bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of primers for detecting denitrifiers via their functional genes
Authors: Ma Yanjun , Zilles Julie L. , Kent Angela D. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryMicrobial populations provide nitrogen cycling ecosystem services at the nexus of agriculture, environmental quality and climate change. Denitrification, in particular, impacts socio‐environmental systems in both positive and negative ways, through reduction of aquatic and atmospheric nitrogen pollution, but also reduction of soil fertility and production of greenhouse gases. However, denitrification rates are quite variable in time and space, and therefore difficult to model. Microbial ecology is working to improve the predictive ecology of denitrifiers by quantifying and describing the diversity of microbial functional groups. However, metagenomic sequencing has revealed previously undescribed diversity within these functional groups, and highlighted a need to reevaluate coverage of existing DNA primers for denitrification functional genes. We provide here a comprehensive in silico evaluation of primer sets that target diagnostic genes in the denitrification pathway. This analysis makes use of current DNA sequence data available for each functional gene. It contributes a comparative analysis of the strengths and limitations of each primer set for describing denitrifier functional groups. This analysis identifies genes for which development of new tools is needed, and aids in interpretation of existing datasets, both of which will facilitate application of molecular methods to further develop the predictive ecology of denitrifiers.
Hospitals and substance use disorder services in the time of the opioid epidemic
Authors: Cronin Cory E. , Franz Berkeley , Skinner Daniel , Haile Zelalem T. 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveTo test whether the opioid epidemic increased hospitals’ offerings of substance use services.Data Sources/Study SettingThis study employs data from the 2010 and 2015 American Hospital Association Annual Survey.Study DesignA multilevel, cross‐sectional design was utilized to examine associations between county‐level overdose rates and hospital substance use services.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsThe analytic sample consisted of 3365 acute care hospitals that answered pertinent survey questions.Principal FindingsIn 2010, 334 hospitals offered inpatient opioid services and 588 hospitals offered outpatient services, compared to 327 and 577, respectively, in 2015, indicating that more hospitals dropped services than added them as overdose rates increased. Factors other than growing need weigh more heavily in hospitals’ determination to offer substance use services, including resources, mission, and the presence of psychiatric facilities within their communities. Importantly, hospitals that employ medical home models had greater odds of offering outpatient substance abuse services in 2015 OR, 95 percent CI (1.54; 1.23‐1.93; P < 0.0001).ConclusionsHospitals are either not willing or equipped to increase substance use services in response to growing need.
Quality Parameters of Masa and Tortillas Produced from Blue Maize (Zea mays sp. mays) Landraces
Authors: Chimimba Justin , Pratt Richard , Cuellar Maria , Delgado Efren 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThere is increasing interest in the production of landrace blue maize varieties for the production of traditional foods and for specialty (noncommodity) products. Most varieties have soft (floury) endosperm and their suitability for thermo‐alkaline processing is not known. We examined the physical and functional properties of eight floury varieties with those of three dent and one flint variety for masa and tortilla production. Results revealed high variability in physical properties of kernels. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in kernel, flour, masa, and tortilla color. The softer kernels of blue maize varieties had lower (P < 0.05) cooking times during nixtamalization than those of denser kernels. The results showed variation among varieties (P < 0.05) in the kernel, masa, tortilla hardness, as well as in extensibility of the tortillas. Nixtamalization affected (P < 0.05) masa color, resulting in reduced yellow and reddish tones. The gelatinization temperature was the same (P > 0.05) in all studied landraces for the flour and the masa. The enthalpy was affected (P < 0.05) by the landrace analyzed for starch gelatinization (P > 0.05). The landraces studied showed similar (P > 0.05) starch gelatinization and denaturation temperatures. The storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G′′), and the temperature (TG′) of flour and masa‐dough were different (P < 0.05) among different varieties. Southwestern floury varieties can be cooked during nixtamalization for shorter periods than flint and dent varieties to obtain comparable tortilla quality.Practical ApplicationSouthwestern blue floury maize varieties are suitable for nixtamalized tortilla production. Variation between varieties was observed for quality parameters. Floury varieties require shorter cooking time but it is recommended that nixtamalization parameters be optimized.
Occurrence and Safety Evaluation of Ochratoxin A in Cereal‐based Baby Foods Collected from Iranian Retail Market
Authors: Khoshnamvand Zeinab , Nazari Firouzeh , Mehrasebi Mohammad Reza , Hosseini Mir‐Jamal 
Published: February 2019

AbstractContamination of agricultural commodities with ochratoxin A (OTA) is a worldwide concern in recent decades. Consumption of OTA‐contaminated baby foods exerts health implications especially in children as the most vulnerable subpopulations. In the current study, for the first time in Iran, 64 baby foods (rice, wheat, and multigrain) samples from five different brands available in the Iranian market were analyzed to determine OTA level, using a HPLC with fluorescence detector. Overall, OTA was observed in 41% of analyzed samples with a mean and maximum level of 0.42 ± 0.27 and 1.1 μg/kg, respectively. OTA levels in five of 64 samples (7.8 %) were higher than the permissible limit recommended by European Commission (permissible limit: 0.5 μg/kg) and OTA levels in two of 64 samples (3.1%) were higher than the standard set by Iranian standard organization (1 μg/kg). The highest OTA contamination was observed in rice‐based baby food cereals (1.1 μg/kg; 57% of the samples), followed by wheat‐based (23%) and multigrain (20%) samples. OTA intake in infants (≥9 months old) was more than established provisional tolerable weekly intake by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (100 and 120 ng OTA per kg of body weight, respectively). OTA content in baby food and cereals, as well as other raw foodstuff should be investigated comprehensively to reduce the exposure rate of young children to OTA.
‘Small cost to pay for peace of mind’: Women's experiences with non‐invasive prenatal testing
Authors: Bowman‐Smart Hilary , Savulescu Julian , Mand Cara , Gyngell Christopher , Pertile Mark D. , Lewis Sharon , Delatycki Martin B. 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundNon‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has been available in Australia on a user‐pays basis since 2012. Since its introduction, it has grown in popularity as a screening method for fetal aneuploidy and may become publicly funded.AimsTo assess the motivations and experiences of women who have undergone NIPT in a user‐pays system in Australia.Materials and methodsOne thousand women who had undergone NIPT through the Victorian Clinical Genetics Services in Melbourne, Australia were contacted and asked to complete a mixed‐methods survey. The number of eligible responses received was 235. Quantitative data analysis was performed in STATA IC 15.1, and qualitative data were examined using content analysis.ResultsWomen reported generally positive experiences with NIPT and 95% of respondents indicated they would undergo NIPT in a future pregnancy. Most respondents received a low‐risk result, with 2.2% receiving a high‐risk result. Respondents viewed NIPT favourably compared to invasive testing and cited reassurance as a key reason they sought it. However, a small minority of women reported negative experiences with the testing process. Women were also supportive of NIPT becoming publicly funded, with 93% of respondents indicating support. Pre‐ and post‐test counselling were identified as possible areas for improvement to ensure informed consent.ConclusionIn support of the existing literature, these results indicate that Australian women generally report positive experiences with NIPT. As NIPT becomes more common, with possible integration into public healthcare, further qualitative research would be valuable to examine the motivations and experiences of women undergoing NIPT.
How clinically important are non‐D Rh antibodies?
Authors: Healsmith Susan , Savoia Helen , Kane Stefan C. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe advent of RhD immunoglobulin prophylaxis to prevent maternal RhD alloimmunization has reduced the incidence of this condition and its associated poor outcomes. Consequently, non‐D Rh antibodies now account for a greater proportion of alloimmunized pregnancies. These antibodies have been the subject of comparatively little research. This study investigated the incidence and clinical outcome of pregnancies affected by non‐D Rh alloimmunization at an Australian tertiary maternity service.Material and methodsThis was a retrospective study of all pregnancies with non‐D Rh antibodies (namely anti‐C, ‐E, ‐c, ‐e, ‐Cw as well as the compound antibodies anti‐CD, ‐cE and ‐ce) managed at the Royal Women's Hospital, Victoria, Australia, from 2009 to 2013 inclusive. Information collected included maternal demographics, details of the antibodies, course of the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.ResultsDuring the study period, 115 non‐D Rh alloimmunized pregnancies were identified in 102 mothers. Forty‐nine pregnancies reached the critical titer (> 16) from non‐D Rh alone and 11 fetuses received intrauterine red blood cell transfusion. Labor was induced or cesarean section performed in 38 cases. Forty‐three neonates were admitted to the special care nursery and 59 received phototherapy. Nine received treatment for anemia and 10 neonates received intravenous immunoglobulin.ConclusionsNon‐D Rh alloimmunization is a relatively uncommon complication of pregnancy, occurring in only .33% of pregnancies in the study period. It can lead to significant fetal/neonatal morbidity (and may lead to mortality). The most severe outcomes (including perinatal deaths) were mostly associated with the compound antibodies anti‐CD and anti‐cE, or a non‐D Rh antibody in conjunction with anti‐D.
Seroreversion of positive anti‐hepatitis C virus antibodies in left ventricular assist device recipients: Now you see them, now you don’t
Authors: Sims Daniel B. , Kataria Rachna , Rangasamy Sabarivinoth , Jorde Ulrich P. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe clinical significance of positive anti‐hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV) antibody tests in recipients of left ventricular assist devices remains unclear. In light of emerging evidence suggesting the possibility of persistent low‐level HCV infection in patients with positive anti‐HCV antibody test but negative HCV ribonucleic acid, it is very important to distinguish the truly false positive HCV antibodies, in recipients of continuous flow left ventricular assist devices, from those suggestive of a prior clinically resolved infection or one where a low‐level viremia may have persisted. We conducted a retrospective analysis of left ventricular assist device recipients at our institution. While the total incidence of positive HCV antibody with concomitantly negative HCV ribonucleic acid test (19.2%) was in keeping with the incidences reported in prior cross‐sectional studies, we longitudinally followed our patients and observed a 100% seroreversion. Seroreversion, which has not been reported in other studies, occurred either during continued left ventricular assist device support (10 out of 26) or after heart transplant (7 out of 26). Hundred percent seroreversion strongly suggested that the anti‐HCV antibodies were truly false positive.
The Association of Psychological Well‐Being with Disablement Processes in a National Sample
Authors: Mishra Aura Ankita , Friedman Elliot M. , Christ Sharon L. , Denning Madison 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveObjectives were to explore subgroups of individuals with differential disability trajectories and evaluate the protective effects of psychological well‐being (i.e. hedonic and eudaimonic) in the presence of multiple disease conditions (or multimorbidity) and sociodemographic disadvantages.MethodsData come from the prospective longitudinal cohort study the Midlife Development in the United States (n = 3,904). Three waves of data spanning a 20‐year period were used to identify subgroups with different disability trajectories. Subgroup membership was then modelled as a function of psychological well‐being assessed at wave 1 of the study using multinomial logistic regression.ResultsThree unique groups were identified: a normative group with initially low and slowly increasing levels of disability; a group with high levels of disability that was stable over time; and a group with moderate initial levels of disability that increased over time. Hedonic well‐being at wave 1 was associated with membership in the risk groups relative to the normative group.ConclusionIndividuals may follow one of three disability pathways mostly as a function of multimorbidity. However, hedonic well‐being was associated with having an advantageous disability trajectory regardless of multimorbidity status. Cultivating psychological well‐being may improve disability outcomes in aging individuals.
Environment or management? Relative importance for floristic composition of sub‐Mediterranean hay meadows in Central Italy
Authors: Giallonardo Tommaso , Angiolini Claudia , Ciaschetti Giampiero , Landi Marco , Pirone Gianfranco , Frattaroli Anna Rita 
Published: February 2019

AbstractQuestionsWhat are the separate and combined effects of natural and management factors on floristic assemblage in sub‐Mediterranean hay meadows? How are hay meadow dynamics affected by the environment excluding management?LocationCentral Apennines, Italy.MethodsVegetation was studied in 66 hay meadows by random plots, recording four groups of explanatory variables: management, soil, topography, and space. Using partial ordinations, the explanatory variables of the variation in floristic composition and plant traits were divided into sets. Then, to emphasize the relationship between purely environmental variables and vegetation, we considered only the partial ordination executed with soil and topographic variables using management and spatial data as covariables.ResultsThe soil variables had the highest marginal explanatory power. Organic matter was the main driver of floristic composition, indicating a gradient associated also with soil moisture. The pure effect of spatial variables was very important, reflecting historical processes. On the contrary, management and topography variables sets were relatively weak predictors. Partial ordination showed that two topographic variables, slope and height above the plain, had an important weight in the hay meadow floristic assemblage, influencing soil fertility.ConclusionsThis analysis (a) confirms the determining function of soil fertility and moisture in driving plant species composition and traits; (b) focuses on the marginal power of current management when past traditional agro‐pastoral activity undergoes changes in mode and intensity; (c) highlights the role of spatial variables and site history; and (d) improves knowledge about topographical factors as drivers of species composition. The maintenance of hay meadow mosaics requires preservation of grasslands in complete topographical catenae and prevention of the abandonment of parcels on steep slopes. Considering the spatial variability of the studied communities, it is necessary to include a high number of geographically and ecologically different areas in a conservation network.
The skeletal impact of cancer therapies
Authors: Bedatsova Lucia , Drake Matthew T. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBoth cancer and therapies used in the treatment of cancer can have significant deleterious effects on the skeleton, increasing the risks for both bone loss and fracture development. While advancements in cancer therapies have resulted in enhanced cancer survivorship for patients with many types of malignancies, it is increasingly recognized that efforts to reduce bone loss and limit fractures must be considered for nearly all patients undergoing cancer therapy in order to diminish the anticipated future skeletal consequences. To date, most studies examining the impact of cancer therapies on skeletal outcomes have focused on endocrine‐associated cancers of the breast and prostate, with more recent advances in our understanding of bone loss and fracture risk in other malignancies. Pharmacologic efforts to limit the adverse effects of cancer therapies on bone have nearly universally employed anti‐resorptive approaches, although studies have frequently relied on surrogate outcomes such as changes in bone mineral density or bone turnover markers, rather than on fractures or other skeletal‐related events, as primary study endpoints. Compounding current deficiencies for the provision of optimal care is the recognition that despite clearly written and straightforward society‐based guidelines, vulnerable eligible patients are very often neither identified nor provided with appropriate treatments to limit the skeletal impact of their cancer therapies.
A dynamic stakeholder model: An Other‐oriented ethical approach
Authors: Hatami Akram , Firoozi Naser 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we reflect on the role of the Other in ethical decision‐making in corporations. The Other, in the form of a corporation's stakeholders, has already been discussed in the scientific literature, but there are still some Others that remain unconsidered and that call on corporations to be responsible. Drawing on the philosophy of Levinas, we wish to highlight a green earth and future generations as two non‐immediate Others within a corporation's group of stakeholders whose voices are silenced. We argue that Levinasian ethics can be used as a framework to extend traditional stakeholder theory in a dynamic sphere. With this model, corporations can understand the vital role that both a green earth and future generations play in their existence and can respond to contingencies by considering delays. We enrich our paper with illustrative cases to present some serious environmental disasters that have occurred as a result of ignoring the Other. Finally, we show that understanding the Other as a part of a corporation's identity can create new avenues for “infinite responsibility” towards Others. We contribute to the relevant literature by highlighting that both a green earth and future generations are important but ignored stakeholder parties whose claims urgently need to be addressed.
Learning technology and disability—Overcoming barriers to inclusion: Evidence from a multicountry study
Authors: Hersh Marion , Mouroutsou Stella 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe paper uses data from a 15‐country study to discuss the factors which affect the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and learning technologies by disabled people and consequently their access to education. Significant differences were found both between and within countries: income and language were the main factors affecting availability. Thus, the greatest availability was in the higher income English‐speaking countries and the richer European countries. The main barriers to technology use included cost, lack of funding and lack of information. A particular disparity in technology access was found between the English‐speaking European population and Aboriginal speakers of indigenous languages in Australia, with considerably greater access by the former than the latter group. A number of recommendations are presented to increase access to learning and assistive technologies by disabled people. They include encouragement for developers to produce free of charge (minority language) technologies, research on more effective provision of technologies and personal assistance, assistive technology centres in all learning institutions, simple funding mechanisms and a fund to support technology provision in poorer countries.
The Structure of the Wage Gap for Temporary Workers: Evidence from Australian Panel Data
Authors: Laß Inga , Wooden Mark 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis study uses panel data for Australia to estimate the wage differential between workers in temporary jobs and workers in permanent jobs. It is the first study to use unconditional quantile regression methods in combination with fixed effects to examine how this gap varies over the entire wage distribution. While the wages of fixed‐term contract workers are found to be similar to those of permanent workers, low‐paid casual workers experience a wage penalty and high‐paid casual workers a wage premium compared to their permanent counterparts. Temporary agency workers also usually receive a wage premium, which is particularly large for the most well paid.