bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the illicit tobacco market in Georgia in response to fiscal and non-fiscal tobacco control measures
Authors: Little Megan , Ross Hana , Bakhturidze George , Kachkachishvili Iago 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundGeorgian illicit cigarette consumption was 1.5% in 2017. In 2018, a new tobacco control law took effect followed by a substantial cigarette excise tax increase in 2019. Research shows these policies reduce tobacco consumption, but the tobacco industry argues they increase illicit trade. There is limited evidence on this, particularly from developing countries.MethodsA panel household survey in Georgia obtained data over three waves: 2017 baseline, 2018 after the tobacco control law took effect and 2019 after taxes increased. A sample of 1578 smokers (and quitters in later waves) from five regions reported their tobacco use and were asked to present a cigarette pack in their possession. These were examined for tax stamps and health warnings to establish legality.FindingsThere was no evidence of an increase in illicit cigarette consumption in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Akhaltsikhe or Gori in any wave. In Zugdidi, near the Russian-occupied Abkhazia, illicit cigarette consumption was increasing even prior to the tax increase, reaching 30.9% by wave 3. A country-wide shift occurred from manufactured cigarettes to roll-your-own tobacco (whose tax remained unchanged) between waves 2 and 3.ConclusionNo evidence of a country-wide increase in illicit cigarette trade was found after non-fiscal tobacco measures took effect and cigarette taxes increased. Relatively high illicit cigarette consumption in Zugdidi highlights the role of disputed territories and border administration in illicit cigarette supply. Substitution towards roll-your-own tobacco after manufactured cigarette taxes increased demonstrates the importance of equalising taxes on tobacco products to maximise public health benefits.
Hepatic Steatosis Index and Chronic Kidney Disease among Middle-Aged Individuals: A Large-Scale Study in Japan
Authors: Ochiai Hirotaka , Shirasawa Takako , Yoshimoto Takahiko , Nagahama Satsue , Sakamoto Ken , Azuma Minami , Kokaze Akatsuki 
Published: June 2021

Background. Though nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is related to chronic kidney disease (CKD), it is unclear whether the hepatic steatosis index (HSI), a screening tool for NAFLD, is related to CKD. The present study investigated the relationship between HSI and CKD among middle-aged individuals in Japan. Methods. Subjects were adults (aged 40–64 years) who received an annual health checkup in Japan between April 2013 and March 2014. Height and weight were measured, and venous blood samples were obtained to determine alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatinine levels. HSI was calculated by the following formula:

HSI
=
8
×
ALT
/
AST

ratio
+
body

mass

index

(+2, if diabetes; +2, if female). CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration

rate
<
60

mL
/
min
/
1.73

m

2

and/or urinary protein of ≥ (+). Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) for CKD. Results. Data of 94,893 adults were analyzed. Compared with men with an

HSI
<
30

, men with

30
≤
HSI
≤
36

(OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.40–1.61) and

HSI
>
36

(OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.99–2.31) had significantly higher ORs for CKD. Moreover, there was a significant dose-response relationship between HSI and CKD (

P

for

trend
<
0.001

). Even after adjusting for confounders, the significant results persisted. These findings in men were similar to those in women. Conclusions. This study showed that the HSI was associated with CKD among middle-aged adults in Japan. Additionally, a dose-response relationship of HSI to CKD was observed. The present study suggested that it might be useful to monitor the HSI among middle-aged individuals to detect CKD at an early stage.
Statistical Seasonal Prediction of European Summer Mean Temperature Using Observational, Reanalysis, and Satellite Data
Authors: Pyrina Maria , Nonnenmacher Marcel , Wagner Sebastian , Zorita Eduardo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractStatistical climate prediction has sometimes demonstrated higher accuracy than coupled dynamical forecast systems. This study tests the applicability of springtime soil moisture (SM) over Europe and sea surface temperatures (SSTs) of three North Atlantic (NA) regions as statistical predictors of European mean summer temperature (t2m). We set up two statistical-learning (SL) frameworks, based on methods commonly applied in climate research. The SL models are trained with gridded products derived from station, reanalysis, and satellite data (ERA-20C, ERA-Land, CERA, COBE2, CRU, and ESA-CCI). The predictive potential of SM anomalies in statistical forecasting had so far remained elusive. Our statistical models trained with SM achieve high summer t2m prediction skill in terms of Pearson correlation coefficient (r), with r ≥ 0.5 over central and eastern Europe. Moreover, we find that the reanalysis and satellite SM data contain similar information that can be extracted by our methods and used in fitting the forecast models. Furthermore, the predictive potential of SSTs within different areas in the NA basin was tested. The predictive power of SSTs might increase, as in our case, when specific areas are selected. Forecasts based on extratropical SSTs achieve high prediction skill over south Europe. The combined prediction, using SM and SST predictor data, results in r ≥ 0.5 over all European regions south of 50°N and east of 5°W. This is a better skill than the one achieved by other prediction schemes based on dynamical models. Our analysis highlights specific NA midlatitude regions that are more strongly connected to summer mean European temperature.
Clinicians’ delirium treatment practice, practice change, and influences: A national online survey
Authors: Hosie Annmarie , Agar Meera , Caplan Gideon A , Draper Brian , Hedger Stephen , Rowett Debra , Tuffin Penny , Cheah Seong Leang , Phillips Jane L , Brown Linda , Sidhu Manraaj , Currow David C 
Published: June 2021

Background: Recent studies cast doubt on the net effect of antipsychotics for delirium. Aim: To investigate the influence of these studies and other factors on clinicians’ delirium treatment practice and practice change in palliative care and other specialties using the Theoretical Domains Framework. Design: Australia-wide online survey of relevant clinicians. Setting/participants: Registered nurses (72%), doctors (16%), nurse practitioners (6%) and pharmacists (5%) who cared for patients with delirium in diverse settings, recruited through health professionals’ organisations. Results: Most of the sample ( n = 475): worked in geriatrics/aged (31%) or palliative care (30%); in hospitals (64%); and saw a new patient with delirium at least weekly (61%). More (59%) reported delirium practice change since 2016, mostly by increased non-pharmacological interventions (53%). Fifty-five percent reported current antipsychotic use for delirium, primarily for patient distress (79%) and unsafe behaviour (67%). Common Theoretical Domains Framework categories of influences on respondents’ delirium practice were: emotion (54%); knowledge (53%) and physical (43%) and social (21%) opportunities. Palliative care respondents more often reported: awareness of any named key study of antipsychotics for delirium (73% vs 39%, p < 0.001); changed delirium treatment (73% vs 53%, p = 0.017); decreased pharmacological interventions (60% vs 15%, p < 0.001); off-label medication use (86% vs 51%, p < 0.001: antipsychotics 79% vs 44%, p < 0.001; benzodiazepines 61% vs 26%, p < 0.001) and emotion as an influence (82% vs 39%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Clinicians’ use of antipsychotic during delirium remains common and is primarily motivated by distress and safety concerns for the patient and others nearby. Supporting clinicians to achieve evidence-based delirium practice requires further work.
Preparation and properties of an aromatic polyamide fibre derived from a bio-based furan acid chloride
Authors: Cao Kaikai , Liu Yufeng , Yuan Feng , Yang You , Wang Jin , Song Zhicheng , Li Zhongliang , Wu Wei , Jiang Mengjin , Yang Jun 
Published: June 2021

A high-molecular-weight aromatic polyamide resin incorporating furan-rings (f-resin) was prepared by low-temperature solution polycondensation of bio-based 2,5-furandiformyl chloride and 3,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether, in N,N-dimethylacetamide. Further, an aromatic polyamide fibre containing furan-rings (f-fibre) was obtained from the fresin by dry-jet wet spinning, and its structure and properties were investigated. The prepared f-resin showed good solubility and possessed good spinnability in solution. The mechanical, heat-resistance, and flame-retardant properties of the f-fibre were found to be excellent – comparable to or exceeding those of meta-aramid fibre (m-fibre). In addition, the furan acid chloride monomer is bio-based and is derived from abundant resources, unlike petroleum-based monomers. Therefore, f-fibre has good potential and broad application prospects as an environment-friendly and sustainable high-performance material.
Corporations and society
Authors: Padayachee Vishnu 
Published: June 2021

This extended Review Article assesses the changing role of the corporation in history, using the 2018 book by Oxford scholar Colin Mayer entitled ‘Prosperity’ as a basis for the analysis. This is a traditional review article centred around the Mayer book, but as we end we take our argument, albeit tentatively, to other related issues, beyond the Mayer argument. The corporation may be viewed in a positive sense as a creator of wealth and ‘prosperity’ for society in general, or as in a negative sense as generating ‘prosperity’ only for the few, shareholders and executives at the expense of the many, including workers, customers and future generations. Colin Mayer’s book visits both sides of this ‘prosperity’ equation and the title of the book derives from this recognition. Our argument is that even within the limits of contemporary neo-liberal global capitalism, corporations could be a force for more sustainable and balanced economic growth, as well as for social and environmental good. This requires a clarification of its ‘purpose’ as well as changes in the composition of its decision-making structures and revised mandates of its boards and sub-committees such as its remuneration committees that often have been given the power alone to determine executive pay. But we argue (albeit only suggestively) in the final section that the nature and variety of capitalism itself may have to be addressed alongside firm level changes for the long-term good and sustainability of a more equal society. Mayer shows that since its birth in Roman times, as an agency for promoting public works and the public good, the corporation has taken on many different roles, with varying purpose. Only in the last 50 years has the Milton Friedman doctrine, that companies should have only one role, of maximizing shareholder wealth, become the dominant explanation for the purpose of the corporation. We are not confident that corporations will voluntarily move in these progressive directions, especially given the continuing stranglehold of neo-liberal globalization. A push for broader social and economic change from below through struggle may be essential. JEL Codes: B1, N1, M14
Thrombolysis outcomes according to arterial characteristics of acute ischemic stroke by alteplase dose and blood pressure target
Authors: Zhou Zien , Xia Chao , Mair Grant , Delcourt Candice , Yoshimura Sohei , Liu Xiaosheng , Chen Zengai , Malavera Alejandra , Carcel Cheryl , Chen Xiaoying , Wang Xia , Al-Shahi Salman Rustam , Robinson Thompson G , Lindley Richard I , Chalmers John , Wardlaw Joanna M , Parsons Mark W , Demchuk Andrew M , Anderson Craig S 
Published: June 2021

Background We explored the influence of low-dose intravenous alteplase and intensive blood pressure lowering on outcomes of acute ischemic stroke according to status/location of vascular obstruction in participants of the Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study (ENCHANTED). Methods ENCHANTED was a multicenter, quasi-factorial, randomized trial to determine efficacy and safety of low- versus standard-dose intravenous alteplase and intensive- versus guideline-recommended blood pressure lowering in acute ischemic stroke patients. In those who had baseline computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging angiography, the degree of vascular occlusion was grouped according to being no (NVO), medium (MVO), or large (LVO). Logistic regression models were used to determine 90-day outcomes (modified Rankin scale [mRS] shift [primary], other mRS cut-scores, intracranial hemorrhage, early neurologic deterioration, and recanalization) by vascular obstruction status/site. Heterogeneity in associations for outcomes across subgroups was estimated by adding an interaction term to the models. Results There were 940 participants: 607 in alteplase arm only, 243 in blood pressure arm only, and 90 assigned to both arms. Compared to the NVO group, functional outcome was worse in LVO (mRS shift, adjusted OR [95% CI] 2.13 [1.56–2.90]) but comparable in MVO (1.34 [0.96–1.88]) groups. There were no differences in associations of alteplase dose or blood pressure lowering and outcomes across NVO/MVO/LVO groups (mRS shift: low versus standard alteplase dose 0.84 [0.54–1.30]/0.48 [0.25–0.91]/0.99 [0.75–2.09], Pinteraction = 0.28; intensive versus standard blood pressure lowering 1.32 [0.74–2.38]/0.78 [0.31–1.94]/1.24 [0.64–2.41], Pinteraction = 0.41), except for a borderline significant difference for intensive blood pressure lowering and increased early neurologic deterioration (0.63 [0.14–2.72]/0.17 [0.02–1.47]/2.69 [0.90–8.04], Pinteraction = 0.05). Conclusions Functional outcome by dose of alteplase or intensity of blood pressure lowering is not modified by vascular obstruction status/site according to analyses from ENCHANTED, although these results are compromised by low statistical power. Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifiers: NCT01422616
18S rRNA variability maps reveal three highly divergent, conserved motifs within Rotifera
Authors: Bininda-Emonds Olaf R. P. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
18S rRNA is a major component of the small subunit of the eukaryotic ribosome and an important phylogenetic marker for many groups, often to the point of being the only marker available for some. A core structure across eukaryotes exists for this molecule that can help to inform about its evolution in different groups. Using an alignment of 18S rDNA for Rotifera as traditionally recognized (=Bdelloidea, Monogononta, and Seisonacea, but not Acanthocephala), I fitted sequences for three exemplar species (Adineta vaga, Brachionus plicatilis, and Seison nebaliae, respectively) to the core structure and used these maps to reveal patterns of evolution for the remainder of this diverse group of microscopic animals.

Results
The obtained variability maps of the 18S rRNA molecule revealed a pattern of high diversity among the three major rotifer clades coupled with strong conservation within each of bdelloids and monogononts. A majority of individual sites (ca. 60%) were constant even across rotifers as a whole with variable sites showing only intermediate rates of evolution. Although the three structural maps each showed good agreement with the inferred core structure for eukaryotic 18S rRNA and so were highly similar to one another at the secondary and tertiary levels, the overall pattern is of three highly distinct, but conserved motifs within the group at the primary sequence level. A novel finding was that of a variably expressed deletion at the 3' end of the V3 hypervariable region among some bdelloid species that occasionally extended into and included the pseudoknot structure following this region as well as the central “square” of the 18S rRNA molecule. Compared to other groups, levels of variation and rates of evolution for 18S rRNA in Rotifera roughly matched those for Gastropoda and Acanthocephala, despite increasing evidence for the latter being a clade within Rotifera.

Conclusions
The lack of comparative data for comparable groups makes interpretation of the results (i.e., very low variation within each of the three major rotifer clades, but high variation between them) and their potential novelty difficult. However, these findings in combination with the high morphological diversity within rotifers potentially help to explain why no clear consensus has been reached to date with regard to the phylogenetic relationships among the major groups.
A novel method to identify gene interaction patterns
Authors: Lu Xinguo , Liu Fang , Miao Qiumai , Liu Ping , Gao Yan , He Keren 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Gene interaction patterns, including modules and motifs, can be used to identify cancer specific biomarkers and to reveal the mechanism of tumorigenesis. Most of the existing module network inferencing methods focus on gene independent functional patterns, while the studies of overlapping characteristics between modules are lacking. The objective of this study was to reveal the functional overlapping patterns in gene modules, helping elucidate the regulatory relationship between overlapping genes and communities, as well as to explore cancer formation and progression.

Results
We analyzed six cancer datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas and obtained three kinds of gene functional modules for each cancer, including Independent-Community, Dependent-Community and Merged-Community. In the six cancers, 59(3.5%) Independent-Communities were identified, while 1631(96.5%) Dependent-Communities were acquired. Compared with Lemon-Tree and K-Means, the gene communities identified by our method were enriched in more known GO categories with lower p-values. Meanwhile, those identified distinguishing communities can significantly distinguish the survival prognostic of patients by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Furthermore, identified driver genes in the gene communities can be considered as biomarkers which can accurately distinguish the tumour or normal samples for each cancer type.

Conclusions
In all identified communities, Dependent-Communities are the majority. Our method is more effective than the other two methods which do not consider the overlapping characteristics of modules. This indicates that overlapping genes are located in different specific functional groups, and a communication bridge is established between the communities to construct a comprehensive carcinogenesis.
Routine clinical care data from thirteen cardiac outpatient clinics: design of the Cardiology Centers of the Netherlands (CCN) database
Authors: Bots Sophie H. , Siegersma Klaske R. , Onland-Moret N. Charlotte , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Somsen G. Aernout , Tulevski Igor I. , den Ruijter Hester M. , Hofstra Leonard 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Despite the increasing availability of clinical data due to the digitalisation of healthcare systems, data often remain inaccessible due to the diversity of data collection systems. In the Netherlands, Cardiology Centers of the Netherlands (CCN) introduced “one-stop shop” diagnostic clinics for patients suspected of cardiac disease by their general practitioner. All CCN clinics use the same data collection system and standardised protocol, creating a large regular care database. This database can be used to describe referral practices, evaluate risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in important patient subgroups, and develop prediction models for use in daily care.

Construction and content
The current database contains data on all patients who underwent a cardiac workup in one of the 13 CCN clinics between 2007 and February 2018 (n = 109,151, 51.9% women). Data were pseudonymised and contain information on anthropometrics, cardiac symptoms, risk factors, comorbidities, cardiovascular and family history, standard blood laboratory measurements, transthoracic echocardiography, electrocardiography in rest and during exercise, and medication use. Clinical follow-up is based on medical need and consisted of either a repeat visit at CCN (43.8%) or referral for an external procedure in a hospital (16.5%). Passive follow-up via linkage to national mortality registers is available for 95% of the database.

Utility and discussion
The CCN database provides a strong base for research into historically underrepresented patient groups due to the large number of patients and the lack of in- and exclusion criteria. It also enables the development of artificial intelligence-based decision support tools. Its contemporary nature allows for comparison of daily care with the current guidelines and protocols. Missing data is an inherent limitation, as the cardiologist could deviate from standardised protocols when clinically indicated.

Conclusion
The CCN database offers the opportunity to conduct research in a unique population referred from the general practitioner to the cardiologist for diagnostic workup. This, in combination with its large size, the representation of historically underrepresented patient groups and contemporary nature makes it a valuable tool for expanding our knowledge of cardiovascular diseases.
Trial registration: Not applicable.
Clinical features of NK/T-cell EBV-associated LPD manifested as gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with normal immunity: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Si-Zhu , Dai Ying-Huan , Zhang Jie , Lu Fang-Gen , Yan La-Mei , Wu Shan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-associated NK/T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) involving the gastrointestinal tract is rarely observed in individuals with normal immunity. The atypical clinical, colonoscopic manifestations often confuse clinicians, leading to misdiagnosis and delays in the treatment.

Case presentation
Herein, we reported on a single case of a patient with gastrointestinal symptoms. Several colonoscopies showed multiple irregular ulcerations, while biopsies showed colitis with infiltration of neutrophils or lymphocytes. After 2 months follow-up, the patient was diagnosed with the extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, and was treated with thalidomide. Later on, a second check was performed on his first pathological sample. Immunohistochemistry revealed EBV associated NK/T-cell LPD.

Conclusions
Multiple, multiform, and segmental gastrointestinal ulcers should be an indication for EBV infection, regardless of the presence of fever, lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly. If EBV-associated NK/T-cell LPD is considered, serum EBV-DNA should be measured, and the tissue obtained by biopsy should be carefully analyzed for a positive expression of the EBER marker.