with a lower DBD rate after adjusting for patient‐ and ICU‐related factors (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.31‐0.53, P < .001).ConclusionThere was an inverse relationship between LSTL and DBD amongst patients who died on the ICU. This relationship remained after adjusting for factors known to influence organ donation. The reason remains to be determined.
A longitudinal study of the moderating effects of romantic relationships on the associations between alcohol use and trauma in college students
Authors: Smith Rebecca L. , Dick Danielle M. , Amstadter Ananda , Thomas Nathaniel ,   the Spit for Science Working Group, Salvatore Jessica E. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsCollege students report high levels of alcohol use, which can be exacerbated by interpersonal trauma exposure (IPT). Romantic relationships may represent salient contexts for moderating associations between IPT and alcohol use. We examined whether relationship status, partner alcohol use and relationship satisfaction moderated associations between IPT and alcohol use, and whether these associations varied in a sex‐specific manner.DesignUniversity‐wide longitudinal survey of college students.SettingLarge, urban public university in mid‐Atlantic United States.ParticipantsWe used two subsets of participants (n = 5673 and 3195) from the Spit for Science project, a longitudinal study of college students. Participants completed baseline assessments during the autumn of their freshman year and were invited to complete follow‐up assessments every spring thereafter. Participants were included in the present study if they completed surveys at baseline and at least one follow‐up assessment (meanfollow‐ups = 1.70, range = 1–4).MeasurementsPredictors included precollege and college‐onset IPT, relationship status, partner alcohol use, relationship satisfaction and sex. Alcohol consumption was the primary outcome of interest. Pre‐college IPT was measured at baseline and all other measures were assessed at each follow‐up.FindingsIndividuals with pre‐college IPT consumed more alcohol than those without IPT, but this was mitigated for those in relationships (β = −0.15, P = 0.046, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.29, 0.00). Individuals with college‐onset IPT consumed more alcohol than those without IPT, and this was more pronounced for those with higher partner alcohol use (β = −0.18, P = 0.001, 95% CI = −0.29, −0.07). Relationship satisfaction was not a significant moderator of the associations between IPT and alcohol use (Ps > 0.05 and 95% CIs include 0).ConclusionsInvolvement in relationships, but not relationship satisfaction, appears to reduce the effects of interpersonal trauma exposure (IPT) on alcohol use among US college students, while high partner alcohol use appears to exacerbate it. The moderating effects of relationship characteristics depend on the developmental timing of IPT.
3D morphometric study of domestic fowl glomerulus—A scanning electron microscope study of vascular corrosion casts
Authors: Hadžiomerović Nedžad , Avdić Rizah , Minnich Bernd , Erlbacher Katharina , Mlaćo Nadžida , Tandir Faruk , Bejdić Pamela 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMicrovascularization of domestic fowl kidneys was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of vascular corrosion casts (VCCs). Two types of nephrons, mammalian‐type (MT) and reptilian‐type (RT) nephrons and their glomerular structure were analysed quantitatively by 3D morphometry. A significant difference in shape and size between the MT and RT glomeruli was found. The mean diameter of the RT glomeruli was about 56 µm, while that of MT glomeruli was significantly larger, namely about 80 µm. The afferent arterioles in mammalian‐type glomeruli usually bifurcated into two lobular branches and formed a complex glomerular capillary network with numerous loops. Reptilian‐type glomeruli consisted of a single capillary forming few loops and leaving the glomerulus as efferent arteriole. Diameters of afferent and efferent arteriolar replicas were similar in all three kidney divisions of MT and RT nephrons. The absence of the interconnecting branches between the MT nephron capillaries at the gross inspection suggests that the mammalian‐type nephron glomeruli, although more complex than the reptilian type, are not equivalent to those in mammalian kidneys.
Regulatory concepts to guide and promote the accelerated but safe clinical development and licensure of COVID‐19 vaccines in Europe
Authors: Wagner Ralf , Meißner Juliane , Grabski Elena , Sun Yuansheng , Vieths Stefan , Hildt Eberhard 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 coronavirus has affected the health of tens of millions of people worldwide. In particular, in elderly and frail individuals the infection can lead to severe disease and even fatal outcomes. Although the pandemic is primarily a human health crisis its consequences are much broader with a tremendous impact on global economics and social systems. Vaccines are considered the most powerful measure to fight the pandemic and protect people from COVID‐19. Based on the concerted activities of scientists, manufacturers and regulators, the urgent need for effective countermeasures has provoked the development and licensure of novel COVID‐19 vaccines in an unprecedentedly fast and flexible manner within <1 year. To ensure the safety and efficacy of these novel vaccines during the clinical development and the routine use in post‐licensure vaccination campaigns existing regulatory requirements and procedures had to be wisely and carefully adapted to allow for an expedited evaluation without compromising the thoroughness of the regulatory and scientific assessment. In this review, we describe the regulatory procedures, concepts and requirements applied to guide and promote the highly accelerated development and licensure of safe and efficacious COVID‐19 vaccines in Europe.
Purse‐string suture after ligating by endoloop for closing of the appendiceal stump is an alternative for endostapler in selected cases: A propensity score‐matched study
Authors: Okamoto Shuji , Otowa Yasunori , Fujinaka Ryosuke , Arai Keisuke , Murata Koichi , Mii Yasuhiko , Kakinoki Keitaro , Oka Shigeteru , Kanaji Shingo , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Kuroda Daisuke 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe closure of the appendiceal stump is a crucial part of a laparoscopic appendectomy, and an endoloop or endostapler is generally used. The endoloop can be more cost effective than the endostapler. However, reports have shown that the endoloop has a higher postoperative abdominal abscess rate than the endostapler in complicated appendicitis. At our institution, we perform a purse‐string suture after ligating by endoloop to reduce postoperative abdominal abscess risk. This study aimed to clarify whether this method could reduce the incidence of postoperative abdominal abscess compared with the endostapler.MethodsPatients with acute appendicitis were classified into the purse‐string suture group (n = 149) and the endostapler group (n = 82). Postoperative outcomes were compared after propensity score matching (n = 47).ResultsNo significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of the patient characteristics and postoperative complications, including abdominal abscess. However, the purse‐string suture group had more drain placement and a shorter hospital stay than the endostapler group (P = .04 and P = .02, respectively). In patients with complicated appendicitis, there was less drain placement and a shorter hospital stay in the purse‐string suture group than in the endostapler group (P < .01 and P < .01, respectively). This might have reflected the difficulty of the operation. All postoperative abdominal abscesses occurred in complicated appendicitis cases.ConclusionsEndoloop with additional purse‐string suture had a lower incidence of abscess than previous reports of using endoloop alone. Moreover, the postoperative abdominal abscess rate is similar between the two closure methods.
Fluoroquinolones as a trigger for rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm: A case‐crossover analysis
Authors: Lawaetz Kristensen Katrine , Hallas Jesper , Sanddal Lindholt Jes 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFluoroquinolones (FQ) are associated with an increased risk of tendinopathy, including rupture. Our study aimed to investigate whether FQ use triggered the rupture of aortic aneurysms using a self‐controlled design. We hypothesised that the use of FQ was associated with aortic rupture shortly after redeemed FQ prescriptions. Using nationwide data sources, we performed a case‐crossover study of cases with ruptured aortic aneurysms. From 1996 to 2016, 58 persons presented with rupture of an aortic aneurysm and a redeemed prescription for any FQ within 28 days. 67% were men, and the median age was 77 years. Some 82.9% presented with a ruptured abdominal aneurysm. In our conditional regression, the crude OR for having rupture with a recent FQ redemption was 1.36 (CI 1.00‐1.86). After adjusting for potential confounders, the OR was 1.35 (CI 0.98‐1.85). Changing the hazard period to FQ redemption within 60 and 90 days, the OR was 2.16 (CI 1.70‐2.76) and 2.21 (CI 1.78‐2.75), respectively. In conclusion, we demonstrated an association between FQ use within 60 and 90 days and a diagnosis of ruptured aortic aneurysm.
Experience predicts the duration of exclusive breastfeeding: The serial mediating roles of attitude and self‐efficacy
Authors: Li Jun‐Yan , Huang Yi , Huang Yi‐Yan , Shen Quan , Zhou Wen‐Bin , Redding Sharon R. , Ouyang Yan‐Qiong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsThe relationship between prior breastfeeding experience and the duration of exclusive breastfeeding is of significant interest, but few studies have explored the mechanisms underlying this relationship. The purpose of this study is to address two hypotheses: (a) that attitude and self‐efficacy mediate the relationship between previous breastfeeding experience and the duration of exclusive breastfeeding; and (b) that attitude and self‐efficacy have serial mediation functions in this relationship.MethodsThe data collection process was divided into two stages. The original stage included 394 women hospitalized after delivery who completed socio‐demographic questionnaires (including previous breastfeeding experience), the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS), and the Breastfeeding Self‐efficacy Short‐Form Scale (BSES‐SF). Follow‐up data about duration of exclusive breastfeeding were obtained at six months postpartum.ResultsMediation analysis indicated that previous breastfeeding experience directly affected the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and that the rate of the total indirect effect was 22.878%. Self‐efficacy mediated previous breastfeeding experience and duration of exclusive breastfeeding, whereas attitude and self‐efficacy played the series mediational role between previous breastfeeding experience and duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Cluster analysis supported these results.ConclusionsThe duration of exclusive breastfeeding can be promoted by improving breastfeeding attitude and self‐efficacy in women without breastfeeding experience.
Getting ready for transition to adult care: Tool validation and multi‐informant strategy using the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire in pediatrics
Authors: Chapados Pascale , Aramideh Jennifer , Lamore Kristopher , Dumont Émilie , Lugasi Tziona , Clermont Marie‐José , Laberge Sophie , Scott Rachel , Laverdière Caroline , Sultan Serge 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundTransitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare can be challenging and lead to severe consequences if done suboptimally. The Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) was developed to assess adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients' transition readiness. In this study, we aimed to (1) document the psychometric properties of the French‐language version of the TRAQ (TRAQ‐FR), (2) assess agreements and discrepancies between AYA patients' and their primary caregivers' TRAQ‐FR scores, and (3) identify transition readiness contributors.MethodsFrench‐speaking AYA patients (n = 175) and primary caregivers (n = 168) were recruited from five clinics in a tertiary Canadian hospital and asked to complete the TRAQ‐FR, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 4.0 (PedsQL™ 4.0), and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The validity of the TRAQ‐FR was assessed using confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). Agreements and discrepancies were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients and paired‐sample t tests. Contributors of transition readiness were identified using regression analyses.ResultsThe five‐factor model of the TRAQ was supported, with the TRAQ‐FR global scale showing good internal consistency for both AYA patients' and primary caregivers' scores (α = .85–.87). AYA patients and primary caregivers showed good absolute agreement on the TRAQ‐FR global scale with AYA patients scoring higher than primary caregivers (ICC = .80; d = .25). AYA patients' age and sex were found to be contributors of transition readiness.ConclusionsThe TRAQ‐FR was found to have good psychometric properties when completed by both AYA patients and primary caregivers. Additional research is needed to explore the predictive validity and clinical use of the TRAQ‐FR.
Eligibility for growth hormone therapy in children born small for gestational age is substantially lower than expected
Authors: Lavi Eran , Shafrir Asher , Halloun Rana , Basel Itai , Eventov Friedman Smadar , Abu‐Libdeh Abdulsalam , Shoob Hanna , Stein‐Zamir Chen , Zangen David Haim 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundGrowth hormone therapy is indicated for children who are both born ‘small for gestational age’ (SGA) and do not achieve adequate catch‐up growth (ACUG).ObjectiveTo evaluate the actual incidence of infants born SGA and their actual ACUG.MethodsBirth weight data from the newborn registry at two hospitals were analysed during four consecutive years. SGA was defined according to WHO parameters and the corresponding Israeli criteria. Follow‐up measurements of height and weight were abstracted from either the Ministry of Health—child growth follow‐up centres, or their paediatrician clinic. ACUG was declared when the height reached was above −2.5 or −2 standard deviations (SDS) from the mean for age and gender.ResultsOut of 43 307, only 524 babies in the cohort (1.2%) were SGA (52% of expected). This finding was consistent annually. Out of the 446 SGA born children with available growth data (85%) during 4‐8 years, 405 children (90.8%) reached a height greater than −2SDS and 428 (96%!) reached a height greater than –2.5 SDS. Term children had higher rate of ACUG achievement as compared to preterm 97.2% vs 86.8% (P < .001). Birth week and birth weight were also related to achievement of ACUG (P < .001).ConclusionThis large representative, heterogeneous and Western Caucasian cohort indicates that the actual number of SGA newborns is nearly half of the expected and that the actual prevalence of ACUG is also significantly higher than previously reported. These findings may have an impact on morbidity, health cost planning and growth hormone requirements in SGA babies.
Urinary dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 protein is increased by linagliptin and is a potential predictive marker of urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Klein Thomas , Tammen Harald , Mark Michael , Benetti Elisa , Delić Denis , Schepers Cornelia , von Eynatten Maximilian 
Published: April 2021

AbstractResults of a post hoc analysis of urinary dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) protein as a predictor of urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) response to linagliptin treatment based on MARLINA‐T2D trial data are described. MARLINA was a 24‐week, phase 3b, multinational, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, in which patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), HbA1c 6.5%‐10.0% and UACR 30‐3000 mg/g (n = 360) were treated with linagliptin or placebo. After 24 weeks of treatment, linagliptin significantly inhibited urinary DPP‐4 activity and increased urinary DPP‐4 protein. Furthermore, medium urinary DPP‐4 protein levels (between 5.5 and 7.5 natural logarithmic [ln] μg/g creatinine) at baseline allowed for prediction of improved UACR in linagliptin‐treated individuals. In patients with lower or higher levels of urinary DPP‐4 protein at baseline, no association between linagliptin treatment and improved UACR was present. This might suggest a varying degree of importance of DPP‐4 as a pathophysiological factor in T2D‐associated kidney disease. In summary, urinary DPP‐4 might be a useful predictive biomarker for UACR improvement by linagliptin.
Nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) in pathophysiology of Parkinson disease: Diverse patterns and mechanisms contributing to neurodegeneration
Authors: Dolatshahi Mahsa , Ranjbar Hameghavandi Mohammad Hossein , Sabahi Mohammadmahdi , Rostamkhani Sabra 
Published: April 2021

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD), the most common movement disorder, comprises several pathophysiologic mechanisms including misfolded alpha‐synuclein aggregation, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and synaptic loss. Nuclear Factor‐Kappa B (NF‐κB), as a key regulator of a myriad of cellular reactions, is shown to be involved in such mechanisms associated with PD, and the changes in NF‐κB expression is implicated in PD. Alpha‐synuclein accumulation, the characteristic feature of PD pathology, is known to trigger NF‐κB activation in neurons, thereby propagating apoptosis through several mechanisms. Furthermore, misfolded alpha‐synuclein released from degenerated neurons, activates several signaling pathways in glial cells which culminate in activation of NF‐κB and production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, thereby aggravating neurodegenerative processes. On the other hand, NF‐κB activation, acting as a double‐edged sword, can be necessary for survival of neurons. For instance, NF‐κB activation is necessary for competent mitochondrial function and deficiency in c‐Rel, one of the NF‐κB proteins, is known to propagate DA neuron loss via several mechanisms. Despite the dual role of NF‐κB in PD, several agents by selectively modifying the mechanisms and pathways associated with NF‐κB, can be effective in attenuating DA neuron loss and PD, as reviewed in this paper.