bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of periodontitis on circulating cell-free DNA levels as a measure of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Isola Gaetano , Polizzi Alessandro , Mascitti Marco , Santonocito Simona , Ronsivalle Vincenzo , Cicciù Marco , Pesce Paolo 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objectives
The present study aims to assess the serum circulating cell-free (cfDNA) concentrations in patients with periodontitis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to evaluate the impact of periodontitis on circulating cfDNA levels and the confounding factors that might mediated the possible relationship.

Materials and methods
Healthy controls (n=30) and patients with CVD (n=31), periodontitis (n=31), and periodontitis + CVD (n=30) were enrolled in the present study. All subjects underwent regular periodontal examination and blood sampling and cfDNA evaluation. The analysis of the plasma cfDNA concentrations was performed using a dsDNA Assay Kit.

Results
In comparison with healthy controls and CVD patients, periodontitis and periodontitis+CVD exhibited significantly higher expression of circulating cfDNA (p<0.05). There was a positive correlation among plasma cfDNA and clinical attachment loss (CAL) (p=0.019), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (p=0.027), and periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) (p=0.003). Furthermore, the multivariate regression analysis evidenced that PISA (p<0.001), hs-CRP (p=0.014), and full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS) (p=0.004) were significant predictors of circulating cfDNA concentrations.

Conclusions
The results of the study highlighted that the periodontitis and periodontitis + CVD group showed higher circulating cfDNA expression in comparison with healthy controls and CVD patients. Moreover, the extent of periodontitis was correlated with the increased cfDNA levels and represented a significant predictor of the increased circulating cfDNA concentrations.

Clinical relevance
Unbalanced circulating cfDNA concentrations have been indicated to represent a possible risk of CVD and endothelial dysfunction. Periodontitis and periodontitis + CVD patients showed higher circulating cfDNA expression; moreover, the extent of periodontitis significantly predicted higher circulating cfDNA concentrations, suggesting the potential increased risk of developing CVD in periodontitis patients.
Rural–urban disparities in the reduction of avoidable mortality and mortality from all other causes of death in Spain, 2003–2019
Authors: Moreno Almudena , Pulido José , Cea-Soriano Lucía , Guerras Juan Miguel , Ronda Elena , Lostao Lourdes , Regidor Enrique 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Aim
This study aims to evaluate the trend of avoidable mortality and of mortality from all other causes of death in urban and rural areas in Spain, throughout the first 2 decades of the twenty-first century.

Methods
Data deaths and population by age and sex, according to the area of residence, were obtained from the National Institute of Statistics. Avoidable mortality refers to premature deaths (≤ 75 years old) for which there is reasonable scientific consensus that they should not occur in the presence of timely health care. In large urban, small urban, and rural areas, annual age-standardized mortality rates from avoidable causes and from all other causes of death were calculated from 2003 to 2019. The annual percentage change (APC) in the mortality rate in each area was estimated using linear regression models and taking age-standardized mortality rates as dependent variable.

Results
Mortality rates decreased between the beginning and the end of the period analysed. Large urban areas and rural areas showed the largest and smallest reduction in mortality rate respectively. The APC in avoidable mortality was −3.5% in men and −3.0% in women in large urban areas, and −2.7% in men and −2.6% in women in rural areas. The APC in the mortality rate from all other causes of death was −2.4% in men and −1.2% in women in large urban areas, and −1.4% in men and −1.0% in women in rural areas.

Conclusion
In Spain, avoidable mortality and mortality from other causes of death in rural and urban areas show similar trends, which suggests the presence of a common factor responsible for such findings.
Biology and Criminology: Data Practices and the Creation of Anatomic and Genomic Body ‘Types’
Authors: Kaufmann Mareile , Vestad Maja 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe use of biometrics for the creation of visual ‘body types’ needs continued criminological engagement. This article discusses Lombroso’s practice of typing ‘born criminals’ vis-à-vis genomic phenotyping used to identify potential suspects. Both are prevalent examples of scientizing police and legal work. While Lombroso draws on anatomy to explain causes of criminal behavior, phenotyping is based on genomic and physiognomic correlation to help identify suspects. Despite these differences, both forms of visualizing bodies, we argue, are also a practice of marking. Especially in the context of crime and crime control, marking is a sensitive and political practice. Since typing is embedded in criminology, our analysis is also a critical engagement with criminology itself.
An experimental study on ballistic limit: the effect of hole drilling on the mechanical properties of a polymeric composite plate produced by the resin transfer molding method
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Jalal , Sadooghi Ali , Rahmani Kaveh , Babazadeh Jafar , Nouri Alireza 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe high fracture strength and exceptional impact resistance of polymer-based composites are of paramount importance to various industries like aerospace, automotive, and construction. The resin transfer molding (RTM) process is used to produce composite samples of superior quality, minimal porosity, and reduced lamination defects. In the present study, the RTM method was employed to fabricate glass fiber-reinforced composites, aiming to investigate their specific mechanical properties and structural performance. The study initially determined the ballistic limit of the produced samples. Subsequently, experimental investigations were carried out to examine the impact of hole drilling on the tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance of the samples. The results revealed that the produced polymer plate demonstrated a ballistic limit with a pressure of 11 bar and a speed of 104 m/s, leading to ball restriction in the plate. The sample without holes showed the highest fracture force, while samples with three and five holes exhibited reduced fracture forces. Additionally, bending force and impact resistance were lower in samples with multiple holes compared to the sample without holes. The impact resistance of the sample with five holes was the lowest among all configurations. The study revealed that the presence of three holes arranged in a row has a lesser impact on reducing the ultimate tensile force compared to the effect of five holes. Moreover, the bending test results indicated that sample failure occurred on the side under tension, resulting in higher bending forces than tensile forces.
Use of the 3D Equilibrium Equations in the Free-Edge Analyses for Laminated Structures with the Variable Kinematics Approach
Authors: Scano D. , Carrera E. , Petrolo M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis paper compares out-of-plane stresses evaluated with Hooke’s Law and the stress recovery technique, focusing on the free edges of composite plates and shells. The Carrera Unified Formulation and the finite element method are adopted to derive the governing equations. Lagrange polynomials are implemented in the equivalent single-layer, layer-wise, and variable kinematics approaches. The latter is used to refine structural models locally and reduce computational overheads. Laminated plates and shells subjected to uniaxial tension are considered. The out-of-plane stresses are compared with references from the existing literature for most cases. The results demonstrate that the stress recovery technique effectively calculates stresses and improves the accuracy of equivalent single-layer models. Furthermore, layer-wise models are needed for accurate results near the free-edge zone. Finally, variable kinematics theories are helpful in accurately detecting local phenomena along the structure’s thickness.
The bZIP-type transcription factors NapA and RsmA modulate the volumetric ratio and the relative superoxide ratio of mitochondria in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Bákány Bernadett , Antal Réka , Szentesi Péter , Emri Tamás , Leiter Éva , Csernoch László , Keller Nancy P. , Pócsi István , Dienes Beatrix 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBasic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors are crucial components of differentiation, cellular homeostasis and the environmental stress defense of eukaryotes. In this work, we further studied the consequence of gene deletion and overexpression of two bZIP transcription factors, NapA and RsmA, on superoxide production, mitochondrial morphology and hyphal diameter of Aspergillus nidulans. We have found that reactive oxygen species production was influenced by both gene deletion and overexpression of napA under tert-butylhydroperoxide (tBOOH) elicited oxidative stress. Furthermore, gene expression of napA negatively correlated with mitochondrial volumetric ratio as well as sterigmatocystin production of A. nidulans. High rsmA expression was accompanied with elevated relative superoxide ratio in the second hyphal compartment. A negative correlation between the expression of rsmA and catalase enzyme activity or mitochondrial volumetric ratio was also confirmed by statistical analysis. Hyphal diameter was independent on either rsmA and napA expression as well as 0.2 mM tBOOH treatment.
Topological aspects of quasi *-algebras with sufficiently many *-representations
Authors: Bellomonte Giorgia , Trapani Camillo 
Published: October 2023

AbstractQuasi *-algebras possessing a sufficient family $$\mathcal {M}$$
M
of invariant positive sesquilinear forms carry several topologies related to $$\mathcal {M}$$
M
which make every *-representation continuous. This leads to define the class of locally convex quasi GA*-algebras whose main feature consists in the fact that the family of their bounded elements, with respect to the family $$\mathcal {M}$$
M
, is a dense C*-algebra.
A pragmatic ensemble learning approach for rainfall prediction
Authors: Ghosh Soumili , Gourisaria Mahendra Kumar , Sahoo Biswajit , Das Himansu 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHeavy rainfall and precipitation play a massive role in shaping the socio-agricultural landscape of a country. Being one of the key indicators of climate change, natural disasters, and of the general topology of a region, rainfall prediction is a gift of estimation that can be used for multiple beneficial causes. Machine learning has an impressive repertoire in aiding prediction and estimation of rainfall. This paper aims to find the effect of ensemble learning, a subset of machine learning, on a rainfall prediction dataset, to increase the predictability of the models used. The classification models used in this paper were tested once individually, and then with applied ensemble techniques like bagging and boosting, on a rainfall dataset based in Australia. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate a reduction in bias and variance via ensemble learning techniques while also analyzing the increase or decrease in the aforementioned metrics. The study shows an overall reduction in bias by an average of 6% using boosting, and an average reduction in variance by 13.6%. Model performance was observed to become more generalized by lowering the false negative rate by an average of more than 20%. The techniques explored in this paper can be further utilized to improve model performance even further via hyper-parameter tuning.
Carbon Monoxide Levels Produced by Propane/Isobutane Canister Stoves inside a Tent
Authors: Thurman Jeffrey T. , Leavitt Rebecca , Buchanan James T. , Shreffler Jacob , Huecker Martin R. , Early Todd 
Published: October 2023

Introduction Improper use of camp stoves in enclosed spaces has resulted in fatalities from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Prior research has focused on the CO output of stoves burning white gas, unleaded gas, or kerosene. Stoves burning an isobutane/propane fuel have not been investigated and are the focus of this study. Methods Three stoves utilizing isobutane/propane fuel were used to heat a pot of water inside a 3-season tent under controlled settings. Multiple runs with each stove were performed, and CO measurements, in parts per million (ppm), were recorded at 1-min intervals for a total of 15 min using a RAE Systems gas monitor. Data are reported as mean with SD. Repeated measures analysis of variance was utilized to examine changes over time. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Results There was a statistically significant main effect of time and CO level, F (14, 168)=7.6, P<0.001. There was a statistically significant difference between-subjects effect of stove group F (2, 12)=8.6, P=0.005, indicating that CO levels were different depending on the stove. Tukey’s post-hoc analyses revealed that stove A had the highest CO levels. The average level of stove A was statistically significantly higher than that of stove B and stove C, with a mean CO level difference of 79 ppm (95% CI, 3–156), P=0.043 and 117 ppm (95% CI, 40–194), P=0.004, respectively. Conclusions Stoves utilizing isobutane/propane fuel can produce unsafe CO levels and should not be used in enclosed spaces.
The latest encrinurid trilobites from the Lower Devonian of Xinjiang, Northwest China
Authors: Ma Juan , Yin Jiayi , Liu Yilong , Du Xiaoqi , Liu Shibo , Zong Ruiwen 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEncrinurids are common in Ordovician and Silurian strata but whether they survived into the Early Devonian is still controversial. This paper documents the encrinurid Batocara sp. near the Silurian–Devonian boundary in western Junggar, Xinjiang. The highest horizon of Batocara sp. is located above the first appearance datum of the Devonian conodont Caudicriodus, confirming that encrinurids may cross the Silurian–Devonian boundary. The presence of Caudicriodus angustoides bidentatus, Zieglerodina planilingu and plate-type loboliths of scyphocrinoids above the highest horizon of Batocara sp. indicates that encrinurids here extend only into the lower part of the first conodont zone of the Lochkovian (i.e., Caudicriodus hesperius Biozone). Encrinurids are widely distributed and easily recognized, and unlike graptolites and conodonts are not controlled by lithofacies. Therefore, it might be possible to use the highest horizon of encrinurids as indicator fossils to identify the approximate position of the Silurian–Devonian boundary in areas or sections where graptolites and conodonts are not present, and at least in northwest China.
Globalization of markets and consumption home bias: new insights for the environment
Authors: Tarola Ornella , Zanaj Skerdilajda 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe propose a model of international oligopoly with two countries, two vertically-differentiated goods, and heterogeneous consumers in terms of their willingness to pay for quality. Various sources of pollution are taken into account: consumption, production and the transportation of goods between the two countries. Green persuaded consumers display consumption home bias: they derive additional satisfaction when consuming a domestic good because buying locally abates transportation pollution. We investigate whether consumption home bias effectively curbs global emissions. Finally, we uncover the environmental role played by the globalization of markets.
Environmental sustainability and food provision in the early childhood and education setting
Authors: Elford Audrey , Spence Alison C , Wakem Amy , Rozman Margaret , Campbell Karen J , Love Penelope 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjective:To describe environmentally sustainable (ES) and healthy food provision practices in childcare services in Victoria, Australia.Design:Cross-sectional study.Setting:Childcare services providing food onsite.Participants:Staff completed an online survey that explored ES food provision practices including purchasing seasonal/local food, food waste awareness/management, and food cost/child/d. A purposively sampled subgroup conducted weighed audits to determine compliance with guidelines and total waste, serving waste (prepared, not served) and plate waste.Results:Survey results found 8 % of services (n 129) had previously conducted food waste audits. Service audits (n 12) found 27 % total food waste (range: 9 % - 64 %). Statistically significant differences in plate waste were found between services who had previously conducted food waste audits (7 %) and those who had not (17 %) (P = 0·04). The most common ES practice was ‘providing seasonal food’; the least common was ‘maintaining a compost system’ and ‘less packaged foods’. Most services (95 %) purchased foods from supermarkets with 23 % purchasing from farmers’ markets. This was statistically lower for regional/rural services (8 %), compared to metropolitan services (27 %) (P = 0·04). Twenty-seven per cent of services spent AUD2·50 or less per child per day on food. Only one audited service provided a menu compliant with childcare food provision guidelines.Conclusions:Childcare settings procure and provide large volumes of food; however, food waste awareness appears limited, and environmentally sustainable food procurement practices may be less affordable and difficult to achieve. Understanding the impact of food waste awareness on food waste practices and food costs across time merits further research.
Connecting the ancient Afro-Eurasian world
Authors: Cobb Matthew Adam 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis introductory article sets out the global historical approach adopted by the articles in this special issue, focusing on the circulations of goods, peoples, and ideas in ancient Afro-Eurasia (300 BCE-700 CE). Special attention is given to the overland Silk Road and Indo-Pacific networks of maritime exchange. Our aims are to apply globalization thinking to a wider (macro) frame than has arguably been done in existing ancient world studies, to ensure that sufficient focus is maintained on how the local and global intersect, and to demonstrate the analytical utility of concepts connected to globalization and glocalization. Ultimately, we seek to go beyond merely applying theories of globalization to new data, but to use these data to offer an alternative approach to the study of global Antiquity.
Behind gold for pepper: The players and the game of Indo-Mediterranean trade
Authors: Simmons Jeremy A. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis article offers a fresh approach to the study of ‘Indo-Roman’ trade by defining the ‘players’ of the ‘game’ of Indian Ocean commerce in the early centuries of the Common Era. Numerous specialized personnel hailing from the Mediterranean, Near East, and Indian subcontinent were involved in the movement, processing, and sale of Indian Ocean commodities. Players throughout the ancient world formed principal-agent relationships, corporate structures, and diaspora communities based on shared heritage and profession to facilitate their efforts. These tactics lowered the transaction costs of commerce arising from a combination of factors: the seasonal monsoon winds restricting wind-powered travel; the asymmetry of information for traders operating abroad without a strong support network; and state interventions (e.g. targeted infrastructure projects and tariffs). Certain individuals attained competitive advantages by cooperating with states to regulate the very commerce in which they engaged (e.g. tax-farmers).
Effects of escitalopram on synaptic density in the healthy human brain: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Johansen Annette , Armand Sophia , Plavén-Sigray Pontus , Nasser Arafat , Ozenne Brice , Petersen Ida N. , Keller Sune H. , Madsen Jacob , Beliveau Vincent , Møller Kirsten , Vassilieva Alexandra , Langley Christelle , Svarer Claus , Stenbæk Dea S. , Sahakian Barbara J. , Knudsen Gitte M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely used for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the exact mechanism of action and why effects can take several weeks to manifest is not clear. The hypothesis of neuroplasticity is supported by preclinical studies, but the evidence in humans is limited. Here, we investigate the effects of the SSRI escitalopram on presynaptic density as a proxy for synaptic plasticity. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study (NCT04239339), 32 healthy participants with no history of psychiatric or cognitive disorders were randomized to receive daily oral dosing of either 20 mg escitalopram (n = 17) or a placebo (n = 15). After an intervention period of 3–5 weeks, participants underwent a [11C]UCB-J PET scan (29 with full arterial input function) to quantify synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) density in the hippocampus and the neocortex. Whereas we find no statistically significant group difference in SV2A binding after an average of 29 (range: 24–38) days of intervention, our secondary analyses show a time-dependent effect of escitalopram on cerebral SV2A binding with positive associations between [11C]UCB-J binding and duration of escitalopram intervention. Our findings suggest that brain synaptic plasticity evolves over 3–5 weeks in healthy humans following daily intake of escitalopram. This is the first in vivo evidence to support the hypothesis of neuroplasticity as a mechanism of action for SSRIs in humans and it offers a plausible biological explanation for the delayed treatment response commonly observed in patients treated with SSRIs. While replication is warranted, these results have important implications for the design of future clinical studies investigating the neurobiological effects of SSRIs.
A BRCA2 germline mutation and high expression of immune checkpoints in a TNBC patient
Authors: Han Yuyi , Rovella Valentina , Smirnov Artem , Buonomo Oreste Claudio , Mauriello Alessandro , Perretta Tommaso , Shi Yufang , Woodmsith Jonathan , Bischof Julia ,   TOR CENTRE, Bove Pierluigi , Juhl Hartmut , Scimeca Manuel , Sica Giuseppe , Tisone Giuseppe , Wang Ying , Giacobbi Erica , Materazzo Marco , Melino Gerry , Candi Eleonora , Bernassola Francesca 
Published: October 2023

AbstractTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of mammary carcinoma. Here, we describe a case of an 81-year-old female diagnosed with ductal triple negative breast cancer with a germline pathogenic variant in BReast CAncer gene2 (BRCA2). Genetic testing also revealed the presence of four somatic mutations in the ephrin type-A receptor 3 (EphA3), TP53, BRCA1-associated protein (BAP1), and MYB genes. The BRCA2, TP53, and BAP1 gene mutations are highly predictive of a defective homologous recombination repair system and subsequent chromosomal instability in this patient. Coherently, the patient displayed a strong homologous recombination deficiency signature and high tumor mutational burden status, which are generally associated with increased probability of immune neoantigens formation and presentation, and with tumor immunogenicity. Analysis of immune checkpoint revealed high expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), programmed cell death ligand 2 (PD-L2), programmed death 1 (PD1), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA 4), suggesting that the patient might likely benefit from immunotherapies. Altogether, these findings support an unveiled link between BRCA2 inactivation, HR deficiency and increased expression of immune checkpoints in TNBC. This clinical case highlights the importance of screening TNBC patients for genetic mutations and TMB biomarkers in order to predict the potential efficacy of immunotherapy.