bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the influence of informal payments on self-rated health: evidence from 26 post-communist countries
Authors: Habibov Nazim , Auchynnikava Alena 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn contrast to previous studies that have focused on proximal outcomes such as access to and the utilization of healthcare, this study establishes and quantifies the influence of informal payments (IP) directly on population self-rated health, which can be considered the ultimate outcome. More specifically, we examine how making informal payments influences self-rated health by testing several theoretically grounded explanations of the influence of making IP. Using the quasi-experimental instrumental variable technique increases the likelihood that our findings are not the result of reverse causality, omitted variable problem and measurement error. Our main finding is that overall, making informal payments have a negative influence on self-rated health. However, this influence is higher for men, those who are poorer, live in rural areas, have a university education and have lower social capital. Theoretical approaches that have stood out in explanations regarding the effects of making IP on self-rated health are Public Choice Theory, Institutional Theory, and Sociological Theories of Differences in Life Opportunities, Social Determinants of Health and Social Capital.
Estimated SARS-CoV-2 infection rate and fatality risk in Gauteng Province, South Africa: a population-based seroepidemiological survey
Authors: Mutevedzi Portia Chipo , Kawonga Mary , Kwatra Gaurav , Moultrie Andrew , Baillie Vicky , Mabena Nicoletta , Mathibe Masego Nicole , Rafuma Martin Mosotho , Maposa Innocent , Abbott Geoff , Hugo Janie , Ikalafeng Bridget , Adelekan Tsholofelo , Lukhele Mkhululi , Madhi Shabir A 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Limitations in laboratory testing capacity undermine the ability to quantify the overall burden of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

Methods
We undertook a population-based serosurvey for SARS-CoV-2 infection in 26 subdistricts, Gauteng Province (population 15.9 million), South Africa, to estimate SARS-CoV-2 infection, infection fatality rate (IFR) triangulating seroprevalence, recorded COVID-19 deaths and excess-mortality data. We employed three-stage random household sampling with a selection probability proportional to the subdistrict size, stratifying the subdistrict census-sampling frame by housing type and then selecting households from selected clusters. The survey started on 4 November 2020, 8 weeks after the end of the first wave (SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification test positivity had declined to &lt;10% for the first wave) and coincided with the peak of the second wave. The last sampling was performed on 22 January 2021, which was 9 weeks after the SARS-CoV-2 resurgence. Serum SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) immunoglobulin-G (IgG) was measured using a quantitative assay on the Luminex platform.

Results
From 6332 individuals in 3453 households, the overall RBD IgG seroprevalence was 19.1% [95% confidence interval (CI): 18.1–20.1%] and similar in children and adults. The seroprevalence varied from 5.5% to 43.2% across subdistricts. Conservatively, there were 2 897 120 (95% CI: 2 743 907–3 056 866) SARS-CoV-2 infections, yielding an infection rate of 19 090 per 100 000 until 9 January 2021, when 330 336 COVID-19 cases were recorded. The estimated IFR using recorded COVID-19 deaths (n = 8198) was 0.28% (95% CI: 0.27–0.30) and 0.67% (95% CI: 0.64–0.71) assuming 90% of modelled natural excess deaths were due to COVID-19 (n = 21 582). Notably, 53.8% (65/122) of individuals with previous self-reported confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were RBD IgG seronegative.

Conclusions
The calculated number of SARS-CoV-2 infections was 7.8-fold greater than the recorded COVID-19 cases. The calculated SARS-CoV-2 IFR varied 2.39-fold when calculated using reported COVID-19 deaths (0.28%) compared with excess-mortality-derived COVID-19-attributable deaths (0.67%). Waning RBD IgG may have inadvertently underestimated the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections and conversely overestimated the mortality risk. Epidemic preparedness and response planning for future COVID-19 waves will need to consider the true magnitude of infections, paying close attention to excess-mortality trends rather than absolute reported COVID-19 deaths.
IMB-BZ as an Inhibitor Targeting ESX-1 Secretion System to Control Mycobacterial Infection
Authors: Jia Pingping , Zhang Yi , Xu Jian , Zhu Mei , Peng Shize , Zhang Yongxin , Zhao Jianyuan , Li Xiaoyu , Mi Kaixia , Yan Dan , Wang Yucheng , Yu Liyan , Lu Yu , Shi Hanping , Cen Shan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Resistance to anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs is a major issue in TB control, and demands the discovery of new drugs targeting the virulence factor ESX-1.

Methods
We first established a high-throughput screen (HTS) assay for the discovery of ESX-1 secretion inhibitors. The positive hits were then evaluated for the potency of diminishing the survival of virulent mycobacteria and reducing bacterial virulence. We further investigated the probability of inducing drug resistance and the underlying mechanism using mycobacterial protein fragment complementation.

Results
A robust HTS assay was developed to identify small molecules that inhibit ESX-1 secretion without impairing bacterial growth in vitro. A hit named IMB-BZ specifically inhibits the secretion of CFP-10 and reduces virulence in an ESX-1–dependent manner, therefore resulting in significant reduction in intracellular and in vivo survival of mycobacteria. Blocking the CFP-10–EccCb1 interaction directly or indirectly underlies the inhibitory effect of IMB-BZ on the secretion of CFP-10. Importantly, our finding shows that the ESX-1 inhibitors pose low risk of drug resistance development by mycobacteria in vitro as compared with traditional anti-TB drugs, and exhibit high potency against chronic mycobacterial infection.

Conclusions
Targeting ESX-1 may lead to the development of novel therapeutics for tuberculosis. IMB-BZ holds the potential for future development into a new anti-TB drug.
The limited state of training on the social dimensions of antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Hofstraat Karlijn , Spaan Vera F , de Vries Daniel H 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Training is needed to increase awareness and understanding of the complex problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among professionals. However, AMR capacity building often does not stretch beyond the biomedical sciences, limiting interdisciplinary collaboration.

Objectives
Considering the relevance of including the social sciences, this scoping review assesses the state of training on the social dimensions of AMR.

Methods
Twenty-eight training courses covering social dimensions of AMR were identified via a survey (n = 133), interviews (n = 6) and an additional internet search. General characteristics, quality and social science relevance indicators were extracted and analysed for each of these training courses.

Results
Because only 57% of the analysed training courses were fully focused on AMR, AMR was usually superficially covered, focusing on the biomedical basics and just mentioning some social aspects without using social science theories or experts. Only 3 of the 28 training courses covered AMR primarily from a social science perspective, while only 14% of the educators involved had social science expertise. Biomedical dimensions of AMR were covered twice as much as the social science dimensions. In the social science domain, institution and policy elements are most frequently covered, while transformations are the least covered.

Conclusions
There is a clear gap in educational resources on AMR, but moreover for social scientists wanting to engage in AMR, or for non-social scientists wanting to learn about the social dimensions of AMR from an interdisciplinary perspective. This gap needs to be bridged if we want social sciences to become a relevant partner in the struggle against AMR.
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG) Position Statement on the Use of Hyoscine-n-butylbromide (Buscopan) During Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Authors: Forbes Nauzer , Frehlich Levi , Borgaonkar Mark , Leontiadis Grigorios I , Tse Frances 
Published: September 2021

AbstractHyoscine butylbromide, also known as hyoscyamine or scopolamine, and sold under the trade name Buscopan, is an antimuscarinic agent commonly used to induce smooth muscle relaxation and reduce spasmodic activity of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract during endoscopic procedures. However, the balance between desirable and undesirable (adverse) effects is not clear when used during GI endoscopy. The Clinical Affairs Committee of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG) conducted systematic reviews and applied the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to develop recommendations for the use of Buscopan during GI endoscopy. To summarize, we recommend against the use of Buscopan before or during colonoscopy (strong recommendation, high certainty of evidence). We suggest against the use of Buscopan before or during gastroscopy (conditional recommendation, very low certainty of evidence). We suggest the use of Buscopan before or during ERCP (conditional recommendation, very low certainty of evidence). More research is needed to determine whether patients undergoing advanced procedures such as endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection benefit from its use. Buscopan should be used with caution in patients with cardiac comorbidities. According to its product monograph, Buscopan is contraindicated in patients with tachycardia, angina, and cardiac failure. Thus, Buscopan should be used very cautiously in patients with these conditions, and only when the potential benefits of its use outweigh the potential risks in a particular case. Such patients require careful cardiac monitoring in an environment where resuscitation equipment and appropriately trained staff to use it are readily available. According to its product monograph, Buscopan is also contraindicated in patients with prostatic hypertrophy with urinary retention, and therefore, should be used very cautiously in such patients as well, and only when the potential benefits of its use outweigh the potential risks in a particular case. Obtaining a preprocedural history of glaucoma is unlikely to be of value when considering Buscopan use. However, in cases where Buscopan has been used, patients should be counselled postprocedurally and told to present to an emergency facility should they experience eye pain, redness, decreased vision, nausea and vomiting or headache.
Litter age interacted with N and P addition to impact soil N2O emissions in Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations
Authors: Wang Shuli , Yuan Xi , Zhang Ling , Chen Fusheng , Fang Xiangmin , Liu Xiaojun , Deng Bangliang , Shad Nasir , Zhang Wenyuan , Hu Xiaofei , Guo Xiaomin , Siemann Evan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Litter decomposition impacts carbon (C) and nutrient cycling. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) addition as well as litter age impact litter decomposition. Effects of nutrient addition and litter age on litter decomposition may impact emissions of soil nitrous oxide (N2O), which is an important greenhouse gas. However, no study has examined the effects of interactions between litter age and nutrient addition on soil N2O emissions, and explored the underlining mechanisms simultaneously, thus limiting our evaluation of litter decomposition effects on N2O emissions. Litter with different age was collected from Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations experienced N and P addition treatments to examine the effects of nutrient addition and litter age on N2O emissions by incubation study. Litter age generally increased N2O emissions via a decrease in litter C:N ratio. While P addition decreased N2O emissions, N addition increased them mainly by positive effects on soil enzymes as indicated by microbial functional genes associated with N2O production and negative effects on litter C:N ratio. Litter age and nutrient addition interacted to impact soil N2O emissions. In future forest management, both nutrient addition and litter age should be considered in evaluation of management effects on N2O emissions, especially thinning or selectively cutting involving litter input with different age.
Integrated Behavioral Health Increases Well-Child Visits and Immunizations in the First Year
Authors: Ammerman Robert T , Herbst Rachel , Mara Constance A , Taylor Stuart , McClure Jessica M , Burkhardt Mary Carol , Stark Lori J 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objective
To assess whether integrated behavioral health (IBH) prevention encounters provided during well-child visits (WCVs) is associated with increased adherence to WCVs and timely immunizations in the first year.

Methods
Data were collected in an urban pediatric primary care clinic serving a low-income population and using the HealthySteps model. Subjects were 813 children who attended a newborn well-child visit between January 13, 2016 and August 8, 2017. Data from the electronic health record was extracted on attendance at six well-child visits in the first year of life, IBH prevention encounters by the HealthySteps specialist, completion of immunizations at 5 and 14 months, and demographics and social and clinical risk factors.

Results
After controlling for covariates, odds of attendance at 6, 9, and 12-month WCVs were significantly higher for those who had IBH prevention encounters at previous WCVs. Odds of immunization completion by 5 months was associated with number of IBH prevention encounters in the first 4 months (OR = 1.52, p = .001) but not immunization completion at 14 months (OR = 1.18, p = .059).

Conclusions
IBH prevention encounters were associated with increased adherence to WCVs in the first year and vaccine completion at 5 months of age. These findings are consistent with IBH having a broad positive effect on child health and health care through strong relational connections with families and providing value in addressing emotional and behavioral concerns in the context of WCVs.
Utilizing the Faxitron MultiRad 225 X-ray irradiation system for the construction of mouse chronic whole brain radiation model
Authors: He Yihua , Peng Yuqin , Chang Yuan , Zhu Juan , Li Zheqi , Huang Kaibin , Pan Suyue 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Radiation-induced brain injury (RBI) is a common complication of radiotherapy for head and neck tumors while its mechanism is not fully understood. Animal whole-brain radiation (WBR) models are of key importance in experimental radiation research, and an appropriate radiation source is essential. Previous animal WBR models were administered by clinical linear accelerator to induce the pathophysiological changes of RBI. In the current study, we adopted Faxitron MultiRad 225 X-ray irradiation system to construct a mouse WBR model with a single dose of 30 Gy. In the acute phase of this mouse WBR model, brain edema and blood–brain barrier (BBB) damage were found mild. However, two months later, the results of immunofluorescence showed that astrocytes and microglia were activated continuously, and the number of immature neurons in dentate gyrus (DG) area of hippocampus was significantly reduced, in accordance with the features of chronic pathophysiological changes. Besides, data of MRI scans and behavior tests illustrated the structural changes of brain tissue and cognitive impairment in the chronic phase. To sum up, this mouse WBR model using the Faxitron MultiRad 225 irradiation system with a single dose of 30 Gy is feasible to simulate the RBI-related chronic pathophysiological changes.
The impact of lymphopenia during chemoradiotherapy using photons or protons on the clinical outcomes of esophageal cancer patients
Authors: Sumiya Taisuke , Ishikawa Hitoshi , Hiroshima Yuichi , Nakamura Masatoshi , Murakami Motohiro , Mizumoto Masashi , Okumura Toshiyuki , Sakurai Hideyuki 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
We assessed the development of lymphopenia during concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) using X-ray versus proton beams and the impact on survival in patients with esophageal cancer. Among patients with esophageal cancer who were administered concurrent CRT with a curative intent at our institute from 2014 to 2018, 69 (15 receiving X-ray radiotherapy (XRT) and 54 receiving proton beam therapy [PBT]) who underwent weekly blood testing during treatment were enrolled. The absolute lymphocyte counts (ALC) at 1, 5 and 6 weeks were significantly higher in the patients who received PBT than in those who received XRT (p = 0.002, p = 0.006 and p = 0.009, respectively), and a similar trend in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was observed (p = 0.003 at 5 weeks). The 2-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates tended to be higher in the patients who maintained an ALC ≥200 compared with those who did not (p = 0.083 and p = 0.053, respectively), and similar trends were observed in the NLR (p = 0.061 and p = 0.038, respectively). Dose–volume analysis revealed significant correlations between volumes of the thoracic bones irradiated by 5–50 Gy and minimum ALCs and maximum NLR. These findings suggested that PBT prevented the development of lymphopenia during CRT by reducing the irradiated volume of the thoracic bone, and the maintained lymphocyte count is possibly one of the early predictors for survival in patients with esophageal cancer.
Multiple caecal granular cell tumours—a case report
Authors: Fok Kar Yin , P’Ng Chow Heok , Mahajan Hema , Gosselink Martijn Pieter , El-Khoury Toufic 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Granular cell tumours (GCTs) are generally benign neoplasms, which are believed to be of neural origin. They are uncommon in the gastrointestinal tract. They are rarely found in the colon and even more rarely found to be multiple. We present a case of a man who underwent a right hemicolectomy for a submucosal lesion and polyps and was found to have multiple nodules diagnosed as caecal GCTs with cellular atypia. While uncommon, this case shows it remains an important differential due to implications for patient management, given the often benign nature of disease.
Deflected Agreement and Verb Singular in Arabic: A Three-Stage Historical Model
Authors: Owens Jonathan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
A categorical initial Vsg (verb in singular) in Classical Arabic (‘verbal sentence’) is unique among the Semitic languages, and can therefore be postulated to be innovative in it. This paper situates this phenomenon in the larger context of the development of so-called deflected agreement (FSG agreement with a plural subject). A three-stage historical model is developed whereby stage 2 in particular saw an explosion of FSG agreement among almost all categories of plural subject nouns. It is during this phase that categorical initial Vsg is argued to have emerged. However, the origin of the characteristic Arabic deflected agreement rule is tentatively suggested to have begun not among plural nouns but among collectives, comparable phenomena in Hebrew and Syriac indicating a West Semitic origin. The three stages are to be understood as being each associated with different speech communities, which explains why each of the stages is still attested in different parts of the Arabic-speaking world today.
Differential sensitivity to temperature and evaporative demand in wheat relatives
Authors: Leveau Stéphane , Parent Boris , Zaka Serge , Martre Pierre 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThere are potential sources of alleles and genes currently present in wheat-related species that have the potential to be introduced into wheat breeding programs targeting current and future hot and dry climates. However, to date neither the intra- nor the interspecific diversity of the responses of leaf growth and transpiration to temperature and evaporative demand have been investigated in across a significant range of wheat-related species. By analysing 12 groups of wheat-related species and subspecies, we were able to examine the multi-dimensional structure of the genetic diversity for traits linked to plant vegetative structures and their development, and to leaf expansion and transpiration, together with their responses to ‘non-stressing’ ranges of temperature and evaporative demand. In addition to providing new insights on how genome type, ploidy level, phylogeny, and breeding pressure act together to structure this genetic diversity, our study also provides new mathematical formalisms and associated parameters for trait responses across a wide range of genetic diversity in wheat-related species. This will potentially allow crop models to predict the impact of this diversity on yield, and thus to indicate potential sources of varietal improvement for modern wheat germplasms through interspecific crosses.
Transcriptional regulation of LGALS9 by HAND2 and FOXO1 in human endometrial stromal cells in women with regular cycles
Authors: Murata Hiromi , Tanaka Susumu , Hisamatsu Yoji , Tsubokura Hiroaki , Hashimoto Yoshiko , Kitada Masaaki , Okada Hidetaka 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Uterine natural killer cells are regulated via surface inhibitory receptors for IL15 and galectin-9 (LGALS9) secreted by endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). However, the mechanism that regulates LGALS9 mRNA levels in ESCs is unclear. The aim of this study is to clarify the transcriptional regulation of LGALS9 in ESCs. Here, LGALS9 mRNA expression levels significantly decreased in the endometrial tissue in the early- to mid-secretory phase, and recovered in the mid- to late-secretory phase, compared to that in the proliferative phase. In ESCs, LGALS9 mRNA expression significantly decreased following estradiol + medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment for 1 day and increased after 12 days compared to that in the control. The transcriptional activity of the LGALS9 upstream region was upregulated by heart and neural crest derivatives expressed 2 (HAND2) and downregulated by forkhead box O1 (FOXO1). In ESCs, HAND2 expression significantly increased throughout the 12 days treatment with steroid hormones, whereas FOXO1 expression significantly increased on Day 1, reached a plateau, and significantly increased again after 6 days of treatment. Levels of FOXO1 phosphorylation (pFOXO1) remained unchanged after a 3-day treatment of ESCs with steroid hormones, but significantly increased following a 12-day treatment. pFOXO1 could not bind to the DNA and was thus unable to directly suppress LGALS9 transcription. Therefore, expression level of HAND2 and phosphorylation status of FOXO1 may determine LGALS9 mRNA expression. This study provides a novel molecular mechanism underlying the transcriptional regulation of LGALS9 mRNA in ESCs, which could be valuable in the treatment of diseases associated with decidualization failure.