bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sceletium tortuosum (Zembrin®) ameliorates experimentally induced anxiety in healthy volunteers
Authors: Reay Jonathon , Wetherell Mark A. , Morton Emma , Lillis James , Badmaev Vladimir 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the anxiolytic properties of a standardized extract of Sceletium tortuosum (trademarked―Zembrin®).MethodsTwo studies utilized a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, between‐subject experimental design to investigate the effects of a single dose of Sceletium tortuosum (25 mg, Zembrin®) on laboratory stress/anxiety responding in 20 young healthy volunteers. To elicit feelings of stress/anxiety, participants completed 20 min of the multitasking framework in study 1 and a 5‐min simulated public speaking task in study 2. Study 1 measured subjective experiences of mood at baseline, prestress induction, and poststress induction. Study 2 measured subjective experiences of anxiety and physiological indicators of stress (heart rate [HR] and galvanic skin response) at baseline, prestress induction, during stress induction, and poststress induction.ResultsA series of analysis of covariances (baseline entered as the covariate) revealed no treatment effect in study 1; however, study 2 revealed subjective anxiety levels to be significantly lower in the Zembrin® group at the prestress induction point and a significant interaction between treatment and time on HR. Taken together, results indicate that a single dose of Zembrin® can ameliorate laboratory stress/anxiety responding in healthy volunteers.ConclusionWe provide the first tentative behavioral evidence to support the anxiolytic properties of Sceletium tortuosum (25 mg Zembrin®).
Liver cancer prediction in a viral hepatitis cohort: A deep learning approach
Authors: Phan Dinh‐Van , Chan Chien‐Lung , Li Ai‐Hsien Adams , Chien Ting‐Ying , Nguyen Van‐Chuc 
Published: August 2020

AbstractViral hepatitis is the primary cause of liver diseases, among which liver cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer. However, this cancer is often diagnosed in the later stages, which makes treatment difficult or even impossible. This study applied deep learning (DL) models for the early prediction of liver cancer in a hepatitis cohort. In this study, we surveyed 1 million random samples from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to analyze viral hepatitis patients from 2002 to 2010. Then, we used DL models to predict liver cancer cases based on the history of diseases of the hepatitis cohort. Our results revealed the annual prevalence of hepatitis in Taiwan increased from 2002 to 2010, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 5.8% (95% CI: 4.2‐7.4). However, young people (aged 16‐30 years) exhibited a decreasing trend, with an AAPC of −5.6 (95% CI: −8.1 to −2.9). The results of applying DL models showed that the convolution neural network (CNN) model yielded the best performance in terms of predicting liver cancer cases, with an accuracy of 0.980 (AUC: 0.886). In conclusion, this study showed an increasing trend in the annual prevalence of hepatitis, but a decreasing trend in young people from 2002 to 2010 in Taiwan. The CNN model may be applied to predict liver cancer in a hepatitis cohort with high accuracy.
Genetically predicted circulating concentrations of micronutrients and risk of breast cancer: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Papadimitriou Nikos , Dimou Niki , Gill Dipender , Tzoulaki Ioanna , Murphy Neil , Riboli Elio , Lewis Sarah J. , Martin Richard M. , Gunter Marc J. , Tsilidis Konstantinos K. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe epidemiological literature reports inconsistent associations between consumption or circulating concentrations of micronutrients and breast cancer risk. We investigated associations between genetically predicted concentrations of 11 micronutrients (beta‐carotene, calcium, copper, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and zinc) and breast cancer risk using Mendelian randomization (MR). A two‐sample MR study was conducted using 122 977 women with breast cancer and 105 974 controls from the Breast Cancer Association Consortium. MR analyses were conducted using the inverse variance‐weighted approach, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the impact of potential violations of MR assumptions. A value of 1 SD (SD: 0.08 mmol/L) higher genetically predicted concentration of magnesium was associated with a 17% (odds ratio [OR]: 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10‐1.25, P value = 9.1 × 10−7) and 20% (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.08‐1.34, P value = 3.2 × 10−6) higher risk of overall and ER+ve breast cancer, respectively. An inverse association was observed for a SD (0.5 mg/dL) higher genetically predicted phosphorus concentration and ER−ve breast cancer (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72‐0.98, P value = .03). There was little evidence that any other nutrient was associated with breast cancer. The results for magnesium were robust under all sensitivity analyses and survived correction for multiple comparisons. Higher circulating concentrations of magnesium and potentially phosphorus may affect breast cancer risk. Further work is required to replicate these findings and investigate underlying mechanisms.
Smoking and colorectal cancer: A pooled analysis of 10 population‐based cohort studies in Japan
Authors: Akter Shamima , Islam Zobida , Mizoue Tetsuya , Sawada Norie , Ihira Hikaru , Tsugane Shoichiro , Koyanagi Yuriko N. , Ito Hidemi , Wang Chaochen , Tamakoshi Akiko , Wada Keiko , Nagata Chisato , Tanaka Kenta , Kitamura Yuri , Utada Mai , Ozasa Kotaro , Sugawara Yumi , Tsuji Ichiro , Shimazu Taichi , Matsuo Keitaro , Naito Mariko , Tanaka Keitaro , Inoue Manami 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSmoking has been consistently associated with the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Western populations; however, evidence is limited and inconsistent in Asian people. To assess the association of smoking status, smoking intensity and smoking cessation with colorectal risk in the Japanese population, we performed a pooled analysis of 10 population‐based cohort studies. Study‐specific hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox's proportional hazards model and then pooled using a random‐effects model. Among 363 409 participants followed up for 2 666 004 person‐years, 9232 incident CRCs were identified. In men, compared with never smokers, ever smokers showed higher risk of CRC. The HRs (95% CI) were 1.19 (1.10‐1.29) for CRC, 1.19 (1.09‐1.30) for colon cancer, 1.28 (1.13‐1.46) for distal colon cancer and 1.21 (1.07‐1.36) for rectal cancer. Smoking was associated with risk of CRC in a dose‐response manner. In women, compared with never smokers, ever smokers showed increased risk of distal colon cancer (1.47 [1.19‐1.82]). There was no evidence of a significant gender difference in the association of smoking and CRC risk. Our results confirm that smoking is associated with an increased risk of CRC, both overall and subsites, in Japanese men and distal colon cancer in Japanese women.
Performances and risk of socially responsible investments across regions during crisis
Authors: Lean Hooi Hooi , Pizzutilo Fabio 
Published: August 2020

AbstractVery few studies verified whether Socially Responsible Investments (SRIs) add value during a financial turmoil. We fill this gap. We conduct the analysis by employing the Fama and French (2015) five‐factor model along with the usual Fama and French's (1993) and Carhart's (1997) models. We also propose an innovative methodology that takes into consideration the higher moments of the explanatory variables in order to deal with the non‐normality and the heteroskedasticity of return distributions. Rather than inspecting Socially Responsible (SR) mutual funds as done by most of the existent literature, we concentrate on SR indexes, in the conviction to overcome some of the limitations that can potentially bias an analysis carried out on mutual funds. Our results show that both SR and conventional indexes performed almost in the same way independently of the financial market conditions. Little evidence can at best support the conclusion that SRIs dampened the downside risk during the recent financial crisis in North America only. At the same time, SRIs do not seem to suffer from a risk‐adjusted perspective during normal times. As expected, SRIs bear a higher level of idiosyncratic volatility compared to their respective conventional investments. Our innovative methodology plays an important role in explaining the cross section of SR returns.
Laser‐induced optothermal response of gold nanoparticles: From a physical viewpoint to cancer treatment application
Authors: Asadi Somayeh , Bianchi Leonardo , De Landro Martina , Korganbayev Sanzhar , Schena Emiliano , Saccomandi Paola 
Published: August 2020

AbstractGold nanoparticles (GNPs)‐based photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising minimally invasive thermal therapy for the treatment of focal malignancies. Although GNPs‐based PTT has been known for over two decades and GNPs possess unique properties as therapeutic agents, the delivery of a safe and effective therapy is still an open question. This review aims at providing relevant and recent information on the usage of GNPs in combination with the laser to treat cancers, pointing out the practical aspects that bear on the therapy outcome. Emphasis is given to the assessment of the GNPs’ properties and the physical mechanisms underlying the laser‐induced heat generation in GNPs‐loaded tissues. The main techniques available for temperature measurement and the current theoretical simulation approaches predicting the therapeutic outcome are reviewed. Topical challenges in delivering safe thermal dosage are also presented with the aim to discuss the state‐of‐the‐art and the future perspective in the field of GNPs‐mediated PTT.
Harnessing electrospun nanofibers to recapitulate hierarchical fibrous structures of meniscus
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Zhu Jingjing , Sun Binbin , Jin Qiu , Li Haiyan , Xia Changlei , Wang Hongsheng , Mo Xiumei , Wu Jinglei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe meniscus has complex biomechanical functions endowed by the hierarchical fibrous structure of its extracellular matrix (ECM), which plays a central role in protecting the knee joint. However, it is challenging to recapitulate the ECM structure of the meniscus. Herein, we used electrospinning to prepare various scaffolds with distinct nanofibrous structures to approximate that of the heterogeneous ultrastructure of meniscus ECM. Our results showed that adjusting the deposition manner of nanofibers during electrospinning could effectively manipulate the architectures of resulting scaffolds. This approach led to electrospun scaffolds with random or aligned fibrous structures that reassemble the surface or superficial layers of the meniscus. We also showed that assembly of electrospun nanofibers into yarn‐like configurations replicates the circumferentially aligned fibrous bundles of the inner part of the meniscus. These scaffolds exhibited distinct fibrous anisotropies and mechanical properties. In vitro studies indicated good cytocompatibility of scaffolds, especially, the yarn scaffold supported considerable meniscus cell infiltration. The meniscus cells, in turn, enhanced the mechanical properties of scaffolds. Taken together, these data imply that electrospun scaffolds may have potential in enhancing meniscus repair and regeneration.
On the strength of hydrogen bonding within water clusters on the coordination limit
Authors: Castor‐Villegas Víctor Manuel , Guevara‐Vela José Manuel , Vallejo Narváez Wilmer E. , Martín Pendás Ángel , Rocha‐Rinza Tomás , Fernández‐Alarcón Alberto 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHydrogen bonds (HB) are arguably the most important noncovalent interactions in chemistry. We study herein how differences in connectivity alter the strength of HBs within water clusters of different sizes. We used for this purpose the interacting quantum atoms energy partition, which allows for the quantification of HB formation energies within a molecular cluster. We could expand our previously reported hierarchy of HB strength in these systems (Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016,18, 19557) to include tetracoordinated monomers. Surprisingly, the HBs between tetracoordinated water molecules are not the strongest HBs despite the widespread occurrence of these motifs (e.g., in iceIh). The strongest HBs within H2O clusters involve tricoordinated monomers. Nonetheless, HB tetracoordination is preferred in large water clusters because (a) it reduces HB anticooperativity associated with double HB donors and acceptors and (b) it results in a larger number of favorable interactions in the system. Finally, we also discuss (a) the importance of exchange‐correlation to discriminate among the different examined types of HBs within H2O clusters, (b) the use of the above‐mentioned scale to quickly assess the relative stability of different isomers of a given water cluster, and (c) how the findings of this research can be exploited to indagate about the formation of polymorphs in crystallography. Overall, we expect that this investigation will provide valuable insights into the subtle interplay of tri‐ and tetracoordination in HB donors and acceptors as well as the ensuing interaction energies within H2O clusters.
Evaluation of miR‐130 family members as circulating biomarkers for the diagnosis of bladder cancer
Authors: Wang Jingyao , Zhao Liwen , Peng Xiqi , Liu Kaihao , Zhang Chunduo , Chen Xuan , Han Yanni , Lai Yongqing 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectivePrevious research has shown that the miR‐130 family is closely related to the occurrence and development of bladder cancer. We hope to use the miR‐130 family members as new, non‐invasive, and easily detectable biomarkers for bladder cancer.MethodsWe analyzed 428 cases in The Cancer Genome Atlas‐Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma database and verified that the miR‐130 family members were significantly overexpressed in bladder cancer. A total of 74 bladder cancer patients and 90 controls were enrolled. The relative expression of the miR‐130 family in serum was detected using quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. The diagnostic efficacy of the miR‐130 family members was determined using the receiver operating characteristic method (ROC), and a diagnostic panel was built using logistic regression. The results of the study were further confirmed in an external validation set of 492 samples from the Gene Expression Omnibus database.ResultsThe expression of the miR‐130 family members (except for miR‐301b‐3p) in the serum of bladder cancer patients was higher than that in the controls. The diagnostic capabilities for bladder cancer were 0.847 (miR‐130a‐3p), 0.762 (miR‐130b‐3p), and 0.892 (miR‐301a‐3p). We established a three‐miRNA panel with an area under the ROC curve as high as 0.961, indicating that it is a promising clinical diagnostic biomarker of bladder cancer with high sensitivity and specificity.ConclusionThe expression levels of miR‐130 family members in serum can effectively distinguish the bladder cancer patients from healthy controls. This finding will facilitate the clinical diagnosis of bladder cancer.
Geropsychology career pipeline perceptions
Authors: Dorman Hillary R. , Strong Jessica V. , Tighe Caitlan A. , Mast Benjamin T. , Allen Rebecca S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveUsing the framework of Social Cognitive Career Theory, this study aimed to ascertain attitudes and perceptions of geropsychology career paths, given the present notable geriatric workforce shortage.MethodsAn online survey was developed iteratively and disseminated through various modalities (i.e., internet, email, word‐of‐mouth). Participants included 28 predoctoral and 76 professional geropsychologists (N = 107; age M = 39.18, SD = 12.05). The sample was largely female (72%), non‐Hispanic White (89%), and has or was working towards their PhD (82%).ResultsResults delineate attractive and unattractive aspects of common career options (academic, clinical Veterans Affairs [VA], clinical non‐VA), and assessed the hypothetical proclivity and feasibility of switching between academic and clinically focused careers. The results found gender (women vs. men) and career stages (predoctoral vs. professional) to be significant contributors to career perceptions.ConclusionsThe present study advances past literature by unveiling potential avenues to ameliorate this workforce shortage within both clinical and academic fields in geropsychology.
STAT3‐dependent regulation of the electrogenic Na+/HCO3− cotransporter 1 (NBCe1) functional expression in cortical astrocytes
Authors: Giannaki Marina , Schrödl‐Häußel Magdalena , Khakipoor Shokoufeh , Kirsch Matthias , Roussa Eleni 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe electrogenic Na+/HCO3− cotransporter (NBCe1) in astrocytes is crucial in regulation of acid–base homeostasis in the brain. Since many pathophysiological conditions in the brain have been associated with pH shifts we exposed primary mouse cortical and hippocampal astrocytes to prolonged low or high extracellular pH (pHo) at constant extracellular bicarbonate concentration and investigated activation of astrocytes and regulation of NBCe1 by immunoblotting, biotinylation of surface proteins, and intracellular H+ recordings. High pHo at constant extracellular bicarbonate caused upregulation of NBCe1 protein, surface expression and activity via upregulation of the astrocytic activation markers signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression. High pHo‐induced increased NBCe1 protein expression was prevented in astrocytes from Stat3flox/flox::GfapCre/+ mice. In vitro, basal and high pHo‐induced increased NBCe1 functional expression was impaired following inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. These results provide a novel regulation mode of NBCe1 protein and activity, highlight the importance of astrocyte reactivity on regulation of NBCe1 and implicate roles for NBCe1 in altering/modulating extracellular pH during development as well as of the microenvironment at sites of brain injuries and other pathophysiological conditions.
Size reconstructibility of graphs
Authors: Groenland Carla , Guggiari Hannah , Scott Alex 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe deck of a graph is given by the multiset of (unlabeled) subgraphs . The subgraphs are referred to as the cards of . Brown and Fenner recently showed that, for , the number of edges of a graph can be computed from any deck missing 2 cards. We show that, for sufficiently large , the number of edges can be computed from any deck missing at most cards.
Long‐term effects of teamwork training on communication and teamwork climate in ambulatory reproductive health care
Authors: Dodge Laura E. , Nippita Siripanth , Hacker Michele R. , Intondi Evelyn M. , Ozcelik Guzey , Paul Maureen E. 
Published: August 2020

BackgroundWe previously reported an association between team training in the ambulatory setting and improvements in team climate at 6 and 12 months, but it is unknown whether improvements persist at 2 years.Study DesignFrom 2014 to 2015, we enrolled 20 organizations, each operating a varying number of health centers, into a teamwork training initiative. We evaluated teamwork outcomes at baseline and 2 years using a communication behaviors assessment, the TeamSTEPPS® Teamwork Perceptions Questionnaire (T‐TPQ), and the Patients’ Insights and Views of Teamwork (PIVOT) survey.ResultsAt 2 years, use of TeamSTEPPS® tools and strategies remained increased compared to baseline at many health centers; results ranged from 32% of centers reporting increased use of pauses to identify the patient to 91% reporting increased use of standardized language. Staff T‐TPQ responses indicated that TeamSTEPPS® implementation was associated with improved perceptions of teamwork in approximately half (49%) of statements at 2 years. Significant improvements occurred in over half of PIVOT survey statements, and patient satisfaction was significantly greater at 2 years compared to baseline.ConclusionsPatient and staff views of teamwork were significantly improved 2 years after TeamSTEPPS® implementation in ambulatory reproductive health care centers, demonstrating positive long‐term effects of teamwork training.
Embedding trend into seasonal temperature forecasts through statistical calibration of GCM outputs
Authors: Shao Yawen , Wang Quan J. , Schepen Andrew , Ryu Dongryeol 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAccurate and reliable seasonal climate forecasts are frequently sought by climate‐sensitive sectors to support decision‐making under climate variability and change. Temperature trend is discernible globally over the past decades, but seasonal forecasts produced by a global climate model (GCM) generally underestimate such trend. Current statistical methods used for calibrating seasonal climate forecasts mostly do not explicitly account for climate trends. Consequently, the calibrated forecasts also fail to capture the observed trend. Solving this problem can enhance user confidence in seasonal climate forecasts. In this study, we extend the capability of the Bayesian joint probability (BJP) modelling approach for statistical calibration of seasonal climate forecasts. A trend component is introduced into the BJP algorithm for embedding the observed trend into calibrated ensemble forecasts. We apply the new model (named BJP‐t) to three test stations in Australia. Seasonal forecasts of daily maximum temperatures from the SEAS5 model, operated by the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), are calibrated and evaluated. The BJP‐t calibrated ensemble forecasts can reproduce the observed trend, when the raw ensemble forecasts and the BJP calibrated ensemble forecasts both fail to do so. The BJP‐t calibration leads to more skilful, more reliable and sharper forecasts than the BJP calibration.