bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Stratification of Liver Transplant Recipients: Validation of the LTRS
Authors: Molinari Michele , Jorgensen Dana , Ayloo Subhashini , Dharmayan Stalin , Kaltenmeier Christof , Mehta Rajil B. , Jonassaint Naudia 
Published: July 2020

Background.
The liver transplant risk score (LTRS) was developed to stratify 90-day mortality of patients referred for liver transplantation (LT). We aimed to validate the LTRS using a new cohort of patients.

Methods.
The LTRS stratifies the risk of 90-day mortality of LT recipients based on their age, body mass index, diabetes, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and need for dialysis. We assessed the performance of the LTRS using a new cohort of patients transplanted in the United States between July 2013 and June 2017. Exclusion criteria were age <18 years, ABO incompatibility, redo or multivisceral transplants, partial grafts, malignancies other than hepatocellular carcinoma and fulminant hepatitis.

Results.
We found a linear correlation between the number of points of the LTRS and 90-day mortality. Among 18 635 recipients, 90-day mortality was 2.7%, 3.8%, 5.2%, 4.8%, 6.7%, and 9.3% for recipients with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and ≥5 points (P < 0.001). The LTRS also stratified 1-year mortality that was 5.5%, 7.7%, 9.9%, 9.3%, 10.8%, and 15.4% for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and ≥5 points (P < 0.001). An inverse correlation was found between the LTRS and 4-year survival that was 82%, 79%, 78%, 82%, 78%, and 66% for patients with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and ≥5 points (P < 0.001). The LTRS remained an independent predictor after accounting for recipient sex, ethnicity, cause of liver disease, donor age, cold ischemia time, and waiting time.

Conclusions.
The LTRS can stratify the short- and long-term outcomes of LT recipients at the time of their evaluations irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, and primary cause of liver disease.
Impact of body composition on COVID-19 susceptibility and severity: a two-sample multivariable Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Freuer Dennis , Linseisen Jakob , Meisinger Christa 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTObjectivesRecent studies suggested obesity to be a possible risk factor for COVID-19 disease in the wake of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection. However, the causality and especially the role of body fat distribution in this context is still unclear. Thus, using a univariable as well as multivariable two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, we investigated for the first time the causal impact of body composition on the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19.MethodsAs indicators of overall and abdominal obesity we considered the measures body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and trunk fat ratio (TFR). Summary statistics of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for these body composition measures were drawn from the GIANT consortium and UK Biobank, while for susceptibility and severity due to COVID-19 disease data from the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative was used. For the COVID-19 cohort neither age nor gender was available. Total and direct causal effect estimates were calculated using Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), sensitivity analyses were done applying several robust MR techniques and mediation effects of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) were investigated within multivariable MR analyses.ResultsGenetically predicted BMI was strongly associated with both, susceptibility (OR=1.31 per 1 SD increase; 95% CI: 1.15–1.50; P-value=7.3·10−5) and hospitalization (OR=1.62 per 1 SD increase; 95% CI: 1.33–1.99; P-value=2.8·10−6) even after adjustment for genetically predicted visceral obesity traits. These associations were neither mediated substantially by T2D nor by CVD. Finally, total but not direct effects of visceral body fat on outcomes could be detected.ConclusionsThis study provides strong evidence for a causal impact of overall obesity on the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 disease. The impact of abdominal obesity was weaker and disappeared after adjustment for BMI. Therefore, obese people should be regarded as a high-risk group. Future research is necessary to investigate the underlying mechanisms linking obesity with COVID-19.
Application of ARIMA and Holt-Winters forecasting model to predict the spreading of COVID-19 for India and its states
Authors: Panda Mrutyunjaya 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe novel Corona-virus (COVID-2019) epidemic has posed a global threat to human life and society. The whole world is working relentlessly to find some solutions to fight against this deadly virus to reduce the number of deaths. Strategic planning with predictive modelling and short term forecasting for analyzing the situations based on the worldwide available data allow us to realize the future exponential behaviour of the COVID-19 disease. Time series forecasting plays a vital role in developing an efficient forecasting model for a future prediction about the spread of this contagious disease. In this paper, the ARIMA (Auto regressive integrated moving average) and Holt-Winters time series exponential smoothing are used to develop an efficient 20-days ahead short-term forecast model to predict the effect of COVID-19 epidemic. The modelling and forecasting are done with the publicly available dataset from Kaggle as a perspective to India and its five states such as Odisha, Delhi, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. The model is assessed with correlogram, ADF test, AIC and RMSE to understand the accuracy of the proposed forecasting model.
Viral load of SARS-CoV-2 across patients and compared to other respiratory viruses
Authors: Jacot Damien , Greub Gilbert , Jaton Katia , Opota Onya 
Published: July 2020

AbstractRT-PCRs to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA is key to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed SARS-CoV-2 viral loads from 22’323 RT-PCR results according to samples types, gender, age, and health units. Viral load did not show any difference across age and appears to be a poor predictor of disease outcome. SARS-CoV-2 viral load showed similar high viral loads than the one observed for RSV and influenza B. The importance of viral load to predict contagiousness and to assess disease progression is discussed.
A Passive-State Comparison of Shear Wave Ultrasound Elastography of the Biceps Brachii with a Robotic Measurement of Elbow Extension Impedance in Chronic Hemiparetic Stroke
Authors: Ellis Michael D. , Gerritsen Ninette T. A. , Gurari Netta , Lee Sabrina M. , Dewald Julius P. A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMuscle tissue is prone to changes in composition and architecture following stroke. Changes in muscle tissue of the extremities are thought to increase passive muscle stiffness and joint impedance. These effects likely compound neuromuscular impairments exacerbating movement function. Unfortunately, conventional rehabilitation is devoid of quantitative measures yielding to subjective assessment of passive joint mobility and end feel. Shear wave ultrasound elastography is a conventional tool used by ultrasonographers that may be readily available for use in the rehabilitation setting as a quantitative measure, albeit at the muscle-tissue level, filling the gap. To support this postulation, we evaluated thecriterionvalidity of shear wave ultrasound elastography of the biceps brachii by investigating the relationship to a laboratory-based criterion measure for quantifying elbow joint impedance in individuals with moderate to severe chronic stroke. Measurements were performed under passive conditions at seven positions spanning the arc of elbow joint extension in both arms of twelve individuals with hemiparetic stroke. Surface electromyography was utilized for threshold-based confirmation of muscle quiescence. A significant moderate relationship was identified near end range of elbow extension and all metrics were greater in the paretic arm. Data supports the progression toward clinical application of shear wave ultrasound elastography in evaluating altered muscle mechanical properties in stroke stipulating the confirmation of muscle quiescence. Considering the lack of bedside robotics in clinical practice, shear wave ultrasound elastography will likely augment the conventional method of manually testing joint mobility. Tissue-level measurement may also assist in identifying new therapeutic targets for patient-specific impairment-based interventions.New & NoteworthyMethods for quantifying passive (non-reflex mediated) joint mobility are absent in stroke rehabilitation. Rehabilitation specialists are left to subjective assessment of the impact on function. Here, we compare the application of shear wave ultrasound elastography for estimating mechanical properties of muscle with a robotic method (criterion measure) of measuring passive elbow extension joint impedance. Data support the clinical application of shear wave ultrasound elastography, especially with the absence of bedside robotics.
Time-dependent dynamic transmission potential and instantaneous reproduction number of COVID-19 pandemic in India
Authors: Singh Gurpreet , Patrikar Seema , Sankara Sarma P , Soman Biju 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionDynamic tools and methods to assess the ongoing transmission potential of COVID-19 in India are required. We aim to estimate time-dependent transmissibility of COVID-19 for India using a reproducible framework.MethodsDaily COVID-19 case incidence time series for India and its states was obtained from https://api.covid19india.org/ and pre-processed. Bayesian approach was adopted to quantify transmissibility at a given location and time, as indicated by the instantaneous reproduction number (Reff). Analysis was carried out in R version 4.0.2 using “EpiEstim_2.2-3” package. Serial interval distribution was estimated using “uncertain_si” algorithm with inputs of mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum of mean serial interval as 5.1, 1.2, 3.9 and 7.5 days respectively; and mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum of standard deviations of serial interval as 3.7, 0.9, 2.3, and 4.7 respectively with 100 simulations and moving average of seven days.ResultsA total of 9,07,544 cumulative incident cases till July 13th, 2020 were analysed. Daily COVID-19 incidence in the country was seen on the rise; however, transmissibility showed a decline from the initial phases of COVID-19 pandemic in India. The maximum Reff reached at the national level during the study period was 2.57 (sliding week ending April 4th, 2020). Reff on July 13th, 2020 for India was 1.16 with a range from 0.59 to 2.98 across various states/UTs.ConclusionReff provides critical feedback for assessment of transmissibility of COVID-19 and thus is a potential dynamic decision support tool for on-ground public health decision making.
Anti-racist actions and accountability: not more empty promises
Authors: Boykin C. Malik , Brown N. Derek , Carter James T. , Dukes Kristin , Green Dorainne J. , Harrison Timothy , Hebl Mikki , McCleary-Gaddy Asia , Membere Ashley , McJunkins Cordy A. , Simmons Cortney , Singletary Walker Sarah , Smith Alexis Nicole , Williams Amber D. 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe current piece summarizes five critical points about racism from the point of view of Black scholars and allies: (1) Black people are experiencing exhaustion from and physiological effects of racism, (2) racism extends far beyond police brutality and into most societal structures, (3) despite being the targets of racism, Black people are often blamed for their oppression and retaliated against for their response to it, (4) everyone must improve their awareness and knowledge (through both formal education and individual motivation) to fight racism and (5) anti-racist policies and accountability are key to enact structural reformation.FindingsThe first three of these points detail the depths of the problem from the perspectives of the authors and the final two lay out a call to action.Practical implicationsThis viewpoint is the joint effort of 14 authors who provided a unified perspective.Originality/valueThis was one of the most original experiences the authors have had – working with 13 former/current students on joint perspectives about police brutality and racism more generally. The authors thank for the opportunity.
Social distancing meet social media: digital tools for connecting students, teachers, and citizens in an emergency
Authors: Greenhow Christine , Chapman Amy 
Published: July 2020

PurposeIn a public health crisis where social distancing, or physical distancing while in public spaces, is the new normal, social media offer respite from being alone. Recent statistics show spikes in social media usage worldwide during the Covid-19 pandemic. More than just easing loneliness, such freely available digital tools offer affordances for education in an emergency.Design/methodology/approachThis paper summarizes insights from literature reviews of over a decade of research and recent case studies on the benefits of teaching with social media in K-12 education.FindingsThe authors highlight three affordances of social media for fostering active learning, community building and civic participation and describe how social media can be used in conjunction with conventional learning management systems. Furthermore, the authors argue that the unprecedented health crisis that is faced today requires the participation of responsible citizens of all ages; K-12 public education is on the front lines of preparing informed and active citizens and the integration of social media as part of remote education plans can help.Practical implicationsThe paper includes instructional guidelines for K-12 teachers and instructional designers in various settings who seek to integrate social media as part of their strategy for teaching students at a distance and facilitating their civic participation.Originality/valueThis paper fulfills an identified need for evidence-based and pragmatic approaches to K-12 online teaching and learning using technologies already widely in use (i.e. social media).
Examining the effects of advertising credibility on brand credibility, corporate credibility and corporate image: a qualitative approach
Authors: Hussain Shahzeb , Melewar T.C. , Priporas Constantinos Vasilios , Foroudi Pantea 
Published: July 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to use signalling theory to examine the concept of advertising credibility and its effects on brand credibility, brand image, corporate credibility and corporate image.

Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was used. Ten interviews and four focus groups were conducted among participants drawn from the London area. The data was analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings
The findings suggest that advertising credibility is defined using terms like accurate, caring, competent, complete, convincing, ethical, honest, impressive, promising, reliable and warranted. The findings also suggest that advertising credibility has a positive effect on brand credibility, brand image, corporate credibility and corporate image. However, these effects are lower when the brand and corporation have different names than when they have similar names. The dissimilarity of names can also provide some benefit, especially when brands or firms are faced with a crisis. The findings also illustrate that the theoretical model used in this study is valid, and suggest that advertising credibility has positive effects on other constructs.

Originality/value
Advertising credibility has received little attention in the literature. There is also little attention on its effects on other credibility constructs. This study minimises these gaps by conducting qualitative research to explore the effects of advertising credibility on brand credibility, corporate credibility and corporate image.
Gender discourse in the social studies curriculum: an international literature review
Authors: Siebert Molly D. 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore research on the inclusion of women and discourses on gender in the social studies curriculum, with the goal of promoting gender equality.Design/methodology/approachTo gauge how issues on gender are being taken up in classrooms around the world, the process started by exploring Compare, Comparative Education, Comparative Education Review and International Journal of Educational Development. Initially, studies related to the social studies curriculum were examined. The research then expanded beyond the social sciences and these journals. The next level of research used a mixture of the key search terms “inclusion,” “gender discourse,” “women,” “gender equality” and “curriculum.” Studies conducted around the world were examined to broaden the understanding of global research on women and gender discourses in the curriculum.FindingsAlthough progress is evident, reform measures are necessary to ameliorate the inclusion of women and gender discourses in the curriculum. Implementing these strategies in social studies education may be effective steps to achieve gender equality: (1) consistently encourage students to critique power structures and systems of oppression; (2) include the exploration of gender fluidity, masculinity and the fluidity of masculinity in the curriculum; (3) examine intersectional identities such as race, gender and sexuality; and (4) utilize teacher education programs and professional development as key sites to help educators improve the amount of and approach to gender discourse in the classroom.Originality/valueAfter reviewing these studies, the combined findings offer potential steps to achieve gender equality.
Use of potassium polyaspartate for stabilization of potassium bitartrate in wines: influence on colloidal stability and interactions with other additives and enological practices
Authors: Bosso Antonella , Motta Silvia , Panero Loretta , Lucini Stefania , Guaita Massimo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe research was aimed at verifying the efficacy of potassium polyaspartate (KPA), added at bottling, for prevention of the precipitation of potassium bitartrate (KHT). The stability of KHT was determined with the mini‐contact test and the cold test. The effect of KPA on the colloidal stability of white and red wines was also studied. Turbidity, color, and total anthocyanins and flavonoids (red wines only) were monitored.In the first experiment, the stabilizing effect of KPA added at bottling, with or without Arabic gum, tannins, and filtration (0.45 µm cut‐off), was studied in comparison with metatartaric acid (MTA). KPA proved to have good stabilizing efficacy for prevention of KHT precipitation and maintained its effect in all trials after 1 year of bottle aging. On the contrary, all the trials with MTA became unstable after 6 months. Moreover, KPA did not modify wine turbidity and color. The filtration (0.45 µm cut‐off) did not reduce its stabilizing efficacy.In the second experiment, the effect of KPA added to a white and a red wine, respectively clarified with casein and gelatin or vegetal protein and/or bentonite, was studied. KPA did not cause any increase in turbidity or appreciable changes in the color of the white wines of the different trials. A preliminary treatment with bentonite can prevent the possible formation of haze in red wines after the addition of KPA.Practical ApplicationKPA prevented the precipitation of KHT in unstable white and red wines. The stabilizing effect persisted after 1 year of bottle aging. The oenologist does not need to adopt special prescriptions when using KPA in combination with Arabic gum or tannins in prebottling operations. A treatment with bentonite prevented the appearance of turbidity in red wines after the addition of KPA.
The influence of risk preferences, knowledge, land consolidation, and landscape diversification on pesticide use
Authors: Hou Lingling , Liu Pengfei , Huang Jikun , Deng Xiangzheng 
Published: July 2020

AbstractResearchers have spent substantial effort to identify factors influencing pesticide use intensity. However, few studies have compared the relative importance of these factors. This study examines four categories of factors that potentially influence farmers’ pesticide use decisions by evaluating incentivized experiment data, farm survey data, and remote sensing data in China. Our results suggest that land diversification has the largest effect on farmers’ pesticide use. Compared with the most rice‐intensive landscape type, less rice‐intensive systems cause farmers to spray less on middle rice. Heavy pesticide use intensity is associated with land fragmentation as small‐scale farms still dominate crop production. Farmers’ integrated pest management knowledge has significant effects on pesticide use. We also find that loss and ambiguity preferences, rather than risk preferences, are more likely to affect pesticide use intensity.
Sinus arrest: A rare observation during radiofrequency ablation along the coronary sinus roof
Authors: Nantsupawat Teerapat , Krishnappa Darshan , Benditt David G. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCatheter‐based radiofrequency (RF) ablation targeting segments of the cardiac conduction system and/or selected regions of myocardium is an accepted treatment for many cardiac arrhythmias. On the other hand, while purposeful extension of RF ablation to include nearby cardiac neural elements, particularly epicardial ganglionated plexi (GP), remains a subject of ongoing study, inadvertent stimulation of such structures may occur during an otherwise conventional RF ablation procedure. Thus, asystolic pauses have been observed during RF ablation of left ventricular free‐wall accessory pathways, slow AV node pathways, and the left superior pulmonary vein. In this report, sinus arrest occurred within 3.3 s of RF application (40 W at 50°C) along the coronary sinus roof for treatment of an atypical “slow–slow” atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia. Energy delivery was immediately terminated, but asystole persisted for 4.7 s followed by sinus bradycardia. The procedure was temporarily halted, but later was successfully resumed. Given the latency from terminating RF to return of sinus node function, the sinus arrest was likely a centrally mediated reflex vagal response. Consequently, while parasympathetic ganglia near the CS os are believed to principally innervate the AV node, not the sinus node, our observation highlights the neural cross‐communications that likely exist in this region of the heart.