bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative analysis of EU and US trade policies towards least developed countries and the African Growth and Opportunity Act beneficiaries
Authors: Davies Elwyn , Nilsson Lars 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMotivationThe European Union (EU) and the US have specific trade preference programmes in place directed towards developing countries in general and, primarily in the case of the EU, towards least developed countries (LDCs) in particular. This article examines the relative merits of these programmes.PurposeThe article compares the trade policies of the EU and the US with respect to LDCs and the countries eligible for the US African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and examines the relative success of the two donors’ trade policies vis‐à‐vis these two groups of beneficiaries in terms of increasing imports from them.Approach and methodsEconometric evidence from a gravity model is used to compare the effects of EU and US preferential trade policy on imports from the beneficiary countries. First, regressions are carried out using total EU and US imports as dependent variables and, second, EU and US duty‐free imports are used.FindingsThe descriptive part of the article shows that (a) a larger share of EU imports benefits from duty‐free MFN tariffs; (b) the EU offers preferences on all imports from the LDCs (except arms and ammunition), while the US extends preferences to three quarters of all imports; (c) EU preferences are better utilized; and (d) the EU imports more goods duty free. The econometric analysis shows that EU trade policy towards the LDCs and the AGOA beneficiaries has generated approximately twice as much in imports as US policy, when imports of mineral fuels are excluded from the analysis.Policy implicationsEU trade policy is found to outperform US trade policy in terms of generating imports from the LDCs and the AGOA beneficiaries. Hence, if any trade policy ought to be copied by other countries, as suggested by some observers, it should be EU trade policy rather than US trade policy.
Normal values of left ventricular rotational parameters in healthy adults—Insights from the three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR‐Healthy Study
Authors: Kormányos Árpád , Kalapos Anita , Domsik Péter , Lengyel Csaba , Forster Tamás , Nemes Attila 
Published: February 2019

IntroductionLeft ventricular (LV) rotation and twist are essential parts of LV function. Three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) is a relatively new method and is useful for the quantification of LV wall deformation and rotational parameters. The aim of the present study was to examine LV rotation and twist differences between different age‐groups and genders in a healthy population.MethodsThe present study is comprised of 297 healthy adults; 120 adults have been excluded due to inferior image quality. The population was further divided into 4 subgroups based on age decades.ResultsOnly the LV twist of all patients (13.5 ± 3.7 degree vs 15.6 ± 4.9 degree, P = 0.02) and the LV twist of females (13.0 ± 3.6 degree vs 15.5 ± 5.6 degree, P = 0.03) differed significantly between the age‐group of 18–29 years and 50+ years. LV basal and apical rotation were not significantly different between the age‐groups; however, they tendentiously increased with aging. No significant differences could be demonstrated regarding LV rotational and twist parameters between genders in any group. A phenomenon called LV rigid body rotation (LV‐RBR)—where the base and apex of the LV rotate in the same direction—was present in 10 cases.ConclusionsThree‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography seems to be a reasonably viable tool for the quantification of LV rotation and twist. Both LV basal and apical rotation and LV twist increase with aging, regardless of gender. LV‐RBR is also present in the normal population.
Normal percentile curves for left atrial size in healthy children and adolescents
Authors: Díaz Alejandro , Zócalo Yanina , Bia Daniel 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundDespite the clinical utility of echocardiography to measure left atrial (LA) structure and function, there are scarcities of data about the percentiles of LA diameter (LAD), LA volume (LAVOL), and LA volume indexed by body surface area (LAVOL/BSA) from prospective population‐based studies in healthy children and adolescents from the Southern Cone of Latin America.MethodsEchocardiographic studies were obtained in 1095 healthy subjects nonexposed to cardiovascular risk factors (5–24 years). Age‐ and sex‐specific reference values of LAD, LAVOL, and LAVOL/BSA were generated using parametric regression based on fractional polynomials.ResultsAfter covariate analysis (ie, adjusting by age, body surface area), specific sex‐specific percentiles were evidenced as necessaries. Age‐ and sex‐specific 1st, 2.5th, 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, 95th, 97.5th, and 99th percentile and curves were reported. Our percentiles showed high concordance and complementarity with what was previously reported for the population of North American, European, and Asiatic Populations.ConclusionsIn children and adolescents, the interpretation of the LA size requires sex‐related percentiles. This study provides the largest Argentinean database concerning percentile curves of LAD, LAVOL, and LAVOL/BSA obtained in healthy children and adolescents. These data are valuable in that they provide values with which data of populations of children, adolescents, and young adults can be compared.
Current clinical practice and challenges in the management of secondary immunodeficiency in hematological malignancies
Authors: Na Il‐Kang , Buckland Matthew , Agostini Carlo , Edgar John David M. , Friman Vanda , Michallet Mauricette , Sánchez‐Ramón Silvia , Scheibenbogen Carmen , Quinti Isabella 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveDespite long‐standing safe and effective use of immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) in primary immunodeficiency, clinical data on IgRT in patients with secondary immunodeficiency (SID) due to B‐cell lymphoproliferative diseases are limited. Here, we examine the correlation between approved IgRT indications, treatment recommendations, and clinical practice in SID.MethodsAn international online survey of 230 physicians responsible for the diagnosis of SID and the prescription of IgRT in patients with hematological malignancies was conducted.ResultsSerum immunoglobulin was measured in 83% of patients with multiple myeloma, 76% with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and 69% with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. Most physicians (85%) prescribed IgRT after ≥2 severe infections. In Italy, Germany, Spain, and the United States, immunoglobulin use was above average in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia, while in the UK considerably fewer patients received IgRT. The use of subcutaneous immunoglobulin was highest in France (34%) and lowest in Spain (19%). Immunologists measured specific antibody responses, performed test immunization, implemented IgRT, and used subcutaneous immunoglobulin more frequently than physicians overall.ConclusionsThe management of SID in hematological malignancies varied regionally. Clinical practice did not reflect treatment guidelines, highlighting the need for robust clinical studies on IgRT in this population and harmonization between countries and disciplines.
Development and topographical organization of projections from the hippocampus and parahippocampus to the retrosplenial cortex
Authors: Haugland Kamilla G. , Sugar Jørgen , Witter Menno P. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe rat hippocampal formation (HF), parahippocampal region (PHR), and retrosplenial cortex (RSC) play critical roles in spatial processing. These regions are interconnected, and functionally dependent. The neuronal networks mediating this reciprocal dependency are largely unknown. Establishing the developmental timing of network formation will help to understand the emergence of this dependency. We questioned whether the long‐range outputs from HF‐PHR to RSC in Long Evans rats develop during the same time periods as previously reported for the intrinsic HF‐PHR connectivity and the projections from RSC to HF‐PHR. The results of a series of retrograde and anterograde tracing experiments in rats of different postnatal ages show that the postnatal projections from HF‐PHR to RSC display low densities around birth, but develop during the first postnatal week, reaching adult‐like densities around the time of eye‐opening. Developing projections display a topographical organization similar to adult projections. We conclude that the long‐range projections from HF‐PHR to RSC develop in parallel with the intrinsic circuitry of HF‐PHR and the projections of RSC to HF‐PHR.
Wild‐caught great tits Parus major fail to use tools in a laboratory experiment, despite facilitation
Authors: Johnsson Robin D. , Brodin Anders 
Published: February 2019

AbstractStudies investigating tool use in animals that are not known tool users in the wild are important in helping to understand how and under what circumstances this ability might arise. Tool use appears to be uncommon in great tits (Parus major), with only a single documented observation in which a wild great tit used conifer needles to extract larvae from crevices in trees. In a laboratory‐based experiment, we examined whether wild‐caught great tits could learn to use tools in a similar manner. We presented the birds with two different tool use tasks in which they would need to use either a stick or a hook to extract an otherwise inaccessible meal worm from a transparent plastic tube. First, the birds passed a simpler training criterion (pulling a tool with an attached food reward) that aimed to reduce the difficulty of the task. Nevertheless, none of the individuals learnt to use tools in either of the two tasks. This result stands in stark contrast to the abilities of some corvids and parrots, which can learn to use tools in captivity, even though some of them are not tool users in the wild. We believe that tool use might be difficult for some birds to learn since the skills required for this ability seem not to be part of their natural foraging behaviour.
Tenoscopic removal of a protruding osteophyte as a treatment for chronic common digital extensor tendinopathy and associated tenosynovitis
Authors: Gray S. M. , Gutierrez‐Nibeyro S. D. , LoBato D. N. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryThis report describes an adult Quarter Horse gelding that was presented for evaluation of chronic tenosynovitis of the right common digital extensor tendon sheath. Radiographic and tenoscopic evaluation confirmed the presence of a periarticular osteophyte from the third metacarpal bone protruding into the common digital extensor tendon sheath. Tenoscopic surgical resection of the osteophyte and debridement of the affected tendon resolved the tenosynovitis and associated right forelimb lameness. Osteophytes in this location can be a source of focal traumatic tendonitis of the common digital extensor tendon which can lead to a chronic tenosynovitis of the common digital extensor tendon sheath. Tenoscopic debridement and lavage is a viable treatment option for chronic nonseptic common digital extensor tendinopathy and associated tenosynovitis.
A Multiscale Assessment of Shallow Groundwater Salinization in Michigan
Authors: Curtis Zachary K. , Liao Hua‐sheng , Li Shu‐Guang , Sampath Prasanna Venkatesh , Lusch David P. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractManaging nonpoint‐source (NPS) pollution of groundwater systems is a significant challenge because of the heterogeneous nature of the subsurface, high costs of data collection, and the multitude of scales involved. In this study, we assessed a particularly complex NPS groundwater pollution problem in Michigan, namely, the salinization of shallow aquifer systems due to natural upwelling of deep brines. We applied a system‐based approach to characterize, across multiple scales, the integrated groundwater quantity–quality dynamics associated with the brine upwelling process, assimilating a variety of modeling tools and data—including statewide water well datasets scarcely used for larger scientific analysis. Specifically, we combined (1) data‐driven modeling of massive amounts of groundwater/geologic information across multiple spatial scales with (2) detailed analysis of groundwater salinity dynamics and process‐based flow modeling at local scales. Statewide “hotspots” were delineated and county‐level severity rankings were developed based on dissolved chloride (Cl−) concentration percentiles. Within local hotspots, the relative impact of upwelling was determined to be controlled by: (1) streams—which act as “natural pumps” that bring deeper (more mineralized) groundwater to the surface; (2) the occurrence of nearly impervious geologic material at the surface—which restricts fresh water dilution of deeper, saline groundwater; and (3) the space–time evolution of water well withdrawals—which induces slow migration of saline groundwater from its natural course. This multiscale, data‐intensive approach significantly improved our understanding of the brine upwelling processes in Michigan, and has applicability elsewhere given the growing availability of statewide water well databases.
An eight‐month randomized controlled trial on the use of intra‐oral cameras and text messages for gingivitis control among adults
Authors: Araújo Mário‐Rui , Alvarez Maria‐João , Godinho Cristina A. , Roberto Magda S. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effects of using an intra‐oral camera (IOC) during a dental hygiene consultation and mobile text messages (TM) between appointments on clinical, behavioural and psychological parameters of patients with gingivitis.Materials and methodsPatients were randomly assigned into four conditions: IOC, TM, IOC + TM and control, and examined at three assessment points over eight months (N = 142). Bleeding on marginal probing (BOMP), dental hygiene (brushing and flossing) and social cognitive determinants of behaviour change (outcome expectancies, action and volitional self‐efficacy, intention, planning and action control) were evaluated in an examiner‐blind controlled study. Mixed‐effects modelling was employed to examine changes in study outcomes. Mediations by the psychological determinants were inspected for the effect on treatment groups in clinical parameters and behaviour.ResultsCompared to the control group, all treatment conditions improved dental hygiene and revealed a significant decrease in BOMP from baseline to 4 months, maintained at 8 months; this was clinically relevant in the IOC + TM group, where individuals had more positive outcome expectancies as well as higher levels of action self‐efficacy and intention from baseline to four months, maintained at eight months. Volitional self‐efficacy was reinforced in all treatments. The psychological determinants did not prove to be the mechanisms responsible for these effects.ConclusionsA multiple‐strategy benefit from using the IOC in consultation and TM between appointments improves clinical, behavioural and psychological parameters of periodontal health four months after treatment, maintained at eight months’ follow‐up. Insights are provided for the efficacy of the images and text messages for oral hygiene changes.
A systematic review of methods used to sample and analyse periradicular tissue fluid during root canal treatment
Authors: Virdee S. S. , Butt K. , Grant M. , Camilleri J. , Cooper P. R. , Tomson P. L. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimThe primary aim was to identify techniques used to sample and analyse periradicular tissue fluid (PTF) in permanent teeth diagnosed with apical disease during root canal treatment. Secondly, to identify the types of inflammatory mediators studied using this approach.MethodologyData Sources: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Web of Science and OpenGrey. Eligibility Criteria: Clinical studies published until 1 June 2018 which utilized orthograde techniques to sample and analyse PTF were included. Cell culture, laboratory or animal studies and those concerned with investigating inflammatory mediator activity from within healthy or diseased pulp tissue, and not periradicular tissues, were excluded. Study appraisal and methods: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, data were extracted on study characteristics, target mediators, sampling and assay techniques and the parameters associated with the PTF sampling and eluting protocol. A qualitative synthesis was conducted, and studies were critically appraised using a modified version of the Cochrane risk of bias tool.ResultsStudy Characteristics: From 251 studies, 33 were eligible for inclusion. Sampling techniques included the use of paper points (n = 27), fine needle aspiration (n = 4) and filter strips (n = 2). Assay techniques included enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (n = 18), quantitative polymerase chain reaction (n = 9), radioimmunoassay (n = 4), colorimetric assay (n = 2), immunofluorometric assay (n = 1) and cytometric bead array (n = 1). Forty‐five different inflammatory mediators were targeted at the proteomic/metabolomic (n = 25) or transcriptomic level (n = 9). Limitations: Significant heterogeneity exists within the methodology, and only 5 studies disclosed unambiguous information about their PTF sampling and eluting protocols.ConclusionsPaper points and proteomic/metabolomic analysis are currently the preferred methods for studying and analysing PTF during root canal treatment. The most studied analytes were IL‐1β and TNF‐α. Implications: Further research is required to develop an optimized PTF sampling and eluting protocol to overcome methodological heterogeneity, and future studies are advised to follow a standardized approach to reporting their methodology.
The effects of six phenolic acids and tannic acid on colour stability and the anthocyanin content of mulberry juice during refrigerated storage
Authors: You Yilin , Li Na , Han Xue , Guo Jielong , Zhao Yu , Huang Weidong , Zhan Jicheng 
Published: February 2019

SummarySix phenolic acids and tannic acid are added to fresh mulberry juice to enhance the colour. Effects of these copigments on colour stability and the anthocyanin content of mulberry juice are investigated while being stored at 4 °C for 30 days. Results suggest that the addition of the copigments markedly increases the maximum absorbance of mulberry juice. Cyanidin‐3‐glucoside is the major anthocyanin, followed by cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside. Furthermore, the retention rate of the total anthocyanin, cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside and cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside increases after the addition of all copigments. The effect of ferulic acid on the stability of total anthocyanin, cyanidin‐3‐glucoside and cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside in mulberry juice is the best, 89.52%, 86.90% and 94.46% respectively (66.56%, 62.58% and 73.60% in the control group). Researchers recommend the addition of ferulic acid, p‐coumaric acid and caffeic acid – all of which belong to the hydroxycinnamic acid group, to the mulberry juice to enhance the colour stability and anthocyanin content.
Purification and identification of kokumi‐enhancing peptides from chicken protein hydrolysate
Authors: Zhang Yongsheng , Ma Yuan , Ahmed Zaheer , Geng Weitao , Tang Wei , Liu Yuan , Jin Huihui , Jiang Fang , Wang Jinju , Wang Yanping 
Published: February 2019

SummaryThe Maillard reaction products (MRPs) from chicken protein hydrolysate were demonstrated to have intense umami and kokumi‐enhancing effects. To find the main flavour‐enhancing compounds in the chicken protein hydrolysate, the fractions with different molecular weights were obtained by ultrafitration. The evaluation of taste characteristics revealed that the fractions with molecular weights ranging from 1000 to 5000 Da predominantly contributed to the umami and kokumi‐enhancing effects. After further purification by using ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, and ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) in combination with sensory evaluation, three peptides were identified, an octapeptide (WVNEEDHL), a nonapeptide (NSLEGEFKG) and a decapeptide (KDLFDPVIQD). Sensory evaluation results showed that all three peptides could significantly enhance the meat flavour, umami taste and thickness of the chicken powder solution. The results indicate that the peptides have potential application as effective chicken flavour‐enhancing ingredients in the food industry.
“At‐risk” kidney: How surgical factors influence renal functional preservation after partial nephrectomy
Authors: Dagenais Julien , Bertolo Riccardo , Garisto Juan , Chavali Jaya , Kaouk Jihad 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesTo investigate the influence of surgical modifiable factors on chronic kidney disease upstaging in a contemporary cohort of patients with normal and “at‐risk” kidneys undergoing partial nephrectomy.MethodsWe reviewed 778 consecutive patients with (n = 634)/without (n = 144) chronic kidney disease or risk factors for chronic kidney disease in our institutional partial nephrectomy database. Chronic kidney disease upstaging was assessed using glomerular filtration rate measurements preoperatively and at 3–12 months postoperatively. Using a multivariate logistic regression, baseline clinicodemographic factors, and the operative measurements of excisional volume loss and warm and cold ischemia time on rates of chronic kidney disease upstaging were determined. Marginal effects were used to analyze the impact of ischemia time and generate interaction curves.ResultsChronic kidney disease/risk factors for chronic kidney disease had equivalent rates of chronic kidney disease upstaging as the healthy kidney cohort (31.5% vs 38.2%, P = 0.15). Of the entire cohort, 2.8% were upstaged to stage IV–V chronic kidney disease. Multivariate analysis found a significant association between chronic kidney disease upstaging and excisional volume loss in both cohorts (no chronic kidney disease/risk factors for chronic kidney disease: odds ratio 1.63, P = 0.04; chronic kidney disease/risk factors for chronic kidney disease: odds ratio 1.42, P = 0.001). Only in the chronic kidney disease/risk factors for chronic kidney disease cohort, there was an association between ischemia type/duration and chronic kidney disease upstaging (odds ratio 1.04, P = 0.04). Warm ischemia began to predict an increased risk of chronic kidney disease upstaging at 17.6 min, which became statistically significant at 49 min.ConclusionsChronic kidney disease upstaging is common after partial nephrectomy. Although volume loss unequivocally affects rates of upstaging irrespective of baseline renal function, warm ischemia time disproportionately influences “at‐risk” kidneys. Therefore, strong consideration should be given to minimizing volume loss and using cold ischemia when extended clamp times are anticipated in “at‐risk” kidneys.