bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parent crater for Australasian tektites beneath the sands of the Alashan Desert, Northwest China: Best candidate ever?
Authors: Mizera Jiří , Řanda Zdeněk , Suchý Václav , Strunga Vladimír , Klokočník Jaroslav , Kostelecký Jan , Bezděk Aleš , Moravec Zdeněk 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT
Australasian tektites represent the largest group of tektites on Earth, and their strewn field covers up to one sixth of Earth’s surface. After several decades of fruitless quest for a parent crater for Australasian tektites, mostly in the main part of the strewn field in Indochina, the crater remains undiscovered. We elaborate upon a recently suggested original hypothesis for the impact in the Alashan Desert in Northwest China. Evidence from geochemical and isotopic compositions of potential source materials, gravity data, and geographic, paleoenvironmental, and ballistic considerations support a possible impact site in the Badain Jaran part of the Alashan Desert. In further support of an impact location in China, glassy microspherules recovered from Chinese loess may be the right age to relate to the Australasian tektite event, perhaps as part of the impacting body. The most serious shortcomings of the commonly accepted Indochina impact location include signs of little chemical weathering of source materials of Australasian tektites, unlike highly weathered sedimentary targets in Indochina, and questionable assumptions about transport of distal ejecta.
Novel bleeding prediction model in atrial fibrillation patients on new oral anticoagulants
Authors: Barnett-Griness Ofra , Stein Nili , Kotler Antonio , Saliba Walid , Gronich Naomi 
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveClinical models such as the HAS-BLED (standing for Hypertension, Abnormal liver/renal function, Stroke history, Bleeding history or predisposition, Labile INR, Elderly, Drug/alcohol usage) were developed to predict risk of major bleeding on vitamin K antagonists/antiplatelet therapy. We aimed to develop a model that will improve the ability to predict major bleeding events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with new oral anticoagulants (NOACs).MethodsClalit Health Services is the largest of four integrated healthcare organisations in Israel, which insures 4.7 million patients (53% of the population). We identified in Clalit Health Services all patients with AF, new users of an NOAC (2013–2017), and followed them until first occurrence of a major bleeding event, death, switch to another oral anticoagulant, 30 days after discontinuation of NOAC or end of follow-up (31 December 2019). Importance of the candidate model variables was estimated by inclusion frequencies across forward selection algorithm applied to 50 bootstrap samples. Then, backward selection algorithm using the modified Bayesian Information Criterion for competing risks was applied to select predictors for the final model.Results47 623 patients with AF prescribed NOAC were studied. 28 055 patients with AF, initiators of apixaban (mean age 78.7, SD 9.0), were included in the first phase and had 662 major bleeding events. Nine variables were selected for inclusion in a final points-based risk-scoring system: male sex, anaemia, thrombocytopaenia (<99×103/µL), concurrent antiplatelet therapy, hypertension, prior major bleeding, risk factors for a fall, low cholesterol level and low estimated glomerular filtration rate, with apparent area-under-curve (AUC) of 0.6546. Applicability of the model was then shown for 14 118 and 5450 patients with AF, initiators of dabigatran and rivaroxaban, where the score achieved c indices of 0.62 and 0.61, respectively.ConclusionsWe present a novel and simple risk score for prediction of major bleeding in patients with non-valvular AF treated with NOACs. Validation in additional cohorts is warranted.
Meridional Tripole Mode of Winter Precipitation over the Arctic and Continental North Africa–Eurasia
Authors: Liu Xiaolin , Lu Jianhua , Liu Yimin , Wu Guoxiong 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWintertime precipitation is vital to the growth of glaciers in the northern hemisphere. We find a tripole mode of precipitation (PTM), with each pole of the mode extending zonally over the eastern hemisphere roughly between 30°W and 120°E, and the positive/negative/positive structure for its positive phase extending meridionally from the Arctic to the continental North Africa–Eurasia. The large-scale dynamics associated with the PTM is explored. The positive phase of the PTM is associated with the negative while eastward-shifted phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and a zonal band of positive SST anomaly in the tropics, together with a narrowed Hadley cell and weakened Ferrel cell. While being north-eastward tilted and separated from their North Africa-Eurasia counterpart in the climatological mean, the upper-tropospheric westerly jets over the east Pacific and north Atlantic become extending zonally and shifting southward and hence form a circumpolar subtropical jet as a whole by connecting with the westerly jets over the North Africa-Eurasia. The enhanced zonal winds over the north Atlantic promote more synoptic-scale transient eddies which are waveguided by the jet streams. The polar vortex weakens and cold air dips southward from the North Pole. Further diagnosis of the E-vectors suggests that transient eddies have a positive feedback on the weakening of Ferrel cell. Opposite features are associated with the negative phase of the PTM. The reconstructed time series using multiple linear regression on the NAO index and the tropical SST averaged over 20°S– 20°N, can explain 62.4% of the variance of the original the original precipitation time series.
Intense interactions between ocean waves and currents observed in the Lofoten Maelstrom
Authors: Saetra Øyvind , Halsne Trygve , Carrasco Ana , Breivik Øyvind , Pedersen Torstein , Christensen Kai Håkon 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe Lofoten Maelstrom has been known for centuries as one of the strongest open-ocean tidal currents in the world, estimated to reach 3 m s−1, and by some estimates as much as 5 m s−1. The strong current gives rise to choppy seas when waves enter the Moskenes Sound, making the area extremely difficult to navigate. Despite its reputation, few studies of its strength exist and no stationary in situ measurements for longer time periods have been made due to the challenging conditions. By deploying for the first time in situ wave and current instruments, we confirm some previous estimates of the strength of the current. We also show that its strength is strongly connected with wave breaking. From a consideration of specific forcing terms in the dynamical energy balance equation for waves on a variable current, we assess the impact of the underlying current using a convenient metric formulated as a function of the horizontal current gradients. We find that the horizontal gradients are a likely explanation for the observed enhanced wave breaking during strong currents at a rising tide.
Development and Validation of a Simplified Chinese Version and a Face-Scale Version of the Oxford Shoulder Score: A 2-Center Prospective Study
Authors: Xu Wu , Wu Kailun , Roche Stephen , Fu Weili , Huang Lixin , Held Michael F.G. , Guo Jiong Jiong 
Published: September 2021

Background: There has not yet been a pictorial version of a patient-reported outcome measure for shoulder pain. Purpose: To translate the English version of the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) to a simplified Chinese version (SC-OSS) and to validate a new face-scale version of the OSS (FS-OSS), while investigating cross-cultural adaptation, validation, and reproducibility of both versions in patients with shoulder pain. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the SC-OSS was performed using a forward-backward translation method. The FS-OSS was developed on the basis of the SC-OSS, using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale for reference. Participants were asked to complete the SC-OSS, FS-OSS, Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Constant-Murley score (CMS), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Validation and reproducibility were tested by calculating Cronbach α values for internal consistency as well as by intraclass correlation coefficients. Time needed to complete the scores was used to test cross-cultural adaption. Results: A total of 312 respondents participated in the research and completed all outcome measures. The internal consistency was strong, with a Cronbach α of .94 and .91 for the FS-OSS and SC-OSS, respectively. High intraclass correlation coefficient values for the FS-OSS score (0.95) and SC-OSS (0.92) were obtained, which indicated excellent test-retest reliability. The Pearson correlation coefficients of the SC-OSS and FS-OSS with the SST ( r = 0.67 and 0.65, respectively), CMS ( r = 0.62 and 0.66, respectively), and SF-36 ( r = 0.52 and 0.57, respectively) indicated good construct validity. The time needed to complete the FS-OSS was less than that needed for the SC-OSS and SST. Conclusion: The FS-OSS and SC-OSS were validated as reliable instruments for patients with shoulder pain. For Chinese patients, the face-scale version was easier to understand than the cross-cultural text version.
Utility of the High‐Sensitivity Modified Glasgow Prognostic Scores for Oropharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Iuchi Hiroyuki , Ohori Junichiro , Ando Yumi , Tokushige Takeshi , Haraguchi Megumi , Yamashita Masaru 
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveThere is increasing evidence that the high‐sensitivity modified Glasgow prognostic scores are inflammatory indices that can predict survival for many cancer types. However, there is limited information regarding their prognostic values in cases of head and neck cancer. This study aimed to evaluate whether the high‐sensitivity modified Glasgow prognostic scores could predict outcomes among patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPC).Study DesignRetrospective study.SettingUniversity hospital.MethodsWe reviewed the records of 106 patients with histologically confirmed OPC between March 2009 and June 2020. The high‐sensitivity modified Glasgow prognostic scores were calculated as 0 (C‐reactive protein [CRP] concentration: ≤0.3 mg/dL), 1 (CRP concentration >0.3 mg/dL and albumin concentration ≥3.5 mg/dL), or 2 (CRP concentration >0.3 mg/dL and albumin concentration <3.5 mg/dL). Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard analyses were performed for overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS).ResultsForty‐four of these patients had human papillomavirus (HPV)–positive OPC, and 62 had HPV‐negative OPC, and these populations were analyzed separately. The high‐sensitivity modified Glasgow prognostic score was significantly associated with age, performance status, and HPV. On univariate analysis, high‐sensitivity modified Glasgow prognostic score showed associations with OS and DFS in both subpopulations. Moreover, on multivariable analysis, the high‐sensitivity modified Glasgow prognostic score showed associations with OS and DFS in both subpopulations. Poor performance status predicted OS in both subpopulations.ConclusionWe conclude that the high‐sensitivity modified Glasgow prognostic score is useful as an independent prognostic factor in OPC.
Runs of homozygosity analysis reveals consensus homozygous regions affecting production traits in Chinese Simmental beef cattle
Authors: Zhao Guoyao , Liu Yuqiang , Niu Qunhao , Zheng Xu , Zhang Tianliu , Wang Zezhao , Xu Lei , Zhu Bo , Gao Xue , Zhang Lupei , Gao Huijiang , Li Junya , Xu Lingyang 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Genomic regions with a high frequency of runs of homozygosity (ROH) are related to important traits in farm animals. We carried out a comprehensive analysis of ROH and evaluated their association with production traits using the BovineHD (770 K) SNP array in Chinese Simmental beef cattle.

Results
We detected a total of 116,953 homozygous segments with 2.47Gb across the genome in the studied population. The average number of ROH per individual was 99.03 and the average length was 117.29 Mb. Notably, we detected 42 regions with a frequency of more than 0.2. We obtained 17 candidate genes related to body size, meat quality, and reproductive traits. Furthermore, using Fisher’s exact test, we found 101 regions were associated with production traits by comparing high groups with low groups in terms of production traits. Of those, we identified several significant regions for production traits (P < 0.05) by association analysis, within which candidate genes including ECT2, GABRA4, and GABRB1 have been previously reported for those traits in beef cattle.

Conclusions
Our study explored ROH patterns and their potential associations with production traits in beef cattle. These results may help to better understand the association between production traits and genome homozygosity and offer valuable insights into managing inbreeding by designing reasonable breeding programs in farm animals.
What non-clinical factors influence the general dentist–specialist relationship in Canada?
Authors: Kaur Harpinder , Singhal Sonica , Glogauer Michael , Azarpazhooh Amir , Quiñonez Carlos 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
The general dentist–specialist relationship is important for effective patient care and the professional environment. This study explores the non-clinical factors that may influence the general dentist–specialist relationship in Canada.

Methods
A cross-sectional web-based survey of a sample of general dentists across Canada was conducted (N ≈ 11,300). The survey collected information on practitioner (e.g., age, gender, years of practice) and practice (e.g., location, ownership) factors. Two outcomes were assessed: not perceiving specialists as completely collegial and perceiving competitive pressure from specialists. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted.

Results
A total of 1328 general dentists responded, yielding a response rate of 11.7%. The strongest associations for perceiving specialists as not completely collegial include being a practice owner (OR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.23, 3.74), working in two or more practices (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.07, 2.65), practicing in a small population center (OR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.22, 0.94), and contributing equally to the household income (OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.26, 0.84). The strongest associations with perceiving medium/large competitive pressure from specialists include having a general practice residency or advanced education in general dentistry (OR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.17, 3.41) and having specialists in close proximity to the practice (OR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.12, 5.69).

Conclusion
Practitioner and practice factors, mostly related to business and dental care market dynamics, are associated with the potential for strained relationships between general dentists and specialists in Canada. This study points to the need for dental professional organizations to openly discuss the current state of the dental care market, as it has important implications for the profession.
Challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic by family carers of people living with dementia towards the end of life
Authors: Aker Narin , West Emily , Davies Nathan , Moore Kirsten J. , Sampson Elizabeth L. , Nair Pushpa , Kupeli Nuriye 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
People living with dementia account for a large proportion of deaths due to COVID-19. Family carers are faced with making significant and emotive decisions during the pandemic, including decisions about end of life. We aimed to explore the challenges faced by family carers of people living with dementia during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in England, as reported by charity telephone support line staff, who were able to objectively discuss a range of different experiences of many different carers who call the helpline. In particular, we focussed on key concerns and areas of decision making at the end of life.

Methods
We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with eight telephone support line staff from two UK based charities who support carers of people living with dementia and those at the end of life. Interviews were conducted in the first wave of the pandemic in England in May–June 2020.

Results
An overarching theme of uncertainty and reactivity during a crisis was identified, and within this, five main themes were identified: concerns about care transitions, uncertainty in engaging support and help, pandemic-motivated care planning, maintaining the wellbeing of the person living with dementia, and trust, loss of agency and confusion.

Conclusions
Family carers may be reluctant to seek support because of fear of what may happen to their relative, which may include hospitalisation and becoming ill with COVID-19, care home placement, or not being able to be with a relative at the end of life. In some cases, a lack of trust has developed, and instead carers are seeking support from alternative services they trust such as nationally known charities.This study was used to inform the development of a decision aid to support family carers making decisions about care for their relative with dementia during the pandemic, who the lack the capacity to make their own decisions.
Effects of an 8-week aerobic exercise program on plasma markers for cholesterol absorption and synthesis in older overweight and obese men
Authors: Mashnafi S. , Plat J. , Mensink R. P. , Joris P. J. , Kleinloog J. P. D. , Baumgartner S. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Increased physical activity is inversely related to the risk to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD). In a recent systematic review, it was reported that CVD patients had an increased cholesterol absorption and a decreased synthesis as compared with control participants. As increased physical activity levels reduce CVD risk, we hypothesized that exercise training will reduce cholesterol absorption and increase endogenous cholesterol synthesis in older overweight and obese men.

Methods
A randomized, controlled, crossover trial was performed. Seventeen apparently healthy older overweight and obese men were randomized to start with an aerobic exercise or no-exercise control period for 8 weeks, separated by 12 weeks washout. Fasting serum total cholesterol (TC) and non-cholesterol sterol concentrations were measured at baseline, and after 4 and 8 weeks.

Results
The aerobic exercise program did not affect serum TC concentrations. In addition, exercise did not affect TC-standardized serum concentrations of sitosterol and cholestanol that are markers for cholesterol absorption. However, a trend for reduced TC-standardized campesterol concentrations, which is another validated marker for cholesterol absorption, was observed as compared with control. Lathosterol concentrations, reflecting cholesterol synthesis, did not differ between both periods.

Conclusions
Aerobic exercise training for 8 weeks did not lower serum TC concentrations in older overweight and obese men, but a trend towards a decrease in the cholesterol absorption marker campesterol was found. The cholesterol synthesis marker lathosterol did not change.

Trial registration
posted on www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03272061 on 7 September 2017.
Comparison of microbiota in the upper versus lower respiratory tract in children during health and respiratory disease: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Rao Richa , Dsouza Jeanne M. , Mathew Joseph L. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
The upper respiratory tract of children is colonized by various microbial species during the healthy state, whereas the lungs are believed to be sterile. In children with respiratory infections, micro-organisms can be recovered from the upper respiratory sites, as well as the lungs. However, the correlation of microbial yield between the two sites is unclear. This systematic review is designed to explore the microbial composition of the respiratory system in healthy children, comparing the organisms identified in the upper airways versus the lungs. We will also compare the prevalence and pattern of upper respiratory micro-organisms in healthy children versus those with various respiratory diseases. We will additionally compare the organisms identified in the upper airway versus the lungs in children with respiratory disease.

Methods
We will search the following electronic databases: Epistemonikos and Cochrane Library for systematic reviews and MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, LIVIVO, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL databases for primary studies. Reference lists of relevant studies will be examined for links to potential related articles. Two reviewers will independently determine eligibility for inclusion. The methodological quality and risk of bias of the included observational studies will be scored using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale tool, and JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for case series. We will present the data with descriptive statistics and provide pooled estimates of outcomes, wherever it is feasible to perform a meta-analysis. Heterogeneity in studies will be explored by using the Higgins and Thompson I2 method. Sensitivity analysis will be done to explore the impact of study quality, and subgroup analysis will be done based on age, health condition, type of respiratory specimen, and method of identifying organisms. We will prepare a summary of findings’ table and assess the confidence in the evidence using the GRADE methodology.

Results
This is a protocol; hence, there are no results at this stage.

Discussion
The proposed systematic review will provide comparisons of the microbiota in the upper respiratory tract versus the lungs, in children, during health as well as respiratory disease. Similarly, the site-specific yield will be compared between healthy children and those with respiratory disease. This will provide clinicians, microbiologists, and respiratory therapists a better understanding of the respiratory system microbiota, suitability (or otherwise) of upper airway specimens in various respiratory diseases, and the potential role of upper airway colonization on specific respiratory diseases. We will disseminate the review through a peer-reviewed journal publication. Data that cannot be included in the published version will be made available on request.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42020202115.
Multi-omics reveals the positive leverage of plant secondary metabolites on the gut microbiota in a non-model mammal
Authors: Wang Le , Huang Guangping , Hou Rong , Qi Dunwu , Wu Qi , Nie Yonggang , Zuo Zhenqiang , Ma Rui , Zhou Wenliang , Ma Yingjie , Hu Yibo , Yang Zhisong , Yan Li , Wei Fuwen 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Flavonoids are important plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) that have been widely used for their health-promoting effects. However, little is known about overall flavonoid metabolism and the interactive effects between flavonoids and the gut microbiota. The flavonoid-rich bamboo and the giant panda provide an ideal system to bridge this gap.

Results
Here, integrating metabolomic and metagenomic approaches, and in vitro culture experiment, we identified 97 flavonoids in bamboo and most of them have not been identified previously; the utilization of more than 70% flavonoid monomers was attributed to gut microbiota; the variation of flavonoid in bamboo leaves and shoots shaped the seasonal microbial fluctuation. The greater the flavonoid content in the diet was, the lower microbial diversity and virulence factor, but the more cellulose-degrading species.

Conclusions
Our study shows an unprecedented landscape of beneficial PSMs in a non-model mammal and reveals that PSMs remodel the gut microbiota conferring host adaptation to diet transition in an ecological context, providing a novel insight into host-microbe interaction.