bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Excess mortality in England and Wales during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kontopantelis Evangelos , Mamas Mamas A , Deanfield John , Asaria Miqdad , Doran Tim 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundDeaths during the COVID-19 pandemic result directly from infection and exacerbation of other diseases and indirectly from deferment of care for other conditions, and are socially and geographically patterned. We quantified excess mortality in regions of England and Wales during the pandemic, for all causes and for non-COVID-19-associated deaths.MethodsWeekly mortality data for 1 January 2010 to 1 May 2020 for England and Wales were obtained from the Office of National Statistics. Mean-dispersion negative binomial regressions were used to model death counts based on pre-pandemic trends and exponentiated linear predictions were subtracted from: (i) all-cause deaths and (ii) all-cause deaths minus COVID-19 related deaths for the pandemic period (week starting 7 March, to week ending 8 May).FindingsBetween 7 March and 8 May 2020, there were 47 243 (95% CI: 46 671 to 47 815) excess deaths in England and Wales, of which 9948 (95% CI: 9376 to 10 520) were not associated with COVID-19. Overall excess mortality rates varied from 49 per 100 000 (95% CI: 49 to 50) in the South West to 102 per 100 000 (95% CI: 102 to 103) in London. Non-COVID-19 associated excess mortality rates ranged from −1 per 100 000 (95% CI: −1 to 0) in Wales (ie, mortality rates were no higher than expected) to 26 per 100 000 (95% CI: 25 to 26) in the West Midlands.InterpretationThe COVID-19 pandemic has had markedly different impacts on the regions of England and Wales, both for deaths directly attributable to COVID-19 infection and for deaths resulting from the national public health response.
Characterising variability and predictors of infant mortality in urban settings: findings from 286 Latin American cities
Authors: Ortigoza Ana F , Tapia Granados José A , Miranda J Jaime , Alazraqui Marcio , Higuera Diana , Villamonte Georgina , Friche Amélia Augusta de Lima , Barrientos Gutierrez Tonatiuh , Diez Roux Ana V 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundUrbanisation in Latin America (LA) is heterogeneous and could have varying implications for infant mortality (IM). Identifying city factors related to IM can help design policies that promote infant health in cities.MethodsWe quantified variability in infant mortality rates (IMR) across cities and examined associations between urban characteristics and IMR in a cross-sectional design. We estimated IMR for the period 2014–2016 using vital registration for 286 cities above 100 000 people in eight countries. Using national censuses, we calculated population size, growth and three socioeconomic scores reflecting living conditions, service provision and population educational attainment. We included mass transit availability of bus rapid transit and subway. Using Poisson multilevel regression, we estimated the per cent difference in IMR for a one SD (1SD) difference in city-level predictors.ResultsOf the 286 cities, 130 had <250 000 inhabitants and 5 had >5 million. Overall IMR was 11.2 deaths/1000 live births. 57% of the total IMR variability across cities was within countries. Higher population growth, better living conditions, better service provision and mass transit availability were associated with 6.0% (95% CI −8.3 to 3.7%), 14.1% (95% CI −18.6 to −9.2), 11.4% (95% CI −16.1 to −6.4) and 6.6% (95% CI −9.2 to −3.9) lower IMR, respectively. Greater population size was associated with higher IMR. No association was observed for population-level educational attainment in the overall sample.ConclusionImproving living conditions, service provision and public transportation in cities may have a positive impact on reducing IMR in LA cities.
Sleep duration and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Chaput Jean-Philippe , Dutil Caroline , Featherstone Ryan , Ross Robert , Giangregorio Lora , Saunders Travis J. , Janssen Ian , Poitras Veronica J. , Kho Michelle E. , Ross-White Amanda , Carrier Julie 
Published: October 2020

The objective of this overview of systematic reviews was to examine the associations between sleep duration and health outcomes in adults. Four electronic databases were searched in December 2018 for systematic reviews published in the previous 10 years. Included reviews met the a priori determined population (community-dwelling adults aged 18 years and older), intervention/exposure/comparator (various levels of sleep duration), and outcome criteria (14 outcomes examined). To avoid overlap in primary studies, we used a priority list to choose a single review per outcome; reviews that examined the effect of age and those that looked at dose–response were prioritized. A total of 36 systematic reviews were eligible and 11 were included. Reviews included comprised 4 437 101 unique participants from 30 countries. Sleep duration was assessed subjectively in 96% of studies and 78% of studies in the reviews were prospective cohort studies. The dose–response curves showed that the sleep duration that was most favourably associated with health was 7–8 h per day. Modification of the effect by age was not apparent. The quality of the evidence ranged from low to high across health outcomes. In conclusion, the available evidence suggests that a sleep duration of 7–8 h per day is the one most favourably associated with health among adults and older adults. (PROSPERO registration no.: CRD42019119529.) Novelty This is the first overview of reviews that examines the influence of sleep duration on a wide range of health outcomes in adults. Seven to 8 h of sleep per day was most favourably associated with health. Effect modification by age was not evident.
Resistance training and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: El-Kotob Rasha , Ponzano Matteo , Chaput Jean-Philippe , Janssen Ian , Kho Michelle E. , Poitras Veronica J. , Ross Robert , Ross-White Amanda , Saunders Travis J. , Giangregorio Lora M. 
Published: October 2020

The objective of this overview of systematic reviews was to determine the benefits and harms of resistance training (RT) on health outcomes in adults aged 18 years or older, compared with not participating in RT. Four electronic databases were searched in February 2019 for systematic reviews published in the past 10 years. Eligibility criteria were determined a priori for population (community dwelling adults), intervention (exclusively RT), comparator (no RT or different doses of RT), and health outcomes (critical: mortality, physical functioning, health-related quality of life, and adverse events; important: cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, mental health, brain health, cognitive function, cancer, fall-related injuries or falls, and bone health). We selected 1 review per outcome and we used the GRADE process to assess the strength of evidence. We screened 2089 records and 375 full-text articles independently, in duplicate. Eleven systematic reviews were included, representing 364 primary studies and 382 627 unique participants. RT was associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease incidence, and an improvement in physical functioning. Effects on health-related quality of life or cognitive function were less certain. Adverse events were not consistently monitored or reported in RT studies, but serious adverse events were not common. Systematic reviews for the remaining important health outcomes could not be identified. Overall, RT training improved health outcomes in adults and the benefits outweighed the harms. (PROSPERO registration no.: CRD42019121641.) Novelty This overview was required to inform whether there was new evidence to support changes to the recommended guidelines for resistance training.
Sedentary behaviour and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Saunders Travis J. , McIsaac Travis , Douillette Kevin , Gaulton Nick , Hunter Stephen , Rhodes Ryan E. , Prince Stephanie A. , Carson Valerie , Chaput Jean-Philippe , Chastin Sebastien , Giangregorio Lora , Janssen Ian , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Kho Michelle E. , Poitras Veronica J. , Powell Kenneth E. , Ross Robert , Ross-White Amanda , Tremblay Mark S. , Healy Genevieve N. 
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this overview of systematic reviews was to determine the relationship between different types and patterns of sedentary behaviour and selected health outcomes in adults and older adults. Five electronic databases were last searched in May, 2019, with a 10-year search limit. Included reviews met the a priori population (community-dwelling adults aged 18 years and older), intervention/exposure/comparator (various types and/or patterns of sedentary behaviour), and outcomes criteria. Eighteen systematic reviews were included in the evidence synthesis. High levels of sedentary behaviour are unfavourably associated with cognitive function, depression, function and disability, physical activity levels, and physical health-related quality of life in adults. Reducing or breaking up sedentary behaviour may benefit body composition and markers of cardiometabolic risk. Total sedentary behaviour and TV viewing were most consistently associated with unfavourable health outcomes, while computer and Internet use may be favourably associated with cognitive function for older adults. The quality of evidence within individual reviews (as assessed by review authors) varied from low to high, while the certainty of evidence was low to very low. These findings have important public health implications, suggesting that adults should avoid high levels of sedentary behaviour and break-up periods of prolonged sitting. (PROSPERO registration nos.: CRD42019123121 and CRD42019127157.)Novelty High levels of sedentary behaviour are unfavourably associated with important health outcomes in adults. Reducing or breaking up sedentary behaviour may benefit body composition and markers of cardiometabolic risk. Computer and Internet use may be favourably associated with cognitive function in older adults.
Balance and functional training and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: McLaughlin Emily Claire , El-Kotob Rasha , Chaput Jean-Philippe , Janssen Ian , Kho Michelle E. , Poitras Veronica J. , Ross Robert , Ross-White Amanda , Saunders Travis J. , Sherrington Catherine , Giangregorio Lora M. 
Published: October 2020

This overview of systematic reviews examined the effect of balance and functional strength training on health outcomes in adults aged 18 years or older, to inform the Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines. Four electronic databases were searched for systematic reviews published between January 2009 and May 2019. Eligibility criteria were determined a priori for population (community-dwelling adults), intervention (balance and functional training), comparator (no intervention or different types/doses), and outcomes (critical: falls and fall-related injuries; adverse events; important: physical functioning and disability; health-related quality of life; physical activity; and sedentary behaviour). Two reviewers independently screened studies for eligibility and performed AMSTAR 2 assessment. One review was selected per outcome. Of 3288 records and 355 full-text articles, 5 systematic reviews were included, encompassing data from 15 890 participants in 23 countries. In adults 65 years and older, balance and functional training and Tai Chi reduced the rate of falls and the number of people who fell, and improved aspects of physical functioning and physical activity. The effect on health-related quality of life and falls requiring hospitalization was uncertain. While inconsistently monitored, only 1 serious adverse event was reported. No evidence was available in adults under age 65 years. Included systematic reviews and primary evidence reported by review authors ranged in quality. Overall, participation in balance and functional training reduced falls and improved health outcomes in adults 65 years of age and older. PROSPERO registration no.: CRD42019134865. Novelty This overview informs updated guidelines for balance training in adults. Balance and functional training reduced falls and improved health outcomes.
Optimal messaging of the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 18–64 years and Adults aged 65 years and older
Authors: Faught Emma , Walters Alexandra J. , Latimer-Cheung Amy E. , Faulkner Guy , Jones Rebecca , Duggan Mary , Chulak-Bozzer Tala , Lane Kirstin N. , Brouwers Melissa C. , Tomasone Jennifer R. 
Published: October 2020

The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 18–64 years and Adults aged 65 years and older (“Guidelines”) integrate recommendations for physical activity, sedentary, and sleep behaviours. Given the novelty of these integrated Guidelines, it was important to consider messaging strategies that would be most effective in reaching Canadian adults. The purpose of this study was to examine optimal messaging of the Guidelines as it pertains to communication channels and messages. Representative samples of Guideline end-users (N = 1017) and stakeholders (N = 877) each completed a cross-sectional survey. Descriptive statistics were calculated along with tests of statistical significance. Inductive content analysis was used to code stakeholders’ comments (i.e., suggestions, concerns) on a draft version of the Guidelines. Most end-users had recently referred to online medical resources; family, friends, and co-workers; and physicians as communication channels for information regarding the movement behaviours. End-users and stakeholders felt that generic messages would foster self-efficacy to meet the Guidelines. Stakeholders highlighted a variety of considerations to ensure the Guidelines are inclusive towards diverse groups within the Canadian population. Findings will inform Guideline messaging. Novelty Most end-users referred to online medical resources; family, friends, and co-workers; and physicians as communication channels. End-users and stakeholders indicated that generic messages would foster self-efficacy to meet the Guidelines. Stakeholders expressed concerns about the inclusivity of the Guidelines for diverse socioeconomic groups.
A puzzle in $$\varvec{\bar{B}_{(s)}^0 \rightarrow D_{(s)}^{(*)+} \lbrace \pi ^-, K^-\rbrace }$$ decays and extraction of the $$\varvec{f_s/f_d}$$ fragmentation fraction
Authors: Bordone Marzia , Gubernari Nico , Huber Tobias , Jung Martin , van Dyk Danny 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe provide updated predictions for the hadronic decays $$\bar{B}_s^0\rightarrow D_s^{(*)+} \pi ^-$$

B

¯

s
0

→

D
s

(

∗
)
+

π
-

and $$\bar{B}^0\rightarrow D^{(*)+} K^-$$

B

¯

0

→

D

(

∗
)
+

K
-

. They are based on $${\mathcal {O}}(\alpha _s^2)$$

O
(

α
s
2

)

results for the QCD factorization amplitudes at leading power and on recent results for the $$\bar{B}_{(s)} \rightarrow D_{(s)}^{(*)}$$

B

¯

(
s
)

→

D

(
s
)

(

∗
)

form factors up to order $$\mathcal{O}(\Lambda _\mathrm{QCD}^2/m_c^2)$$

O
(

Λ

QCD

2

/

m
c
2

)

in the heavy-quark expansion. We give quantitative estimates of the matrix elements entering the hadronic decay amplitudes at order $$\mathcal{O}(\Lambda _\mathrm{QCD}/m_b)$$

O
(

Λ
QCD

/

m
b

)

for the first time. Our results are very precise, and uncover a substantial discrepancy between the theory predictions and the experimental measurements. We explore two possibilities for this discrepancy: non-factorizable contributions larger than predicted by the QCD factorization power counting, and contributions beyond the Standard Model. We determine the $$f_s/f_d$$

f
s

/

f
d

fragmentation fraction for the CDF, D0 and LHCb experiments for both scenarios.
Universal bounds on the size of a black hole
Authors: Yang Run-Qiu , Lü H. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFor static black holes in Einstein gravity, if matter fields satisfy a few general conditions, we conjecture that three characteristic parameters about the spatial size of black holes, namely the outermost photon sphere area $$A_{\mathrm {ph,out}}$$

A

ph
,
out

, the corresponding shadow area $$A_{\mathrm {sh,out}}$$

A

sh
,
out

and the horizon area $$A_{{\mathcal {H}}}$$

A
H

satisfy a series of universal inequalities $$9A_{{\mathcal {H}}}/4\le A_{\mathrm {ph,out}}\le A_{\mathrm {sh,out}}/3\le 36\pi M^2$$

9

A
H

/
4
≤

A

ph
,
out

≤

A

sh
,
out

/
3
≤
36
π

M
2

, where M is the ADM mass. We present a complete proof in the spherically symmetric case and some pieces of evidence to support it in general static cases. We also discuss the properties of the photon spheres in general static spacetimes and show that, similar to horizon, photon spheres are also conformal invariant structures of the spacetimes.
Quasi-normal modes of near-extremal black holes in generalized spherically symmetric spacetime and strong cosmic censorship conjecture
Authors: Burikham Piyabut , Ponglertsakul Supakchai , Wuthicharn Taum 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA number of near-extremal conditions are utilized to simplify the equation of motion of the neutral scalar perturbations in generalized spherically symmetric black hole background into a differential equation with the Pöschl–Teller potential. An analytic formula for quasinormal frequencies is obtained. The analytic formula is then used to investigate strong cosmic censorship conjectures (SCC) of the generalized black hole spacetime for the smooth initial data. The Christodoulou version of the SCC is found to be violated for certain regions of the black hole parameter space including the black holes in general relativity while the $$C^{1}$$

C
1

version of the SCC is always valid.
Preparation of BiOI Photocatalysts with Controllable Wettability and Their Enhanced Catalytic Degradation of 17α-ethinylestradiol
Authors: Zhang Sifeng , Wang Lulu , Zheng Ziguang , Hei Yunrui , Zhou Luting , Wu Shenglan , Li Lingxin , Long Yanju , Luo Lijun , Jiang Fengzhi 
Published: October 2020

In this study, BiOI was successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal method and then modified using hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), respectively, to achieve a controllable water contact angle (WCA) for these materials. The physical and chemical properties of the modified BiOI were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and water contact angle (WCA) techniques. Compared with the unmodified BiOI, HMDS- and PDMS-modified BiOI had higher photocatalytic activities for 17[Formula: see text]-ethinylestradiol (EE2) under visible light irradiation for 28 min after reacting in dark for 30 min. When BiOI was modified using HMDS and PDMS, the WCA increased. When the WCA of HMDS- and PDMS-modified BiOI was controlled in the range of 25.3–32.7[Formula: see text] and 38.1–78.5[Formula: see text], respectively, better photocatalytic performances were achieved. When the WCA of modified BiOI was 29.7[Formula: see text] (1.00[Formula: see text]mL HMDS) and 47.8[Formula: see text] (0.20[Formula: see text]mL PDMS), the best photocatalytic performances were achieved with EE2 removal rate of 98.85% and 98.72%, respectively, however, the removal rate of the unmodified BiOI was 85.01%. The reaction rate constants of BiOI (1.00[Formula: see text]mL HMDS) and BiOI (0.20[Formula: see text]mL PDMS) were 2.33 and 2.15 times higher than the unmodified BiOI, respectively. The improved catalytic performances of modified BiOI could be attributed to the synergistic effect of the controlled wettability of BiOI and functional groups on the surface of photocatalysts.
An Integrative Gene Expression and Mathematical Flux Balance Analysis Identifies Targetable Redox Vulnerabilities in Melanoma Cells
Authors: Paudel B. Bishal , Lewis Joshua E. , Hardeman Keisha N. , Hayford Corey E. , Robbins Charles J. , Stauffer Philip E. , Codreanu Simona G. , Sherrod Stacy D. , McLean John A. , Kemp Melissa L. , Quaranta Vito 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Melanomas harboring BRAF mutations can be treated with BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi), but responses are varied and tumor recurrence is inevitable. Here we used an integrative approach of experimentation and mathematical flux balance analyses in BRAF-mutated melanoma cells to discover that elevated antioxidant capacity is linked to BRAFi sensitivity in melanoma cells. High levels of antioxidant metabolites in cells with reduced BRAFi sensitivity confirmed this conclusion. By extending our analyses to other melanoma subtypes in The Cancer Genome Atlas, we predict that elevated redox capacity is a general feature of melanomas, not previously observed. We propose that redox vulnerabilities could be exploited for therapeutic benefits and identify unsuspected combination targets to enhance the effects of BRAFi in any melanoma, regardless of mutational status.

Significance:
An integrative bioinformatics, flux balance analysis, and experimental approach identify targetable redox vulnerabilities and show the potential for modulation of cancer antioxidant defense to augment the benefits of existing therapies in melanoma.
The Latest on Uveal Melanoma Research and Clinical Trials: Updates from the Cure Ocular Melanoma (CURE OM) Science Meeting (2019)
Authors: Chua Vivian , Mattei Jane , Han Anna , Johnston Lauren , LiPira Kyleigh , Selig Sara M. , Carvajal Richard D. , Aplin Andrew E. , Patel Sapna P. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Uveal melanoma is a rare cancer in adults, but its treatment is one of the clinical unmet needs in the melanoma field. Metastatic disease develops in approximately 50% of patients and is associated with poor survival due to the lack of effective treatment options. It provides a paradigm for cancers that show evidence of aberrant G protein–coupled receptor signaling, tumor dormancy, and liver-selective metastatic tropism and are associated with the loss of the BAP1 tumor suppressor. At the Melanoma Research Foundation CURE OM Science Meeting at the Society for Melanoma Research Meeting held in Utah on November 20, 2019, clinicians and researchers presented findings from their studies according to three themes within uveal melanoma: (i) ongoing clinical trials, (ii) molecular determinants, and (iii) novel targets that could be translated into clinical trials. This meeting underscored the high interest in the uveal melanoma research field and the unmet need for effective treatment strategies for late-stage disease. Findings from ongoing clinical trials are promising, and multiple studies show how novel combinatorial strategies increase response rates. Novel targets and tumor vulnerabilities identified bioinformatically or through high-throughput screens also reveal new opportunities to target uveal melanoma. The future directions pursued by the uveal melanoma research field will likely have an impact on other cancer types that harbor similar genetic alterations and/or show similar biological properties.