bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are we closer to understanding why viable cells of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis are still being reported in pasteurised milk?
Authors: Mullan W Michael A 
Published: June 2019

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) continues to be associated with Crohn’s disease. Following work in the 1990s that suggested that statutory pasteurisation of milk (72 °C, 15 s) was insufficient to destroy MAP, the UK Dairy Industry increased the holding time to 25 s. Since then, some plants have increased the lethality of pasteurisation further with a number using 78 °C for 27 s. Despite the increase in lethality, a recent survey of pasteurised milk in England found that 10.3% of pasteurised milk samples tested positive for viable MAP. This article discusses the significance of MAP and why viable MAP might be found in pasteurised milk.
Evaluating a computer‐based reading programme with children with Intellectual Disabilities: feasibility and pilot research
Authors: Roberts-Tyler Emily J. , Hughes John Carl , Hastings Richard P. 
Published: June 2019

Increasing evidence indicates that individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) might benefit from phonics‐based reading instruction. However, research and instruction in this field has predominantly focused on sight word reading. Models for complex interventions recommend that feasibility research be conducted prior to conducting randomised studies to assess efficacy of interventions (Thabane et al., 2010). The aim of the current paper is therefore to investigate feasibility questions relating to conducting a full‐scale randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluation of an online, phonics‐based reading programme (Headsprout™ Early Reading; HER) with children with ID. Employing a randomised pre‐test post‐test group design, this study explores and trials important aspects of a RCT evaluation to inform a full‐scale RCT. We also found that HER had a significant effect on reading skills when compared with ‘education as usual’, with large effect sizes on the main outcome measure. This indicates that further, more robust evaluations using HER with children with ID are a worthwhile pursuit.
Prevalence, Genetic Diversity, and Technological Functions of the Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis in Sourdough: A Review
Authors: Zhang Guohua , Tu Jian , Sadiq Faizan Ahmed , Zhang Weizhen , Wang Wei 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe use of sourdough as a leavening agent in bread making is a very old method that can be traced back to ancient times. Sourdoughs harbor a complex microbiota that is affected by multiple factors including factors related to cereal plants, grains, and sourdough processing techniques. Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis is the key autochthonous bacterium of the traditional sourdough microbiota and it is said to be “sourdough adapted” species. Despite the great dominance of this bacterium in sourdoughs, the origin of this species still remains unclear. Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis positively influences all aspects of sourdough and fermented foods. However, the positive influence of this species on sourdough is a strain‐dependent characteristic. The first purpose of this review was to discuss factors affecting the microbiota of sourdoughs with particular emphasis on reasons behind the remarkable prevalence of L. sanfranciscensis in this ecological niche. The second objective was to discuss the genotypic and phenotypic classification of L. sanfranciscensis strains and the influence of this species on technological and functional characteristics of sourdough including its influence on rheological properties of dough and bread characteristics, texture, aroma, and shelf‐life through the inhibition of fungal growth.
Pragmatic Pediatric Trial of Balanced Versus Normal Saline Fluid in Sepsis: The PRoMPT BOLUS Randomized Controlled Trial Pilot Feasibility Study
Authors: Balamuth Fran , Kittick Marlena , McBride Peter , Woodford Ashley L. , Vestal Nicole , Casper T. Charles , Metheney Melissa , Smith Katherine , Atkin Natalie J. , Baren Jill M. , Dean J. Michael , Kuppermann Nathan , Weiss Scott L. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundResuscitation with crystalloid fluid is a cornerstone of pediatric septic shock treatment. However, the optimal type of crystalloid fluid is unknown. We aimed to determine the feasibility of conducting a pragmatic randomized trial to compare balanced (lactated Ringer's [LR]) with 0.9% normal saline (NS) fluid resuscitation in children with suspected septic shock.MethodsOpen‐label pragmatic randomized controlled trial at a single academic children's hospital from January to August 2018. Eligible patients were >6 months to <18 years old who were treated in the emergency department for suspected septic shock, operationalized as blood culture, parenteral antibiotics, and fluid resuscitation for abnormal perfusion. Screening, enrollment, and randomization were carried out by the clinical team as part of routine care. Patients were randomized to receive either LR or NS for up to 48 hours following randomization. Other than fluid type, all treatment decisions were at the clinical team's discretion. Feasibility outcomes included proportion of eligible patients enrolled, acceptability of enrollment via the U.S. federal exception from informed consent (EFIC) regulations, and adherence to randomized study fluid administration.ResultsOf 59 eligible patients, 50 (85%) were enrolled and randomized. Twenty‐four were randomized to LR and 26 to NS. Only one (2%) of 44 patients enrolled using EFIC withdrew before study completion. Total median (interquartile range [IQR]) crystalloid fluid volume received during the intervention window was 107 (60 to 155) mL/kg and 98 (63 to 128) mL/kg in the LR and NS arms, respectively (p = 0.50). Patients randomized to LR received a median (IQR) of only 20% (13 to 32) of all study fluid as NS compared to 99% (64% to 100%) of study fluid as NS in the NS arm (absolute difference = 79%, 95% CI = 48% to 85%).ConclusionsA pragmatic study design proved feasible to study comparative effectiveness of LR versus NS fluid resuscitation for pediatric septic shock.
Prenatal Alcohol Screening During Pregnancy by Midwives and Nurses
Authors: Chiodo Lisa M. , Cosmian Caitlin , Pereira Kristy , Kent Nicole , Sokol Robert J. , Hannigan John H. 
Published: June 2019

BackgroundAlcohol use during pregnancy can have a variety of harmful consequences on the fetus. Lifelong effects include growth restriction, characteristic facial anomalies, and neurobehavioral dysfunction. This range of effects is known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). There is no amount, pattern, or timing of alcohol use during pregnancy proven safe for a developing embryo or fetus. Therefore, it is important to screen patients for alcohol use, inform them about alcohol's potential effects during pregnancy, encourage abstinence, and refer for intervention if necessary. However, how and how often nurses and midwives inquire about alcohol drinking during pregnancy or use recommended screening tools and barriers they perceive to alcohol screening has not been well established.MethodsThis survey was sent to about 6,000 American midwives, nurse practitioners, and nurses who provide prenatal care about their knowledge of the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, the prevalence of alcohol use during pregnancy, and practices for screening patients’ alcohol use. Participants were recruited by e‐mail from the entire membership roster of the American College of Nurse‐Midwives.ResultsThere were 578 valid surveys returned (about 9.6%). Analyses showed that 37.7% of the respondents believe drinking alcohol is safe during at least one trimester of pregnancy. Only 35.2% of respondents reported screening to assess patient alcohol use. Only 23.3% reported using a specific screening tool, and few of those were validated screens recommended for use in pregnant women. Respondents who believe alcohol is safe at some point in pregnancy were significantly less likely to screen their patients.ConclusionsRespondents who reported that pregnancy alcohol use is unsafe felt more prepared to educate and intervene with patients regarding alcohol use during pregnancy and FASD than respondents who reported drinking in pregnancy was safe. Perceived alcohol safety and perceived barriers to screening appeared to influence screening practices. Improving prenatal care provider knowledge about the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure and the availability of valid alcohol screening tools will improve detection of drinking during pregnancy, provide more opportunities for meaningful intervention, and ultimately reduce the incidence of FASD.
Bidirectional associations between young adults’ reported exposure to e‐cigarette marketing and e‐cigarette use
Authors: Kreitzberg Daniel S. , Pasch Keryn E. , Marti C. Nathan , Loukas Alexandra , Perry Cheryl L. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimsTo examine bidirectional associations between self‐reported exposure to electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) marketing and ENDS use, over four 6‐month follow‐up surveys, among young adults.DesignThe Marketing and Promotions Across Colleges in Texas project (M‐PACT) is a cohort study that examined exposure to tobacco marketing and tobacco use behaviors among college students in Texas, United States.Setting and participantsParticipants were 5478 students from 24 2‐year and 4‐year Texas colleges. Approximately 64% (n = 3506) of the cohort were non‐white, 64% were female and the average age was 20 years.MeasurementsStudents completed a baseline survey in Fall 2014/Spring 2015 and three subsequent surveys 6 months apart. Items assessed current ENDS use and self‐reported exposure to ENDS marketing through the point‐of‐sale, on television, on the radio, on the internet and on billboards. A multi‐level cross‐lagged path model was used to examine the bidirectional associations between self‐reported exposure to ENDS marketing and current ENDS use across the four waves, controlling for socio‐demographics.FindingsSelf‐reported exposure to ENDS marketing at each previous wave predicted ENDS use at each subsequent wave (β = 0.07–0.10, P < 0.001). ENDS use at waves 2 and 3 predicted self‐reported exposure to ENDS marketing at wave 3 and 4, respectively (β = 0.07–0.09, P < 0.001). Although ENDS users were more likely than non‐users to report exposure to ENDS marketing, self‐reported exposure to ENDS marketing predicted subsequent ENDS use controlling for prior ENDS use.ConclusionSelf‐reported exposure to electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) marketing was bidirectionally associated with past 30‐day use of ENDS among young adult college students in Texas, USA from 2014/15 to 2016.
New electrocardiographic score for the prediction of atrial fibrillation: The MVP ECG risk score (morphology‐voltage‐P‐wave duration)
Authors: Alexander Bryce , Milden Julia , Hazim Bachar , Haseeb Sohaib , Bayes‐Genis Antoni , Elosua Roberto , Martínez‐Sellés Manuel , Yeung Cynthia , Hopman Wilma , Bayes de Luna Antoni , Baranchuk Adrian 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and has significant morbidity. A score composed of easily measured electrocardiographic variables to identify patients at risk of AF would be of great value in order to stratify patients for increased monitoring and surveillance. The purpose of this study was to develop an electrocardiographic risk score for new‐onset AF.MethodsA total of 676 patients without previous AF undergoing coronary angiography were retrospectively studied. Points were allocated based on P‐wave morphology in inferior leads, voltage in lead 1, and P‐wave duration (MVP). Patients were divided into three risk groups and followed until development of AF or last available clinical appointment.ResultsMean age was 65 years, and 68% were male. The high‐ and intermediate‐risk groups were more likely to develop AF than the low‐risk group (odds ratio [OR] 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–4.4; p = 0.006 and OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4–3.27; p = 0.009, respectively). The high‐risk group had a significantly shorter mean time to development of AF (258 weeks; 95% CI 205–310 weeks) compared to the intermediate‐ (278 weeks; 95% CI 252–303 weeks) and low‐risk groups (322 weeks 95% CI 307–338 weeks), p = 0.005.ConclusionsA simple risk score composed of easy‐to‐measure electrocardiographic variables can help to predict new‐onset AF. Further validation studies will be needed to assess the ability of this risk score to predict AF in other populations.
Meibomian gland inversion: under‐recognized entity
Authors: Siah We Fong , Boboridis Kostas , Tan Petrina , Litwin Andre S. , Daya Sheraz M. , Malhotra Raman 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo describe a clinical entity of upper eyelid margin and meibomian gland inversion (MGI) sequential to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), in the absence of eyelash ptosis, trichiasis or manifest marginal entropion. We highlight its clinical features, surgical management and outcomes.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of symptomatic MGI cases refractory to conservative management who underwent surgery in our centre over a 4‐year period. Anatomical correction, resolution of symptoms and possible complications are reported.ResultsA total of 21 eyelids of 13 patients (mean age: 68.5 ± 15.4, range: 32–88 years) were analysed. Symptomatic MGI patients were operated only if they have noted immediate comfort when we corrected the lid margin position with a cotton tip. Those with refractory superior punctate corneal staining (n = 14 eyes), blink‐related discomfort (n = 8) and pseudo‐blepharospasm (n = 3) reported complete postoperative resolution. Milder symptoms showed partial improvement: gritty feeling (79%), sore eye (80%) and watery eye (86%). However, symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) persisted in 88% of patients. One case recurred in 6 weeks and was offered revision surgery. Median follow‐up was 5 (range: 3–12) months.ConclusionMeibomian gland inversion (MGI) is a subtle clinical entity that can be easily overlooked. Symptoms are often attributed to DED or MGD alone. It is likely that MGI represents early upper lid margin anatomical changes secondary to MGD before cicatricial marginal entropion becomes clinically apparent. Recommended treatment is conservative with intensive lid hygiene and topical MGD management. However, refractory symptomatic cases who respond positively to a ‘cotton‐tip test’ (reversal of lid margin malposition with a rolling cotton‐tip) may benefit from surgical intervention with favourable anatomical and functional outcome.
Euler Equations, Subjective Expectations and Income Shocks
Authors: Attanasio Orazio , Kovacs Agnes , Molnar Krisztina 
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we make three substantive contributions. First, we use elicited subjective income expectations to identify the levels of permanent and transitory income shocks in a lifecycle framework. Second, we use these shocks to assess whether households’ consumption is insulated from them. Third, we use the shock data to estimate an Euler equation for consumption. We find that households are able to smooth transitory shocks, but adjust their consumption in response to permanent shocks, albeit not fully. The estimates of the Euler equation parameters with and without expectational errors are similar, which is consistent with rational expectations. We break new ground by combining data on subjective expectations about future income from the Michigan Survey with microdata on actual income from the Consumer Expenditure Survey.
Right ventricular myocardial performance index in pediatric patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia‐related pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Ligon R. Allen , Vaiyani Danish , Deshpande Shriprasad 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIntroductionThis study aims to assess the utility of right ventricular myocardial performance index (RVMPI) as a potential echocardiographic tool to evaluate and serially follow patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH).MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of all hemodynamic cardiac catheterizations performed January 2011 to December 2016 in patients born premature and with diagnosed BPD up to 4 years of age—excluding patients with significant congenital heart defects. Echocardiograms performed within 24 hours of the cardiac catheterization were reviewed, and a blinded RVMPI was calculated. The primary endpoint was correlation of invasive catheterization hemodynamics to noninvasive echocardiographic RVMPI measurement.ResultsA total of 49 individual patients met complete study criteria, and 10 of those patients underwent repeat cardiac catheterization. Median age at the time of assessment was 8 months (25%–75%, 4–18 months), and the cohort had a calculated RVMPI mean of 0.39 (±0.19), with 73% (43/59) having a RVMPI >0.28. A statistically significant correlation was found between the RVMPI and the baseline hemodynamics during catheterization with regard to the initial mean pulmonary arterial pressure (r = 0.58; P < 0.01) as well as the calculated pulmonary vascular resistance (r = 0.34; P = 0.01).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the utility of RVMPI for evaluation of PH in patients with prematurity and BPD. An increased RVMPI by noninvasive echocardiography was found to correlate with increased mean pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance measured during invasive cardiac catheterization. Large‐scale validation of this study is being planned.
Maternal investment in a bee species with facultative nest guarding and males heavier than females
Authors: Mikát Michael , Benda Daniel , Straka Jakub 
Published: June 2019

1. Maternal investment can be influenced by several factors, especially maternal quality and possibilities for future reproduction. Mass provisioning Hymenoptera are an excellent group for measuring maternal investment because mothers distribute food sources to each brood cell for each offspring separately. Generally in aculeate Hymenoptera, larger females produce larger offspring and invest more in female offspring than in male offspring.2. This study investigated patterns of maternal investment in Ceratina chalcites, which has an uncommon type of sexual size dimorphism in Hymenoptera: on average, males are heavier than females. It was found that larger females produce a significantly higher proportion of male offspring, as males are the costlier sex in this species.3. Facultative nest guarding by females was observed. Females can guard offspring until adulthood, as is typical for bees of genus Ceratina (34.43% of nests); however, in the majority of cases (65.56% of nests), females plug and abandon the nest. Significant differences were found in the amount of investment between guarded and unguarded nests. Guarded nests had a greater number of provisioned brood cells and a higher proportion of male offspring. It is suggested that mothers have two facultative strategies – either she makes a large investment in the offspring of one nest or she abandons the first nest and carries out a second nesting elsewhere.
Comparative evaluation of periodontal ligament fibroblasts stored in different types of milk: effects on viability and biosynthesis of collagen
Authors: Sinpreechanon Phuttikarn , Boonzong Utamaphorn , Sricholpech Marnisa 
Published: June 2019

Milk remains one of the most frequently recommended solutions for storage of avulsed teeth because it can maintain cell viability and is easily accessible. However, some negative effects of milk on avulsed teeth have been reported, just as the effects of milk on the long‐term functions of cells are not clear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different types of milk on the viability, proliferation, and functions of periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF)s in vitro. Human PDLFs were culture‐medium depleted for 5 min and stored in Hanks’ balanced salt solution (HBSS), whole cow's milk, low‐fat cow's milk, or almond milk for 1 h at 25°C. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using MTT assays. Expression of the genes encoding type I collagen and its modifying enzymes were analyzed using real‐time PCR. Collagen matrix production was evaluated using Picrosirius red polarization. Our results showed the overall efficiency of low‐fat cow's milk in maintaining the viability and proliferation of PDLFs, and in enhancing the process of collagen production. Almond milk storage resulted in the highest rate of PDLF proliferation, and comparable collagen biosynthesis ability to the control. Therefore, besides low‐fat cow's milk, almond milk may potentially be an alternative tooth‐storage medium for PDLF preservation and PDL tissue regeneration.
Fatigue crack propagation along interfaces of selective laser melting steel hybrid parts
Authors: Santos Luis M.S. , Ferreira José A.M. , Borrego Luis P. , Costa Jose D. , Capela Carlos , de Jesus Joel 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSelective laser melting (SLM) is an emerging additive manufacturing technology, capable of producing complex geometry components. The current work studied both the effect of substrate material and mean stress on the fatigue crack growth behaviour along interfaces of bi‐material specimens, substrate, and part by SLM. Fatigue tests were carried out in agreement with ASTM E647 standard, using 6‐mm‐thick compact specimens. The substrate steel has only a negligible effect both on the fatigue crack propagation rate and on the crack path. The failure occurs in the material additively manufactured by SLM, near the interface. The mean stress produced only a reduced influence on the fatigue crack propagation rate in the Paris regime. For larger values of ΔK, where Kmax approaches KIc, a significant influence of the mean stress was observed. In spite of nondetection of crack closure, the application of overloads promoted significant fatigue crack retardation, quite similar for both substrate materials, probably due to the crack bifurcation during the overload.
Individual differences in L2 achievement mirror individual differences in L1 skills and L2 aptitude: Crosslinguistic transfer of L1 to L2 skills
Authors: Sparks Richard L. , Patton Jon , Luebbers Julie 
Published: June 2019

AbstractStudies with U.S. secondary second language (L2) learners have revealed individual differences (IDs) in first language (L1) skills and L2 aptitude and shown that these IDs are related to L2 achievement and proficiency. In this study, U.S. students were administered measures of L1 achievement, L1 cognitive processing, and L2 aptitude; followed through 2 to 3 years of Spanish courses; and administered standardized measures of Spanish achievement at the end of each year. Students were divided into high‐, average‐, and low‐achieving groups according to their scores on the Spanish measures and compared on the L1 measures and L2 aptitude test. Findings showed significant overall group differences on most L1 measures and significant between‐group differences on most L1 measures and the L2 aptitude test. IDs in L1 literacy, L1 working memory, and L2 aptitude best discriminated among students who completed 2 versus 3 years of Spanish. Results support claims that IDs in L2 achievement mirror IDs in L1 skills and provide evidence for the crosslinguistic transfer of L1 to L2 skills.