bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential biological markers by DNA‐based tools for determination of Greek PDO geographical origin and authenticity: “Avgotaracho Mesolonghiou” and “Vostizza currant”
Authors: Dimitrakopoulou Maria‐Eleni , Kotsalou Chrysoula , Koudouna Maria , Katechaki Eleftheria , Vantarakis Apostolos 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundFood traceability and authentication had become mandatory for food industry and global food trade. Numerous DNA‐based methods could contribute against food frauds, because of their advantages such as simplicity, accuracy, and robustness. The aim of this study was to explore whether unique biological markers for two high valuable and popular Greek protected designation of origin (PDO) products could be indicated. For this purpose, “Avgotaracho Mesolonghiou” known as Greek caviar and “Vostizza” currant were subjected to DNA‐based analysis. PCR‐RAPD, PCR‐RFLP, and PCR‐DGGE were performed for Greek PDO products and potential biological markers were explored, based on either genomic DNA or bacteria communities.ResultsBand profiles resulted in molecular techniques, could be used as a “barcode” to certify the origin and authenticity of PDO products.ConclusionThese methods are proposed, as alternative traceability tools, in order to provide unique markers and could be the key to “farm to table” challenge. Therefore, biological markers could be used throughout the entire commercial supply chain and protect food products, which hold a quality scheme, from adulterations.
Novel insights about albumin in cardiovascular diseases: Focus on heart failure
Authors: Zoanni Beatrice , Brioschi Maura , Mallia Alice , Gianazza Erica , Eligini Sonia , Carini Marina , Aldini Giancarlo , Banfi Cristina 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe Human Plasma Proteome has always been the most investigated compartment in proteomics‐based biomarker discovery, and is considered the largest and deepest version of the human proteome, reflecting the state of the body in health and disease. Even if efforts have been always dedicated to the refinement of proteomic approaches to investigate more deeply the plasma proteome, it should not be forgotten that also highly abundant plasma proteins, like human serum albumin (HSA), often neglected in these studies, might provide fundamental physiological functions in plasma, and should be better considered. This review summarizes the important roles of HSA in the context of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and in particular in heart failure. Notwithstanding much attention has been historically directed toward the association of HSA levels and CVD risk, the advances in the field of mass spectrometry research allow also a better characterization of the effects of oxidative modifications that could alter not only the structure but also the function of HSA.
The phenotype and rhGH treatment response of ring Chromosome 15 Syndrome: Case report and literature review
Authors: Chen Meiping , Ke Xiaoan , Liang Hanting , Gong Fengying , Yang Hongbo , Wang Linjie , Duan Lian , Pan Hui , Cao Dongyan , Zhu Huijuan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundRing chromosome 15 [r (15)] is an uncommon finding with various clinical manifestations. A common phenotype for these patients has not been established and data on the efficacy of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment in patients with r (15) syndrome are limited.MethodsOne short stature patient in our hospital with r (15) syndrome by whole exome sequencing (WES) and karyotype examination was included. All published r (15) syndrome cases as of March 15, 2021, were searched, and their clinical information was recorded and summarized.ResultsOne 11.5‐year‐old female with prenatal and postnatal growth retardation, ventricular septal defect, intellectual disability, downward corners, short fifth metacarpal bone, scattered milk coffee spots, and a right ovarian cyst was included. Her height was 126.9 cm (−3.45 SDS). Karyotype analysis showed 46, XX, r (15). WES revealed a 4.5 Mb heterozygous deletion in the chromosome 15q26.2‐q26.3 region, encompassing genes from ARRDC4 to OR4F15. Gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone analogue (triptorelin) and rhGH were administered for 6 months. The height has increased 3.8 cm (+0.2SDS) and the calculated growth rate has improved from 4.7 to 7.6 cm/y. The literature review indicated the main clinical manifestations of r (15) syndrome with prenatal and postnatal growth retardation, characteristic craniofacial features, and multisystem abnormalities, and rhGH treatment is beneficial for r (15) syndrome patients with short stature.ConclusionWe delineate the clinical spectrum of r (15) syndrome with the identification of an additional individual and rhGH treatment is beneficial for r (15) syndrome patients with short stature.
Estimation of standard deviations and inverse‐variance weights from an observed range
Authors: Walter Stephen D. , Rychtář Jan , Taylor Dewey , Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA variety of methods have been proposed to estimate a standard deviation, when only a sample range has been observed or reported. This problem occurs in the interpretation of individual clinical studies that are incompletely reported, and also in their incorporation into meta‐analyses. The methods differ with respect to their focus being either on the standard deviation in the underlying population or on the particular sample in hand, a distinction that has not been widely recognized. In this article, we contrast and compare various estimators of these two quantities with respect to bias and mean squared error, for normally distributed data. We show that unbiased estimators are available for either quantity, and recommend our preferred methods. We also propose a Taylor series method to obtain inverse‐variance weights, for samples where only the sample range is available; this method yields very little bias, even for quite small samples. In contrast, the naïve approach of simply taking the inverse of an estimated variance is shown to be substantially biased, and can place unduly large weight on small samples, such as small clinical trials in a meta‐analysis. Accordingly, this naïve (but commonly used) method is not recommended.
Quantification of energy and cost reduction from decreasing dissolved oxygen levels in full‐scale water resource recovery facilities
Authors: Pasini Federico , Garrido‐Baserba Manel , Sprague Travis , Cambiaso Pietro , Rosso Diego 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAeration systems often lack the efficiency to maintain a desired residual dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in the tank in part because little consideration is given to the dynamic daily and seasonal loading conditions. Although advanced aeration controllers exist, the majority of plants have DO set points typically based on common practice and literature values rather than site‐specific conditions, which can result in DO set points higher than those necessary to meet treatment objectives. DO set point reduction strategies have primarily been proposed through either static or dynamic simulations. In this study, the substantial improvements associated with DO set point reduction are demonstrated at full scale. A yearlong characterization of full‐scale aeration dynamics captured the effect of diurnal and seasonal fluctuations on oxygen transfer and energy demand and so facilitated the estimation of the potential savings of DO reduction strategies. Full‐scale validation provided direct evidence of DO reduction strategies inducing an overall enhancement of oxygen transfer efficiency along the different bioreactors, while confirming that energy savings as high as 20% were feasible. This study quantifies the influence of oxygen transfer efficiency on operating choices and site‐specific conditions (control strategy, loading conditions, and influent flow variability).Practitioner points

We quantified the energy reduction and cost savings associated with a DO reduction in an aeration tank.
For each 0.2 mg/L of DO decreased, the average power demand reduction per unit water treated exceeded 17%.
Field measurements of dynamic alpha values eliminate the uncertainty in estimating aeration energy and cost savings from DO variations.
Establishment of the model on the expression and guidance of contemporary college students’ demands in the cyberspace environment
Authors: Cheng Zhichao , Liu Xinyang 
Published: November 2021

AbstractFaced with the most recent changes of the times, expectations of the nation and mission of universities, college students have been playing a major role in their respective university and become increasingly engaged in the development of universities and colleges. They are critical thinkers who are willing to undertake their responsibilities, and they have a strong sense of equality, legal awareness and consciousness for protecting their rights. In addition, in terms of the campus environment where they live, the needs of these college students vary from each other, and their demands for interest deserve much attention from both universities and the entire society. This paper intends to explore the status-quo of how contemporary college students’ demands are expressed, guided and handled in the cyberspace environment, and based on our analysis, we aim to put forward targeted suggestions of optimization. We have adopted the method of questionnaire survey to investigate the mechanism on the expression and guidance of contemporary college students’ demands in the cyberspace environment. By using such softwares as Excel, SPSS and Amos in our statistical analysis, we have established the model on the expression and guidance of contemporary college students’ demands in the cyberspace environment, which provides theoretical support for the endeavor of colleges and universities in this respect.
Mandating Symbolic Patriotism: China’s Flag and Anthem in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Authors: Clift Brendan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe Hong Kong statute criminalizing disrespect of the Chinese national anthem, passed in 2020, is one of many recent moves to suppress political dissent in the former British colony. The law restricts freedom of political expression, but its constitutionality is practically assured courtesy of earlier decisions upholding laws against flag desecration. This article draws on sociological and political literature to argue that symbolic nationalism, particularly when given the force of law, is a tool of the authoritarian state. Against this backdrop, it critically and comparatively analyses Hong Kong judicial decisions upholding the suppression of symbolic dissent, assessing their doctrinal coherence, normative defensibility, and consequences. It concludes with observations on the efficacy of attempts to enforce patriotic orthodoxy and on how deference to authoritarianism affects the rule of law.
Television and Economic Voting in US Presidential Elections
Authors: Song B.K. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this study, I investigate how information made available by the introduction of television affected the importance of the national economy in the context of US presidential elections from 1944 to 1964. Using the fact that television stations were introduced in counties across the United States at different points in time, I assess the effect of television on economic voting using a difference-in-differences design. I first show that television stations spent more time covering national politicians than did local newspapers in the 1960 presidential election. More national news increased the salience of the national economy in presidential elections. There was no evidence that television affected prospective pocketbook voting.
Palestine's Accession to Geneva Convention III: Typology of Captives Incarcerated by Israel
Authors: QAFISHEH Mutaz M. , MADBOUH Ihssan Adel 
Published: November 2021

AbstractUpon the 2014 State of Palestine's accession to Geneva Convention III, captured Palestinians who took part in belligerent acts against the occupier should be treated as prisoners of war due to the fact that they belong to a party to an armed conflict. These individuals fall under three categories: members of security forces, affiliates of armed resistance groups, and uprisers who fight the occupant spontaneously on an individual basis. Contrary to established rules of IHL, Israel does not make any distinction regarding the status of these three types. Unilateral Israeli treatment of its captives does not hold water under international law. Such actions may trigger liability based on international criminal law, particularly as the ICC decided in 2021 that it possesses jurisdiction to investigate crimes occurring in the territory of Palestine. The mere fact of confining prisoners of war after the cessation of hostilities may constitute a ground for criminal prosecution.
The total and direct effects of systolic and diastolic blood pressure on cardiovascular disease and longevity using Mendelian randomisation
Authors: Chan Io Ieong , Kwok Man Ki , Schooling C. Mary 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) blood pressure (BP) guidelines lowered the hypertension threshold to ≥ 130/80 mmHg, but the role of diastolic BP remains contested. This two-sample mendelian randomisation study used replicated genetic variants predicting systolic and diastolic BP applied to the UK Biobank and large genetic consortia, including of cardiovascular diseases and parental lifespan, to obtain total and direct effects. Systolic and diastolic BP had positive total effects on CVD (odds ratio (OR) per standard deviation 2.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.95, 2.37 and OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.73, 2.11, respectively). Direct effects were similar for systolic BP (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.48, 2.25) but completely attenuated for diastolic BP (1.18, 95% CI 0.97, 1.44), although diastolic BP was associated with coronary artery disease (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.03, 1.50). Systolic and diastolic BP had similarly negative total (− 0.20 parental attained age z-score, 95% CI − 0.22, − 0.17 and − 0.17, 95% CI − 0.20, − 0.15, respectively) and direct negative effects on longevity. Our findings suggest systolic BP has larger direct effects than diastolic BP on CVD, but both have negative effects (total and direct) on longevity, supporting the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines lowering both BP targets.
Reappraisal of bone scintigraphy as a new tool for the evaluation of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lee Sang Jin , Hong Chae Moon , Cho Il , Ahn Byeong-Cheol , Eun Jung Su , Kim Na Ri , Kang Jong Whan , Kang Young Mo 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe aimed to compare the reliability of bone scintigraphy (BS) and fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)—derived parameters in the detection of active arthritis in 28-joint areas and evaluate the reliability of joint counts between BS and clinical assessment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We enrolled 106 patients (67 in the development group and 39 in the validation groups) with active RA who underwent BS, 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography (CT), and clinical evaluation of disease activity. We compared the results of BS-derived joint assessment with those of PET-derived and clinical joint assessments. Subsequently we developed a disease activity score (DAS) using BS-positive joints and validated it in an independent group. The number of BS-positive joints in 28-joint areas significantly correlated with the swollen /tender joint counts (SJC/TJC) and PET-derived joint counts. A BS uptake score of 2 (strong positive) was significantly more sensitive compared with a BS uptake score of 1 (weak positive) in detecting a PET-positive joint among the 28-joints. After conducting multivariate analyses including erythrocyte sediment rate (ESR) and patient global assessment (PGA) in addition to BS-derived parameters, BS/DAS was obtained as follows: 0.056 × number of BS-positive joints in 28 joints + 0.012 × ESR + 0.030 × PGA. A significant correlation between BS/DAS and DAS28-ESR was confirmed in the validation group. Strong positive uptake of BS is sensitive and reproducible for the detection of active joints, and can complement the clinical assessment of disease activity in RA.
Evaluation of flow of chorioretinal capillaries in healthy black and white subjects using optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Massamba Nathalie , Mackin Anna G. , Chun Lindsay Y. , Rodriguez Sarah , Dimitroyannis Rose C. , Bodaghi Bahram , Hariprasad Seenu M. , Skondra Dimitra 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis study compared macular capillary parameters between healthy black and white subjects using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). We measured vessel density (VD) of superficial (SCP), intermediate (ICP), and deep (DCP) capillary plexuses and choriocapillaris blood flow area (BFA) of the fovea, parafovea and total 3 mm-diameter circular area centered on the fovea, as well as the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters, controlling for axial length. Black subjects had lower foveal and parafoveal VD in the SCP (p = 0.043 and p = 0.014) and the ICP (p = 0.014 and p = 0.002). In the DCP, black subjects had a trend toward lower foveal and parafoveal VD. Black subjects had decreased choriocapillaris BFA in the total 3 mm area (p = 0.011) and the parafovea (p = 0.033), larger FAZ area (p = 0.006) and perimeter (p = 0.014), and a higher capillary density in a 300 μm wide region around the FAZ (FD-300) (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in FAZ acircularity index. To our knowledge, this is the first report analyzing the three distinct retinal capillary plexuses and identifying differing baseline VD, choriocapillaris and FAZ parameters in healthy young black compared to white subjects. Larger studies are needed to validate these findings and better understand racial differences in vulnerability to ocular diseases.
Protective effects of low-molecular-weight components of adipose stem cell-derived conditioned medium on dry eye syndrome in mice
Authors: Lee Yuan-Chieh , Sun Li-Yi , Zhang Jia-Rong 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe present study demonstrated the protective effects of low-molecular-weight adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium (LADSC-CM) in a mouse model of dry eye syndrome. Mice subjected to desiccating stress and benzalkonium chloride had decreased tear secretion, impaired corneal epithelial tight junction with microvilli, and decreased conjunctival goblet cells. Topical application of adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium (ADSC-CM) stimulated lacrimal tear secretion, preserved tight junction and microvilli of the corneal epithelium, and increased the density of goblet cells and MUC16 expression in the conjunctiva. The low-molecular-weight fractions (< 10 kDa and < 3 kDa) of ADSC-CM (LADSC-CM) provided better protections than the > 10 kDa or > 3 kDa fractions of ADSC-CM. In the in vitro study, desiccation for 10 min or hyperosmolarity (490 osmols) for 24 h caused decreased viability of human corneal epithelial cells, which were reversed by LADSC-CM. The active ingredients in the LADSC-CM were lipophobic and stable after heating and lyophilization. Our study demonstrated that LADSC-CM had beneficial effects on experimental dry eye. It is worthy of further exploration for the active ingredient(s) and the mechanism.
Statin Therapy in Patients Undergoing Thoracic Aorta Replacement for Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Kindzelski Bogdan A. , Hanick Andrea L. , Miletic Kyle G. , Lowry Ashley M. , Van Wagoner David , Blackstone Eugene H. , Roselli Eric E. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background Patients undergoing surgery for thoracic aortic aneurysms receive statin therapy out of proportion to cardiovascular comorbidity. We sought to determine the prevalence of statin use among patients presenting for thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery and investigate its effect on outcomes.
Methods From January 1, 2005 to January 1, 2011, 1,839 consecutive patients underwent aortic replacement for degenerative thoracic aortic aneurysm at Cleveland Clinic. Of these, 771 (42%) were on statins preoperatively. Statin users (vs. nonstatin users) were older (65 ± 11 vs. 56 ± 16 years) and had more hypertension (78 vs. 59%). Propensity matching based on 56 preoperative variables other than lipid levels was used to compare outcomes among 570 matched patient pairs (74% of possible pairs).
Results Propensity-matched statin and nonstatin users were aged 64 ± 11 years, 394 (69%) versus 387 (68%) were male, and 437 (77%) versus 442 (78%) had ascending aortic aneurysms, respectively. Overall, 25% of patients were followed for more than 8.2 years and 10% for more than 10 years. Perioperative outcomes were similar, including hospital mortality (11 [1.9%] vs. 5 [0.88%]) and stroke (22 [3.9%] vs. 13 [2.3%]), but 16 statin users (2.8%) versus 5 nonstatin users (0.88%) required temporary dialysis after surgery (p = 0.02). At 6 years, 3.7% of statin users versus 5.1% of nonstatin users (p[log-rank] = 0.5) underwent further aortic surgery, and at 10 years, mortality was 25% in both groups (p > 0.5).
Conclusion Patients presenting for thoracic aortic aneurysm surgery frequently receive unnecessary statins. Additionally, statin use was associated with more postoperative renal failure, but not less intermediate-term risk for aortic reintervention or all-cause mortality after surgery. Therefore, presence of a thoracic aortic aneurysm should not be considered an indication for statin therapy in the absence of well-established indications.
Diagnostic Performance of Digital Radiograph and Low-Dose Computed Tomography for the Diagnosis of Fishbone Retention in the Oropharynx
Authors: Chansangrat Jirapa 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Introduction Fishbone foreign body retention is one of the most common problem with various clinical manifestations from asymptomatic, abscess formation, and perforation to mediastinitis with subsequence morbidity and mortality. Accurately identifying the location of the fishbone leads to precise removal, which, in turn, prevents serious consequences. Digital radiographs have been widely used for diagnosis, but many studies show poor sensitivity.
Object The present study was designed to compare the diagnostic performances of digital radiograph and low-dose computed tomography (CT) for fishbone retention and to demonstrate the radiation dose of the two modalities.
Methods We collected 2 pieces of fishbone from each of the 15 species commonly eaten in Southeast Asia. We embedded each fishbone in a fresh pig's neck, then subjected the pig's neck to lateral soft tissue neck digital radiograph. The locations to embed included tonsil, base of tongue, and upper esophagus. Then, we subjected the same specimen to a CT scan. Two experienced radiologists interpreted each image.
Results Visibility in the digital radiograph group was 13%, and in CT images group, it was 87% regardless of the locations. The average radiation dose from digital radiographs was 0.4 mGy (radiation dose field), while from CT images it was 8.6 mGy (CT dose index).
Conclusion Most of the common fishbones in Southeast Asia could not be visualized by digital radiograph when embedded in the neck. Computed tomography scans demonstrated better diagnostic performance of fishbone retention compared to digital radiographs, regardless of the embedded location.