bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum 25(OH)D Concentration and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Markers
Among Middle-Aged Healthy and Type 2 Diabetic Subjects
Authors: Dhas Yogita , Banerjee Joyita , Damle Gauri , Mishra Neetu 
Published: August 2021

AbstractVitamin D deficiency is a major widespread health concern and is linked to a high
risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Thus, we have investigated the association
of vitamin D with various CVD risk markers. The present study comprises 90
control and 90 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subjects of both sexes (age
range, 30–50 years). The 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and CVD risk
markers including high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), monocyte
chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), intact parathyroid hormone (I-PTH),
fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and
fibrinogen were measured by using standard assays. Blood viscosity and
atherogenic index of plasma calculated using standard formulae. The ten-year
cardiovascular risk was assessed using the Framingham risk score (FRS). 25(OH)D,
hs-CRP, MCP-1, FGF-23, ESR, fibrinogen, atherogenic index of plasma and FRS were
significantly different between control and T2DM groups (p<0.05).
25(OH)D showed a significant negative correlation with MCP-1, ESR, blood
viscosity, atherogenic index of plasma and FRS among total study subjects.
Further, logistics regression analysis showed an association of 25(OH)D with
MCP-1, hematocrit, fibrinogen, and blood viscosity. The association between
25(OH)D and various CVD risk markers suggests that 25(OH)D might help in the
prediction of CVD risk.
Pricktest als Provokation – schwere anaphylaktische Reaktion auf Hauttests mit Ceftriaxon bei beruflicher Exposition
Authors: Bircher Andreas J. , Parlar Betül , Mateluna Carlos Morales , Heijnen Ingmar , Scherer Hofmeier Kathrin 
Published: August 2021

ZusammenfassungEs werden zwei Patienten vorgestellt, die wegen eines Asthma bronchiale bei beruflichem Kontakt mit Ceftriaxon abgeklärt wurden. Bei beiden trat innerhalb von Minuten nach Anlegen eines Pricktests mit Ceftriaxon eine adrenalinpflichtige, anaphylaktische Reaktion auf. Systemische Reaktionen auf Hauttests mit Betalaktamantibiotika sind relativ selten, sie können auch bei Patienten mit vorausgegangenen milden Symptomen wie Urtikaria oder beruflichen Kontaktallergien auf Betalaktame auftreten. Als Risikofaktoren werden schwere Anaphylaxien in der Anamnese und ein kurzes Reaktionsintervall genannt. Eine korrekte Durchführung der Hauttests mit Titration und eine adäquate Überwachung sind zu beachten.
Triterpenoids from Alisma orientale and their NF-кB Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Yang Qian , Li Yinqing , Liu Xizi , Han Shiyi , Fan Siyang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe rhizome of Alisma orientale (sam.) Juz. is used in clinics for eliminating dampness, reducing edema, and promoting diuresis. This study aimed to elucidate the compounds and investigate their nuclear factor-kappa inhibitory activities in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. A new triterpene, alismaketone B (1); a new natural nortriterpene, noralisolic acid A (2); and 13 known protostane-type triterpenes were isolated from the rhizome of A. orientale. The new structures and their absolute configurations were established using HRESIMS, NMR, and electronic circular dichroism experiments. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activity on NF-κB. The compounds 8, 9, 10, and 14 showed moderate NF-κB inhibitory activities with their IC50 values being 64.7, 32.3, 47.3, and 37.3 μM, respectively.
Effects of 12 weeks of high‐intensity interval, moderate‐intensity continuous and self‐selected intensity exercise training protocols on cognitive inhibitory control in overweight/obese adults: A randomized trial
Authors: Amorim Oliveira Gledson Tavares , Elsangedy Hassan Mohamed , Pereira Daniel Carvalho , de Melo Silva Raíssa , Campos Faro Heloiana Karoliny , Bortolotti Henrique , Costa Eduardo Caldas , Fontes Eduardo Bodnariuc 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTGrowing evidence shows that aerobic exercise improves cognitive function. However, it is unclear how exercising at different exercise intensities affects cognitive inhibitory control in overweight/obese adults. Herein we compared the effects of 12 weeks of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate‐intensity continuous training (MICT), and self‐selected intensity training (SSIT) on cognitive inhibitory control in overweight/obese adults. A total of 64 adults (59.4% women, 31.3 ± 7.1 years, 29 ± 2.5 kg/m²) were randomized into three walking/running groups: HIIT, MICT and SSIT. All groups performed three exercise sessions per week on an outdoor running track for 12 weeks. Cognitive inhibitory control was assessed at baseline and after the exercising programs using a computerized version of the Stroop Color‐Words test. The HIIT and SSIT resulted in a faster Stroop effect (i.e. enhanced performance) when compared to MICT (p=.018; p=. 026), however, there were no significant differences between the HIIT and SSIT groups (p>. 05). The enhanced Stroop effect was correlated with increases in cardiorespiratory fitness after HIIT (r= −.521, p=. 018) and decreases in body fat after MICT (r=. 671, p=. 001). These findings may suggest that overweight/obese adults performing exercise interventions at higher intensities or self‐selected intensity may enhance their cognitive ability to inhibit automated behavioral responses.Highlights
HIIT and/or SSIT are more effective than MICT in improving cognitive inhibitory control after 12‐weeks in overweight/obese adults.
Increases in cardiorespiratory fitness and decreases in body fat after HIIT and MICT were correlated with improvements in cognitive inhibitory control.
Our study highlights the possibility of performing different exercise programs in an outdoor environment to improve cognitive function in overweight/obese adults.
Blasphemy: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Sherwood Yvonne 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Blasphemy: A Very Short Introduction studies the concept of blasphemy. In an increasingly secular world, ‘blasphemy’ is surely a defunct concept; and yet blasphemy (like God and religion) seems to be on the rise. This VSI asks why this should be the case, looking at factors such as the increased visibility of religious and racial minorities, new media, and the legacies of colonial blasphemy laws. Throughout, it uncovers new histories, from the story of accidentally blasphemous cartoons to the close associations between blasphemy, sex, and birth control. This VSI also asks why some ‘blasphemies’ have become infamous, while others have disappeared.
Introduction
Authors: Sherwood Yvonne 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
‘Introduction’ defines blasphemy and assesses what makes a blasphemy. Blasphemy is never purely about content; it needs a social and legal context, and tends to favour the values of the majority. Dictionary definitions of blasphemy as ‘speaking sacrilegiously’ about ‘God or sacred things’ suggest that blasphemy is somehow a purely religious crime. But this seems inaccurate, as many prosecuted crucifixions have targeted politics, nationalism, and the fusion of church and state. By definition, blasphemy seems to be in the eyes and ears of the receiver. But if some seeming ‘blasphemies’ are celebrated and commissioned by religious communities, then trying to guess what might hurt religious communities might be tricky.
Changing our future
Authors: Maslin Mark 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
‘Changing our future’ argues that the challenge of climate change must be seen within the current dominant political and economic landscape. Future policies and international agreements need to provide win-win solutions that deal with the biggest challenges facing humanity in the 21st century, which include climate change, environmental degradation, global inequality, and global security. What we need is a new era of planetary stewardship led by governments and underpinned by new economic theories. Effective carbon emission reductions require a partnership between government, both local and national, corporations, and civil society that is supported and encouraged by individual behaviour change. In addition, we need international organizations fit for the challenges of the 21st century.
Effects of supplemental d-methionine in comparison to l-methionine on nitrogen retention, gut morphology, antioxidant status, and mRNA abundance of amino acid transporters in weanling pigs
Authors: Espinosa Charmaine D , Mathai John K , Blavi Laia , Liu Yanhong , Htoo John K , Caroline Gonzalez-Vega J , Stein Hans H 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
An N-balance experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that d-Methionine (d-Met) has the same bioavailability and efficacy as l-Methionine (l-Met) when fed to weanling pigs. A Met-deficient basal diet containing 0.24% standardized ileal digestible (SID) Met was formulated. Six additional diets were formulated by adding 0.036%, 0.072%, or 0.108% d-Met or l-Met to the basal diet, and these diets, therefore, contained 77%, 87%, or 97% of the requirement for SID Met. Fifty-six barrows (10.53 ± 1.17 kg) were housed in metabolism crates and allotted to the seven diets with eight replicate pigs per diet. Feces and urine were collected quantitatively with 7-d adaptation and 5-d collection periods. Blood and tissue samples from pigs fed the basal diet and pigs fed diets containing 0.108% supplemental Met were collected on the last day. Results indicated that N retention (%) linearly increased (P &lt; 0.01) as supplemental d-Met or l-Met increased in diets. Based on N retention (%) as a response, the linear slope-ratio regression estimated the bioavailability of d-Met relative to l-Met to be 101% (95% confidence interval: 57%–146%). The villus height and crypt depth in the jejunum were not affected by the Met level or Met source. Total antioxidant capacity or thiobarbituric acid reactive substance concentrations in plasma or tissue samples from pigs fed the control diet or diets containing 0.108% supplemental d-Met or l-Met were not different. Abundance of mRNA for some AA transporters analyzed in intestinal mucosa of pigs also did not differ. Therefore, it is concluded that d-Met and l-Met are equally bioavailable for weanling pigs.
Plant–soil feedback during biological invasions: effect of litter decomposition from an invasive plant (Sphagneticola trilobata) on its native congener (S. calendulacea)
Authors: Sun Jianfan , Rutherford Susan , Saif Ullah Muhammad , Ullah Ikram , Javed Qaiser , Rasool Ghulam , Ajmal Muhammad , Azeem Ahmad , Nazir Muhammad Junaid , Du Daolin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPlant invasions can affect soil properties in the invaded habitat by altering the biotic and abiotic nature of soils through positive or negative plant–soil feedback. Litter decomposition from many invasive species enhanced soil nutrients, thereby decreasing native plant diversity and leading to further plant invasions. Here, we examined the impact of litter decomposition from an invasive plant (Sphagneticola trilobata) in a range of soils at varying depths on growth and physiology of its native congener (Sphagneticola calendulacea). We added litter from S. trilobata to each soil type at different depths (0, 2, 4 and 6 cm). Plants of S. calendulacea were grown in each treatment, and morphological and physiological parameters were measured at the end of the growing period. All soils treated with litter displayed increases in soil nutrients at depths of 2 and 4 cm; while most growth traits, leaf chlorophyll and leaf nitrogen of S. calendulacea decreased at the same soil depths. Therefore, litter decomposition from invasive S. trilobata resulted in a positive plant–soil feedback for soil nutrients, and a negative plant–soil feedback for growth in native S. calendulacea. Our findings also suggest that the effects of litter decomposition from an invasive plant on soils and native species can vary significantly depending on the soil depth at which the litter is deposited. Future studies should focus on plant–soil feedback for more native and invasive species in invaded habitats, and the effects of invasive litter in more soil types and at greater soil depths.
Precision Intravenous Immunoglobulin Dosing and Clinical Outcomes: A Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Nguyen Thy P. , Nguyen Thuy D. , Zhu Liang , Ayish Doha , Karnik Kavitha , Bokhari Hammad , Sheikh Kazim A. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objectives:
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is used for treatment of acute neurologic conditions such as Guillain–Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy relapse, and myasthenia gravis exacerbation. Precision dosing (adjusted or ideal body weight) is proposed to conserve IVIg. There have been no published studies comparing clinical outcomes in traditional dosing (actual body weight) with precision dosing. In 2014, our institution began dosing patients with precision dosing. This decision was largely performed by administration rather than physicians' preference. We sought to analyze our retrospective data to understand the change in dosing methods with neurologic outcomes.

Methods:
We performed a retrospective review of all patients hospitalized at a single center who received IVIg for myasthenia gravis, Guillain–Barre syndrome, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy from January 2010 to October 2017. We collected baseline information and clinical outcomes including mortality, readmission, need for second rescue treatment, length of stay, discharge disposition, treatment-related adverse events, and modified research council posttreatment sum score.

Results:
Length of stay was significantly shorter with precision dosing. There was no statistically significant difference in discharge disposition, readmission, rescue treatment, or modified research council posttreatment sum score with precision dosing.

Conclusion:
Precision dosing did not adversely affect short-term neurologic outcomes.
Detecting Heterogeneity of Intervention Effects Using Analysis and Meta-analysis of Differences in Variance Between Trial Arms
Authors: Mills Harriet L. , Higgins Julian P.T. , Morris Richard W. , Kessler David , Heron Jon , Wiles Nicola , Davey Smith George , Tilling Kate 
Published: August 2021

Background:
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with continuous outcomes usually only examine mean differences in response between trial arms. If the intervention has heterogeneous effects, then outcome variances will also differ between arms. Power of an individual trial to assess heterogeneity is lower than the power to detect the same size of main effect.

Methods:
We describe several methods for assessing differences in variance in trial arms and apply them to a single trial with individual patient data and to meta-analyses using summary data. Where individual data are available, we use regression-based methods to examine the effects of covariates on variation. We present an additional method to meta-analyze differences in variances with summary data.

Results:
In the single trial, there was agreement between methods, and the difference in variance was largely due to differences in prevalence of depression at baseline. In two meta-analyses, most individual trials did not show strong evidence of a difference in variance between arms, with wide confidence intervals. However, both meta-analyses showed evidence of greater variance in the control arm, and in one example, this was perhaps because mean outcome in the control arm was higher.

Conclusions:
Using meta-analysis, we overcame low power of individual trials to examine differences in variance using meta-analysis. Evidence of differences in variance should be followed up to identify potential effect modifiers and explore other possible causes such as varying compliance.
Employee Energy and Engagement: Keys to Clinician and Organization Well-Being in a Crisis
Authors: Singh Harjot 
Published: August 2021

SUMMARY
Well-being, engagement, and burnout among clinicians are interconnected, and the common denominator is energy. Decades of research show that employees’ energy is a decisive factor in achieving organizational outcomes. Knowing this, healthcare leaders can create well-being programs with measurable outcomes that make a positive impact on the bottom line. Just as important, leaders can avoid wasting money on fruitless efforts. How can clinician well-being be incorporated in organizational culture and strategic and operational plans? What are the special challenges to achieving clinician well-being? What key leadership actions promote and protect the well-being of clinicians? Which approaches are most effective during a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic? This article addresses those questions by presenting the rationale and methodology behind well-being programs that also address engagement and burnout so that clinicians can succeed in times of crisis and beyond.
The Efficacy of Orbital Septal Flap in the Treatment of Moderate and Severe Upper Eyelid Retraction
Authors: Vu Que Anh , Nguyen Thu Hien , Bui Van Anh , Pham Khanh Van , Kim Joohyun , Baek Sehyun 
Published: August 2021

Purpose:
To assess the long-term effectiveness of the orbital septal flap to lengthen the levator muscle in management of moderate and severe upper eyelid retraction.

Methods:
This study reports 46 eyes of 43 consecutive patients with moderate or severe upper eyelid retraction who were recommended for surgery. The period of the study was between October 2016 and October 2019. All cases were evaluated for eyelid position before and at 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation. Successful outcome was defined as “perfect,” “acceptable,” and “failure”.

Results:
The average age was 33.3 years (range, 16–59 years). The average orbital septal flap height was 5.28 ± 0.77 mm. Before surgery, 78.3% had 1 of 3 central upper eyelid retraction (group 1), and 21.7% had 1 of 3 lateral upper eyelid retraction (group 2). During follow-up postoperatively, all eyelid parameters of upper marginal reflex distance, upper scleral show, and palpebral fissure height significantly decreased compared with preoperative values in both groups. The result was considered “perfect” or “acceptable” in 42 eyes (91.3%). However, at 12 months after surgery, of the 36 middle eyelid retraction cases (group 1), 35 (97.2%) showed a successful outcome (perfect or acceptable results), while the success rate in group 2 was 70% (7 of 10 cases), a significant difference (p = 0.008). No severe complications were seen during follow up.

Conclusions:
Orbital septal flap is a safe and reliable procedure for management of upper eyelid retraction of moderate and severe degree.
Effects of a Case Management Program for Women With Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
Authors: CHOU Cheng-Chen , LIAW Jen-Jiuan , CHEN Chuan-Chuan , LIOU Yiing-Mei , WANG Chi-Jane 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT

Background
Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Although case management programs have been proposed to improve maternal and fetal outcomes in high-risk pregnancies, limited data are available regarding the effect of case management on women with PIH.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an antepartum case management program on stress, anxiety, and pregnancy outcomes in women with PIH.

Methods
A quasi-experimental research design was employed. A convenience sample of women diagnosed with PIH, including preeclampsia, was recruited from outpatient clinics at a medical center in southern Taiwan. Sixty-two women were assigned randomly to either the experimental group (n = 31) or the control group (n = 31). The experimental group received case management for 8 weeks, and the control group received routine clinical care. Descriptive statistics, independent t or Mann–Whitney U tests, chi-square or Fisher's exact tests, paired t test, and generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the data.

Results
The average age of the participants was 35.1 years (SD = 4.5). No significant demographic or clinical differences were found between the control and experimental groups. The results of the generalized estimating equations showed significantly larger decreases in stress and anxiety in the experimental group than in the control group. No significant differences were identified between the two groups with respect to infant birth weeks, infant birth weight, average number of medical visits, or frequency of hospitalization.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice
The nurse-led case management program was shown to have short-term positive effects on the psychosocial outcomes of a population of Taiwanese patients with PIH. These results have important clinical implications for the healthcare administered to pregnant women, particularly in terms of improving the outcomes in those with PIH.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Nick Jerry A. , Daley Charles L. , Lenhart-Pendergrass Patricia M. , Davidson Rebecca M. 
Published: August 2021

Purpose of review
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are challenging infections among people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) as the source, modes of transmission, and best practices for diagnosis and treatment are not known. Investigators have defined aspects of NTM infection that are unique to the CF population, as well as features shared with other conditions at risk. This review describes recent advances in our understanding of NTM infection among pwCF.

Recent findings
The presence of dominant circulating clones of Mycobacterium abscessus within the CF community worldwide continue to be described, as well as pathogen phenotypes that could evoke greater environmental fitness and infectivity. The risk of direct or indirect transmission between pwCF remains an active focus of investigation, with divergent findings and conclusions reached in a site-specific fashion. Derived largely from studies in non-CF populations, new clinical guidelines are now available. A wide variety of agents are in preclinical development or early phase trials with promising findings, and new therapeutic targets have been identified as our understanding of the complex biology of NTM continues to expand.

Summary
Significant challenges remain in the fight against NTM, however, recent advances in our understanding of the genetics, epidemiology and pathophysiology of pulmonary NTM infection in pwCF are leading efforts to improve clinical care.
COVID-19 outcomes in people with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Burgel Pierre-Régis , Goss Christopher 
Published: August 2021

Purpose of review
The COVID-19 global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had a dramatic impact that is still ongoing around the world. Cystic fibrosis (CF) has been identified as a possible risk factor of poor outcome.

Recent findings
Data collected by multiple National CF registries around the world have indicated that persons with CF (PwCF) are not more likely to be affected by SARS-CoV-2 than the general population. The course of SARS-CoV-2 is usually mild in PwCF who are relatively young. Severe outcomes have been described in patients with low lung function and in those with immune suppression (i.e. solid organ transplantation). Indirect impact of the pandemic on the CF community has also been observed, including difficulties in the organization of CF care, leading to a dramatic increase in telehealth for PwCF. The pandemic has further affected clinical research by complicating ongoing clinical trials. Vaccination appears important to all PwCF, with special priority on developing adequate vaccination scheme for transplant recipients. Long-term effects of COVID-19 on the CF population remains unknown.

Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant impacts on PwCF and on healthcare professionals who provide specialized CF care and clinical research.