bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of valaciclovir, valganciclovir, and artesunate efficacy in reactivated HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 infections associated with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis
Authors: Maltsev Dmitry 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to compare the efficacy of valaciclovir, valganciclovir, and artesunate in treating chronic reactivated human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV‐6) and human herpesvirus type 7 (HHV‐7) infection associated with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). From 255 patients (192 cases) with reactivated HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 infections (confirmed based on blood leukocyte PCR), valaciclovir, valganciclovir, or artesunate was administered at a dose of 3000, 900, and 100 mg/day, respectively, for 3 months (study group). The control group consisted of similar patients with ME/CFS (n = 63) not taking any antiviral drugs. The significance of differences was evaluated by Student's t‐test and the nonparametric criterion—the number of Z‐signs. Negative PCR results in patients with HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 treated with valaciclovir was achieved in 26% and 23% (first month), 34%, and 28% (second month), 37% and 34% of cases (third month), respectively (P < 0.05; Z < Z0.05). The same results with valganciclovir were obtained in 35% and 33% (first month), 44% and 39% (second month), 48% and 45% of cases (third month), but with artesunate in 44% and 41% (first month), 57% and 53% (second month), 68% and 63% of cases (third month), respectively (P < 0.05; Z < Z0.05). Artesunate is more effective than valganciclovir and valacyclovir in patients with ME/CFS with reactivated HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 infections.
Evidence for long‐lasting alterations in the fecal microbiota following prenatal alcohol exposure
Authors: Bodnar Tamara S. , Lee Christopher , Wong Athena , Rubin Ilan , Wegener Parfrey Laura , Weinberg Joanne 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere is growing evidence that the gut microbiota can be shaped by early‐life experiences/exposures, with long‐term consequences for brain, behavior, and health. Changes in the gut microbiota have also been identified in neurodevelopmental disorders including Autism Spectrum Disorder and schizophrenia. In contrast, no studies to date have investigated whether the gut microbiota is altered in individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), the neurodevelopmental disorder that results from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). The current study was designed to assess the impact of PAE on the fecal microbiota.MethodsWe used a rodent model in which pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were provided with an EtOH‐containing diet or a control diet throughout gestation. Fecal samples were collected from adult male and female animals and 16s rRNA sequencing was performed.ResultsOverall, PAE rats showed greater richness of bacterial species, with community structure investigations demonstrating distinct clustering by prenatal treatment. In addition, prenatal treatment and sex‐specific alterations were observed for many specific microbes. For example, in males, Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium, and in females, Faecalitalea and Proteus, differed in abundance between PAE and control rats.ConclusionsTaken together, these results show for the first time that PAE has a long‐lasting and sex‐specific impact on the fecal microbiota. Further research is needed that considers fetal microbiota in the development of new interventions in FASD.
Stressful life events and depression in late pregnancy: Comparison between rural and metropolitan women using data from an Australian cohort study
Authors: Catanzariti Gabriella , Watson Stuart , Oehmen Raoul , MacMillan Kelli , Galbally Megan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo identify whether a diagnosis of depression combined with rurality, compared with either depression or living in metropolitan areas alone, is associated with experiencing more stressful life events in pregnancy.DesignThis study uses data from 402 pregnant women (206 metropolitan and 196 rural), enrolled in the Western Australian arm of the Mercy Pregnancy and Emotional Wellbeing Study. Mercy Pregnancy and Emotional Wellbeing Study is a prospective, longitudinal cohort with women recruited during early pregnancy (<20 weeks) across 3 groups: those with diagnosed depression, those taking antidepressant medication and control.ParticipantsWomen were recruited from 3 metropolitan and 3 rural hospitals in Western Australia from 2017 to 2018 and 2018 to 2020, respectively. This study uses antenatal data collected at recruitment and during third trimester (weeks 32‐34).Main outcome measuresThe Stressful Life Events Scale was used to measure the number of self‐reported stressful events. The degree of perceived stress due to the stressful event was also reported.ResultsCompared to pregnant metropolitan women diagnosed with depression, pregnant rural women with depression were more likely to report experiencing at least 1 stressful life event. Despite this, pregnant women with depression in both regions reported similar numbers of stressful life events.ConclusionsThis study highlights women in rural Western Australia diagnosed with depression might be more vulnerable to experiencing stressful life events than rural women without depression and their metropolitan counterparts. Due to known adverse effects of antenatal depression and stress on maternal well‐being and child outcomes, there is a clear need for targeted, preventative interventions for Australian rural women during this period.
Conjuring criminals
Authors: DRYBREAD K. 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTBy compiling official paperwork, bureaucrats in institutional settings effectively make their clients into the particular “types” of subjects best suited to preestablished institutional interventions. The efficacy of such paperwork stems from bureaucrats’ unspoken—and perhaps unacknowledged—belief in sympathetic magic, or a person's ability to transform another person or object by working on a representation of them (in this case, their institutional case file). The practice of sympathetic magic via official paperwork is particularly pervasive in disciplinary settings, like prisons, where institutional imperatives and cultural biases encourage professionals to substitute documentation for face‐to‐face interactions with their clients. How such magic works in practice becomes evident in an examination of case files belonging to adolescents incarcerated in a Brazilian juvenile prison during the first decade of the 21st century. In this case, each document added to an incarcerated individual's case file contributes to transforming him into an irredeemable criminal. [bureaucracy, magic, documents, documentation, crime, criminalization, prison, Brazil]
The ethical gene
Authors: Brandt Reuven 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this paper I argue that current law and policy governing germline genetic modification are overly broad and in fact prohibit medical interventions normally considered unobjectionable. The root of the problem lies in the fact law and policy tend to espouse a near categorical ban on medical interventions that alter germline DNA. However, if we pay close attention to the biological mechanisms at play we see that many standard medical interventions result in alterations to DNA that can be transmitted to future generations. The correct focus of policy and regulation thus ought to be determining which kinds of transmissible genetic modifications ought to be permitted, and not whether they should be permitted at all. Given that the scientific classification of biological structures involved in the inheritance of traits is unlikely to be in itself ethically significant, ethicists ought to develop a definition of 'gene' fit for ethical purposes.
Protein kinase Cα activation switches YAP1 from TEAD‐mediated signaling to p73‐mediated signaling
Authors: Sinclear Caleb Kwame , Maruyama Junichi , Nagashima Shunta , Arimoto‐Matsuzaki Kyoko , Kuleape Joshua Agbemefa , Iwasa Hiroaki , Nishina Hiroshi , Hata Yutaka 
Published: February 2022

AbstractYes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1) interacts with TEAD transcription factor in the nucleus and upregulates TEAD‐target genes. YAP1 is phosphorylated by large tumor suppressor (LATS) kinases, the core kinases of the Hippo pathway, at 5 serine residues and is sequestered and degraded in the cytoplasm. In human cancers with the dysfunction of the Hippo pathway, YAP1 becomes hyperactive and confers malignant properties to cancer cells. We have observed that cold shock induces protein kinase C (PKC)‐mediated phosphorylation of YAP1. PKC phosphorylates YAP1 at 3 serine residues among LATS‐mediate phosphorylation sites. Importantly, PKC activation recruits YAP1 to the cytoplasm even in LATS‐depleted cancer cells and reduces the cooperation with TEAD. PKC activation induces promyelocytic leukemia protein‐mediated SUMOylation of YAP1. SUMOylated YAP1 remains in the nucleus, binds to p73, and promotes p73‐target gene transcription. Bryostatin, a natural anti‐neoplastic reagent that activates PKC, induces YAP1/p73‐mediated apoptosis in cancer cells. Bryostatin reverses malignant transformation caused by the depletion of LATS kinases. Therefore, bryostatin and other reagents that activate PKC are expected to control cancers with the dysfunction of the Hippo pathway.
Mealtime best practices and infection control in early care and education centres during COVID‐19
Authors: Farrer Mackie Joanna , Marshall Jennifer , Alkon Abbey , Gray Heewon , Himmelgreen David , Kirby Russell S. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundMost young children in the United States attend early care and education (ECE) programmes, where they consume the majority of daily calories. Best practices to support children's healthy eating include teachers sitting together with children, eating the same food, and appropriately supporting children in serving and feeding themselves. To understand how the COVID‐19 pandemic changed mealtime practices in ECE, this study (1) describes what adaptations ECE directors and teachers made to mealtimes to include best practices, and (2) identifies common adaptations made to comply with COVID‐19 infection control guidelines.MethodsThis cross‐sectional, mixed‐methods study utilized survey and interview questions based on the trust model and social cognitive theory. More than 7000 surveys were distributed to ECE directors and teachers in Florida. Surveys were completed by 759 directors and 431 teachers. Also, 29 follow‐up interviews with teachers were completed. Participants were asked to describe their mealtimes before and during COVID‐19. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were used to analyse survey data, and thematic analysis was applied to interview data.ResultsLess than 5% of survey respondents reported children serving themselves, a pre‐COVID best practice. Interviews identified three common adaptations: (1) modification—best practices were incorporated into new routines, such as eating together but sitting farther away, (2) elimination—routines changed so that best practices were no longer possible, such as teachers wearing masks and standing during meals, and (3) minimal change—minimal changes due to COVID‐19 occurred and consequently mealtime practices did not change.ConclusionsCurrent recommendations do not allow children to self‐serve, which previously was a key best practice. ECE centres that have successfully integrated COVID‐19 modifications and maintained mealtime best practices—perhaps in a new form—can serve as examples for others. These findings are generalizable to ECE centres in Florida and could be compared with other states.
Characterizing the oral and distal gut microbiota of the threatened southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) to enhance conservation practice
Authors: Dudek Natasha K. , Switzer Alexandra D. , Costello Elizabeth K. , Murray Michael J. , Tomoleoni Joseph A. , Staedler Michelle M. , Tinker M. Tim , Relman David A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) is a threatened sub‐species in coastal ecosystems. To understand better the role of diet, monitor health, and enhance management of this and other marine mammal species, we characterized the oral (gingival) and distal gut (rectal and fecal) microbiota of 158 wild southern sea otters living off the coast of central California, USA, and 12 captive sea otters, some of which were included in a diet shift experiment. We found that the sea otter fecal microbiota was distinct from that of three other otter species, and that captivity does not significantly alter the community structure of the sea otter gingival or distal gut microbiota. Metagenomic analysis unexpectedly revealed that the majority of sea otter fecal DNA is derived from prey, rather than from indigenous bacteria or host cells as with most other mammals. We speculate that a reduced bacterial biomass in the sea otter gut reflects rapid gut transit time and a particular strategy for foraging and energy harvest. This study establishes a reference for the healthy sea otter microbiota, highlights how a marine lifestyle may shape the mammalian microbiota, and may inform future health assessments and conservation management of sea otter populations.
Comparison of self‐perceived competence of recent dental graduates from the Universities of Otago and Dalhousie
Authors: Adam Lee Ann , Georgy Michael Adel Shawky , Konthasingha Priyangika , Meldrum Alison Margaret , Oranje Joanne Maree , Sejpal Rohan Mehul 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIntroductionThis study investigates and compares the self‐perceived competencies of recent dental graduates from the University of Otago (UoO) (Dunedin, New Zealand) and Dalhousie University (DU) (Nova Scotia, Canada).Materials and MethodsA validated survey was emailed to recent graduates from the UoO (December 2019) and DU (May 2020). Chi‐squared statistical analysis examined the differences between groups.ResultsThe response rate was 73% from the UoO class and 75% from the DU class. Out of 59 competencies, 11 items showed a significant difference. Orthodontics and the surgical aspects of dentistry were the main areas where significant differences have been observed between the two cohorts. Out of the four items in orthodontics, a significantly higher proportion of DU graduates felt more competent than graduates from UoO in three items (“performing orthodontic treatment planning,” “performing space maintenance/regaining” and “performing orthodontic full‐arch alignment”; p < .001). Similarly, graduates from DU felt significantly more competent in three of the eight items in the oral and maxillofacial surgery domain (“managing complications of oral surgery,” “performing soft‐tissue biopsies” and “managing trauma to the dentofacial complex”; p < .001), all requiring surgical training and skills.ConclusionOf the differences identified, graduates from DU reported higher levels of self‐perceived competence compared with their UoO counterparts, especially in the orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery domains. This could be because DU students have more practice in these specialties during their training. The results suggest that increased exposure for UoO students in these areas may be beneficial to their self‐perceived competence.
Effect of Fe3+ and F− on black micro‐arc oxidation ceramic coating of magnesium alloy
Authors: Zhang Zhenqian , He Fei , Huang Changxu , Song Zekai , Yang Jinxiao , Wang Xudong 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis study focuses on a black micro‐arc oxidation ceramic coating prepared on the surface of magnesium alloy by the technology of micro‐arc oxidation in the electrolyte containing F– and Fe3+ as well as its mechanism of F– and Fe3+. It needs coatings to experience detail analyses on their thickness, roughness, corrosion resistance, thermal control property, valence states of elements, phase composition, and morphology of coatings, respectively, through coating thickness gauge, roughness tester, electrochemical workstation, AE radiometer, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results showed that with the help of F– in electrolyte, Fe3+ can be complexed and MgF2 can be obtained in the coating, which reduces the pores on the surface of micro‐arc oxidation coating. In addition, Fe3+ in the electrolyte contributes to the preparation of Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 in the coating, which can blacken the surface of the coating. Both F– and Fe3+ benefit to improve the corrosion resistance and thermal control performance of micro‐arc oxidation coating. There is higher iron oxide in the outer layer but higher fluoride in the inner layer of the coating.
Comparative evaluation of the fracture resistance of newly developed prefabricated fibreglass crowns and zirconium crowns
Authors: Çiftçi Zülfikar Zahit , Şahin İpek , Karayılmaz Hüseyin 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundPrefabricated fibreglass crowns (PFCs) require less tooth structure reduction than prefabricated zirconium crowns (PZCs) for restoring primary molars. Little is known, however, about their mechanical properties.AimTo investigate the fatigue survival and fracture resistance of PZCs and PFCs cemented with two different types of luting cement [glass‐ionomer cement (GIC) and resin‐modified GIC (RMGIC)].DesignOne hundred and twenty extracted human primary molars were randomly divided into subgroups (n = 15) according to the crown type (PFCs/PZCs), the luting cement (GIC/RMGIC) and crowns subjected to the chewing simulation test with thermocycling mechanical loading (CSTTML). The surfaces of the teeth were reduced by approximately 2 mm in the PZC group and 1 mm in the PFC group. All the samples were subjected to fracture tests.ResultsNone of the samples subjected to CSTTML exhibited signs of surface damage, fracture or premature debonding. The forces required to fracture PFCs were higher than those required for PZCs in all groups (p = .001). The highest mean fracture resistance values were obtained from the group of PFCs cemented with GIC that were subjected to the CSTTML (2515.8 N ± 619.2 N).ConclusionsPFCs presented high fatigue survival and could be used as alternatives to PZCs as they require less tooth structure reduction. Crowns cemented with GIC had a similar fracture resistance value when compared with RMGIC.
Testing trapping protocols for detecting the Citrus Longhorn Beetle, Anoplophora chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Marchioro Matteo , Bianchi Alessandro , Ciampitti Mariangela , Faccoli Massimo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCitrus Longhorn Beetle (CLB), Anoplophora chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a highly polyphagous species native to eastern and south‐eastern Asia. In 2000, an outbreak of A. chinensis was detected in Lombardy Region (Italy). In 2017, an extensive trapping experiment was conducted at three infested sites in order to evaluate the effectiveness of three variables: trap model (Econex soft cross‐vane trap, Witasek cross‐vane trap and Witasek multi‐funnel trap), trap position (on a wooden pole in an open space or in the canopy of a host tree) and type of lure (ChemTica, Synergy and Glabriwit pheromones). Each combination of variables was replicated five times at each site, giving a total of 270 traps. At the end of the study, 162 adults had been caught, with catches gradually increasing during the month of June to peak in early July. The two cross‐vane traps outperformed the multi‐funnel traps and the Econex traps captured more females than the Witasek traps, probably due to the structure of the collecting funnel. The three lures had similar catch performance, although the best combination was the Econex trap with Synergy blend, due to the remarkable variability in catches observed with Glabriwit blend. Finally, traps set in the tree canopy outperformed traps set on wooden poles. In conclusion, the best protocol was the use of Econex cross‐vane traps baited with Synergy blend and deployed on the canopy of the host trees.
Mass modeling of guava (cv. Allahabad safeda) fruit with selected dimensional attributes: Regression analysis approach
Authors: Bibwe Bhushan , Mahawar Manoj Kumar , Jalgaonkar Kirti , Meena Vijay Singh , Kadam Dattatreya M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe correlation between physical parameters of guava like axial dimensions, projected area, volume, and mass is essential for developing postharvest machineries especially grading systems. The present study focused on measuring physical characteristics (dimensions, projected area, and volume) of guava (cv. Allahabad safeda), and the development of predictive linear and nonlinear (linear, quadratic, power, and S‐curve) models to determine the mass of guava. The fruits were graded based on the maximum equatorial diameter in three grades that is, large (Φ = 66–75 mm), medium (Φ = 54–65 mm), small (Φ = 43–53 mm), and mass modeling was performed. The model equations were also fitted on ungraded fruits samples for comparison purpose. The major, intermediate, minor intercepts, geometric mean diameter, weight, volume, and criteria projected area of the ungraded lot were 63.76 ± 6.03 mm, 59.90 ± 4.71 mm, 59.66 ± 4.43 mm, 61.05 ± 4.76 mm, 126.80 ± 30.88 g, 132.6 ± 35.0 cm3, and 33.10 ± 8.17 cm2, respectively. It was observed that predictions of mass models fitted on ungraded fruit lots were found superior to fitted on individual grades. The higher coefficient of determination (R2) and low mean relative deviation (MRD) indicated that quadratic models based on geometric mean diameter (R2 ≥.984, MRD = 2.32) and ellipsoidal volume (R2 ≥.986, MRD = 2.28) can effectively predict the mass of guava fruits. The possible applications of established mass models for developing an integrated and effective grading system and the prospective utilization of graded fruits for processing into a variety of value‐added products are also discussed.Practical ApplicationFruits with uniform grades usually have higher demand and consumer preference. Grading is the essential unit operation in postharvest management to achieve dimensional uniformity. The grading process becomes complex when fruits are graded with a similar appearance but difference in mass; therefore, mass‐based grading of fruit plays a vital role in the design of advanced machineries. Recent advancements and automation employ mass as a parameter that enhances the overall efficacy of grading operations. The developed mass models and outcome of this study will be beneficial for developing advanced grading machineries. The possible integration of machine vision systems with developed mass models will simultaneously enable the grading of guava with both dimension and mass. Additionally, information on some grade‐specific physical properties and their potential utilization will be necessary for the design of process equipment and the development of various value‐added products.