bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal Exposure to Housing Renovation During Pregnancy and Risk of Offspring with Congenital Malformation: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Motoki Noriko , Inaba Yuji , Shibazaki Takumi , Misawa Yuka , Ohira Satoshi , Kanai Makoto , Kurita Hiroshi , Nakazawa Yozo , Tsukahara Teruomi , Nomiyama Tetsuo ,   The Japan Environment & Children’s Study (JECS) Group, Kawamoto Toshihiro , Saito Hirohisa , Kishi Reiko , Yaegashi Nobuo , Hashimoto Koichi , Mori Chisato , Ito Shuichi , Yamagata Zentaro , Inadera Hidekuni , Kamijima Michihiro , Nakayama Takeo , Iso Hiroyasu , Shima Masayuki , Hirooka Yasuaki , Suganuma Narufumi , Kusuhara Koichi , Katoh Takahiko 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThere have been no large, nationwide, birth cohort studies in Japan examining the effects of house renovation during pregnancy on congenital abnormality. This study examined the impact of (1) prenatal exposure to house renovation and (2) maternal occupational exposure to organic solvents and/or formaldehyde on the incidence of congenital abnormality. The fixed data of 67,503 singleton births from a large national birth cohort study that commenced in 2011 were used to evaluate the presence of congenital abnormalities and potential confounding factors. We employed multiple logistic regression analysis to search for correlations between maternal exposure to house renovation or organic solvents and/or formaldehyde during pregnancy and such congenital abnormalities as congenital heart disease, cleft lip and/or palate, male genital abnormality, limb defect, and gastrointestinal obstruction. After controlling for potential confounding factors, we observed that house renovation was significantly associated with male genital abnormality (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.03-3.17, P = 0.04) when stratified by congenital abnormality, with no other remarkable relations to house renovation or occupational use of organic solvents and/or formaldehyde during pregnancy. There were also significant correlations for maternal BMI before pregnancy, history of ovulation induction through medication, maternal diabetes mellitus/gestational diabetes mellitus, and hypertensive disorder of pregnancy with an increased risk of congenital abnormality. In conclusion, this large nationwide survey provides important information on a possible association of house renovation during pregnancy with congenital male genital abnormality which needs confirmation in future studies.
Variable impact of the hemagglutinin polybasic cleavage site on virulence and pathogenesis of avian influenza H7N7 virus in chickens, turkeys and ducks
Authors: Scheibner David , Ulrich Reiner , Fatola Olanrewaju I. , Graaf Annika , Gischke Marcel , Salaheldin Ahmed H. , Harder Timm C. , Veits Jutta , Mettenleiter Thomas C. , Abdelwhab Elsayed M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAvian influenza viruses (AIV) are classified into 16 hemagglutinin (HA; H1-H16) and 9 neuraminidase (NA; N1-N9) subtypes. All AIV are low pathogenic (LP) in birds, but subtypes H5 and H7 AIV can evolve into highly pathogenic (HP) forms. In the last two decades evolution of HPAIV H7 from LPAIV has been frequently reported. However, little is known about the pathogenesis and evolution of HP H7 from LP ancestors particularly, in non-chicken hosts. In 2015, both LP and HP H7N7 AIV were isolated from chickens in two neighbouring farms in Germany. Here, the virulence of these isogenic H7N7 LP, HP and LP virus carrying a polybasic HA cleavage site (HACS) from HP (designated LP-Poly) was studied in chickens, turkeys and different duck breeds. The LP precursor was avirulent in all birds. In contrast, all inoculated and contact chickens and turkeys died after infection with HP. HP infected Pekin and Mallard ducks remained clinically healthy, while Muscovy ducks exhibited moderate depression and excreted viruses at significantly higher amounts. The polybasic HACS increased virulence in a species-specific manner with intravenous pathogenicity indices of 3.0, 1.9 and 0.2 in chickens, turkeys and Muscovy ducks, respectively. Infection of endothelial cells was only observed in chickens. In summary, Pekin and Mallard were more resistant to HPAIV H7N7 than chickens, turkeys and Muscovy ducks. The polybasic HACS was the main determinant for virulence and endotheliotropism of HPAIV H7N7 in chickens, whereas other viral and/or host factors play an essential role in virulence and pathogenesis in turkeys and ducks.
Corporeal Compression at the Onset of Septic shock (COCOONs): a compression method to reduce fluid balance of septic shock patients
Authors: Dargent Auguste , Large Audrey , Soudry-Faure Agnès , Doise Jean-Marc , Abdulmalak Caroline , Jonval Lysiane , Andreu Pascal , Roudaut Jean-Baptiste , Prin Sébastien , Charles Pierre-Emmanuel , Payen Didier , Quenot Jean-Pierre ,   The COCOONs study group, Hamet Maël , Poussant Thomas , Delorme Martial , Lhoumeau Adrien , Comte Thierry , Bourredjem Abderrahmane 
Published: August 2019

AbstractFluid overload in septic intensive care unit (ICU) patients is common and strongly associated with poor outcome. There is currently no treatment for capillary leak, which is mainly responsible for high positive fluid balance (FB) in sepsis. We hypothesized that increasing interstitial pressure with extensive corporeal compression would reduce FB. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of a compression treatment during sepsis. This pilot, two-center, single-arm trial enrolled critically ill, non-surgical, septic patients receiving mechanical ventilation. The therapeutic intervention was the early application of compression bandages on more than 80% of the body surface. The primary outcome was negative net FB on day 7. The primary endpoint was reached in 29 of 45 patients (64%) with available data, for a planned objective of 26. By day 4, cumulative FB was 7280 ml [3300–9700]. SOFA- and aged-matched patients from a historical cohort had a significantly higher FB at 1, 2 and 7 days. Tolerance was good, although low-stage pressure ulcers were observed in 16 patients (26%). No effect on intra-abdominal pressure or respiratory plateau pressure was observed. In conclusion, corporeal compression demonstrated potential efficacy in limiting FB during septic shock, with acceptable feasibility and tolerance.
Relationship between Interhemispheric Inhibition and Dexterous Hand Performance in Musicians and Non-musicians
Authors: Kuo Yi-Ling , Kutch Jason J. , Fisher Beth E. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractInterhemispheric inhibition (IHI) is essential for dexterous motor control. Small previous studies have shown differences in IHI in musicians compared to non-musicians, but it is not clear whether these differences are robustly linked to musical performance. In the largest study to date, we examined IHI and comprehensive measures of dexterous bimanual performance in 72 individuals (36 musicians and 36 non-musicians). Dexterous bimanual performance was quantified by speed, accuracy, and evenness derived from a series of hand tasks. As expected, musicians significantly outperformed non-musicians. Surprisingly, these performance differences could not be simply explained by IHI, as IHI did not significantly differ between musicians and non-musicians. However, canonical correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between combinations of IHI and performance variables in the musician group. Specifically, we identified that IHI may contribute to the maintenance of evenness regardless of speed, a feature of musical performance that may be driven by practice with a metronome. Therefore, while IHI changes by themselves may not be sufficient to explain superior hand dexterity exhibited by musicians, IHI may be a potential neural correlate for specific features of musical performance.
Resilience of the Gulf Stream path on decadal and longer timescales
Authors: Seidov Dan , Mishonov Alexey , Reagan James , Parsons Rost 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe Gulf Stream is the upper-ocean limb of a powerful current system known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation—the strongest oceanic pacemaker of the Atlantic Ocean and perhaps the entire Earth’s climate. Understanding the long-term variability of the Gulf Stream path is critical for resolving how the ocean, as a climate driver, works. A captivating facet of the Gulf Stream as a large-scale ocean climate phenomenon is its astounding resilience on timescales of decades and longer. Although the Gulf Stream has been vigorously explored over many decades, its long-term constancy deserves further scrutiny using the increased volume of in situ marine observations. We report a new study where the decadal variability of the Gulf Stream north wall (defined by the 15 °C isotherm at 200 m)—the major marker of the Gulf Stream pathway—is analyzed using in situ observations collected over the last 53 years.
Growth patterns during early childhood in children born small for gestational age and moderate preterm
Authors: Lindström Linda , Ahlsson Fredrik , Lundgren Maria , Bergman Eva , Lampa Erik , Wikström Anna-Karin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractToday we lack knowledge if size at birth and gestational age interact regarding postnatal growth pattern in children born at 32 gestational weeks or later. This population-based cohort study comprised 41,669 children born in gestational weeks 32–40 in Uppsala County, Sweden, between 2000 and 2015. We applied a generalized least squares model including anthropometric measurements at 1.5, 3, 4 and 5 years. We calculated estimated mean height, weight and BMI for children born in week 32 + 0, 35 + 0 or 40 + 0 with birthweight 50th percentile (standardized appropriate for gestational age, sAGA) or 3rd percentile (standardized small for gestational age, sSGA). Compared with children born sAGA at gestational week 40 + 0, those born sAGA week 32 + 0 or 35 + 0 had comparable estimated mean height, weight and BMI after 3 years of age. Making the same comparison, those born sSGA week 32 + 0 or 35 + 0 were shorter and lighter with lower estimated mean BMI throughout the whole follow-up period. Our findings suggest that being born SGA and moderate preterm is associated with short stature and low BMI during the first five years of life. The association seemed stronger the shorter gestational age at birth.
Longitudinal evaluation of the association between Insulin-like growth factor-1, Bone specific alkaline phosphatase and changes in mandibular length
Authors: Tripathi Tulika , Gupta Prateek , Rai Priyank , Sharma Jitender , Gupta Vinod Kumar , Singh Navneet , Verma Mahesh 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe aim of the current longitudinal study was to assess the levels of serum Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and serum Insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in different cervical vertebral maturation index (CVMI) stages and observe their association with the mandibular growth. Blood samples and lateral cephalograms of 63 subjects (age group of 11–17 years) were obtained at two time points, 12 months apart. On the basis of CVMI, all subjects were divided into six groups based on whether the subjects remained in same CVMI stage or transitioned to the next CVMI stage. Annual mandibular length was related with serum BALP and serum IGF-1 levels estimated using ELISA. Serum IGF-1 and BALP attained highest levels at CVMI stage 3 with peak BALP levels observed earlier than IGF-1. Although a positive correlation was determined between IGF-1 and BALP but BALP followed skeletal growth pattern more precisely. Overall IGF-1 and BALP were negatively correlated with mandibular length with notable growth in CVMI groups 3–3 (P < 0.01), 3-4 (P < 0.01), 4-4 (P < 0.001) and 5-5 (P < 0.001). In conclusion, BALP is a potential biomarker for skeletal growth assessment. However, the mandibular growth pattern was independent of changes in IGF-1 and BALP.
Photocapacitive CdS/WOx nanostructures for solar energy storage
Authors: Jones Daniel R. , Phillips Robert , Gannon William J. F. , Rome Bertrand , Warwick Michael E. A. , Dunnill Charles W. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThrough a facile solvothermal procedure, a CdS/WOx nanocomposite has been synthesised which exhibits photocapacitive behaviour under white light illumination at a radiant flux density of 99.3 mW cm−2. Photoelectrochemical experiments were undertaken to examine the self-charging properties of the material and to develop an understanding of the underlying electronic band structure responsible for the phenomenon. By employing XPS, UPS and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for further characterisation, the ability of the composite to generate current following the removal of incident light was related to the trapping of photoexcited electrons by the WOx component. The presence of WOx yielded an order of magnitude increase in the transient photocurrent response relative to CdS alone, an effect attributed to the suppression of electron-hole recombination in CdS due to hole transfer across the CdS/WOx interface. Moreover, current discharge from the material persisted for more than twenty minutes after final illumination, an order of magnitude improvement over many existing binary composites. As a seminal investigation into the photocapacitive characteristics of CdS/WOx composites, the work offers insight into how the constituent materials might be utilised as part of a future self-charging solar device.
The Voicemail Elicitation Task: Functional Workplace Language Assessment for Persons With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Meulenbroek Peter , Cherney Leora R. 
Published: August 2019

Purpose
Politeness markers (PMs) are words that enhance cooperativity in dialogue and are an essential component of professional/work communication. Persons with moderate/severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) underuse PMs in connected speech and have employment stability issues. The voicemail elicitation task (VET) is a standardized computerized language sampling procedure measuring PM rate in role-play tasks. Our purpose is to provide preliminary data establishing the potential of a screening assessment tool for professional/work communication.

Method
We measured VET performance using spoken PMs per minute (PMpM). We present data from 63 persons. Forty-three participants with TBI (22–65 years old, ≥ 1-year postinjury) worked in midlevel jobs before their injury and attempted work return after injury at the same job level. Twenty participants with TBI did not maintain work > 1 year (unstably employed), and 23 did maintain work for ≥ 1 year (stably employed). Twenty controls without history of neurological impairment working at the same job level also completed the VET protocol. We analyzed the data using between-group comparison with 1-way analysis of variance and post hoc analysis. We used receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to calculate sensitivity and specificity, as well as an optimal cutoff value for a screening measure.

Results

Group differences,
F
(2, 60) = 19.59,
p
= .0001, η
2
= .376, were identified between unstably employed persons with TBI performing with lower PMpM scores than the stably employed TBI group and the control group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated a cutoff score of 11.55 PMpM. There was acceptable specificity (0.700, 95% CI [0.499, 0.901]) and sensitivity (0.696, 95% CI [0.508, 0.883]) for a screening tool indicating further assessment of social communication.

Conclusion
The VET holds promise as a clinical screening tool to identify persons at risk for social communication–related job instability after TBI and the need for a more comprehensive social communication assessment.
Preparation, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of green tea seed oil nanoemulsions by self‐emulsification method
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhu Dandan , Xu Bin , Huang Lu , Xiong Yongzhao , Ge Peipei , Wang Zhao 
Published: August 2019

Application of tea oil in food products has been gained more and more attention for its nutritional advantages and functional properties. This research fabricated green tea seed oil nanoemulsions by the self‐emulsification method through variation of oil and surfactant composition. Finally, in vitro antibacterial assay and antioxidant properties were investigated. The results showed that the sizes could be regulated through surfactant content (5–15 wt%) and composition (HLB 10.72–13.93) from 16.44 ± 0.01 nm to 329 ± 4.74 nm. With the increase of the content of green tea seed oil, the DPPH and total antioxidant capacity of the nanoemulsions were gradually improved. Meanwhile, the antibacterial assay was enhanced as the content of green tea seed oil increased from 0.5 to 1.5%. The inhibition zone increased continually to 7.56 ± 0.40 mm and 6.85 ± 0.59 mm when 1.5% oil was provided. The results could provide a reference to essential oils in the design of functional food‐grade ingredients.
Surface analysis of nickel nanomaterials electrodeposited on graphite surface
Authors: Saldan Ivan , Lewin Erik , Dobrovetska Oksana , Karlsson Dennis , Bilan Oleh , Kuntyi Orest 
Published: August 2019

Pure Nickel (Ni) and Nickel–Palladium (Ni–Pd) alloy were electrodeposited on graphite surface via pulse electrolysis in dimethyl sulfoxide in form of rods and nanoparticles with a diameter of ∼100–350 and ∼10–35 nm, respectively. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra of Ni 2p3/2 region for these nanomaterials suggests on their surface Ni2+ precursor while after Ar+ ion‐etching metallic nickel starts to be dominated. Both Pd0 and Pd2+ for XPS spectra of Pd 3d5/2 and 3d3/2 were observed after electrodeposition. Scanning electron microscope‐energy dispersive X‐ray and XPS analysis confirmed electrodeposition of nickel nanomaterials in non‐aqueous electrolyte. Using a lower concentration of Ni2+ precursor, nanoparticles with an average particle size of ∼10–23 nm were prepared on a graphite surface.
Biomolecules encapsulated TiO2 nano‐cubes using Tinospora cordifolia for photodegradation of a textile dye
Authors: Kaur Harpreet , Goyal Vikas , Singh Jagpreet , Kumar Sanjeev , Rawat Mohit 
Published: August 2019

In the present research work, novel nano‐sized cubes of TiO2 capped with the biomolecules of Tinospora cordifolia leaf extract have been successfully synthesised and characterised. UV–visible absorption spectrum shows the maximum absorption edge at a wavelength of 271 nm. Transmission electron microscope results reveal the development of nano‐sized cubes with anatase phase confirmed from selected‐area electron diffraction pattern. Further, X‐ray diffraction study re‐confirms the crystallinity and anatase phase evolution of TiO2. Fourier transmission infrared and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrum spectra elucidate the presence of biomolecules on TiO2 surface. The high photocatalytic activity of green synthesised TiO2 is demonstrated through the degradation of a textile dye, neutral red. A total 93.4% of dye has been removed with high apparent constant value (Kappa = 0.00758 min−1) under 120 min of short UV‐light irradiation. Therefore, current work presents simple, low‐cost, eco‐friendly and hitherto unreported synthesis of TiO2 nano‐cubes using Tinospora cordifolia leaf extract that could pave the way towards highly efficient photocatalysts.
The Ketogenic Diet and Its Effect on Bone Mineral Density: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Draaisma Jos M.T. , Hampsink Brieke M. , Janssen Marcel , van Houdt Nicole B.M. , Linders E. T.A.M. , Willemsen Michèl A. 
Published: August 2019

Background During long-term follow-up of children treated with the ketogenic diet therapy (KDT) have an increased incidence of bone fractures. However, the exact contribution of KDT to a decreased bone mineral density (BMD) remains unclear.
Objective This study aimed to evaluate (changes in) BMD in children treated with KDT and to evaluate whether intravenous bisphosphonate therapy may be effective.
Design In this retrospective, observational cohort study, all children treated with KDT from 2010 until 2018 at the Radboudumc Amalia Children's hospital were included. Patients who were on KDT for more than 6 months and who had at least two dual-energy X-ray (DXA)-scans were eligible for inclusion for longitudinal analysis. Z-scores of DXA-scans were compared over the course of time.
Results In 34 out of 68 patients, one or more lumbar DXA-scans were performed, with a mean lumbar Z-score of −1.32 ± 1.74. Of these 68 patients, 8.8% got a fracture during KDT, and also 8.8% got kidney stones. In 20 patients, more than one DXA-scan was performed. A statistically not significant decrease in BMD (0.22 Z-score/year) was found. However, there was an increase in BMD in the five patients treated with intravenous bisphosphonate therapy. This was statistically significant in comparison to the nonbisphosphonate treated group (p = 0.034).
Conclusion Children on KDT have low normal BMD which may decrease further during KDT. For this reason monitoring of BMD is crucial, as is monitoring of kidney stones and hypercalciuria. Intravenous bisphosphonate therapy may have a positive effect, when other therapies have failed.
Decreasing Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis by Inhibition of Coagulation
Authors: Nadir Yona 
Published: August 2019

AbstractData regarding the effect of coagulation proteins on enhancing angiogenesis and tumor growth are ample. Thus, inhibition of the coagulation system in an attempt to reduce tumor growth and metastasis seems appealing. However, such molecules as direct oral anticoagulants, warfarin and heparins, may impose a bleeding tendency, limiting the treatment dose that can be used. The heparanase protein, as a cofactor for tissue factor (TF) activity, enhances activation of the coagulation system and in addition has several nonhemostatic effects increasing tumor growth. The molecules currently investigated in the field of cancer and coagulation are heparin mimetics and inhibitors of heparanase derived from TF pathway inhibitor 2. Both groups of molecules are inhibitors of heparanase and in addition pose a low bleeding tendency. Hence, interfering in heparanase activity seems to be a promising target for development of antitumor drugs.
Serial Cervical Length Evaluation in Low-Risk Women with Shortened Cervical Lengths in the Midtrimester: How Many Will Dilate Prior to 24 Weeks?
Authors: Zafman Kelly B. , Rebarber Andrei , Fox Nathan S. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Objective To determine what proportion of women with a short cervical length (CL) without a history of spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) will ultimately be dilated at <24 weeks.
Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of women with singleton pregnancies with a short CL (≤25 mm) between 16 and 22 weeks' gestational age (GA). We excluded women with a history of SPTB. We examined the progression of women with short CL based on the CL measurement and GA at diagnosis. The primary outcome was cervical dilation or spontaneous delivery <24 weeks.
Results A total of 163 women were included, of whom 27 (16.6%) were ultimately dilated and 4 (2.5%) had pregnancy loss by 24 weeks. The median GA at diagnosis of short CL was 195/7 (range: 15–22) weeks. Women with a CL <15 mm were more likely to have cervical dilation or loss prior to 24 weeks than women whose CL was 15 to 25 mm (42.5 vs. 11.9%, <0.001, adjusted odds ratio: 3.72, 95% confidence interval: 1.52–9.09). GA at diagnosis was not associated with risk of progression.
Conclusion In women with a short CL without a history of SPTB, the risk of dilation or pregnancy loss <24 weeks is significant, approaching 50% for women with a CL <15 mm.