bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediagnostic consumption of vitamin D, calcium and dairy products and colorectal cancer survival: results from the Newfoundland Colorectal Cancer Registry Cohort Study
Authors: Zhu Yun , Zhao Jing , Vallis Jillian , Shi Fuyan , Woodrow Jennifer R. , Kong Yujia , Zhai Guangju , Parfrey Patrick , Mclaughlin John R. , Wang Peizhong Peter 
Published: August 2021

AbstractVitamin D, Ca and dairy products are negatively associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence, but little is known of their influence on CRC survival. To investigate prediagnostic intakes of vitamin D, Ca and dairy products for their relevance to CRC prognosis, we analysed 504 CRC patients enrolled in the Newfoundland Colorectal Cancer Registry Cohort Study who were diagnosed for the first time with CRC between 1999 and 2003. Follow-up for mortality and cancer recurrence was through April 2010. Data on diet and lifestyle factors were gathered via a validated, semi-quantitative FFQ and a Personal History Questionnaire. Multivariate Cox models estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % CI for the relationship of prediagnostic intakes of vitamin D, Ca and dairy products with all-cause mortality (overall survival, OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) among CRC patients. We found that prediagnostic Ca intake from foods, but not total Ca intake, was negatively associated with all-cause mortality (HR for Q2 v. Q1, 0·44; 95 % CI, 0·26, 0·75). An inverse relationship was also seen in a dose–response fashion for prediagnostic cheese intake (HR for Q4 v. Q1, 0·57, 95 % CI, 0·34, 0·95, Ptrend = 0·029). No evidence for modification by sex, physical activity, alcohol drinking and cigarette smoking was observed. In summary, high prediagnostic intakes of cheese and Ca from foods may be associated with increased survival among CRC patients. By manipulating diet, this study may contribute to the development of novel therapies that add to the armamentarium against CRC. Replication studies are required before any nutritional interventions are made available.
Financing political parties in Africa: the case of Zimbabwe
Authors: Dendere Chipo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWhat is the impact of access to political party finance – money that parties use to fund their campaign activities – on politics in Africa? While multiparty elections have become more regular in the developing world, many opposition parties are still failing to win elections. This paper argues that poor access to political finance weakens democratic consolidation and negatively impacts the participation of less-resourced candidates who are unable to self-fund. As a result, opposition parties are forced to rely on weak promises of aid from international donors and unreliable state funding. This in-depth analysis of political finance, based on extensive interviews with politicians and government officials in Zimbabwe, political documents, news reports and a review of court cases, reveals that uneven financing has weakened opposition parties and serves as an extra advantage for incumbents.
Why Africans tolerate income inequality
Authors: Nel Philip 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAfrican attitudes to income inequality have hardly been studied. As a result, we may have been missing a crucial part of the answer to the question why Africa is so unequal. This paper presents evidence that, across all self-identified class categories, African respondents in 16 African states, representative of all the regions of the continent, are on average considerably more tolerant of inequality than respondents from 43 comparable developing and transition countries. The aim of the paper is to try and explain these differences. It concludes that (a) a modified version of Albert Hirschman's notion of the ‘tunnel effect’ and (b) religious devotedness in the African context provide explanations for the observed variation between African respondents and their counterparts elsewhere. Experienced inequality, in contrast to overall income distribution, influences the tunnel effect more widely than economic growth. Religious belief shapes inequality tolerance in Africa more than the observance of religious practices.
Reward disturbances in antipsychotic-naïve patients with first-episode psychosis and their association to glutamate levels
Authors: Tangmose Karen , Rostrup Egill , Bojesen Kirsten B , Sigvard Anne , Jessen Kasper , Johansen Louise Baruël , Glenthøj Birte Y. , Nielsen Mette Ødegaard 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundAberrant anticipation of motivational salient events and processing of outcome evaluation in striatal and prefrontal regions have been suggested to underlie psychosis. Altered glutamate levels have likewise been linked to schizophrenia. Glutamatergic abnormalities may affect the processing of motivational salience and outcome evaluation. It remains unresolved, whether glutamatergic dysfunction is associated with the coding of motivational salience and outcome evaluation in antipsychotic-naïve patients with first-episode psychosis.MethodsFifty-one antipsychotic-naïve patients with first-episode psychosis (22 ± 5.2 years, female/male: 31/20) and 52 healthy controls (HC) matched on age, sex, and parental education underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (3T) in one session. Brain responses to motivational salience and negative outcome evaluation (NOE) were examined using a monetary incentive delay task. Glutamate levels were estimated in the left thalamus and anterior cingulate cortex using LCModel.ResultsPatients displayed a positive signal change to NOE in the caudate (p = 0.001) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC; p = 0.003) compared to HC. No group difference was observed in motivational salience or in levels of glutamate. There was a different association between NOE signal in the caudate and DLPFC and thalamic glutamate levels in patients and HC due to a negative correlation in patients (caudate: p = 0.004, DLPFC: p = 0.005) that was not seen in HC.ConclusionsOur findings confirm prior findings of abnormal outcome evaluation as a part of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The results also suggest a possible link between thalamic glutamate and NOE signaling in patients with first-episode psychosis.
‘I've got a daughter now man it's clean man’: Heteroglossic and intersectional constructions of fatherhood in the spontaneous talk of a group of young southeast London men
Authors: Pichler Pia 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis article provides an insight into the heteroglossic and intersectional construction of fatherhood in the self-recorded, spontaneous talk of a group of young men from ethnically and racially mixed working-class backgrounds in southeast London. By adopting an interactional sociolinguistic approach, informed by Bakhtin's (1981, 1984, 1986) work on dialogicality and Tannen's (1989, 2004) notion of constructed dialogue, this article explores the young men's use of voices for their positioning in a range of fathering discourses which are shaped by and shape intersectional and hegemonic masculinities. Intersections of race, ethnicity, and social class inform many of the young men's positions, especially in their talk about the influences of hip hop on their children. This polyphony of voices allows the group to balance traditional discourses of fathers as providers, protectors, and moral guides with contemporary models of intimate and involved fatherhood, but also competing discourses of virile masculinity and bad boy identity. (Dialogicality, discourse, ethnicity, fatherhood, hegemony, heteroglossia, intersectionality, identity, masculinity, race, social class, voice)*
Screening Tools for Cognitive Impairment in Adults with Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ko Katherine Y. , Ridley Nicole , Bryce Shayden D. , Allott Kelly , Smith Angela , Kamminga Jody 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTObjectives:Cognitive impairment is common in individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs), yet no evidence-based guidelines exist regarding the most appropriate screening measure for use in this population. This systematic review aimed to (1) describe different cognitive screening measures used in adults with SUDs, (2) identify substance use populations and contexts these tools are utilised in, (3) review diagnostic accuracy of these screening measures versus an accepted objective reference standard, and (4) evaluate methodology of included studies for risk of bias.Methods:Online databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL) were searched for relevant studies according to pre-determined criteria, and risk of bias and applicability was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies–2 (QUADAS–2). At each review phase, dual screening, extraction, and quality ratings were performed.Results:Fourteen studies met inclusion, identifying 10 unique cognitive screening tools. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was the most common, and two novel screening tools (Brief Evaluation of Alcohol-Related Neuropsychological Impairments [BEARNI] and Brief Executive Function Assessment Tool [BEAT]) were specifically developed for use within SUD populations. Twelve studies reported on classification accuracy and relevant psychometric parameters (e.g., sensitivity and specificity). While several tools yielded acceptable to outstanding classification accuracy, there was poor adherence to the Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (STARD) across all studies, with high or unclear risk of methodological bias.Conclusions:While some screening tools exhibit promise for use within SUD populations, further evaluation with stronger methodological design and reporting is required. Clinical recommendations and future directions for research are discussed.
Effects of language mixing on bilingual children's word learning
Authors: Byers-Heinlein Krista , Jardak Amel , Fourakis Eva , Lew-Williams Casey 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLanguage mixing is common in bilingual children's learning environments. Here, we investigated effects of language mixing on children's learning of new words. We tested two groups of 3-year-old bilinguals: French–English (Experiment 1) and Spanish–English (Experiment 2). Children were taught two novel words, one in single-language sentences (“Look! Do you see the dog on the teelo?”) and one in mixed-language sentences with a mid-sentence language switch (“Look! Do you see thechien/perroon the walem?”). During the learning phase, children correctly identified novel targets when hearing both single-language and mixed-language sentences. However, at test, French–English bilinguals did not successfully recognize the word encountered in mixed-language sentences. Spanish–English bilinguals failed to recognize either word, which underscores the importance of examining multiple bilingual populations. This research suggests that language mixing may sometimes hinder children's encoding of novel words that occur downstream, but leaves open several possible underlying mechanisms.
Wind‐Driven Variability in the Spitsbergen Polar Current and the Svalbard Branch Across the Yermak Plateau
Authors: Nilsen Frank , Ersdal Eli Anne , Skogseth Ragnheid 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe Yermak Plateau (YP) acts as a guidance or barrier for the West Spitsbergen Current (WSC), which either crosses the plateau or flows around it to enter the Arctic Ocean. Closer to the West Spitsbergen coast, the Spitsbergen Polar Current (SPC) also flows over the YP in a narrow passage between the Svalbard Branch (SB) and the coast. A 2‐year ocean observing program combined with altimetry and re‐analysis wind data has given new knowledge on the variability and dynamics of the SPC and SB. The variability in the SPC and SB is controlled by the sea surface pressure gradient driven by the wind stress along the West Spitsbergen coast and locally on the YP. A peak‐to‐peak volume transport variability of 0.8 Sv and a positive heat transport anomaly of 3 TW were found in the SPC. The variability in the SB is mainly controlled by the upstream wind stress curl field along the West Spitsbergen Shelf where the negative wind stress curl field force the barotropic WSC branch directly into the SB. The peak‐to‐peak variability in the SB can exceed 4 Sv and in January 2016, an episodic heat flux was estimated to be 10 TW. Hence, an increasing number of winter cyclones affecting Svalbard will increase the volume transport variability and pulses of warm water to the shelf areas north of Svalbard.
The Nature, Amplitude and Control of Microwave Attenuation in the Atmosphere
Authors: Kocifaj Miroslav , Kómar Ladislav , Kundracik František , Markoš Peter , Petržala Jaromír , Videen Gorden 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMicrowave (MW) attenuation plays a critical role in constructing communication networks. It also can be a useful tool in the meteorological and optical communities for radar and microwave imaging applications. Because most atmospheric constituents (large hydrometeors being an exception) are very small compared to MW wavelengths, data analysis is typically performed using conventional Rayleigh theory; however, some anomalous observations have proven difficult to explain. We present the results of the first systematic numerical computations over a wide range of aerosol properties. We demonstrate that it is possible to perform mass computations of aerosol loading, which is an important climate parameter. We show that discrepancies found between theoretical predictions and observations can be attributed to the effect of the expected charge acquired by the dust particles through contact electrification occurring in dust storms. While frequencies below 10 GHz normally allow for long‐distance signal transmission, the charge‐induced resonances in particles can preferentially amplify the low‐frequency MW attenuation by a factor of 10 or more, depending on their surface electric potential. In addition, we find electrically charged particles dispersed in a local atmosphere as a potential tool for the controlled manipulation of MW attenuation.
Cascade health service use in family members following genetic testing in children: a scoping literature review
Authors: Cernat Alexandra , Hayeems Robin Z. , Ungar Wendy J. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCascade genetic testing is the identification of individuals at risk for a hereditary condition by genetic testing in relatives of people known to possess particular genetic variants. Cascade testing has health system implications, however cascade costs and health effects are not considered in health technology assessments (HTAs) that focus on costs and health consequences in individual patients. Cascade health service use must be better understood to be incorporated in HTA of emerging genetic tests for children. The purpose of this review was to characterise published research related to patterns and costs of cascade health service use by relatives of children with any condition diagnosed through genetic testing. To this end, a scoping literature review was conducted. Citation databases were searched for English-language papers reporting uptake, costs, downstream health service use, or cost-effectiveness of cascade investigations of relatives of children who receive a genetic diagnosis. Included publications were critically appraised, and findings were synthesised. Twenty publications were included. Sixteen had a paediatric proband population; four had a combined paediatric and adult proband population. Uptake of cascade testing varied across diseases, from 37% for cystic fibrosis, 39% to 65% for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and 90% for rare monogenic conditions. Two studies evaluated costs. It was concluded that cascade testing in the child-to-parent direction has been reported in a variety of diseases, and that understanding the scope of cascade testing will aid in the design and conduct of HTA of emerging genetic technologies to better inform funding and policy decisions.
Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) sheet by microalga, Uronema africanum Borge
Authors: Sanniyasi Elumalai , Gopal Rajesh Kanna , Gunasekar Dinesh Kumar , Raj Preethy P. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPlastic (polyethylene) pollution is a severe cause of deterioration of a healthy environment. For example, ingestion of plastics in the animal gut, clogging of water canals and retarded solid waste management. Many conventional methods of polyethylene degradation include UV photooxidation, thermal oxidation, incineration, chemical oxidation and landfill are being practiced. However, these methods are not feasible, costlier and not a complete solution for this global issue. Therefore, plausible, alternative solution for this issue is biodegradation. Microbes such as bacteria, fungi and algae are involved in polyethylene degradation in its natural habitat. Among them, algae were given very less importance. In our present study, a potential microalga, morphologically identified as Uronema africanum Borge, isolated from a waste plastic bag collected from a domestic waste dumping site in a freshwater lake. This microalga was further treated with the LDPE sheet in BBM culture medium. Based on the results obtained from light microscopy, dark field microscopy, GC–MS, FT-IR, SEM and AFM, it was concluded that the microalga has initiated degradation of LDPE sheet within 30 days of incubation. Concurrently, the configuration of corrosions, abrasions, grooves and ridges were found similar with the morphological features of the microalga. For example, the configuration of the radial disc-like attachment structure of the microalga was found corresponding to the abrasions on the surface of LDPE sheet at an average size of 20–30 µm in diameter. Whereas, the configuration of ridges and grooves were found similar with the filamentous nature of the microalga (10–15 µm width). This is a hitherto report on the biodegradation of LDPE sheet by the microalga Uronema africanum Borge.
Modulation of the mTOR pathway plays a central role in dendritic cell functions after Echinococcus granulosus antigen recognition
Authors: Rodriguez Rodrigues Christian , Nicolao María Celeste , Chop Maia , Plá Natalia , Massaro Mora , Loos Julia , Cumino Andrea C. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractImmune evasion is a hallmark of persistent echinococcal infection, comprising modulation of innate immune cells and antigen-specific T cell responses. However, recognition ofEchinococcus granulosusby dendritic cells (DCs) is a key determinant of the host's response to this parasite. Given that mTOR signaling pathway has been described as a regulator linking metabolism and immune function in DCs, we reported for the first time in these cells, global translation levels, antigen uptake, phenotype, cytokine transcriptional levels, and splenocyte priming activity upon recognition of the hydatid fluid (HF) and the highly glycosylated laminar layer (LL). We found that LL induced a slight up-regulation of CD86 and MHC II in DCs and also stimulated the production of IL-6 and TNF-α. By contrast, HF did not increase the expression of any co-stimulatory molecules, but also down-modulated CD40 and stimulated the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Both parasitic antigens promoted protein synthesis through mTOR activation. The use of rapamycin decreased the expression of the cytokines tested, empowered the down-modulation of CD40 and also reduced splenocyte proliferation. Finally, we showed thatE. granulosusantigens increase the amounts of LC3-positive structures in DCs which play critical roles in the presentation of these antigens to T cells.
Palladinized graphene oxide-MOF induced coupling of Volmer and Heyrovsky mechanisms, for the amplification of the electrocatalytic efficiency of hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Makhafola Mogwasha D. , Modibane Kwena D. , Ramohlola Kabelo E. , Maponya Thabiso C. , Hato Mpitloane J. , Makgopa Katlego , Iwuoha Emmanuel I. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this study, a nanocomposite of palladium supported graphene oxide (GO)/metal–organic framework (MOF) was prepared using electroless deposition of Pd on GO followed by impregnation method of Pd@GO and MOF. The prepared materials were characterized with various analytical techniques and their applications as HER electrocatalysts were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), Tafel plots, and turn over frequencies (TOFs). The HER results showed a radical increment of H2 production in the nanocomposite through the Volmer reaction together with Heyrovsky or Tafel mechanism. This disclosed that the addition of Pd@GO/MOF in the electrolytic system possessed better catalytic characteristics with enhanced current density which may open a new way for hydrogen production and storage via HER.
Sphingomyelin nanosystems loaded with uroguanylin and etoposide for treating metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Bouzo Belén L. , Lores Saínza , Jatal Raneem , Alijas Sandra , Alonso María José , Conejos-Sánchez Inmaculada , de la Fuente María 
Published: August 2021

AbstractColorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to provide new therapeutic options that can improve survival. Sphingomyelin nanosystems (SNs) are a promising type of nanocarriers with potential for association of different types of drugs and, thus, for the development of combination treatments. In this work we propose the chemical modification of uroguanylin, a natural ligand for the Guanylyl Cyclase (GCC) receptor, expressed in metastatic colorectal cancer tumors, to favour its anchoring to SNs (UroGm-SNs). The anti-cancer drug etoposide (Etp) was additionally encapsulated for the development of a combination strategy (UroGm-Etp-SNs). Results from in vitro studies showed that UroGm-Etp-SNs can interact with colorectal cancer cells that express the GCC receptor and mediate an antiproliferative response, which is more remarkable for the drugs in combination. The potential of UroGm-Etp-SNs to treat metastatic colorectal cancer cells was complemented with an in vivo experiment in a xenograft mice model.
Comparison of effectiveness and complications in trabeculotomy with phacoemulsification between ab externo and ab interno using a spatula-shaped microhook
Authors: Kanda Satoru , Fujishiro Takashi , Omoto Takashi , Fujino Ryosuke , Arai Takahiro , Nomoto Yohei , Aihara Makoto 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTo compare the short-term surgical effectiveness and safety profile of trabeculotomy ab externo and ab interno with microhook in terms of the recovery of visual acuity. A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent trabeculotomy combined with phacoemulsification and lens implantation at Asahi General Hospital, with 6 months of follow-up. The patients treated by trabeculotomy were classified into two groups depending on the surgical procedures: ab interno with Tanito microhook (TMH) and ab externo with rigid probe trabeculotome (LOT). The demographics, preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), number of medications (Med), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), surgical-induced astigmatism (SIA), and postoperative complications were analyzed at pre-operation, and 1 week and 1–6 months post-operation. Fifty-two eyes of 38 Japanese patients underwent TMH and 42 eyes of 32 patients underwent LOT. The decreases in IOP and Med from the baseline were significant at all time points in both groups (p < 0.001), but there were no significant differences between the two groups. BCVA improved significantly in TMH and LOT after the operation (p < 0.001). BCVA and SIA significantly improved, mostly at 1 week in TMH, compared with LOT (p = 0.02 and 0.003). Hyphema and IOP spike exceeding 30 mmHg (spike) occurred in 11% and 6% of participants in TMH, and 33% and 26% of participants in LOT, respectively. Hyphema and IOP spike occurred more frequently in the LOT than in the TMH group (p = 0.01 and 0.005). Ab interno trabeculotomy showed similar IOP-lowering effects as ab externo, but had less postoperative complications.