bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasminogen Activation System in Human Milk
Authors: Heegaard Christian W. , Larsen Lotte B. , Rasmussen Lone K. , Højberg Karen‐Elise , Petersen Torben E. , Andreasen Peter A. 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundPlasmin is the major endogenous protease present in milk. The level of plasmin activity is controlled by the availability of the precursor plasminogen and by the levels of plasminogen activators and inhibitors. Recently, a differential distribution of tissue‐type plasminogen activator (t‐PA) and urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (u‐PA) has been demonstrated in bovine milk. To assess whether this distribution pattern is a general feature, the occurrence of components of the plasminogen activation system in different fractions of human milk was investigated.MethodsMilk samples were separated into the following fractions; milk fat, skim milk, and milk cells by centrifugation. The different fractions were detected for the presence of plasminogen and plasminogen activators by immunoblotting and zymography. The distribution of t‐PA and u‐PA was investigated by ligand binding analysis. t‐PA‐catalyzed plasminogen activation was examined by a coupled chromogenic assay.ResultsA differential distribution of plasminogen, t‐PA, and u‐PA was found. Casein micelles were found to exhibit t‐PA and plasminogen binding activity, whereas the u‐PA receptor was identified as the u‐PA binding component in the cell fraction. Furthermore, human casein enhanced t‐PA‐catalyzed plasminogen activation, comparable to the enhancing effect obtained with fibrinogen fragments.ConclusionThe finding of a differential distribution of u‐PA and t‐PA in milk suggests that the two activators may have different physiological functions, which involve protection against invading microorganisms and maintenance of patency and fluidity in the ducts of mammary gland, respectively.
Nutrient Accretion in Preterm Infants Fed Formula with Different Protein:Energy Ratios
Authors: Fairey Ann K. , Butte Nancy F. , Mehta Nitesh , Thotathuchery Mary , Schanler Richard J. , Heird William C. 
Published: February 2024

Background:Although standard formulas for preterm infants promote intrauterine rates of weight gain, fat deposition in preterm infants fed these formulas has been reported to be considerably higher than that in the fetus. We hypothesized that a preterm infant formula with a higher protein:energy (P:E) ratio would promote accretion rates of fat, fat‐free mass, and minerals closer to those of the fetus.Methods:As part of a larger study to determine whether accretion rates of fat and fat‐free mass closer to those of the fetus can be achieved with a higher P:E ratio, we present a descriptive analysis of 72‐h nutrient balance studies performed on a subset (n = 15/30) of the infants randomly assigned to be fed formula with a P:E ratio of either 3.2 g/100 kcal or 2.6 g/100 kcal.Results:Despite the higher intake and net absorption of nitrogen by infants fed the higher P:E formula, there was no statistically significant difference in net nitrogen retention between groups. There also were no statistically significant differences between groups in digestible energy, metabolizable energy, energy expenditure, or energy storage. Thus, partitioning of stored energy as protein and fat did not differ between groups. The retention of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, copper, and zinc also did not differ between groups, and nitrogen intake did not affect mineral retention.Conclusions:In this study, formula for preterm infants with a P:E ratio of 3.2 g/100 kcal vs. 2.6 g/100 kcal provided no apparent benefit in terms of the proportion of fat to lean tissue accretion as determined from nutrient balance data.
The Effect of Zinc‐Supplemented Bread Consumption on School Children with Asymptomatic Zinc Deficiency
Authors: Kiliç İlknur , Özalp İmran , Coŝkun Turgay , Tokatli Ayşeül , Emre Serap , Saldamli İlbilge , Köksel Hamit , O¨zboy Ozen 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Zinc deficiency has been seen in developing countries in which grain‐based vegetable protein is consumed more often than animal protein. This study was done to emphasize the importance of zinc‐fortified foods and to investigate bioavailability of zinc in zinc‐fortified bread.Methods:Serum zinc concentrations in healthy 7‐ to 11‐year‐old school children were determined. In 24 of 101 children serum zinc concentrations were below 65μg/dl. These 24 children with asymptomatic zinc deficiency were divided into two equal groups. The 12 children with low serum zinc concentrations received the zinc‐fortified bread providing 2 mg/kg/day elemental zinc acetate for 90 days (zinc‐supplemented group), whereas the other 12 children received the same quality bread with no zinc fortification (control group).Results:By the end of the period, the zinc‐supplemented group had significantly higher serum and leukocyte zinc concentrations (p < 0.01) and the weight, serum albumin levels, and alkaline phosphatase increased (p< 0.01). Immune functions improved, evidenced by conversion of delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions. Zinc‐fortified bread (2 mg/kg/day) caused no side effects or manifestations of zinc toxicity.Conclusions:The results indicate that the bioavailability of zinc in the bread is satisfactory. The use of zinc‐fortified bread was found to be an economical and readily accessible method to eliminate zinc deficiency and to prevent further occurrence.
Persistent Hepatitis G Virus Infection After Neonatal Transfusion
Authors: Woelfle Joachim , Berg Thomas , Keller Klaus M. , Schreier Eckhard , Lentze Michael J. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Recently two Flaviviridae‐like viruses have been discovered and named GB virus C and hepatitis G virus. Molecular characterization showed them to be different subtypes of the same virus. An association with posttransfusion hepatitis and with sporadic and fulminant hepatitis was reported, but most infected people remain asymptomatic. Data concerning hepatitis G virus infection in infants and children have not been reported to date. The prevalence of hepatitis G virus infection in children after transfusion of blood products in the neonatal period was studied.Methods:Serum samples from 251 children, who had received blood products in the first 4 weeks of life and who had been reexamined as part of another study at a mean interval of 37 months (range, 10‐70) after last transfusion, were analyzed for hepatitis G virus infection. Follow‐up examinations were performed in 14 of 19 hepatitis G virus‐positive children 12 to 17 years after the last transfusion. Presence of hepatitis G virus RNA in serum was determined by a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay with nested primers from the helicase region of the hepatitis G virus. To prove specificity of the hepatitis G virus, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay and compare follow‐ups with initial sequences, direct sequencing of the NS3 and NS5 regions of the hepatitis G virus was performed.Results:Hepatitis G virus RNA was detected in 19 of 251 patients (7.6%); sequence analysis showed the isolates to be of hepatitis G virus type. None of the patients with hepatitis G virus infection had evidence of liver disease, although 3 patients were coinfected with hepatitis C virus. Four of 14 patients who were reinvestigated after a mean of 15 years showed persistent hepatitis G virus infection. Each of the 4 children was healthy. In none were clinical signs of liver disease observed; liver function test results were within the normal range.Conclusions:Children receiving blood transfusions in the neonatal period are at increased risk of hepatitis G virus infection with a high rate of chronic infection. However, as in the findings in several studies of adult transfusion recipients, in the current results, no association between hepatitis G virus infection and clinical or biochemical signs of hepatitis or extrahepatic disease could be seen.
Proabsorptive Effects of Modified Tapioca Starch as an Additive of Oral Rehydration Solutions
Authors: Wapnir Raul A. , Wingertzahn Mark A. , Moyse Jeffrey , Teichberg Saul 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Partially hydrolyzed starches from staple cereals, obtained by heat or by enzymatic treatment, are often used in the formulation of homemade or extemporaneously used oral rehydration solutions used in developing countries. Conflicting or anecdotal results obtained thus far could be clarified with a standardized preparation tested under well‐controlled laboratory conditions.Methods:A modified commercial tapioca starch was tested. Textra (National Starch and Chemical Co. Bridgewater, NJ, U.S.A.) added at 0, 5 or 10 g/l to an oral rehydration solution with 90 mM sodium and 111 mM glucose, in 30 rats malnourished by a protein‐deficient diet for 3 weeks and in 26 well‐fed control animals, using a one‐pass jejunal perfusion.Results:In protein‐deficient rats, Textra stimulated sodium absorption at 5 and 10 g/l (mean ± SEM); 0 g/l Textra: 160 ± 13 nmol/min × cm; 5 g/l Textra: 406 ± 31 (p < 0.0001); and 10 g/l Textra 230 ± 27 (p < 0.02). Potassium absorption was comparably increased. Textra also improved net water absorption and the water influx:efflux ratio. Glucose absorption was increased only at 10 g/l Textra. In control rats, Textra improved sodium and net water absorption at 5 g/l, but not at 10 g/l Textra; but the influx:efflux ratio and potassium absorption were unaltered.Conclusions:These data, obtained in normal and protein‐deficient rats, support the view that modified starch is a potentially useful, energy‐rich additive for oral rehydration solution, which does not introduce an osmotic penalty.
Intraduodenal Lipase Activity in Celiac Disease Assessed by Means of 13C Mixed‐Triglyceride Breath Test
Authors: Perri Francesco , Pastore Maria , Festa Virginia , Clemente Rocco , Quitadamo Michele , D'Altilia Mario R. , Niro Grazia , Paolucci Paolo , Andriulli Angelo 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:In patients with celiac disease, the occurrence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency has been related to an impairment of the gut‐mediated stimulatory effect of the meal on the pancreas. The purpose of this study was to assess the intraduodenal lipase activity in patients with celiac disease by means of the 13C mixed‐triglyceride breath test and to monitor pancreatic function after the institution of a gluten‐free diet.Methods:Seventeen untreated patients with celiac disease (mean age, 17.4 ± 10.5 years) were studied. After an overnight fast, patients were given a standard test meal consisting of 100 g of white bread and 0.25 g of butter per kilogram of body weight, to which 16 mg di‐stearyl‐13C‐octanoyl‐glyceride (mixed triglyceride) had been added. Breath samples were taken twice at baseline and at 30‐minute intervals for 6 hours after the meal. 13C enrichment in breath was determined by means of Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (IRMS) (ANCANT; Europa Scientific, Crewe, UK). Results were expressed as the maximum percentage of 13C recovery per hour at any time, the time to reach peak excretion of 13C, and the percentage of 13C cumulative dose over 6 hours.Results:Mixed‐triglyceride breath test results were pathologic in three patients and at the lower limit of the normal range in another patient. In the remaining 13 patients, the results were within normal values. At the 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐ups, all patients showed normal intraduodenal lipase activity.Conclusions:In approximately 24% of patients with celiac disease, the intraduodenal pancreatic lipolytic activity is impaired. The mixed‐triglyceride breath test could be used to assess fat maldigestion and to monitor the need for enzyme replacement therapy in such patients.
Unmasking the pivotal role of ad–target ethnic congruence in driving consumers' response to fear appeals
Authors: Talebi Arash , Mukherjee Sourjo , Das Gopal 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFear appeals are persuasive messages that scare consumers into compliance with the appeals' recommendation by highlighting a personally relevant threat. Several factors, including personality traits and message features, can influence the effectiveness of fear appeals. This article proposes an additional element that contributes to the persuasiveness of fear appeals: ethnic congruence between the fear appeal and the target audience. Specifically, this research examines the interplay of high fear arousal appeals and ad–target congruence on message persuasiveness. We operationalize congruence by ethnicity match (vs. mismatch). A series of three experiments and a follow‐up study reveal that while high fear arousal appeals are more persuasive than low‐arousal appeals in general, their effectiveness is accentuated when the target audience feels congruent with the elements of the appeal. We argue that when encountering fear appeals, consumers' perceived ethnic congruence with the elements of the advertisement (e.g., ad character–target ethnic similarity) affects whether they identify with the ad and thus influences their perceived vulnerability to the publicized threat. This, in turn, influences the level of the induced emotion (i.e., fear), which subsequently drives persuasiveness. We document this effect using both self‐reported and behavioral measures. We also rule out an alternative account based on appraisal‐tendency theory, which predicts that the uncertainty dimension characterizing the emotions—for example, fear (anger) is associated with high (low) uncertainty—explains the results. The findings highlight the importance of representing diverse characters in marketing and public policy campaigns relying on fear appeals.
Model Credibility
Authors: Courcelles Eulalie , Horner Marc , Afshari Payman , Kulesza Alexander , Curreli Cristina , Vaghi Cristina , Morales-Orcajo Enrique , Pappalardo Francesco , Maquer Ghislain , Russo Giulia , Geris Liesbet , Viceconti Marco , Neidlin Michael , Favre Philippe , Lesage Raphaëlle , Kreuzer Steve , Carbone Vincenzo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe need for a framework to justify that a model has sufficient credibility to be used as a basis for internal or external (typically regulatory) decision-making is a primary concern when using modelling and simulation (M&S) in healthcare. This chapter reviews published standards on verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification (VVUQ) as well as regulatory guidance that can be used to establish model credibility in this context, providing a potential starting point for a globally harmonised model credibility framework.
Promoting Social Inclusion and Mutual Understanding: Intertwined Efforts at Local, National and International Level
Authors: Agrusti Gabriella , Caramelo João , Marra Andrea Ciasca 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis chapter considers the European framework of policies for inclusion, illustrating how those are translated into practices a national and local level. It offers a rich and yet necessarily partial appreciation of some of the most highly respect projects funded by the Erasmus+ programme. They read as success stories and a possible path for further developments. Finally, the point of view of local administrators and educators on the possible impact of the policy and resulting project initiatives is presented, proposing a snapshot of lessons learned in the eyes of stakeholders.
Chronic otorrhea and osteomyelitis of the external auditory canal by Achromobacter xylosoxidans: an uncommon diagnosis
Authors: Grau-van Laak Coloma , Ruiz-García Carmen , Lassaletta Luis , Morales-Puebla J. Manuel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Achromobacter xylosoxidans is an emerging pathogen mainly associated with resistant nosocomial infections. This bacteria had been isolated in the ear together with other pathogens in cultures from patients with chronic otitis media, but it had never been reported as a cause of osteomyelitis of the external auditory canal.

Case presentation
We present a unique case of a healthy 81-year-old woman who presented with left chronic otorrhea refractory to topical and oral antibiotic treatment. Otomicroscopy revealed an erythematous and exudative external auditory canal (EAC) with scant otorrhea. The tympanic membrane was intact, but an area of bone remodeling with a small cavity anterior and inferior to the bony tympanic frame was observed. Otic culture isolated multi-drug-resistant A. xylosoxidans, only sensitive to meropenem and cotrimoxazole. Temporal bone computed tomography showed an excavation of the floor of the EAC compatible with osteomyelitis. Targeted antibiotherapy for 12 weeks was conducted, with subsequent resolution of symptoms and no progression of the bone erosion.

Conclusions
Atypical pathogens such as A. xylosoxidans can be the cause of chronic otitis externa. Early diagnosis and specific antibiotherapy can prevent the development of further complications, such as osteomyelitis. In these cases, otic cultures play an essential role to identify the causal germ. This is the first case of EAC osteomyelitis due to A. xylosoxidans reported to date.
Gender Incongruence and Autistic Traits: Cerebral and Behavioral Underpinnings
Authors: Khorashad Behzad S. , Wang Yanlu , Holmberg Mats , Dhejne Cecilia , Savic Ivanka 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGender dysphoria and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) co-occur at high rates. Yet, it is unknown whether gender dysphoria and ASD are associated with common or distinct neurobiological correlates or how they relate to experiences of gender-related body incongruence. Using the Social Responsiveness Scale, we assessed autistic traits in 99 transgender and 99 cisgender individuals and investigated their associations with gender-related body incongruence, measured via a visually based “Body Morph” test, and with cortical thickness in the brain. Autistic traits were significantly higher among transgender individuals, and those with higher autistic traits had higher body incongruence scoring. Among transgender individuals, higher autistic traits were linked with a thinner cortex bilaterally in the temporal pole and the superior and inferior temporal gyri. Autistic traits were only partly associated with cortical morphology patterns previously reported in transgender individuals; instead, they were primarily linked to temporal lobe areas mediating social cognition. While replicating the previous literature on the increased prevalence of autistic traits among transgender individuals, this study reports specific regions in the brains of transgender individuals where cortical thickness is associated with autistic traits.
The impact of diets containing Hermetia illucens meal on the growth, intestinal health, and microbiota of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)
Authors: Rimoldi Simona , Di Rosa Ambra Rita , Oteri Marianna , Chiofalo Biagina , Hasan Imam , Saroglia Marco , Terova Genciana 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe present study investigated the effect of replacing fishmeal (FM) with insect meal of Hermetia illucens (HI) in the diet of Sparus aurata farmed inshore on growth, gut health, and microbiota composition. Two isolipidic (18% as fed) and isoproteic (42% as fed) diets were tested at the farm scale: a control diet without HI meal and an experimental diet with 11% HI meal replacing FM. At the end of the 25-week feeding trial, final body weight, specific growth rate, feed conversion rate, and hepatosomatic index were not affected by the diet. Gross morphology of the gastrointestinal tract and the liver was unchanged and showed no obvious signs of inflammation. High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons (MiSeq platform, Illumina) used to characterize the gut microbial community profile showed that Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla of the gut microbiota of gilthead seabream, regardless of diet. Dietary inclusion of HI meal altered the gut microbiota by significantly decreasing the abundance of Cetobacterium and increasing the relative abundance of the Oceanobacillus and Paenibacillus genera. Our results clearly indicate that the inclusion of HI meal as an alternative animal protein source positively affects the gut microbiota of seabream by increasing the abundance of beneficial genera, thereby improving gut health and maintaining growth performance of S. aurata from coastal farms.
Reduced Identification as a Mother Mediates the Effect of Prenatal Risk Factors on Mother and Infant Socio-Emotional Functioning
Authors: Cruwys Tegan , Corkin Natalie , Pasalich Dave S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTo support good outcomes for mothers and babies, it is essential to understand the prenatal factors that place both at risk, such as birth trauma, the mother’s attachment history, and unplanned motherhood. However, for health professionals supporting mothers, interventions must target malleable intervening factors. One of these, we propose, is social identification as a mother. Among women who had become mothers in past 12 months (N = 317), we assessed prenatal risk factors, social identification as a mother, and three socio-emotional outcomes: mother’s depression, infant temperament, and mother-infant attachment. Consistent with hypotheses, all prenatal risk factors negatively predicted social identification as a mother, which was itself positively associated with socio-emotional functioning. Model fit was excellent. Reduced social identification as a mother may be a key mechanism through which prenatal risk factors produce poorer outcomes for mothers and babies. Interventions may be enhanced by supporting the development of strong and positive social identities.
Strong Political Liberalism
Authors: Kugelberg Henrik D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPublic reason liberalism demands that political decisions be publicly justified to the citizens who are subjected to them. Much recent literature emphasises the differences between the two main interpretations of this requirement, justificatory and political liberalism. In this paper, I show that both views share structural democratic deficits. They fail to guarantee political autonomy, the expressive quality of law, and the justification to citizens, because they allow collective decisions made by incompletely theorised agreements. I argue that the result can only be avoided by changing public reason’s role in collective decision-making. Instead of incompletely theorised agreements, we should demand agreement both on the public reasons themselves and on the other premises that justify political decisions. In this way, it is always possible to point to a procedure-independent reason that justifies democratic decisions, and the reasoning of the state is public and contestable. Finally, I explain how this, in turn, implies that only political liberalism can be rescued—by accepting what I will call strong political liberalism. Modifying justificatory liberalism in the necessary way will inevitably open the door to an objectionable form of perfectionism.