bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing short-term impact of PM10 on mortality using a semiparametric generalized propensity score approach
Authors: Forastiere Laura , Carugno Michele , Baccini Michela 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
The shape of the exposure-response curve describing the effects of air pollution on population health has crucial regulatory implications, and it is important in assessing causal impacts of hypothetical policies of air pollution reduction.

Methods
After having reformulated the problem of assessing the short-term impact of air pollution on health within the potential outcome approach to causal inference, we developed a method based on the generalized propensity score (GPS) to estimate the average dose-response function (aDRF) and quantify attributable deaths under different counterfactual scenarios of air pollution reduction. We applied the proposed approach to assess the impact of airborne particles with a diameter less than or equal to 10 μm (PM10) on deaths from natural, cardiovascular and respiratory causes in the city of Milan, Italy (2003-2006).

Results
As opposed to what is commonly assumed, the estimated aDRFs were not linear, being steeper for low-moderate values of exposure. In the case of natural mortality, the curve became flatter for higher levels; this behavior was less pronounced for cause-specific mortality. The effect was larger in days characterized by higher temperature. According to the curves, we estimated that a hypothetical intervention able to set the daily exposure levels exceeding 40 μg/m3 to exactly 40 would have avoided 1157 deaths (90%CI: 689, 1645) in the whole study period, 312 of which for respiratory causes and 771 for cardiovascular causes. These impacts were higher than those obtained previously from regression-based methods.

Conclusion
This novel method based on the GPS allowed estimating the average dose-response function and calculating attributable deaths, without requiring strong assumptions about the shape of the relationship. Its potential as a tool for investigating effect modification by temperature and its use in other environmental epidemiology contexts deserve further investigation.
Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have potent antitumor activity against prostate cancer cells through the upregulation of miR-16
Authors: Liao Guolong , Tang Jiani , Wang Di , Zuo Haoru , Zhang Qi , Liu Ying , Xiong Haiyun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objectives
This research aimed to examine the antitumor mechanisms of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) specifically against prostate cancers.

Methods
The antitumor activities of SeNPs against cancer cells were determined via MTT assay. The cell cycle was determined by detecting the DNA content, and apoptosis was determined via annexin V-Fluos staining kit. The microRNA expressions in cancer cells were analyzed via microarray and qRT-PCR. The potential targets of miR-16 were identified via luciferase analysis and mRNA expression determination. miR-16 functions in cancer cells were explored via the transient transfection of miR-16 mimic or inhibitor.

Results
SeNPs were most potent in prostate cancer cells, regardless of whether or not they were androgen-dependent. Furthermore, SeNP stimulation can induce cell cycle arrest and the apoptosis enhancement of prostate cancer cells. Microarray and molecular mechanism studies demonstrated that miR-16 could directly target cyclin D1 and BCL-2 to mediate SeNP apoptosis enhancement. Results show that the serum selenium levels positively correlate with miR-16 expressions, and they correlate with the overall and disease-free survival rates.

Conclusion
These results signify the cytotoxic potential of SeNPs in prostate cancer treatment.
Cytochrome P450 1A1 enhances inflammatory responses and impedes phagocytosis of bacteria in macrophages during sepsis
Authors: Tian Li-Xing , Tang Xin , Zhu Jun-Yu , Luo Li , Ma Xiao-Yuan , Cheng Shao-Wen , Zhang Wei , Tang Wan-Qi , Ma Wei , Yang Xue , Lv Chuan-Zhu , Liang Hua-Ping 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe hydroxylase cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) is regulated by the inflammation-limiting aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), but CYP1A1 immune functions remain unclear. We observed CYP1A1 overexpression in peritoneal macrophages (PMs) isolated from mice following LPS or heat-killedEscherichia. coli(E. coli) challenge. CYP1A1 overexpression augmented TNF-α and IL-6 production in RAW264.7 cells (RAW) by enhancing JNK/AP-1 signalling. CYP1A1 overexpression also promoted 12S-hydroxy-5Z,8Z,10E,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid (12(S)-HETE) production in activated RAW, while a 12(S)-HETE antibody attenuated and 12(S)-HETE alone induced inflammatory responses. Macrophages harbouring hydroxylase-deficient CYP1A1 demonstrated reduced 12(S)-HETE generation and LPS-induced TNF-α/IL-6 secretion. CYP1A1 overexpression also impaired phagocytosis of bacteria via decreasing the expression of scavenger receptor A (SR-A) in PMs. Mice injected with CYP1A1-overexpressing PMs were more susceptible to CLP- orE. coli-induced mortality and bacteria invading, while Rhapontigenin, a selective CYP1A1 inhibitor, improved survival and bacteria clearance of mice in sepsis. CYP1A1 and 12(S)-HETE were also elevated in monocytes and plasma of septic patients and positively correlated with SOFA scores. Macrophage CYP1A1 disruption could be a promising strategy for treating sepsis.Graphical abstract
Comparison of the accuracy of different impression procedures in case of multiple and angulated implants
Authors: Richi M. Wafa , Kurtulmus-Yilmaz Sevcan , Ozan Oguz 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere is no consensus in the literature regarding the impression procedures in the presence of multiple and angulated implants.MethodsThree maxillary master models with 6 implants bilaterally positioned in anterior, premolar and molar regions were fabricated. In model 1, all implants were placed in parallel; in models 2 and 3, anterior implants were buccally inclined and posterior implants were distally inclined in 10- and 20-degrees, respectively. Three different impression copings (hexed, non-hex, multi-unit) and two different impression techniques (splinting and non-splinting) were tested. A total of 180 impressions (n = 10 per group) were made using mono-phase vinyl poly-siloxane. Master models and duplicate casts were scanned by a 5-axis laboratory scanner and data were transferred to a software program for the alignment of master and duplicate copings. Coronal and angular deviations were calculated, and data were statistically analyzed.ResultsFor angulated models, the lowest deviation values were detected at the splinted non-hex coping group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsImplant angulation, impression coping type, and splinting the impression copings had significant effects on the accuracy of impressions.Trial registrationNot applicable.
Oligometastasis and local ablation in the era of systemic targeted and immunotherapy
Authors: Mazzola Rosario , Jereczek-Fossa Barbara Alicja , Franceschini Davide , Tubin Slavisa , Filippi Andrea Riccardo , Tolia Maria , Lancia Andrea , Minniti Giuseppe , Corradini Stefanie , Arcangeli Stefano , Scorsetti Marta , Alongi Filippo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
During these last years, new agents have dramatically improved the survival of the metastatic patients. Oligometastases represent a continuous field of interest in which the integration of metastases-directed therapy and drugs could further improve the oncologic outcomes.
Herein a narrative review is performed regarding the main rationale in combining immunotherapy and target therapies with SBRT looking at the available clinical data in case of oligometastatic NSCLC, Melanoma and Kidney cancer.

Material and method
Narrative Review regarding retrospective and prospective studies published between January 2009 to November 2019 with at least 20 patients analyzed.

Results
Concerning the combination between SBRT and Immunotherapy, the correct sequence of remains uncertain, and seems to be drug-dependent. The optimal patients’ selection is crucial to expect substantial benefits to SBRT/Immunotherapy combination and, among several factors. A potential field of interest is represented by the so-called oligoprogressed disease, in which SBRT could improve the long-term efficacy of the existing target therapy.

Conclusions
A low tumor burden seems to be the most relevant, thus making the oligometastatic disease represent the ideal setting for the use of combination therapies with immunological drugs.
Associations between the depressive symptoms, subjective cognitive function, and presenteeism of Japanese adult workers: a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Toyoshima Kuniyoshi , Inoue Takeshi , Shimura Akiyoshi , Masuya Jiro , Ichiki Masahiko , Fujimura Yota , Kusumi Ichiro 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Presenteeism has attracted much attention in the research into mental health. However, how cognitive complaints and depressive symptoms affect presenteeism remains unknown. Therefore, this study examined the correlation between subjective cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms, and work limitations.

Methods
We collected data from 477 adult workers in Japan. We evaluated subjective cognitive function using the Cognitive Complaints in Bipolar Disorder Rating Assessment (COBRA), depressive symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), and work limitations with the Work Limitations Questionnaire 8 (WLQ-8). The relations between depressive symptoms, cognitive complaints, and work limitations were examined using Spearman’s rank correlations and multiple regression analysis. It was hypothesized that cognitive complaints would mediate the effects of depressive symptoms on work productivity loss, which was tested using path analysis.

Results
The results indicated that cognitive complaints were significantly correlated with work limitations and depressive symptoms. Multiple regression analysis, using the WLQ-8 productivity loss score as the dependent variable, revealed that COBRA and PHQ-9 scores were significant predictors of work productivity loss. We performed path analysis using PHQ-9, COBRA, and WLQ-8 productivity loss scores and created a path diagram, which revealed that the direct effects of both depressive symptoms and cognitive dysfunction on work productivity loss were statistically significant. Moreover, depressive symptoms indirectly affected work productivity loss through subjective cognitive impairment. There was no significant interaction effect between depressive symptoms and cognitive complaints.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that work limitations may be predicted by not only depressive symptoms but also cognitive complaints. Moreover, subjective cognitive impairment may mediate the effect of depressive symptoms on presenteeism among adult workers.
Pathways towards scaling up Problem Management Plus in Turkey: a theory of change workshop
Authors:   on behalf of the STRENGTHS consortium, Fuhr Daniela C. , Acarturk Ceren , Uygun Ersin , McGrath Michael , Ilkkursun Zeynep , Kaykha Sadaf , Sondorp Egbert , Sijbrandij Marit , Ventevogel Peter , Cuijpers Pim , Roberts Bayard 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
A considerable evidence base has been produced in recent years highlighting the effectiveness of brief scalable psychological interventions for people living in communities exposed to adversity. However, practical guidance on how to scale up these interventions to wider populations does not exist. In this paper we report on the use of Theory of Change (ToC) to plan the scale up of the World Health Organization’s flagship low intensity psychological intervention “Problem Management Plus” (PM+) for Syrian refugees in Turkey.

Methods
We conducted a one-day ToC workshop in Istanbul. ToC is a participatory planning process used in the development, implementation and evaluation of projects. It is similar to driver diagrams or logic models in that it offers a tool to visually present the components needed to reach a desired long-term outcome or impact. The overall aim of ToC is to understand the change process of a complex intervention and to map out causal pathways through which an intervention or strategy has an effect.

Results
Twenty-four stakeholders (including governmental officials, mental health providers, officials from international/national non-governmental organisations, conflict and health researchers) participated in the ToC workshop. A ToC map was produced identifying three key elements of scaling up (the resource team; the innovation and the health system; and the user organisation) which are represented in three distinct causal pathways. Context-specific barriers related to the health system and the political environment were identified, and possible strategies for overcoming these challenges were suggested.

Conclusion
ToC is a valuable methodology to develop an integrated framework for scaling up. The results highlight that the scaling up of PM+ for Syrian refugees in Turkey needs careful planning and investment from different stakeholders at the national level. Our paper provides a theoretical foundation of the scaling up of PM+, and exemplifies for the first time the use of ToC in planning the scaling up of an evidence-based psychological intervention in global mental health.
Toxoplasma gondii infection in slaughtered pigs and cattle in Poland: seroprevalence, molecular detection and characterization of parasites in meat
Authors: Sroka Jacek , Karamon Jacek , Wójcik-Fatla Angelina , Piotrowska Weronika , Dutkiewicz Jacek , Bilska-Zając Ewa , Zając Violetta , Kochanowski Maciej , Dąbrowska Joanna , Cencek Tomasz 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Toxoplasma gondii infection may pose a severe medical problem especially in a congenital form and as an acquired infection in immunocompromised persons. Raw and undercooked meat of slaughtered animals is regarded as an important source of parasite infection; however, data concerning this issue in Poland are still insufficient. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of T. gondii infection in pigs and cattle slaughtered for human consumption in Poland using serological and molecular methods.

Methods
Sera of 3111 pigs and 2411 cattle from 16 regions (voivodeships) of the country were examined for the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG using the direct agglutination test (DAT). Pepsin-digested samples of diaphragm and heart of seropositive animals were examined for the presence of T. gondii DNA (B1 gene) by nested PCR and real-time PCR, while non-digested samples were only examined by nested PCR. The B1 gene DNA samples were genotyped at 11 genetic markers using multilocus nested PCR-RFLP (Mn-PCR-RFLP) and sequencing.

Results
Seropositive DAT results were found in 11.9% of pigs and 13.0% of cattle. The highest seroprevalence was found in pigs from Podkarpackie (32.6%) and in cattle from Mazowieckie (44.6%). Data analysis showed that cattle > 5–10 years-old, as well as cattle and pigs from small farms, and pigs from farms with open production systems, had higher odds of testing seropositive (P < 0.05). Among the examined tissue samples, positive PCR results were found in samples from 12.2% and 10.2% of seropositive pigs and cattle, respectively. Among the samples successfully genotyped by Mn-PCR-RFLP and sequenced, four samples were identified as T. gondii type II and one sample as type I.

Conclusions
The presence of T. gondii antibodies in a substantial proportion of examined pigs and cattle as well as the detection of parasite DNA in their tissues highlight a potential health risk to the consumers in Poland.
Older adults and the disparity in oral health status; the problem and innovative ways to address it
Authors: Cardoso Elaine O. C. , Tenenbaum Howard C. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe impact of oral health inequalities on one’s ability to maintain good oral health is cumulative throughout life and accentuated in older age groups. While studies on factors influencing the decisions made by elders to seek dental care have been conducted in Israel and worldwide, the issue of access to and provision of dental care is complex. However, the need to address oral health issues is being voiced in high-level international meetings and there was never a better momentum to rethink the current oral health care delivery model beyond issues related solely to accessibility. Here we outline unique opportunities to ensure sustainable models of preventive services and oral health the effects of which would be amplified in concert with increases in the availability universal dental healthcare.
A focus on cross-purpose tools, automated recognition of study design in multiple disciplines, and evaluation of automation tools: a summary of significant discussions at the fourth meeting of the International Collaboration for Automation of Systematic Reviews (ICASR)
Authors: O’Connor Annette M. , Glasziou Paul , Taylor Michele , Thomas James , Spijker René , Wolfe Mary S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe fourth meeting of the International Collaboration for Automation of Systematic Reviews (ICASR) was held 5–6 November 2019 in The Hague, the Netherlands. ICASR is an interdisciplinary group whose goal is to maximize the use of technology for conducting rapid, accurate, and efficient systematic reviews of scientific evidence. The group seeks to facilitate the development and acceptance of automated techniques for systematic reviews. In 2018, the major themes discussed were the transferability of automation tools (i.e., tools developed for other purposes that might be used by systematic reviewers), the automated recognition of study design in multiple disciplines and applications, and approaches for the evaluation of automation tools.
How to develop a meaningful radiomic signature for clinical use in oncologic patients
Authors: Papanikolaou Nikolaos , Matos Celso , Koh Dow Mu 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDuring the last decade, there is an increasing usage of quantitative methods in Radiology in an effort to reduce the diagnostic variability associated with a subjective manner of radiological interpretation. Combined approaches where visual assessment made by the radiologist is augmented by quantitative imaging biomarkers are gaining attention. Advances in machine learning resulted in the rise of radiomics that is a new methodology referring to the extraction of quantitative information from medical images. Radiomics are based on the development of computational models, referred to as “Radiomic Signatures”, trying to address either unmet clinical needs, mostly in the field of oncologic imaging, or to compare radiomics performance with that of radiologists. However, to explore this new technology, initial publications did not consider best practices in the field of machine learning resulting in publications with questionable clinical value. In this paper, our effort was concentrated on how to avoid methodological mistakes and consider critical issues in the workflow of the development of clinically meaningful radiomic signatures.
Differentiating pregnancies near the uterotubal junction (angular, cornual, and interstitial): a review and recommendations
Authors: Finlinson Alex R. , Bollig Kassie J. , Schust Danny J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractEccentrically located intracavitary pregnancies, which include pregnancies traditionally termed as cornual and/or angular, have long presented complex diagnostic and management challenges given their inherent relationship to interstitial ectopic pregnancies. This review uses the existing literature to discriminate among interstitial, cornual, and angular pregnancies. Current arguments propose the outright abandonment of the terms cornual and angular may be justified in favor of the singular term, eccentric pregnancy. Disparate definitions and diagnostic approaches have compromised the literature’s ability to precisely describe prognosis and ideal management practices for each of these types of pregnancies. Standardizing the classification of these pregnancies near the uterotubal junction is important to unify conservative, yet safe and effective management strategies. We advocate the use of early first trimester ultrasound to correctly differentiate between eccentric pregnancy and interstitial ectopic pregnancy as current research suggests substantially better outcomes with correctly diagnosed and expectantly managed eccentric pregnancies than past investigations may have shown. The expectant management of eccentric pregnancies will often result in a healthy term pregnancy, while interstitial ectopic pregnancies inherently have a poor likelihood of progressing to viability. When the terms and diagnosis of cornual, angular, and interstitial pregnancy are indistinct, there is substantial risk of intrauterine pregnancies to be inappropriately managed as ectopic pregnancies. Until we standardize terms and criteria, it will remain difficult, if not impossible, to determine true risk for pregnancy loss, preterm labor, abnormal placentation, and uterine or uterotubal rupture. The development of best practice guidelines will require standardized terminology and diagnostic techniques.
Resistance of flaxleaf fleabane (Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist) to glyphosate
Authors: Minati Mohammed Hussein , Preston Christopher , Malone Jenna 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Resistance to glyphosate has been reported in flaxleaf fleabane populations within a number of grain growing areas in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales and other cropping regions across Australia.

Results
To investigate the processes contributing to the evolution and spread of glyphosate-resistant flaxleaf fleabane, the resistant populations tested in dose-response experiments varied in their responses to glyphosate from two to eight times the recommended rate. The different dose responses obtained may indicate different mechanisms of resistance. This can possibly be attributed to an independent evolution of resistance.

Conclusion
The results demonstrate that glyphosate resistance is widespread across Australia and has likely evolved multiple times as well as dispersing by seeds.
Ultrasonography in diagnosis of appendicitis and its complications in pediatric patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hajalioghli Parisa , Mostafavi Soroush , Mirza-Aghazadeh-Attari Mohammad 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Appendicitis is a common cause of acute abdomen in pediatrics. Although various criteria have been suggested in early diagnosis of appendicitis, these criteria are not as applicable for pediatric patients. Because of this, imaging has an important role in the diagnosis of appendicitis in pediatric patients. The present study was conducted on 121 pediatric patients with possible diagnosis of appendicitis. All of the patients underwent initial evaluation and then underwent sonographic imaging. Sonography was used to assess the existence of signs associated with appendicitis, or its complications. Imaging findings were compared in patients with complications with those with complications. True false positive, false negative, true positive, and true negative values were calculated. Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography in determining appendicitis was evaluated.

Results
The mean age of children was 8.08 ± 3.25 years, with ages ranging from 3 to 14 years. Of the 121 children, 74(61.2%) were male and 47(38.8%) were female. In total, there were 3(2.4%) false positives and 2(1.6%) false negatives based on sonographic findings. There were also 54(44.6%) true positive and 62(51.2%) true negative based on sonographic findings. Based on the findings of ultrasound in this study, ultrasound sensitivity was 96.4%, specificity was 95.3%, positive predictive value was 94.7%, and negative predictive value was 96.8%.

Conclusion
Ultrasonography is indicated in the diagnosis of appendicitis in pediatric patients and has optimal sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis. Furthermore, it is a suitable diagnostic method for evaluating complications of appendicitis.