bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between hyperglycemia and the malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia in China
Authors: Li Jin , Liu Yang , Zhang Hua , Hua Hong 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the association between hyperglycemia and the malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia (OLK).Patients and MethodsThis retrospective case–control study involved 133 patients with the malignant transformation of OLK into oral squamous cell carcinoma (case group) and 266 patients with untransformed OLK (control group). The clinical history and follow‐up data included age, gender, lesion size and location, and fasting plasma glucose. Logistic regression analysis, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to assess the effects of risk factors on the malignant transformation of OLK.ResultsHyperglycemia (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 4.7, p = .001), non‐homogenous OLK (AHR = 3.0, p < .001), location of the lesion on the ventral surface of the tongue or floor of the mouth (AHR = 3.6, p < .001), and epithelial dysplasia (AHR = 2.8, p = .005) had significant effects on the malignant transformation of OLK.ConclusionHyperglycemia, non‐homogenous OLK, location of the lesion on the ventral surface of the tongue or floor of the mouth, and epithelial dysplasia might be associated with malignant transformation of OLK.
Progress in zero‐fluoroscopy implantation of cardiac electronic device
Authors: Qiu Jie , Wang Yan , Chen Guangzhi , Zhao Chunxia , Wang Dao Wen 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFluoroscopy is the imaging modality routinely used for cardiac device implantation. Due to the rising concern regarding the harmful effects of radiation exposure to both the patients and operation staffs, many efforts have been made to develop alternative techniques to achieve zero‐fluoroscopy implantation. In this review, we describe the different methods aimed at avoiding the application of fluoroscopy in recent years, and evaluate their feasibility and safety in cardiac electronic device implantation.
Sulforaphane as an adjunctive treatment for irritability in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Momtazmanesh Sara , Amirimoghaddam‐Yazdi Zeinab , Moghaddam Hossein Sanjari , Mohammadi Mohammad Reza , Akhondzadeh Shahin 
Published: April 2020

AimIrritability related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) complicates the management of ASD patients at home and in clinical settings. In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, we aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of adjuvant treatment with risperidone and sulforaphane in alleviating the irritability of children with ASD.MethodsSixty drug‐free patients aged 4–12 years were randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving risperidone plus sulforaphane or placebo. Risperidone was started with a daily dose of 0.25 mg in patients weighing <20 kg and 0.5 mg in those weighing ≥20 kg and increased stepwise to reach a maximum of 1 mg (<20 kg), 2.5 mg (20–45 kg), and 3.5 mg (>45 kg). Sulforaphane was administered at a daily dose of 50 μmol (≤45 kg) or 100 μmol (>45 kg). The participants were assessed with the Aberrant Behavior Checklist – Community Edition at baseline and at Weeks 5 and 10.ResultsCompared to the placebo group, ASD patients in the sulforaphane group showed greater improvements in Irritability score (primary outcome measure; P = 0.001) and Hyperactivity/Noncompliance score (secondary outcome measure; P = 0.015), and significant Time × Treatment effect for Irritability (P = 0.007) and Hyperactivity/Noncompliance (P = 0.008). However, no difference was seen in improvements in the other secondary measures: Lethargy/Social Interaction score, Stereotypic Behavior score, Inappropriate Speech score, and frequency of adverse events.ConclusionOur results support the safety and efficacy of sulforaphane as an adjuvant to risperidone for improvement of irritability and hyperactivity symptoms in children with ASD.
New Synthesized Galloyl‐RGD Inhibits Melanogenesis by Regulating the CREB and ERK Signaling Pathway in B16F10 Melanoma Cells
Authors: Shin Seo Yeon , Sun Sang Ouk , Ko Jae Yeon , Oh Yun Seo , Cho Seung‐Sik , Park Dae‐Hun , Park Kyung Mok 
Published: April 2020

AbstractGallic acid (3, 4, 5‐trihydroxybenzoic acid) is a phytochemical derived from diverse herbs. It has been reported to have effective antifungal, antiviral and antioxidant activity. However, gallic acid exhibits low solubility and instability at high temperatures. In a previous study, in order to overcome these limitations, we synthesized galloyl‐RGD by combining gallic acid with arginine, glycine and asparaginic acid (RGD peptide). This compound showed better thermal stability than gallic acid. In this study, we investigated the antimelanogenic effect of galloyl‐RGD and the underlying mechanism for this effect. Galloyl‐RGD markedly inhibited melanin content and tyrosinase activity in a concentration‐dependent manner. We also found that galloyl‐RGD decreased the levels of melanogenesis‐related gene and protein. In addition, galloyl‐RGD reduces intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels that leads to inhibition of cAMP‐responsive element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation and activates extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) expression. These results indicate that CREB and ERK regulation by galloyl‐RGD contributes to reduced melanin synthesis via degradation of microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor. Therefore, galloyl‐RGD can be potential candidate for application in cosmetic or pharmaceutical industry.
Evaluating Lightning‐Caused Fire Occurrence Using Spatial Generalized Additive Models: A Case Study in Central Spain
Authors: Rodríguez‐Pérez José Ramón , Ordóñez Celestino , Roca‐Pardiñas Javier , Vecín‐Arias Daniel , Castedo‐Dorado Fernando 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIt is widely accepted that the relationship between lightning wildfire occurrence and its influencing factors vary depending on the spatial scale of analysis, making the development of models at the regional scale advisable. In this study, we analyze the effects of different biophysical variables and lightning characteristics on lightning‐caused forest wildfires in Castilla y León region (Central Spain). The presence/absence of at least one lightning‐caused fire in any 4 × 4‐km grid cell was used as a dependent variable and vegetation type and structure, terrain, climate, and lightning characteristics were used as possible covariates. Five prediction methods were compared: a generalized linear model (GLM), a random forest model (RFM), a generalized additive model (GAM), a GAM that includes a spatial trend function (GAMs) and a spatial autoregressive model (AUREG). A GAMs with just one covariate, apart from longitude and latitude for each observation included as a combined effect, was considered the most appropriate model in terms of both predictive ability and simplicity. According to our results, the probability of a forest being affected by a lightning‐caused fire is positively and nonlinearly associated with the percentage of coniferous woodlands in the landscape, suggesting that occurrence is more closely associated with vegetation type than with topography, climate, or lightning characteristics. The selected GAMs is intended to inform the Regional Government of Castilla y León (the fire and fuel agency in the region) regarding identification of areas at greatest risk so it can design long‐term forest fuel and fire management strategies.
Metallic Phase Change Material's Microstructural Stability Under Repetitive Melting/Solidification Cycles
Authors: Báez Rafael , González Luis E. , de Jesús-López Manny X. , Quintero Pedro O. , Boteler Lauren M. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Metallic phase change materials (mPCMs) have been demonstrated as potential passive cooling solution for pulse power applications. The possibility of integrating a metallic PCM directly on top of a heat source, reducing the thermal resistance between the device and the cooling system, could result in a significant improvement in thermal management for transient applications. However, many thermo-physical properties of these alloys are still unknown; furthermore, their microstructural stability with repetitive melting/solidification cycles is not warrant. In this work, we provide a series of potential mPCMs for thermal management of electronics operating on a wide range of application temperatures, followed by an experimental investigation of microstructural and thermo-physical stability of these materials under repetitive melting solidification cycles. The results of the effect of cyclic thermal loading of theses alloys on the melting behavior and latent heat of fusion are discussed. Thermal stability of 51.0 wt  % In–32.5 wt %Bi–16.5 wt %Sn and 50 wt %Bi–26.7 wt %Pb–13.3 wt %Sn–10 wt %Cd alloys, as potential midtemperature mPCM, has been evaluated. The results suggest that these mPCMs maintain their thermo-physical stability over large periods of thermal cycles.
Redox state of southern Tibetan upper mantle and ultrapotassic magmas
Authors: Li Weikai , Yang Zhiming , Chiaradia Massimo , Lai Yong , Yu Chao , Zhang Jiayu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The redox state of Earth’s upper mantle in several tectonic settings, such as cratonic mantle, oceanic mantle, and mantle wedges beneath magmatic arcs, has been well documented. In contrast, oxygen fugacity () data of upper mantle under orogens worldwide are rare, and the mechanism responsible for the mantle condition under orogens is not well constrained. In this study, we investigated the of mantle xenoliths derived from the southern Tibetan lithospheric mantle beneath the Himalayan orogen, and that of postcollisional ultrapotassic volcanic rocks hosting the xenoliths. The of mantle xenoliths ranges from ΔFMQ = +0.5 to +1.2 (where ΔFMQ is the deviation of log from the fayalite-magnetite-quartz buffer), indicating that the southern Tibetan lithospheric mantle is more oxidized than cratonic and oceanic mantle, and it falls within the typical range of mantle wedge values. Mineralogical evidence suggests that water-rich fluids and sediment melts liberated from both the subducting Neo-Tethyan oceanic slab and perhaps the Indian continental plate could have oxidized the southern Tibetan lithospheric mantle. The conditions of ultrapotassic magmas show a shift toward more oxidized conditions during ascent (from ΔFMQ = +0.8 to +3.0). Crustal evolution processes (e.g., fractionation) could influence magmatic , and thus the redox state of mantle-derived magma may not simply represent its mantle source.
Alterations in Vascular Function Associated With the Use of Combustible and Electronic Cigarettes
Authors: Fetterman Jessica L. , Keith Rachel J. , Palmisano Joseph N. , McGlasson Kathleen L. , Weisbrod Robert M. , Majid Sana , Bastin Reena , Stathos Mary Margaret , Stokes Andrew C. , Robertson Rose Marie , Bhatnagar Aruni , Hamburg Naomi M. 
Published: April 2020

Background
Electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) have been proposed as a potential harm reduction tool for combustible cigarette smokers. The majority of adult e‐cigarette users continue to smoke combustible cigarettes and are considered dual users. The vascular impact of e‐cigarettes remains incompletely defined.

Methods and Results

We examined the association of e‐cigarette use with measures of vascular function and tonometry, preclinical measures of cardiovascular injury. As part of the
CITU
(Cardiovascular Injury due to Tobacco Use) study, we performed noninvasive vascular function testing in individuals without known cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular disease risk factors who were nonsmokers (n=94), users of combustible cigarettes (n=285), users of e‐cigarettes (n=36), or dual users (n=52). In unadjusted analyses, measures of arterial stiffness including carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, carotid‐radial pulse wave velocity, and central blood pressures differed across the use groups. In multivariable models adjusted for age, sex, race, and study site, combustible cigarette smokers had higher augmentation index compared with nonusers (129.8±1.5 versus 118.8±2.7,
P
=0.003). The augmentation index was similar between combustible cigarette smokers compared with sole e‐cigarette users (129.8±1.5 versus 126.2±5.9,
P
=1.0) and dual users (129.8±1.5 versus 134.9±4.0,
P
=1.0). Endothelial cells from combustible cigarette smokers and sole e‐cigarette users produced less nitric oxide in response to A23187 stimulation compared with nonsmokers, suggestive of impaired endothelial nitric oxide synthase signaling.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that e‐cigarette use is not associated with a more favorable vascular profile. Future longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the long‐term risks of sustained e‐cigarette use.
Abdominal aortic calcification: from ancient friend to modern foe
Authors: Bartstra Jonas W , Mali Willem P Th M , Spiering Wilko , de Jong Pim A 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Abdominal aortic calcifications were already ubiquitous in ancient populations from all continents. Although nowadays generally considered as an innocent end stage of stabilised atherosclerotic plaques, increasing evidence suggests that arterial calcifications contribute to cardiovascular risk. In this review we address abdominal aortic calcification from an evolutionary perspective and review the literature on histology, prevalence, risk factors, clinical outcomes and pharmacological interventions of abdominal aortic calcification.

Design
The design of this study was based on a literature review.

Methods
Pubmed and Embase were systematically searched for articles on abdominal aortic calcification and its synonyms without language restrictions. Articles with data on histology, prevalence, risk factors clinical outcomes and/or pharmacological interventions were selected.

Results
Abdominal aortic calcification is highly prevalent in the general population and prevalence and extent increase with age. Prevalence and risk factors differ between males and females and different ethnicities. Risk factors include traditional cardiovascular risk factors and decreased bone mineral density. Abdominal aortic calcification is shown to contribute to arterial stiffness and is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality. Several therapies to inhibit arterial calcification have been developed and investigated in small clinical trials.

Conclusions
Abdominal aortic calcification is from all eras and increasingly acknowledged as an independent contributor to cardiovascular disease. Large studies with long follow-up must be carried out to show whether inhibition of abdominal aortic calcification will further reduce cardiovascular risk.
Incidence and characteristics of acute aortic dissection in patients with out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest evaluated by non-contrast computed tomography
Authors: Takeuchi Shinsuke , Yamaguchi Yoshihiro , Soejima Kyoko , Yoshino Hideaki 
Published: April 2020

Background
The exact epidemiology of acute aortic dissection, including cases of out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest, is unclear. We aimed to investigate the incidence and characteristics of acute aortic dissection in patients with out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest transferred to our institution and validate the related factors to out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest in Stanford type A acute aortic dissection.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the acute-phase computed tomography data of patients with out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest who visited our hospital between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2017.

Results
Among 1011 consecutive patients with out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest, excluding those aged 17 years and younger and exogenous out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest, such as suicide and trauma, 934 underwent computed tomography examination and 71 (7.6%) were diagnosed with acute aortic dissection: 66 with Stanford type A and five with type B acute aortic dissection (out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest group). Seventy-five patients without out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest with Stanford type A acute aortic dissection visited our institution during the same period (non-out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest group). Age, incidence of massive bloody pericardial effusion and massive intrathoracic haemorrhage were significantly higher in the out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest than in the non-out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest group (78 ± 8 years, 72.7% and 24.2% vs. 70 ± 13 years, 26.7% and 1.3%, respectively; all P &lt; 0.01). These variables were independently related to out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest.

Conclusions
There may be more patients with acute aortic dissection with out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest than previously thought. Aortic rupture into the pericardial space or thoracic cavity is the major cause of out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest in these cases. Non-contrast computed tomography can be used to diagnose acute aortic dissection in patients with out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest. Our study is one of a few to evaluate the real circumstances surrounding acute aortic dissection and its epidemiology.
Obstetric fistulas in Uganda: scoping review using a determinant of health approach to provide a framework for health policy improvement
Authors: den Hollander Geerte C. , Janszen Erica W. M. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The uneven global and national distribution of obstetric fistulas suggests a complex network of determinants contributing to fistula development. This study aims to create an understanding of the determinants of obstetric fistula in Uganda and to give a framework for health policy improvement.

Methods
A scoping review of existing literature was performed, searching the PubMed/MEDLINE database, Ugandan Demographic and Health Surveys, and official sources of Ugandan statistics. Data was analysed using the model for the determinants of health by Dahlgren and Whitehead.

Results
Obstetric fistulas are associated with different personal lifestyle factors, certain social and community networks, as well as poor working and living conditions. Malnutrition, early childbearing, limited female empowerment, lack of awareness of childbearing risks, low socioeconomic status, and long distances to emergency obstetric care play a part. Certain regions of Uganda are in particular associated with obstetric fistula, where an accumulation of determinants is notable.

Conclusion
Analysis using the model of Dahlgren and Whitehead shows that obstetric fistulas are associated with determinants at different levels of society. Poverty and low education link these in a web that is disproportionately hard to escape from for the poorest women. This inequity asks for co-operation between ministries to dismantle the environment for obstetric fistula.
Online cognitive behavioral therapy enhanced for binge eating disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: van den Berg Elske , Melisse Bernou , Koenders Jitske , de Jonge Margo , Blankers Matthijs , de Beurs Edwin , Dekker Jack 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating accompanied by a sense of lack of control. Of the different treatments available, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Enhanced and guided self-help treatment are recommended. As online treatment offers several additional advantages, we have developed a CBT-Enhanced online guided self-help intervention. The aim of this study is to determine whether this intervention reduces eating disorder pathology and increases the amount of binge free days in adults classified with binge eating disorder or other specified feeding or eating disorder- binge eating disorder, compared to an untreated waiting list condition. The experimental condition is hypothesized to be superior to the waiting list condition.

Methods
The efficacy of an online guided self-help intervention for binge eating disorder will be assessed by conducting a randomized controlled trial. The trial will target adult individuals classified with binge eating disorder or other specified feeding or eating disorder- binge eating disorder with a body mass index between 19.5 and 40, referred to an eating disorder treatment center. Dual arm allotment will be performed in a 1:1 ratio stratified for BMI above or below 30. Randomization will be blinded to the online intervention (n = 90), or to the control waiting list condition (n = 90). Assessors will be blinded and assessments will be administered at baseline, week 5, at end-of-treatment, and at 12 and 24 weeks follow-up. Primary outcome will be eating disorder pathology, operationalized as number of days on which binge eating occurred between the two conditions during the period of the intervention. Secondary outcome measures will be differences in other eating disorder pathology, clinical impairment and in quality of life, while therapeutic alliance, demographic characteristics and followed treatment module will serve as effect moderators. Several types of costs will be assessed.

Discussion
This paper presents an online guided self-help Cognitive Behavioral Therapy- Enhanced study protocol for individuals classified with binge eating disorder or other specified feeding or eating disorder. Efficacy will be examined through a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Trial registration
The study protocol is registered with the Netherlands Trial Registry NTR (NTR 7994) since 6 September 2019.
The effects of pricing policy on the prices and supply of low-cost medicines in Shandong, China: evidence from an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Rong Xuejing , Yin Jia , Duan Shuoyun , Sun Qiang , Babar Zaheer-Ud-Din 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
In China, some medicines had a supply problem. In 2015, to address this problem, the Chinese government issued a policy to raise the price cap for some shorted low-cost medicines (LCMs). The objective was to assess the effects on medicine prices and supply of medicines from a medicine pricing policy reform point of view.

Methods
This study was conducted in Shandong, an eastern province of China with a population of 99.4 million. We collected procurement data of all (n = 1494) LCM medicines available between April 2014 and February 2017 from the web-based Provincial Drug Centralized Bidding Procurement System. This study used the Drug Price index and the average price to reveal the price change of LCMs and used the interrupted time series to evaluate the effects of LCM policy on medicine supply by measuring the change of monthly procurement volume, the number of products, and the average delivery time of LCMs.

Results
After the policy implementation in October 2015, the quarterly average price of all LCM products, especially traditional Chinese medicines, showed a sudden growth trend. Then after two-quarter implementation of policy, the price recovered to the same trend before policy intervention, which is consistent with the trend of the Drug price index. There were 466 of LCM products available in October 2015. After the policy intervention, the number of products available increased by 109.87% (n = 978) in February 2017, at a growth rate of 6.44% per month (Value = 30.02, P < 0.001). Besides after the intervention in October 2015, the monthly procurement volumes of LCMs increased rapidly, on average, at a rate of 28.93% per month (Value = 474,000, P < 0.001) for all LCMs. The average delivery time of LCMs kept on decreasing from 33.37 days to 10.69 days at a reduced rate of 3.63% (Value = − 1.21, P < 0.001) per month before the policy, while no significant changes were noted. Also, average monthly delivery time was stable at 9 days after the intervention.

Conclusions
The policy promoted the supply of low-cost medicines, which is beneficial for the Universal Health Coverage. However, future policies should focus on monitoring price change and reducing the delivery time of generic medicines.