bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antitrypanosomal activity of new semi‐synthetic bergenin derivatives
Authors: El‐Hawary Seham S. , Mohammed Rabab , AbouZid Sameh , Zaki Mohamed A. , Ali Zeinab Y. , Elwekeel Ahlam , Elshemy Heba A. H. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBergenin and 11‐O‐(4'‐O‐methyl galloyl)‐bergenin, previously isolated from Crassula capitella extract, were used as starting materials for the synthesis of eight derivatives; four derivatives 2a–2d were synthesized from bergenin through the formation of ester derivatives and four alkyl derivatives 4a–4d were synthesized from 11‐O‐(4′‐O‐methyl galloyl)‐bergenin. The structures of the synthesized analogues were confirmed upon 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic elucidation. Antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities of the synthesized derivatives were evaluated, compounds 11‐O‐(3′,5′ di‐benzyl, 4′‐O‐methyl galloyl)‐8,10‐di‐O‐benzyl‐bergenin (4c) and 11‐O‐(3′,5′di‐4‐chlorobenzyl,4′‐O‐methyl galloyl)‐8,10di‐O‐4‐chlorobenzyl bergenin (4d) showed potent antitrypanosomal activity with IC50 values of 0.52 and 0.5 μM, respectively and IC90 values of 0.66 μM against T. brucei compared with IC50 and IC90 values of 21.7 and 50.3 μM for the positive control difluoromethylornithine.
Inhibitory control, dyadic social behavior, and mental health difficulties in preschoolers
Authors: Hassan Raha , Schmidt Louis A. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAlthough inhibitory control is typically associated with positive outcomes, several theoretical frameworks suggest that too little and too much inhibitory control may be problematic. Using a longitudinal, latent variable approach, we examined whether a multi‐method index of inhibitory control at Time 1 (N = 105, 52 girls, Mage = 3.50 years, 87% White) predicted observed social behavior with an unfamiliar peer and maternal report of preschoolers’ mental health difficulties at Time 2 (Mage = 4.76 years). Data collection occurred between 2017 and 2019. Inhibitory control displayed a U‐shaped relation with prospective outcomes, where high and low levels of inhibitory control were associated with higher levels of avoidant social behaviors and mental health difficulties. The results are discussed in the context of under‐ and over‐regulation in understanding individual differences in children's social behavior and mental health difficulties.
A prospective trial of the THD SphinKeeper® for faecal incontinence
Authors: Colbran Rachel , Gillespie Christopher , Warwick Andrea 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimTHD SphinKeeper® is an emerging surgical technique for faecal incontinence (FI). The safety, indications and efficacy of the procedure are still being investigated. The aim of this study is to present the first experience of SphinKeeper® in Australia.MethodThis was a prospective single‐centre observational study of patients undergoing SphinKeeper® implantation between February 2018 and September 2019. Baseline demographics, intraoperative and postoperative complications, Cleveland Clinic Faecal Incontinence Score, St Mark's Incontinence Score, Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life score (FIQOL), anorectal manometry and endo‐anal ultrasound were assessed preoperatively and 3 and 12 months after implantation.ResultsThirteen patients (2 male, 11 female) underwent implantation during the study period. Anal sphincter defects were present in 13 (76.9%) patients [external anal sphincter (EAS) defect, 2 (15.4%); internal anal sphincter (IAS) defect 4 (30.8%); EAS + IAS defect, 4 (30.8%)]. Median follow‐up was 32 months (range 18–37 months). There were four complications: one intraoperative (rectal perforation) and three postoperative (one implant extrusion, two implants that required removal due to malposition). At 12 months, an average of 9/10 implants remained ideally placed in each patient. THD SphinKeeper® insertion was associated with an improvement in coping/behaviour as measured using FIQOL (p = 0.047). However, the procedure did not improve FI scores or anorectal manometry parameters.ConclusionIn this study, SphinKeeper® marginally improved symptoms of FI but there was no significant impact on anorectal manometric measurements. Larger‐scale studies are needed to determine the patient cohort most likely to benefit from this procedure.
COVID‐19 lockdown and traffic accidents: Lessons from the pandemic
Authors: Barnes Stephen R. , Beland Louis‐Philippe , Huh Jason , Kim Dongwoo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWe use a regression discontinuity design to study the effect of the COVID‐19 lockdown on traffic accidents. Based on administrative data from Louisiana, we find that the lockdown order led to a significant decrease in traffic accidents (−47%), including accidents involving injury (−46%) and ambulance (−41%). We also find evidence of heterogeneous changes in the decline of drivers involved in accidents, with a smaller decline among individuals aged 25 to 64, male, and nonwhite drivers.
Hospitalization and death after recovery from acute COVID‐19 among renal transplant recipients
Authors: Basic‐Jukic Nikolina , Racki Sanjin , Tolj Ivana , Aleckovic Mirna , Babovic Batric , Juric Ivana , Furic‐Cunko Vesna , Katalinic Lea , Mihaljevic Dubravka , Vujic Sofija , Mesic Enisa , Jelakovic Bojan , Kastelan Zeljko 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionData on post‐COVID‐19 in renal transplant recipients (RTR) is scarce. We investigated the rate of hospitalizations, reasons for hospital admission, and mortality rate among RTR who survived acute COVID‐19.MethodsA multi‐center retrospective observational cohort study measured hospital admission and death to 180 days after acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in 308 adult patients.ResultsThe median age was 57 years, 64.9% were male. All patients had at least one comorbidity, and 26.3% had diabetes. Data on post‐COVID‐19 course was available for 267 patients, and 49 of them (15.9%) required hospital treatment after recovery from the acute infection. The most common indications included pneumonia (24.5%) and renal allograft dysfunction (22.4%), 7 (14.3%) had sepsis and 5 (10.2%) had thrombotic events. A median duration of the hospital stay was 12 days. Six patients (2.2%) died due to multiorgan failure, respiratory insufficiency or urosepsis. The strongest predictor for hospitalization after acute COVID‐19 was hospitalization for acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, while better allograft function decreased the probability of hospitalization.ConclusionDelayed consequences of acute COVID‐19 are highly prevalent and the health care systems should be prepared to respond to the needs of RTR suffering from post‐COVID‐19 complications.
Urinary neopterin: A novel biomarker of disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Shepheard Stephanie R. , Karnaros Vassilios , Benyamin Beben , Schultz David W. , Dubowsky Megan , Wuu Joanne , Chataway Tim , Malaspina Andrea , Benatar Michael , Rogers Mary‐Louise 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeThe aim was to evaluate urinary neopterin, a marker of pro‐inflammatory state, as a potential biomarker of disease prognosis and progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); and to compare its utility to urinary neurotrophin receptor p75 extracellular domain (p75ECD).MethodsThis was an observational study including 21 healthy controls and 46 people with ALS, 29 of whom were sampled longitudinally. Neopterin and p75ECD were measured using enzyme‐linked immunoassays. Baseline and longitudinal changes in clinical measures, neopterin and urinary p75ECD were examined, and prognostic utility was explored by survival analysis.ResultsAt baseline, urinary neopterin was higher in ALS compared to controls (181.7 ± 78.9 μmol/mol creatinine vs. 120.4 ± 60.8 μmol/mol creatinine, p = 0.002, Welch's t test) and correlated with the Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (r = −0.36, p = 0.01). Combining previously published urinary p75ECD results from 22 ALS patients with a further 24 ALS patients, baseline urinary p75ECD was also higher compared to healthy controls (6.0 ± 2.7 vs. 3.2 ± 1.0 ng/mg creatinine, p < 0.0001) and correlated with the Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (r = −0.36, p = 0.01). Urinary neopterin and p75ECD correlated with each other at baseline (r = 0.38, p = 0.009). In longitudinal analysis, urinary neopterin increased on average (±SE) by 6.8 ± 1.1 µmol/mol creatinine per month (p < 0.0001) and p75ECD by 0.19 ± 0.02 ng/mg creatinine per month (p < 0.0001) from diagnosis in 29 ALS patients.ConclusionUrinary neopterin holds promise as marker of disease progression in ALS and is worthy of future evaluation for its potential to predict response to anti‐inflammatory therapies.
Economic evaluation of deep brain stimulation compared with vagus nerve stimulation and usual care for patients with refractory epilepsy: A lifetime decision analytic model
Authors: Chan Hoi Yau , Wijnen Ben F. M. , Majoie Marian H. J. M. , Evers Silvia M. A. A. , Hiligsmann Mickaël 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectivesThis study was undertaken to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of deep brain stimulation (DBS) compared with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and care as usual (CAU) for adult patients with refractory epilepsy from a health care perspective using a lifetime decision analytic model.MethodsA Markov decision analytic model was constructed to estimate the lifetime cost‐effectiveness of DBS compared with VNS and CAU. Transition probabilities were estimated from a randomized controlled trial, and assumptions were made in consensus with an expert panel. Primary outcomes were expressed as incremental costs per quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY) and per responder. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to characterize parameter uncertainty.ResultsIn DBS, 28.4% of the patients were responders, with an average of 21.38 QALYs per patient and expected lifetime health care costs of €187 791. VNS had fewer responders (22.3%), fewer QALYs (20.70), and lower lifetime costs (€156 871). CAU had the fewest responders (6.2%), fewest QALYs (18.74), and lowest total health care costs (€64 670). When comparing with CAU, incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) showed that costs per QALY gained were slightly lower for DBS (€46 640) than for VNS (€47 155). When comparing DBS with VNS, an incremental cost per additional QALY gained of €45 170 was found for DBS. Sensitivity analyses showed that ICERs were heavily dependent on assumptions regarding loss to follow‐up in the respective clinical trial.SignificanceThis study suggests that, given current limited evidence, VNS and DBS are potentially cost‐effective treatment strategies compared to CAU for patients with refractory epilepsy. However, results for DBS were heavily impacted by assumptions made to extrapolate nonresponse from the original trial. More stringent assumptions regarding nonresponse resulted in an ICER just above an acceptable willingness to pay threshold. Given the uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of DBS and the large impact of assumptions related to nonresponse, further empirical research is needed to reduce uncertainty.
Does corruption distance affect cross‐border acquisitions? Different tales from developed and emerging markets
Authors: Ghosh Chinmoy , Narayan P. C. , Prasadh R. Shyaam , Thenmozhi Muthuveerappan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractUsing a large sample of cross‐border deals, we find an inverted U‐shaped relationship between corruption distance and cross‐border acquisition (CBA) volume. CBAs involving higher corruption distance show negative post‐acquisition performance. However, multinational enterprises (MNEs) with larger equity stakes deliver superior gains. We find that the ownership strategy varies with levels of corruption distance. MNEs mitigate adverse selection and moral hazard problems by acquiring targets from a related industry and targets with a foothold. We demonstrate that CBA activity and ownership strategy vary between developed and emerging economies and both ‘level’ and ‘direction’ of corruption distance are important in its effect on CBAs.
Identification and widespread environmental distribution of a gene cassette implicated in anaerobic dichloromethane degradation
Authors: Murdoch Robert W. , Chen Gao , Kara Murdoch Fadime , Mack E. Erin , Villalobos Solis Manuel I. , Hettich Robert L. , Löffler Frank E. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAnthropogenic activities and natural processes release dichloromethane (DCM, methylene chloride), a toxic chemical with substantial ozone‐depleting capacity. Specialized anaerobic bacteria metabolize DCM; however, the genetic basis for this process has remained elusive. Comparative genomics of the three known anaerobic DCM‐degrading bacterial species revealed a homologous gene cluster, designated the methylene chloride catabolism (mec) gene cassette, comprising 8–10 genes encoding proteins with 79.6%–99.7% amino acid identities. Functional annotation identified genes encoding a corrinoid‐dependent methyltransferase system, and shotgun proteomics applied to two DCM‐catabolizing cultures revealed high expression of proteins encoded on the mec gene cluster during anaerobic growth with DCM. In a DCM‐contaminated groundwater plume, the abundance of mec genes strongly correlated with DCM concentrations (R2 = 0.71–0.85) indicating their potential value as process‐specific bioremediation biomarkers. mec gene clusters were identified in metagenomes representing peat bogs, the deep subsurface, and marine ecosystems including oxygen minimum zones (OMZs), suggesting a capacity for DCM degradation in diverse habitats. The broad distribution of anaerobic DCM catabolic potential infers a role for DCM as an energy source in various environmental systems, and implies that the global DCM flux (i.e., the rate of formation minus the rate of consumption) might be greater than emission measurements suggest.
How do we and how should we deal with uncertainty in endodontics?
Authors: Pigg Maria , Brodén Joséphine , Fransson Helena ,   EndoReCo,   the Foresight Research Consortium, Vareman Niklas 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn many clinical cases a dentist may feel certain when for example diagnosing, deciding on treatment, or assessing the prognosis—in other cases many dentists may feel a degree of doubt or uncertainty. This paper aims to explore the philosophical concept of uncertainty and its different dimensions, using the condition “persistent apical periodontitis associated with a previously root filled tooth” as an example. Acknowledging that uncertainty exists in any clinical situation can be perceived as uncomfortable, as some might regard it as a weakness. Whilst some types of uncertainty met in dental practice can be addressed and reduced, there are other types which are inevitable and must be accepted. To make sound decisions, it is pertinent that the dentist reflects on and values the consequences of uncertainty. In this paper, a conceptual model is presented by which the dentist can identify the type of uncertainty in a clinical case, making it possible to decide on a strategy on how to manage the uncertainty and its possible consequences, with the aim to support the dentist's care for their patients. The understanding that uncertainty exists and the ability to acknowledge and be comfortable with it when making decisions should be addressed throughout our professional career, and thus ought to be developed during undergraduate education. Some suggestions on how teachers could target this are given in the paper.
Management of compromised first permanent molars in a cohort of UK paediatric patients referred to hospital‐based services
Authors: AlKhalaf Reem , Neves Aline de Almeida , Warburton Fiona , Banerjee Avijit , Hosey Marie Therese 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere are diverse opinions among dentists about managing compromised first permanent molars (cFPMs) in children and a perceived lack of guidance to help them evaluate prognosis.AimTo evaluate the current management of cFPM in children referred to a UK hospital centre and to report the severity of the affected teeth.DesignA service evaluation was undertaken, based on case records of medically fit children (6‐11 years) referred to for the management of cFPMs. The presence of hypomineralisation, post‐eruptive breakdown and the proposed care plans were recorded. Radiographic signs of severity were scored using the ICDAS index (intra/inter‐rater kappa 0.96/0.82).ResultsFrom 349 records screened over a 4‐month period, 249 met the selection criteria. Almost 81% were planned to have extraction of at least one cFPM, whereas 19.3% were managed without extraction. More than half of the extraction cases (n = 105) had radiographic radiolucencies not exceeding the middle third of dentine in the worst‐affected FPM. At the time of extraction, the mean age of the patients was 9.8 years (±0.9). GA was used in 196 (97.5%) cases, and 40.8% had not received previous treatment in any of their cFPMs.ConclusionPotentially restorable cFPMs in children is, most of the time, in a cohort of UK patients referred for tier 3 services, being managed by timed extractions under general anasethesia.
Migrants and default: Evidence from China
Authors: Li Jianwen , Hu Jinyan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractReform and opening up have stimulated internal migration; at the same time, home bias and regional discrimination have become pressing problems in China, even though the internet has reduced distance‐related informational frictions. Evidence from an emerging peer‐to‐peer lending platform shows that migration statuses can reveal additional information about borrowers' credit risk. Ceteris paribus, migrants, interprovincial migrants, upward‐moving migrants, and long‐distance migrants are less likely to default; this is especially true for migrants with stronger educational backgrounds and work experience. Further analyses show that migrants tend to have higher credit quality, lower financing costs, and better economic attributes and assimilate themselves to a higher trusted culture, allowing them to default less than nonmigrants. This means that lenders and trading platforms may rely on the informative content of migration to adjust their lending policies in a fashion that attracts more participation from creditworthy migrants.
Ban the Bag: Support for Plastic Bag Reduction Strategies in Northeast Ohio
Authors: Bartolotta Jill F. , Hardy Scott D. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSociety's use of plastic is increasing, while the ability to properly manage plastic waste is decreasing. In response, improved waste management systems and the adoption of reusable products made from sustainable materials are needed. Municipal governments in the United States are beginning to institute policies reducing unlimited free access to plastic products such as bags, straws, and Styrofoam. However, some state governments in the Great Lakes region, and elsewhere, have responded by making these pro‐environmental policies illegal. Such policies shift the onus of using less plastic to local businesses and conscious consumers. In response, this project sought to determine the effectiveness of a plastic bag ban, supported by targeted education and outreach, at several local businesses in northeast Ohio. Results suggest that the initial implementation and non‐enforcement phase of the bag ban did not lead to a reduction in the use of plastic bags. However, survey respondents indicate they are supportive of policies reducing accessibility and unlimited availability of plastic bags. Results further show most people have access to their own reusable bags and support businesses who charge for, or no longer offer, plastic bags. In conclusion, voluntary reduction of bag use by customers is not effective and store policies or legislation is needed to reduce the use of plastic bags.
“Putting Suppliers on the Map:” Centering Upstream Voices in Water Funds Outreach
Authors: Prado Kelly Meza , Bremer Leah L. , Nelson Sara , Brauman Kate A. , Vargas Amalia Morales , Gould Rachelle K. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAs water funds and other watershed investment programs expand around the world, there is growing interest in designing equitable programs that provide both upstream and downstream benefits. While research demonstrates that diverse values underlie upstream participation, existing communication and outreach materials from non‐governmental organizations (NGOs), governments, development banks, and others tend to highlight the goals of downstream actors (e.g., improving water supply for cities), with little attention to upstream perspectives. We present a case study in response to this gap, where we collaborated with a water fund and a river users association in Colombia to co‐produce a website entitled “Putting Suppliers on the Map” in which interviews and photography illuminate the perspectives of upstream participants and the intermediary organization. The website offers multiple lessons for communication and environmental education in water funds by shifting focus to the motivations of upstream participants, including trust‐building among upstream and downstream participants via intermediary actors, and informing downstream water users of the essential role of these processes for program success. Analyzing the website testimonials, we show that the vast majority of participants were motivated not only by overlapping instrumental and relational values associated with conservation, but also by a variety of personal and community goals. We found that the largest barrier to participation over time was the need to build trust between the water fund and rural communities and to align water fund goals with participants' motivations. By making visible the motivations and challenges of upstream actors, the website reverses the standard direction of environmental education (in which high‐level actors or downstream groups educate upstream residents). In‐so‐doing, the website aims to help downstream actors envision more productive and equitable ways of interacting with upstream participants.
Informing the Development of the Coast Model of the Watershed Game
Authors: Bareford Karen , Hagley Cynthia , Bilotta John , Miller‐Way Tina , Rodman Madison , Schomberg Jesse , Sweetman Brenna 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSince 2006 the Watershed Game, a role‐playing simulation and serious game focused on managing nonpoint source pollution at the watershed scale, has been used across the U.S. to improve understanding of, commitment to, and involvement in watershed‐scale management. Stakeholder or student participants manage a fictitious watershed to meet a “Clean Water Goal.” Designed for freshwater watersheds, the game is available in local leader and classroom versions, and play is led by trained facilitators or educators. To inform the expansion of the Watershed Game to include coastal watersheds, a needs assessment was conducted to identify water quality and management challenges in coastal regions, using the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic as a case study. Several methods for assessing critical coastal management challenges and key land uses to prioritize in the game were employed: a review of reports, expert focus group, survey of Gulf and South Atlantic regional experts, second survey of coastal experts from the National Sea Grant Network to verify widespread applicability, and finally pilot tests of the draft game. Results showed high agreement among assessment methodologies regarding the most critical coastal challenges and important land uses to feature in the game. As a result, the Coast Model of the Watershed Game focuses on three primary nonpoint source pollutants, excess nitrogen, excess phosphorus, and excess sediment. Additionally, results indicated a need to integrate a new game element, resilience to flooding, which has been added to the challenge of winning the game by meeting the Clean Water Goal.