bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with the degree of glycemic deterioration among patients with type 2 diabetes who dropped out of diabetes care: A longitudinal analysis using medical claims and health checkup data in Japan
Authors: Ihana‐Sugiyama Noriko , Sugiyama Takehiro , Imai Kenjiro , Yanagisawa‐Sugita Ayako , Tanaka Hirokazu , Ohsugi Mitsuru , Ueki Kohjiro , Tamiya Nanako , Kobayashi Yasuki 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTAims/IntroductionTo identify factors associated with worsening glycemic control after discontinuing diabetes care among patients with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study combined medical claims and health checkup data between January 2005 and April 2018. Adult Japanese workers with type 2 diabetes who had dropped out from diabetes care for ≥4 months after receiving ≥18 months of non‐intermittent care and had health checkup information both before and after the dropout were included. Factors associated with changes in HbA1c during the dropout period were identified using multiple linear regression analyses and depicting restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves.ResultsA total of 1,125 patients (mean age: 51.2 years, baseline HbA1c: 6.8%, and number of males: 93.7%) whose follow‐up HbA1c increased to 7.6% after a mean 9.3‐month dropout period were included. Deterioration in HbA1c was associated with higher baseline HbA1c and sulfonylurea or insulin use. The RCS curves illustrated that patients without antidiabetic medication had small changes in HbA1c (+0.5% from a baseline HbA1c of 7.0%), whereas those using sulfonylureas or insulin had an approximately 2% or more increase in HbA1c even when maintaining reasonable glycemic control before dropping out.ConclusionsOverall in this study, glycemic control worsened during treatment interruptions among patients who were mainly male employees. However, changes in HbA1c greatly varied based on baseline HbA1c and antidiabetic medication type. Caring for patients at risk of worsening glycemic control due to treatment dropout, especially those using sulfonylurea and insulin, is imperative.
Bidirectional association between light exposure and sleep in adolescents
Authors: Estevan Ignacio , Tassino Bettina , Vetter Céline , Silva Ana 
Published: October 2021

SummarySleep behaviour is controlled by both circadian and homeostatic influences. Changes in both factors are related to the delayed sleep timing observed in adolescence, which also generates restrictions in their sleep duration. In addition, the circadian factor explains part of the observed influence of light on sleep duration. We recorded 15 high‐school students for 23 days (vacation: 11 days; school term: 12 days) using GENEactive accelerometers. We employed a repeated‐measures analysis to explore the day‐to‐day bidirectional association between mean light exposure and sleep behaviour across a period with extreme variability in social pressures. Sleep onset was more than 30 min earlier and sleep duration almost 20 min longer when previous day light was 10 times more intense. Light intensity had a reduction of more than 20% as sleep ended 1 hr later. Besides, sleep onset and offset were both later during vacation than on school days (almost 2 hr and 4 hr, respectively) and free days (almost 1 hr, respectively). Therefore, sleep duration was almost 2 hr longer on vacation and free days than on school days. On the other hand, light exposure intensity was twice as high during vacation days when adjusted by sleep timing. Insufficient sleep duration is a major problem for adolescents. Although we found that light exposure was associated with longer sleep duration, the influence of school start times was greater and ended up prevailing, which explained the short sleep durations observed on school days.
An analysis of teaching and learning materials for literacy instruction in Kano State, Nigeria: curricular relevance, cultural responsiveness and gender equity
Authors: Kabir Umar , Marty Ana H. , Akinrinmade Bodunrin , Zuilkowski Stephanie S. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractHigh quality teaching and learning materials (TLM) are essential for early literacy learning. The purpose of this study was to determine if the TLM used in schools in Kano State, Nigeria, were culturally appropriate, gender balanced and relevant to the Nigeria Universal Basic Education Curriculum, with particular emphasis on primary reading. Using a researcher‐adapted rubric, lesson plans, textbooks and reading books from 10 private and public schools located in urban and rural areas in Kano were evaluated. The TLM were rated as moderately relevant to the Primary 3 English studies curriculum, which focuses on literacy development. However, the materials were generally not culturally responsive to this region and displayed only emergent gender balance. We conclude with recommendations for policy and practice, including the greater involvement of stakeholders from this region in materials development to support early literacy teaching and learning.
Genotypic variation of the interactive effects of elevated temperature and CO2 on leaf gas exchange and early growth of sugarcane
Authors: De Silva A. L. Chandrajith , Senarathna H. A. K. N. Nishadi , De Costa W. A. Janendra M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIncreased atmospheric CO2 and consequent increases in temperature are two prominent features of climate change, a major challenge to crops. Here, our objectives were to determine: (1) the responses of sugarcane during the first 90 days of elevated CO2 (ECO2) and elevated temperature (ETem), both individually and together, and (2) the genotypic variation of these responses. Eight varieties were grown both in open‐top chambers in a factorial combination of ambient/ECO2 concentrations (344–351/777–779 ppm) and ambient/ETem (34.9–35.6/36.6–38.4°C) and in open fields. Significant treatment × variety interaction effects were observed on leaf net photosynthetic rate (An), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (El), and instantaneous transpiration efficiency (TE). In most varieties, ECO2 alone did not affect An, but the combination of ECO2 and ETem decreased An. ECO2 decreased gs and El while increasing TE in all varieties. These effects were amplified when ETem was combined with ECO2. ETem alone had variable effects on An and gs depending on variety, while it increased El and did not affect TE in a majority of varieties. Germination, tillering and stem diameter were not affected by treatments and did not show varietal variation. Leaf water potential, chlorophyll (spad), leaf area, and aboveground dry weight per plant showed varietal variations but were not affected by treatments. The variable responses to ETem and the significant genotypic variation to ECO2 and elevated temperature (ETem) observed in this work, both individually and together, demonstrate a considerable scope to breed sugarcane varieties for a future high‐CO2 and warmer climate.
Cost-effectiveness of ‘screen-and-treat’ interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder following major incidents
Authors: Hogan Nicole , Knapp Martin , McDaid David , Davies Mark , Brewin Chris R 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly experienced in the aftermath of major incidents such as terrorism and pandemics. Well-established principles of response include effective and scalable treatment for individuals affected by PTSD. In England, such responses have combined proactive outreach, screening and evidence-based interventions (a ‘screen-and-treat’ approach), but little is known about its cost-effectiveness. The objective of this paper is to report the first systematic attempt to assess the cost-effectiveness of this approach.MethodsA decision modelling analysis was undertaken to estimate the costs per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained from a screen-and-treat approach compared with treatment-as-usual, the latter involving identification of PTSD by general practitioners and referral to psychological therapy services. Model input variables were drawn from relevant empirical studies in the context of terrorism and the unit costs of health and social care in England. The model was run over a 5-year time horizon for a hypothetical cohort of 1000 exposed adults from the perspective of the National Health Service and Personal Social Services in England.ResultsThe incremental cost per QALY gained was £7931. This would be considered cost-effective 88% of the time at a willingness-to-pay threshold of £20 000 per QALY gained, the threshold associated with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England. Sensitivity analysis confirmed this result was robust.ConclusionsA screen-and-treat approach for identifying and treating PTSD in adults following terrorist attacks appears cost-effective in England compared with treatment-as-usual through conventional primary care routes. Although this finding was in the context of terrorism, the implications might be translatable into other major incident-related scenarios including the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Sex and gender differences in COVID-19: an Italian local register-based study
Authors: Fortunato Francesca , Martinelli Domenico , Lo Caputo Sergio , Santantonio Teresa , Dattoli Vitangelo , Lopalco Pier Luigi , Prato Rosa 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesThe present study aimed to explore differences in COVID-19 outcomes between male and female cases in the Apulian District of Foggia, Italy.Design and settingWe performed a retrospective epidemiological study among all COVID-19 confirmed cases that occurred in the Apulian District of Foggia from 29 February to 30 June 2020. The surveillance data from a regional registry (GIAVA-COVID) were used.Main outcomesThe main outcome measures were the proportion of hospitalisations, virus clearance and the case fatality rate.ResultsA total of 1175 cases (50.7% female; median age: 55 years) were identified among 55 131 tests performed. The proportion of hospitalisation with COVID-19 diagnosis was 45.4% in men versus 37.9% in women (p<0.01), while the average length of stay in hospitals was 31.3±14.6 days in women versus 26.8±14.4 days in men (p<0.01). The proportion of cases who achieved virus clearance was higher in women (84.2%; days to clearance: 28.0±12.1) than in men (79.3%; days to clearance: 29.4±12.9; p<0.05). Men were associated with a significantly higher risk of dying from COVID-19 than women (case fatality rate 16.1% vs 10.4%; p<0.01). The mean time, from diagnosis to death, was 14.5±14.4 days in women compared with 10.6±10.7 days in men (p<0.01). The male sex, age ≥55 years and presence of at least one underlying comorbidity significantly raised the risk of hospitalisation, persistent infection and death (p<0.05).ConclusionsThis study suggests that more attention should be paid to sex as a variable for the interpretation of COVID-19 data. Sex-disaggregated data will help clinicians to make appropriate patient-tailored medical decisions.
Uniform quenching processes in a holographic s + p model with reentrance
Authors: Xia Chuan-Yin , Nie Zhang-Yu , Zeng Hua-Bi , Zhang Yu 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe study the homogenous quenching processes in a holographic s + p model with reentrant phase transitions. We first realize the reentrant phase transition in the holographic model in probe limit and draw the phase diagram. Next, we compare the time evolution of the two condensates in two groups of numerical quenching experiments across the reentrant region, with different quenching speed as well as different width of the reentrant region, respectively. We also study the dynamical competition between the two orders in quenching processes from the normal phase to the superconductor phase.
An innovative neutron spectrometer for soil moisture measurements
Authors: Cirillo Andrea , Meucci Ruggero , Caresana Michele , Caresana Marco 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSoil moisture is a crucial variable in evaluating soil properties and its interaction with the atmosphere, yet none of the techniques currently employed is fully adequate for evaluating the water content in soil over an area of hectares and depth of tens of centimeters. In recent times, it has been shown how the water content over this volume can be accurately assessed measuring changes in the epithermal flux of cosmic neutrons, which is extremely sensitive to the moderation caused by hydrogen. The instruments employed for neutron flux measurements are usually neutron counters, covered with moderator coatings for enhancing their sensitivity in the epithermal energy range. On the other hand, the worldwide shortage of $${}^{3}$$

3

He caused a considerable increase in the costs associated with the manufacturing of proportional counters based on this gas, which were widely employed for their great sensitivity and noise rejection capability. In this work, we developed a $${}^{3}$$

3

He-free neutron spectrometer for performing these measurements, which detects neutrons in the energy range from 0.01 ev to 1 GeV. The reconstruction of the energy spectrum allows a more accurate evaluation of the epithermal neutron flux and provides other information which improves the quality of soil moisture measurements. Irradiations performed with neutron sources of $${}^{241}$$

241

Am and AmBe allowed to evaluate the spectrometric capability of the instrument, whereas the measurements of cosmic neutrons were employed to assess its sensitivity to cosmic radiation. The sensitivity of the instrument is slightly less than the one of the neutron counters currently employed, yet the access to the spectrometric information should provide greater accuracy in the epithermal flux measurements.
Ultrasonic Image Restoration Algorithm for Prevention of Nervous Disorders during the Recovery Period of Patients Receiving Sevoflurane Anesthesia
Authors: Chen Gong , Yang Jinquan , Chen Qin , Liu Damin 
Published: October 2021

In this article, dexmedetomidine (Dex) was used to prevent neurological disorders in patients anesthetized with sevoflurane and the effect was analyzed using ultrasound images based on the restoration algorithm of the linear system model. Children injected with Dex were in the experimental group, while children injected with normal saline were in the control group. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate (HR), Pediatric anesthesia agitation scale (PAED) score, Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) score, and adverse drug event (ADE) in the two groups were compared before the injection (T1), at 5 min (T2), 10 min (T3), and 20 min (T4) after the injection, and when the patient came to himself (T5). It was found that in contrast with the control group, the MAP in the experimental group at T2, T3, and T4 periods was lower, while it was higher at T5 period and its HR at T2, T3, T4, and T5 periods was higher (

P

< 0.05); the PAED and FLACC scores were lower (

P

< 0.05), and the incidence of ADE (10.53%) was lower than that in the control group (31.58%) (

P

< 0.05). However, SpO2 at different periods showed no obvious differences between the two groups (

P

> 0.05). In conclusion, the restoration algorithm-based ultrasound images had high quality, and they demonstrated good application value in evaluating the effect of Dex to prevent neurological disorders in patients anesthetized by sevoflurane.
Do “Prey Species” Hide Their Pain? Implications for Ethical Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
Authors: Carbone Larry 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Accurate pain evaluation is essential for ethical review of laboratory animal use. Warnings that “prey species hide their pain,” encourage careful accurate pain assessment. In this article, I review relevant literature on prey species’ pain manifestation through the lens of the applied ethics of animal welfare oversight. If dogs are the species whose pain is most reliably diagnosed, I argue that it is not their diet as predator or prey but rather because dogs and humans can develop trusting relationships and because people invest time and effort in canine pain diagnosis. Pain diagnosis for all animals may improve when humans foster a trusting relationship with animals and invest time into multimodal pain evaluations. Where this is not practical, as with large cohorts of laboratory mice, committees must regard with skepticism assurances that animals “appear” pain-free on experiments, requiring thorough literature searches and sophisticated pain assessments during pilot work.
Analysis of Interwoven Nitinol Stenting for the Treatment of Critical Limb Ischemia: Outcomes From an Average 3-Year Follow-up Period
Authors: Krishnan Prakash , Tarricone Arthur , Gee Allen , Farhan Serdar , Kamran Haroon , Kapur Vishal , Gujja Karthik , Kini Annapoorna , Sharma Samin 
Published: October 2021

We assessed the clinical outcomes of patients with critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) who underwent interwoven nitinol stent (Supera) implantation for significant stenoses of the femoropopliteal segment. In this retrospective cohort study, 116 consecutive patients with CLTI who were treated with Supera stents between September 2015 and March 2020 were included in this analysis. Primary endpoint analysis was completed for amputation-free survival, target lesion revascularization (TLR), and mortality. After a mean follow-up time of 3.4 years, 21 (18%) patients had undergone amputations, 3 (2.6%) died, and, overall, the amputation-free survival rate was 81%. TLR occurred in 21 (18%) patients, resulting in the freedom from target lesion revascularization of 82%. The average Wagner score for all patients was 2.8 ± 1.1. A subgroup analysis of 57 patients revealed a median ulcer size of 3.0 cm2 [1.65, 9.0], with complete healing for 45 patients by 20 months. The Wagner score of this subgroup decreased by an average of 3.4 ± .9 points. Supera stents can be used together with other endovascular therapies and are a safe and effective treatment modality for CLTI.
The Long-term Effect of Inferior Turbinate Surgery Techniques on Nasal Obstruction and Quality of Life
Authors: Harju Teemu , Numminen Jura 
Published: October 2021

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the long-term effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty (MAIT), and diode laser techniques on the severity of nasal obstruction and quality of life (QOL) in a 3-year follow-up. Methods: The patients filled a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) regarding the severity of nasal obstruction and the Glasgow Health Status Inventory (GHSI) questionnaire preoperatively and during the control visits at 3 months and 3 years. Acoustic rhinometry was also performed. A total of 78 patients attended both control visits. Results: All 3 techniques improved the VAS score for the severity of nasal obstruction and the GHSI total score significantly compared to the preoperative values at both 3 months and 3 years. Compared to the preoperative values, all 3 techniques increased the V2 to 5 cm values significantly at 3 months. After 3 years, compared to the preoperative values, the MAIT ( P = .005) and diode laser ( P < .001) still had a statistically significant volume increase in V2 to 5 cm, whereas the RFA ( P = .06) did not achieve a statistically significant effect. Conclusion: The RFA, MAIT, and diode laser all improved both the patients’ subjective sensation of the severity of nasal obstruction and QOL significantly. The response was sustained during the 3-year follow-up period with all 3 techniques. A weakening in the objective treatment response to RFA was found in the longer follow-up, but that did not cause a weakening of the patients’ subjective treatment response.
Cricopharyngeal Achalasia Presenting as Acute Dysphagia in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: O’Neill Laura Beth , Magyar Matthew , Reilly Brian , Gayle Tamara 
Published: October 2021

Objective: To describe a case of idiopathic cricopharyngeal achalasia (CPA) in a pediatric patient with acute onset of dysphagia managed conservatively with supportive care. Methods: Sixteen-month-old boy presented with acute onset of gagging and coughing with feeding. His exam was notable for a well-appearing child with pooling of oral secretions and coarse breath sounds. Plain film series did not show radio-opaque foreign body (FB) and an esophagram demonstrated an endoluminal filling defect of the cervical esophagus and aspiration of contrast. He was taken to the operating room for urgent endoscopy but no FB or food impaction was observed. He had persistent symptoms that required further evaluation and a multidisciplinary team approach. Bedside laryngoscopy did not reveal any abnormalities. Modified barium swallow (MBS) study revealed upper esophageal sphincter (UES) dysfunction, consistent with cricopharyngeal achalasia. Repeat upper endoscopy with biopsies demonstrated mucosal irritation overlying the UES but histologic studies were negative for infectious causes. Results: He was treated with supportive care, including nasogastric feedings for nutrition supplementation as he was unable to tolerate oral feedings without aspiration. Over the course of 3 months after discharge, his symptoms resolved and repeat MBS was normal. Conclusion: CPA is a rare cause of dysphagia in the pediatric population. Conservative management with supportive care is a reasonable approach in cases with acute onset in otherwise healthy children without underlying medical problems.
Preparing Patients with Early Stage Prostate Cancer to Participate in Clinical Appointments Using a Shared Decision Making Training Video
Authors: Scherr Karen , Delaney Rebecca K. , Ubel Peter , Kahn Valerie C. , Hamstra Daniel , Wei John T. , Fagerlin Angela 
Published: October 2021

Background Rates of shared decision making (SDM) are relatively low in early stage prostate cancer decisions, as patients’ values are not well integrated into a preference-sensitive treatment decision. The study objectives were to develop a SDM training video, measure usability and satisfaction, and determine the effect of the intervention on preparing patients to participate in clinical appointments. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare a plain-language decision aid (DA) to the DA plus a patient SDM training video. Patients with early stage prostate cancer completed survey measures at baseline and after reviewing the intervention materials. Survey items assessed patients’ knowledge, beliefs related to SDM, and perceived readiness/intention to participate in their upcoming clinical appointment. Results Of those randomized to the DA + SDM video group, most participants (91%) watched the video and 93% would recommend the video to others. Participants in the DA + SDM video group, compared to the DA-only group, reported an increased desire to participate in the decision (mean = 3.65 v. 3.39, P < 0.001), less decision urgency (mean = 2.82 v. 3.39, P < 0.001), and improved self-efficacy for communicating with physicians (mean = 4.69 v. 4.50, P = 0.05). These participants also reported increased intentions to seek a referral from a radiation oncologist (73% v. 51%, P = 0.004), to take notes (mean = 3.23 v. 2.86, P = 0.004), and to record their upcoming appointments (mean = 1.79 v. 1.43, P = 0.008). Conclusions A novel SDM training video was accepted by patients and changed several measures associated with SDM. This may be a scalable, cost-effective way to prepare patients with early stage prostate cancer to participate in their clinical appointments. [Box: see text]