bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐invasive visual evoked potentials to assess optic nerve involvement in the dark agouti rat model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein
Authors: Castoldi Valerio , Marenna Silvia , d’Isa Raffaele , Huang Su‐Chun , De Battista Davide , Chirizzi Cristina , Chaabane Linda , Kumar Deepak , Boschert Ursula , Comi Giancarlo , Leocani Letizia 
Published: July 2019

AbstractExperimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is the primary disease model of multiple sclerosis (MS), one of the most diffused neurological diseases characterized by fatigue, muscle weakness, vision loss, anxiety and depression. EAE can be induced through injection of myelin peptides to susceptible mouse or rat strains. In particular, EAE elicited by the autoimmune reaction against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) presents the common features of human MS: inflammation, demyelination and axonal loss. Optic neuritis affects visual pathways in both MS and in several EAE models. Neurophysiological evaluation through visual evoked potential (VEP) recording is useful to check visual pathway dysfunctions and to test the efficacy of innovative treatments against optic neuritis. For this purpose, we investigate the extent of VEP abnormalities in the dark agouti (DA) rat immunized with MOG, which develops a relapsing–remitting disease course. Together with the detection of motor signs, we acquired VEPs during both early and late stages of EAE, taking advantage of a non‐invasive recording procedure that allows long follow‐up studies. The validation of VEP outcomes was determined by comparison with ON histopathology, aimed at revealing inflammation, demyelination and nerve fiber loss. Our results indicate that the first VEP latency delay in MOG‐EAE DA rats appeared before motor deficits and were mainly related to an inflammatory state. Subsequent VEP delays, detected during relapsing EAE phases, were associated with a combination of inflammation, demyelination and axonal loss. Moreover, DA rats with atypical EAE clinical course tested at extremely late time points, manifested abnormal VEPs although motor signs were mild. Overall, our data demonstrated that non‐invasive VEPs are a powerful tool to detect visual involvement at different stages of EAE, prompting their validation as biomarkers to test novel treatments against MS optic neuritis.
Prevalence of age‐related macular degeneration in Chinese populations worldwide: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jin Guangming , Zou Minjie , Chen Aiming , Zhang Yichi , Young Charlotte A. , Wang Shi‐Bin , Zheng Danying 
Published: July 2019

AbstractImportanceAge‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, but the magnitude of AMD among Chinese populations worldwide is still unknown.BackgroundTo investigate the prevalence of AMD in Chinese populations worldwide.DesignMeta‐analysis.ParticipantsNine studies with 29 344 subjects in total.MethodsAll population‐based studies on AMD prevalence in Chinese populations worldwide were identified and only studies using standardized AMD grading systems (Wisconsin Age‐Related Maculopathy Grading System, Age‐Related Eye Disease Study System of Classifying AMD, the International Classification and Grading System for AMD or the Clinical Classification of Age‐Related Macular Degeneration) were included. We used meta‐analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of AMD, and to explore the racial differences and regional differences.Main Outcome MeasuresAge‐specific prevalence, gender‐specific prevalence and pooled prevalence of early and late AMD among Chinese population worldwide.ResultsAltogether, 9 studies with 29 344 individuals were included and analysed. The crude pooled prevalence of early and late AMD among Chinese populations worldwide aged 50 years and above is 4.9% (95% CI: 3.1%‐7.7%) and 0.7% (95% CI: 0.5%‐1.1%), respectively. Corresponding crude prevalence among Caucasian populations are 10.1% (95% CI: 5.7%‐17.2%) and 1.6% (95% CI: 1.0%‐2.4%). There are statistically significant differences within age and gender subgroups.Conclusions and RelevanceAmong persons aged 50+ years, both early AMD and late AMD in Chinese populations worldwide were less common compared with that reported from Caucasian populations. Considering the significant racial or ethnic differences in AMD prevalence between Chinese and Caucasian people, further studies are needed to explore the possible mechanism behind this discrepancy.
Comparison of cotinine levels in the peri‐implant sulcular fluid among cigarette and waterpipe smokers, electronic‐cigarette users, and nonsmokers
Authors: Alqahtani Fawaz , Alqahtani Mana , Albaqawi Ahmed Heji , Al‐Kheraif Abdulaziz A. , Javed Fawad 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundAssessment of cotinine levels in the peri‐implant sulcular fluid (PISF) may serve as a valuable biomarker of peri‐implant diseases in nicotine‐product users.PurposeThe aim of the present study was to compare cotinine levels in the PISF among cigarette smokers, waterpipe users, electronic‐cigarette users, and nonsmokers.Materials and MethodsCigarette smokers, waterpipe smokers, electronic‐cigarette users, and nonsmokers were included. A questionnaire was used to collect information about age, gender, duration of smoking and vaping, family history of smoking, duration of smoking/vaping, and daily frequency of smoking/vaping. Implant‐related data including implant dimensions and duration of implants in function were also recorded. In all groups, peri‐implant probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BoP), and plaque index (PI) were assessed. Using standard techniques, PISF was collected and levels of cotinine in the PISF were measured. Sample‐size estimation was performed, and statistical comparisons were done using one‐way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc adjustment tests. P values below .05 were categorized as statistically significant.ResultsOne hundred two male individuals (35 cigarette smokers, 33 waterpipe smokers, 34 electronic‐cigarette users, and 35 nonsmokers) were included. Scores of peri‐implant PI (P < .05) and PD (P < .05) were significantly higher among cigarette smokers, waterpipe smokers, and electronic‐cigarette users compared with nonsmokers. Peri‐implant BoP was more often manifested in nonsmokers compared with cigarette smokers (P < .05), waterpipe smokers (P < .05), and electronic‐cigarette users (P < .05). The volume of collected PISF was significantly higher among cigarette (P < .05) and waterpipe smokers (P < .05) and electronic‐cigarette users (P < .05) than nonsmokers. Cotinine levels were significantly higher in the PISF of cigarette (P < .05) and waterpipe smokers (P < .05) and electronic‐cigarette users (P < .05) than nonsmokers.ConclusionsHabitual use of nicotinic products enhances the expression of cotinine in the PISF. Cotinine levels in the PISF of cigarette and waterpipe smokers and electronic‐cigarette users are comparable.
Effects of the stress state on plastic deformation and ductile failure: Experiment and numerical simulation using a newly designed tension‐shear specimen
Authors: Zhang Xue‐Wei , Wen Jian‐Feng , Zhang Xian‐Cheng , Wang Xiao‐Gang , Tu Shan‐Tung 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe stress state is one of the most notable factors that dominates the initiation of ductile fracture. To examine the effects of the stress state on plasticity and ductile failure, a new tension‐shear specimen that can cover a wide range of stress triaxialities was designed. A fracture locus was constructed in the space of ductility and stress triaxiality for two typical steels based on a series of tests. It is observed that the equivalent plastic strain at failure exhibits a nonmonotonic variation with increasing the value of stress triaxiality. A simple damage model based on the ductility exhaustion concept was used to simulate the failure behaviour, and a good agreement is achieved between simulation results and experimental data. It is further shown that consideration of fracture locus covering a wide range of stress triaxialities is a key to an accurate prediction.
The effects of cooking method on selected quality traits of broccoli and green asparagus
Authors: Danowska‐Oziewicz Marzena , Narwojsz Agnieszka , Draszanowska Anna , Marat Natalia 
Published: July 2019

SummaryBroccoli and green asparagus were cooked using boiling water, steam, microwave oven and combi oven with overheated steam and combination of hot air with overheated steam (only broccoli). Vegetables were analysed for chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids, total polyphenols, antioxidant activity, colour parameters and sensory properties. Cooking in the combi oven with overheated steam was an effective method to achieve the highest levels of polyphenols and antioxidant activity, but it negatively influenced the contents of chlorophylls in both vegetables and carotenoids in asparagus. Boiling and cooking in the combi oven with overheated steam or hot air and steam ensured the best and comparable sensory properties of broccoli. Asparagus showed a lower susceptibility to heat treatments than broccoli as none of the treatments applied caused significant differences in colour redness and yellowness, polyphenol content and sensory properties of this vegetable.
Effects of the Girls on the Move randomized trial on adiposity and aerobic performance (secondary outcomes) in low‐income adolescent girls
Authors: Pfeiffer Karin A. , Robbins Lorraine B. , Ling Jiying , Sharma Dhruv B. , Dalimonte‐Merckling Danielle M. , Voskuil Vicki R. , Kaciroti Niko , Resnicow Kenneth 
Published: July 2019

SummaryBackgroundLimited, mixed evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of physical activity interventions on adiposity and aerobic performance in adolescent underrepresented populations.ObjectiveTo examine effects of Girls on the Move on body mass index z‐scores (BMI‐z), percent (%) body fat, and aerobic performance in fifth‐ to eighth‐grade underrepresented girls.MethodsA group randomized trial, involving 12 intervention and 12 control schools in low‐income areas, was conducted. Participants (n = 1519) were low‐active girls. The 17‐week intervention included (a) a physical activity club, (b) two motivational interviewing sessions, and (c) one Internet‐based session. BMI‐z was determined from measured height and weight; % body fat was assessed using bioelectric impedance. Aerobic performance was assessed using a shuttle run. Demographics, physical activity (accelerometer), and pubertal development were assessed. Linear mixed models, adjusting for baseline, were used to examine group differences in postintervention.ResultsNo significant between‐group differences in BMI‐z existed at postintervention, but % body fat increased less among intervention than control group girls (Mchange = 0.43% vs 0.73%). Aerobic performance decreased less in intervention vs control (Mchange = −0.39 vs −0.57).ConclusionsAlthough the intervention positively impacted % body fat and aerobic performance in underrepresented girls, more research is necessary to determine optimal implementation for yielding greater effects.
The evolution of female genitalia
Authors: Sloan Nadia S. , Simmons Leigh W. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractFemale genitalia have been largely neglected in studies of genital evolution, perhaps due to the long‐standing belief that they are relatively invariable and therefore taxonomically and evolutionarily uninformative in comparison with male genitalia. Contemporary studies of genital evolution have begun to dispute this view, and to demonstrate that female genitalia can be highly diverse and covary with the genitalia of males. Here, we examine evidence for three mechanisms of genital evolution in females: species isolating ‘lock‐and‐key’ evolution, cryptic female choice and sexual conflict. Lock‐and‐key genital evolution has been thought to be relatively unimportant; however, we present cases that show how species isolation may well play a role in the evolution of female genitalia. Much support for female genital evolution via sexual conflict comes from studies of both invertebrate and vertebrate species; however, the effects of sexual conflict can be difficult to distinguish from models of cryptic female choice that focus on putative benefits of choice for females. We offer potential solutions to alleviate this issue. Finally, we offer directions for future studies in order to expand and refine our knowledge surrounding female genital evolution.
Effects of Computerized Instruction on the Use of Punctuation Strategies by Students with LD
Authors: Schumaker Jean B. , Fisher Joseph B. , Walsh Lisa D. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAn interactive multimedia software program was developed for teaching punctuation strategies and then tested with middle‐school and high‐school students with learning disabilities. Students at each school level were randomly selected into an experimental or control group. Results showed that experimental students at both school levels performed similarly by earning significantly higher scores on a test of punctuation usage than the control students. Additionally, experimental students in both school cohorts inserted significantly fewer incorrect punctuation marks than the controls. Furthermore, the experimental students generalized their use of the strategies to a test where they wrote their own sentences. Thus, this study shows that students with LD can learn punctuation strategies at a high level of mastery and can generalize their skills to sentence editing and sentence construction tasks when taught through interactive multimedia.
Causal Inference from Noise
Authors: Climenhaga Nevin , DesAutels Lane , Ramsey Grant 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCorrelation is not causation is one of the mantras of the sciences—a cautionary warning especially to fields like epidemiology and pharmacology where the seduction of compelling correlations naturally leads to causal hypotheses. The standard view from the epistemology of causation is that to tell whether one correlated variable is causing the other, one needs to intervene on the system—the best sort of intervention being a trial that is both randomized and controlled. In this paper, we argue that some purely correlational data contains information that allows us to draw causal inferences: statistical noise. Methods for extracting causal knowledge from noise provide us with an alternative to randomized controlled trials that allows us to reach causal conclusions from purely correlational data.
Data needed to respond appropriately to anemia when it is a public health problem
Authors: Williams Anne M. , Addo O. Yaw , Grosse Scott D. , Kassebaum Nicholas J. , Rankin Zane , Ballesteros Katherine E. , Olsen Helen Elizabeth , Sharma Andrea J. , Jefferds Maria Elena , Mei Zuguo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAlthough the proportion of anemia amenable to change varies by population, the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria used to describe the public health severity of anemia are based on population prevalences. We describe the importance of measuring iron and other etiologic indicators to better understand what proportion of anemia could be responsive to interventions. We discuss the necessity of measuring inflammation to interpret iron biomarkers and documenting anemia of inflammation. Finally, we suggest assessing nonmodifiable genetic blood disorders associated with anemia. Using aggregated results from the Global Burden of Disease 2016, we compare population prevalence of anemia with years lived with disability (YLD) estimates, and the relative contributions of mild, moderate, and severe anemia to YLD. Anemia prevalences correlated with YLD and the relative proportion of moderate or severe anemia increased with anemia prevalence. However, individual‐level survey data revealed irregular patterns between anemia prevalence, the prevalence of moderate or severe anemia, and the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). We conclude that although the WHO population prevalence criteria used to describe the public health severity of anemia are important for policymaking, etiologic‐specific metrics that take into account IDA and other causes will be necessary for effective anemia control policies.
Deficient glucose uptake is linked to impaired Glut1 expression upon CD3/CD28 stimulation in memory T cells from pleural effusions secondary to lung cancer
Authors: Prado‐Garcia Heriberto , Romero‐Garcia Susana , Castro‐Flores Daniela Alejandra , Rumbo‐Nava Uriel 
Published: July 2019

AbstractGlucose and nutrient uptake is essential in supporting T cell activation and is increased upon CD3/CD28 stimulation. As T cells from pleural effusions secondary to lung cancer show impaired function, we hypothesized that these cells might have altered expression of nutrient transporters. Here, we analysed by flow cytometry the expression of the transferrin receptor CD71, amino acid transporter CD98 and glucose transporter Glut1 and glucose uptake in pleural effusion‐derived T cells from lung cancer patients, after stimulation via CD3/CD28 under normoxia or hypoxia (2% O2). We compared the response of T cells from pleural effusions secondary to lung cancer with that of T cells from nonmalignant effusions. In memory T cells from both groups, anti‐CD3/CD28‐stimulation under normoxia upregulated CD98 and CD71 expression (measured as median fluorescence intensity, MFI) in comparison with anti‐CD3‐stimulation. Costimulation under hypoxia tended to increase CD98 expression compared to CD3‐stimulation in memory T cells from both groups. Remarkably, in the cancer group, memory T cells stimulated via CD3/CD28 under hypoxia failed to increase CD71 and Glut1 expression levels compared to the cells receiving anti‐CD3 stimulation, a phenomenon that contrasted with the behaviour of memory T cells from nonmalignant effusions. Consequently, glucose uptake by memory T cells from the cancer group was not increased after CD3/CD28 stimulation under hypoxia, implying that their glycolytic metabolism is defective. As this process is required for inducing an antitumoural response, our study suggests that memory T cells are rendered dysfunctional and are unable to eliminate lung tumour cells.
Racialization and Black multiplicity: Generative paradigms for understanding Black immigrants
Authors: Medford Marcelle M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBlack immigrants occupy a liminal space on the race ethnicity spectrum that defies traditional assimilation theories. The social distancing paradigm has emerged as one of the most influential theories to address this shortcoming in the field and explain the incorporation of Black immigrants. However, because this paradigm implicitly rests on an analogy to White immigrants, the articulation of Black ethnic options can often times be more derivative than generative. As a result, accounts of Black immigrant racialization reify provincialized notions of Blackness by relying on problematic comparisons to African American culture and outcomes. In this paper, I argue that moving away from these provincialized characterizations of Blackness requires building on theories of immigrant racialization that take Black multiplicities as its starting point. This review takes up that perspective in analyzing how narratives of Blackness emerge in segmented, classic, canonical, and neoclassical theories of assimilation. I then map out some theoretical and empirical trends that emerge across three waves of Black immigrant research agendas and outline the need to move beyond the White immigrant analogy in order to more aptly redefine Black immigrants for future research.
Staphylococcal Protein Secretion and Envelope Assembly
Authors: Schneewind Olaf , Missiakas Dominique M. 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTThe highly cross-linked peptidoglycan represents the rigid layer of the bacterial envelope and protects bacteria from osmotic lysis. In Gram-positive bacteria, peptidoglycan also functions as a scaffold for the immobilization of capsular polysaccharide, wall teichoic acid (WTA), and surface proteins. This chapter captures recent development on the assembly of the envelope ofStaphylococcus aureusincluding mechanisms accounting for immobilization of molecules to peptidoglycan as well as hydrolysis of peptidoglycan for the specific release of bound molecules, facilitation of protein secretion across the envelope and cell division. Peptidoglycan, WTA and capsular polysaccharide are directly synthesized onto undecaprenol. Surface proteins are anchored by Sortase A, a membrane-embedded transpeptidase that scans secreted polypeptides for the C-terminal LPXTG motif of sorting signals. The resulting acyl enzyme intermediate is resolved by lipid II, the undecaprenol-bound peptidoglycan precursor. While these pathways share membrane diffusible undecaprenol, assembly of these molecules occurs either at the cross-walls or the cell poles. InS. aureus, the cross-wall represents the site ofde novopeptidoglycan synthesis which is eventually split to complete the cell cycle yielding newly divided daughter cells. Peptidoglycan synthesized at the cross-wall is initially devoid of WTA. Conversely, lipoteichoic acid (LTA) synthesis which does not require bactoprenol is seemingly restricted to septal membranes. Similarly,S. aureusdistinguishes two types of surface protein precursors. Polypeptides with canonical signal peptides are deposited at the cell poles, whereas precursors with conserved YSIRK-GXXS motif signal peptides traffic to the cross-wall. A model for protein trafficking in the envelope and uneven distribution of teichoic acids is discussed.
Mobile outreach health services for mothers and children in conflict-affected and remote areas: a population-based study from Afghanistan
Authors: Edmond Karen , Yousufi Khaksar , Naziri Malalai , Higgins-Steele Ariel , Qadir Abdul Qadir , Sadat Sayed Masoud , Bellows Alexandra L , Smith Emily 
Published: July 2019

ObjectiveTo assess whether sustained, scheduled mobile health team (MHT) services increase antenatal care (ANC), postnatal care (PNC) and childhood immunisation in conflict-affected and remote regions of Afghanistan.DesignCross-sectional, population-based study from 2013 to 2017. Proportions were compared using multivariable linear regression adjusted for clustering and socio-demographic variables.Setting54 intervention and 56 control districts in eight Afghanistan provinces.Participants338 796 pregnant women and 1 693 872 children aged under 5 years.Interventions‘Intervention districts’ that received MHT services for 3 years compared with ‘control districts’ in the same province without any MHT services over the same period.Main outcome measuresDistrict-level and clinic-level ANC, PNC, childhood immunisation (pentavalent 3, measles 1), integrated management of childhood immunisation services.ResultsProportion of pregnant women receiving at least one ANC visit was higher in intervention districts (83.6%, 161 750/193 482) than control districts (61.3%, 89 077/145 314) (adjusted mean difference (AMD) 14.8%;95% CI: 1.6% to 28.0%). Proportion of children under 1 year receiving their first dose of measles vaccine was higher in intervention (73.8%, 142 738/193 412) than control districts (57.3%, 83 253/145 293) (AMD 12.8;95% CI: 2.1% to 23.5%). There was no association with PNC (AMD 2.8%;95% CI: −5.1% to 10.7%). MHTs did not increase clinic-level service provision for ANC (AMD 41.32;95% CI: -52.46 to 135.11) or any other outcomes.ConclusionsSustained, scheduled MHT services to conflict-affected and remote regions were associated with improved coverage of important maternal and child health interventions. Outreach is an essential service and not just an ‘optional extra’ for the most deprived mothers and children.