bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of liver fibrosis score on the incidence of stroke: A cohort study
Authors: Xiong Shengjun , Yin Shizhang , Deng Wanshu , Zhao Yuanhui , Li Wenhang , Wang Pengbo , Li Zhao , Yang Hongmei , Zhou Ying , Yu Shasha , Guo Xiaofan , Sun Yingxian 
Published: July 2022

AbstractPurposeThe purpose was to explore the value of liver fibrosis scores (fibrosis‐4, BAAT score and BARD score) for incidence risk of stroke in a cohort study.MethodsA total of 9088 participants without stroke history enrolled the follow‐up. Three liver fibrosis scores (LFSs) including FIB‐4, BARD score and BAAT score were adopted. The end point was stroke. Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval. Kaplan–Meier curve was used to show the probability of stoke in different levels of LFSs. Subgroup analysis showed the association between LFSs and stroke under different stratification. Restricted cubic spline could further explore whether there is a linear relationship between LFSs and stroke. Finally, we used C‐statistics, Net Reclassification Index (NRI) and Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI) to assess the discriminatory power of each LFS for stroke.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up time of 4.66 years, 272 participants had a stroke. Through the baseline characteristics, we observed that the stroke incidence population tends to be male and older. It was shown by Kaplan–Meier that three LFSs were associated with stroke and high levels of LFSs significantly increase the probability of stroke. In the univariate Cox regression analysis, the HR of stroke risk was 6.04 (4.14–8.18) in FIB‐4, 2.10 (1.45–3.04) in BAAT score and 1.81 (1.38–2.38) in BARD score by comparing the high level with the low level at each LFSs. The adjusted HRs for three LFSs were 2.05 (1.33–3.15) in FIB‐4, 1.61 (1.10–2.35) in BAAT score and 1.54 (1.17–2.04) in BARD score by comparing the high group with low group. We found that multivariable‐adjusted HRs of three LFSs still increased for stroke when stratified by various factors in subgroup analysis. Moreover, after adding LFSs to original risk prediction model which consist of age, sex, drinking, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides, we found that new models have higher C‐statistics of stroke. Furthermore, we calculated Net Reclassification Index (NRI) and Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI) to show the ability of LFSs to predict stroke.ConclusionsOur study showed that three LFSs were associated with stroke amongst middle‐aged populations in rural areas of Northeast China. Furthermore, it suggests that LFSs can be used as a risk stratification tool to predict stroke.
Photoperiod trait: Insight in molecular mechanism for growth and maturity adaptation of soybean (Glycine max) to different latitudes
Authors: Gupta Sanjay , Kumawat Giriraj , Agrawal Nisha , Tripathi Rachana , Rajesh Vangala , Nataraj Vennampally , Maranna Shivakumar , Satpute Gyanesh K. , Chandra Subhash , Ratnaparkhe Milind B. , Srivastava Manoj K. , Khandekar Nita , Jain Meeta 
Published: July 2022

AbstractSoybeans cover a vast geographical region of 53°N to 40°S latitudes, but individual genotypes have a very narrow latitudinal adaptation of ~200 km due to photoperiodic limitations. Fourteen soybean maturity groups (MG0000‐X) of Northern America have genotypes adapted to very long (MG0000) to short (X) day length conditions. Photoperiod not only affects flowering but other agronomic traits also. Several maturity genes have been mapped, and 12 genes related to the photoperiodic network (E1, E2, E3, E4, J, FT2a, FT5a, Tof5, Tof11, Tof12, Tof16 and Tof18) have been functionally characterized. The role of the paralogues of functionally characterized genes (E1Ls, COs, PRRs, FULs, SOCs and FTs) is being recently elucidated. Allelic diversity at photoperiodic loci confers latitude specific adaptation. Molecular models (common allelic combination present in an MG) have been developed for different MG using E genes but require refining by the addition of other functionally characterized genes to fully explain the flowering and maturity, especially in MG V to X. Three interacting modules PHYA‐E1, GI‐CO and miRNA‐dependent have been developed to elucidate the flowering mechanism in soybean.
Tribulus terrestris can suppress the adverse effect of toluene on bovine and equine ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: Fabová Zuzana , Tarko Adam , Harrath Abdel Halim , Alwasel Saleh , Kotwica Jan , Sirotkin Alexander V. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractInfluence of oil‐related product toluene and herbal remedy puncturevine Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) on female reproduction is known. Yet, mechanisms of their action on ovaries in different species and potential protective effect of TT against adverse toluene action remain to be established. We studied the effect of toluene, TT, and their combination on ovarian granulosa cells from two mammalian species (cows and horses). Viability, markers of proliferation (PCNA) and apoptosis (bax), steroid hormones, IGF‐I, oxytocin, and prostaglandin F (PGF) release were analyzed by trypan blue exclusion test, quantitative immunocytochemistry, and EIA/ELISA. Toluene suppressed all analyzed parameters. In both species, TT stimulated proliferation and reduced progesterone, oxytocin, and PGF. In horses, TT inhibited testosterone and IGF‐I. In both species, TT supported toluene effect on viability, steroids, IGF‐I, and PGF, and inverted its action on apoptosis. In cows, TT promoted toluene effect on proliferation. In horses, TT supported toluene effect on oxytocin but suppressed its influence on proliferation. In both species, toluene induced inhibitory action of TT on viability, steroids, IGF‐I, and PGF, and prevented its stimulatory action on proliferation. In cows, toluene supported inhibitory action of TT on oxytocin and prevented its stimulatory action on apoptosis. In horses, toluene induced stimulatory effect of TT on apoptosis. Our results indicate potential toxic toluene effect on farm animal ovaries, applicability of TT as a biostimulator of farm animal reproduction and as a protector against the adverse influence of toluene on female reproduction.
Understanding International Price and Consumption Disparities
Authors: Vo Long Hai 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThis study proposes a new measure of the tradability of 120+ commodities based on price dispersion. This approach is used to construct price indices of tradables and non‐tradables for 150+ countries. The expenditure share of tradables is lower for richer countries, while the relative price of non‐tradables, which plays an important role in the determination of real exchange rates, is higher. Secondly, a common‐factor approach (based on principal components) is introduced to compress the large volume of information on prices and quantities consumed globally. We find that cross‐commodity correlations are higher for prices than for consumption. In addition, income is responsible for most of the variation in the first principal component of consumption but explains less of the first price component. This suggests consumption are driven primarily by domestic factors, while prices are determined by factors outside the country, along the lines of the Purchasing Power Parity theory.
Radial Flow Field of Spiral Cochlea and Its Effect on Stereocilia
Authors: Zhao Z. , Yao W. , Wang M. , Wang J. , Zhang T. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The opening of the ion channels ultimately depends on the movement and energy conversion of the microstructural organization. But the role was not yet clear how the active sound amplification function is generated by the microstructure in the cochlear characteristic spiral shape. In this paper, an analytical model of the spiral cochlea is developed to investigate the radial flow field generated by the spiral shape of the cochlea and its effect on the outer hair cell stereocilia, and to analyze the effect of the spiral shape on the micromechanics of the cochlea. The results show that the spiral shape of the cochlea exerts a radial shear force on the hair cell stereocilia by generating a radial flow field, causing the stereocilia to deflect in the radial flow field, with the maximum deflection occurring at the apex of the cochlea. This finding explains from the microscopic mechanism that cochlear spiral shape can enhance low-frequency hearing in humans, which provides a basis for further studies on the contribution of the movement of stereocilia applied by the radial flow field of lymphatic fluid to activate ion channels for auditory production.
Strain-Dependent Diffusivity of Small and Large Molecules in Meniscus
Authors: Schwartz Gabi , Morejon Andy , Best Thomas M. , Jackson Alicia R. , Travascio Francesco 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Due to lack of full vascularization, the meniscus relies on diffusion through the extracellular matrix to deliver small (e.g., nutrients) and large (e.g., proteins) to resident cells. Under normal physiological conditions, the meniscus undergoes up to 20% compressive strains. While previous studies characterized solute diffusivity in the uncompressed meniscus, to date, little is known about the diffusive transport under physiological strain levels. This information is crucial to fully understand the pathophysiology of the meniscus. The objective of this study was to investigate strain-dependent diffusive properties of the meniscus fibrocartilage. Tissue samples were harvested from the central portion of porcine medial menisci and tested via fluorescence recovery after photobleaching to measure diffusivity of fluorescein (332 Da) and 40 K Da dextran (D40K) under 0%, 10%, and 20% compressive strain. Specifically, average diffusion coefficient and anisotropic ratio, defined as the ratio of the diffusion coefficient in the direction of the tissue collagen fibers to that orthogonal, were determined. For all the experimental conditions investigated, fluorescein diffusivity was statistically faster than that of D40K. Also, for both molecules, diffusion coefficients significantly decreased, up to ∼45%, as the strain increased. In contrast, the anisotropic ratios of both molecules were similar and not affected by the strain applied to the tissue. This suggests that compressive strains used in this study did not alter the diffusive pathways in the meniscus. Our findings provide new knowledge on the transport properties of the meniscus fibrocartilage that can be leveraged to further understand tissue pathophysiology and approaches to tissue restoration.
Effect of a new concussion substitute rule on medical assessment of head collision events in Premier League football
Authors: Tarzi Gabriel , Tarzi Christopher , Mirsu Diana , Patel Jay , Dadashi Eileen , El-Sabbagh Jana , Gerhart Austin , Cusimano Michael D 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveTo investigate the utilisation of additional permanent concussion substitutes (APCSs) and its efficacy with regards to rate and duration of medical assessment of head collision events (HCEs) in the 2020–2021 Premier League season. The present APCS rule allows players with a suspected concussion to be removed from a match without counting towards a team’s allocated substitutions.MethodsEighty Premier League matches, 40 prior to additional permanent concussion substitutes implementation (Pre-APCS) and 40 after (Post-APCS), were randomly selected and analysed by a team of trained reviewers for HCEs. Data on HCE incidence, rates of medical assessment, duration of medical assessment and return to play were collected for each match. Data for the Pre-APCS and Post-APCS groups were compared to analyse differences in assessment of HCEs.ResultsDuring the 2020–2021 Premier League season, three APCSs were used. There were 38 HCEs identified in the Pre-APCS group (0.95 per match, 28.79 per 1000 athlete-hours of exposure) and 42 in the Post-APCS group (1.05 per match, 31.82 per 1000 athlete-hours of exposure). Incidence of HCEs (p=0.657), rates of medical assessment (23.7% Pre-APCS vs 21.4% Post-APCS; p=0.545) and duration of medical assessment (median 81 s Pre-APCS vs 102 s Post-APCS; p=0.466) did not significantly differ between the two groups.ConclusionsThe implementation of APCSs in the Premier League did not impact the rate or duration of medical assessement of HCEs. Despite the introduction of APCSs, the consensus protocols for HCE assessment were rarely followed. We recommend changes to APCS and its implementation that would be aimed at protecting player health.
Bi-allelic variants inWNT7Bdisrupt the development of multiple organs in humans
Authors: Bouasker Samir , Patel Nisha , Greenlees Rebecca , Wellesley Diana , Fares Taie Lucas , Almontashiri Naif A , Baptista Julia , Alghamdi Malak Ali , Boissel Sarah , Martinovic Jelena , Prokudin Ivan , Holden Samantha , Mudhar Hardeep-Singh , Riley Lisa G , Nassif Christina , Attie-Bitach Tania , Miguet Marguerite , Delous Marion , Ernest Sylvain , Plaisancié Julie , Calvas Patrick , Rozet Jean-Michel , Khan Arif O , Hamdan Fadi F , Jamieson Robyn V , Alkuraya Fowzan S , Michaud Jacques L , Chassaing Nicolas 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundPulmonary hypoplasia, Diaphragmatic anomalies, Anophthalmia/microphthalmia and Cardiac defects delineate the PDAC syndrome. We aim to identify the cause of PDAC syndrome in patients who do not carry pathogenic variants inRARBandSTRA6, which have been previously associated with this disorder.MethodsWe sequenced the exome of patients with unexplained PDAC syndrome and performed functional validation of candidate variants.ResultsWe identified bi-allelic variants inWNT7Bin fetuses with PDAC syndrome from two unrelated families. In one family, the fetus was homozygous for the c.292C>T (p.(Arg98*)) variant whereas the fetuses from the other family were compound heterozygous for the variants c.225C>G (p.(Tyr75*)) and c.562G>A (p.(Gly188Ser)). Finally, a molecular autopsy by proxy in a consanguineous couple that lost two babies due to lung hypoplasia revealed that both parents carry the p.(Arg98*) variant. Using a WNT signalling canonical luciferase assay, we demonstrated that the identified variants are deleterious. In addition, we found thatwnt7bbmutant zebrafish display a defect of the swimbladder, an air-filled organ that is a structural homolog of the mammalian lung, suggesting that the function of WNT7B has been conserved during evolution for the development of these structures.ConclusionOur findings indicate that defective WNT7B function underlies a form of lung hypoplasia that is associated with the PDAC syndrome, and provide evidence for involvement of the WNT–β-catenin pathway in human lung, tracheal, ocular, cardiac, and renal development.
Predictors of post-TAVI conduction abnormalities in patients with bicuspid aortic valves
Authors: Esposito Giulia , Kumar Niraj , Pugliese Francesca , Sayers Max , Chow Anthony WC , Kennon Simon , Ozkor Mick , Mathur Anthony , Baumbach Andreas , Lloyd Guy , Mullen Aigerim , Cook Andrew , Mullen Michael , Patel Kush P 
Published: July 2022

ObjectivesThis study evaluates predictors of conduction abnormalities (CA) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV).BackgroundTAVI is associated with CA that commonly necessitate a permanent pacemaker. Predictors of CA are well established among patients with tricuspid aortic valves but not in those with BAV.MethodsThis is a single-centre, retrospective, observational study of patients with BAV treated with TAVI. Pre-TAVI ECG and CT scans and procedural characteristics were evaluated in 58 patients with BAV. CA were defined as a composite of high-degree atrioventricular block, new left bundle branch block with a QRS >150 ms or PR >240 ms and right bundle branch block with new PR prolongation or change in axis. Predictors of CA were identified using regression analysis and optimum cut-off values determined using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.ResultsCA occurred in 35% of patients. Bioprosthesis implantation depth, the difference between membranous septum (MS) length and implantation depth (δMSID) and device landing zone (DLZ) calcification adjacent to the MS were identified as univariate predictors of CA. The optimum cut-off forδMSID was 1.25 mm. Using this cut-off, lowδMSID and DLZ calcification adjacent to MS predicted CA, adjusted OR 8.79, 95% CI 1.88 to 41.00; p=0.01. Eccentricity of the aortic valve annulus, type of BAV and valve calcium quantity and distribution did not predict CA.ConclusionsIn BAV patients undergoing TAVI, shortδMSID and DLZ calcification adjacent to MS are associated with an increased risk of CA.
Impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown on male urethritis syndrome services in South Africa
Authors: Dorrell Philip , Pillay Yogan , Maithufi Regina , Pinini Zukiswa , Chidarikire Thato , Stamper Nomawethu , Frank Derusha , Peters Remco P H 
Published: July 2022

ObjectivesGlobally, there have been significant changes in utilisation of STI testing and treatment services during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 in countries that use syndromic STI management is not documented. This study used routine STI surveillance data to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on utilisation of STI syndromic management services during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in South Africa.MethodsWe conducted a time-trend analysis of male urethritis syndrome (MUS) cases reported through routine national STI surveillance in South Africa and COVID-19 data available through the national dashboard. We defined three time periods (prelockdown, lockdown and postlockdown) based on COVID-19 response levels. Trends in MUS reporting was compared between these time periods at national and provincial level and with the number of positive COVID-19 tests in a district.ResultsAn overall reduction of 27% in the national number of MUS cases reported (monthly average from 27 117 to 20 107) occurred between the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 lockdown periods (p<0.001), with a range of 18%–39% between the nine provinces. Postlockdown, case numbers returned almost to the prelockdown level (26 304; −3.0%). No significant difference was found in number of MUS cases between the prelockdown and postlockdown periods. A weak correlation (R2=0,21) was identified between the change in number of MUS reported and COVID-19 positive tests in a district.ConclusionsA strong reduction in reported MUS cases for syndromic management was observed during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic and lockdown across all provinces in South Africa. This is likely the result of various healthcare system and service delivery factors associated with lockdown measures. The observed return of MUS cases reported to prelockdown measures is reassuring.
Measuring the near-target neutron field of a D–D fusion facility with the novel NCT-WES spectrometer
Authors: Bedogni R. , Calamida A. , Fontanilla A. , Castro Campoy A. I. , Napolitano T. , Cantone C. , Mafucci E. , Monti V. , Altieri S. , Gomez-Ros J. M. , Pillon M. , Pietropaolo A. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractA new directional neutron spectrometer called NCT-WES (Neutron Capture Therapy Wide Energy Spectrometer) was recently developed within the INFN ENTER_BNCT project. This device constitutes a more compact and portable alternative to state-of-the-art directional neutron spectrometers. The device was used for the first time to characterise the near-target field produced by an accelerator-driven D–D fusion neutron source. NCT-WES operates as a “parallelised” Bonner spheres spectrometer, embedding six semiconductor-based thermal neutron detectors in a cylindrical moderator. Owing on a cylindrical collimating aperture, the device exhibits sharply directional response. To account for the non-uniform irradiation condition experienced in the near-target field, a dedicated NCT-WES response matrix was developed. The neutron spectrum at 0$$^{\circ }$$

∘

from the D–D neutron target, determined by means of the FRUIT unfolding code, is coherent with that previously derived with Bonner spheres. NCT-WES proved to be a promising device for angular spectrometric characterisation of neutron-emitting targets.
Is There an Authoritarian Advantage in Pandemic Response? A Comparative Case Study of China’s Responses to SARS-CoV-1 (2003) and SARS-CoV-2 (2019)
Authors: SCHWARTZ JONATHAN 
Published: July 2022

Effective pandemic response has become an increasingly important focus for research in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. While there are a number of variables that may be considered as influencing effective response, this paper focuses on the potential impact of an “authoritarian advantage” in achieving an effective response in the period prior to pharmaceutical interventions being available with China as a case study. In essence, this paper explores whether China enjoys an authoritarian advantage, and if so, how it functions. This study compares China’s SARS-CoV-1 (2003) response with its SARS-CoV-2 (2019) response by exploring the impact of the authoritarian advantage on the state’s ability to effectively engage three key explanatory variables — centralized decision-making powers, public support and media engagement.
Leveraging Stories to Promote Health and Prevent Cancer
Authors: Butsch Kovacic Melinda , Gertz Susan Enid 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Many challenges are associated with communicating health messages to promote healthy behaviors and prevent cancer including limited health literacy levels, varied life experiences, and different learning styles. In this issue of Cancer Prevention Research, Chen and colleagues codeveloped personal, audiovisual digital stories using community-engaged, Digital Storytelling. Their goal was to improve the attitudes of and vaccination intention for human papillomavirus among Vietnamese American mothers of unvaccinated children ages 11–14. This spotlight discusses the implications of their results and further the broader use of stories as tools to promote health and prevent cancer—particularly in underserved minority and immigrant populations.
See related article, p. 465