bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive effort exertion enhances electrophysiological responses to rewarding outcomes
Authors: Bogdanov Mario , Renault Héléna , LoParco Sophia , Weinberg Anna , Otto A Ross 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Recent work has highlighted neural mechanisms underlying cognitive effort-related discounting of anticipated rewards. However, findings on whether effort exertion alters the subjective value of obtained rewards are inconsistent. Here, we provide a more nuanced account of how cognitive effort affects subsequent reward processing in a novel task designed to assess effort-induced modulations of the Reward Positivity, an event-related potential indexing reward-related neural activity. We found that neural responses to both gains and losses were significantly elevated in trials requiring more versus less cognitive effort. Moreover, time–frequency analysis revealed that these effects were mirrored in gain-related delta, but not in loss-related theta band activity, suggesting that people ascribed more value to high-effort outcomes. In addition, we also explored whether individual differences in behavioral effort discounting rates and reward sensitivity in the absence of effort may affect the relationship between effort exertion and subsequent reward processing. Together, our findings provide evidence that cognitive effort exertion can increase the subjective value of subsequent outcomes and that this effect may primarily rely on modulations of delta band activity.
Early life, life course and gender influences on levels of C-reactive protein among migrant Bangladeshis in the UK
Authors: Begum Khurshida , Cooper Gillian D , Akhter Nasima , Nahar Papreen , Kasim Adetayo , Bentley Gillian R 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Background and objectives
Humans co-evolved with pathogens, especially helminths, that educate the immune system during development and lower inflammatory responses. The absence of such stimuli in industrialized countries is associated with higher baseline levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) among adults who appear at greater risk for inflammatory disorders. This cross-sectional study examined effects of early life development on salivary CRP levels in 452 British-Bangladeshis who spent varying periods growing up in Bangladesh or UK. We also analyzed how gender and central obesity modulate effects on CRP. We hypothesized that: (i) first-generation Bangladeshis with higher childhood exposure to pathogens would have chronically lower CRP levels than second-generation British-Bangladeshis; (ii) effects would be greater with early childhoods in Bangladesh; (iii) effects by gender would differ; and (iv) increasing obesity would mitigate early life effects.

Methodology
Saliva samples were assayed for CRP using ELISAs, and anthropometric data collected. Participants completed questionnaires about demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle and health histories. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression.

Results
First-generation migrants who spent early childhoods in mostly rural, unhygienic areas, and moved to UK after age 8, had lower salivary CRP compared to the second-generation. Effects differed by gender, while waist circumference predicted higher CRP levels. CRP increased with years in UK, alongside growing obesity.

Conclusions and implications
Our study supports the hypothesis that pathogen exposure in early life lowers inflammatory responses in adults. However, protective effects differed by gender and can be eroded by growing obesity across the life course which elevates risks for other inflammatory disorders.
Lay Summary: Migrants to the UK who spent early childhoods in less hygienic environments in Bangladesh that help to educate their immune systems had lower levels of the inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (CRP) compared to migrants who grew up in UK. Both gender and increasing obesity were associated with increased levels of CRP.
Effect of empagliflozin in patients with heart failure across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Butler Javed , Packer Milton , Filippatos Gerasimos , Ferreira Joao Pedro , Zeller Cordula , Schnee Janet , Brueckmann Martina , Pocock Stuart J , Zannad Faiez , Anker Stefan D 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Aims
No therapy has shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure across the entire range of ejection fractions seen in clinical practice. We assessed the influence of ejection fraction on the effect of the sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor empagliflozin on heart failure outcomes.

Methods and results
A pooled analysis was performed on both the EMPEROR-Reduced and EMPEROR-Preserved trials (9718 patients; 4860 empagliflozin and 4858 placebo), and patients were grouped based on ejection fraction: &lt;25% (n = 999), 25–34% (n = 2230), 35–44% (n = 1272), 45–54% (n = 2260), 55–64% (n = 2092), and ≥65% (n = 865). Outcomes assessed included (i) time to first hospitalization for heart failure or cardiovascular mortality, (ii) time to first heart failure hospitalization, (iii) total (first and recurrent) hospitalizations for heart failure, and (iv) health status assessed by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). The risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure declined progressively as ejection fraction increased from &lt;25% to ≥65%. Empagliflozin reduced the risk of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization, mainly by reducing heart failure hospitalizations. Empagliflozin reduced the risk of heart failure hospitalization by ≈30% in all ejection fraction subgroups, with an attenuated effect in patients with an ejection fraction ≥65%. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were: ejection fraction &lt;25%: 0.73 (0.55–0.96); ejection fraction 25–34%: 0.63 (0.50–0.78); ejection fraction 35–44%: 0.72 (0.52–0.98); ejection fraction 45–54%: 0.66 (0.50–0.86); ejection fraction 55–64%: 0.70 (0.53–0.92); and ejection fraction ≥65%: 1.05 (0.70–1.58). Other heart failure outcomes and measures, including KCCQ, showed a similar response pattern. Sex did not influence the responses to empagliflozin.

Conclusion
The magnitude of the effect of empagliflozin on heart failure outcomes was clinically meaningful and similar in patients with ejection fractions &lt;25% to &lt;65%, but was attenuated in patients with an ejection fraction ≥65%.

Key Question
How does ejection fraction influence the effects of empagliflozin in patients with heart failure and either a reduced or a preserved ejection fraction?

Key Finding
The magnitude of the effect of empagliflozin on heart failure outcomes and health status was similar in patients with ejection fractions &lt;25% to &lt;65%, but it was attenuated in patients with an ejection fraction ≥65%.

Take Home Message
The consistency of the response in patients with ejection fractions of &lt;25% to &lt;65% distinguishes the effects of empagliflozin from other drugs that have been evaluated across the full spectrum of ejection fractions in patients with heart failure.
Soccer as a Markov process: modelling and estimation of the zonal variation of team strengths
Authors: Hirotsu Nobuyoshi , Inoue Keita , Yamamoto Kenji , Yoshimura Masafumi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis study models soccer as a Markov process. We discretize the pitch into nine zones, and define the states of the Markov process according to the zone of the pitch in which the ball is located, the team in possession and the score. Log-linear models are used to represent state transitions. Using the log-linear models, we estimate team strengths not only with respect to scoring or conceding, but also with respect to gaining or losing possession, while considering the discretized zones in which the ball is located. We use play-by-play data from Japan League Division 1 games in the 2015 season to illustrate our approach, and characterize the strengths of teams in this league. Sanfrecce Hiroshima is used as a particular example. We determine the goodness-of-fit of the log-linear models. Additionally, we introduce random effects into the log-linear models and discuss the complexity of the state transition process. We demonstrate that our Markov model, at the nine-zone level, provides estimates of teams’ strengths to a good approximation.
Infants Younger Than 6 Months Infected With SARS-CoV-2 Show the Highest Respiratory Viral Loads
Authors: Ochoa Valeria , Díaz Fernando Erra , Ramirez Ezequiel , Fentini María Clara , Carobene Mauricio , Geffner Jorge , Arruvito Lourdes , Remes Lenicov Federico ,   INBIRS COVID-19 Study Group, Adamczyk Alan , Azzolina Sabrina , Baquero Lucía , Benencio Paula , Berini Carolina , Biglione Mirna , Bleichmar Lucía , Cabrerizo Gonzalo , Cassime Silvia , Cassime Ricardo , Ceballos Ana , Cevallos Cintia , Czernikier Alejandro , Delpino Victoria , Di Diego García Facundo , Ducasa Nicolás , Elizalde Mercedes , Flichman Diego , Gatti Ramiro , Ghiglione Yanina , Giannone Denise , Gómez Claudio , Gonzalez Polo Virginia , Laufer Natalia , Leicaj Luz , Longueira Yesica , Lopez Malizzia Alvaro , Mazzitelli Ignacio , Melucci Ganzarain Claudia , Montesano Fernando , Morando Nicolás , Ostrowski Matías , Pampuro Sandra , Paletta Ana , Pando María , Penas Federico , Pérez Paula , Piccardo Claudio , Pieralisi Azul , Pippo Mónica , Polo Laura , Quiroga Florencia , Sabatté Juan , Salvatori Melina , Sananes Inés , Seery Vanesa , Speroni Micaela , Turk Gabriela , Varese Augusto , Vecchione Belén , Vera Aguilar Douglas 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
There is a paucity of reports on the characteristics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in infants, because most studies have grouped infants with older children. We analyzed the viral loads of 45318 SARS-CoV-2–positive nasopharyngeal swab samples obtained in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Infants younger than 6 months presented higher viral loads than any other age group. Children older than 6 months showed significantly lower viral loads, similar to those founds in adults. This observation raises new questions regarding the role of infants in the spreading of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Regression of diabetic nephropathy by treatment with empagliflozin in BTBR ob/ob mice
Authors: Hudkins Kelly L , Li Xianwu , Holland Alexander L , Swaminathan Shreya , Alpers Charles E 
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACT

Background
The sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagliflozin lowers blood glucose via reduced tubular reabsorption of filtered glucose and is an important new therapy for diabetic nephropathy (DN). This study tested whether treatment with empagliflozin would ameliorate proteinuria and the pathologic alterations of DN including podocyte number and integrity in the leptin-deficient BTBR ob/ob mouse model of DN.

Methods
Study cohorts included wild-type (WT) BTBR mice, untreated diabetic BTBR ob/ob mice and mice treated with empagliflozin for 6 weeks after development of established DN at 18 weeks of age.

Results
Hyperglycemia, proteinuria, serum creatinine, accumulation of mesangial matrix and the extent of mesangiolysis were reversed with empagliflozin treatment. Treatment with empagliflozin resulted in an increased podocyte number and podocyte density, improvement in the degree of podocyte foot process effacement and parietal epithelial cell activation. SGLT2 inhibition reduced renal oxidative stress, measured by urinary excretion of markers of RNA/DNA damage and in situ demonstration of decreased carbonyl oxidation. There was no discernable difference in accumulations of advanced glycation end-products by immunohistochemistry.

Conclusion
The structural improvements seen in BTBR ob/ob mice treated with empagliflozin provide insights into potential long-term benefits for humans with DN, for whom there is no comparable biopsy information to identify structural changes effected by SGLT2 inhibition. The findings suggest SGLT2 inhibition may ameliorate DN through glucose lowering–dependent and –independent mechanisms that lead to podocyte restoration and delay or reversal of disease progress.
Theoretical study of infrared spectra of interstellar PAH molecules with N, NH, and NH2 incorporation
Authors: Vats Akant , Pathak Amit , Onaka Takashi , Buragohain Mridusmita , Sakon Itsuki , Endo Izumi 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This work presents theoretical calculations of infrared spectra of nitrogen (N)-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules with the incorporation of N, NH, and NH2 using density functional theory (DFT). The properties of their vibrational modes in 2–15 μm are investigated in relation to the Unidentified Infrared (UIR) bands. It is found that neutral PAHs, when incorporated with NH2 and N (at inner positions), produce intense infrared bands at 6.2, 7.7, and 8.6 μm that have been normally attributed to ionized PAHs so far. The present results suggest that strong bands at 6.2 and 11.2 μm can arise from the same charge state of some N-containing PAHs, arguing that there might be some N-abundant astronomical regions where the 6.2 to 11.2 μm band ratio is not a direct indicator of the PAHs’ ionization. PAHs with NH2 and N inside the carbon structure show the UIR band features characteristic to star-forming regions as well as reflection nebulae (Class A), whereas PAHs with N at the periphery have similar spectra to the UIR bands seen in planetary nebulae and post-AGB stars (Class B). The presence of N atoms at the periphery of a PAH may attract H or H+ to form N–H and N–H2 bonds, exhibiting features near 2.9–3.0 μm, which are not yet observationally detected. The absence of such features in the observations constrains the contribution of NH and NH2 substituted PAHs that could be better tested with concentrated observations in this range. However, PAHs with N without H either at the periphery or inside the carbon structure do not have the abundance constraint due to the absence of 2.9–3.0 μm features and are relevant in terms of positions of the UIR bands. Extensive theoretical and experimental studies are required to obtain deeper insight.
Markets versus Mechanisms
Authors: Boleslavsky Raphael , Hennessy Christopher A , Kelly David L 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
We establish limitations to the usage of direct revelation mechanisms (DRMs) by corporations seeking decision-relevant information in economies with securities markets. In this environment, posting a DRM increases the informed agent’s outside option: if the agent rejects the DRM, he convinces the market he is uninformed, and he can aggressively trade with low price impact, thereby generating large (off-equilibrium) trading gains. This endogenous outside option may make using a DRM to screen uninformed agents impossible. When screening is possible, solely relying on the market for information is optimal if the increase in outside option is sufficiently large.
Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Periosteal Rotation Flap Technique in Management of Tibialis Anterior Muscle Hernia: A Case Series
Authors: Moharram Ashraf N. , Reda Walid , Farahat Ahmed S.M. , Ibrahim Mohamed A. , Saladin Mostafa 
Published: November 2021

Introduction:
Traumatic herniation of the leg muscle is not an uncommon condition. This may be a direct traumatic hernia caused by open injury to the leg, or an indirect traumatic hernia following blow to a contracted muscle causing rupture of the fascia and its consequent herniation. Tibialis anterior muscle herniation has been reported to be the most common form of muscle hernia of the lower extremities.

Materials and Methods:
We report on 3 cases of traumatic herniation of the tibialis anterior muscle who were treated using a periosteal rotation flap raised from the anteromedial aspect of the tibia and used to close the fascial defect.

Conclusions:
We have found this to be a safe surgical procedure in the adult and adolescent age group with satisfying results and reduced recurrence rate and postoperative complications.
Angiogenesis inhibition in lung cancer: emerging novel strategies
Authors: Lazzari Chiara , Bulotta Alessandra , Damiano Giuseppe , Mirabile Aurora , Viganó Mariagrazia , Veronesi Giulia , Gregorc Vanesa 
Published: November 2021

Purpose of review
In the current review, we will explore the molecular bases that have determined the design of clinical trials exploring the efficacy of antivascular agents in combination with chemotherapy, immune check point inhibitors and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer.

Recent findings
Recent clinical trials have demonstrated the synergistic effect of antivascular agents with immune checkpoint inhibitors and EGFR-TKIs, despite no molecular marker has been identified yet to select patients.

Summary
Lung cancer remains one of the first causes of cancer-related death. However, thanks to the development of stratified molecular medicine and the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors, patients’ survival has significantly improved. Due to the critical role of pro-angiogenic factors in cancer progression, antivascular agents targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR) have been developed. Their efficacy has been explored in combination with chemotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, with promising but not definitive conclusions about their impact on prolonging patients’ survival.
Actinic Keratosis Color and Its Associations: A Retrospective Photographic, Dermoscopic, and Histologic Evaluation
Authors: Labadie Jessica G. , Compres Elsy , Sunshine Joel C. , Alam Murad , Gerami Pedram , Harikumar Vishnu , Poon Emily , Arndt Kenneth A. , Dover Jeffrey S. 
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Actinic keratoses (AKs) have been described with varying color and morphology; however, no reports have demonstrated associations between color, vasculature, and inflammation. In this retrospective study, we analyze the clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathologic features of AKs to elucidate this relationship.

METHODS
A retrospective search for patients diagnosed with AK between January 2018 and October 2019 was performed. Clinical and dermoscopic photographs and pathology slides for all included subjects were reviewed.

RESULTS
Forty-nine images and histopathology slides were analyzed. Dermoscopy of white AKs demonstrated scale and absence of erythema with corresponding absence of inflammation on histopathology. Dermoscopy of brown AKs revealed pseudonetwork, absent scale, and a variable vessel pattern with pigment incontinence and absence of inflammation on histopathology. Red AKs had a distinct polymorphous vessel pattern and presence of erythema on dermoscopy. On histopathology, about half of samples showed increased vascularity and variable inflammation. Pink AK dermoscopy revealed a presence of erythema with corresponding presence of inflammation on histopathology.

CONCLUSION
This report adds to our understanding of AKs and confirms that, in general, the pinker or redder the AK, the more prominent the inflammatory infiltrate and vasculature, respectively. Dermatologists should continue to use their diagnostic skills to successfully diagnose and triage AKs.
Rhizoma polygonati from Mount Tai: nutritional value and usefulness as a traditional Chinese medicine, source of herbzyme, and potential remediating agent for COVID-19 and chronic and hidden hunger
Authors: Nurtay Lazzat , Sun Qinglei , Mu Chenglin , Cao Zhongshan , Wang Qian , Liang Zongsuo , Ma Cuiping , Li Xugang , Amin Amr , Xie Yingqiu 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Recently, traditional Chinese medicine-based treatment has succeeded in fighting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and Rhizoma polygonati (Huangjing) has been one of the recommended components. Its processed products play antidiabetic, antiviral, antitumor, antioxidation, antifatigue, antiaging, and immune enhancement roles. The climate in Mount Tai is mild, and the dense forest is suitable for the growth of Rhizome polygonati, which has gradually evolved into a unique specie. Considering the important medicinal value and pleasant taste of Mount Tai-Rhizoma polygonati, various healthy and functional food products, controlled by quality markers with anti-COVID-19 potential, as well as emergency foods can be developed. The study aimed to review current evidence on the nutritional value of Rhizoma polygonati from Mount Tai and its usefulness as a traditional Chinese medicine, source of herbzyme, and potential remediating agent for COVID-19 and food shortage. Most recent findings regarding herbal nanomedicine have revealed that nanoscale chemical compounds are potentially efficient in drug delivery or nanozyme catalysis upon bioprocessing. Nanoflower structure is found in processed Rhizoma polygonati by self-assembly and has wide application in enzymatic events, particularly nanoscale herbzyme. The novel findings regarding Mount Tai-Rhizoma polygonati could enhance its novel applications in chronic and hidden hunger, clinical nanomedicine, and as an anti-COVID-19 agent.
Chemical constituents isolated from the aerial parts of Swertia pseudochinensis and their potential neuroprotective effects
Authors: Xiang Ke , He Qi , Chen Yanmei , Yang Dongxin , Duan Yanwei , Li Hua , Chen Lixia 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Objective:

Swertia pseudochinensis, an annual herb of the genus Swertia in the family Gentianaceae. Some constituents and extracts from the Swertia genus have been recently reported to possess neuroprotective effects, suggesting their potential utility in the prevention and treatment of Parkinson disease (PD). The aim of this work is to identify the chemical constituents and evaluate the potential biological activists of Swertia pseudochinensis.

Methods:
The phytochemicals from the aerial parts of S. pseudochinensis were isolated and purified by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 gel, semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography, and identified by the spectroscopic methods. All compounds were evaluated for their potential neuroprotective effects against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced apoptosis in the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Then, we performed an enrichment analysis using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery and investigated the mechanisms by which bellidifolin regulates neurodegenerative disease.

Results:
Two new anthraquinone, 1,5,6-trimethoxy-2-hydroxy-3-methy-anthraquinone (1) and 1,5,6,8-tetramethoxy-2-hydroxy-3-methyanthraquinone (2), together with nine known including 7-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-1,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone (3), gentisin (4), swertianolin (5), bellidifolin (6), gentiacaulein (7), norswertianolin (8), 5-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-1,3,8-trihydroxyapatone (9), 1-hydroxy-3,5,8-trimethoxyxanthone (10), and aurantio-obtusin (11), were isolated and compounds 6–8 and 10 exhibited neuroprotective effects at a concentration of 50 μmol/L. Among them, bellidifolin showed significant protective activity, and might have potential as a neuroprotective agent for the treatment of PD, possibly by acting on oxidative damage and reactive oxygen species.

Conclusions:
These findings indicate that further research on the genus Swertia and its bioactive constituents toward neurodegenerative disorders could be extremely rewarding.