bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison Of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (Ldl-C), Atherogenic Index In Plasma (Aip) And Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A1 Ratio In Patients Sent For Routine Lipid Profile Testing At Biochemistry Laboratory - Kenyatta National Hospital
Authors: Kiptim Peter Kibet , Kariuki Rahab Wangari , Kimonge Damaris 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundCardiovascular disease is a rising global concern accounting for one-third of mortalities. Notably, cardiovascular disease risk factors; including dyslipidemia, smoking, obesity, poor diet, and hypertension are modifiable. It has been established through various studies that dyslipidemia is at the core of atherosclerosis observed in cardiovascular diseases making it important in risk assessment and as a therapeutic target as informed by various guidelines. Plasma lipid profile has been key in the diagnosis of dyslipidemia particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol that is used in initial risk assessment and treatment monitoring. However, due to clinical and analytical challenges, LDLC is understated or overstated in some patients due to biological variability.ObjectiveTo compare low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, atherogenic index in plasma, and Apolipoprotein A1 / Apolipoprotein B ratio for cardiovascular risk assessment in patients sent for routine lipid profile testing at biochemistry laboratory - Kenyatta National HospitalMethodologyThis was laboratory-based cross-sectional study, 307 residual samples from patients sent for lipid profile testing were tested for, Apo A1, and Apo B concentrations using Mindray BS 2000M chemistry analyzer using Mindray reagents (Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd) at biochemistry laboratory KNH. The obtained data was used to calculate the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and Apo B/ Apo A ratio.ResultsThe median age of the participants was 49 years, 56% were female. The median(range) values were Total cholesterol 4.17 (3.11, 5.20),High-density lipoprotein cholesterol 1.21 (0.88, 1.54)Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 2.60 (1.84, 3.37)Triglycerides 1.12 (0.83, 1.62),APOA-1 1.38 (1.11, 1.57),APOB 0.95 (0.73, 1.21)Apo B/ApoA-1 ratio 0.75 (0.56, 0.94) and Atherogenic index of plasma 0.09 (−0.14, 0.45). More than a quarter (26.7%) of the participants had LDL-C above 2.35 mmol/l. More than a third of the patients (42%, n=124) were at risk of CVD according to ApoB/ApoA-1 ratio, while 40 %,(n=122) had a high CVD risk according to the atherogenic index stratification.We observed a positive correlation between LDL-C and ApoA-1, Apo B and Apo B/ApoA-1 ratio. There is a significant agreement between atherogenic index and APOB/APOA-1 ratio in CVD risk identification kW=0.36 (95% CI, 0.27-0.46), p<0.001.ConclusionAtherogenic Index of plasma, Apo A and Apo B markers offer additional benefits in CVD risk identification.
Viral and host factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 disease severity in Georgia, USA
Authors: Carmola Ludy R. , Roebling Allison Dorothy , Khosravi Dara , Langsjoen Rose M. , Bombin Andrei , Bixler Bri , Reid Alex , Chen Cara , Wang Ethan , Lu Yang , Zheng Ziduo , Zhang Rebecca , Nguyen Phuong-Vi , Arthur Robert A. , Fitts Eric , Gulick Dalia Arafat , Higginbotham Dustin , Taz Azmain , Ahmed Alaa , Crumpler John Hunter , Kraft Colleen , Lam Wilbur A. , Babiker Ahmed , Waggoner Jesse J. , Openo Kyle P. , Johnson Laura M. , Westbrook Adrianna , Piantadosi Anne 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTWhile SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have shown strong efficacy, their suboptimal uptake combined with the continued emergence of new viral variants raises concerns about the ongoing and future public health impact of COVID-19. We investigated viral and host factors, including vaccination status, that were associated with SARS-CoV-2 disease severity in a setting with low vaccination rates. We analyzed clinical and demographic data from 1,957 individuals in the state of Georgia, USA, coupled with viral genome sequencing from 1,185 samples. We found no difference in disease severity between individuals infected with Delta and Omicron variants among the participants in this study, after controlling for other factors, and we found no specific mutations associated with disease severity. Compared to those who were unvaccinated, vaccinated individuals experienced less severe SARS-CoV-2 disease, and the effect was similar for both variants. Vaccination within 270 days before infection was associated with decreased odds of moderate and severe outcomes, with the strongest association observed at 91-270 days post-vaccination. Older age and underlying health conditions, especially immunosuppression and renal disease, were associated with increased disease severity. Overall, this study provides insights into the impact of vaccination status, variants/mutations, and clinical factors on disease severity in SARS-CoV-2 infection when vaccination rates are low. Understanding these associations will help refine and reinforce messaging around the crucial importance of vaccination in mitigating the severity of SARS-CoV-2 disease.
The moderating effect of fintech on the relationship between CSR and banks' financial stability: Baron and Kenny's approach analysis
Authors: Salah Mahdi Ines Ben , Bouaziz Mariem , Boujelbène Abbes Mouna 
Published: October 2023

PurposeCorporate social responsibility (CSR) and fintech have emerged as critical megatrends in the banking industry. This study aims to examine the impact of financial technology on the relationship between CSR and banks' financial stability. Specifically, it investigates the moderating effect of fintech on the association between CSR and the financial stability of conventional banks operating in Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Pakistan and Turkey from 2010 to 2021.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the authors’ objective, the authors apply Baron and Kenny's three-link model, tested with fixed and random effects regression models.FindingsThe results reveal that the development of fintech decreases banks' financial stability, whereas it promotes banks' involvement in CSR strategies. Furthermore, the findings indicate that fintech plays a moderating role in the relationship between CSR and financial stability. It positively moderates the impact of CSR on financial stability. The robustness analysis highlights the mutual reinforcement of fintech and CSR dimensions in improving the financial stability of banks. Thus, by fostering community and product responsibility, fintech could enhance the financial stability of banks.Practical implicationsFinally, the authors recommend that banks focus more on developing technological and environmentally friendly financial products.Originality/valueThis study contributes significantly by providing valuable insights for managers and policymakers seeking to improve banks' financial stability through the simultaneous adoption of new financial technology products and the strong commitment to CSR practices.
Market power, industry concentration and earnings management: does corporate governance matter
Authors: Banerjee Ameet Kumar , Chatterjee Soumen , Dutta Avijan 
Published: October 2023

PurposeThis study examines a link between firms' product market power, industry concentration, the degree of earnings management and the role of governance in curbing earnings management.Design/methodology/approachThe author uses different panel techniques of feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) and system generalized method of moments (GMM) to show robust study findings.FindingsThe study results reveal that firms lacking product market pricing power engage in earnings management, adding a new dimension to the existing literature. These findings mirror even at the industry level, where the authors document immense competitiveness led to earnings manipulation and stringent corporate governance mechanism has the potency to curb earnings management.Practical implicationsThe paper has valuable insights and practical implications for policymakers and market participants. The results indicate robust institutional oversight mechanisms can deter earnings management in a concentrated market.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is among the first paper from India, a growing emerging economy, to look at the various aspects of market characteristics, earnings management and the role of corporate governance.
Foliar herbivory modifies arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization likely through altering root flavonoids
Authors: Xing Zhenlong , Ma Tiantian , Wu Libo , Zhang Zhongyue , Ding Jianqing , Siemann Evan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Insect herbivory may influence arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal colonisation by changing plant chemistry, and these effects can vary from negative to positive. Yet the underlying mechanisms are unclear.

We investigated AM fungal colonization of Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera) after exposing its seedlings to four different foliar‐feeding insects at two levels of herbivory. We then examined the potential role of induced carbon allocation and secondary metabolites, particularly flavonoids, in AM fungal colonization.

Light herbivory (ca. 10% leaf area removed) promoted early colonization by AM fungi whereas heavy herbivory (ca. 60% leaf area removed) decreased it. Root flavonoids were increased (in the short‐term) under light herbivory but decreased under heavy herbivory. Further, herbivore‐induced changes to root flavonoids were positively correlated with those of AM fungal colonisation. Moreover, quercitrin, one of the root‐secreted flavonoids, could mediate these AM fungal responses. Surprisingly, however, AM fungal colonization was not correlated with herbivore‐induced carbon allocation in roots or root exudates.

We show that AM fungal responses to insect herbivory are at least partially flavonoid‐based and depend on herbivory intensity. Our work highlights the importance of secondary metabolites rather than carbon allocation in interactions between above‐ground herbivory and below‐ground mycorrhiza.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Diary of an SNP First Minister: A Chronopolitics of Proximity and Priorities
Authors: Graham Hannah 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis article provides a content analysis of Nicola Sturgeon's first ministerial diaries in the final two years of her leadership (April 2021–March 2023). As first minister, to whom and what did she give her time—which issues and interest groups had access? Which didn't? Or, who and what may be missing? An audience with a national leader can be indicative of priorities and potential for influence—as can its absence. The lens of chronopolitics—the politics of time—is used here to consider twenty‐four months of diaries, with 681 entries. Some key social and political issues in Scotland were kept away from the FM's meetings and delegated to other ministers to oversee, whereas other issues appear to be signature priorities, including climate and the environment, economy and finance, culture, and health and Covid‐19.
Tax policy and aggregate stability in an overlapping generations model
Authors: Guo Jang‐Ting , Zhang Yan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn the context of a two‐period non‐monetary overlapping generations model with Cobb–Douglas preference and technological specifications, this paper explores the theoretical as well as quantitative interrelations between equilibrium (in)determinacy versus (i) a progressive tax schedule on wage income and (ii) a balanced‐budget rule with endogenous labour taxation. In sharp contrast to previous studies on a one‐sector representative‐agent macroeconomy, we find that both fiscal formulations can possibly operate as stabilizing instruments against cyclical fluctuations driven by agents' self‐fulfilling beliefs. The key policy implication of our no‐indeterminacy result is that depending on what is the underlying analytical environment, countercyclical income taxation may stabilize or destabilize the business cycle.
Injury comparisons between paired drivers and front‐seat passengers in frontal collisions using publicly available crash and injury data
Authors: Kroeker Shannon G. , Siegmund Gunter P. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractForensic engineers and crash safety researchers sometimes use the injuries of a seatbelted occupant to infer the injury risk of an unbelted occupant in the same crash, had they instead been wearing a seatbelt. It is unclear, however, whether this inference is valid or how often two occupants in the same collision have similar injuries. Here, we sought to compare the injury outcomes between drivers and front‐seat passengers in frontal collisions using real‐world collision data. We compared the injury severity, quantified using the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), of 22 injury categories between front‐seat occupants with matching seatbelt use and airbag deployment in single‐event frontal collisions recorded in the publicly available National Automotive Sampling System, Crashworthiness Data System (years 1993–2015) database to assess whether they had similar severity injuries. We analyzed the four combinations of seatbelt use and airbag deployment and all seatbelt/airbag conditions combined. In only 3 of 88 combinations of injuries and seatbelt/airbag conditions did more than 50% of occupant pairs have the same AIS score, although the related confidence intervals showed these proportions were not significantly greater than 50%. In contrast, we found 19 combinations of injuries and seatbelt/airbag conditions where one occupant was consistently injured more severely than the other. Our findings show that injury outcome is not similar for both front‐seat occupants in the same frontal collision with similar seatbelt and airbag conditions; however, one may be able to predict that one occupant would be more severely injured than their fellow occupant.
Reveal the relationship between the quality and the cuticle composition of Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu) by postharvest heat treatment
Authors: Wu Sisi , Li Xiang , Jiang Jing , Huang Hua , Cheng Xiaomei , Li Gaoyang , Shan Yang , Zhu Xiangrong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractTo investigate the influence of heat treatment (HT) on Satsuma mandarin fruit's postharvest quality and cuticle composition, we immersed the fruit for 3 min in hot water at 52°C and subsequently stored them at room temperature (25°C) for 28 days, and fruit quality parameters, such as good fruit rate, weight loss rate, firmness, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid content, were monitored. Additionally, changes in the peel's cuticle composition were analyzed, and wax crystal morphologies on the fruit surface were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The findings revealed that appropriate HT effectively preserved fruit quality. The main compositions of wax and cutin on the fruit's surface remained consistent between the HT and the CK during storage. The total content of wax and cutin initially increased, peaking on the 14th day of storage, and then decreased, falling below the levels observed on day 0. Notably, the total amount of cutin in the HT group exceeded that of the control group. Specifically, ω‐hydroxy fatty acids with mid‐chain oxo groups and mid‐oh‐ω‐hydroxy fatty acids constituted approximately 90% of the total cutin content. Moreover, the HT group exhibited higher (p < 0.05) total wax content in relation to the control. Fatty acids and alkanes were the predominant components, accounting for approximately 87.5% of the total wax. SEM analysis demonstrated that HT caused wax crystals to melt and redistribute, effectively filling wax gaps. It suggests that HT holds promising potential as a green, safe, and eco‐friendly commercial treatment for preserving the postharvest quality of Satsuma mandarin.Practical ApplicationIn this study, Satsuma citrus (Citrus unshiu) underwent heat treatment (HT) and was subsequently preserved at room temperature (25°C) for 28 days. The findings revealed that HT significantly improved fruit quality compared to the control group. These findings provide valuable insights into the advancement of eco‐friendly and pollution‐free citrus preservation methods, offering essential strategies and process parameters for their practical application.
Maternal hypothermia during elective caesarean delivery: A prospective observational study
Authors: Brodshaug Irene , Reine Elizabeth , Raeder Johan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundPatients undergoing caesarean delivery are at risk of developing unintended perioperative hypothermia, defined as a core temperature <36.0°C. Most previous studies of core temperature in caesarean delivery patients have not been conducted with accurate measurements for the complete perioperative period. Therefore, we conducted a prospective observational study to identify the incidence and duration of pre‐ and post‐operative maternal hypothermia with a high accuracy continuous temperature monitoring system.MethodsWomen ≥18 years old presenting for elective caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia were invited to participate in the study. The primary outcomes were the incidence and duration of perioperative maternal hypothermia (<36.0°C). Maternal core temperatures were measured with the non‐invasive zero‐heat‐flux thermometer (Bair Hugger Temperature Monitoring System, 3M) throughout the perioperative course.ResultsA total of 40 participants were recruited to the study. The incidence of perioperative hypothermia was 32.5%, with a duration of 77 ± 40 min (mean ± standard deviation). The hypothermic patients had similar core temperature as the normothermic patients at baseline preoperatively, but significantly lower temperature at operating room arrival and during the remaining study period. Forty percent of all patients reported thermal discomfort and felt cold on admission to post anaesthesia care unit, whereas 33% had shivering. Neither thermal discomfort nor shivering were associated with hypothermia.ConclusionIn the present study almost a third of the women undergoing elective caesarean delivery developed perioperative hypothermia with a core temperature <36.0°C. The mean duration of maternal hypothermia was 77 min, lasting well into the postoperative period for many patients. These data should remind healthcare professionals of the importance of measuring core temperature in all phases of the perioperative setting and to consider optimal warming measures to avoid and treat hypothermia.
Shear bond strength of calcium silicate‐based cements to composite resin using a universal adhesive in different application modes: an in vitro study
Authors: Naiboğlu P , Koşar T , Yücel AÇ 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundTo assess the shear bond strength (SBS) of four calcium silicate‐based cements (CSCs) to composite resin using a universal adhesive in self‐etch (SE) and etch‐and‐rinse (ER) modes and to evaluate surface microstructure and chemical composition of CSCs after acid‐etching.MethodsIn total, 30 specimens of each cement, Biodentine (BD), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Angelus (MTA‐A), ProRoot MTA (MTA‐P) and MTA Repair HP (MTA‐HP), were prepared and assigned into 2 groups (n = 15) according to universal adhesive (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick) applied in SE and ER mode. After composite resin (Clearfil Majesty Esthetic) was applied, the SBS was measured. Scanning electron microscope‐energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) analysis was used to evaluate the changes in surface structure and elemental composition.ResultsMTA‐P demonstrated significantly higher SBS than all CSCs, except for MTA‐HP in the SE mode. The ER mode exhibited significantly higher SBS compared to the SE mode for MTA‐P and MTA‐A. Acid‐etching caused morphological differences and affected elemental distribution.ConclusionsMTA‐P may be a more suitable pulp capping material due to its superior SBS compared to BD and MTA‐A. The application of a universal adhesive in ER mode may be suggested to increase the SBS of MTA‐P and MTA‐A to composite resin.
Systemic azithromycin versus amoxicillin/metronidazole as an adjunct in the treatment of periodontitis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Atieh MA , Shah M , Hakam A , Alghafri M , Tawse‐Smith A , Alsabeeha NHM 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe use of systemic azithromycin (AZT) and amoxicillin/metronidazole (AMX/MTZ) as adjuncts provided additional clinical and microbiological benefits over subgingival instrumentation alone. However, the superiority of one antibiotic regimen over another has not been proven. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta‐analyses was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of subgingival instrumentation (SI) in conjunction with the systemic use of AZT or AMX/MTZ for the treatment of periodontitis from current published literature.MethodsElectronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials, prospective and retrospective human studies that compared the adjunctive use of systemic AZT to AMX/MTZ with SI in the treatment of periodontitis. The eligibility criteria were defined based on the participant (who had periodontitis), intervention (SI with adjunctive use of systemic AZT), comparison (SI with adjunctive use of systemic AMX/MTZ), outcomes (primary outcome: changes in probing pocket). The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool. Data were analysed using a statistical software program.ResultsFive studies with 151 participants with periodontitis were included in the present review. Of these, 74 participants received adjunctive AZT, while the remaining participants received AMX/MTZ as an adjunct to SI. The adjunctive use of AZT and AMX/MTZ had comparable changes in probing pocket depths at 1–3 months with no statistically significant difference (mean difference (MD) 0.01; 95% CI –0.20 to 0.22;P = 0.94). The adjunctive use of AZT had significantly fewer number of residual sites with probing pocket depths of ≥5 mm at 1–3 months compared to the adjunctive use of AMX/MTZ (MD –3.41; 95% CI –4.73 to –2.10;P < 0.0001). The prevalence rates of adverse events among participants who received AZT and AMX/MTZ were 9.80% and 14.8%, respectively. The meta‐analysis showed that the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (risk ratio 0.69; 95% CI 0.28 to 1.72;P = 0.43).ConclusionsWithin the limitation of this review, there was no superiority between AZT and AMX/MTZ in terms of mean changes in probing pocket depths, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing at 1–3 months. AZT seem to be associated with less sites with residual probing pocket depths of ≥5 mm at 1–3 months and fewer adverse events compared with AMX/MTZ. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.