bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of epigenetics in the reproductive toxicity of environmental endocrine disruptors
Authors: Shi Yanbin , Qi Wen , Xu Qi , Wang Zheng , Cao Xiaolian , Zhou Liting , Ye Lin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractEnvironmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) seriously endanger human health by interfering with the normal function of reproductive systems. In males, EEDs can affect sperm formation and semen quality as well spermatogenesis, ultimately reducing fertility. In females, EEDs can affect uterine development and the expression levels of reproduction‐related genes, ultimately reducing female fertility and the normal development of the fetus. There are a large number of putative mechanisms by which EEDs can induce reproductive toxicity, and many studies have shown the involvement of epigenetics. In this review, we summarize the role of DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs, genomic imprinting, chromatin remodeling and histone modification in the reproductive toxicity of EEDs.
An empirical study on the role of trading volume and data frequency in volatility forecasting
Authors: Liu Min , Lee Chien‐Chiang , Choo Wei‐Chong 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis research investigates the role of trading volume and data frequency in volatility forecasting by evaluating the performance of Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity Mixed‐Data Sampling (GARCH‐MIDAS), traditional GARCH, and intraday GARCH models. We take trading volume as the proxy for information flow and examine whether the Sequential Information Arrival Hypothesis (SIAH) is supported in the China stock market. The contributions of this study are as follows. (1) We provide a more consistent comparison to evaluate the forecasting ability of the MIDAS approach. (2) We extend the literature on the forecasting performance of trading volume to the GARCH‐MIDAS approach. (3) We present clear evidence to support that forecasting ability strongly relies upon data frequency. The empirical results show that: (1) GARCH‐MIDAS is not able to beat the traditional GARCH method when both are estimated by the same predictor sampled at different frequencies; (2) there is a positive relation between trading volume and volatility, but no clear evidence appears that SIAH holds in the China stock market; and (3) high‐frequency data are highly recommended for daily realized volatility (RV) forecasting, whereas intraday GARCH could significantly outperform traditional GARCH and GARCH‐MIDAS in volatility forecasting.
Perceived Ecological Threats and Economic Benefits of Non-Native Black Bass in the United States
Authors: Seguy Lauren , Long James M 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Black bass Micropterus spp. are highly sought-after sport fish and, where introduced, are emblematic of the tradeoffs between ensuring productive fisheries and conserving native biodiversity. To disentangle these potentially conflicting interests, we administered a survey of fisheries biologists in the United States to assess perceptions regarding ecological and economic impacts of non-native black bass between anthropogenic and natural habitats. Our results indicate that non-native black bass are generally considered economically beneficial in both habitat types. Contrastingly, these species were perceived to have significantly more negative ecological impacts in natural than anthropogenic habitats. Our findings suggest that habitat may be an important factor to partition the conflicting ecological–economic dynamic of non-native black bass. Implications of this study suggest that challenges remain for managers attempting to balance the paradoxical nature of these species as both desired sport fishes and as potentially harmful invaders when found outside their native range.
Effects of screw configuration on chemical properties and ginsenosides content of extruded ginseng
Authors: Zhang Yu , Jin Tie , Ryu Gihyung , Gao Yuxuan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of screw configuration on chemical properties and ginsenosides content of extruded ginseng and to select the most suitable screw configuration for the processing of ginseng.MethodThe extrusion conditions were set as follows: moisture content (20%), barrel temperature (140°C), screw speed (200 rpm), and feeding rate (100 g/min).ResultThe extruded ginseng of screw configuration 6 has the highest DPPH free radical scavenging rate, reducing power and total phenol, which is the most suitable configuration for the development of ginseng extract products. In addition, the extruded ginseng of screw configuration 9 has the highest content of total saponin, and the content of rare ginsenoside Rg3 which is scarcely present in the ginseng raw material powder was significantly increased. This intended that twin‐screw extrusion process enables the mutual conversion between ginsenosides and rare ginsenoside Rg3 had achieved.ConclusionThe extrusion process promotes the development and utilization of ginseng and provides theoretical basis for the design and development of screw configuration of twin‐screw extruded ginseng.
Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells support remyelination in a murine model of multiple sclerosis by promoting oligodendrocyte precursor cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation
Authors: Melero‐Jerez Carolina , Fernández‐Gómez Beatriz , Lebrón‐Galán Rafael , Ortega Maria Cristina , Sánchez‐de Lara Irene , Ojalvo Ana Cristina , Clemente Diego , de Castro Fernando 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe most frequent variant of multiple sclerosis (MS) is the relapsing–remitting form, characterized by symptomatic phases followed by periods of total/partial recovery. Hence, it is possible that these patients can benefit from endogenous agents that control the inflammatory process and favor spontaneous remyelination. In this context, there is increasing interest in the role of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) during the clinical course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). MDSCs speed up infiltrated T‐cell anergy and apoptosis. In different animal models of MS, a milder disease course is related to higher presence/density of MDSCs in the periphery, and smaller demyelinated lesions in the central nervous system (CNS). These observations lead us to wonder whether MDSCs might not only exert an anti‐inflammatory effect but might also have direct influence on oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and remyelination. In the present work, we reveal for the first time the relationship between OPCs and MDSCs in EAE, relationship that is guided by the distance from the inflammatory core. We describe the effects of MDSCs on survival, proliferation, as well as potent promoters of OPC differentiation toward mature phenotypes. We show for the first time that osteopontin is remarkably present in the analyzed secretome of MDSCs. The ablation of this cue from MDSCs‐secretome demonstrates that osteopontin is the main MDSC effector on these oligodendroglial cells. These data highlight a crucial pathogenic interaction between innate immunity and the CNS, opening ways to develop MDSC‐ and/or osteopontin‐based therapies to promote effective myelin preservation and repair in MS patients.
Information and sin goods: Experimental evidence on cigarettes
Authors: Maclean Johanna Catherine , Buckell John 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe test the importance of information source on consumer choice in the context of sin goods, specifically electronic and tobacco cigarettes, among adult smokers. We proxy choice with intentions to vape and quit smoking in the next 30 days. We experimentally vary the information source: government, private companies, physicians, and no source. Our findings suggest that information source matters in the context of cigarettes choice for adult smokers. Private companies appear to be an important information source for cigarettes among adult smokers.
The persistence of medicare advantage spillovers in the post‐Affordable Care Act era
Authors: Feyman Yevgeniy , Pizer Steven D. , Frakt Austin B. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSpillovers can arise in markets with multiple purchasers relying on shared producers. Prior studies have found such spillovers in health care, from managed care to nonmanaged care populations—reducing spending and utilization, and improving outcomes, including in Medicare. This study provides the first plausibly causal estimates of such spillovers from Medicare Advantage (MA) to Traditional Medicare (TM) in the post‐Affordable Care Act era using an instrumental variables approach. Controlling for health status and other potential confounders, we estimate that a one percentage point increase in county‐level MA penetration results in a $64 (95% CI: $18 to $110) (0.7%) reduction in standardized per‐enrollee TM spending. We find evidence for reductions in utilization both on the intensive and extensive margins, across a number of health care services. Our results complement and extend prior work that found spillovers from MA to TM in earlier years and under different payment policies than are in place today.
Prior chemoradiotherapy and pathological perineural invasion predict the survival outcomes of salvage surgery in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Akali Nisha Rajrattansingh , Buggaveeti Rahul , Sukumaran Sheejamol Velickakathu , Balasubramanian Deepak , Iyer Subramania , Thankappan Krishnakumar 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the oncological outcomes of salvage surgery in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of all patients of SCCHN with recurrence or second primary, post‐treatment, who underwent salvage surgery. The outcomes were analyzed in terms of overall survival, overall survival postsalvage surgery and disease‐free survival (DFS) postsalvage surgery. Clinical and pathological predictors were considered.ResultsTwo hundred and forty‐one patients were included. The mean follow‐up was 56.33 months. Five‐year survival OS from date of initial diagnosis of the tumor was 61.2%. The 5‐year OS survival after salvage surgery was 47.1%. Five‐year DFS after salvage surgery was 28.1%. Prior chemoradiotherapy and pathological perineural invasion were independent predictors on multivariate analysis.ConclusionsSurvival outcomes after appropriate salvage treatment are good. Prior chemoradiotherapy and perineural invasion on salvage pathology are predictors of poorer outcomes.
Rare case of metastatic liposarcoma to the thyroid gland and a review of the literature of metastatic sarcomas to the thyroid
Authors: Xing Monica H. , Mundi Neil , Govindan Aparna , Khorsandi Azita , Brandwein‐Weber Margaret , Matloob Ammar , Liaw Bobby , Urken Mark L. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundLiposarcomas are the second most common type of soft tissue sarcomas. Typically, myxoid liposarcomas have a metastatic rate of 10%, usually involving the retroperitoneal space, abdomen, and spine. Metastasis to the thyroid is extremely rare.Design/MethodA 62‐year‐old male with a history of metastatic myxoid liposarcoma in his right thigh presented to our clinic for evaluation of a thyroid nodule incidentally identified on a CT scan. A subsequent FNA biopsy was suggestive of a metastatic liposarcoma.ResultsThe patient underwent a left thyroid lobectomy and final pathology confirmed a grade II/III metastatic myxoid liposarcoma that measured 3.3 cm. The patient tolerated the procedure well.ConclusionsOur case highlights the role of a patient's medical history when evaluating thyroid nodules to optimize accurate diagnosis, as liposarcomas do not typically metastasize to the thyroid. We also provide an updated review of the literature on all cases of metastatic sarcomas to the thyroid.
Cirrhosis and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection in US Veterans: Risk of Infection, Hospitalization, Ventilation, and Mortality
Authors: Ioannou George N. , Liang Peter S. , Locke Emily , Green Pamela , Berry Kristin , O’Hare Ann M. , Shah Javeed A. , Crothers Kristina , Eastment McKenna C. , Fan Vincent S. , Dominitz Jason A. 
Published: November 2020

Background and Aims
Whether patients with cirrhosis have increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and the extent to which infection and cirrhosis increase the risk of adverse patient outcomes remain unclear.

Approach and Results
We identified 88,747 patients tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 between March 1, 2020, and May 14, 2020, in the Veterans Affairs (VA) national health care system, including 75,315 with no cirrhosis–SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative (C0‐S0), 9,826 with no cirrhosis–SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive (C0‐S1), 3,301 with cirrhosis–SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative (C1‐S0), and 305 with cirrhosis–SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive (C1‐S1). Patients were followed through June 22, 2020. Hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and death were modeled in time‐to‐event analyses using Cox proportional hazards regression. Patients with cirrhosis were less likely to test positive than patients without cirrhosis (8.5% vs. 11.5%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.69‐0.99). Thirty‐day mortality and ventilation rates increased progressively from C0‐S0 (2.3% and 1.6%) to C1‐S0 (5.2% and 3.6%) to C0‐S1 (10.6% and 6.5%) and to C1‐S1 (17.1% and 13.0%). Among patients with cirrhosis, those who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 were 4.1 times more likely to undergo mechanical ventilation (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 4.12; 95% CI, 2.79‐6.10) and 3.5 times more likely to die (aHR, 3.54; 95% CI, 2.55‐4.90) than those who tested negative. Among patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, those with cirrhosis were more likely to be hospitalized (aHR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.12‐1.66), undergo ventilation (aHR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.05‐2.46) or die (aHR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.18‐2.30) than patients without cirrhosis. Among patients with cirrhosis and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, the most important predictors of mortality were advanced age, cirrhosis decompensation, and high Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score.

Conclusions
SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was associated with a 3.5‐fold increase in mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Cirrhosis was associated with a 1.7‐fold increase in mortality in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Effects of Korean red ginseng on human gray matter volume and cognitive function: A voxel‐based morphometry study
Authors: Namgung Eun , Kim Jungyoon , Jeong Hyeonseok , Hong Gahae , Kim Myeongju , Kim Rye Young , Kim Shinhye , Lyoo In Kyoon 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) supplementation on gray matter volume of the human brain which could be related to cognitive enhancing effects of KRG.MethodsIn this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, 51 healthy individuals were assigned to receive either KRG (1000 mg/day, n = 26) or placebo (n = 25) for 8 weeks. Gray matter volume of the whole brain was measured using voxel‐based morphometry based on high‐resolution T1‐weighted magnetic resonance images acquired at baseline and week 8. The standardized composite cognitive scores of executive function, attention, and memory were also evaluated at baseline and week 8. Changes in gray matter volume as well as the composite cognitive scores were compared between the KRG and placebo groups.ResultsFollowing 8 weeks of KRG supplementation, the gray matter volume of the left parahippocampal gyrus increased significantly in the KRG group, relative to the placebo group (p for interaction < 0.001). The KRG group also showed greater magnitude of enhancement in the composite cognitive scores relative to the placebo group (p for interaction = 0.03).ConclusionsGray matter volume increase in the parahippocampus may be a key neural change as induced by KRG supplementation, which could be associated with cognitive enhancement.
Effects of permafrost degradation on thermokarst lake hydrochemistry in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, China
Authors: Gao Zeyong , Niu Fujun , Lin Zhanju 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThermokarst lakes play a key role in the hydrological and biogeochemical cycles of permafrost regions. Current knowledge regarding the changes caused by permafrost degradation to the hydrochemistry of lakes in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP) is limited. To address this gap, a systematic investigation of thermokarst lake water, suprapermafrost water, ground ice, and precipitation was conducted in the hinterland of the QTP. The thermokarst lake water in the QTP was identified to be of the Na‐HCO3‐Cl type. The mean concentrations of HCO3− and Na+ were 281.8 mg L−1 (146.0–546.2 mg L−1) and 73.3 mg L−1 (9.2–345.8 mg L−1), respectively. The concentrations of Li+, NH4+, K+, F−, NO2−, and NO3− were relatively low. Freeze‐out fractionation concentrated the dissolved solids within the lake water during winter, which was deeply deepened on lake depth and lake ice thickness. Owing to solute enrichment, the ground ice was characterized by high salinity. Conversely, repeated replenishment via precipitation led to lower solute concentrations in the ground ice near the permafrost table compared to that within the permafrost. Although lower solute concentration existed in precipitation, the soil leaching and saline ground ice melting processes enhanced the solute load in suprapermafrost water, which is considered an important water and solute resource in thermokarst lakes. The influencing mechanism of permafrost degradation on thermokarst lake hydrochemistry is presumably linked to: (1) the liberation of soluble materials sequestered in ground ice; (2) the increase of solutes in suprapermafrost water and soil pore water; and (3) the changes in lake morphometry. These results have major implications on the understanding of the effects of ground ice melting on ecosystem functions, biogeochemical processes, and energy balance in a rapidly changing climate.
Aortic isthmus Doppler in normal and small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses and its association with prediction of adverse perinatal outcome
Authors: Sharma K. Aparna , Swami Shilpa , Dadhwal Vatsla , Perumal Vanamail , Deka Dipika 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo establish reference ranges for aortic isthmus Doppler indices in appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age (AGA) fetusesand to evaluate its association with perinatal outcome in small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) fetuses.MethodsProspective cohort observational study in which 30 pregnant women with SGA fetuses and 60 women with AGA fetuses were recruited from the prenatal clinic of the hospital. The AGA group was eventually followed from 24 weeks by 4‐weekly Doppler assessment, and the SGA group was examined as per institutional protocol. We analyzed the data using STATA version 14.0 statistical software. Continuous variables were examined for normality assumption using the Kolmogorov‐Smirnov test. To develop a nomogram for appropriate gestational age, we adopted a mixed linear model analysis. For each of the variables Ao pulsatility index (PI), Ao peak systolic velocity (PSV), Ao systolic nadir (Ns), and Ao isthmic systolic index (ISI) mean predicted values, 3rd centile and 97th centile were calculated based on the parameter estimation of mixed model. Observed data for each of the variables in the SGA group were plotted in the nomogram developed for the AGA group to show the trend of SGA data in comparison to AGA data.ResultsThe total number of observations made on 60 AGA and 30 SGA fetuses were 240 and 67, respectively. Nomograms for the 3rd and 97th centiles were derived for Ao PI, Ao PSV, Ao Ns, and Ao ISI. Mean Ao PI values were significantly higher in SGA group (2.37 vs 2.22; P < .05); mean Ao PSV was significantly lower in the SGA group (67.1 vs 76.3; P < .05), but mean Ao Ns and mean Ao ISI values were significantly higher in the SGA group (–5.24 vs 2.0 and –0.04 vs –0.01; P < .05).ConclusionsAortic Doppler assessment seems to provide beneficial information for monitoring small fetuses. Ao PI and Ao ISI, which were raised in fetuses with SGA, can be used in prognosis.
Can in vitro maturation overcome cycles with repeated oocyte maturation arrest? A classification system for maturation arrest and a cohort study
Authors: Hatirnaz Safak , Başbuğ Alper , Hatirnaz Ebru , Tannus Samer , Hatirnaz Kaan , Bakay Kadir , Dahan Michael H. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the role of gonadotropin‐stimulated and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) ‐primed in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) in cases of repeated in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure due to various forms of oocyte maturation arrest (OMA).MethodsRetrospective cohort study.ResultsIn all, 63 women with IVF failure due to OMA were evaluated in this study. According to the Hatirnaz & Dahan classification, 11 (17.5%) women were OMA type 1, 22 (34.9%) were OMA type 2, 0 were OMA type 3, 11 (17.5%) were OMA type 4, and 19 women were OMA type 5 (30.1%). Fewer oocytes were retrieved in the IVM than in the IVF cycles. No embryos were produced from oocytes collected in the IVM cycles of women with OMA types 1, 2, and 4. In the OMA type 5 group, 9 (47.4%) day 2 embryos and 6 (31.6%) day 3 embryos were obtained. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (P = 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively). Single day 3 embryo transfer was performed for the six patients with OMA type 5 but no clinical pregnancies occurred.ConclusionsFollicle‐stimulating hormone‐stimulated and hCG‐primed IVM does not improve oocyte maturation, developmental potential, or pregnancy rates of women with OMA. Future studies directed to re‐establishing normal cytoskeletal architecture and machinery, and resumption of meiosis may be beneficial for obtaining mature oocytes.
Anatomical‐functional image fusion based on deep convolution neural networks in local Laplacian pyramid domain
Authors: Huang Yuping , Li Weisheng , Du Jiao 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMedical image fusion technology makes clinical diagnosis and treatment more accurate. This technique can solve the existing problem that single mode medical images conveying insufficient information. Therefore, the key to this technology is to retain as much as possible information in the original medical image of multiple modes. However, the existing methods often lose source image detail with a low contrast and cause color distortion. This article proposed a novel multi‐modal medical image fusion framework. Our framework has four key steps. First, extracting the super‐resolution images from anatomical images via a deep neural network is performed. Second, decomposing the source images into detail‐enhanced approximate and residual images, and then processing by local Laplacian filtering. Third, a convolution neural network is used to complete the mapping of the source image to the feature map and the local energy‐based strategy is used to integrate the coefficients. Finally, the inversed local Laplacian pyramid is adopted to reconstruct the fused image. The experimental results prove that the fused image via the proposed method has the characteristics of high contrast, high brightness, and high color saturation and great advantages in retaining the color and structural information.