bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of IgG/IgE‐binding capacity and functional properties of enzymatic hydrolysis in skimmed cow milk system
Authors: Liang Xiaona , Qian Guanlin , Yang Hui , Chen Na , Ai Zhisong , Xing Yu , Huang Wei , Xu Lingfen , Li Min , Wang Zongzhou , Zheng Yan , Yue Xiqing 
Published: June 2023

AbstractCow's milk (CM) allergy is a common food allergy that seriously impacts the growth and development of infants and children. However, CM is an important source of nutrients, and few studies focus on the effects of enzymatic hydrolysis treatment on the whole skimmed CM system. In this study, the IgG/IgE‐binding and functional properties of Alcalase‐, Protamex‐, and Flavourzyme‐treated skimmed CM (AT, PT, and FT, respectively) were systematically evaluated. The results showed that the treatment groups were mainly composed of low molecular weight (MW) peptides (<3 kDa), accounting for 94.85%–97.90%. Additionally, the IgG reactivity of these peptides was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those of higher MW peptides (10–30 kDa and >30 kDa). The IgE reactivity of FT with higher MW peptides was the lowest among these groups, with the OD value reaching 0.089. Moreover, the total amino acid content of hydrolysates of skimmed CM (HM) increased significantly (skimmed CM, 5.94 µg/mL; AT, 123.70 µg/mL; PT: 136.20 µg/mL; FT, 988.72 µg/mL) compared to that in skimmed CM. A total of 10, 10, and 7 flavor compounds were increased in AT, PT, and FT, respectively. Furthermore, the solubility, foamability, and emulsifying ability of HM were significantly improved, being 2.17‐fold, 1.52‐fold, and 1.96‐fold higher in PT than in skimmed CM. These results lay a theoretical foundation for the development of hypoallergenic dairy products.
Delta‐radiomics‐based models for toxicity prediction in radiotherapy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tan Daryl , Mohamad Salleh Siti Athiyah , Manan Hanani Abdul , Yahya Noorazrul 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIntroductionDelta‐radiomics models are potentially able to improve the treatment assessment than single‐time point features. The purpose of this study is to systematically synthesize the performance of delta‐radiomics‐based models for radiotherapy (RT)‐induced toxicity.MethodsA literature search was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. Systematic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Embase databases in October 2022. Retrospective and prospective studies on the delta‐radiomics model for RT‐induced toxicity were included based on predefined PICOS criteria. A random‐effect meta‐analysis of AUC was performed on the performance of delta‐radiomics models, and a comparison with non‐delta radiomics models was included.ResultsOf the 563 articles retrieved, 13 selected studies of RT‐treated patients on different types of cancer (HNC = 571, NPC = 186, NSCLC = 165, oesophagus = 106, prostate = 33, OPC = 21) were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review. Included studies show that morphological and dosimetric features may improve the predictive model performance for the selected toxicity. Four studies that reported both delta and non‐delta radiomics features with AUC were included in the meta‐analysis. The AUC random effects estimate for delta and non‐delta radiomics models were 0.80 and 0.78 with heterogeneity, I2 of 73% and 27% respectively.ConclusionDelta‐radiomics‐based models were found to be promising predictors of predefined end points. Future studies should consider using standardized methods and radiomics features and external validation to the reviewed delta‐radiomics model.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of environmental factors associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Zhao Wenjia , Li Caifeng , Deng Jianghong 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectivesJuvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common pediatric rheumatic disease, thought to be influenced by both genetics and the environment. Identifying environmental factors associated with disease risk will improve knowledge of disease mechanisms and ultimately benefit patients. This review aimed to collate and synthesize the current evidence of environmental factors associated with JIA.MethodsMEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), Cumulative Index of Nursing and Related Health Literature (EBSCOhost), science network (WOS, Clarivate Analytics), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese Biological Medical Database were systematically searched. Study quality was rated using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Pooled estimates for each environmental factor were generated using a random‐effects, inverse‐variance method, where possible. The remaining environmental factors were synthesized in narrative form.ResultsThis review includes environmental factors from 23 studies (6 cohorts and 17 case‐control studies). Cesarean section delivery was associated with increased JIA risk (pooled relative risk [RR] 1.103, 95% CI 1.033‐1.177). Conversely, maternal smoking of more than 20 cigarettes/day (pooled RR 0.650, 95% CI 0.431‐0.981) and gestational smoking (pooled RR0.634, 95% CI 0.452‐0.890) were associated with decreased JIA risk.ConclusionThis review identifies several environmental factors associated with JIA and demonstrates the huge breadth of environmental research. We also highlight the challenges of combining data collected over this period due to limited study comparability, evolution in healthcare and social practices, and changing environment, which warrant consideration when planning future studies.
Associations of methadone and buprenorphine‐naloxone doses with unregulated opioid use, treatment retention, and adverse events in prescription‐type opioid use disorders: Exploratory analyses of the OPTIMA study
Authors: Bakouni Hamzah , McAnulty Christina , Tatar Ovidiu , Socias M. Eugenia , Le Foll Bernard , Lim Ron , Ahamad Keith , Jutras‐Aswad Didier ,   for the OPTIMA Research Group within the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesBuprenorphine/naloxone (BUP‐NX) and methadone are used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), yet there is insufficient evidence on the impact of doses on interventions' effectiveness and safety when treating OUD attributable to other opioids than heroin.MethodsWe explored associations between methadone and BUP‐NX doses and treatment outcomes using data from OPTIMA, a 24‐week, pragmatic, open‐label, multicenter, pan‐Canadian, randomized controlled, two‐arm parallel trial with participants (N = 272) with OUD who primarily use opioids other than heroin. Participants were randomized to receive flexible take‐home BUP‐NX (n = 138) or standard supervised methadone treatment (n = 134). We examined associations between highest BUP‐NX and methadone doses, and (1) percentage of opioid‐positive urine drug screens (UDS); (2) retention in the assigned treatment; and (3) adverse events (AEs).ResultsThe mean (SD) highest BUP‐NX and methadone dose were 17.31 mg/day (8.59) and 67.70 mg/day (34.70). BUP‐NX and methadone doses were not associated with opioid‐positive UDS percentages or AEs. Methadone dose was associated with higher retention in treatment (odds ratio [OR]: 1.025; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.010; 1.041), while BUP‐NX dose was not (OR: 1.055; 95% CI: 0.990; 1.124). Higher methadone doses (70–110 mg/day) offered higher odds of treatment retention.Discussion and ConclusionMethadone dose was associated with higher retention, which may be related to its full µ‐opioid receptor agonism. Future research should notably ascertain the effect of pace of titration on a wide range of outcomes.Scientific SignificanceOur results extend previous findings of high doses of methadone increasing retention to be applied in our population using opioids other than heroin, including highly potent opioids.
Bayesian neural tree models for nonparametric regression
Authors: Chakraborty Tanujit , Kamat Gauri , Chakraborty Ashis Kumar 
Published: June 2023

SummaryFrequentist and Bayesian methods differ in many aspects but share some basic optimal properties. In real‐life prediction problems, situations exist in which a model based on one of the above paradigms is preferable depending on some subjective criteria. Nonparametric classification and regression techniques, such as decision trees and neural networks, have both frequentist (classification and regression trees (CARTs) and artificial neural networks) as well as Bayesian counterparts (Bayesian CART and Bayesian neural networks) to learning from data. In this paper, we present two hybrid models combining the Bayesian and frequentist versions of CART and neural networks, which we call the Bayesian neural tree (BNT) models. BNT models can simultaneously perform feature selection and prediction, are highly flexible, and generalise well in settings with limited training observations. We study the statistical consistency of the proposed approaches and derive the optimal value of a vital model parameter. The excellent performance of the newly proposed BNT models is shown using simulation studies. We also provide some illustrative examples using a wide variety of standard regression datasets from a public available machine learning repository to show the superiority of the proposed models in comparison to popularly used Bayesian CART and Bayesian neural network models.
Association between misoprostol and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐induced kidney injury: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mitsuboshi Satoru , Kotake Kazumasa , Takahashi Takeru , Sato Koji , Sakamaki Toshiyuki 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAimsMisoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analogue that is used to prevent nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID)‐induced gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate whether use of misoprostol also decreases the risk of NSAID‐induced kidney injury.MethodsRandomized controlled trials that compared misoprostol vs. placebo in an adult patient population were selected. The primary outcome was kidney injury and the secondary outcome was severe adverse events. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.ResultsTwelve studies were eligible for inclusion. Although the rates of kidney injury and severe adverse events did not differ significantly between misoprostol and placebo, a posthoc subgroup analysis that excluded studies in which different NSAIDs were used in the misoprostol and placebo groups suggested that misoprostol may reduce the risk of NSAID‐induced kidney injury (risk difference −0.09, 95% confidence interval −0.15 to −0.03, P < .01, I2 = 87%; evidence of very low certainty).ConclusionThere is limited evidence that misoprostol reduces the risk of NSAID‐induced kidney injury. Misoprostol possibly contributes to reducing the risk of kidney injury associated with chronic NSAID use. The findings of this meta‐analysis suggest further high‐quality clinical trials are warranted.
Intersections on the road to skills’ transferability: The role of international training, gender, and visible minority status in shaping immigrant engineers’ career attainment in Canada
Authors: Konnikov Alla 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis paper focuses on the engineering profession in Canada, a regulated field with a large proportion of internationally trained professionals. Using Canadian census data, this study addresses two main questions. First, I ask whether immigrant engineers who were trained abroad are at increased disadvantage in gaining access (1) to employment in general, (2) to the engineering field, and (3) to professional and managerial employment within the field. Second, I ask how immigration status and the origin of training intersect with gender and visible minority status to shape immigrant engineers’ occupational outcomes. The results reveal that immigrant engineers who were trained abroad are at increased risk of occupational mismatch and this risk is two‐fold and intersectional. First, they are at a disadvantage to enter the engineering field. Second, those employed in the engineering field are more likely to occupy technical positions. These forms of disadvantage intensify and diversify for women and racial/ethnic minority immigrants. The paper concludes with a discussion of immigrants’ skills transferability in regulated fields from an intersectional perspective.
Clinical and preclinical evaluation of miR‐144‐5p as a key target for major depressive disorder
Authors: Wu Xiaodong , Zhang Yulong , Wang Ping , Li Xiaohui , Song Zhen , Wei Chuke , Zhang Qing , Luo Bei , Liu Zhichun , Yang Yingying , Ren Zhenhua , Liu Huanzhong 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundNeuronal abnormalities are closely associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). Available evidence suggests a role for microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating the expression of genes involved in MDD. Hence, miRNAs that can be potential therapeutic targets need to be identified.MethodsA mouse model of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) was used to evaluate the function of miRNAs in MDD. miR‐144‐5p was screened from the hippocampi of CUS mice based on sequencing results. Adenovirus‐associated vectors were used to overexpress or knockdown miR‐144‐5p in mice. BpV(pic) and LY294002 were used to determine the relationship between miR‐144‐5p target genes PTEN and TLR4 in neuronal impairment caused by miR‐144‐5p deficiency. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, ELISA immunosorbent assay, and Golgi staining were used to detect neuronal abnormalities. Serum samples from healthy individuals and patients with MDD were used to detect miR‐144‐5p levels in the serum and serum exosomes using qRT‐PCR.ResultsmiR‐144‐5p expression was significantly decreased within the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of CUS mice. Upregulation of miR‐144‐5p in the DG ameliorated depression‐like behavior in CUS mice and attenuated neuronal abnormalities by directly targeting PTEN and TLR4 expression. Furthermore, miR‐144‐5p knockdown in normal mice led to depression‐like behavior via inducing neuronal abnormalities, including abnormal neurogenesis, neuronal apoptosis, altered synaptic plasticity, and neuroinflammation. miR‐144‐5p deficiency‐mediated neuronal impairment was mediated by PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling. Furthermore, miR‐144‐5p levels were downregulated in the sera of patients with MDD and associated with depressive symptoms. Consistently, serum exosome‐derived miR‐144‐5p levels were decreased in patients with MDD.ConclusionmiR‐144‐5p plays a vital role in regulating neuronal abnormalities in depression. Our findings provide translational evidence that miR‐144‐5p is a new potential therapeutic target for MDD.
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation improves gait and cortical activity in Parkinson's disease: A pilot randomized study
Authors: Zhang Heng , Cao Xing‐yue , Wang Li‐na , Tong Qing , Sun Hui‐min , Gan Cai‐ting , Shan Ai‐di , Yuan Yong‐sheng , Zhang Ke‐zhong 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectiveIn this randomized, double‐blind, sham‐controlled trial, we explored the effect of 20 Hz transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on gait impairments in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and investigated the underlying neural mechanism.MethodsIn total, 22 PD patients and 14 healthy controls were enrolled. PD patients were randomized (1:1) to receive active or sham taVNS (same position as active taVNS group but without releasing current) twice a day for 1 week. Meanwhile, all subjects were measured activation in the bilateral frontal and sensorimotor cortex during usual walking by functional near‐infrared spectroscopy.ResultsPD patients showed instable gait with insufficient range of motion during usual walking. Active taVNS improved gait characteristics including step length, stride velocity, stride length, and step length variability compared with sham taVNS after completion of the 7‐day therapy. No difference was found in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III, Timed Up and Go, Tinetti Balance, and Gait scores. Moreover, PD patients had higher relative change of oxyhemoglobin in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, pre‐motor area, supplementary motor area, primary motor cortex, and primary somatosensory cortex than HCs group during usual walking. Hemodynamic responses in the left primary somatosensory cortex were significantly decreased after taVNS therapy.ConclusiontaVNS can relieve gait impairments and remodel sensorimotor integration in PD patients.
Dynamic evolution of the anterior cingulate‐insula network during seizures
Authors: Yang Yujiao , Chen Dong , Wang Jing , Wang Jie , Yan Zhaofen , Deng Qinqin , Zhang Liping , Luan Guoming , Wang Mengyang , Li Tianfu 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectivesIn physiological situations, the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and anterior insular cortex (AIC) are prone to coactivation. The functional connectivity and interaction between ACC and AIC in the context of epilepsy remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the dynamic coupling between these two brain regions during seizures.MethodsPatients who underwent stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) recording were included in this study. The SEEG data were visually inspected and quantitatively analyzed. The narrowband oscillations and aperiodic components at seizure onset were parameterized. The frequency‐specific non‐linear correlation analysis was applied to the functional connectivity. The excitation/inhibition ratio (E:I ratio) reflected by the aperiodic slope was performed to evaluate the excitability.ResultsTwenty patients were included in the study, with 10 diagnosed with anterior cingulate epilepsy and 10 with anterior insular epilepsy. In both types of epilepsy, the correlation coefficient (h2) between the ACC and AIC at seizure onset exhibited a significantly higher value than that during interictal and preictal periods (p < 0.05). The direction index (D) showed a significant increase at seizure onset, serving as an indicator for the direction of information flow between these two brain regions with up to 90% accuracy. The E:I ratio increased significantly at seizure onset, with the seizure‐onset zone (SOZ) demonstrating a more pronounced increase compared to non‐SOZ (p < 0.05). For seizures originating from AIC, the E:I ratio was significantly higher in the AIC than in the ACC (p = 0.0364).ConclusionsIn the context of epilepsy, the ACC and AIC are dynamically coupled during seizures. The functional connectivity and excitability exhibit a significant increase at seizure onset. By analyzing connectivity and excitability, the SOZ in ACC and AIC can be identified. The direction index (D) serves as an indicator for the direction of information flow from SOZ to non‐SOZ. Notably, the excitability of SOZ changes more significantly than that of non‐SOZ.
Promoting global ECD top‐down and bottom‐up
Authors: Oppong Seth 
Published: June 2023

AbstractEarly childhood science and intervention (ECSI) or simply early childhood development (ECD) is now a multi‐billion‐dollar industry that seeks to export one form of family model, parenting practices, and perspective of child development to the rest of the world. This practice occurs through the efforts of agencies such as the World Health Organization, United Nations Children's Fund, the World Bank Group, and the LEGO Foundation. As a result, Gabriel Scheidecker and colleagues (2023) are justified to characterize ECSI as global ECD that seeks to improve the brains of children in the majority world to break the vicious cycle of poverty. I complement Scheidecker et al.’s (2023) arguments by highlighting a key link that sustains global ECD—the academics and practitioners from the majority world who, knowingly or unknowingly, perpetuate this practice. In this commentary, I discuss why and how such academics and practitioners contribute to the practice of global ECD.
Exploring preferences of older adults for dental services: A pilot multi‐national discrete choice experiment
Authors: Chebib Najla , Holmes Emily , Maniewicz Sabrina , Abou‐Ayash Samir , Srinivasan Murali , McKenna Gerald , Kossioni Anastasia , Schimmel Martin , Müller Frauke , Brocklehurst Paul 
Published: June 2023

ObjectivesTo pilot an exploration of older adults' future preferences using discrete choice experiments to understand who should provide dental examinations and treatment, where these services should be provided, and participants' willingness to pay and willingness to travel.BackgroundThe proportion of older adults in the general population is increasing and is recognised as a pressing public health challenge.Materials and MethodsOlder people aged 65 years and over were recruited into this study from the UK, Switzerland and Greece. Drawing on earlier stakeholder engagement, a set of choice experiments are developed to explore the future preferences of older people for dental examinations and dental treatment, as they anticipated losing their independence. These were presented to the participants using a range of platforms, because of the COVID pandemic. Data were analysed in STATA using a random‐effects logit model.ResultsTwo hundred and forty‐six participants (median age 70 years) completed the pilot study. There was a strong preference across all countries for a dentist to undertake a dental examination (Greece: β = 0.944, Switzerland: β = 0.260, UK β = 0.791), rather than a medical doctor (Greece: β = −0.556, Switzerland: β = −0.4690, UK: β = −0.468). Participants in Switzerland and the UK preferred these examinations to be undertaken in a dental practice (Switzerland: β = 0.220, UK: β = 0.580) while participants in Greece preferred the dental examination to be undertaken in their homes (β = 1.172). Greek participants preferred dental treatment to be undertaken by a specialist (β = 0.365) in their home (β = 0.862), while participants from the UK and Switzerland preferred to avoid any dental treatment at home (Switzerland: β = −0.387; UK: β = −0.444). Willingness to pay analyses highlighted that participants in Switzerland and the UK were willing to pay more to ensure the continuity of future service provision at a family dental practice (Switzerland: β = 0.454, UK: β = 0.695).ConclusionDiscrete choice experiments are valuable for exploring older people's preferences for dental service provision in different countries. Future larger studies should be conducted to further explore the potential of this approach, given the pressing need to design services that are fit for purpose for older people. Continuity of dental service provision is considered as important by most older people, as they anticipate losing their dependence.
Mechanical properties of hot‐pressed transparent platelet alumina
Authors: Schlup Andrew P. , Costakis William J. , Youngblood Jeffrey P. , Trice Rodney W. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe mechanical properties of transparent alumina densified by hot‐pressing platelet‐morphology powder were characterized and compared to samples using equiaxed (E) powder. The platelet alumina was prepared in two different starting orientations prior to hot‐pressing. In the first, the platelets were poured into the die in a non‐pre‐aligned (NPA) state. In the second, the platelets were pre‐aligned (PA) via a separate processing step. The characteristic strength of the NPA, PA, and E samples is 179, 206, and 207 MPA, respectively. The Weibull modulus of the NPA samples is m = 24, which is among the highest Weibull modulus reported for alumina. The Weibull modulus of the NPA samples is higher than the PA and E samples (m = 7 and m = 4, respectively) and is explained by a tighter grain size distribution. The Vickers hardness of the NPA, PA, and E samples were measured both parallel and perpendicular to the hot‐pressing direction, with values on the order of 17 GPa, and minimal differences among different samples types. However, the pre‐aligned samples exhibited hardness values nearly identical to sapphire in the corresponding crystallographic directions. This is due to the pre‐alignment procedure resulting in significant crystallographic orientation in the final sintered parts.