bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender and Publishing in Nursing: A secondary analysis of h‐index ranking tables
Authors: Porter Sam 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimsTo analyse published ranking tables on academics’ h‐index scores to establish whether male nursing academics are disproportionately represented in these tables compared with their representation across the whole profession.BackgroundPrevious studies have identified a disproportionate representation of UK male nursing academics in publishing in comparison with their US counterparts.DesignSecondary statistical analysis, which involved comparative correlation of proportions.MethodsFour papers from the UK, Canada, and Australia containing h‐index ranking tables and published between 2010–2017, were reanalysed in June 2017 to identify authors’ sex. Pearson's chi‐squared test was applied to ascertain whether the number of men included in the tables was statistically proportionate to the number of men on the pertinent national professional register.FindingsThere was a disproportionate number of men with high h‐index scores in the UK and Canadian data sets, compared with the proportion of men on the pertinent national registers. The number of men in the Australian data set was proportionate with the number of men on the nursing register. There were a disproportionate number of male professors in UK universities.ConclusionThe influence of men over nursing publishing in the UK and Canada outweighs their representation across the whole profession. Similarly, in the UK, men's representation in the professoriate is disproportionately great. However, the Australian results suggest that gender inequality is not inevitable and that it is possible to create more egalitarian nursing cultures.
Evaluation of food safety knowledge and microbial status of food contact surfaces in schools
Authors: Illés Csaba Bálint , Tóth András J. , Dunay Anna , Lehota József , Bittsánszky András 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the hygiene of food contact surfaces in 37 high school kitchens in order to identify the factors involved in the deficiencies found. The microbial status of kitchen surfaces (mesophilic aerobic bacterial count) and the hygienic sanitary knowledge (assessed by a questionnaire) of 158 food handlers were evaluated. The microbial count was determined by conventional plating methods and by a redox potential‐based testing method. Large differences regarding microbial count on food contact surfaces were found among the kitchens. In connection with the unfavorable results, the food hygiene knowledge level of kitchen workers was unsatisfactory. The microbial profile assessment of a catering unit largely depends on the efficiency of the food safety management system used, therefore the level of microbial contamination can be used as an indicator. The results showed that the hygienic‐sanitary knowledge of food handlers highly affects food safety standards in public kitchens.Practical applicationsThe microbial profile of food contact surfaces is a suitable indicator of a food safety management system with objective results that are easily interpreted. Recurrent unsatisfactory results can indicate failures in some or all areas of the food safety management systems. This study shows that in most cases these failures are related to the food handler's knowledge. The improvement of food handler's professional knowledge is an effective way to improve food safety levels in catering units.
Good practices and microbiological quality of food contact surfaces in public school kitchens
Authors: da Vitória Alyne Gomes , de Souza Couto Oliveira Jhenifer , de Faria Carolina Perim , de São José Jackline Freitas Brilhante 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe objective of this work was to analyze the hygienic and sanitary conditions of 52 school kitchens and to investigate the microbiological contamination of surfaces that contact food. A specific checklist was used to classify the units' health risk. Microbiological samples were collected from utensils, bench, and equipment in 10 units to evaluate the contamination levels of these surfaces. In total, 3.8% of the evaluated units had a very low health risk, and 61.5% had a low sanitary risk, indicating that most of the sites were adequately sanitary. Important failures have been identified in the block of buildings and facilities. Inadequacies related to hand hygiene, the absence of the manual of good practices and environmental hygiene were also highlighted. Microbiological analyses resulted in high counts of aerobic mesophiles and enterobacteria. Intervention with the involvement of all the actors of the National School Feeding Program is suggested for improving the situation.Practical applicationsThis study is important, since it carried out the survey of the information regarding the adoption of good practices and sanitary conditions in the food production in the school environment, considering the relevance of the subject and vulnerability of the attended public. In this way, such information may guide corrective and preventive actions in the face of observed situations.
Pbx loss in cranial neural crest, unlike in epithelium, results in cleft palate only and a broader midface
Authors: Welsh Ian C. , Hart James , Brown Joel M. , Hansen Karissa , Rocha Marques Marcelo , Aho Robert J. , Grishina Irina , Hurtado Romulo , Herzlinger Doris , Ferretti Elisabetta , Garcia‐Garcia Maria J. , Selleri Licia 
Published: May 2018

AbstractOrofacial clefting represents the most common craniofacial birth defect. Cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) is genetically distinct from cleft palate only (CPO). Numerous transcription factors (TFs) regulate normal development of the midface, comprising the premaxilla, maxilla and palatine bones, through control of basic cellular behaviors. Within the Pbx family of genes encoding Three Amino‐acid Loop Extension (TALE) homeodomain‐containing TFs, we previously established that in the mouse, Pbx1 plays a preeminent role in midfacial morphogenesis, and Pbx2 and Pbx3 execute collaborative functions in domains of coexpression. We also reported that Pbx1 loss from cephalic epithelial domains, on a Pbx2‐ or Pbx3‐deficient background, results in CL/P via disruption of a regulatory network that controls apoptosis at the seam of frontonasal and maxillary process fusion. Conversely, Pbx1 loss in cranial neural crest cell (CNCC)‐derived mesenchyme on a Pbx2‐deficient background results in CPO, a phenotype not yet characterized. In this study, we provide in‐depth analysis of PBX1 and PBX2 protein localization from early stages of midfacial morphogenesis throughout development of the secondary palate. We further establish CNCC‐specific roles of PBX TFs and describe the developmental abnormalities resulting from their loss in the murine embryonic secondary palate. Additionally, we compare and contrast the phenotypes arising from PBX1 loss in CNCC with those caused by its loss in the epithelium and show that CNCC‐specific Pbx1 deletion affects only later secondary palate morphogenesis. Moreover, CNCC mutants exhibit perturbed rostro‐caudal organization and broadening of the midfacial complex. Proliferation defects are pronounced in CNCC mutants at gestational day (E)12.5, suggesting altered proliferation of mutant palatal progenitor cells, consistent with roles of PBX factors in maintaining progenitor cell state. Although the craniofacial skeletal abnormalities in CNCC mutants do not result from overt patterning defects, osteogenesis is delayed, underscoring a critical role of PBX factors in CNCC morphogenesis and differentiation. Overall, the characterization of tissue‐specific Pbx loss‐of‐function mouse models with orofacial clefting establishes these strains as unique tools to further dissect the complexities of this congenital craniofacial malformation. This study closely links PBX TALE homeodomain proteins to the variation in maxillary shape and size that occurs in pathological settings and during evolution of midfacial morphology.
Effects of aging on taste thresholds: A case of Asian people
Authors: Wiriyawattana Porntip , Suwonsichon Suntaree , Suwonsichon Thongchai 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis research investigated the effects of aging on taste thresholds of Asian people. Ninety subjects were recruited to form three age groups: young (20–39 years), middle‐aged (40–59 years), and elderly (60–85 years). Detection and recognition thresholds of sweet (sucrose, aspartame, acesulfame‐K, sucralose), salty (sodium chloride, potassium chloride), sour (citric acid, acetic acids), bitter (caffeine), and umami (monosodium glutamate, inosine 5ʹ‐monophosphate) taste compounds were measured using the 3‐alternative forced choice ascending concentration series method of limits. Significant (p ≤ .05) increases in both threshold values with age were found for all of the salty, sour, bitter, and umami taste compounds, indicating a decline in sensitivity toward these tastes. To detect or recognize the taste compound dissolved in water the elderly needed 2.1–4.5 (salty), 1.7 (sour), 2.3–3.4 (umami), and 2.5–2.7 (bitter) folds higher concentration than young subjects. Threshold values of most sweet compounds were not significantly (p > .05) affected by aging except sucralose.Practical applicationsUnderstanding changes in taste sensitivity of the elderly is necessary for product developers and manufacturers in designing foods for aging populations. Information on the extent of the decline in sensitivity toward various taste compounds revealed in this study could be useful for formulating food recipes for the elderly.
Characterization and genetic diversity of Pseudomonas syringae isolates from stone fruits in north‐western Iran
Authors: Nosratnezhad Fardin , Rouhrazi Kiomars , Khezrinezhad Nabi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractFrom 33 Iranian fluorescent Pseudomonas isolates originating from symptomatic tissues of peach (Prunus persica), plum (Prunus domestica), sweet (Prunus avium) and sour cherry (Prunus cerasus), 27 were identified as Pseudomonas syringae using LOPAT tests. Further characterization of those isolates by GATTa and L‐lactate utilization tests and the detection of syringomycin and coronatine and yersiniabactin coding genes showed that five of them belonged to race 1 and four to race 2 of P. syringae pv. morsprunorum (Psm) and eighteen other isolates were identified as P. syringae pv. syringae (Pss). Based on the analysis of the fingerprint patterns generated by REP, ERIC and BOX‐PCR, the strains were differentiated into three main groups at the 67% similarity level. Strains of the groups 1, 2 and 3 belong to Psm race 1, Psm race 2 and Pss, respectively. Rep‐PCR analysis showed high intra‐pathovar variation within the Pss isolates, which grouped into four distinct clusters. Using the REP primers, the percentage of polymorphic loci was 74.61%, whereas with BOX and ERIC primers, it was 60.5 and 55.21%, respectively. Finally, this study is the first report of the isolation of P. syringae pv. morsprunorum race 1 and 2 strains from stone fruit trees in Iran.
Copy number variations of MTHFSD gene across pig breeds and its association with litter size traits in Chinese indigenous Xiang pig
Authors: Ran Xue‐Qin , Pan Hua , Huang Shi‐Hui , Liu Chang , Niu Xi , Li Sheng , Wang Jia‐Fu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCopy number variation (CNV) is a major proportion of genetic variation, which changes the gene structure and dosage and affects gene expression and function. To validate the presence and the function of CNV in pig, we used real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method to validate a 496 kb CNV region comprising MTHFSD gene on chromosome 6 of Xiang pig detected by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. Then we investigated the distribution of the MTHFSD CNV in a total of 545 pigs in four breeds. About 46.2% and 32.7% individuals in the four pig breeds were detected to be types of loss and gain of MTHFSD locus. The relative copy numbers of MTHFSD gene showed the largest variation range (0–55 copies) in the Xiang pig population. The copy numbers of MTHFSD gene presented the positive correlations with the transcript level of MTHFSD gene in adult ovaries. Statistical analysis indicated that CNVs of MTHFSD gene was significantly changed the litter size traits of Xiang pigs, and the individuals with CNV gain showed more litter size than the CNV loss pigs. We have reasons to believe that the MTHFSD as RNA‐binding protein play an important role in pig reproduction as a result of regulating MTHFS mRNA metabolism.
Evaluation of β‐carotene assimilation in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius)
Authors: Cojean Ophélie , Lair Stéphane , Vergneau‐Grosset Claire 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAlthough leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) are commonly kept under human care, their vitamin requirements are largely unknown. Many invertebrate preys display a low vitamin A concentration; thus, gut‐loading insects with vitamin A or carotenoids is a common practice. The objective of this prospective experimental study was to investigate whether dietary supplementation with β‐carotene, including prey gut‐loading, leads to sufficient vitamin A hepatic storage and prevents epithelial squamous metaplasia development in leopard geckos. Ten clinically healthy female leopard geckos were randomly divided in two groups with various supplementations: a group receiving vitamin A supplementation and a group receiving β‐carotene. Insects were gut‐loaded continuously with a supplement containing vitamin A or β‐carotene, depending on the group. Oral supplementation with cod liver oil or carrot juice was administered weekly to each lizard from “vitamin A group” and “carotenoid group” respectively. After 10 weeks of supplementation, surgical hepatic biopsies were obtained in three geckos of each group while the two remaining geckos were euthanized to undergo complete necropsy. Hepatic vitamin A concentration was determined for each lizard (n = 10) by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography. Histopathology revealed hepatocellular vacuolization and vitellogenic follicles in five females. Epithelial squamous metaplasia was not observed in any of the geckos. Hepatic vitamin A concentration was significantly higher in the carotenoid‐supplemented group than in the vitamin A‐supplemented group (p = 0.03). Our results suggest that in leopard geckos, dietary supplementation with β‐carotene allows sufficient vitamin A hepatic storage.
Understanding the geographical burden of stunting in India: A regression‐decomposition analysis of district‐level data from 2015–16
Authors: Menon Purnima , Headey Derek , Avula Rasmi , Nguyen Phuong Hong 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIndia accounts for approximately one third of the world's total population of stunted preschoolers. Addressing global undernutrition, therefore, requires an understanding of the determinants of stunting across India's diverse states and districts. We created a district‐level aggregate data set from the recently released 2015–2016 National and Family Health Survey, which covered 601,509 households in 640 districts. We used mapping and descriptive analyses to understand spatial differences in distribution of stunting. We then used population‐weighted regressions to identify stunting determinants and regression‐based decompositions to explain differences between high‐ and low‐stunting districts across India. Stunting prevalence is high (38.4%) and varies considerably across districts (range: 12.4% to 65.1%), with 239 of the 640 districts have stunting levels above 40% and 202 have prevalence of 30–40%. High‐stunting districts are heavily clustered in the north and centre of the country. Differences in stunting prevalence between low and high burden districts were explained by differences in women's low body mass index (19% of the difference), education (12%), children's adequate diet (9%), assets (7%), open defecation (7%), age at marriage (7%), antenatal care (6%), and household size (5%). The decomposition models explained 71% of the observed difference in stunting prevalence. Our findings emphasize the variability in stunting across India, reinforce the multifactorial determinants of stunting, and highlight that interdistrict differences in stunting are strongly explained by a multitude of economic, health, hygiene, and demographic factors. A nationwide focus for stunting prevention is required, while addressing critical determinants district‐by‐district to reduce inequalities and prevalence of childhood stunting.
Prospective associations of breastfeeding and smoking cessation among low‐income pregnant women
Authors: Carswell April L. , Ward Kenneth D. , Vander Weg Mark W. , Scarinci Isabel C. , Girsch Laura , Read Mary , Relyea George , Chen Weiyu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAlthough low‐income pregnant women have high rates of smoking and low rates of breastfeeding, few studies have examined prospective associations between these risk factors in community samples. Doing so may help improve breast‐feeding support programs in this population. We used a secondary analysis of 247 low‐income pregnant smokers in Memphis, Tennessee, who were interviewed up to 4 times (twice during pregnancy and twice through 6 months postpartum). Smoking cessation during prepartum and postpartum was defined as a self‐report of not smoking for ≥1 week and an expired carbon monoxide level of <10 ppm. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine whether intent to breastfeed was associated with smoking cessation and whether smoking cessation was associated with actual breastfeeding. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic, pregnancy‐related, and smoking‐related confounders. Thirty‐nine percent of participants intended to breastfeed, and 38% did so. Women who intended to breastfeed were 2 times more likely to quit smoking prepartum (adjusted OR = 1.99, 95% CI [1.06, 3.74]), but not postpartum (adjusted OR = 1.27, 95% CI [0.57, 2.84]). Quitting smoking at baseline and during pregnancy was associated with subsequent breastfeeding (adjusted OR 2.27, 95% CI [1.05, 4.94] and adjusted OR = 2.49, 95% CI [1.21, 5.11]). Low‐income women who intended to breastfeed were more likely to quit smoking during pregnancy and those who quit smoking at baseline and prepartum were more likely to breastfeed. Simultaneously supporting breastfeeding and smoking cessation may be very useful to change these important health behaviours among this high‐risk population.
The critical importance of pharyngeal contractile forces on the validity of intrabolus pressure as a predictor of impaired pharyngo‐esophageal junction compliance
Authors: Szczesniak M. M. , Wu P. I. , Maclean J. , Omari T. I. , Cook I. J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionRestrictive defects of the pharyngo‐esophageal junction (PEJ) are common in both structural and neurological disorders and are amenable to therapies aiming to reduce outflow resistance. Intrabolus pressure (IBP) acquired with high‐resolution manometry and impedance (HRMI) is an indicator of resistance and a marker of reducedPEJcompliance. Constraints and limitations ofIBPas well as the optimalIBPparameter remain undefined.AimsTo determine: (i) the impact of peak pharyngeal pressure (PeakP) on the diagnostic accuracy ofIBPfor the detection of a restrictive defect at thePEJand (ii) the optimalIBPparameter for this purpose.MethodsIn 52 dysphagic patients previously treated for head and neck cancer. Five candidateIBPmeasures and PeakP were obtained withHRMI, as well as a presence of a stricture determined by a mucosal tear after endoscopic dilatation. Predictive values ofIBPmeasures were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for all patients and reiterated as patients with lowest PeakP were progressively removed from the cohort.ResultsAllIBPparameters had fair to good accuracy at predicting strictures. Intrabolus pressure measured at a discrete point of maximum admittance 1 cm above the maximal excursion of the upper esophageal sphincter had highest sensitivity (0.76) and specificity (0.78). When PeakP was at least 57 mm Hg both sensitivity and specificity improved to 0.9.ConclusionsPharyngeal propulsive force has substantial impact on the accuracy ofIBPas a predictor of aPEJstricture. When PeakP is ≥57 mm Hg, an elevatedIBPis highly predictive of a restrictive defect at thePEJ.
Vagus nerve stimulation promotes gastric emptying by increasing pyloric opening measured with magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Lu K.‐H. , Cao J. , Oleson S. , Ward M. P. , Phillips R. J. , Powley T. L. , Liu Z. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundVagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an emerging electroceutical therapy for remedying gastric disorders that are poorly managed by pharmacological treatments and/or dietary changes. Such therapy seems promising as the vagovagal neurocircuitry modulates the enteric nervous system to influence gastric functions.MethodsHere, the modulatory effects of left cervical VNS on gastric emptying in rats were quantified using a (i) feeding protocol in which the animal voluntarily consumed a postfast, gadolinium‐labeled meal and (ii) a non‐invasive imaging method to measure antral motility, pyloric activity and gastric emptying based on contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computer‐assisted image processing pipelines.Key ResultsVagus nerve stimulation significantly accelerated gastric emptying (sham vs VNS: 29.1% ± 1.5% vs 40.7% ± 3.9% of meal emptied per 4 hours), caused a greater relaxation of the pyloric sphincter (sham vs VNS: 1.5 ± 0.1 vs 2.6 ± 0.4 mm2 cross‐sectional area of lumen), and increased antral contraction amplitude (sham vs VNS: 23.3% ± 3.0% vs 32.5% ± 3.0% occlusion), peristaltic velocity (sham vs VNS: 0.50 ± 0.02 vs 0.67 ± 0.03 mm s−1), but not its contraction frequency (sham vs VNS: 6.1 ± 0.2 vs 6.4 ± 0.2 contractions per minute, P = .22). The degree to which VNS relaxed the pylorus was positively correlated with gastric emptying rate (r = .5887, P < .001).Conclusions & InferencesThe MRI protocol employed in this study is expected to enable advanced preclinical studies to understand stomach pathophysiology and its therapeutics. Results from this study suggest an electroceutical treatment approach for gastric emptying disorders using cervical VNS to control the degree of pyloric sphincter relaxation.
The power of meaning: the quest for an existential roadmap
Authors: Paulson Steve , Lombard Jay , Pigliucci Massimo , Ruse Michael , Smith Emily Esfahani 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWhere can we turn to find the story of our lives—an existential roadmap that explains where we have come from, why we are here, and where we are headed? Must each of us discover meaning within the context of our individual lives, or are there universal sources of meaning that we can all access? Is there any relationship between living a meaningful life and the quality of our health and well‐being? And how can we find meaning in the face of adversity and suffering? Neurologist Jay Lombard, philosophers Massimo Pigliucci and Michael Ruse, and author Emily Esfahani Smith shed light on these perennial questions in conversation with Steve Paulson, executive producer and host of To the Best of Our Knowledge.