bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns in rhino poaching activity on private land in South Africa
Authors: Chapman Laura A. , White Piran C. L. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPoaching on private land may potentially significantly deplete the rhino population yet is poorly studied. We focus on temporal patterns in poaching events, whether there is any evidence of targeting of specific categories of rhino (in relation to species, sex and age) and whether these patterns in poaching show any trends over time. Using rhino owner and (mainstream and social) media reports, we complied a database of private land poaching events between 2003 and 2017. Patterns in poaching activity were broadly consistent over time. Poaching is most likely at night, under the full moon, and close to the property perimeter. Whilst there was no consistent temporal pattern in poaching, there was evidence of increased poaching during the weekend (Friday–Sunday) compared to weekdays (Monday–Thursday) in 2017. Prioritising rhino protection efforts at these times may therefore be the most efficient use of limited resources. Because there is no evidence that poachers selectively target rhinos, efforts undertaken by private owners to protect specific individuals or groups may be ineffective. Our research also highlighted key data that were currently not clearly recorded, including collateral calf deaths and lost pregnancies, which may have a significant impact on the scale of the rhino poaching problem.
There are no in‐principle ethical objections to controlled voluntary SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Crummett Dustin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, some authors have advocated a program of controlled voluntary infection (CVI) with SARS‐CoV‐2. Under CVI, during periods where the medical system is under capacity, volunteers from low‐risk groups would be intentionally infected after giving informed consent, and then quarantined until they have developed immunity. Proponents claim that this could have benefits for society, such as building herd immunity and ensuring that critical workers won’t be incapacitated during the peak of the infection. They also claim that this could have benefits for individuals, such as being safely exempted from lockdown measures and (for individuals who are likely to be infected anyway) ensuring that the infection happens under relatively less dangerous conditions. Some respond that CVI would unethical. Here, I argue that, while CVI may or may not be ill‐advised for empirical reasons, there are no in‐principle ethical objections to it (i.e., if CVI would work as well as its proponents think, it would be ethical to implement it). I present three arguments for this conclusion. The first is an argument from informed consent: informed consent to relevantly similar medical procedures renders performing these procedures permissible, so informed consent to CVI would render it permissible. The second is an argument from reasonable beneficence: it draws on recent work by Caspar Hare on relevantly similar choices to argue that CVI is permissible. The third is an argument from precedent: smallpox variolation was permissible, and CVI is relevantly similar to that, so CVI is permissible.
Single‐cell transcriptome analysis revealed the heterogeneity and microenvironment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Mao Xiaofan , Yang Xuezhu , Chen Xiangping , Yu Sifei , Yu Si , Zhang Beiying , Ji Yong , Chen Yihao , Ouyang Ying , Luo Wei 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common mesenchymal tumor of the human gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we performed single‐cell RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) on intra‐ and peri‐tumor tissues from GIST patients with the aim of discovering the heterogeneity of tumor cells in GIST and their interactions with other cells. We found four predominating cell types in GIST tumor tissue, including T cells, macrophages, tumor cells, and NK cells. Tumor cells could be clustered into two groups: one was highly proliferating and associated with high risk of metastasis, the other seemed “resting” and associated with low risk. Their clinical relevance and prognostic values were confirmed by RNA‐seq of 65 GIST samples. T cells were the largest cell type in our single‐cell data. Two groups of CD8+ effector memory (EM) cells were in the highest clonal expansion and performed the highest cytotoxicity but were also the most exhausted among all T cells. A group of macrophages were found polarized to possess both M1 and M2 signatures, and increased along with tumor progression. Cell‐to‐cell interaction analysis revealed that adipose endothelial cells had high interactions with tumor cells to facilitate their progression. Macrophages were at the center of the tumor microenvironment, recruiting immune cells to the tumor site and having most interactions with both tumor and nontumor cells. In conclusion, we obtained an overview of the GIST microenvironment and revealed the heterogeneity of each cell type and their relevance to risk classifications, which provided a novel theoretical basis for learning and curing GISTs.
Sustaining efficient immune functions with regular physical exercise in the COVID‐19 era and beyond
Authors: Furtado Guilherme Eustáquio , Letieri Rubens Vinícius , Caldo‐Silva Adriana , Sardão Vilma A. , Teixeira Ana Maria , de Barros Marcelo Paes , Vieira Rodolfo Paula , Bachi André Luís Lacerda 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe new coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) appearance in Wuhan, China, did rise the new virus disease (COVID‐19), which spread globally in a short time, leading the World Health Organization to declare a new global pandemic. To contain and mitigate the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2, specific public health procedures were implemented in virtually all countries, with a significant impact on society, making it difficult to keep the regular practice of physical activity. It is widely accepted that an active lifestyle contributes to the improvement of general health and preservation of cardiovascular, respiratory, osteo‐muscular and immune system capacities. The positive effects of regular physical activity on the immune system have emerged as a pivotal trigger of general health, underlying the beneficial effects of physical activity on multiple physiological systems. Accordingly, recent studies have already pointed out the negative impact of physical inactivity caused by the social isolation imposed by the public sanitary authorities due to COVID‐19. Nevertheless, there are still no current narrative reviews evaluating the real impact of COVID‐19 on active lifestyle or even discussing the possible beneficial effects of exercise‐promoted immune upgrade against the severity or progression of COVID‐19. Based on the consensus in the scientific literature, in this review, we discuss how an exercise adherence could adequately improve immune responses in times of the ‘COVID‐19 Era and beyond’.
Taxation and the stagnation of cotton exports in Brazil, 1800–60†
Authors: Pereira Thales Zamberlan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBrazil's northern region supplied 40 per cent of the cotton imported into Liverpool during the last decade of the eighteenth century. In the following decades, however, cotton exports stagnated, and Brazil became the only major international cotton producer that decreased its exports to European countries. This article shows that the fiscal policies of Brazil's central government had a significant role on the decline of cotton exports. The central government set export taxes to maximize revenue from higher‐quality long‐staple cotton, decreasing the profitability of short staples, which saw the largest increase in demand during the nineteenth century.
Radiologically guided percutaneous core needle biopsy of the spleen: a reliable and safe diagnostic procedure for neoplastic and reactive conditions
Authors: Sangiorgio Valentina F I , Rizvi Hasan , Padayatty Joseph , Thayur Nagendra , Fujiwara Taiki , Anyanwu Francis A , Calaminici Maria 
Published: January 2021

RationalePercutaneous core needle biopsy (CNB) of the spleen is rarely performed, due to concerns about its complications and low diagnostic yield. However, this procedure represents a potentially useful diagnostic tool, especially in patients with splenomegaly and no definitive diagnosis after a clinical and radiological work‐up.Methods and resultsWe report the data on a cohort of 45 radiologically guided percutaneous core needle biopsies of the spleen from 44 patients performed at two centres. Platelet count and prothrombin time were within normal limits in all patients at the time of the procedure. The biopsy was ultrasound‐guided in all cases except one, which was guided by computed tomography. An 18G needle was used in 82% of the cases, followed by 16G (10.2%) and 20G (7.8%) needles. The biopsy provided sufficient material for histological examination (including immunohistochemical studies) in 41 cases (91.1%). Haematological malignancies were most commonly diagnosed (52.3%); diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was the most frequent, followed by splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL). For the most recent cases of DLBCL, the CNB provided sufficient material for fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation to assess the status of MYC, BCL2 and BCL6. This allowed the identification of a case of high‐grade B cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 rearrangement. Major complications were not reported; minor complications occurred in three cases (6.7%).ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that radiologically guided percutaneous CNB should be considered as a valid diagnostic tool, as it provides quick and reliable histological diagnoses avoiding the complications and risks of splenectomy.
The variation of oxidative stability and sensory attributes of sunflower oil induced by essential oil from Magnolia liliflora Desr. during high‐temperature storage
Authors: Meng Yudong , Wang Dongying , Dong Ying , Chen Xinpei , Wang Xuede 
Published: January 2021

SummaryEssential oils are considered one of the most prominent natural antioxidants in vegetable oils. Herein, sunflower oil was flavoured by the essential oil extracted from the flowers of Magnolia liliflora Desr. (MLEO), and its oxidative stability and sensory properties during the high‐temperature storage at 65 °C were explored. After the storage for 30 days, MLEO at 1600 mg kg−1 could significantly suppress the increase for acidity value, peroxide value, ρ‐anisidine value and total oxidation values (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In the meantime, the elevation for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, conjugated dienes and trienes was significantly suppressed as well (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Additionally, MLEO at 1600 mg kg−1 was able to restrict the transformation for the fatty acid composition of sunflower oil, and the sensory attributes of sunflower oil could be obviously improved. Consequently, MLEO could be employed as one potential natural antioxidant for sunflower oil.
Effects of high‐intensity ultrasound treatment on physiochemical properties of caseins‐cyanidin‐3‐galactoside conjugates
Authors: Xue Feng , Li Chen , Wang Shenyan 
Published: January 2021

SummaryThe application of protein‐polyphenol complexes is increasing and broadening in recent years. Due to their unique properties, these complexes are attracting increased research interest. In this study, the cyanidin‐3‐galactoside was grafted to the caseins using free radicles induced by ultrasound. The formation of conjugation between caseins and cyanidin‐3‐galactoside was confirmed by the decrease in free amino groups and sulfhydryl content. Conjugation with cyanidin‐3‐galactoside resulted in aggregation of caseins, which also led to increase in particle size, relative fluorescence intensity and random coil. Conjugation also disrupted the hydrogen bonds and decreased the electrostatic repulsion and hydrophobic interactions between caseins. The caseins‐cyanidin‐3‐galactoside conjugate had better emulsifying, gelation properties and lower thermal stability than that of caseins.
Atomic‐scale mechanisms of densification in cold‐compressed borosilicate glasses
Authors: Lee Kuo‐Hao , Yang Yongjian , Ding Linfeng , Ziebarth Benedikt , Davis Mark J. , Mauro John C. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractKnowledge of the underlying structural response during deformation processes is essential for understanding the macroscopic mechanical response of glass. Here we present results from cold compression‐decompression molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of two multicomponent borosilicate glasses, Borofloat®33 (Boro33) and N‐BK7® (N‐BK7). Our results suggest that the densification of these two borosilicate glasses involves different types of structural changes. The fraction of permanent densification can be correlated to the change in intermediate‐range structure. By performing Voronoi analysis, we quantify the contributions to densification from different cation types in these two multicomponent borosilicate glasses, finding that 3‐coordinated cations facilitate the densification process. Higher‐coordinated cations are relatively stable and can even show a slight expansion in their Voronoi volume.
Retracted: Long non‐coding RNA MEG3 silencing and microRNA‐214 restoration elevate osteoprotegerin expression to ameliorate osteoporosis by limiting TXNIP
Authors: Yang ChangSheng , Gu ZhengTao , Ding Rui , Huang CaiQiang , Li QingChu , Xie DengHui , Zhang RongKai , Qiu YiYan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractStudies have shown that long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) MEG3 plays a key role in osteoporosis (OP), but its regulatory mechanism is somewhat incompletely clear. Here, we intend to probe into the mechanism of MEG3 on OP development by modulating microRNA‐214 (miR‐214) and thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP). Rat models of OP were established. MEG3, miR‐214 and TXNIP mRNA expression in rat femoral tissues were detected, along with TXNIP, OPG and RANKL protein expression. BMD, BV/TV, Tb.N and Tb.Th in tissue samples were measured. Ca, P and ALP contents in rat serum were also determined. Primary osteoblasts were isolated and cultured. Viability, COL‐I, COL‐II and COL‐Χ mRNA expression, PCNA, cyclin D1, OCN, RUNX2 and osteolix protein expresion, ALP content and activity, and mineralized nodule area of rat osteoblasts were further detected. Dual‐luciferase reporter gene and RNA‐pull down assays verified the targeting relationship between MEG3, miR‐214 and TXNIP. MEG3 and TXNIP were up‐regulated while miR‐214 was down‐regulated in femoral tissues of OP rats. MEG3 silencing and miR‐214 overexpression increased BMD, BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th, trabecular bone area, collagen area and OPG expression, and down‐regulated RANKL of femoral tissues in OP rats. MEG3 silencing and miR‐214 overexpression elevated Ca and P and reduced ALP in OP rat serum, elevated osteoblast viability, differentiation ability, COL‐I and COL‐Χ expression and ALP activity, and reduced COL‐II expression of osteoblasts. MEG3 specifically bound to miR‐214 to regulate TXNIP. MEG3 silencing and miR‐214 overexpression promote proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts in OP by down‐regulating TXNIP, which further improves OP.
Prolonged multimodal fasting modulates periodontal inflammation in female patients with metabolic syndrome: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Pappe Christina Laetitia , Steckhan Nico , Hoedke Daniela , Jepsen Søren , Rauch Geralinde , Keller Theresa , Michalsen Andreas , Dommisch Henrik 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimTo determine the potential anti‐inflammatory effect of a multimodal periodic fasting programme on surrogate parameters of periodontal inflammation in hospitalized patients diagnosed for metabolic syndrome (MetS).Material and methodsA total of 47 patients were recruited and hospitalized in an integrative ward for an intensified two‐week multimodal fasting, diet and lifestyle programme. Patients were periodontally examined at baseline (t1), after the 2‐week fasting protocol (t2) and, subsequently, 4 months after fasting (t3). The following parameters were determined: periodontal screening index (PSI), bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival crevicular fluid volume (GCF), plaque index (PI), C‐reactive protein (CRP), blood pressure (BP), waist circumference (WC), fasting glucose (FGLU), triglycerides (TRG), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and HbA1c.ResultsA total of 28 female and 8 male patients fulfilled the defined criteria for MetS and were analysed separately by gender. At t2, BOP and GCF were reduced when compared to t1 (median: t2 = 39; t1 = 33.1%; p < .001 and t2 = 73.9; t1 = 59.3 Periotron units p = .02, respectively). BOP reduction correlated to FGLU (R = .37, p = .049) and weight reduction (R = .4, p = .04).ConclusionThis study showed for the first time that clinically supervised periodic fasting in female patients with MetS may facilitate the reduction of periodontal inflammation.
Dynamic risk assessment of food safety based on an improved hidden Markov model integrating cuckoo search algorithm: A sterilized milk study
Authors: Lin Xiaoyong , Li Jiatong , Han Yongming , Geng Zhiqiang , Cui Shiying , Chu Chong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWith the growth in the living standard of people, food safety and quality risk assessment has gradually become the focus. Therefore, this article realizes the dynamic risk assessment of food safety based on an improved hidden Markov model (HMM) integrating the cuckoo search algorithm (CS) (CS‐HMM). The CS is used to conduct global search to obtain the initial value of HMM, and then the Baum–Welch algorithm is used for modifying the initial value to obtain a trained risk assessment model. Finally, in terms of several benchmark functions, the accuracy of the CS algorithm is better than the PSO and the GA algorithms for seeking global optimal solution. Moreover, the presented method is applied to evaluate the safety risk of the sterilized milk production. Combined with the characteristics of time and temperature, the deterioration reasons of sterilized milk are analyzed. Moreover, the proposed method has certain theoretical significance and practical value for improving the ability of food quality risk assessment and formulating control measures in advance.Practical applicationsThe presented method is applied to evaluate the safety risk of the sterilized milk production, which are supplied by the food inspection agency of Guizhou province in China. Combined with the characteristics of time and temperature, the deterioration reasons of sterilized milk are analyzed. Furthermore, the improved model breaks out of the local optimal limit, so as to better realize the risk prediction of food and obtain better evaluation results. Based on the analysis of dynamic risk assessment result with the temperature characteristics, the future risk trend can be predicted. Meanwhile, the causes affecting the deterioration of the sterilized milk and the direction to improve the quality of the sterilized milk can be obtained. In this way, risk control measures can be taken more precisely and risks can be reduced more effectively, which is helpful to the production and storage of food products.
Effects of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐2α overexpression on hepatocellular carcinoma survival: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Ding Zi‐Niu , Dong Zhao‐Ru , Chen Zhi‐Qiang , Yang Ya‐Fei , Yan Lun‐Jie , Li Hai‐Chao , Liu Kai‐Xuan , Yao Cheng‐Yu , Yan Yu‐Chuan , Yang Chun‐Cheng , Li Tao 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackground and AimThe role of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐2α (HIF‐2α) has been implicated in the clinical prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the results remain controversial. We aim to investigate the association of HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α overexpression with the prognosis and clinicopathological features of HCC.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library until June 20, 2020. Meta‐analysis was conducted to generate combined HRs with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS). Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CI were also derived by fixed or random effect model.ResultsTwenty‐two studies involving 3238 patients were included. Combined data suggested that overexpression of HIF‐1α in HCC was not only correlated with poorer OS [HR = 1.75 (95% CI: 1.53–2.00)] and DFS [HR = 1.64 (95% CI: 1.34–2.00)] but was also positively associated with vascular invasion [OR = 1.83 (95% CI: 1.36–2.48)], tumor size [OR = 1.36 (95% CI: 1.12–1.66)], and tumor number [1.74 (95% CI: 1.34–2.25)]. In contrast, HIF‐2α overexpression was not associated with the prognosis and clinicopathological features of HCC.ConclusionOur data provided compelling evidence of a worse prognosis of HCC in HIF‐1α overexpression patients but not HIF‐2α overexpression ones.
Twice‐Weekly Structured Interdisciplinary Bedside Rounds and Falls among Older Adult Inpatients
Authors: Basic David , Huynh Elizabeth T. , Gonzales Rinaldo , Shanley Christopher G. 
Published: January 2021

Background/ObjectiveIneffective interdisciplinary communication has negative impacts on patient outcomes. The use of regular structured interdisciplinary bedside rounds (SIBR), where each patient interaction lasts 3–5 minutes, is a model of care that improves interdisciplinary communication. We evaluated the impact of SIBR on in‐hospital falls.DesignProspective before‐after study of older people hospitalized with acute illness.SettingTwo side‐by‐side aged care wards in a university hospital in Sydney, Australia.ParticipantsA total of 3,673 consecutive inpatients of mean age 83.8 ± 7.7 years, with 1,703 before SIBR compared with 1,970 after SIBR. No patients were excluded from potential participation.InterventionTwice‐weekly SIBR.MeasurementsFalls data were manually extracted from a mandatory institutional incident reporting database. Medical diagnoses were based on the Australian Refined Diagnosis Related Groups classification system. Injuries due to falls were corroborated using the institutional electronic medical record (Cerner PowerChart). Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of falls and fall‐related injuries. A negative binomial distribution and a logarithmic link function were used to linearize regression equations.ResultsAfter SIBR, there were 7.4 falls per 1,000 occupied bed days (OBD), compared with 10.6 falls per 1,000 OBD before SIBR (P < .001). The implementation of SIBR reduced falls (IRR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.52–0.85), after adjusting for age, gender, cognitive impairment, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, deconditioning and frailty, but not fall‐related injuries (IRR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.52–1.20).ConclusionThis study is the first to investigate the effect of SIBR on in‐hospital falls. It provides evidence that a sustainable, twice‐weekly intervention is associated with a reduction in falls. It has the potential to be used in other settings where falls are frequent.