bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Berberine regulates bone metabolism in apical periodontitis by remodelling the extracellular matrix
Authors: Cui Yujia , Xie Jing , Cai Linyi , Zhang Demao , Sun Jianxun , Zhou Xuedong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to explore the role and related mechanism of berberine in repairing bone destruction in apical periodontics (AP).Materials and MethodsAP was established in 14 of 21 male Wistar rats (four weeks of age; 70–80 g) for 3 weeks. The canals were cleaned and administered berberine (2 mg/ml; n = 7) or calcium hydroxide (100 mg/ml; control; n = 7), followed by glass ionomer cement sealing. After 3 weeks, specimen collection followed by micro‐computed tomography (μ‐CT) and histological staining was performed, including haematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence histochemistry.Resultsμ‐CT showed that AP lesion volume reduced in the berberine group. Histopathology showed that berberine decreased the activity and number of osteoclasts but increased the expression of proteins related to osteoblast differentiation, including alkaline phosphatase and osterix. The immune cell, T cell, dendritic cell and macrophage counts were significantly decreased in the berberine group. In the berberine group, the expression of extracellular matrix‐degraded proteases, metalloproteinases, was decreased; however, that of extracellular matrix‐stable proteases, lysyl oxidases, was increased.ConclusionsBerberine controlled the inflammatory response and regulated bone metabolism in AP by reducing metalloproteinase expression and increasing lysyl oxidases expression.
Lead extractions: dissecting adhesions up to the lead‐tip of the right ventricle: safety and success‐rates
Authors: Witte Olivier A. , Delnoy Peter Paul HM , Ghani Abdul , Smit Jaap Jan J. , Ramdat Misier Anand R. , Elvan Arif , Adiyaman Ahmet 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimsGoal of Transvenous Lead Extraction (TLE) is complete removal of all targeted leads, without complications. Despite counter traction manoeuvres, efficacy rates are often hampered by broken right ventricle lead (RV‐lead) tips. Mechanically powered lead extraction (Evolution sheath) is effective, however safety of dissection up to the lead tip is unclear. Therefore, we examined the feasibility and safety of RV‐lead extraction requiring dissection up to the myocardium.Methods and resultsFrom 2009 to 2018, all TLE in the Isala Heart Centre (Zwolle, The Netherlands) requiring the hand‐powered mechanical Evolution system to extract RV‐leads (n = 185) were examined from a prospective registry. We assessed 4 groups: TLE with the first generation Evolution (n = 43) with (A1,n = 18) and without (A2,n = 25) adhesions up to the myocardium and TLE with the Novel R/L type (n = 142) of sheath with (B1, n = 59) and without (B2, n = 83) adhesions up to the myocardium. Complete success rate in Group B was significantly higher than group A (96.5 vs 76.7%, p = 0.0354). When comparing the patients with adhesions up to the myocardium, total complete success is higher in the R/L group (61.1% vs 90.5%, p = 0.0067). There were no deaths. Overall major complication rates were low (2/185; 1.1%) and there was no statistically significant difference in major and minor complications between the two groups.ConclusionExtraction strategy with the bidirectional Evolution R/L sheath for right ventricular leads with adhesions up to the myocardium is safe and feasible.
Rethinking the premises underlying the right to development in African human rights jurisprudence
Authors: Boshoff Elsabé 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe current rate of planetary destruction, which is grounded in an understanding of development as economic growth based on environmental exploitation, has catastrophic consequences for organized human existence. The African human rights system, through the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (the African Charter), is one of the few international legal systems which provides for an enforceable right to development and to a healthy environment. This article argues that the dichotomy set up between the right to development and the right to a healthy environment is ultimately false, because an understanding of development which does not take account of the environmental aspects is untenable in the long run. It is argued that the African Charter and its interpretation by the African Commission and the African Court have resulted in the establishment of important principles towards a revised understanding of development, not based on economic considerations, but rather as human well‐being (physical, mental, emotional and social considerations) within a healthy environment. It is further argued that important principles in African environmental ethics should be recognized in interpreting the right to development, which require that development takes place with the necessary regard and reverence for the environment.
Epidemiology of 4963 deaths associated with COVID‐19 during three pandemic waves in a Latin American city with a high mortality rate, 2020–2021
Authors: Viana‐Cárdenas Erika , Triana Abel , Mendoza Humberto , Buendia Emiro , Viasus Diego 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the characteristics of COVID‐19‐associated deaths in Barranquilla, Colombia, a city with a high mortality rate, and their changes between pandemic waves.MethodsThe local Health Department obtained information on all laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 deaths reported from March 2020 to May 2021. Data were collected using national surveillance reports and death certificates.ResultsFour thousand nine hundred and sixty‐three COVID‐19‐associated deaths were documented for a mortality rate of 389.4 deaths per 100,000 population. Sixty‐two percent of all deaths occurred in people aged ≥65 years and 58% in males. Only 7 COVID‐19‐associated deaths in children were reported. Comorbidities were found in 47.9% of cases. The number of deaths among people aged 50–64 years increased significantly during the pandemic waves (from 25% to 29%). Conversely, the frequency of male sex (from 64.6% to 53.9%) and deaths with comorbidities (from 60.9% to 39.6%) decreased significantly between the waves of pandemic. Early mortality, defined as death within 48 h after hospital admission, was higher during the first pandemic wave than in the others (29.5%, 9.7% and 10.5%), and time from hospital admission to death increased during waves (from 9 to 14 days).ConclusionsThe COVID‐19‐associated mortality rate was high and mainly affects older people, with comorbidities and male sex. Early mortality was higher during the first wave. Women and healthy people without comorbidities died more frequently after the first pandemic wave.
An Experimental Study on Cryogenic Spray Quenching of a Circular Metal Disk II—Chilldown Efficiency and Effects of Coating and Flow Pulsing
Authors: Dong Jun , Wang Hao , Darr S. R. , Hartwig J. W. , Chung J. N. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This is the second part of a two-paper series that presents the results of liquid nitrogen spray quenching of a stainless steel (SS) disk plate. The first paper focuses on the heat transfer characteristics of the liquid nitrogen spray quenching, whereas the second paper emphasizes the overall chilldown performance and efficiency. Serving as the baseline information for evaluating the effects of disk surface coating and pulse flow, the results of continuous-flow spray chilldown of a bare surface SS disk are summarized first. We found that for continuous-flow spray chilldown of a bare surface disk, the chilldown efficiency is mainly a function of the average spray mass flow rate with the trend of decreasing efficiency with increasing average mass flow rate. Additional experiments were performed to evaluate the enhancement of cryogenic spray quenching by three techniques: (1) using intermittent pulse sprays on SS bare surface, (2) coating the SS surface with a layer of low thermal conductivity Teflon film, and (3) spraying liquid nitrogen intermittently on the coated SS surface. In general, the results indicate that all three methods effectively produced higher spray efficiencies. However, it was also found that the Teflon coating was more effective than the flow pulsing. The coating produced a quick transition from film boiling to transition boiling. This quick transition shortens the poor heat transfer film boiling period and thus facilitates the switch to much higher heat transfer transition boiling and nucleate boiling periods earlier to expedite the chilldown process and enhance the heat transfer.
Evening Whey Protein Intake, Rich in Tryptophan, and Sleep in Elite Male Australian Rules Football Players on Training and Nontraining Days
Authors: Ferguson Cassandra , Aisbett Brad , Lastella Michele , Roberts Spencer , Condo Dominique 
Published: December 2021

Objectives: To investigate the effect of evening whey protein supplementation, rich in tryptophan, on sleep in elite male Australian Rules Football players. Design: Double-blinded, counterbalanced, randomized, cross-over study. Methods: Sleep was assessed using wrist activity monitors and sleep diaries in 15 elite male Australian Football League players on two training and nontraining days following evening consumption of an isocaloric whey protein supplement or placebo in preseason. A 5-day preintervention period was implemented to determine habitual dietary intake and baseline sleep measures. These habitual data were used to inform the daily dietary intake and timing of ingestion of the evening whey protein supplement or placebo on the intervention days. The whey protein supplement or placebo was consumed 3 hr prior to habitual bedtime. Results: Separate one-way repeated-measures analyses of covariance revealed no differences between the whey protein supplement and the placebo on sleep duration, sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, or wake after sleep onset on either training or nontraining days. Conclusions: Evening whey protein supplementation, rich in tryptophan, does not improve acute sleep duration or quality in elite male Australian Football League players. However, elite athletes may be able to ingest a high protein/energy intake close to bedtime without impairing sleep, which is important for athlete recovery. Future research should investigate the effect of evening protein intake, high in tryptophan, on sleep duration and quality, including sleep staging during periods of restricted sleep and in poor-sleeping athletes.
The Hyperhydration Potential of Sodium Bicarbonate and Sodium Citrate
Authors: Siegler Jason C. , Carr Amelia J. , Jardine William T. , Convit Lilia , Cross Rebecca , Chapman Dale , Burke Louise M. , Ross Megan 
Published: December 2021

Buffering agents have not been comprehensively profiled in terms of their capacity to influence water retention prior to exercise. The purpose of this investigation was to profile the fluid retention characteristics of sodium bicarbonate (BIC) and sodium citrate (CIT) to determine the efficacy of these buffering mediums as hyperhydrating agents. Nineteen volunteers (13 males and six females; age = 28.3 ± 4.9 years) completed three trials (randomized and cross-over design). For each trial, a baseline measurement of body mass, capillary blood, and urine was collected prior to ingestion of their respective condition (control condition [CON] = 25 ml/kg artificially sweetened water; BIC condition = CON + 7.5 g/L of sodium in the form of BIC; CIT condition = CON + 7.5 g/L of sodium in the form of CIT). The fluid loads were consumed in four equal aliquots (0, 20, 40 and 60 min; fluid intake was 1.972 ± 361 ml [CON]; 1.977 ± 360 ml [BIC]; 1.953 ± 352 ml [CIT]). Samples were recorded at 20 (body mass and urine) and 60 min (blood) intervals for 180 min. Blood buffering capacity (HCO3−) was elevated (p < .001) in both BIC (32.1 ± 2.2 mmol/L) and CIT (28.9 ± 3.8 mmol/L) at 180 min compared with CON (25.1 ± 1.8 mmol/L). Plasma volume expansion was greater (p < .001) in both BIC (8.1 ± 1.3%) and CIT (5.9 ± 1.8%) compared with CON (−1.1 ± 1.4%); whereas, total urine production was lower in BIC and CIT at 180 min (BIC vs. CON, mean difference of 370 ± 85 ml; p < .001; CIT vs. CON, mean difference of 239 ± 102 ml; p = .05). There were no increases observed in body mass (p = .9). Under resting conditions, these data suggest BIC and CIT induce a greater plasma hypervolemic response as compared with water alone.
Teleseismic tomography: Equation one is wrong
Authors: Julian Bruce R. , Foulger Gillian R. 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT
Seismic tomography methods that use waves originating outside the volume being studied are subject to bias caused by unknown structure outside this volume. The bias is of the same mathematical order and similar magnitude as the local-structure effects being studied; failure to account for it can significantly corrupt derived structural models.
This bias can be eliminated by adding to the inverse problem three unknown parameters specifying the direction and time for each incident wave, a procedure analogous to solving for event locations in local-earthquake and whole-mantle tomography. The forward problem is particularly simple: The first-order change in the arrival time at an observation point resulting from a perturbation to the incident-wave direction and time equals the change in the time of the perturbed incident wave at the point where the unperturbed ray entered the study volume. This consequence of Fermat’s principle apparently has not previously been recognized. Published teleseismic tomography models probably contain significant artifacts and need to be recomputed using the more complete theory.
Correlative tomography of an exceptionally preserved Jurassic ammonite implies hyponome-propelled swimming
Authors: Cherns Lesley , Spencer Alan R.T. , Rahman Imran A. , Garwood Russell J. , Reedman Christopher , Burca Genoveva , Turner Martin J. , Hollingworth Neville T.J. , Hilton Jason 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The extreme rarity of soft-tissue preservation in ammonoids has meant there are open questions regarding fundamental aspects of their biology. We report an exceptionally preserved Middle Jurassic ammonite with unrivaled information on soft-body organization interpreted through correlative neutron and X-ray tomography. Three-dimensional imaging of muscles and organs of the body mass for the first time in this iconic fossil group provides key insights into functional morphology. We show that paired dorsal muscles withdrew the body into the shell, rather than acting with the funnel controlling propulsion as in Nautilus. This suggests a mobile, retractable body as a defense strategy and necessitates a distinct swimming mechanism of hyponome propulsion, a trait that we infer evolved early in the ammonoid-coleoid lineage.
Association between the chronology of gestation and the morphometrical skin characteristics at childbirth: a development of predictive model
Authors: de Souza Ingrid Michelle Fonseca , Vitral Gabriela Luiza Nogueira , Caliari Marcelo Vidigal , Reis Zilma Silveira Nogueira 
Published: December 2021

ObjectiveThe structural maturation of the skin is considered a potential marker of pregnancy dating. This study investigated the correlation between the morphometrical skin characteristics with the pregnancy chronology to propose models for predicting gestational age.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis selected 35 corpses of newborns. The biopsy was performed up to 48 hours after death in the periumbilical abdomen, palm and sole regions. Pregnancy chronology was based on the obstetric ultrasound before 14 weeks. The dimensions of the skin layers, area of glands and connective fibrous tissue were measured with imaging software support. Univariate and multivariate regression models on morphometric values were used to predict gestational age.ResultsGestational age at birth ranged from 20.3 to 41.2 weeks. Seventy-one skin specimens resulted in the analysis of 1183 digital histological images. The correlation between skin thickness and gestational age was positive and strong in both regions of the body. The highest univariate correlation between gestational age and skin thickness was using the epidermal layer dimensions, in palm (r=0.867, p<0.001). The multivariate modelling with the thickness of the abdominal epidermis, the dermis and the area of the sebaceous glands adjusted had the highest correlation with gestational age (r=0.99, p<0.001).ConclusionThe thickness of the protective epidermal barrier is, in itself, a potential marker of pregnancy dating. However, sets of values obtained from skin morphometry enhanced the estimation of the gestational age. Such findings may support non-invasive image approaches to estimate pregnancy dating with various clinical applications.
Correlation of features on OCT with visual acuity and Gass lesion type in Best vitelliform macular dystrophy
Authors: Coussa Razek G , Fortenbach Christopher R , Critser D Brice , Collins Malia M , Tucker Budd A , Mullins Robert F , Sohn Elliott H , Stone Edwin M , Han Ian C 
Published: December 2021

ObjectiveTo correlate structural features seen on optical coherence tomography (OCT) with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and Gass lesion type in patients with Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD).Methods and analysisThis is a retrospective case series of consecutive patients with molecularly confirmedBEST1-associated BVMD. OCT scans were reviewed for lesion status and presence of subretinal pillar, focal choroidal excavation (FCE), intraretinal fluid or atrophy. Available OCT angiography images were used to evaluate for the presence of choroidal neovascularisation (CNV). These features were then correlated with BCVA and Gass lesion type.Results95 eyes from 48 patients (mean age 38.9 years, range 4–87) were included. The presence of a pillar (24.2%), FCE (20.0%) and atrophy (7.4%) were associated with poor BCVA (p<0.05). Gass lesion type 1 eyes were correlated with good BCVA (LogMAR <0.4) whereas type 5 eyes had poor BCVA (LogMAR >0.4). Among 65 eyes with longitudinal data (mean follow-up 5.1 years), 7 eyes (10.8%) reverted from higher to lower Gass lesion type; of these, 4 eyes (57.1%) had CNV responsive to intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment.ConclusionOCT-based structural features are readily identifiable in patients with BVMD and have prognostic importance due to their correlation with BCVA.
Birth prevalence of encephalocele in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Oumer Mohammed , Demissie Kassahun Alemnew 
Published: December 2021

ObjectiveTo identify the birth prevalence of encephalocele in Africa, 2020.MethodsWe carried out a systematic search of the following databases (PubMed/Medline, PubMed Central, Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Library, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, African Journals Online and Embase), using search terms (prevalence, encephalocele, “neural tube defects”, “cranium bifidum”, “congenital malformations”, “congenital defects”, “structural birth defects”, “structural abnormalities”, newborns/neonates/ “live births”/ “stillbirths” and their MeSH Terms) up to 16 July 2021. The JBI quality appraisal checklist was used to assess the quality of studies when they were abstracted using a standardised data extraction template. The I2 statistic and Cochrane Q test were used to examine heterogeneity across studies statistically. The prevalence of encephalocele was estimated using a random-effect meta-analysis model. Subgroup, sensitivity, meta-regression and time trend analysis were carried out. The publication bias was checked using Egger and Begg’s tests.ResultsTwenty-seven relevant studies were identified and provided a total of 5 107 109 births. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the pooled birth prevalence of encephalocele in Africa was 0.02% (or 2 per 10 000 births) (95% CI 0.02% to 0.03%). The overall prevalence of birth encephalocele using the median from studies was 0.02% (IQR=0.01%–0.04%). Higher prevalence of encephalocele was detected in Nigeria 0.06% (95% CI 0.04% to 0.08%), Sudan 0.04% (95% CI 0.03% to 0.05%), Egypt 0.04% (95% CI 0.04% to 0.05%), DR of Congo 0.02% (95% CI 0.02% to 0.03%), Ethiopia 0.02% (95% CI −0.004% to 0.05%) and Tanzania 0.02% (95% CI 0.002% to 0.04%). The prevalence of encephalocele per live birth was 0.03% and both live birth and stillbirth was 0.03%.ConclusionsThis review indicates a high prevalence of encephalocele, but studies were limited suggesting the need for additional research.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021242161.
The cost of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in China: a multi-center cross-sectional survey based on hospitals
Authors: Yang Weili , Tang Zhen , Wang Xijin , Ma Xiancang , Cheng Yuqi , Wang Bin , Sun Ping , Tang Wenxin , Luo Jia , Wang Changhong , Li Ping , Xu Guiyun , Yan Jun , Brakoulias Vlasios , Wang Zhen 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is considered a very debilitating disorder with severe loss of quality of life and income.AimsThis study estimates the quality of life and economic consequences of OCD in China.MethodsThe research team interviewed 639 patients with OCD in 13 hospitals in 12 cities in China. The direct method was used to get the direct cost of OCD. Indirect costs associated with OCD were estimated using the human capital approach. Linear regression analysis was conducted for quality of life and generalised linear model analysis was conducted for total cost. Sensitivity analysis was used to analyse the uncertainty of total cost.ResultsThe mean quality of life score for OCD was 52.78 (20.46). The annual total cost of OCD per capita was 24 503.78 (95% CI: 22 621.53 to 26 386.03) renminbi (RMB) (US$3465.88 (95% CI: US$3199.65 to US$3732.11)). The annual cost of OCD in China was estimated to be 37.74 billion (95% CI: 34.95 billion to 40.53 billion) RMB (equal to US$5.34 billion (95% CI: US$4.94 billion to US$5.73 billion)). Sensitivity analysis showed that the total annual cost of OCD in China was between 23.15 billion RMB (US$3.27 billion) and 370.00 billion RMB (US$52.33 billion). Worse social function status, more psychiatric symptoms and higher Yale Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score were associated with worse quality of life. The numbers of clinic visits and hospitalisations, socioeconomic status, education, Y-BOCS scores and age were found to be significantly associated with total cost.ConclusionsOCD is associated with low quality of life and high costs in China. The findings call for concerted efforts to improve services for patients with OCD.Improvements may include early detection and diagnosis, the provision of evidence-based treatments and relapse prevention strategies.