bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Presence of Antibiotics in Shallow Groundwater in the Northern and Southwestern Regions of China
Authors: Chen Liang , Lang Hang , Liu Fei , Jin Song , Yan Tao 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAntibiotics are widely used, and there is a serious concern about its adverse impacts on the environment and human health. To our knowledge, prior to this work, there was no evidence of the potential presence of antibiotics in groundwater in China, despite populous speculations. This study reported the detection of 35 target antibiotics of 6 groups (chloramphenicois, lincosamides, marcrolides, quinolones, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines), in shallow groundwater samples collected in northern and southwestern China. Thirty‐four of thirty‐five target antibiotics were detected in the groundwater samples; 73 of 74 monitoring wells contained at least one antibiotic; and at least two antibiotics were detected in 72 of the 74 wells. Ofloxacin (1199.7 ng/L), lincomycin (860.7 ng/L), and norfloxacin (441.9 ng/L) as well as antibiotics with the highest detection frequency such as sulfapyridine (70%), norfloxacin (69%), and lincomycin (64%) were detected at elevated concentrations. The highest detection frequency and concentration of lincosamides were observed in those groundwater samples, but no clear distribution patterns were observed for the six antibiotic groups. Moreover, shallow groundwater in southwestern China seemed to contain most antibiotics, likely due to the high antibiotics discharge and frequent exchange of groundwater with surface matrices. The findings from this work suggest that groundwater in China has been widely contaminated by antibiotics, and presumably other pharmaceutical compounds that have not been investigated to date.
“Telling” and assent: Parents’ attitudes towards children's participation in a birth cohort study
Authors: Ri Izen , Suda Eiko , Yamagata Zentaro , Nitta Hiroshi , Muto Kaori 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionOne of the ethical issues surrounding birth cohort studies is how to obtain informed assent from children as they grow up. What and how parents tell their children affects children's future choices about the study, yet few studies have focused on parents’ influence on children.ObjectiveThis study examines parents’ attitudes towards telling their children about their participation in a specific birth cohort study.MethodsWe conducted surveys and in‐depth interviews with the parents of children who participated in the “Japan Environment and Children's Study” (JECS), which follows children from the foetal stage to age 13.ResultsForty‐four mothers and 23 fathers answered the survey, and 11 mothers and 3 fathers participated in in‐depth interviews. Parents’ attitudes towards “telling” were categorized into 3 communication styles depending on their perception of the risk/benefits for their children. Most parents predicted that the study would benefit their children and preferred “directive telling,” which we divided into “empowered telling” (provides children with a positive identity as participants) and “persuasive telling” (attempts to persuade children even if they express reluctance as they grow). A few parents, weighing the study's potential risk, preferred “non‐directive telling,” which respects children's choices even if that means withdrawing from the study.DiscussionWhile “directive telling” may lead children to have positive associations with the study, children should also be told about the risks. Investigators can provide materials that support parents and give children age‐appropriate information about their participation, as well as ensure opportunities for children to express their feelings.
Digital pathology for the primary diagnosis of breast histopathological specimens: an innovative validation and concordance study on digital pathology validation and training
Authors: Williams Bethany Jill , Hanby Andrew , Millican‐Slater Rebecca , Nijhawan Anju , Verghese Eldo , Treanor Darren 
Published: September 2017

AimTo train and individually validate a group of breast pathologists in specialty‐specific digital primary diagnosis by using a novel protocol endorsed by the Royal College of Pathologists’ new guideline for digital pathology. The protocol allows early exposure to live digital reporting, in a risk‐mitigated environment, and focuses on patient safety and professional development.Methods and resultsThree specialty breast pathologists completed training in the use of a digital microscopy system, and were exposed to a training set of 20 challenging cases, designed to help them identify personal digital diagnostic pitfalls. Following this, the three pathologists viewed a total of 694 live, entire breast cases. All primary diagnoses were made on digital slides, with immediate glass slide review and reconciliation before final case sign‐out. There was complete clinical concordance between the glass and digital impression of the case in 98.8% of cases. Only 1.2% of cases had a clinically significant difference in diagnosis/prognosis on glass and digital slide reads. All pathologists elected to continue using the digital microscope as the standard for breast histopathology specimens, with deferral to glass for a limited number of clinical/histological scenarios as a safety net.ConclusionIndividual training and validation for digital primary diagnosis allows pathologists to develop competence and confidence in their digital diagnostic skills, and aids safe and responsible transition from the light microscope to the digital microscope.
Novel processing approach to polymer‐derived ceramic matrix composites
Authors: King Derek , Apostolov Zlatomir , Key Thomas , Carney Carmen , Cinibulk Michael 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe rheological properties of commercially available polycarbosilane, SMP‐10, were analyzed as a function of temperature, to guide development of thermal treatment processes for the improved yield and functionality of polymer ceramic precursors. The curing onset temperature for SMP‐10 was determined to be as low as 100°C for a heating rate of 1°C/min enabling a heat treatment process at 90°C, where low molecular weight oligomers volatilize from the liquid precursor prior to curing. By driving off the low molecular weight oligomers before fabrication of a composite, the mass yield of SMP‐10, from a room temperature liquid state was increased from 77% to 83%. The development of B‐staging processes, or a semicure of SMP‐10, were also demonstrated. B‐staging processes were then applied to polymer infiltration and pyrolysis processing and compared with traditional wet layup CMC processing. It was determined that B‐staging processes did not adversely affect ceramic matrix composite fabrication. B‐staged processing methods were determined to result in less waste, allow ply‐by‐ply control of matrix compositions, and enable time independent processing when compared to traditional wet layup processing methods.
Projecting the impact of a nationwide school plain water access intervention on childhood obesity: a cost–benefit analysis
Authors: An R. , Xue H. , Wang L. , Wang Y. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryObjectiveThis study aimed to project the societal cost and benefit of an expansion of a water access intervention that promotes lunchtime plain water consumption by placing water dispensers in New York school cafeterias to all schools nationwide.MethodsA decision model was constructed to simulate two events under Markov chain processes – placing water dispensers at lunchtimes in school cafeterias nationwide vs. no action. The incremental cost pertained to water dispenser purchase and maintenance, whereas the incremental benefit was resulted from cases of childhood overweight/obesity prevented and corresponding lifetime direct (medical) and indirect costs saved.ResultsBased on the decision model, the estimated incremental cost of the school‐based water access intervention is $18 per student, and the corresponding incremental benefit is $192, resulting in a net benefit of $174 per student. Subgroup analysis estimates the net benefit per student to be $199 and $149 among boys and girls, respectively. Nationwide adoption of the intervention would prevent 0.57 million cases of childhood overweight, resulting in a lifetime cost saving totalling $13.1 billion. The estimated total cost saved per dollar spent was $14.5.ConclusionThe New York school‐based water access intervention, if adopted nationwide, may have a considerably favourable benefit–cost portfolio.
Neurotransmitter signalling via NMDA receptors leads to decreased T helper type 1‐like and enhanced T helper type 2‐like immune balance in humans
Authors: Orihara Kanami , Odemuyiwa Solomon O. , Stefura William P. , Ilarraza Ramses , HayGlass Kent T. , Moqbel Redwan 
Published: September 2017

SummaryGiven the pivotal roles that CD4+ T cell imbalance plays in human immune disorders, much interest centres on better understanding influences that regulate human helper T‐cell subset dominance in vivo. Here, using primary CD4+ T cells and short‐term T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2‐like lines, we investigated roles and mechanisms by which neurotransmitter receptors may influence human type 1 versus type 2 immunity. We hypothesized that N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDA‐R), which play key roles in memory and learning, can also regulate human CD4+ T cell function through induction of excitotoxicity. Fresh primary CD4+ T cells from healthy donors express functional NMDA‐R that are strongly up‐regulated upon T cell receptor (TCR) mediated activation. Synthetic and physiological NMDA‐R agonists elicited Ca2+ flux and led to marked inhibition of type 1 but not type 2 or interleukin‐10 cytokine responses. Among CD4+ lines, NMDA and quinolinic acid preferentially reduced cytokine production, Ca2+ flux, proliferation and survival of Th1‐like cells through increased induction of cell death whereas Th2‐like cells were largely spared. Collectively, the findings demonstrate that (i) NMDA‐R is rapidly up‐regulated upon CD4+ T cell activation in humans and (ii) Th1 versus Th2 cell functions such as proliferation, cytokine production and cell survival are differentially affected by NMDA‐R agonists. Differential cytokine production and proliferative capacity of Th1 versus Th2 cells is attributable in part to increased physiological cell death among fully committed Th1 versus Th2 cells, leading to increased Th2‐like dominance. Hence, excitotoxicity, beyond its roles in neuronal plasticity, may contribute to ongoing modulation of human T cell responses.
Double atrial potentials in left‐sided accessory pathways are associated with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Błaszyk Krzysztof , Gwizdała Adrian , Waśniewski Michał , Hiczkiewicz Jarosław , Seniuk Wojciech , Michalak Michał 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionMuscular connections between the coronary sinus (CS) and left atrium probably impact distribution of electrical activity. Double atrial potentials (DP) may be their presentation.The aim was to investigate the presence of DP in CS recordings during atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) and its contribution to the occurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsA group of 247 patients with accessory pathways (AP) were screened for DP. The patients with DP during AVRT were compared to those without DP.ResultsDP during AVRT were found only among the left‐sided AP (AP‐L). Patients with AP‐L were divided into Group 1 (n = 17) with DP during AVRT and Group 2 (n = 108) without DP. Patients in Group 1 had higher incidence of AF in history (47.1% vs. 23.1%; P = 0.0376), AF induced during electrophysiological (EP) study (70.6% vs. 25%; P = 0.0002). Group 1 had higher heart rate (HR) during AVRT in the EP study (197.2 ± 27 vs. 175.1 ± 26.3 bpm; P = 0.0019), but HR of clinical AVRT (208.5 ± 30.8 vs. 191.6 ± 27.8 bpm) was not significant different (P = ns). Additionally, electrical alternans of QRS amplitude during AVRT in the EP study was more frequent in Group 1 (52.9 vs. 20.4 %; P = 0.0048).ConclusionPatients with DP and AP‐L were more prone to develop AF. The presence of DP was associated with faster AVRT rate. The direction of atrium depolarization during AVRT may be different in the presence of DP and probably plays a role in development of AF in this group of patients.
Potential role of the methylation of VEGF gene promoter in response to hypoxia in oxygen‐induced retinopathy: beneficial effect of the absence of AQP4
Authors: Pisani Francesco , Cammalleri Maurizio , Dal Monte Massimo , Locri Filippo , Mola Maria Grazia , Nicchia Grazia Paola , Frigeri Antonio , Bagnoli Paola , Svelto Maria 
Published: September 2017

AbstractHypoxia‐dependent accumulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a major role in retinal diseases characterized by neovessel formation. In this study, we investigated whether the glial water channel Aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) is involved in the hypoxia‐dependent VEGF upregulation in the retina of a mouse model of oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR). The expression levels of VEGF, the hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), the production of nitric oxide (NO), the methylation status of the HIF‐1 binding site (HBS) in the VEGF gene promoter, the binding of HIF‐1α to the HBS, the retinal vascularization and function have been determined in the retina of wild‐type (WT) and AQP4 knock out (KO) mice under hypoxic (OIR) or normoxic conditions. In response to 5 days of hypoxia, WT mice were characterized by (i) AQP4 upregulation, (ii) increased levels of VEGF, HIF‐1α, iNOS and NO, (iii) pathological angiogenesis as determined by engorged retinal tufts and (iv) dysfunctional electroretinogram (ERG). AQP4 deletion prevents VEGF, iNOS and NO upregulation in response to hypoxia thus leading to reduced retinal damage although in the presence of high levels of HIF‐1α. In AQP4 KO mice, HBS demethylation in response to the beginning of hypoxia is lower than in WT mice reducing the binding of HIF‐1α to the VEGF gene promoter. We conclude that in the absence of AQP4, an impaired HBS demethylation prevents HIF‐1 binding to the VEGF gene promoter and the relative VEGF transactivation, reducing the VEGF‐induced retinal damage in response to hypoxia.
Future Dietitian 2025: informing the development of a workforce strategy for dietetics
Authors: Hickson M. , Child J. , Collinson A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundHealthcare is changing and the professions that deliver it need to adapt and change too. The aim of this research was to inform the development of a workforce strategy for Dietetics for 2020–2030. This included an understanding of the drivers for change, the views of stakeholders and recommendations to prepare the profession for the future.MethodsThe research included three phases: (i) establishing the context which included a literature and document review (environmental scan); (ii) discovering the profession and professional issues using crowd‐sourcing technology; and (iii) articulating the vision for the future using appreciative inquiry.ResultsThe environmental scan described the current status of the dietetic profession, the changing healthcare environment, the context in which dietitians work and what future opportunities exist for the profession. The online conversation facilitated by crowd‐sourcing technology asked the question: ‘How can dietitians strengthen their future role, influence and impact?’ Dietitians and interested stakeholders (726 and 109, respectively) made 6130 contributions. Seven priorities were identified and fed into the appreciative inquiry event. The event bought together 54 dietitians and analysis of the discussions generated five themes: (i) professional identity; (ii) strong foundations‐creating structure and direction for the profession; (iii) amplifying visibility and influence; (iv) embracing advances in science and technology; and (v) career advancement and emerging opportunities.ConclusionsA series of recommendations were made for the next steps in moving the workforce to a new future. The future for dietetics looks bright, embracing technology, as well as exploring different ways of working and new opportunities, as this dynamic profession continues to evolve.
Sounding out Sonority
Authors: Parker Steve 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis metastudy summarizes 264 recent experimental works involving sonority. The discussion here centers around an accompanying appendix that lists several details of each study, including the research question or hypothesis, outcome, language of focus, stimuli used to probe for the effect of sonority, methodology used to present test items and/or obtain results, participants' task, variables measured, and keywords. These metadata are presented in an Excel spreadsheet in order to give users flexibility to search and sort by details of interest, either alone or in various combinations. The overall findings of the 264 studies are naturally somewhat mixed but in general provide moderate support for the linguistic relevance of sonority.
Strigolactone‐triggered stomatal closure requires hydrogen peroxide synthesis and nitric oxide production in an abscisic acid‐independent manner
Authors: Lv Shuo , Zhang Yonghong , Li Chen , Liu Zhijun , Yang Nan , Pan Lixia , Wu Jinbin , Wang Jiajing , Yang Jingwei , Lv Yanting , Zhang Yutao , Jiang Wenqian , She Xiaoping , Wang Guodong 
Published: September 2017

Summary

Accumulating data indicate that strigolactones (SLs) are implicated in the response to environmental stress, implying a potential effect of SLs on stomatal response and thus stress acclimatization. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of SLs on stomatal response and their interrelation with abscisic acid (ABA) signaling.

The impact of SLs on the stomatal response was investigated by conducting SL‐feeding experiments and by analyzing SL‐related mutants. The involvement of endogenous ABA and ABA‐signaling components in SL‐mediated stomatal closure was physiologically evaluated using genetic mutants. Pharmacological and genetic approaches were employed to examine hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) production.

SL‐related mutants exhibited larger stomatal apertures, while exogenous SLs were able to induce stomatal closure and rescue the more widely opening stomata of SL‐deficient mutants. The SL‐biosynthetic genes were induced by abiotic stress in shoot tissues. Disruption of ABA‐biosynthetic genes, as well as genes that function in guard cell ABA signaling, resulted in no impairment in SL‐mediated stomatal response. However, disruption of MORE AXILLARY GROWTH2 (MAX2), DWARF14 (D14), and the anion channel gene SLOW ANION CHANNEL‐ASSOCIATED 1 (SLAC1) impaired SL‐triggered stomatal closure. SLs stimulated a marked increase in H2O2 and NO contents, which is required for stomatal closure.

Our results suggest that SLs play a prominent role, together with H2O2/NO production and SLAC1 activation, in inducing stomatal closure in an ABA‐independent mechanism.
Double burden of diseases worldwide: coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition‐related non‐communicable chronic diseases
Authors: Min Jungwon , Zhao Yaling , Slivka Lauren , Wang Youfa 
Published: September 2017

SummaryObjectiveThis systematic examination and meta‐analysis examined the scope and variation of the worldwide double burden of diseases and identified related socio‐demographic factors.DesignWe searched PubMed for studies published in English from January 1, 2000, through September 28, 2016, that reported on double disease burden. Twenty‐nine studies from 18 high‐income, middle‐income and low‐income countries met inclusion criteria and provided 71 obesity–undernutrition ratios, which were included in meta‐regression analysis.ResultsAll high‐income countries had a much higher prevalence of obesity than undernutrition (i.e. all the obesity/undernutrition ratios >1); 55% of the ratios in lower middle‐income and low‐income countries were <1, but only 28% in upper middle‐income countries. Meta‐analysis showed a pooled obesity–undernutrition ratio of 4.3 (95% CI = 3.1–5.5), which varied by country income level, subjects' age and over time. The average ratio was higher in high‐income rather than that in lower middle‐income and low‐income countries (β [SE] = 10.8 [2.6]), in adults versus children (7.1 [2.2]) and in data collected since 2000 versus before 2000 (5.2 [1.5]; all P values < 0.05).ConclusionsThere are considerable differences in the obesity versus undernutrition ratios and in their prevalence by country income level, age groups and over time, which may be a consequence of the cumulative exposure to an obesogenic environment.
Satoyoshi syndrome—A case report from India
Authors: Mani Venkatraman , George Renu 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSatoyoshi syndrome was first reported in Japan in 1967. It is a rare multisystem disorder of presumed autoimmune etiology that is characterized by alopecia, intermittent painful muscle spasms, diarrhea, and antinuclear antibody positivity. We report an 11‐year‐old girl with Satoyoshi syndrome who presented to the dermatology department for treatment of alopecia universalis. We present this case to emphasize the importance of recognizing Satoyoshi syndrome, which could go unnoticed if not suspected.
A Time‐varying Covariate Approach for Survival Analysis of Paediatric Outcomes
Authors: Zhao Jian , Zhao Yun , Lee Andy H , Binns Colin W 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundConventional survival analysis is commonly applied in the analysis of time‐to‐event data in paediatric studies, where the exposure variables of interest are often treated as time‐fixed. However, the values of these exposure variables can vary over time and time‐fixed analysis may introduce time‐dependent bias.MethodsTime‐dependent bias is illustrated graphically considering two scenarios in longitudinal study settings for paediatric time‐to‐event outcomes. As an illustrative example, the time‐varying covariate approach was applied to survival analysis of breast‐feeding data (n = 695) collected in China between 2010 and 2011, with an emphasis on the effects of covariates ‘solid foods introduction’ and ‘maternal return to work’ on breast‐feeding duration up to 12 months postpartum.ResultsTime‐varying exposures could occur before or after the occurrence of an event of interest so that time‐fixed analysis can lead to biased and imprecise parameter estimates. In the illustrative example, the reduced risk of ‘solid foods introduction’ (hazard ratio (HR) 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50, 0.75) on breast‐feeding cessation and an absence of an association with ‘maternal return to work’ (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.73, 1.36) from the time‐fixed analysis reversed (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.17, 1.93) and became significant (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.06, 2.00), respectively, based on the time‐varying covariate model.ConclusionsThe time‐varying covariate approach is preferable for survival analysis of time‐to‐event data in the presence of time‐varying exposures.