bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urgent dental care on a national level during the COVID‐19 epidemic
Authors: Ostrc Tadej , Pavlović Krunoslav , Fidler Aleš 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis paper aims to report and discuss the organization and statistics of dental care during the COVID‐19 epidemics on the national level in Slovenia, providing helpful information to health policy planners worldwide.Material and methodsDuring an eight‐week lockdown, Emergency Dental Centers (EDCs) were established and coordinated on the national level to treat patients' urgent dental conditions. Telemedicine was used on the first level of triage to reduce contacts between healthcare workers and patients. Weekly coordination between EDCs was supported by real‐time data acquisition on the number of patient visits, prescribed medicine, the number and type of dental procedures, and the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE).ResultsIn EDCs, 27,468 patients were serviced, on average 235 patients per day/million people. The care was provided by 4798 man days of dental health care workers. Except for the first week, treatment and triage visits showed a slight increase. The number of incisions was nearly constant, while the number of extractions increased. A nearly threefold increase was found for emergency endodontic treatments (EET). The number of antibiotic prescriptions demonstrated an increasing trend. Analgesic prescriptions showed a decreasing trend from the beginning of lockdown.ConclusionsThe reorganization and centralization of dental care proved to be an efficient model in Slovenia for the provision of urgent dental care, and the management of the healthcare workforce and PPE. Data from this study may provide helpful information for planning the needs and corresponding resources for the next waves of epidemics of COVID‐19.
Equity mutual funds' interest in the environmental, social and governance policies of target firms: Does gender diversity in management teams matter?
Authors: Gangi Francesco , Daniele Lucia Michela , Varrone Nicola , Vicentini Francesca , Coscia Maria 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe current paper analyzes whether and to what extent gender diversity (GD) in investment management teams impacts equity mutual funds' interest in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies of target firms. The impact of GD has been investigated from a dual perspective: the link between the proportion of women on management teams and the application of ESG screens and the role of critical mass theory in teams' decision‐making process. Based on a sample of 212 European equity mutual funds over the 2014–2018 study period, we find a positive impact of the proportion of women and critical mass on the ESG rating of investment portfolios. Evidence from the current study advances the literature on the GD effect and ESG screening while providing additional indications for equity mutual funds seeking the best ESG performance and sustainable development of target firms.
Oridonin alleviates d‐GalN/LPS‐induced acute liver injury by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Zhang Tao , Chen Yulian , Zhan Zhikun , Mao Zhihao , Wen Yu , Liu Shuwen , Tang Lan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAcute liver injury (ALI) is a serious syndrome that is associated with high mortality, but there are few effective treatments. The activation of NLRP3 inflammasome is associated with ALI. Oridonin is a natural substance with an anti‐inflammatory effect and has been reported to be an inhibitor of NLRP3. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of oridonin on d‐galactosamine (d‐GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced ALI and whether the effect is mediated by NLRP3. Mice were pretreated with oridonin (5 or 10 mg/kg) for 3 days. Then, they were injected with d‐GalN (400 mg/kg) and LPS (40 μg/kg). The levels of inflammatory factors were measured by RT‐PCR, Western blot, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. We confirmed that oridonin significantly alleviated ALI induced by d‐GalN/LPS in mice. Oridonin markedly decreased the inflammatory response by reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines. More importantly, oridonin markedly reduced the expression of NLRP3, caspase‐1, IL‐18, and IL‐1β. This study showed that oridonin has a protective effect on d‐GalN/LPS‐induced ALI, and the underlying mechanisms may be associated with the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammatory pathways.
Sister species diverge in modality‐specific courtship signal form and function
Authors: Hebets Eileen A. , Bern Mitch , McGinley Rowan H. , Roberts Andy , Kershenbaum Arik , Starrett James , Bond Jason E. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the relative importance of different sources of selection (e.g., the environment, social/sexual selection) on the divergence or convergence of reproductive communication can shed light on the origin, maintenance, or even disappearance of species boundaries. Using a multistep approach, we tested the hypothesis that two presumed sister species of wolf spider with overlapping ranges and microhabitat use, yet differing degrees of sexual dimorphism, have diverged in their reliance on modality‐specific courtship signaling. We predicted that male Schizocosa crassipalpata (no ornamentation) rely predominantly on diet‐dependent vibratory signaling for mating success. In contrast, we predicted that male S. bilineata (black foreleg brushes) rely on diet‐dependent visual signaling. We first tested and corroborated the sister‐species relationship between S. crassipalpata and S. bilineata using phylogenomic scale data. Next, we tested for species‐specific, diet‐dependent vibratory and visual signaling by manipulating subadult diet and subsequently quantifying adult morphology and mature male courtship signals. As predicted, vibratory signal form was diet‐dependent in S. crassipalpata, while visual ornamentation (brush area) was diet‐dependent in S. bilineata. We then compared the species‐specific reliance on vibratory and visual signaling by recording mating across artificially manipulated signaling environments (presence/absence of each modality in a 2 × 2 full factorial design). In accordance with our diet dependence results for S. crassipalpata, the presence of vibratory signaling was important for mating success. In contrast, the light and vibratory environment interacted to influence mating success in S. bilineata, with vibratory signaling being important only in the absence of light. We found no differences in overall activity patterns. Given that these species overlap in much of their range and microhabitat use, we suggest that competition for signaling space may have led to the divergence and differential use of sensory modalities between these sister species.
Prognostic impact of 6 min walk test distance in patients with systolic heart failure: insights from the WARCEF trial
Authors: Matsumoto Kenji , Xiao Yi , Homma Shunichi , Thompson John L.P. , Buchsbaum Richard , Ito Kazato , Anker Stefan D. , Qian Min , Di Tullio Marco R. ,   for the WARCEF Investigators
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to investigate the impact of baseline 6 min walk test distance (6MWTD) on time to major cardiovascular (CV) events in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and its impact in clinically relevant subgroups.Methods and resultsIn the WARCEF (Warfarin versus Aspirin in Reduced Cardiac Ejection Fraction) trial, 6MWTD at baseline was available in 2102 HFrEF patients. Median follow‐up was 3.4 years. All‐cause death and heart failure hospitalization (HFH) exhibited a significant non‐linear relationship with 6MWTD (P = 0.023 and 0.032, respectively), whereas a significant association between 6MWTD and CV death was shown in a linear model [hazard ratio (HR) per 10 m increase, 0.989; P = 0.011]. In linear splines with the best cut‐off point at 200 m, the positive effect of a longer 6MWTD on all‐cause death and HFH was only observed for 6MWTD > 200 m (HR per 10 m increase, 0.987; P = 0.0036 and 0.986; P = 0.0022, respectively). The associations between 6MWTD and CV outcomes were consistent across clinical subgroups; for age, a significant relationship between 6MWTD and HFH was observed in patients ≥60 years (HR per 10 m increase, 0.98; P < 0.001), but not in patients <60 years (HR per 10 m increase, 1.00; P = 0.98; P = 0.02 for the interaction).ConclusionsIn HFrEF, 6MWTD is independently associated with all‐cause death, CV death, and HFH. 6MWTD of 200 m is the best cut‐off point for predicting these adverse events. The prognostic impact of 6MWTD for HFH was only observed in older patients.
Synthesis of Trifluoromethylated Dithiocarbamates via Photocatalyzed Substitution Reaction: Pentafluoropyridine as Activating Reagent
Authors: Zemtsov Artem A. , Lunkov Sergey S. , Levin Vitalij V. , Dilman Alexander D. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA method for the synthesis of trifluoromethyl‐substituted dithiocarbamates from aldehydes is described. The reaction involves nucleophilic trifluoromethylation, derivatization of the silyloxy‐group with pentafluoropyridine, and substitution of the fluorinated pyridinyloxy group by dithiocarbamate anion. The substitution step is performed in the presence of 12‐phenyl‐12H‐benzo[b]phenothiazine and copper cyanide under irradiation of 400 nm LED.
DiMIZA: A dispersion modeling based impact zone assessment of mercury (Hg) emissions from coal‐fired power plants and risk evaluation for inhalation exposure
Authors: Karaca Ferhat , Kumisbek Aiganym , Inglezakis Vassilis J. , Azat Seitkhan , Zhakiyenova Almagul , Ormanova Gulden , Guney Mert 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCoal‐fired combined heat and power plants (CHPPs) serving large districts are among the major sources of mercury (Hg) emissions globally, including Central Asia. Most CHPPs reside on the outskirts of urban areas, thus creating risk zones. The impact of atmospheric Hg levels on health is complex to establish due to the site‐specific nature of the relationship between CHPP emissions and hotspots (i.e., localized areas where Hg concentrations greatly exceed its background value). However, a methodological identification of “emission impact zones” for atmospheric Hg emissions from CHPPs with potential adverse public health outcomes has not yet been fully studied. The present work suggests an easy‐to‐use and cost‐free impact zone identification method based on HYSPLIT dispersion modeling for atmospheric Hg emissions from CHPPs. The dispersion modeling based impact zone assessment, DiMIZA, merges short‐term dispersion runs (e.g., hourly) into long‐term emission impacts (e.g., yearly), which allows to identify the source impact zones. To perform a case study using the suggested method, a CHPP plant in Nur‐Sultan (capital of Kazakhstan) was selected. First, traditional ad‐hoc measurements were performed to identify the level of dispersions at ground level in different atmospheric stability characteristics. Then, HYSPLIT dispersion model was run for the same days and times of those particular periods when the field measurements were performed. The model results were evaluated via a comparison with the ground measurements and assessed for their atmospheric stability and diel conditions. Due to different emission loads in heating and non‐heating periods, two separate pairs of impact zone maps were generated, and public Hg exposure health risks (acute and chronic) were assessed.
Cranberry polyphenols‐gut microbiota interactions and potential health benefits: An updated review
Authors: Prasain Jeevan K. , Barnes Stephen 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCranberry fruits are rich in polyphenols, comprising small‐molecule flavonols, anthocyanins, and oligomeric A‐type proanthocyanidins. It is becoming increasingly clear that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining the metabolic health of the human host, and the cranberry polyphenols‐gut microbiota interactions result in the production of an array of metabolites along with the compositional change of microbiota. Cranberry polyphenols‐induced these changes may be associated with improved host health and disease prevention. However, it is unclear to what extent microbiota‐derived metabolites are absorbed into the systemic circulation and exert pharmacological effects. Because the composition of gut microbiota influences the host energy metabolism and have systemic effects on lipid homeostasis, intake of cranberry rich diet may be beneficial in preventing metabolic syndrome associated with chronic diseases. Exploring connections between alterations in gut microbiome composition, and host metabolic health after chronic exposure to cranberry products is critical for understanding the potential health benefits of cranberry fruits.
Effects of enzymatic treatments on the hydrolysis and antigenicity reduction of natural cow milk
Authors: Liang Xiaona , Yang Hui , Sun Jing , Cheng Jiao , Luo Xue , Wang Zongzhou , Yang Mei , Bing Tao Dong , Yue Xiqing , Zheng Yan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCow milk (CM) allergy is one of the most common food allergies worldwide; the most abundant CM proteins, such as casein (CN), β‐lactoglobulin (β‐LG), and ɑ‐lactalbumin (ɑ‐LA), are all potentially allergenic. Reducing the antigenicity of CM continues to be a major challenge. However, previous studies have focused on the antigenicity of individual allergic CM proteins. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of different food‐grade enzymes on the antigenicity of CN, β‐LG, ɑ‐LA in natural CM. The degree of hydrolysis (DH) and molecular mass (MW) distribution of CM hydrolysates were assessed. Additionally, the residual antigenicity of CM hydrolysates was evaluated through enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting with anti‐CN, anti‐β‐LG, and anti‐ɑ‐LA rabbit polyclonal antibodies. The results showed that Alcalase‐ and Protamex‐mediated hydrolysis could efficiently reduce the antigenicity of CN, β‐LG, and ɑ‐LA, inducing a higher DH, the loss of density of CM proteins, and the increasing levels of low MW (<3 kDa) peptides in CM hydrolysates. Further, Protamex and Alcalase could more efficiently hydrolyze the major allergenic components of CM than the other enzymes, which could represent an advantage for the development of hypoallergenic CM. These findings add further knowledge about the study and development of hypoallergenic CM.
Neuroticism, negative life events, and dementia in older White and Black Brazilians
Authors: Capuano Ana W. , Wilson Robert S. , Leurgans Sue E. , Sampaio Carolina , Barnes Lisa L. , Farfel Jose M. , Bennett David A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveExposure to negative life events (NLEs) and neuroticism are associated with dementia. It is unknown whether neuroticism explains or modifies the association of NLEs with dementia in older Black and White Brazilians.MethodsA total of 1747 decedents 65 years and older White and Black (11% Black and 23% Mixed) Brazilians, 53% women, were included in the analyses. Data were obtained in a face‐to‐face interview with an informant (71% their children) who knew the decedents for 47 years on average. Dementia was classified using the Clinical Dementia Rating. NLEs were assessed with a 10‐item scale involving common problems (e.g., death, illness, alcoholism, and financial). Neuroticism was assessed with a 6‐item neuroticism scale adapted from the NEO Five‐Factor Inventory. Models adjusted for age, sex, and education. Black and mixed‐race were combined in the analyses.ResultsNLEs (median of 2) were more common in Blacks than Whites (2.04 vs. 1.82, p = 0.007). More NLEs increased the odds of dementia (OR = 1.112, β = 0.106, p = 0.002), similarly in Blacks and Whites (β
interaction = 0.046, p = 0.526). More NLEs were also associated with higher neuroticism (β = 0.071, p < 0.0001), in Whites but not in Blacks (β
interaction = −0.048, p = 0.006). Neuroticism was associated with higher odds of dementia (OR = 1.658, β = 0.506, p=<0.001), in Whites but not in Blacks (β
interaction = −0.420, p = 0.040). Overall, 34% of the effect of NLEs on dementia was associated with the underlying neuroticism trait in Whites (65%, Indirect OR = 1.060, p < 0.001) but no association was evident in Blacks (6%, Indirect OR = 1.008, p = 0.326). Neuroticism did not moderate the association of NLEs with dementia (OR = 0.979, β = −0.021, p = 0.717).ConclusionThe association of NLEs and dementia is partially explained by neuroticism in older White but not in Blacks Brazilians.
Modelling the effect of market forces on the impact of introducing human immunodeficiency virus pre‐exposure prophylaxis among female sex workers
Authors: Quaife Matthew , Terris‐Prestholt Fern , Mukandavire Zindoga , Vickerman Peter 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enables female sex workers (FSWs) to protect themselves from HIV without relying on clients using condoms. Yet, because PrEP reduces HIV risk, financial incentives to not use condoms may lead to risk compensation: reductions in condom use and/or increases in commercial sex, and may reduce the price of unprotected sex. In this analysis, we integrate market forces into a dynamic HIV transmission model to assess how risk compensation could change the impact of PrEP among FSWs and clients. We parameterise how sexual behavior may change with PrEP use among FSWs using stated preference data combined with economic theory. Our projections suggest the impact of PrEP is sensitive to risk compensatory behaviors driven by changes in the economics of sex work. Condom substitution could reduce the impact of PrEP on HIV incidence by 55%, while increases in the frequency of commercial sex to counter decreases in the price charged for unprotected sex among PrEP users could entirely mitigate the impact of PrEP. Accounting for competition between PrEP users and nonusers exacerbates this further. Alternative scenarios where increases in unprotected sex among PrEP users are balanced by decreases in non‐PrEP users have the opposite effect, resulting in PrEP having much greater impact. Intervention studies need to determine how HIV prevention products may change the economics of sex work and provision of unprotected sex to enable a better understanding of their impact.
Lipoprotein Insulin Resistance Index Reflects Liver Fat Content in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Vittal Anusha , Shapses Mark , Sharma Bashar , Sharma Disha , Sun Qian , Sampson Maureen , Lee Wilson , Ben Yakov Gil , Rotman Yaron 
Published: December 2020

The recently developed lipoprotein insulin resistance index (LP‐IR) incorporates lipoprotein particle numbers and sizes and is considered to reflect both hepatic and peripheral IR. As tissue IR is a strong component of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis, we aimed to assess the degree by which LP‐IR associates with hepatic fat content. This was a single‐center retrospective analysis of patients with NAFLD. LP‐IR, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), and adipose tissue IR (Adipo‐IR) were measured simultaneously. Liver fat content was estimated by FibroScan controlled attenuated parameter. Associations were assessed using Spearman’s correlation and multivariate linear regression. The study included 61 patients. LP‐IR was correlated with HOMA‐IR (ρ = 0.30; P = 0.02), typically thought to reflect hepatic IR, but not with Adipo‐IR (ρ = 0.15; P = 0.25). Liver fat content was significantly associated with Adipo‐IR (ρ = 0.48; P < 0.001), LP‐IR (ρ = 0.35; P = 0.005), and to a lesser degree with HOMA‐IR (ρ = 0.25; P = 0.051). The association of liver fat with LP‐IR was limited to patients without diabetes (ρ = 0.60; P < 0.0001), whereas no association was seen in those with diabetes. In a multivariate model, Adipo‐IR, LP‐IR, and diabetes were independently associated with liver fat and together explained 35% of the variability in liver fat. Conclusion: LP‐IR is a reasonable measure of IR in non‐diabetic patients with NAFLD and is associated with hepatic fat content. Although adipose tissue is the major contributor to liver fat, the additional contribution of nonadipose tissues can be easily estimated using LP‐IR.
Long‐term follow‐up of patients with nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma: A report from the Spanish Lymphoma Oncology Group
Authors: Núñez‐García Beatriz , Rodríguez‐Pertierra Marta , Sequero Silvia , Carvajal Laura G. , Ruano‐Ravina Alberto , Aguiar David , Gumá Josep , Blanco Cristina Q. , García Arroyo Francisco R. , Garitaonaindia Yago , Provencio Zaida , Calvo Virginia , González‐San Segundo Carmen , Provencio Mariano 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNodular lymphocytic predominance Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a very uncommon subtype of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), representing approximately 5% of all HL cases, with an incidence of 0.3/100,000 cases per year and with unique characteristics which distinguish it from classic Hodgkin lymphoma. Given its low frequency, there is a lack of prospective randomized studies to inform practice, the accumulated experience of academic groups being the main source of relevant information for the management of these patients. Eighty‐five patients recruited by the Spanish Lymphoma Group (GOTEL) from 12 different hospitals were retrospectively analyzed to describe their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. The median follow‐up was 16 years, with a 10‐year overall survive of 92.9% and 81.2% at 20 years. Five patients developed a second malignancy. No transformation to a more aggressive lymphoma was detected. A total of 31% tumor relapses was found: 77% in a single location; most of them at a supra‐diaphragmatic level. Patients received different first‐line treatments, and progression was observed in 3/4 (75%) of the patients who did not receive any type of treatment, 6/23 (26%) who received both chemotherapy (CH) and radiotherapy (RT), 12/43 (27%) who received RT and 7/15 (47%) that received only CH treatment. The mean time to relapse was 3 years and 47% presented relapses beyond 5 years (higher probability in stage IV p < 0.001). This is one of the longest follow‐up series of NLPHL published, confirming its excellent prognosis, and that treatments may be adapted to reduce toxicity. Causes of death in these patients are varied, and the minority due to a primary malignancy relapses.
Differentiation betweenCOVID‐19 and bacterial pneumonia using radiomics of chest computed tomography and clinical features
Authors: Feng Junbang , Guo Yi , Wang Shike , Shi Feng , Wei Ying , He Yichu , Zeng Ping , Liu Jun , Wang Wenjing , Lin Liping , Yang Qingning , Li Chuanming , Liu Xinghua 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTo develop and validate an effective model for distinguishing COVID‐19 from bacterial pneumonia. In the training group and internal validation group, all patients were randomly divided into a training group (n = 245) and a validation group (n = 105). The whole lung lesion on chest computed tomography (CT) was drawn as the region of interest (ROI) for each patient. Both feature selection and model construction were first performed in the training set and then further tested in the validation set with the same thresholds. Additional tests were conducted on an external multicentre cohort with 105 subjects. The diagnostic model of LightGBM showed the best performance, achieving a sensitivity of 0.941, specificity of 0.981, accuracy of 0.962 on the validation dataset. In this study, we established a differential model to distinguish between COVID‐19 and bacterial pneumonia based on chest CT radiomics and clinical indexes.