bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reasons for discontinuing insulin and factors associated with insulin discontinuation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a real-world evidence study
Authors: Wu Jianmin , Morrison Fritha , Zhao Zhenxiang , Haynes Ginger , He Xuanyao , Ali Ayad K. , Shubina Maria , Malmasi Shervin , Ge Wendong , Peng Xiaomei , Turchin Alexander 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Evidence suggests that insulin therapy of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is frequently discontinued. However, the reasons for discontinuing insulin and factors associated with insulin discontinuation in this patient population are not well understood.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults with T2DM prescribed insulin between 2010 and 2017 at Partners HealthCare. Reasons for discontinuing insulin and factors associated with insulin discontinuation were studied using electronic medical records (EMR) data. Natural language processing (NLP) was applied to identify reasons from unstructured clinical notes. Factors associated with insulin discontinuation were extracted from structured EMR data and evaluated using multivariable logistic regression.

Results
Among 7009 study patients, 2957 (42.2%) discontinued insulin within 12 months after study entry. Most patients who discontinued insulin (2121 / 71.7%) had reasons for discontinuation documented. The most common reasons were improving blood glucose control (33.2%), achieved weight loss (18.5%) and initiation of non-insulin diabetes medications (16.7%). In multivariable analysis adjusted for demographics and comorbidities, patients were more likely to discontinue either basal or bolus insulin if they were on a basal-bolus regimen (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.8; p <  0.001) or were being seen by an endocrinologist (OR 2.6; 95% CI 2.2 to 3.0; p <  0.001).

Conclusions
In this large real-world evidence study conducted in an area with a high penetration of health insurance, insulin discontinuation countenanced by healthcare providers was common. In most cases it was linked to achievement of glycemic control, achieved weight loss and initiation of other diabetes medications. Factors associated with and stated reasons for insulin discontinuation were different from those previously described for non-adherence to insulin therapy, identifying it as a distinct clinical phenomenon.
The time-varying effects of oil prices on oil–gas stock returns of the fragile five countries
Authors: Yurteri Kösedağlı Begüm , Huyugüzel Kışla Gül , Çatık A. Nazif 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study analyzes oil price exposure of the oil–gas sector stock returns for the fragile five countries based on a multi-factor asset pricing model using daily data from 29 May 1996 to 27 January 2020. The endogenous structural break test suggests the presence of serious parameter instabilities due to fluctuations in the oil and stock markets over the period under study. Moreover, the time-varying estimates indicate that the oil–gas sectors of these countries are riskier than the overall stock market. The results further suggest that, except for Indonesia, oil prices have a positive impact on the sectoral returns of all markets, whereas the impact of the exchange rates on the oil–gas sector returns varies across time and countries.
Intraguild predation in three generalist predatory mites of the family Phytoseiidae (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Momen Faten M. , Abdel-Khalek Amira 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
The predatory mites, Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor), N. barkeri (Hughes), and Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot, are important predators attacking many insect and mite pests. They can coexist in the same habitat and engage in intraguild predation (IGP).

Main body
IGP was assessed among the exotic one N. californicus and the native species N. barkeri and A. swirskii as Intraguild predator (IG-predator)/intraguild prey (IG-prey) in either absence or presence of extra-guild prey Tetranychus urticae Koch (EG-prey). In the laboratory, the physiological parameters, longevity, fecundity, and predation rate of these predatory mites’ females, fed on EG-prey, were evaluated, where phytoseiid larvae are considered as (IG-prey) or combined IG-prey with EG-prey. All predatory species consumed larval stages of each other’s, but in case of N. californicus, females failed to sustain oviposition on N. barkeri larvae. Also, it was noticed that N. californicus females killed 3 times more A. swirskii larvae than N. barkeri larvae, whereas A. swirskii consumed more N. californicus than N. barkeri larvae, respectively. Neoseiulus californicus lived longer on T. urticae and A. swirskii larvae than on N. barkeri, while the latter survived longer on T. urticae only than on the other prey or with combinations with T. urticae. Amblyseius swirskii lived shorter when fed exclusively on T. urticae or IG-prey than on EG-prey combined with IG-prey. In choice experiments, N. californicus showed a higher preference to consume more T. urticae than any of phytoseiid larvae. The comparison between T. urticae and IG-prey diets definite the higher influence of T. urticae on the fecundity in N. californicus and N. barkeri than on IG-prey, whereas in A. swirskii fecundity was as equal on T. urticae as on IG-prey N. californicus larvae.

Conclusion
A. swirskii seemed to be the strongest IG-predator.
COVID-19 lockdown may increase cardiovascular disease risk factors
Authors: Muhammad Daha Garba , Abubakar Ibrahim Ahmad 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) and was declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020 which is leading to significant morbidity and mortality. In compliance with WHO recommendation of movement restrictions, many countries have imposed compulsory self-quarantine and restricted movements of their citizenries (lockdown/sit at home) and closure of businesses and borders as preventive measures to the fast-spreading virus. Consequently, this decision has made the emergence of behaviors that are detrimental to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) which are the leading cause of the global mortality rate.

Main body
The increase in sedentary lifestyles, alcohol consumption, and substance abuse during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown as a result of personal restrictions in COVID-19 lockdown is linked with the risk of death from chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Conclusion
The lockdown has increased risk factors of CVDs, and as such, there might be an increase in the number of non-communicable disease (NCD)-related mortality rate. The effect does not end during the period of coronavirus pandemic but even after the pandemic.
Study of sensory processing deficits in autism spectrum disorder symptom triad: an Egyptian sample
Authors: Reda Mona , Meguid Nagwa A. , Eid Ola M. , Hussein Fatma , Elalfy Dina Y. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. In DSM-IV, the diagnostic criteria of autism consisted of three domains: impairment in social interaction, communication deficits, and stereotypic behavior, while in DSM-5 they were condensed into two domains: social communication deficits and restricted patterns of behavior to which sensory processing deficits (SPD) were added, manifested by hypo- or hyper-reactivity to sensory stimuli or uncommon interests in sensory aspects of the surrounding environment. The purpose of this study is to determine the relation between SPD and the symptom triad in ASD namely social interaction, communication deficits, and stereotypic behavior. To our knowledge, this issue was not studied before in Egyptian literature.

Results
There was a significant negative correlation between SPD (assessed by short sensory profile: SSP) and symptom triad in ASD. As regards social interaction, the ADI-R (A), there was significant negative correlation with the SSP total scores and all subscales except for low energy/weak and visual/auditory sensitivity, whereas under-responsive/seeks sensation held the highest negative correlation (p ˂ 0.008). As regards communication deficits, the ADI-R (B), there was significant negative correlation with the SSP total scores and the auditory filtering held the highest negative correlation (p ˂ 0.008), and as regards stereotypic behavior, the ADI-R (C), there was significant negative correlation with the SSP total scores and all subscales except for low energy/weak and visual/auditory sensitivity whereas taste/smell sensitivity and auditory filtering held the highest negative correlation (p ˂ 0.001). There was a high significant negative correlation between the severity of autistic symptoms (assessed by CARS) and the SSP total scores, and for all subscales (p ˂ 0.001) except for low energy/weak, the correlation was significant (not highly significant) (p ˂ 0.05). Finally, there was high percentage of parental consanguinity among the participants (80%).

Conclusions
SPD negatively affected the ASD symptom triad which highlights the importance of sensory integration therapy (SIT) as a major core of ASD treatment alongside the other treatment modalities. Early ASD screening is mandatory in families with parental consanguinity.
Characterization of focal liver lesions using sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) microbubble contrast-enhanced ultrasonography
Authors: Mansour Mohamed Gamal El-Din , Kader Mona Hussein Abdel , Arafa Hanan Mahmoud , Ali Susan Adil 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Focal hepatic lesions incidentally detected during ultrasound usually need further step for proper characterization. The aim of this study was to highlight the efficacy of microbubble contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in characterization of focal liver lesions. This prospective study was conducted on 60 patients presented with hepatic focal lesions in the period from January 2019 to June 2020. CEUS studies were performed after a baseline conventional ultrasound with the same machine by the same operator. The ultrasound contrast agent used is second-generation US contrast agent. The enhancement patterns of the hepatic lesions were studied during the vascular phases up to 5 min and the data were correlated with histopathology, triphasic contrast-enhanced CT, and clinical follow-up.

Results
CEUS demonstrated a sensitivity of 94.2%, specificity of 88.9%, positive predictive value of 91%, negative predictive value of 94.1%, and accuracy of 92.3% for characterization of hepatic focal lesions, compared to a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 81.8%, positive predictive value of 84%, negative predictive value of 100%, and accuracy of 90.7% for triphasic CT.

Conclusion
CEUS is an effective tool in characterization of HFLs and recommended as a second diagnostic step after conventional ultrasound to immediately establish the diagnosis especially in patients with contraindications to CECT.
Interobserver agreement of Prostate Imaging–Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS–v2)
Authors: Ahmed Hala Maher , Ebeed Ahmed Ebrahim , Hamdy Ahmed , El-Ghar Mohamed Abou , Razek Ahmed Abdel Khalek Abdel 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
A retrospective study was conducted on 71 consecutive patients with suspected prostate cancer (PCa) with a mean age of 56 years and underwent mp-MRI of the prostate at 3 Tesla MRI. Two readers recognized all prostatic lesions, and each lesion had a score according to Prostate Imaging–Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADS-v2).

Purpose of the study
To evaluate the interobserver agreement of PI-RADS-v2 in characterization of prostatic lesions using multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) at 3 Tesla MRI.

Results
The overall interobserver agreement of PI-RADS-v2 for both zones was excellent (k = 0.81, percent agreement = 94.9%). In the peripheral zone (PZ) lesions are the interobserver agreement for PI-RADS II (k = 0.78, percent agreement = 83.9%), PI-RADS III (k = 0.66, percent agreement = 91.3 %), PI-RADS IV (k = 0.69, percent agreement = 93.5%), and PI-RADS V (k = 0.91, percent agreement = 95.7 %). In the transitional zone (TZ) lesions are the interobserver agreement for PI-RADS I (k = 0.98, percent of agreement = 96%), PI-RADS II (k = 0.65, percent agreement = 96%), PI-RADS III (k = 0.65, percent agreement = 88%), PI-RADS IV (k = 0.83, percent agreement = 96%), and PI-RADS V (k = 0.82, percent agreement = 92%).

Conclusion
We concluded that PI-RADS-v2 is a reliable and a reproducible imaging modality for the characterization of prostatic lesions and detection of PCa.
PHACE syndrome with parotid hemangiomas: a unique case report
Authors: Mukhtar Muhammad Umer , Kanwal Mahjabeen , Qamar Adeel , Arooj Sadaf , Qamar Samina 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
PHACE syndrome is a congenital disorder in infants characterized by the presence of large hemangiomas in the cervicofacial region along with congenital anomalies of the cardiovascular system, brain, and eyes. PHACE syndrome is an extremely rare condition, and PHACE syndrome with parotid hemangiomas has never been reported in the medical literature.

Case presentation
A 3-month-old female infant presented with cervicofacial plaques that later involved the left eyelids. The plaques blanched on application of pressure and were diagnosed to be hemangiomas. MRI and MRA studies of the brain showed extensive vascular malformations, agenesis of the left internal carotid artery, and hemangiomas in the parotid glands. A biopsy of the parotid glands confirmed the parotid hemangiomas. Bilateral cataracts and subclavian artery with an aberrant origin were also found. On the basis of the hemangiomas and the arterial, cardiovascular, and ocular abnormalities, PHACE syndrome was diagnosed. A multi-disciplinary treatment approach was begun, but the infant died 20 days after presentation to the hospital.

Conclusions
PHACE syndrome is an extremely rare condition that has only been described three hundred times in medical literature. It is usually associated with extensive structural, arterial, ocular, and cutaneous anomalies. However, PHACE syndrome with parotid hemangiomas has never been reported in the medical literature. Hemangiomas are the main diagnostic feature and the most common lesion of this disease. This strong association between PHACE syndrome and hemangiomas suggests the parotid hemangiomas seen in our case to be a new addition to the broad spectrum of anomalies associated with PHACE syndrome.
The relationship between tourism and economic growth among BRICS countries: a panel cointegration analysis
Authors: Rasool Haroon , Maqbool Shafat , Tarique Md. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTourism has become the world’s third-largest export industry after fuels and chemicals, and ahead of food and automotive products. From last few years, there has been a great surge in international tourism, culminates to 7% share of World’s total exports in 2016. To this end, the study attempts to examine the relationship between inbound tourism, financial development and economic growth by using the panel data over the period 1995–2015 for five BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries. The results of panel ARDL cointegration test indicate that tourism, financial development and economic growth are cointegrated in the long run. Further, the Granger causality analysis demonstrates that the causality between inbound tourism and economic growth is bi-directional, thus validates the ‘feedback-hypothesis’ in BRICS countries. The study suggests that BRICS countries should promote favorable tourism policies to push up the economic growth and in turn economic growth will positively contribute to international tourism.
Recent Developments on Therapeutic and Diagnostic Approaches for COVID-19
Authors: Majumder Joydeb , Minko Tamara 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has made a serious public health threat worldwide with millions of people at risk in a growing number of countries. Though there are no clinically approved antiviral drugs and vaccines for COVID-19, attempts are ongoing for clinical trials of several known antiviral drugs, their combination, as well as development of vaccines in patients with confirmed COVID-19. This review focuses on the latest approaches to diagnostics and therapy of COVID-19. We have summarized recent progress on the conventional therapeutics such as antiviral drugs, vaccines, anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody treatments, and convalescent plasma therapy which are currently under extensive research and clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19. The developments of nanoparticle-based therapeutic and diagnostic approaches have been also discussed for COVID-19. We have assessed recent literature data on this topic and made a summary of current development and future perspectives.
Alcohol consumption patterns among men who have sex with men in major cities of Myanmar: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Htut Kyaw-Min , Areesantichai Chitlada , Mon Myo-Myo 
Published: January 2021

Background: Alcohol consumption patterns vary widely across the regions of the world. Although previous studies have focused on the sexual risk behaviours among men who have sex with men (MSM), studies regarding binge alcohol drinking among MSM in Myanmar are scarce. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the alcohol consumption patterns among MSM aged over 18 years in two major cities of Myanmar where the MSM population is higher than other regions. Purposive sampling was applied and sampling was made through Myanmar MSM network. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire. Patterns of alcohol consumption were described as frequency/percentage and mean/median as appropriate. Bivariate analysis was also done to find out the association between types of MSM and binge drinking. Results: A total of 256 MSM included in the study (mean age, 27.33±7.7 years). Of 256 participants, 225 MSM had the experience of alcohol consumption in their lifetime (225/256, 87.9%). Among ever drinkers, 152 MSM consumed alcohol within three months (152/225, 67.6%). Regarding beer consumption, the highest proportions of MSM from both groups (42.8%, 36.8%) consumed 1-3 times per week. Overall, 57.2% of young MSM and 41.2% of adult MSM consumed beer together with their friends. Nearly 34% of young MSM and nearly 38% of adult MMS consumed beer at gatherings of friends. At different time periods, higher proportions of Thange (partners of MSM) had experienced of binge drinking than apwint (open) and apone (hidden) (p<0.05). Conclusions: The current study identified the alcohol consumption patterns in terms of type, amount, frequency at different time periods among MSM in major cities of Myanmar. It is suggested to develop and implement alcohol control policy for MSM since the proportion of current drinkers as well as binge drinking higher among these groups.
Instability mechanism and discharge regime diagnosis of microthrusters based on plasma properties
Authors: Wang Fangyi , Zhang Shaohua , Liu Yan , Yu Xilong 
Published: January 2021

In order to make it possible to control the plasma state and predict
the regime transitions via coupling optical and electrical diagnosis
in aerospace engineering, we have experimentally investigated the
regime transitions under 0.1–15 kPa with an input discharge power of
0–25 W in a parallel-plate electrode configuration. An abnormal glow
discharge (AGD), filamentary discharge (FD), and arc discharge (AD)
are distinguished using the voltage–current characteristics under
different gas pressures. The electron excitation temperature (

T

e

), electron density (

N

e

), spatial resolutions of

T

e

and

N

e

, and ionization degree are obtained
via optical emission spectroscopy to reveal the transition mechanisms.
Thermal instability, characterized by

T

e

, plays a dominant role during the
transition from an AGD to an FD. The conclusions are supported by
analysis of ionization degree, whereas electronic instability becomes
the dominant mechanism in the transition from an FD to an AD. This is
related to collision kinetics because of an observed drop in

N

e

, which is verified by the spatial
resolution as well. Moreover, planar laser-induced fluorescence
provides further insight into the instantaneous location and relative
number variation of Ar

1
s

5

metastable atoms, which agrees well
with the plasma properties mentioned above. In addition, a pressure of
1 kPa with a maximum input power of 17.5 W are specified as suitable
working parameters for further study when applied to microthrusters
due to its higher

N

e

and better stability.
300  W two-stage Nd:YAG Innoslab microsecond amplifier
Authors: Zhang Xuguang , Ye Junzhi , Luo Xingwang , Chen Xiaoming , Zhang Lei , Xu Xiafei , Ren Huaijin , Lu Yanhua , Ma Yi , Gao Qingsong , Sun Jun , Wang Weimin 
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a two-stage partially pumped slab (Innoslab) microsecond amplifier at 1064 nm is reported. The 4.4-W single-frequency seed laser is amplified to 303.6 W, with an overall optical–optical efficiency of 25.7%. The overlapping efficiency of the first- and second- amplifier stage is 67% and 55.6%, respectively. The pulse width is 145.0 µs, at a repetition rate of 500 Hz, and the beam quality factor of

M
2

is 1.84 and 1.71 in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. With higher overlap between the pump volume and the seed laser mode, the output power and optical–optical efficiency can be further improved.
Synergien zwischen nicht-digitalen und digitalen Geschäftsmodellen in Unternehmen: Möglichkeiten und Handlungsempfehlungen
Authors: Toutaoui Jonas , Müller Lea , Benlian Alexander 
Published: January 2021

ZusammenfassungFührungskräfte erkennen zunehmend, wie wichtig digitale Geschäftsmodelle sind, um die digitale Transformation in Unternehmen mit bestehenden nicht-digitalen Geschäftsmodellen erfolgreich umzusetzen. Dennoch fehlt oft das Bewusstsein für Synergien, die durch koexistente digitale und nicht-digitale Geschäftsmodelle innerhalb desselben Unternehmens möglich sind. Unsere Studie hebt digitale Plattformen als entscheidende Mechanismen hervor, die es etablierten Unternehmen ermöglichen, diese Synergien zu nutzen. Wir identifizieren sechs Arten von Synergien zwischen nicht-digitalen und digitalen Geschäftsmodellen, die etablierten Unternehmen helfen, einen Mehrwert im Vergleich zu einer bloßen Koexistenz dieser Geschäftsmodelle zu schaffen. Darüber hinaus bilden wir diese Synergien auf die einzigartigen Merkmale und Dynamiken digitaler Plattformen ab. Der Artikel schließt mit Empfehlungen zur Freisetzung dieser Synergien entlang der verschiedenen Phasen der Geschäftsmodellentwicklung.