bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-dose vitamin B1 therapy prevents the development of experimental fatty liver driven by overnutrition
Authors: Kalyesubula Mugagga , Mopuri Ramgopal , Asiku Jimmy , Rosov Alexander , Yosefi Sara , Edery Nir , Bocobza Samuel , Moallem Uzi , Dvir Hay 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
Fatty liver is an abnormal metabolic condition of excess intrahepatic fat. This condition, referred to as hepatic steatosis, is tightly associated with chronic liver disease and systemic metabolic morbidity. The most prevalent form in humans, i.e. non-alcoholic fatty liver, generally develops due to overnutrition and sedentary lifestyle, and has as yet no approved drug therapy. Previously, we have developed a relevant large-animal model in which overnourished sheep raised on a high-calorie carbohydrate-rich diet develop hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis. Here, we tested the hypothesis that treatment with thiamine (vitamin B1) can counter the development of hepatic steatosis driven by overnutrition. Remarkably, the thiamine-treated animals presented with completely normal levels of intrahepatic fat, despite consuming the same amount of liver-fattening diet. Thiamine treatment also decreased hyperglycemia and increased the glycogen content of the liver, but it did not improve insulin sensitivity, suggesting that steatosis can be addressed independently of targeting insulin resistance. Thiamine increased the catalytic capacity for hepatic oxidation of carbohydrates and fatty acids. However, at gene-expression levels, more-pronounced effects were observed on lipid-droplet formation and lipidation of very-low-density lipoprotein, suggesting that thiamine affects lipid metabolism not only through its known classic coenzyme roles. This discovery of the potent anti-steatotic effect of thiamine may prove clinically useful in managing fatty liver-related disorders.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the joint first authors of the paper.
Synthesis of Thermoplastic Elastomers by Yttrium-Catalyzed IsospecificTrans-1,4-Polymerization of (E)-1,3-Pentadiene
Authors: Nishii Kei , Zhou Guangli , Saito Yusuke , Yamamoto Atsushi , Nishiura Masayoshi , Luo Yi , Hou Zhaomin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRegio- and stereoselectivity control in the polymerization of 1,3-conjugated dienes is of much interest and importance. We report herein for the first time the isospecific trans-1,4-selective living polymerization of (E)-1,3-pentadiene (EPD) by a C5H5-ligated yttrium catalyst (C5H5)Y(CH2C6H4-NMe2-o)2/[Ph3C][B(C6F5)4], which afforded crystalline isotactic-trans-1,4-polypentadiene showing good elastic properties without vulcanization (tensile strength up to 7.1 MPa with elongation at break of 2600%). The DFT calculations revealed that the stereoselectivity was mainly due to steric repulsion between the C5H5 ligand in the catalyst and the methyl group in EPD.
Well-being, Interventions and Support during Epidemics (WISE): Protocol for a qualitative longitudinal study of older adults’ experiences during COVID-19
Authors: Guzman Viveka , Foley Ronan , Pertl Maria , Doyle Frank 
Published: February 2021

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has the potential to trigger multiple stress domains and lead to long-term repercussions in an individual’s quality of life, health and well-being. Stressors from the pandemic are likely to be experienced in many ways by older adults with heterogeneous life experiences and supports available. In this context, it is necessary to tease out the underlying mechanisms leading to positive and negative well-being and mental health across interdependent individual, social and environmental factors. The aim of the present study is to explore community-dwelling older adults’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on mental health and psychosocial well-being. Methods: An exploratory longitudinal qualitative study will be conducted with data collected through written submissions, sitting interviews and walk along interviews with older adults living in Irish community settings. Data collection will take place 3 to 10 weeks apart to enable the exploration of individuals’ responses to the evolving social, economic and environmental circumstances derived from the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland. An iterative thematic analysis will be carried out to identify data themes, linkages, and explanations within a socio-ecological framework. Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval has been granted by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Research Ethics Committee (REC202011028). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal publications, oral presentations at relevant conferences, and in consultation with Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) contributors. A lay summary of findings and infographic will be distributed to multiple stakeholders including our PPI panel, older people, caregivers, community organisations, charities and media.
Disaggregated Sales and Stock Returns
Authors: Agarwal Sumit , Qian Wenlan , Zou Xin 
Published: February 2021

Using transaction-level credit-card spending from a large U.S. financial institution, we show that disaggregated sales provide accurate and persistent signals of customer demand relevant to a firm’s stock pricing. After controlling for earnings and sales surprises, one interquintile increase in the adjusted customer spending during a firm’s fiscal quarter leads to a 1.5 percentage point increase in the 60-day post–earnings announcement cumulative abnormal return. The predictability concentrates in consumer-oriented firms, especially those relying more on indirect sales distribution channels. We also find a stronger return response to spending from high-FICO-score, high-liquidity, and loyal customers. The transmission speed of disaggregated sales information is slower than that of the earnings information, and small firms or firms far from their end customers exhibit a more delayed price response. Finally, the return implications of adjusted customer spending extend to firms along the production chain. This paper was accepted by Haoxiang Zhu, finance.
Performance of a deep-learning algorithm for referable thoracic abnormalities on chest radiographs: A multicenter study of a health screening cohort
Authors: Kim Eun Young , Kim Young Jae , Choi Won-Jun , Lee Gi Pyo , Choi Ye Ra , Jin Kwang Nam , Cho Young Jun 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
This study evaluated the performance of a commercially available deep-learning algorithm (DLA) (Insight CXR, Lunit, Seoul, South Korea) for referable thoracic abnormalities on chest X-ray (CXR) using a consecutively collected multicenter health screening cohort.

Methods and materials
A consecutive health screening cohort of participants who underwent both CXR and chest computed tomography (CT) within 1 month was retrospectively collected from three institutions’ health care clinics (n = 5,887). Referable thoracic abnormalities were defined as any radiologic findings requiring further diagnostic evaluation or management, including DLA-target lesions of nodule/mass, consolidation, or pneumothorax. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of the DLA for referable thoracic abnormalities using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity using ground truth based on chest CT (CT-GT). In addition, for CT-GT-positive cases, three independent radiologist readings were performed on CXR and clear visible (when more than two radiologists called) and visible (at least one radiologist called) abnormalities were defined as CXR-GTs (clear visible CXR-GT and visible CXR-GT, respectively) to evaluate the performance of the DLA.

Results
Among 5,887 subjects (4,329 males; mean age 54±11 years), referable thoracic abnormalities were found in 618 (10.5%) based on CT-GT. DLA-target lesions were observed in 223 (4.0%), nodule/mass in 202 (3.4%), consolidation in 31 (0.5%), pneumothorax in one 1 (<0.1%), and DLA-non-target lesions in 409 (6.9%). For referable thoracic abnormalities based on CT-GT, the DLA showed an AUC of 0.771 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.751–0.791), a sensitivity of 69.6%, and a specificity of 74.0%. Based on CXR-GT, the prevalence of referable thoracic abnormalities decreased, with visible and clear visible abnormalities found in 405 (6.9%) and 227 (3.9%) cases, respectively. The performance of the DLA increased significantly when using CXR-GTs, with an AUC of 0.839 (95% CI, 0.829–0.848), a sensitivity of 82.7%, and s specificity of 73.2% based on visible CXR-GT and an AUC of 0.872 (95% CI, 0.863–0.880, P <0.001 for the AUC comparison of GT-CT vs. clear visible CXR-GT), a sensitivity of 83.3%, and a specificity of 78.8% based on clear visible CXR-GT.

Conclusion
The DLA provided fair-to-good stand-alone performance for the detection of referable thoracic abnormalities in a multicenter consecutive health screening cohort. The DLA showed varied performance according to the different methods of ground truth.
Prevalence, incidence and residual risk of transfusion transmitted viruses (HBV, HCV and HIV infections) in Lithuanian blood donors from 2004 to 2018: The incidence/window-period model study
Authors: Grubyte Samanta , Urboniene Jurgita , Nedzinskiene Laura , Jelinskaite Auguste , Zagminas Kestutis , Ambrozaitis Arvydas , Jancoriene Ligita 
Published: February 2021

Introduction
Estimation of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transfusion risk in blood donors is essential for monitoring the safety of the blood supply and the impact of new screening tests. Due to improvements in donor selection and continuing progress in screening assays, residual risk of virus transmission has significantly decreased over the past years. It is not practical and sometimes even not possible to measure residual risk in blood donors directly and mathematical models are used. The aim of this study was to calculate the prevalence, incidence rates of HBV, HCV and HIV infections and analyse evolution of their transmission residual risk from 2004 to 2018 at the National Blood Center of Lithuania.

Materials and methods
Data from the archives of the National Blood Center of Lithuania from 2004 to 2018 was retrospectively analysed. The residual risk was calculated for each virus and year by applying the incidence/window-period model suggested by World Health Organization. For the analysis of the residual risk yearly trends a linear regression was used.

Results
A total of 754,755 blood donors and 1,245,568 donations were included in the analysis and represented a 2.06 donations per donor over 15 years. Average residual risk for HBV, HCV and HIV respectively was 570.04, 807.14 and 35.72 per 1,00,000 donations. During the study period, there was statistically significant downward trend in the residual risk for every analysed virus.

Discussion
Residual risk of virus transmission has been steadily decreasing over past 15 years in Lithuanian donors, but the current risk remains quite high. It is difficult to establish how much the risk is affected by statistical assumptions or virus prevalence in general population. However, results of this study indicate the need of the population screening program of transfusion transmitted viruses.
Resource allocation for depression management in general practice: A simple data-based filter model
Authors: Hobden Breanne , Carey Mariko , Sanson-Fisher Rob , Searles Andrew , Oldmeadow Christopher , Boyes Allison 
Published: February 2021

Background
This study aimed to illustrate the potential utility of a simple filter model in understanding the patient outcome and cost-effectiveness implications for depression interventions in primary care.

Methods
Modelling of hypothetical intervention scenarios during different stages of the treatment pathway was conducted.

Results
Three scenarios were developed for depression related to increasing detection, treatment response and treatment uptake. The incremental costs, incremental number of successes (i.e., depression remission) and the incremental costs-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were calculated. In the modelled scenarios, increasing provider treatment response resulted in the greatest number of incremental successes above baseline, however, it was also associated with the greatest ICER. Increasing detection rates was associated with the second greatest increase to incremental successes above baseline and had the lowest ICER.

Conclusions
The authors recommend utility of the filter model to guide the identification of areas where policy stakeholders and/or researchers should invest their efforts in depression management.
Assessment of perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with severe versus simple malaria
Authors: Kwizera Alfred , Ntasumumuyange Diomede , Small Maria , Rulisa Stephen , Moscovitz Alexandra N. , Magriples Urania 
Published: February 2021

Objective
Malaria in pregnancy is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. The objective was to compare outcomes of simple and severe malaria and to determine whether they vary by trimester or severity of infection.

Methods
Prospective cohort study performed in 3 hospitals in Rwanda. Both hospitalized and non-hospitalized pregnant patients with confirmed malaria were enrolled and followed until 7 days postpartum. Demographic, clinical manifestations and perinatal outcomes were recorded.

Results
There were 446 pregnant women with confirmed malaria and outcome data; 361 (80.9%) had simple malaria. Severe malaria was more common as pregnancy progressed; out of 85 with severe malaria, 12.9%, 29.4% and 57.6% were in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters (p<0.0001). Overall, a normal term delivery occurred in 57.6%, with preterm delivery in 24.9% and abortion in 13.5%. Adverse perinatal outcomes increased with trimester of infection (p<0.0001). Eight of the 9 early neonatal deaths had 3rd trimester infection (p<0.0001). There were 27 stillbirths; 63.7% were associated with 3rd trimester infection. A significant difference in perinatal outcomes between simple and severe malaria was seen: 64% of women with simple malaria had a normal term delivery as compared to 30.6% with severe malaria (p<0.0001). All complications were significantly greater with severe malaria.

Conclusion
Overall poor outcomes are seen in malaria with significant differences in perinatal outcomes between simple and severe malaria and by trimester of infection. In addition to vector control and exposure prevention, efforts need to be made in screening, treatment education and monitoring pregnancies affected by malaria.
Consultation rate and chlamydia positivity among ethnic minority clients at STI clinics in the Netherlands
Authors: Ostendorf S. B. , Kampman C. J. G. , Hoebe C. J. P. A. , van der Velden J. , Hautvast J. L. A. , van Jaarsveld C. H. M. 
Published: February 2021

Objectives
Although ethnic minority clients (EMs) from STI endemic countries have a higher risk for STI, little is known about their STI clinic consultation rate proportionality. The aim of this study was to assess consultation and chlamydia positivity rates among different EMs visiting STI clinics in the Netherlands.

Methods
We calculated consultation rates in EM groups by dividing the number of STI consultations by the total number of inhabitants in the region belonging to an EM, then compared the EM rates to native Dutch rates. Factors associated with chlamydia positivity were analysed using multivariate regression analysis.

Results
A total of 23,841 clients visiting an eastern Netherlands STI clinic between 2011 and 2013 were included in the analysis, of which 7% were EMs. The consultation rate of native Dutch clients was 22.5 per 1000, compared to 8.5 per 1000 among EMs. Consultation rates in all EMs were lower than in Dutch clients, except for Antillean or Aruban EMs and Latin American EMs.
The chlamydia positivity rate among all clients was 15.5%, and Antillean or Aruban ethnicity (27.1%) EMs had the highest rates. Multivariate analysis identified the following factors associated with chlamydia positivity: Eastern or Northern European EM, African EM, Antillean or Aruban EM, STI related symptoms, heterosexual preference, partner in a risk group, receiving a partner notification, and having had three or more partners in the past six months.

Conclusion
On a population level, most EMs visit STI clinics less often than native Dutch clients, but they have a higher rate of positive chlamydia diagnoses. STI clinics should increase outreach activities for EM clients because they are insufficiently reached by current practices, but contribute substantially to chlamydia incidence rates.
Hydrogeological appraisal of basement and sedimentary terrain in Ogun state using Geoelectrical methods
Authors: Adegoke Ige Aladeboyeje , Joseph Olakunle Coker , Okechukwu Ebuka Agbasi , Namdie Joseph Inyang 
Published: February 2021

The coverage of the groundwater potential was estimated using the geometry calculator, the potential groundwater zones were validated using geophysical surveyed points of some selected locations in Abeokuta and Ewekoro. Generally, the result of the study shows that the higher the aquifer thickness and depth the better the groundwater potential. In the basement part of the study area (Abeokuta), the Northwestern region is characterized by increase in overburden thickness (28.1â€¯m at VES-9), weathered layer resistivity (546â€¯â„¦â€¯m at VES-7) and longitudinal conductance unit (0.193â€¯S at VES-3 and 0.218 S at VES-7), reflecting high aquifer potentials. In this regard, the Northeastern part of the study area can be categorized as good groundwater potential; moving towards the Southwestern part from the northern, groundwater potentiality changes from good to moderate while the Southwestern/ central part is categorized as area with poor groundwater potential. In the Sedimentary part of the study area (Ewekoro), the northcentral region is characterized by increase in overburden thickness (93â€¯m at VES-10), longitudinal conductance unit (3.644â€¯S at VES-6), reflecting high aquifer potentials. In this regard, the northcentral part of the study area can be categorized as good groundwater potential; moving towards the northeastern part of the study area, groundwater potentiality changes from good to moderate while the southwestern part is categorized as area with poor groundwater potential. The area showed very good protective capacity at VESâ€™s 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8; making 60% of the VES stations. Good protective capacity is observed at VES 1 and 6, making 15% of the VES stations in the town. The excellent protective capacity is observed at VES 9 and 10; making 15% of the study area.Â Â Â
Yield, quality and cost of jute (Corchorus species) seed production as influenced by herbicide application time
Authors: Meftahul Karim Md. , Lutfar Rahman Md. , Ferdush Jannatul , Zablul Tareq Md. , Mukul Mia Md. , Tipu Sultan Md. , Mujib Himel Raihan 
Published: February 2021

Jute is the most important fibre crop for Bangladesh and second important for world. Bangladesh requires about 6000 tons of jute seed. Among this quantity Bangladesh produce whole amount of Corchorus capsularis L. (white jute) seed but only very little amount of Corchorus olitorius L. (tossa jute) seed. Production of tossa jute seed is not too profitable because of high production cost for that reason farmers of Bangladesh are not interested to produce seed of tossa jute. And production cost of jute seed is mainly associated with labor cost that is mainly for weeding. This study was conducted to assess the best herbicide application time to enhance seed productivity, quality and reduction the cost of production. In this experiment two Corchorus species were grown using three different herbicide application times and no herbicide application used as control. The results indicated that for tossa jute (BJRI tossa pat-8) maximum plant population, plant height, branch/plant, capsule/plant, seed/capsule, seed yield, germination capacity, field emergence capacity, seed vigour and CVG were found in Control plot. Maximum 1000 seed weight and MGT were recorded in herbicide applied at 13th days after cutting transplanting. Maximum capsule length found at 10th days of herbicide application. For white jute (CVL-1) highest plant population, plant height, branch/plant, seed/capsule, capsule length, germination capacity, field emergence capacity, seed vigour and CVG were recorded in control plot. Highest capsule/plant, 1000 seed weight and seed yield were found in herbicide applied at 13th days after cutting transplanting. Maximum MGT found in herbicide applied at 16th days after cutting transplanting. Result revealed that herbicide use reduce the production cost of jute seed compare to manual seed production technology.Â Â Â
Application of electrical resistivity tomography for mapping gold mineralization potential in Iperindo, Ilesha schist belt, southwestern Nigeria
Authors: OlakunleOsinowo Olawale , Kehinde Usman Ahmed , Allen Omitoogun Ayotunde 
Published: February 2021

This study applied Electrical Resistivity Tomography geophysical investigation technique to evaluate the gold mineralization potential of Iperindo in Ilesha Schist Belt, southwestern Nigeria, where commercial exploitation capable of generating revenue and employment for the inhabitants has been challenged by lack / inadequate subsurface geological/geophysical information. The filtered and inverted electrical resistivity data acquired through five (5) 336 m long E â€“ W trending profiles, established 10 m apart from each other, delineate isolated near surface but thick (> 30 m) low resistivity zones, especially at the eastern and western ends of the study area. Some of the delineated low resistivity zones (3 â€“ 200 ð›€m) present vertical sharp edges, likely created by vertical faults that flank the zones on both sides. The low resistivity of these zones could be attributed to the occurrence of conductive material such as gold and associated base metals which probably exist in pegmatitic veins within the zones.Â Â Â
Salinity variation of south-western coastal region of Bangladesh in response to discharge from an upstream river
Authors: Shibly Anwar Md . , Zakir Hasan Md. , Rahman Kalimur 
Published: February 2021

Long term variation in upstream water flow through the Gangesâˆ’Gorai river are affecting the salinity levels of south-western coastal region of Bangladesh. Salinity data for the Rupsha river was collected for several years to demonstrate the historical changes of salinity level in the south-western coastal region. Furthermore, discharge data of the Ganges and Gorai river were also collected to discuss the effect of upstream discharge on the variation of salinity level. This study also collected water and soil samples from different places of this region to measure the salinity level and compare the values with the standard ones. A decreasing trend in dry season Ganges-Gorai river flow was observed after the initiation of the Farakka barrage in 1975. Consequently, the south-western region underwent high salinity level. The Ganges sharing treaty in 1996 and dredging of the Gorai riverbed (GRRP-I and GRRP-II) in 1999 and in 2012 helped the region to recover from high salinity level for a certain period. The salinity level of the collected water samples was in alarming level but soil sample was not in so frightening condition in 2015. Results suggested that to maintain the salinity level of south-western region within the acceptable limit for drinking, fisheries, and cultivation purposes, approximately 80 m3/s Gorai river discharges required at dry season. To do that, it is necessary to ensure 1200 m3/s discharge through the Ganges river at the Hardinge Bridge point. To protect the vital south-western region, it becomes necessary to optimize flow augmentation in the Ganges-Gorai river and to continue the further phases of restoration project in the future.Â Â Â