bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-atherogenic properties of Kgengwe (Citrullus lanatus) seed powder in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice are mediated through beneficial alterations in inflammatory pathways
Authors: Kaur R. , Masisi K. , Molaei M. , Le K. , Fischer G. , Kobue-Lekalake R. , Moghadasian M.H. 
Published: August 2020

Kgengwe fruits are commonly consumed in sub-Saharan countries. Recent reports indicated low coronary artery disease rates in those regions. To investigate anti-atherogenic properties and potential mechanisms of action of Kgengwe seed powder (KSP), male low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDL-r-KO) mice were fed with an atherogenic diet supplemented with (treated, n = 10) or without (controls, n = 10) 10% (w/w) KSP for 20 weeks. Proximate analysis revealed that KSP contained 38% fibre and 15% lipids. KSP supplementation was not associated with significant changes in body weight gain rate, food intake, and plasma lipid levels. However, the average atherosclerotic lesion size in the aortic roots in the KSP-treated group was 58% smaller than that in the control group (0.26 vs 0.11 mm2, p < 0.05). This strong anti-atherogenic effect was associated with significant increases in the average plasma levels of certain cytokines such as IL-10 (6 vs 13 pg/mL, p < 0.05), GM-CSF (0.1 vs 0.2 pg/mL, p < 0.05), and EPO (7 vs 16 pg/mL, p < 0.05) along with reductions in the average levels of plasma MCP-1 (19 vs 14 pg/mL, p < 0.05) and MIP-2 (28 vs 13 pg/mL, p < 0.05). Except for relatively high levels of saturated fatty acids, KSP possesses balanced nutrient compositions with strong anti-atherogenic properties, which may be mediated through alterations in inflammatory pathways. Additional studies warrant confirmation and mechanism(s) of action of such effects. Novelty: Kgengwe seeds prevent atherogenesis in LDL-r-KO mice. Kgengwe seeds increase circulating levels of IL-10 and EPO. No reduction in plasma total cholesterol levels.
Particle correlations from the initial state
Authors: Altinoluk Tolga , Armesto Néstor 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe observation in small size collision systems,ppandpA, of strong correlations with long range in rapidity and a characteristic structure in azimuth, the ridge phenomenon, is one of the most interesting results obtained at the large hadron collider. Earlier observations of these correlations in heavy ion collisions at the relativistic heavy ion collider are standardly attributed to collective flow due to strong final state interactions, described in the framework of viscous relativistic hydrodynamics. Even though data for small size systems are well described in this framework, the applicability of hydrodynamics is less well grounded and initial state based mechanisms have been suggested to explain the ridge. In this review, we discuss particle correlations from the initial state point of view, with focus on the most recent theoretical developments.
Eikonal model analysis of elastic proton–proton collisions at 52.8 GeV and 8 TeV
Authors: Procházka Jiří , Kundrát Vojtěch 
Published: August 2020

AbstractUnder the influence of standardly used description of Coulomb-hadronic interference proposed by West and Yennie the protons have been interpreted as transparent objects; elastic events have been interpreted as more central than inelastic ones. It will be shown that using eikonal model the protons may be interpreted in agreement with usual ontological conception; elastic processes being more peripheral than inelastic ones. The corresponding results (differing fundamentally from the suggested hitherto models) will be presented by analyzing the most ample elastic data set measured at the ISR energy of 52.8 GeV and the LHC energy of 8 TeV. Detailed analysis of measured differential cross section will be performed and possibility of peripheral behavior on the basis of eikonal model will be presented. The impact of recently established electromagnetic form factors on determination of quantities specifying hadron interaction determined from the fits of experimental elastic data in the broadest region of momentum transfers will be analyzed.
Inverse-chirp imprint of gravitational wave signals in scalar tensor theory
Authors: Geng Chao-Qiang , Kuan Hao-Jui , Luo Ling-Wei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe scalar tensor theory contains a coupling function connecting the quantities in the Jordan and Einstein frames, which is constrained to guarantee a transformation rule between frames. We simulate the supernovae core collapse with different choices of coupling functions defined over the viable region of the parameter space and find that a generic inverse-chirp feature of the gravitational waves in the scalar tensor scenario.
Schwinger pair production and the extended uncertainty principle: can heuristic derivations be trusted?
Authors: Ong Yen Chin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe rate of Schwinger pair production due to an external electric field can be derived heuristically from the uncertainty principle. In the presence of a cosmological constant, it has been argued in the literature that the uncertainty principle receives a correction due to the background curvature, which is known as the “extended uncertainty principle” (EUP). We show that EUP does indeed lead to the correct result for Schwinger pair production rate in anti-de Sitter spacetime (the case for de Sitter spacetime is similar), provided that the EUP correction term is negative (positive for the de Sitter case). We compare the results with previous works in the EUP literature, which are not all consistent. Our result further highlights an important issue in the literature of generalizations of the uncertainty principle: how much can heuristic derivations be trusted?
EFFECTS OF FIRE ON STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF VEGETATION COMMUNITY IN PINE FORESTS, NAM NAO NATIONAL PARK, THAILAND
Authors: Wanthongchai Kobsak , Tarusadamrongdet Voradet 
Published: August 2020

Anthropogenic forest fires, including those occurring in the pine forests of Thailand, have been widely reported. Although pine forests are fire dependent, too frequent burning could be unhealthy for the forest as it might result in nutrient depletion and ecosystem degradation. Hence, this study aimed to examine the effects of forest fire on the vegetation structure and composition of a degraded pine forest (PF) and in a mixed pine-oak forest (O-PF) of Phu Kum Khao, Nam Nao National Park, Phetchabun Province, Thailand. The effects of fire in one year were studied using three 50 x 50 m experimental plots established in each forest type. Results showed that fire events caused a significantly higher tree mortality rate in the degraded pine forest than in the mixed pine-oak forest. Moreover, the seedling ratio (number of sprout to number of seedling ratio) in the mixed pine-oak forest was higher than in the degraded pine forest.Â Although the sapling and seedling diameters were slightly different between the sites, no significant effect of burning was observed on the sapling and seedling density, diameter and height. This might be due to the high variation of fire behavior in each plot. Since forest fires are a potential factor that might cause forest degradation in the study area, further studies on the effects of fire frequency on vegetation structure and composition is needed to provide sufficient fire control measures for efficient forest fire management to prevent further ecosystem degradation.
Golden Jackal Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758 (Mammalia: Carnivora: Canidae) distribution pattern and feeding at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, India
Authors: Baskaran Nagarajan , Karthikeyan Ganesan , Ramkumaran Kamaraj 
Published: August 2020

Golden Jackal Canis aureus, a medium-sized omnivore belonging to the family Canidae, ranges widely from Europe and extends across the middle-east to India. It’s adaptable social system according to the distribution of food resources enabling it to range widely from desert to evergreen forests, mangroves, rural, and semi-urban human-agro-ecosystems. Despite its wide distribution, the species has not received adequate scientific attention in much of its southern India range. This study was carried out to assess its distribution pattern, diet composition, and prey preference at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, a well-known habitat for the jackal and the only predator of the sanctuary. Data on distribution collected through extensive field surveys revealed that the species distribution is uniform in southern and southeastern parts of the sanctuary, in areas where the habitat is more open with grasslands and mudflats and is patch in the tropical dry-evergreen habitat. Analysis of 155 scat samples revealed that the diet comprised 19 species of food items, including mammals, birds, insects, other invertebrates, and plant matter characterizing omnivorous nature. Temporal variation in diet composition—with significantly higher proportion of birds during winter than in summer—coincides with abundance of prey species in relation to season, which indicate the opportunistic foraging and hunting nature of the species. Data on diet preference showed that jackals in the area preferred Black-naped Hare, Spotted Dove and Lapwing followed by Chital, Grey Francolin, Cattle Egret, and Large Egret, while Blackbuck, Bonnet Macaque, and cattle were not preferred, which is discussed under optimal foraging. The jackal being the only large-sized predator of this natural system, more detailed studies and effective measures to conserve the species are vital not only to understand the prey-predator mechanism, but also to conserve the biodiversity of this unique ecosystem.
Use of an embedded fruit by Nicobar Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosus: II. Demographic influences on choices of coconuts Cocos nucifera and pattern of forays to palm plantations
Authors: Das Sayantan , David Rebekah C. , Anand Ashvita , Harikumar Saurav , Rajan Rubina , Singh Mewa 
Published: August 2020

Adaptive pressures of human-induced rapid environmental changes and insular ecological conditions have led to behavioral innovations among behaviorally flexible nonhuman primates. Documenting long-term responses of threatened populations is vital for our understanding of species and location-specific adaptive capacities under fluctuating equilibrium. The Nicobar Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosus, an insular sub-species uses coconuts Cocos nucifera, an embedded cultivar as a food resource and is speculated to have enhanced its dependence as a result of anthropogenic and environmental alterations. We explored demographic patterns of use and abandonment of different phenophases of fresh coconuts. To study crop foraging strategies, we recorded daily entry and duration of forays into coconut plantations. We divided age-classes into early juvenile (13–36 months), late juvenile (37–72 months), and adults (>72 months) and classified phenophase of coconuts into six types. Consistent with the theory of life history strategies, late juveniles were found to use a greater number of coconuts, which was considerably higher in an urban troop but marginally higher in a forest-plantation dwelling group. Except in late juveniles, males consumed a higher number of coconuts than females in the remaining age-classes. Owing to developmental constraints, juveniles of both types used higher proportion of immature coconuts though adults showed equitable distribution across phenophases. Pattern of entries to plantations and duration of forays were uniform through the day in the urban troop but modulatory in the forest-plantation group, perhaps due to frequent and hostile human interferences. Observations corroborating adaptations to anthropogenic disturbances are described.
Bias Implications of Outcome Misclassification in Observational Studies Evaluating Association Between Treatments and All‐Cause or Cardiovascular Mortality Using Administrative Claims
Authors: Desai Rishi J. , Levin Raisa , Lin Kueiyu Joshua , Patorno Elisabetta 
Published: August 2020

Background
The bias implications of outcome misclassification arising from imperfect capture of mortality in claims‐based studies are not well understood.

Methods and Results
We identified 2 cohorts of patients: (1) type 2 diabetes mellitus (n=8.6 million), and (2) heart failure (n=3.1 million), from Medicare claims (2012–2016). Within the 2 cohorts, mortality was identified from claims using the following approaches: (1) all‐place all‐cause mortality, (2) in‐hospital all‐cause mortality, (3) all‐place cardiovascular mortality (based on diagnosis codes for a major cardiovascular event within 30 days of death date), or (4) in‐hospital cardiovascular mortality, and compared against National Death Index identified mortality. Empirically identified sensitivity and specificity based on observed values in the 2 cohorts were used to conduct Monte Carlo simulations for treatment effect estimation under differential and nondifferential misclassification scenarios. From National Death Index, 1 544 805 deaths (549 996 [35.6%] cardiovascular deaths) in the type 2 diabetes mellitus cohort and 1 175 202 deaths (523 430 [44.5%] cardiovascular deaths) in the heart failure cohort were included. Sensitivity was 99.997% and 99.207% for the all‐place all‐cause mortality approach, whereas it was 27.71% and 33.71% for the in‐hospital all‐cause mortality approach in the type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart failure cohorts, respectively, with perfect positive predicted values. For all‐place cardiovascular mortality, sensitivity was 52.01% in the type 2 diabetes mellitus cohort and 53.83% in the heart failure cohort with positive predicted values of 49.98% and 54.45%, respectively. Simulations suggested a possibility for substantial bias in treatment effects.

Conclusions
Approaches to identify mortality from claims had variable performance compared with the National Death Index. Investigators should anticipate the potential for bias from outcome misclassification when using administrative claims to capture mortality.
Beyond the Brain
Authors: Rannikmäe Kristiina , Henshall David E. , Thrippleton Sophie , Ginj Kong Qiu , Chong Mike , Grami Nickrooz , Kuan Isaac , Wilkinson Tim , Wilson Blair , Wilson Kirsty , Paré Guillaume , Sudlow Cathie 
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose:
An important minority of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) is monogenic. Many monogenic cSVD genes are recognized to be associated with extracerebral phenotypes. We assessed the frequency of these phenotypes in existing literature.

Methods:

We performed a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), searching Medline/Embase for publications describing individuals with pathogenic variants in
COL4A1/2
,
TREX1
,
HTRA1
,
ADA2
, and
CTSA
genes (PROSPERO 74804). We included any publication reporting on ≥1 individual with a pathogenic variant and their clinically relevant phenotype. We extracted individuals’ characteristics and information about associated extracerebral phenotypes and stroke/transient ischemic attack. We noted any novel extracerebral phenotypes and looked for shared phenotypes between monogenic cSVDs.

Results:

After screening 6048 publications, we included 96
COL4A1
(350 individuals), 32
TREX1
(115 individuals), 43
HTRA1
(38 homozygous/61 heterozygous individuals), 16
COL4A2
(37 individuals), 119
ADA2
(209 individuals), and 3
CTSA
(14 individuals) publications. The majority of individuals originated from Europe/North America, except for
HTRA1
, where most were from Asia. Age varied widely,
ADA2
individuals being youngest and heterozygous
HTRA1/CTSA
individuals oldest. Sex distribution appeared equal. Extracerebral phenotypes were common: 14% to 100% of individuals with a pathogenic variant manifested at least one extracerebral phenotype (14%
COL4A2
, 43%
HTRA1
heterozygotes, 47%
COL4A1
, 57%
TREX1
, 91%
ADA2
, 94%
HTRA1
homozygotes, and 100%
CTSA
individuals). Indeed, for 4 of 7 genes, an extracerebral phenotype was observed more frequently than stroke/transient ischemic attack. Ocular, renal, hepatic, muscle, and hematologic systems were each involved in more than one monogenic cSVD.

Conclusions:
Extracerebral phenotypes are common in monogenic cSVD with extracerebral system involvement shared between genes. However, inherent biases in the existing literature mean that further data from large-scale population-based longitudinal studies collecting health outcomes in a systematic unbiased way is warranted. The emerging knowledge will help to select patients for testing, inform clinical management, and provide further insights into the underlying mechanisms of cSVD.
Treatment Patterns and Clinical Outcomes of Adenoid Cystic Breast Carcinoma: A Single-Institution Experience
Authors: Goldbach Macy M. , Hoffman Daniel I. , Burkbauer Laura , Nayak Anupma , Tchou Julia 
Published: August 2020

Background Adenoid cystic breast carcinoma (ACC) is a rare subtype of triple-negative breast cancer. We aim to characterize the treatment patterns and clinical outcomes of women diagnosed with ACC at a large medical center. Methods Female patients diagnosed with ACC at our institution between 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively identified. Patients with limited clinicopathologic data were excluded. Results In our final study cohort (n = 9), the majority of ACCs (6/9, 66.7%) were hormone receptor (−) (HR−) and HER-2/neu (−) (HER2−), while 3 ACCs were HR+ HER2−. Two patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, and 4 patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. The crude local and distant recurrence rate of our cohort was 22.2% and 11.1% (median follow-up of 36 months). Conclusions The majority of ACCs were triple negative but some ACCs were HR+. The unadjusted local and distant recurrence rates were not negligible, suggesting that adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be warranted in select cases.
Variability of the Anterior Ethmoid Artery in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Taha Mohamed A. , Hall Christian A. , Zylicz Harry E. , Westbrook Margaret B. , Barham William T. , Stevenson Megan M. , Zito Brittany A. , Barham Henry P. 
Published: August 2020

Introduction: The anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) demonstrates anatomic variability relative to its descent from the anterior skull base. Our study’s objective was to assess for correlation of AEA descent and laterality, in addition to correlation of AEA descent and the presence of supraorbital ethmoid cells (SOEC) and concha bullosae (CB). Method: A retrospective study was performed at a tertiary rhinology center from January 2019 to January 2020. Noncontrast maxillofacial computed tomography scans were examined independently by 2 fellowship trained rhinologists. The vertical distance from both left and right AEAs to the ipsilateral skull base were compared and correlated with the presence of ipsilateral SOEC and CB. Results: Computed tomography scans from 50 subjects were included. Mean age was 50.68 years (40% females). The distance of AEA to the skull base was greater on the left when compared to the right (62% vs 48%) ( P < .05). The left AEA had an average descent of 2.84 mm versus 1.78 mm on the right ( P < .05). An SOEC was present in 56% of cases. Thirty-eight percent of subjects had both SOEC and AEA descent on the right, while 52% of subjects had both on the left. This reached a statistical significance on both sides ( P < .05). Concha bullosa was present in 35% of cases, with both AEA descent and CB present in 16% on the right, and 32% on the left. Conclusion: The AEA displays variability in vertical descent from the skull base, with greater variability on the left. These findings implore vigilance with evaluation of preoperative imaging and during sinus surgery, especially in the presence of SOEC and CB.
Effectiveness of high-frequency individual reminiscence interventions using life story books on persons with dementia
Authors: Asano Tomoaki , Wang Chih-Wen , Tsugaruya Megumi , Ishikawa Takashi 
Published: August 2020

Introduction Reminiscence therapy, using life story books, is a non-pharmacological treatment and helps promote psychosocial benefits in people with dementia. This research thus aimed to determine the effects of life story books among participants with dementia of different severities. Method The experimental group ( n = 36) underwent three semi-structured interviews over 10 weeks. After a 2-week life story books-production interval, the experimental group received the intervention over 4 weeks, five times weekly. The following 12 weeks were the follow-up period. The control group ( n = 30) underwent the first and last assessments, with a 6-month interval, while receiving their usual care services. Results Participants’ cognitive functioning was mostly maintained at follow-up in the experimental group, but significantly declined in the control group. The experimental group showed no significant change in cognition among participants with severe dementia during all periods, assessed using the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, and the caregivers’ burden decreased significantly from before to after the intervention. Conclusion These results demonstrate that life story book interventions are an effective tool in improving the relationship between caregivers and people with dementia, and could help people with dementia maintain cognitive function, even those with severe dementia.
A novel, low-cost transradial socket fabrication method using mass-producible components and expanding rigid foam
Authors: Miller Laura A , Pickerill Thomas , Kuiken Todd A 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Millions of people in low- and middle-income countries lack access to prosthetic care. A well-fitting, durable socket is important for prosthesis comfort and function, but conventional fabrication techniques require highly trained clinicians and specialized equipment.

Objectives:
To increase access to prosthetic care by developing a simple, low-cost socket fabrication method that does not require specialized equipment or electricity, and can be performed by persons with minimal prosthetic training.

Study Design:
Socket fabrication methods and socket function were evaluated in a pilot feasibility study.

Technique:
We describe a rapid method for fabricating a rigid foam socket directly over the residual limb, with a mass producible, strong, cosmetically appealing plastic outer shell. We fabricated sockets for four individuals with unilateral transradial amputations and evaluated socket function.

Results:
An individual with no formal prosthetic training was able to fabricate sockets and assemble a functional, comfortable prosthesis system within 90 min. All necessary supplies can be provided in a kit for under US$100.

Discussion:
Further work is required to determine durability, assess comfort, refine suspension methods, and to develop instructional materials.

Conclusions:
We developed a simplified, inexpensive method to fabricate sockets on the residual limb using expandable foam with an integrated cosmetic/structural covering (i.e. an exoskeletal system), for persons with transradial amputation. A transradial prosthesis socket can be fabricated in around 90 min. and all necessary materials, tools, and written instructions for fabrication and fitting can be provided in a kit. Specialized equipment and electricity are not required. Instructions for fabrication and fitting can be provided in multiple languages using online videos.