bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethnic differences in the prevalence of frailty in the United Kingdom assessed using the electronic Frailty Index
Authors: Pradhananga Shraddha , Regmi Krishna , Razzaq Nasrin , Ettefaghian Alireza , Dey Aparajit Ballav , Hewson David 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectiveThere have been few studies in which the prevalence of frailty of different ethnic groups has been assessed in multiethnic countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of frailty in different ethnic groups in the United Kingdom.MethodsAnonymized electronic health records (EHR) of 13 510 people aged 65 years and over were extracted from the database of a network of general practitioners, covering 16 clinical commissioning groups in London. Frailty was determined using the electronic Frailty Index (eFI), which was automatically calculated using EHR data. The eFI was used as a categorical variable with fit and mild frailty grouped together, and moderate and severe frailty grouped as frail.ResultsThe overall prevalence of frailty was 18.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.4%‐18.9%). The prevalence of frailty increased with age (odds ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% CI, 1.10‐1.12) and body mass index (BMI; OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.04‐1.06). The highest prevalence of frailty was observed for Bangladeshis, with 32.9% classified as frail (95% CI, 29.2‐36.7); and the lowest prevalence of 14.0% (95% CI, 12.6‐15.5) was observed for the Black ethnic group. Stepwise logistic regression retained ethnicity, age, and BMI as predictors of frailty.ConclusionThis pilot study identified differences in the prevalence of frailty between ethnic groups in a sample of older people living in London. Additional studies are warranted to determine the causes of such differences, including migration and socioeconomic status. It would be worthwhile carrying out a validation study of the eFI in different ethnic populations.
Enhancing heterologous proteins production by MutSPichia pastoris via periodic methanol induction control
Authors: Jia Luqiang , Shi Zhongping , Yan Jian , Ding Jian , Hua Qiang 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe methylotrophic Pichia pastoris is one of the most effective systems for producing many value‐added heterologous proteins. During protein expression by highly aerobic MutS P. pastoris induction system, traditional constant methanol control strategy leads to difficulty in enhancing the methanol oxidative reaction in methanol metabolism due to dissolved oxygen (DO) limitation and P. pastoris gradually loses the ability to synthesize proteins and metabolize methanol due to severe intracellular methanol accumulation. In this study, a novel periodic methanol control strategy was proposed to solve this loss of function problem. The strategy alternately shifted methanol induction environments in between “high methanol/low DO concentrations” and “high DO/low methanol concentrations” for 5–6 cycles and was applied for porcine interferon‐α (pIFN‐α) and human lysozyme (hLYZ) production. Compared with the traditional control, activities of both products increased over 100% and intracellular methanol content decreased to zero level which had positive environmental effect.
A Systematic Review of Trauma Interventions in Native Communities
Authors: Gameon Julie A. , Skewes Monica C. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAmerican Indian/Alaska Native and First Nations communities suffer from health disparities associated with multiple forms of trauma exposure. Culturally appropriate interventions are needed to heal current and historical trauma wounds. Although there are evidence‐based trauma interventions for other populations, few have been implemented or evaluated with Native communities. Understanding the extant research on trauma interventions in Native communities is crucial for advancing science and filling gaps in the evidence base, and for meeting the needs of underserved people. In this systematic review of the literature on trauma interventions in Native communities in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, we identified 15 studies representing 10 interventions for historical and/or current trauma. These studies involved the community to some extent in developing or culturally adapting the interventions and suggested positive outcomes with regard to historical and interpersonal trauma symptoms. However, notable limitations in study design and research methods limit both internal validity and external validity of these conclusions. Only one study attempted (but did not achieve) a quasi‐experimental design, and small sample sizes were persistent limitations across studies. Recommendations for researchers include working in partnership with Native communities to overcome barriers to trauma intervention research and to increase the rigor of the studies so that ongoing efforts to treat trauma can yield publishable data and communities can secure funding for intervention research.
NMR Analysis of Apo Glutamine‐Binding Protein Exposes Challenges in the Study of Interdomain Dynamics
Authors: Kooshapur Hamed , Ma Junhe , Tjandra Nico , Bermejo Guillermo A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractGlutamine‐binding protein (GlnBP) displays an apo, “open” and a holo, “closed” crystal form, mutually related by a rigid‐body reorientation of its domains. A fundamental question about such large‐scale conformational transitions, whether the closed state exists in the absence of ligand, is controversial in the case of GlnBP. NMR observations have indicated no evidence of the closed form, whereas experimentally validated computations have suggested a remarkable ca. 40 % population. Herein, a paramagnetic NMR strategy designed to detect the putative apo‐closed species shows that a major population of the latter is highly improbable. Further, NMR residual dipolar couplings collected under three anisotropic conditions do not reveal differential domain alignment and establish that the average solution conformation is satisfied by the apo‐open crystal structure. Our results indicate that the computational prediction of large‐scale interdomain motions is not trivial and may lead to erroneous conclusions without proper experimental validation.
Cardiovascular surgery experience does not significantly improve patients' response to stroke
Authors: Li Shengde , Cui Li‐Ying , Anderson Craig , Gao Chunpeng , Yu Chengdong , Shan Guangliang , Wang Longde , Peng Bin ,   the FAST‐RIGHT Investigators and Coordinators
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectivesPatients with a history of cardiovascular surgery are at risk of stroke, and immediately calling emergency medical services (EMS) after stroke onset is crucial to receiving effective reperfusion therapy. We aimed to determine the effect of a history of cardiovascular surgery on patients' ability to recognize stroke and intent to call EMS.MethodsWe performed a cross‐sectional community‐based study from January 2017 to May 2017. A total population of 186,167 individuals, recruited from 69 administrative areas across China, was analyzed. Different multivariable logistic regression models were performed to identify the associations between cardiovascular surgical history and stroke recognition or intent to call EMS, respectively.Results0.1% of the total population had a history of cardiovascular surgery. In the surgery group, the estimated stroke recognition rate (SRR) and correct action rate (CAR) were 84.9% and 74.7%, respectively. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was significantly higher in the surgery group. Cardiovascular surgical history was not associated with recognition of stroke across different models. The surgery group was more likely to call EMS, but the difference was not significant after full adjustment (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 0.99–1.98, p = .0572).ConclusionsCardiovascular surgical history does not influence patients' likelihood of calling EMS more often at stroke onset. Patients receiving cardiovascular surgeries should be counseled regarding stroke recognition, proper response to stroke, and the importance of controlling risk factors.
Endocrine‐related adverse events associated with immune‐checkpoint inhibitors in patients with melanoma
Authors: Kassi Eva , Angelousi Anna , Asonitis Nikolaos , Diamantopoulos Panagiotis , Anastasopoulou Amalia , Papaxoinis George , Kokkinos Michalis , Giovanopoulos Ilias , Kyriakakis Georgios , Petychaki Fotini , Savelli Akrivi , Benopoulou Olga , Gogas Helen 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundImmune‐checkpoint inhibitors have been shown to improve survival in melanoma patients, but can also trigger immune‐related endocrinopathies, especially hypophysitis and thyroid dysfunction.MethodsTo assess the incidence and the spectrum of endocrinopathies in melanoma patients treated with immunotherapy a prospective observational study was conducted. Forty out of 339 patients, treated with immune‐checkpoint inhibitors, developed endocrinopathies. All patients had hormonal functional tests at screening (before the initiation of immunotherapy) and during follow‐up.ResultsThe total incidence of endocrinopathies was 11.8%, 13.4% due to anti‐PD1/PDL1, 5% due to anti‐CTLA4, and 18.5% due to sequential and/or combination treatment. Twenty‐one patients (6.2%) presented with isolated anterior hypophysitis, eleven (3.2%) with primary thyroid dysfunction and eight (2.4%) with both abnormalities. The most frequent anterior pituitary hormone deficiency was central adrenal insufficiency, followed by central hypothyroidism and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. None of the patients with corticotroph axis failure recovered during follow‐up. Endocrinopathies occurred after a median of 22 weeks (range: 4‐156) from treatment initiation. Of note, sequential and/or combination therapy with anti‐CTLA4 and anti‐PD1/anti‐PDL1 led to an almost threefold incidence of hypophysitis compared to either monotherapy. Only one of 120 patients receiving anti‐CTLA4 monotherapy developed primary hypothyroidism.ConclusionsOur cohort demonstrated an increased incidence of hypophysitis with anti‐PD1/anti‐PDL1 in contrast to the rarity of primary thyroid dysfunction with anti‐CTLA4 treatment. These results could be attributed to genetic/ethnic differences. Sequential treatment is, for the first time to our knowledge, reported to increase the risk of developing hypophysitis to a level as high as that of combination therapy.
Neonaticide in the Courtroom – Room for Improvement? Conclusions Drawn from Austria and Finland's Register Review
Authors: Amon Sabine , Klier Claudia M. , Putkonen Hanna , Weizmann‐Henelius Ghitta , Fernandez Arias Paula 
Published: September 2019

This study analyses the psychological, clinical and criminal characteristics of neonaticide focusing on court verdicts with the aim of formulating recommendations for judicial guidelines. This study was register based, comprising all known neonaticides in Austria and Finland between 1995 and 2005. The cases (n = 28) were obtained by screening death certificates from coroner departments and analysing them alongside all further reports available. Five out of 21 convicted offenders were imprisoned with an average sentence of 1.65 years. A mental disorder, at the time of the offence, was diagnosed in half of the offenders (9/18) who underwent forensic examination. Of the total offenders, 14 were deemed responsible for the crime, one was deemed to have had diminished responsibility and three were considered not responsible for the crime. The main motive, determined by court evaluation, was an ‘unwanted child', followed by ‘no motive', ‘fear of abandonment or a negative response from others' and 'mental overload'. The rate of repeated neonaticide was 13 per cent. Considering the rate of mental illness within the neonaticide offenders, we would recommend a treatment detention order instead of imprisonment or non‐prosecution, as well as state‐of‐the‐art guidelines for the court.‘Analyses the psychological, clinical and criminal characteristics of neonaticide focusing on court verdicts'Key Practitioner MessagesAutopsies should be conducted for all suspected neonaticides.Forensic examinations should be performed by experts with knowledge and experience of neonaticide.There should be standardised forensic examinations using structured psychiatric and psychological methods by two independent experts.Neonaticide cases should be tried in specialised courts.A psychiatric treatment order should be made for all neonaticide offenders as a preventive measure to reduce reoffending and address the high psychological burden.
Insights in the Study of the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells using Hybrid Platinum‐Ceria Nanorods Electrocatalysts
Authors: Pinheiro Victor S. , Souza Felipe M. , Gentil Tuani C. , Böhnstedt Paula , Paz Edson C. , Parreira Luanna S. , Hammer Peter , Batista Bruno L. , Santos Mauro C. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis work reports on the synthesis and characterization of hybrid electrocatalysts based on Pt nanoparticles and ceria nanorods (CeO2 NR) supported on Vulcan XC‐72 carbon black (Ptx(CeO2 NR)yCz) and evaluation of their electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), aiming the application of 4‐electrons process in direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs). The hybrid electrocatalysts are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), contact angle measurements and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), CO‐stripping analysis and electrocatalytic activity for ORR studied by the rotating ring‐disc electrode (RRDE) technique and single fuel cell experiments. The Ptx(CeO2 NR)yCz hybrid electrocatalysts prove to be efficient for ORR in a 4‐electron process, maintaining a high conversion rate of O2 to H2O, even at reduced platinum (Pt) load. The electrocatalyst presents a notable an unusual behavior in single fuel cell experiments presenting slightly lower open circuit voltage than Pt based commercial electrocatalysts, containing Pt only, as well as improved current and power density. This is achieved at operating temperatures between 40 °C and 70 °C, making the material very promising for application in high efficiency low temperature fuel cells.
Generation and Validation of Tissue‐Specific Knockout Strains for Toxicology Research
Authors: Taylor Cherish A. , Shawlot William , Ren Jin Xiang , Mukhopadhyay Somshuvra 
Published: September 2019

AbstractTissue‐specific knockout mice are widely used throughout scientific research. A principle method for generating tissue‐specific knockout mice is the Cre‐loxP system. Here, we give a detailed description of the steps required to generate and validate tissue‐specific knockout mice using the Cre‐loxP system. The first protocol describes how to use gene targeting in mouse embryonic stem cells to generate mice with conditional alleles. Subsequent protocols describe how to recover Cre transgenic mice from cryopreserved sperm using in vitro fertilization and present a breeding strategy for obtaining tissue‐specific knockouts. Finally, methods are provided for validating the knockout mice using PCR of genomic DNA, reverse‐transcription PCR and quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR of mRNA, and immunoblot analysis of proteins. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Energy‐efficient resource allocation in D2D communications for energy harvesting–enabled NOMA‐based cellular networks
Authors: Najimi Maryam 
Published: September 2019

SummaryIn this paper, we propose an energy‐efficient power control and harvesting time scheduling scheme for resource allocation of the subchannels in a nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA)–based device‐to‐device (D2D) communications in cellular networks. In these networks, D2D users can communicate by sharing the radio resources assigned to cellular users (CUs). Device‐to‐device users harvest energy from the base station (BS) in the downlink and transmit information to their receivers. Using NOMA, more than one user can access the same frequency‐time resource simultaneously, and the signals of the multiusers can be separated successfully using successive interference cancellation (SIC). In fact, NOMA, unlike orthogonal multiple access (OMA) methods, allows sharing the same frequency resources at the same time by implementing adaptive power allocation. Our aim is to maximize the energy efficiency of the D2D pairs, which is the ratio of the achievable throughput of the D2D pairs to their energy consumption by allocating the proper subchannel of each cell to each device user equipment (DUE), managing their transmission power, and setting the harvesting and transmission time. The constraints of the problem are the quality of service of the CUs, minimum required throughput of the subchannels, and energy harvesting of DUEs. We formulate the problem and propose a low‐complexity iterative algorithm on the basis of the convex optimization method and Karush‐Kuhn‐Tucker conditions to obtain the optimal solution of the problem. Simulation results validate the performance of our proposed algorithm for different values of the system parameters.
Predicting impact of a biocontrol agent: integrating distribution modeling with climate‐dependent vital rates
Authors: Augustinus Benno , Sun Yan , Beuchat Carine , Schaffner Urs , Müller‐Schärer Heinz 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSpecies distribution models can predict the suitable climatic range of a potential biological control agent (BCA), but they provide little information on the BCA's potential impact. To predict high population buildup, a prerequisite of biocontrol impact, studies are needed that assess the effect of environmental factors on vital rates of a BCA across the environmental gradient of the BCA's suitable habitats, especially for the region where the BCA is considered for field release. We extended a published species distribution model with climate‐dependent vital rates of Ophraella communa, a recently and accidentally introduced potential BCA of common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia in Europe. In field and laboratory experiments, we collected data on climate‐dependent parameters assumed to be the most relevant for the population buildup of O. communa, i.e., temperature driving the number of generations per year and relative humidity (RH) determining egg hatching success. We found that O. communa concluded one generation in 334 cumulative degree days, and that egg hatching success strongly decreased from > 80% to < 20% when RH drops from 55% to 45% during the day. We used these values to spatially explicitly project population densities across the European range suitable for both A. artemisiifolia and the beetle and found that the present distribution of the beetle in Europe is within the range with the highest projected population growth. The highest population density of O. communa was predicted for northern Italy and parts of western Russia and western Georgia. Field observations of high impact on A. artemisiifolia with records of 80% aerial pollen reduction in the Milano area since the establishment of O. communa are in line with these predictions. The relative importance of temperature and RH on the population density of O. communa varies considerably across its suitable range in Europe. We propose that the combined statistical and mechanistic approach outlined in this paper helps to more accurately predict the potential impact of a weed BCA than a species distribution model alone. Identifying the factors limiting the population buildup of a BCA across the suitable range allows implementation of more targeted release and management strategies to optimize biocontrol efficacy.
Anorexia nervosa and diffusion weighted imaging: An open methodological question raised by a systematic review and a fractional anisotropy anatomical likelihood estimation meta‐analysis
Authors: Meneguzzo Paolo , Collantoni Enrico , Solmi Marco , Tenconi Elena , Favaro Angela 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundAnorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by white matter abnormalities in neuroimaging studies. Fractional anisotropy (FA) is a diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) index that is considered an instrument for the evaluation of white matter alterations. However, the literature has recently pointed out the role of the partial volume effect (PVE) as a confounding factor for the identification of juxtaposed tissues. Our goal was to review the DTI literature in AN and evaluate possible confounding factors linked to the reported results.MethodA systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify Diffusion Tensor Imaging studies of individuals with AN and, subsequently, an anatomical likelihood estimation (ALE) meta‐analysis was performed on studies published before March 18, 2019.ResultsTwenty‐four studies (AN = 517, controls = 542) were included in the qualitative systematic review of the literature. Ten published studies underwent the ALE‐analysis (AN = 210, controls = 229), plus data from an unpublished cohort (AN = 38, controls = 38). Two clusters of decreased FA were identified, namely in the left corona radiata, and in the left thalamus. Only one article took the PVE correction analysis into account.ConclusionsThe alterations identified must be considered within the limits of a possible methodological bias regarding PVE and free water and re‐analysis of the data may be recommended. The preliminary data showed that the alteration of white matter pathways between the limbic structures and brain cortex may be linked to the processing of somatosensory information that could play a key role in the psychopathology of the disorder.
High‐Purity Tocored Improves the Stability of Stripped Corn Oil Under Accelerated Conditions
Authors: Zheng Liyou , Karrar Emad , Xie Liangliang , Jin Jun , Huang Jianhua , Wang Xingguo , Zhang Hui , Jin Qingzhe 
Published: September 2019

Abstractγ‐Tocopherol‐5,6‐quinone (tocored) is of importance among the γ‐tocopherol (γ‐T) oxidant products and found in corn germ oil. Investigation on tocored is impeded in part by the difficulty to access high purity tocored. In this present study, high‐purity tocored is successfully prepared, and its antioxidant activity, together with γ‐T and TBHQ (positive control) in increasing concentrations in stripped corn germ oil is evaluated by Rancimat and Schaal oven tests. The stabilization factor in the Rancimat tests increases significantly (p < 0.05) along with an increase in the levels of antioxidants. Furthermore, tocored exhibits higher stabilization than γ‐T in the Schaal oven tests, although its efficacy gradually increases up to 100 mg kg–1 and decreases significantly at higher levels (from 100 to 500 mg kg–1), drawn from the comprehensive parameter A (considering both efficiency and strength) changes (5.06–11.21). In addition, the curves illustrating the residual contents of tocored and γ‐T run in different ways when the four levels are taken into consideration, further bearing the above results. Tocored tends to be a potent natural antioxidant for edible corn germ oil preservation.Practical Application: The present work provides more clear procedures for high‐purity tocored synthesis. Furthermore, tocored may be a potential natural antioxidant that is especially suitable for lipid base food substrates. The results of the present work contribute to the deeper understanding of the antioxidant activity of γ‐tocopherol. The antioxidant activity of tocored is higher than γ‐tocopherol in Schaal oven test. Tocored is a bright orange‐red substance that affects the appearance of the edible oil. Meanwhile, γ‐tocopherol is well known for its valuable health benefits, and appropriate measures should be adopted to store oils (corn oil, soybean oil, and so on) rich in γ‐tocopherol to control transformation in order to keep stability optimal. To some degree, the practical applications of the present results are also related to the processing and storage of edible oils.