bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between serum prostate‐specific antigen concentrations and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese men: A cohort study
Authors: Huang Shao‐fen , Yu Ying‐lin , Cui Yun‐feng , Lou Yan‐mei , Liao Min‐qi , Wang Chang‐yi , Xu Shan , Chen Hong‐en , Gao Xu‐ping , Dai Shu‐hong , Peng Xiao‐lin , Zhao Dan , Wang Li , Ping Zhao , Zeng Fang‐fang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe current literature suggests that men with diabetes have a lower prostate‐specific antigen concentration than men without diabetes, but the causal association remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between serum prostate‐specific antigen concentrations and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a cohort study of a Chinese population.Materials and MethodsWe designed a cohort study that comprised 16,811 initially non‐diabetic Chinese men who received annual health checkups between 2009 and 2016. The outcome of this study was type 2 diabetes mellitus, identified by medical diagnosis, self‐reportage, medication use, fasting glucose, 2‐h post oral glucose or glycated hemoglobin measurements. Cox proportional hazards models were carried out to evaluate the association.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up period of 3.8 years (interquartile range 1.91–5.73 years), 1,260 participants developed incident type 2 diabetes mellitus. The multivariable model, adjusted for various potential confounders, showed that serum prostate‐specific antigen concentrations were inversely related to type 2 diabetes mellitus risk (P for trend = 0.014). Compared with the lowest quartile of serum prostate‐specific antigen, the hazard ratio and 95% confidence intervals of type 2 diabetes mellitus risk for quartile 2–4 were 0.84 (0.66–1.07), 0.75 (0.59–0.94) and 0.77 (0.62–0.96), respectively. Subgroup analyses suggested the inverse relationship was more prominent in overweight or obese participants (P for interaction = 0.013).ConclusionsHigh serum prostate‐specific antigen concentration was associated with a low risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese men. Future studies are required to confirm these findings and investigate underlying mechanisms.
Deep‐learning system for real‐time differentiation between Crohn's disease, intestinal Behçet's disease, and intestinal tuberculosis
Authors: Kim Jung Min , Kang Jun Gu , Kim Sungwon , Cheon Jae Hee 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and AimPattern analysis of big data can provide a superior direction for the clinical differentiation of diseases with similar endoscopic findings. This study aimed to develop a deep‐learning algorithm that performs differential diagnosis between intestinal Behçet's disease (BD), Crohn's disease (CD), and intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) using colonoscopy images.MethodsThe typical pattern for each disease was defined as a typical image. We implemented a convolutional neural network (CNN) using Pytorch and visualized a deep‐learning model through Gradient‐weighted Class Activation Mapping. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).ResultsA total of 6617 colonoscopy images of 211 CD, 299 intestinal BD, and 217 ITB patients were used. The accuracy of the algorithm for discriminating the three diseases (all‐images: 65.15% vs typical images: 72.01%, P = 0.024) and discriminating between intestinal BD and CD (all‐images: 78.15% vs typical images: 85.62%, P = 0.010) was significantly different between all‐images and typical images. The CNN clearly differentiated colonoscopy images of the diseases (AUROC from 0.7846 to 0.8586). Algorithmic prediction AUROC for typical images ranged from 0.8211 to 0.9360.ConclusionThis study found that a deep‐learning model can discriminate between colonoscopy images of intestinal BD, CD, and ITB. In particular, the algorithm demonstrated superior discrimination ability for typical images. This approach presents a beneficial method for the differential diagnosis of the diseases.
Regional Effects of Exchange Rate Fluctuations
Authors: HOUSE CHRISTOPHER L. , PROEBSTING CHRISTIAN , TESAR LINDA L. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe exploit differences across U.S. states' exposure to trade to study the effects of changes in the exchange rate on economic activity. Across states, trade‐weighted exchange rate depreciations are associated with increased state exports, reduced state unemployment, and higher state hours worked. The effects are particularly strong during periods of economic slack. A multiregion model with interstate trade and labor flows, calibrated to match state‐level trade data and migration flows, replicates the empirical relationship between exchange rates and unemployment. The high degree of interstate trade plays an important role in transmitting shocks across states in the first year, whereas interstate migration shapes cross‐sectional patterns in later years. We use the model to study the regional effects of tariffs in the United States. The model suggests that a 25% Chinese import tariff on U.S. goods would be felt throughout the United States, even in states with small direct linkages to China, raising unemployment rates by 0.2 to 0.7 percentage points in the short run.
Medium‐Term Money Neutrality and the Effective Lower Bound
Authors: EGGERTSSON GAUTI B. , GIANNONI MARC P. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractConventional wisdom suggests that medium‐term money neutrality imposes strong limitations on the effects of monetary policy. The point of this paper is that models with medium‐ and long‐term money neutrality are prone to generate nonexistence of equilibria at the effective lower bound (ELB) on interest rates. Nonexistence is suggestive of sharp output contractions—so‐called contractionary black holes—at the ELB. Paradoxically, the case for expansionary monetary policy at the ELB is even stronger in models that feature near money neutrality. The results highlight the benefits of a monetary policy regime in which the central bank temporarily overshoots its inflation target once confronted by the ELB.
The Dynamics of Unemployment and Inflation in New Keynesian Models with Two Labor Margins
Authors: CLERC PIERRICK 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNew Keynesian models for which firms unilaterally adjust labor along both the intensive, and extensive margins usually fail to reproduce the volatility of unemployment. In this paper, we show that a marginal wage much more responsive than the average wage to shocks—in accordance with empirical observations—is a crucial mechanism allowing these models to replicate unemployment dynamics. At the same time, the large movements of the marginal wage are consistent with the low volatility of inflation as such movements induce strong strategic complementarities between price setters.
Adaptive Learning, Social Security Reform, and Policy Uncertainty
Authors: COTTLE HUNT ERIN 
Published: February 2021

AbstractI develop an adaptive learning model to study the welfare effects of Social Security policy uncertainty in an aging economy. Agents combine full knowledge of the political process (which Social Security reforms are possible and when they could occur) with limited knowledge about the structure of the economy. The adaptive learning amplifies cyclical dynamics along the transition path to the new steady state. This magnifies the welfare effects of policy uncertainty, compared to a standard rational expectations model. The ex ante consumption equivalent variation that equates the expected utility of consumption (with policy uncertainty) to the utility of expected consumption (across the possible policies without uncertainty) ranges between −0.29% and 0.21% of lifetime consumption in the adaptive learning model compared to −0.012% to −0.018% in the standard model. The welfare cost to future generations is also larger in the adaptive learning model compared to the rational model.
Political Pressure on Central Banks
Authors: Binder Carola Conces 
Published: February 2021

AbstractI construct a quarterly data set on political pressure faced by 118 central banks from 2010 to 2018 using country‐level reports. I code whether each central bank is reportedly succumbing to pressure or resisting pressure. About 10% of central banks reportedly face political pressure in an average year. Even central banks with high legal independence frequently face pressure—nearly always for looser monetary policy. Pressure on the central bank is associated with higher inflation and inflation persistence. Pressure is more likely to come from governments with left‐wing or nationalist executives, few checks and balances, or weak electoral competition.
Contemplation‐action‐maintenance model of behaviour change for persons with coronary heart disease: A qualitative study
Authors: Yue Peng , Wu Ying , Zhang Yan , Chen Yuling , Li Jia , Xu Yahong , Liu Yisi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAims and objectivesTo explore factors of health behaviour maintenance from the perspective of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients.BackgroundThe majority of CHD patients do not achieve appropriate theory‐based intervention to maintain health behaviours. Previous health behaviour change theories give little importance to behaviour maintenance.DesignA qualitative descriptive study.MethodsThirty CHD patients were recruited purposively and interviewed from four hospitals in Beijing, China, during January 2017–August 2019. Data were analysed using template analysis methods. The COREQ checklist was used.ResultsPerceived enjoyment and perceived effectiveness from the newly adopted behaviours emerged as vital factors for maintaining health behaviour; contemplation‐action‐maintenance (CAM) model to explain the behaviour change and maintenance of CHD patients was constructed.ConclusionsThe CAM model provides insight into the factors of health behaviour action and maintenance among CHD patients. Professionals can develop interventions from the perspective of patients' experiences to promote maintenance of behaviour.Relevance to clinical practiceProfessionals need to consider that the goal of behavioural intervention should initially and continuously target patients' perseverance. Interventions of health behaviour that bring enjoyment may aid long‐term maintenance. Also, healthcare providers can enhance patients’ perception of effectiveness to motivate their behaviour maintenance in lifestyle change programmes.
Head Start and Nonresident Fathers' Involvement with Children
Authors: Haralampoudis Alexandra , Nepomnyaschy Lenna , Donnelly Louis 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study explores the associations of children's Head Start participation with the involvement and material contributions of their nonresident fathers.BackgroundHead Start, which provides comprehensive child care services to over 1 million low‐income children annually, aims to enhance relationships and increase parental involvement among participating families. Prior studies indicate that Head Start increases engagement among mothers of participating children; however, little is known about its effects on father involvement, particularly that of nonresident fathers.MethodAnalyses are based on longitudinal data from the first five waves of the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study and focus on children with nonresident biological fathers at years 5 (N = 1,464) and 9 (N = 1,173). Associations are estimated between children's Head Start participation prior to kindergarten entry (at Age 5) and nonresident fathers' material contributions and social involvement at years 5 and 9, controlling for a rich set of individual, family, and contextual factors, including fathers' involvement prior to Head Start participation.ResultsResults indicated that Head Start participation was associated with increased levels of nonresident fathers' contact and engagement with children, and more frequent provision of in‐kind support, but not more formal or informal cash child support. These associations appeared to operate through improving the strength and quality of coparenting and parents' relationships.ConclusionHead Start may be an effective intervention for increasing nonresident fathers' involvement with children, which is another pathway through which Head Start can reduce socioeconomic inequalities and improve well‐being among children in low‐income families.
Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH): prevalence and degree of severity in a Mexican pediatric population living in an endemic fluorosis area
Authors: Sosa‐Soto Joselyn , Padrón‐Covarrubias Ana Isabel , Márquez‐Preciado Raúl , Ruiz‐Rodríguez Socorro , Pozos‐Guillén Amaury , Pedroza‐Uribe Isaac Murisi , Bayardo‐González Rubén Alberto , Garrocho‐Rangel Arturo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence and severity of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in 8 years old children living in an endemic fluorosis area.MethodsMIH prevalence rate was determined from a study sample comprising 613 participants. They were recruited from 11 urban public schools with similar socio‐economic status. Oral evaluations were performed and diagnosed MIH teeth were classified under Ghanim et al.'s criteria. Statistical descriptive and comparative analyzes were carried out.ResultsFirst permanent molars were the tooth group most affected, followed by the upper central incisors, lower central incisors, lower lateral incisors, and upper lateral incisors. There was no significant statistical difference by gender and by maxillary/mandible arches (P = 0.82 and 0.26, respectively). The frequency of MIH was more in molars compared to incisors (P < 0.02).ConclusionsThe MIH prevalence in this study was 12.4 percent. According to the MIH severity, degree 2 was the most frequently detected (76.4 percent).
Influence of Abiotic Factors on the Growth of Cyanobacteria Isolated from Nakdong River, South Korea1
Authors: Yadav Seema , Anam Giridhar Babu , Ahn Young‐Ho 
Published: February 2021

Changes in physico‐chemical factors due to natural climate variability and eutrophication could affect the cyanobacterial growth patterns in aquatic systems that may cause environmental health problems. Based on morphological and 16S rRNA gene analysis, three cyanobacterial species isolated for the first time from the Nakdong River water sample in South Korea were identified as Amazoninema brasiliense, Microcystis elabens, and Nododsilinea nodulosa. The variations in temperature, pH, nitrogen, or phosphorus levels significantly impacted the cyanobacterial growth patterns. The optimal temperature range for the growth of isolates was from 25–30°C. A neutral or weak alkaline environment favored growth; however, A. brasiliense resulted in 44.2–87.5% higher biomass (0.75 g · L−1 as dry solids, DS) and growth rate (0.24 · d−1) at pH 7 than the other isolates (0.4–0.52 g DS · L−1, 0.16–0.19 · d−1). The increased nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N) concentrations significantly (P < 0.05) favored biomass production and growth rate for A. brasiliense and M. elabens, respectively, and the maximum growth rate was observed for A. brasiliense at 3.5 mg NO3‐N · L−1. The orthophosphate concentration (PO4–P) from 0.1 to 0.5 mg PO4‐P · L−1 increased the growth of the isolates. These observations suggest that isolate growth rates in water bodies can vary depending on different physico‐chemical parameters. This study contributes to the further understanding of the growth of microalgae in natural freshwater bodies under fluctuating environmental conditions and aquatic ecosystem stability.
Effect of vitamin D3 on the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stromal cells under inflammatory conditions
Authors: Blufstein Alice , Behm Christian , Kubin Barbara , Gahn Johannes , Rausch‐Fan Xiaohui , Moritz Andreas , Andrukhov Oleh 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesVitamin D3 is known to activate osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stromal cells (hPDLSCs). Recently, inflammatory stimuli were shown to inhibit the transcriptional activity of hPDLSCs, but their effect on vitamin D3‐induced osteogenic differentiation is not known. The present study aimed to investigate whether the effects of 1,25‐dihydroxvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and 25‐hydroxvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) on the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs are also altered under inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, the expression of osteogenesis‐related factors by hPDLSCs under osteogenic conditions was assessed in the presence of inflammatory stimuli.Materials and MethodsPrimary hPDLSCs of six donors were cultured in osteogenic induction medium containing either 1,25(OH)2D3 (0‐10 nM) or 25(OH)D3 (0‐100 nM) in the presence and absence of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or Pam3CSK4 for 7, 14 and 21 days. Osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs was evaluated by analysis of mineralization as assessed by Alizarin Red S staining and gene expression levels of osteogenesis‐related factors osteocalcin, osteopontin and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) were analysed with qPCR.ResultsTreatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 significantly enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs and their expression of osteocalcin and osteopontin. The 1,25(OH)2D3‐triggered expression of osteogenesis‐related factors was significantly lower in the presence of Pam3CSK4, but not P. gingivalis LPS. None of the inflammatory stimuli had significant effects on the 1,25(OH)2D3‐induced osteogenic differentiation. 25(OH)D3 neither affected gene expression levels nor osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs cultured in osteogenic induction medium.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that inflammatory stimuli also diminish the 1,25(OH)2D3‐induced expression of osteogenesis‐related factors in hPDLSCs under osteogenic conditions, while having no effect on the osteogenic differentiation.
Symmetric dimethylarginine and creatinine concentrations in serum of healthy draft horses
Authors: Schott Harold C. , Gallant Lisanne R. , Coyne Michael , Murphy Rachel , Cross Julie , Strong‐Townsend Marilyn , Szlosek Donald , Yerramilli Maha , Li Jun 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundSymmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is considered a more sensitive indirect estimate of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) than creatinine (Cr). Symmetric dimethylarginine is not affected by sex or muscle mass in small animals.ObjectivesTo validate a commercial SDMA immunoassay (IA) for equine serum; to compare SDMA and Cr in cohorts of draft horse breeds; and to assess effects of age, sex, and breed.AnimalsOne hundred and sixty‐five healthy draft horses (0.5‐16 years), including 63 Percherons, 52 Clydesdales, and 50 Belgians.MethodsCross‐sectional study. The SDMA IA was validated for equine serum by comparison to liquid chromatography‐mass spectroscopy (LC‐MS) results and other methods. Symmetric dimethylarginine and Cr were compared by analysis of variance and correlation analysis.ResultsMedian and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for LC‐MS (10.0 [9.4, 10.2] μg/dL) and IA (9.7 [9.5, 10.0] μg/dL) SDMA concentrations were strongly correlated (R = .74, P < .001). Symmetric dimethylarginine was lower (P < .01) in Percherons and Belgians, than in Clydesdales. Median values and 95% CI for Cr were 1.3 (1.2, 1.4), 1.4 (1.3, 1.5), and 1.4 (1.3, 1.5) mg/dL (P = .06) for Percherons, Clydesdales, and Belgians, respectively. Symmetric dimethylarginine was correlated to Cr (LC‐MS, R = .60, P < .001; IA, R = .66, P < .001). There were no differences in SDMA or Cr between sexes and there were no correlations between age and SDMA or Cr.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAlthough a significant breed effect on SDMA concentration was found, differences were small and all medians were <14 μg/dL, the cutoff value to support renal dysfunction in dogs and cats.
Effects of pimobendan in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and recent congestive heart failure: Results of a prospective, double‐blind, randomized, nonpivotal, exploratory field study
Authors: Schober Karsten E. , Rush John E. , Luis Fuentes Virginia , Glaus Tony , Summerfield Nuala J. , Wright Kathy , Lehmkuhl Linda , Wess Gerhard , Sayer Margaret P. , Loureiro Joao , MacGregor John , Mohren Nicole 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe benefits of pimobendan in the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have not been evaluated prospectively.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of pimobendan in cats with HCM and recent CHF and to identify possible endpoints for a pivotal study. We hypothesized that pimobendan would be well‐tolerated and associated with improved outcome.AnimalsEighty‐three cats with HCM and recently controlled CHF: 30 with and 53 without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.MethodsProspective randomized placebo‐controlled double‐blind multicenter nonpivotal field study. Cats received either pimobendan (0.30 mg/kg q12h, n = 43), placebo (n = 39), or no medication (n = 1) together with furosemide (<10 mg/kg/d) with or without clopidogrel. The primary endpoint was a successful outcome (ie, completing the 180‐day study period without a dose escalation of furosemide).ResultsThe proportion of cats in the full analysis set population with a successful outcome was not different between treatment groups (P = .75). For nonobstructive cats, the success rate was 32% in pimobendan‐treated cats versus 18.2% in the placebo group (odds ratio [OR], 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54‐8.34). For obstructive cats, the success rate was 28.6% and 60% in the pimobendan and placebo groups, respectively (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.06‐1.26). No difference was found between treatments for the secondary endpoints of time to furosemide dose escalation or death (P = .89). Results were similar in the per‐protocol sets. Adverse events in both treatment groups were similar.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceIn this study of cats with HCM and recent CHF, no benefit of pimobendan on 180‐day outcome was identified.
Lenvatinib versus sorafenib in first‐line treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: An inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis
Authors: Casadei‐Gardini Andrea , Scartozzi Mario , Tada Toshifumi , Yoo Changhoon , Shimose Shigeo , Masi Gianluca , Lonardi Sara , Frassineti Luca Giovanni , Nicola Silvestris , Piscaglia Fabio , Kumada Takashi , Kim Hyung‐Don , Koga Hironori , Vivaldi Caterina , Soldà Caterina , Hiraoka Atsushi , Bang Yeonghak , Atsukawa Masanori , Torimura Takuji , Tsuj Kunihiko , Itobayashi Ei , Toyoda Hidenori , Fukunishi Shinya , Rimassa Lorenza , Rimini Margherita , Cascinu Stefano , Cucchetti Alessandro 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeData from common clinical practice were used to generate balanced cohorts of patients receiving either sorafenib or lenvatinib, for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, with the final aim to investigate their declared equivalence.MethodsClinical features of lenvatinib and sorafenib patients were balanced through inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) methodology, which weights patients’ characteristics and measured outcomes of each patient in both treatment arms. Overall survival was the primary endpoint and occurrence of adverse events was the secondary.ResultsThe analysis included 385 patients who received lenvatinib, and 555 patients who received sorafenib. In the unadjusted cohort, lenvatinib did not show a survival advantage over sorafenib (HR: 0.85, 95% CI 0.70‐1.02). After IPTW adjustment, lenvatinib still not returned a survival advantage over sorafenib (HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.62‐1.07) even in presence of balanced baseline characteristics. Lenvatinib provided longer survival than sorafenib in patients previously submitted to TACE (HR: 0.69), with PS of 0 (HR: 0.73) or without extrahepatic disease (HR: 0.69).ConclusionPresent results confirmed randomized controlled trial in the real‐life setting, but also suggests that in earlier stages some benefit can be expected.