bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Sulfide Flavors on AHL‐Mediated Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Formation of Hafnia alvei
Authors: Hongman Hou , Yifang Wang , Gongliang Zhang , Yaolei Zhu , Longquan Xu , Hongshun Hao , Yue Wang , Meishan Lu 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn this study, 10 different sulfide flavor compounds commonly used as food additives were screened for antiquorum‐sensing activity. Among these, diallyl disulfide (DADS) and methyl 2‐methyl‐3‐furyl disulfide (MMFDS) were found to exert the strongest inhibition against violacein production in Chromobacterium violaceum 026, the tested biosensor strain. DADS and MMFDS also inhibited the growth of Hafnia alvei H4, yielding MIC values of 48 and 41.6 mM, respectively. In addition, DADS and MMFDS also inhibited the ability of H. alvei H4 to produce acyl‐homoserine lactone as demonstrated by the reduced level of C6‐HSL in the supernatant of DADS‐treated culture. At concentrations corresponding to 1/4 MIC, DADS, and MMFDS inhibited the swarming ability of H. alvei H4 by 73.50% and 76.43%, respectively, while having virtually no effect on cell growth. The same concentrations of DADS and MMFDS also completely inhibited the formation of biofilm. These antiquorum sensing effects of DADS and MMFDS involved changes in the expression of the quorum‐sensing genes luxI and luxR. Quantitative RT‐PCR analysis showed that the mRNA levels of both genes were significantly reduced by DADS and MMDFS at concentrations below their MICs. However, further test using a mutant strain of H. alvei lacking luxR (ΔluxR) revealed significant reduction in luxI mRNA level upon treatment of the strain with DADS or MMDFS, but no change in luxR mRNA level occurred when a luxI‐lacking mutant (ΔluxI) was treated with these compounds. The result therefore suggested that the antiquorum‐sensing effect of DADS and MMFDS against H. alvei H4 might operate mainly through the inhibition of luxI expression in the cells.Practical ApplicationThe sulfide flavors compounds used in this paper are commonly used in food processing in China and are listed in the national standard of Chinese food additives GB2760‐2014. The application of sulfide flavors in food processing can enhance aroma and prevent food spoilage.
Preparation and Characterization of Lactobacilli‐Loaded Composite Films with Sustaining Antipathogenic Activity and Preservation Effect
Authors: Dai Lu , Yuan Yahong , Song Zihan , Qiu Yue , Yue Tianli 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBioactive composite films were obtained by adding Lactobacillus paracasei into a hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC)‐konjac flour (KF) matrix through a casting method. The mechanical, optical, and barrier properties were tested to determine the influence of the addition of lactobacilli into complex films. For purpose of evaluating the surface morphology of the composite films, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were carried out. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analyses were conducted to evaluate intermolecular interactions and crystallinity, respectively. Moreover, the microbial viability of the lactobacilli and the antibacterial activities of the bioactive films against pathogenic organisms were measured. The results indicated that the mechanical properties, crystalline properties, oxygen permeability, and color characteristics were not notably altered; nevertheless, the gloss and water vapor barrier properties were relatively weakened by the incorporation of L. paracase. The HPC–KF–L. paracasei films were effective in inhibiting both gram‐positive (Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus) and gram‐negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium) pathogens, and the films can retain physical property and antibacterial activity within a storage period of 30 days. The composite films, acting as suitable carriers for L. paracasei and possessing noteworthy bacteriostatic activities, could be developed as bioactive packaging for preserving food.Practical ApplicationFor the sake of the high desires of consumers for food safety and quality, the development of innovative bioactive packaging has attracted wide attention. In this work, the prepared films containing lactic acid bacteria showed great physical property, antipathogenic activity, and fresh‐keeping property preservation, and have great application potential in fresh food preservation.
Independent trophic behavior and breeding success of a resident flycatcher and a coexisting migratory congener
Authors: Guaraldo André C. , Kelly Jeffrey F. , Marini Miguel Â. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHistorical biases towards the study of Palearctic and Nearctic bird migration systems has resulted in a dearth of information on the ecology of intratropical migrants, which likely also play important ecological roles within their communities. For instance, there is little information on the foraging ecology and breeding biology of co‐occurring migrants and residents within the intratropical migratory system. Thus, we used two congeneric flycatchers – the resident Plain‐crested ElaeniaElaenia cristata(Aves: Tyrannidae), and the migrant Lesser ElaeniaE. chiriquensis(Tyrannidae) – to check whether either of them showed foraging niche plasticity mediating their coexistence and the effects of such syntopy on their breeding behavior and fitness. To do so, we used an ensemble of methods that included the evaluation of food resource phenology, foraging behavior observations, stable isotope ratio analysis in birds’ tissues, and nest monitoring. Our results confirmed that residents have foraging behavior plasticity but reveals its trophic behavior and breeding success is independent of the coexistence with migrants. Since such results depart from the predictions based on the current (and often Northern‐biased) theories of bird migration, we discuss alternative hypotheses explaining our findings, including the influence of physiology on diet and the behavioral responses of nest predators. Once there is a clear knowledge gap about the interspecific interactions between residents and intratropical migrants, our study represents a simple, yet important, step towards understanding the mechanisms underlying this system.
Serum concentrations of C‐reactive protein in healthy term‐born Norwegian infants 48–72 hours after birth
Authors: Mjelle Anders Batman , Guthe Hans Jørgen Timm , Reigstad Hallvard , Bjørke‐Monsen Anne Lise , Markestad Trond 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAimTo determine serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in healthy term‐born infants shortly after birth.MethodsWe sampled blood from 182 infants along with the routine neonatal screening programme at 48–72 hours of age from consecutively recruited healthy infants without signs of infection and a gestational age (GA) of at least 37 weeks. The blood was stored at minus 20°C until analysis in one assay after the end of the study.ResultsThe CRP levels were positively skewed. The median concentration was 5.0 mg/L, 48.9% of the neonates had values <5.0 mg/L, 19.8% ≥10.0 mg/L, 7.1% ≥20.0 mg/L and 1.1% (2 neonates) >30 mg/L. The CRP level was positively related to GA and duration of labour, slightly higher in boys than girls and after vaginal compared to Caesarean delivery.ConclusionIn healthy neonates born at term, the CRP concentrations did not vary substantially with various common perinatal clinical conditions, and levels above 30 mg/L were uncommon at two to three days of age.
A discursive question: Supporting student‐authored multiple choice questions through peer‐learning software in non‐STEMM disciplines
Authors: Snow Stephen , Wilde Adriana , Denny Paul , schraefel m. c. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPeer‐learning that engages students in multiple choice question (MCQ) formulation promotes higher task engagement and deeper learning than simply answering MCQ’s in summative assessment. Yet presently, the literature detailing deployments of student‐authored MCQ software is biased towards accounts from Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM) subjects, rather than discursive subjects or disciplines where content may contain fewer absolute facts and objective metrics and more nuance. We report on qualitative and quantitative findings from a semester‐long deployment of a peer‐learning software package (PeerWise) in a 140‐student course on Interaction Design. PeerWise enables students to author, rate and comment upon their peers’ MCQ questions. The platform was enthusiastically adopted as a revision aid, yet overall question quality was poor and students expressed difficulty in translating the discursive nature of the course content into MCQs with only one correct answer. In addressing these shortcomings, this paper offers specific recommendations to instructors of more discursive subjects using student‐led MCQ authoring platforms, and further, how platforms such as PeerWise may be adapted to better suit disciplines characterised by discursive content. We propose alternative approaches to moderation and two suggestions for potential amendments to the software itself.
The transformative and informative nature of elections: Representation, schism, and exit
Authors: Gaffney Amber M. , Sherburne Bryan , Hackett Justin D. , Rast David E. , Hohman Zachary P. 
Published: September 2018

In democratic elections, constituents may view unconventional or non‐prototypical candidates as attempting to reshape their national identity in the wrong direction. When a non‐prototypical candidate actually steps into a leadership role, the group's consensual view of their prototype may shift to position this new leader as prototypical. This process should be bound in member consensus, evidenced by the leader's successful election. The current work examines American Republicans (N = 297) and Democrats (N = 322) before and after the 2016 US election. We focus on Republicans’ interpretations of their candidate Donald Trump's prototypicality and ability to bolster or subvert their party identity pre‐election. Post‐election, we examine changes to these processes, related in part to Republicans’ homogenized view of Trump's prototypicality. In comparison, we examine these processes in the Democratic Party. Results suggest that whereas Democrats increased in their desire to leave their party, Republicans decreased in their desire to leave their party, an effect that is related to increasing perceptions of Trump's prototypicality and representation of the Republican Party. These findings have important implications for how the contexts of elections rapidly shape party identity through the election of leaders such as Trump.
Results of the British Association of Urological Surgeons female stress urinary incontinence procedures outcomes audit 2014–2017
Authors: Cashman Sophia , Biers Suzanne , Greenwell Tamsin , Harding Chris , Morley Roland , Cooper David , Fowler Sarah , Thiruchelvam Nikesh ,   On behalf of the BAUS Section of Female Neurological and Urodynamic Urology
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesTo analyse the results of the stress urinary incontinence (SUI) audit conducted by the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS), and to present UK urologists’ contemporary management of SUI.Patients and MethodsThe BAUS audit tool is an online resource, to which all UK urologists performing procedures for SUI are invited to submit data. The data entries for procedures performed during 2014–2016 were collated and analysed.ResultsOver the 3‐year period analysed, 2917 procedures were reported by 109 surgeons, with a median of 20 procedures reported per surgeon. A total of 2 366 procedures (81.1%) were recorded as a primary surgery, with 548 procedures (18.8%) performed for recurrent SUI. Within the time period analysed, changes were noted in the frequency of all procedures performed, with a trend towards a reduction in the use of synthetic mid‐urethral tapes, and a commensurate increase in the use of urethral bulking agents and autologous fascial slings. A total of 107 (3.9% of patients) peri‐operative complications were recorded, with no association identified with patient age, BMI or surgeon volume. Follow‐up data were available on 1832 patients (62.8%) at a median of 100 days postoperatively. Reduced pad use was reported in 1311 of patients (84.5%) with follow‐up data available and 86.3% reported a pad use of one or less per day. In all, 375 patients (85%) reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome of their procedure at follow‐up, although data entry for this domain was poor. De novo overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms were reported by 15.2% of patients (263/1727), and this was the most commonly reported postoperative complication. For those reporting pre‐existing OAB prior to their SUI surgery, 28.7% (307/1069) of patients reported they got better after their procedure, whilst 61.9% (662/1069) of patients reported no change and 9.4% of patients (100/1 069) got worse.ConclusionsThis review identified that, despite urological surgeons undertaking a relatively low volume of procedures per year, SUI surgery by UK urologists is associated with excellent short‐term surgeon‐ and patient‐reported outcomes and low numbers of low grade complications. Complications do not appear to be associated with surgeon volume, nor do they appear higher in those undergoing mesh surgery. Shortfalls in data collection have been identified, and a longer follow‐up period is required to comment adequately on long‐term complications, such as chronic pain and tape extrusion/erosion rates.
Diagnostic performance of HMGA2 gene expression for differentiation of malignant thyroid nodules: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Bo Hyun , Kim Seong Jang , Kim Mijin , Lee Sang‐Woo , Jeong Shin Young , Pak Kyoungjune , Kim Keunyoung , Kim In Joo 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the current study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of high mobility group A2 (HMGA2) gene expression for differentiation of malignant thyroid nodules through a systematic review and meta‐analysis.DesignThe MEDLINE/PubMed and EMBASE database, from the earliest available date of indexing through 10 April 2018, were searched for studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of HMGA2 expression for differentiation of thyroid nodules.MethodsWe determined the sensitivities and specificities across studies, calculated positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR−), and constructed summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.ResultsAcross 7 studies, the pooled sensitivity for HMGA2 expression was 0.78 (95% CI; 0.67‐0.86) with heterogeneity (I2 = 86.6) and a pooled specificity of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.85‐0.98) with heterogeneity (I2 = 94.7). Likelihood ratio (LR) syntheses gave an overall positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 12.6 (95% CI: 5.1‐31.3) and negative likelihood ratio (LR−) of 0.24 (95% CI: 0.15‐0.36). The pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 53 (95% CI: 18‐159). Hierarchical summary ROC curve indicates that the areas under the curve were 0.92 (95% CI: 0.89‐0.94). In meta‐regression analysis, no definite variable was the source of the study heterogeneity.ConclusionThe current meta‐analysis showed the moderate sensitivity and high specificity of HMGA2 expression for differentiation of malignant thyroid nodules. The likelihood ratio scatter‐gram suggested that HMGA2 expression analysis could be useful for confirmation of the presence of malignant thyroid nodules. Considering the heterogeneity of included studies, further large prospective studies are necessary to confirm these results.
Foetal exposure to mitotane/Op'DDD: Post‐natal study of four children
Authors: Magkou Dimitra , Do Cao Christine , Bouvattier Claire , Douillard Claire , de Marcellus Capucine , Cazabat Laure , Gérard Maxime , Raffin‐Sanson Marie‐Laure , Young Jacques 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectiveMitotane/Op'DDD is used in the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma and for other causes of hypercortisolism. Mitotane inhibits cortisol secretion and displays adrenolytic and antitumor actions. This compound is a metabolite of the pesticide and endocrine disruptor DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) and is classified among teratogenic compounds worldwide. However, little is known about its effects on human development.DesignThe outcome of four children exposed to mitotane during their intrauterine life was examined.PatientsPatients having conceived while taking mitotane, or with detectable mitotane plasma levels, were retrospectively recruited via the French COMETE and FIRENDO networks.MeasurementsMitotane in maternal plasma, adrenocortical hormones in children.ResultsThree women treated with mitotane gave birth to four children. During early pregnancy, all patients had detectable mitotane plasma levels (0.9, 2.4 and 6.7 mg/L, respectively). During pregnancy, no foetal malformations were detected. The four exposed newborns presented at birth with apparently normal adrenal function and genitalia. One twin female had a low birthweight. Evaluation at birth and after 3 months, 2 years and 7 years of follow‐up showed no significant neurological abnormality. Evaluation of adrenocortical functions showed no cortisol deficiency.ConclusionsUnexpectedly, exposure of these four children to mitotane during foetal life seemed to have no clear teratogenic effect. However, considering the sub‐therapeutic mitotane concentrations used here, the small number of cases, and because long‐term follow‐up is unknown, we strongly advise not to take mitotane during pregnancy and still recommend avoiding pregnancy, at least as long as mitotane plasma levels remain detectable.
The use of mouthguards and prevalence of dento‐alveolar trauma among athletes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fernandes Loyse M. , Neto José Cordeiro L. , Lima Thiago F. R. , Magno Marcela B. , Santiago Bianca M. , Cavalcanti Yuri W. , de Almeida Leopoldina de Fátima Dantas 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackground/AimsThe evidence that mouthguards prevent dental trauma is inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine, through a systematic review and meta‐analysis (MA), the impact of mouthguards (MG) on the prevalence of dento‐alveolar trauma (DT) among athletes of contact sports.Material and MethodsSearches were performed at Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Cochrane Library, and SIGLE without restriction of language or publication date. After the application of eligibility criteria, studies were evaluated regarding their methodology quality and risk of bias. Two meta‐analyses (MA) were performed considering: studies free of problems or with minor problems (MA1) and only free of problems studies (MA2). DT prevalence (events) and total number of athletes from each group (use of MG and non‐use of MG) were used for odds ratio calculation (α = 5%). The evidence was quality tested using the GRADE approach.ResultsA total of 256 articles were identified. After applying the eligibility criteria, 14 studies were selected for qualitative synthesis, and 11 were used in quantitative synthesis. Meta‐analyses showed that 73% (MA1) and 83% (MA2) of mouthguard users have a lower prevalence of DT. In MA1 (eight studies), DT prevalence among MG users was 7.75% (n = 183), while non‐users had 48.31% (n = 974) (OR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.07‐0.45,P < 0.001). In MA2 (three studies), DT prevalence among MG users was 7.5% (n = 160), while DT prevalence among non‐users was 59.48% (n = 750) (OR = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.05‐0.08,P < 0.001), with moderate evidence quality level.ConclusionMouthguards contribute to a lower prevalence of dento‐alveolar trauma among athletes of contact sports.
Family environment and traumatic dental injuries in adolescents
Authors: Sideri Sofia , Marcenes Wagner , Stansfeld Stephen A. , Bernabé Eduardo 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackground/AimsNo comprehensive assessment of the influence of the home environment on traumatic dental injuries (TDI) has been conducted to date. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between family environment and TDI among adolescents from East London.Materials and MethodsThis cross‐sectional study used data from 646 adolescents who participated in phase III of the Research with East London Adolescents Community Health Survey (RELACHS). Family environment was measured with four indicators (non‐nuclear family, discordant parental relationship and levels of parental support and parental punishment) measured through a self‐administered questionnaire. Clinical examinations were performed for TDI, overjet and lip coverage. Logistic regression was used to test the crude and adjusted (controlling for sociodemographic and clinical factors) association of each family environment characteristic with TDI prevalence.ResultsTwenty‐nine percent of adolescents were from non‐nuclear families, and 52.3% reported a discordant parental relationship. The mean score for parental support was −0.01 (SD: 0.90, range: −0.11 to 0.08), and the mean parental punishment score was 0.03 (SD: 0.86, range: −0.04 to 0.10). Adolescents from non‐nuclear families had 1.63 (95% confidence interval: 1.06‐2.53) greater odds of having TDI than those from nuclear families. However, this association was fully attenuated after adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical factors. The other three indicators of family environment were not associated with TDI either in crude or adjusted regression models.ConclusionThis study found weak evidence of an association between family environment and TDI.
Construction, validation, and application of nocturnal pollen transport networks in an agro‐ecosystem: a comparison using light microscopy and DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Macgregor Callum J. , Kitson James J. N. , Fox Richard , Hahn Christoph , Lunt David H. , Pocock Michael J. O. , Evans Darren M. 
Published: September 2018

1. Moths are globally relevant as pollinators but nocturnal pollination remains poorly understood. Plant–pollinator interaction networks are traditionally constructed using either flower‐visitor observations or pollen‐transport detection using microscopy. Recent studies have shown the potential of DNA metabarcoding for detecting and identifying pollen‐transport interactions. However, no study has directly compared the realised observations of pollen‐transport networks between DNA metabarcoding and conventional light microscopy.2. Using matched samples of nocturnal moths, we constructed pollen‐transport networks using two methods: light microscopy and DNA metabarcoding. Focussing on the feeding mouthparts of moths, we developed and provide reproducible methods for merging DNA metabarcoding and ecological network analysis to better understand species interactions.3. DNA metabarcoding detected pollen on more individual moths, and detected multiple pollen types on more individuals than microscopy, although the average number of pollen types per individual was unchanged. However, after aggregating individuals of each species, metabarcoding detected more interactions per moth species. Pollen‐transport network metrics differed between methods because of variation in the ability of each to detect multiple pollen types per moth and to separate morphologically similar or related pollen. We detected unexpected but plausible moth–plant interactions with metabarcoding, revealing new detail about nocturnal pollination systems.4. The nocturnal pollination networks observed using metabarcoding and microscopy were similar yet distinct, with implications for network ecologists. Comparisons between networks constructed using metabarcoding and traditional methods should therefore be treated with caution. Nevertheless, the potential applications of metabarcoding for studying plant–pollinator interaction networks are encouraging, especially when investigating understudied pollinators such as moths.