bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolically Healthy/Unhealthy Overweight/Obesity Associations With Incident Heart Failure in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Cordola Hsu Amber R. , Xie Bin , Peterson Darleen V. , LaMonte Michael J. , Garcia Lorena , Eaton Charles B. , Going Scott B. , Phillips Lawrence S. , Manson JoAnn E. , Anton-Culver Hoda , Wong Nathan D. , Rossouw Jacques , Ludlam Shari , McGowan Joan , Ford Leslie , Geller Nancy , Anderson Garnet , Prentice Ross , LaCroix Andrea , Kooperberg Charles , Howard Barbara V. , Stefanick Marcia L. , Jackson Rebecca , Thomson Cynthia A. , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Limacher Marian , Robinson Jennifer , Kuller Lewis , Shumaker Sally , Brunner Robert , Espeland Mark 
Published: March 2021

Background:
Obesity is associated with an increased risk of heart failure (HF); however, how metabolic weight groups relate to HF risk, especially in postmenopausal women, has not been demonstrated.

Methods:

We included 19 412 postmenopausal women ages 50 to 79 without cardiovascular disease from the Women’s Health Initiative. Normal weight was defined as a body mass index ≥18.5 and <25 kg/m
2
and waist circumference <88 cm and overweight/obesity as a body mass index ≥25 kg/m
2
or waist circumference ≥88 cm. Metabolically healthy was based on <2 and unhealthy ≥2 cardiometabolic traits: triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL, systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mm Hg or blood pressure medication, fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL or diabetes medication, and HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) <50 mg/dL. Risk factor-adjusted Cox regression examined the hazard ratios (HRs) for incident hospitalized HF among metabolically healthy normal weight (reference), metabolically unhealthy normal weight, metabolically healthy overweight/obese, and metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese.

Results:

Among our sample, 455 (2.34%) participants experienced HF hospitalizations over a mean follow-up time of 11.3±1.1 years. Compared with metabolically healthy normal weight individuals, HF risk was greater in metabolically unhealthy normal weight (HR, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.01–2.72],
P
=0.045) and metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese individuals (HR, 1.95 [95% CI, 1.35–2.80],
P
=0.0004), but not metabolically healthy overweight/obese individuals (HR, 1.15 [95% CI, 0.78–1.71],
P
=0.48). Subdividing the overweight/obese into separate groups showed HRs for metabolically unhealthy obese of 2.62 (95% CI, 1.80–3.83;
P
<0.0001) and metabolically healthy obese of 1.52 (95% CI, 0.98–2.35;
P
=0.06).

Conclusions:
Metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese and metabolically unhealthy normal weight are associated with an increased risk of HF in postmenopausal women.
Mechanisms Underlying Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Inhibition–Induced Hypertension
Authors: Mäki-Petäjä Kaisa M. , McGeoch Adam , Yang Lucy L. , Hubsch Annette , McEniery Carmel M. , Meyer Paul A.R. , Mir Fraz , Gajendragadkar Parag , Ramenatte Nicola , Anandappa Gayathri , Santos Franco Sara , Bond Simon J. , Schönlieb Carola-Bibiane , Boink Yoeri , Brune Christoph , Wilkinson Ian B. , Jodrell Duncan I. , Cheriyan Joseph 
Published: March 2021

Drugs targeting the VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) signaling pathway are approved for several malignancies. Unfortunately, VEGF inhibitors lead to hypertension in 30% to 80% patients. Reduced nitric oxide synthase activity, microvascular rarefaction, and increased vascular resistance have been proposed as potential mechanisms. We aimed to assess these mechanisms in patients receiving the VEGF inhibitor, pazopanib, for cancer.
Twenty-seven normotensive patients with advanced solid malignancies received pazopanib 800 mg od. Endothelial function was assessed using forearm plethysmography with intraarterial infusions of acetylcholine. Detailed hemodynamic measurements were taken. Density and diameter of the conjunctival and episcleral microvasculature were evaluated using hemoglobin video imaging. Measurements were taken at baseline, 2, and 12 weeks after initiation of pazopanib or earlier if patients became hypertensive.

By the end of the trial, systolic blood pressure increased by 12 mm Hg (95% CI, 4–19 mm Hg;
P
=0.003), diastolic by 10 mm Hg (95% CI, 5–15 mm Hg;
P
<0.001), and peripheral vascular resistance by 888 dynes×s/cm
5
(95% CI, 616–1168 dynes×s/cm
5
;
P
<0.001). Forearm blood flow improved: Ratio of acetylcholine response at end of trial/baseline was 2.8 (95% CI, 1.84–4.25;
P
<0.001). Microvascular density in the sclera was reduced by −15.5% (95% CI, −25.7% to −5.3%;
P
=0.003) and diameter by −2.09 µm (95% CI, −3.95 to −0.19 µm;
P
=0.03). A post hoc colorimetric assay revealed that pazopanib inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity by −56% (95% CI, −62% to −52%;
P
<0.001). Unexpectedly, pazopanib led to an increase in acetylcholine-mediated forearm blood flow response, likely due to the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity. Pazopanib increased peripheral vascular resistance and reduced microvascular density and diameter, suggesting that microvascular rarefaction could be one of the key mechanisms behind VEGF inhibition–induced hypertension.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01392352.
Approximating Probabilistic Models as Weighted Finite Automata
Authors: Suresh Ananda Theertha , Roark Brian , Riley Michael , Schogol Vlad 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Weighted finite automata (WFAs) are often used to represent probabilistic models, such as ngram language models, because among other things, they are efficient for recognition tasks in time and space. The probabilistic source to be represented as a WFA, however, may come in many forms. Given a generic probabilistic model over sequences, we propose an algorithm to approximate it as a WFA such that the Kullback-Leibler divergence between the source model and the WFA target model is minimized. The proposed algorithm involves a counting step and a difference of convex optimization step, both of which can be performed efficiently.We demonstrate the usefulness of our approach on various tasks, including distilling n-gram models from neural models, building compact language models, and building open-vocabulary character models. The algorithms used for these experiments are available in an open-source software library.
Capitalism, Crisis, and Contention: Race, Racism, and Resistance
Authors: Langman Lauren 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
For Marx, the alienation of wage labor and inherent crisis tendencies of capital would foster collective grievances and support for communist movements promising revolution and the abolition of private property, creating a society wherein “the free development of each is the condition for the free development of all.” But a combination of material factors, the rise of the welfare state, increased wages, and later consumerism as well as ideologies such as religion and/or nationalism, thwarted revolutionary fervor in industrial societies. Nevertheless, Marxist theory provides a number of important insights that help us understand contemporary social mobilizations beginning with noting how historical legacies, materials conditions, class interests, and episodic crises dispose many movements, even those that take place on cultural terrains in public spheres and spaces while political economic/historical factors may not be evident. This can clearly be shown by understanding the nature of racism and the massive protests following the murder of George Floyd. The roots of racism, qua white ‘superiority’ were rooted in the colonial era in which the settlers enslaved Africans and forcibly displaced the native populations for clear economic gains. This was ideologically ‘legitimated’ by the dehumanization of racialized Others, it also provided ‘superior’ status and identity to Christian Caucasians. Moreover, such ideologies were sustained through violence, whether armed plantation owners, slave catchers, militias, and later police. For a variety of reasons, slavery ended but racism endures to this very day. But that said, between the growing economic and educational status of Africans Americans and the more progressive cosmopolitan/inclusive values and practices of the young, racism, for many, has waned. But police violence has not. In the face of growing inequality, the pandemic crisis that led to an economic crisis, especially onerous for the young and peoples of color, the murder of George Floyd, going viral, indicated how a number of the crises of neoliberal transnational capitalism migrated to the culture and led to massive protests and resistance against racism and police brutality.
Reform of Banking Laws and Regulations in Iran
Authors: Atai Ardeshir 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The law reform process entails government policies and plans for the liberalization, privatization and deregulations of the economy including the banking and money markets. The International financial institutions (IFIs), International Development Agencies (IDAs) and the International Financial Architecture have pioneered law reform initiatives based on the rule of law practice and good governance. The dominant theory advocated by Perry-kessaris postulates that a sound legal system is attractive for foreign direct investment (FDI). The bilateral investment treaties (BITs) contain international law standards which can be used as a model for reforming laws and institutions in the host state including prudential regulation of banking and finance. Iran – a resource-rich country has signed many BITs with capital-exporting countries indicating its willingness to enforce the rule of law on the international level.
Socio-Environmental Controversies in Peasant Family Farming in Chile’s Ñuble Region
Authors: Facundo Correa Manuel , Cid Aguayo Beatriz Eugenia 
Published: March 2021

Analysis of the discourse on socio-environmental controversies among peasant family farmers in the Ñuble region of south-central Chile—small organic producers, conventional small producers, agroecological producers, and members of peasant unions—allows the identification of their positions on the controversy between alternatives to development and alternative development. Un análisis del discurso sobre las controversias socioambientales que existen entre las familias campesinas en la región de Ñuble, en el centro-sur de Chile (pequeños productores orgánicos, pequeños productores convencionales, productores agroecológicos y miembros de sindicatos campesinos) permite identificar sus posturas en torno a la polémica entre alternativas al desarrollo y el desarrollo alternativo.
Our climate conditions are already changing – Should we care?
Authors: Crawley Drury B , Lawrie Linda K 
Published: March 2021

The IPCC and many others predict significant changes to our climates over the rest of this century, including average temperature increases for 2–5°C. However, we can see possible indications of change already – increasing frequency of severe storms and other weather events. However, many of the major weather data sets used around the world for building energy simulation are more than 15 years old. Does it matter? This paper compares several of the major data sets used in building performance simulation against newer data derived from the past 15 years. Ten of the past 15 years are the hottest on record and this rapidly changing climate already is evident in the temperature record. We use energy simulation to demonstrate how the various data sets impact energy use. In addition, the design conditions for heating and cooling calculations are already seeing slight changes over the past 20 years. Data for 12 locations around the world is used to demonstrate the changing climate that we already see. Practical application: This paper encourages building designers to use the most up-to-date climatic data in their design and evaluation of building performance.
Gamification for promoting advance care planning: A mixed-method systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Li , Zhao Ya-Yi , Yang Chen , Chan Helen Yue-Lai 
Published: March 2021

Background: Gamification has been adopted in the health care field for broaching sensitive topics and increasing motivation for behavior changes. Games developed to stimulate discussion surrounding end-of-life issues, and thereby promoting advance care planning also emerged. Aim: The aim is to integrate the quantitative evidence and qualitative evidence to understand the effectiveness of and experience with games for advance care planning. Design: A mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO ID: CRD42020163312) was undertaken. Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools were used for quality appraisal. Data were synthesized and pooled for meta-analysis or meta-aggregation when appropriate. Data sources: We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, WanFang, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database from the inception of the databases for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies. Results: Eleven articles of ten studies were included, six of which were feasibility studies. The quality of the quantitative component of most included studies (7/8) was rated as low, and the qualitative component of most included studies (7/8) was rated as moderate. The meta-analysis showed that games for advance care planning are effective to increase self-efficacy, readiness, knowledge, and process of advance care planning behaviors. The meta-aggregation showed that games for advance care planning are highly acceptable and the participants perceived the game experience as fun and enjoyable. Conclusions: Advance care planning games seem to be a promising intervention for increasing the uptake of advance care planning behaviors. Well-designed randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of games for advance care planning are needed in the future.
Antipsychotics in routine treatment are minor contributors to QT prolongation compared to genetics and age
Authors: Hommers Leif , Scherf-Clavel Maike , Stempel Roberta , Roth Julian , Falter Matthias , Deckert Jürgen , Mattheisen Manuel , Unterecker Stefan , Gawlik Micha 
Published: March 2021

Background: Drug-induced prolongation of cardiac repolarization limits the treatment with many psychotropic drugs. Recently, the contribution of polygenic variation to the individual duration of the QT interval was identified. Aims: To explore the interaction between antipsychotic drugs and the individual polygenic influence on the QT interval. Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical and genotype data of 804 psychiatric inpatients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. The individual polygenic influence on the QT interval was calculated according to the method of Arking et al. Results: Linear regression modelling showed a significant association of the individual polygenic QT interval score (ßstd = 0.176, p < 0.001) and age (ßstd = 0.139, p < 0.001) with the QTc interval corrected according to Fridericia’s formula. Sex showed a nominal trend towards significance (ßstd = 0.064, p = 0.064). No association was observed for the number of QT prolonging drugs according to AZCERT taken. Subsample analysis ( n = 588) showed a significant association of potassium serum concentrations with the QTc interval (ßstd = −0.104, p = 0.010). Haloperidol serum concentrations were associated with the QTc interval only in single medication analysis ( n = 26, ßstd = 0.101, p = 0.004), but not in multivariate regression analysis. No association was observed for aripiprazole, clozapine, quetiapine and perazine, while olanzapine and the sum of risperidone and its metabolite showed a negative association. Conclusions: Individual genetic factors and age are main determinants of the QT interval. Antipsychotic drug serum concentrations within the therapeutic range contribute to QTc prolongation on an individual level.
Musculoskeletal symptoms among radiation technologists in Saudi Arabia: prevalence and causative factors
Authors: Shubayr Nasser , Alashban Yazeed 
Published: March 2021

Background Radiation technologists usually perform several physical tasks as part of their work routine that are related to imaging equipment and handling patients. These kinds of physical activities increase their risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Purpose To determine the prevalence and causative factors of MSS among radiation technologists in Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods A previously validated and published questionnaire was sent electronically to 800 radiation technologists in Saudi Arabia. It focused on the presence and prior diagnosis of MSS. Questions to determine risk factors were included. Results A total of 381 responses were obtained. MSS were indicated by 326 responders (85.6%). Furthermore, it was reported that 309 responders (81.1%) spent more than 2 h per day in awkward postures. Of the responders, 164 (43%) stated that they worked 4 h per day on a personal computer or PACS. The most frequently selected reasons for MSS included patient transfer (50.6%), chairs (38.5%), lead aprons (25.6%), moving heavy equipment (23.1%), and fixed table height (19.4%). An association between work-related MSS and gender was observed (χ2(1) = 5.338; P = 0.021). Similarly, an association between work-related MSS and age was also observed (χ2(3) = 48.58; P = 0.000). Conclusion Radiation technologists in Saudi Arabia reported a fairly high incidence of MSS, more commonly among female and senior workers. To have a better and safer workplace for radiation technologists, this study suggests preventive measures on organizational and individual levels.
Validation and verification of the Japanese version of the systemic lupus erythematosus symptom checklist for patient quality of life
Authors: Doi Hiroshi , Ohmura Koichiro , Tabuchi Yuya , Hashimoto Motomu , Takase Yudai , Inaba Ryuta , Kozuki Tomohiro , Iwasaki Takeshi , Taniguchi Masashi , Kitagori Koji , Akizuki Shuji , Murakami Kosaku , Nakashima Ran , Yoshifuji Hajime , Yamamoto Wataru , Tanaka Masao , Akio Morinobu 
Published: March 2021

Objective The systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) symptom checklist (SSC) is a patient-reported outcome measure consisting of 38 queries. We translated SSC into Japanese and attempted to validate its usefulness for evaluating the quality of life (QOL) of SLE patients and identify factors that affect QOL. Methods Data from the Medical Outcomes Study Short-form 36 questionnaire (SF-36), Japanese LupusPRO, the Japanese version of the SSC (SSC-J) questionnaire, SLEDAI-2k, and the physician global assessment (PGA) were obtained on the same day from 226 SLE outpatients of the Kyoto Lupus cohort at Kyoto University Hospital. Relationships between the total scores or each item of SSC-J and SF-36, Japanese LupusPRO, SLEDAI-2k, or PGA were analyzed by Spearman’s rank test. Results The total scores of SSC-J correlated with the scores of SF-36 and Japanese LupusPRO. In each item of SSC-J, all 38 items correlated with the physical component summary and mental component summary of SF-36 as well as the Health-Related QOL (HRQOL) scores of Japanese LupusPRO, but not with the non-HRQOL of LupusPRO. SSC-J scores correlated with age, PGA, and corticosteroid doses, but not with SLEDAI-2k. Conclusions SSC-J is suitable as a disease-specific QOL assessment tool for SLE.
Breast cancer mortality after eight years of an improved screening program using digital breast tomosynthesis
Authors: Castellano Cristina Romero , Aguilar Angulo Paul Martin , Hernández Lina Cruz , González-Carrato Pilar Sánchez-Camacho , González Rubén Giovanetti , Alvarez Justo , Chacón José Ignacio , Ruiz Juan , Fuentes Guillén Maria Ángeles , Gutiérrez Ávila Gonzalo 
Published: March 2021

Objectives To assess screening quality metrics and to describe mortality rates eight years after redesign of breast cancer screening and diagnosis pathways, and the introduction of digital breast tomosynthesis. Setting Breast Unit of the Toledo Health Area in the region of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain). Methods We recorded screening metrics and mortality data following the introduction of digital breast tomosynthesis in 2011 for screening and diagnosis pathways. We then compared the mortality between Toledo Health Area and the rest of Castilla-La Mancha, where digital breast tomosynthesis is not available. Results All screening quality metrics improved following the introduction of digital breast tomosynthesis. The cancer detection rate significantly increased from 2.3 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9–3.6) to 4.5 per 1000 women (95% CI: 3.2–5.2) on average between the periods 2005–2009 and 2015–2018, while the recall rate significantly decreased from 7.0% (95% CI: 6.8%–8.2%) to 2.6% (95% CI: 2.0%–3.6%). Comparing breast cancer mortality rates for 2014–2018 in the Toledo Health Area with the rest of Castilla-La Mancha, which had similar cancer treatment access and management protocols but without digital breast tomosynthesis, the crude mortality rate was 17.79 (95% CI: 15.38 -20.19) vs. 24.76 per 100,000 (95% CI: 26.12–23.39), respectively. The cumulative risk of death was also significantly lower for the Toledo Health Area than for Castilla-La Mancha. Conclusion The introduction of digital breast tomosynthesis improved screening quality indicators. Breast cancer mortality simultaneously decreased with respect to the rest of Castilla-La Mancha. Further research is needed to assess the long-term results, and the role that the redesign may have played in reducing mortality.
Implementation fidelity of an Integrated Healthy Lifestyle Service: a process evaluation
Authors: Sanders GJ , Griffiths C , Flint S , Christensen A , Gately P 
Published: March 2021

Aims: The current study aimed to evaluate implementation fidelity of an Integrated Healthy Lifestyle Service (IHLS). Methods: A pragmatic sample of 28 individual interviews and 11 focus groups were conducted. This resulted in a total of 81 (22 male) individuals comprising key stakeholders (n = 18), as well as intervention staff across senior management (n = 4), team lead (n = 14) and practitioner (n = 11) roles, and intervention clients (n = 34). Results: A mixed degree of implementation fidelity was demonstrated throughout the five a priori fidelity domains of study design, provider training, intervention delivery, intervention receipt, and enactment. Stakeholders, staff and clients alike noted a high degree of intervention receipt across all services offered. Contrastingly, practitioners noted that they received minimal formal operational, data systems, clinical, and curriculum training as well as a lack of personal development opportunities. Consequently, practitioners reported low confidence in delivering sessions and collecting and analysing any data. A top-down approach to information dissemination within the service was also noted among practitioners which affected motivation and overall team morale. Conclusion: Results can be used to conceptualise best practices as a process to further strengthen the design, delivery and recruitment strategies of the IHLS.