bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Titratable fixed‐ratio combination of basal insulin plus a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist: A novel, simplified alternative to premix insulin for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Gomez‐Peralta Fernando , Al‐Ozairi Ebaa , Jude Edward B. , Li Xiaoying , Rosenstock Julio 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDespite novel therapeutic options, many people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) do not achieve their HbA1c targets. Given the progressive nature of T2D, many individuals not controlled with oral therapy will require advancement to injectable therapy using either a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1 RA), recently recommended as a first option, or traditionally a basal insulin. However, premix insulins remain frequently used, either as initial injectable therapy or as intensification from basal insulin. Premix insulin injections can potentially provide significant glycaemic improvements to basal insulin but at the expense of increased hypoglycaemia and weight gain and the need for multiple daily doses, which may affect treatment adherence. Real‐world evidence suggests that glycaemic control often remains suboptimal with premix insulins. Fixed‐ratio combinations (FRCs) of basal insulin and GLP‐1 RAs provide a novel alternative to premix insulin for therapy intensification. While no direct comparisons between premix insulins and FRCs are available, results from meta‐analyses suggest that FRCs may offer better HbA1c reductions, a lower risk of hypoglycaemia and less weight gain compared with premix insulin in a simplified treatment regimen. A head‐to‐head trial of T2D treatment intensification with premix insulin and a FRC of basal insulin plus a GLP‐1 RA is currently in progress, which should help to clarify the outcomes for each treatment option. This review discusses the unmet needs of people with T2D treated with premix insulin and provides evidence supporting FRCs of basal insulin and GLP‐1 RAs as an alternative treatment option.
Assessment of mating competitiveness of sterile Ceratitis capitata in laboratory and field cage tests in northern Iran
Authors: Ahmadi Mehrdad , Osouli Shiva , Abd‐Alla Adly Mohamed Mohamed , Kalantarian Nadia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn recent years, damage by Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) on commercial fruit crops has reached a critical point in Iran. The sterile insect technique is considered the most effective strategy for the area‐wide suppression or eradication of tephritid fruit flies, particularly the medfly. In this study, an area of citrus trees, including 39 field cages in Sari‐Mazandaran province, was used for an experiment to test various irradiation doses and overflowing ratios on male competitiveness‐induced sterility. Treatments 1 and 2 consisted of non‐irradiated females (NF), non‐irradiated males (NM), and irradiated males (IM) which emerged from pupae irradiated with 80 or 100 Gy. The IM:NM:NF ratios per field cage were varied as follows: 0:1:1, 1:0:1, 1:1:1, 3:1:1, 5:1:1, 10:1:1, and 15:1:1. We found that the mating rate of NF copulating with IM was significantly lower than that of NF mated with NM. The numbers of eggs and the percentages of egg hatching were significantly lower in IM × NF than in NM × NF crosses, and no eggs hatched in the 80–130 Gy dose range. The results of Fried's CV (male mating competitiveness value based on egg hatch) ranged from 0.41 to 0.78 at a dose of 80 Gy and from 0.35 to 0.63 at 100 Gy for various mating rates. It can be concluded that IM was fully competitive with NM at the dose range of 80–100 Gy of gamma radiation.
Interacting effects of urea and water addition on soil mineral‐bound phosphorus dynamics in semi‐arid grasslands with different land‐use history
Authors: Wang Ruzhen , Liu Heyong , Sardans Jordi , Feng Xue , Xu Zhuwen , Peñuelas Josep 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNitrogen (N) addition and precipitation increment can greatly influence soil phosphorus (P) dynamics, with much emphasis on total and available P, yet little is known about their interactive effects on soil mineral‐bound inorganic P (Pi) fractions under different historical land uses of grasslands and old fields. Thus, we compared (i) plant readily available P, (ii) less available Pi (sum of NH4F‐extractable Pi, NaOH‐Na2CO3‐extractable Pi and NaHCO3‐extracted Pi), (iii) refractory forms of Pi (NH4Ac‐extractable Pi, H2SO4‐extractable Pi and Na3(citrate)‐dithionite‐extractable Pi) and (iv) organic P under the same urea and water treatments in an old‐field grassland with a semi‐arid steppe. Soil total P remained unchanged with 10‐year urea addition in both sites, with lower organic P but higher Pi concentrations in the old field. Urea addition promoted transformation of refractory Pi into less available Pi in both sites, which potentially was related to higher plant productivity and thus enhanced plant P accumulation. Specifically, urea addition increased less available Pi fractions by as much as 42%, but decreased refractory Pi fractions by as much as 24%, for two sites under ambient precipitation. Water addition decreased less available Pi in the steppe under higher urea addition rates, whereas it increased less available and refractory Pi but only in the control plot of the old field. Irrespective of urea and water treatments, the old field had a higher Pi pool, which could replenish plant readily available P in the longer term and be less prone to P‐limitation than the steppe. We conclude that conversion of semi‐arid steppe to farmland causes long‐term increases in the soil Pi pool, possibly by enhancing organic P mineralization and anthropogenic fertilization during cultivation. Urea addition accelerated soil P cycling via promoting refractory Pi, transforming into less available Pi, with the process being strongly mediated by water availability, whereas the projected precipitation increment could decrease less available Pi via promoting plant P uptake and P leaching out of the plant–soil system.Highlights
Urea addition promoted transformation of refractory Pi into less available Pi fractions.
Water addition counteracted the positive urea effect on NH4F‐Pi in both steppe and old field.
Less responsive organic P suggested that Pi fractions were more essential in soil P cycling.
Water addition decreased NH4F‐Pi in both sites, potentially due to higher plant uptake and leaching.
Conversion of steppe to farmland increased the soil Pi pool by enhancing organic P mineralization.
Photoperiod decelerates the advance of spring phenology of six deciduous tree species under climate warming
Authors: Meng Lin , Zhou Yuyu , Gu Lianhong , Richardson Andrew D. , Peñuelas Josep , Fu Yongshuo , Wang Yeqiao , Asrar Ghasserm R. , De Boeck Hans J. , Mao Jiafu , Zhang Yongguang , Wang Zhuosen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractVegetation phenology in spring has substantially advanced under climate warming, consequently shifting the seasonality of ecosystem process and altering biosphere–atmosphere feedbacks. However, whether and to what extent photoperiod (i.e., daylength) affects the phenological advancement is unclear, leading to large uncertainties in projecting future phenological changes. Here we examined the photoperiod effect on spring phenology at a regional scale using in situ observation of six deciduous tree species from the Pan European Phenological Network during 1980–2016. We disentangled the photoperiod effect from the temperature effect (i.e., forcing and chilling) by utilizing the unique topography of the northern Alps of Europe (i.e., varying daylength but uniform temperature distribution across latitudes) and examining phenological changes across latitudes. We found prominent photoperiod‐induced shifts in spring leaf‐out across latitudes (up to 1.7 days per latitudinal degree). Photoperiod regulates spring phenology by delaying early leaf‐out and advancing late leaf‐out caused by temperature variations. Based on these findings, we proposed two phenological models that consider the photoperiod effect through different mechanisms and compared them with a chilling model. We found that photoperiod regulation would slow down the advance in spring leaf‐out under projected climate warming and thus mitigate the increasing frost risk in spring that deciduous forests will face in the future. Our findings identify photoperiod as a critical but understudied factor influencing spring phenology, suggesting that the responses of terrestrial ecosystem processes to climate warming are likely to be overestimated without adequately considering the photoperiod effect.
RNA receptors, TLR3 and TLR7, are potentially associated with SLE clinical features
Authors: Elloumi Nesrine , Fakhfakh Raouia , Abida Olfa , Hachicha Hend , Marzouk Sameh , Fourati Mohamed , bahloul Zouhir , Masmoudi Hatem 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe influence of intracellular Toll‐like‐receptors (TLR), recognized as nucleic acid sensors, in the immunopathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is increasingly explored. Yet, the results of both functional and genetic studies remain conflictual. We evaluated the association between TLR3 and TLR7 genes selected variants and SLE and investigated the possible relationship with clinical and serological parameters. Then, we studied the genetic expression of these receptors, and if the TLR7 gene evades X chromosome inactivation (XCI). Our study covers 106 cases and 200 controls, genotyped using a polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) technique. TLR3 and TLR7 expression level was assessed by qPCR carried, respectively, on renal tissues and PBMC, and methylation status was evaluated by methylation‐specific PCR. Results were statistically analysed using Shesis software, χ2, and Mann–Whitney test. Significant associations with SLE susceptibility were found for the TLR3 rs3775291, rs5743305 and rs3775294 polymorphisms. Further subgroup analysis, TLR3 rs3775291 and rs3775294 polymorphisms were significantly associated with lupus nephritis (LN) and even correlate with the presence of auto‐antibodies binding RNA molecules. SLE and LN were more common in men with rs3853839‐G variant within TLR7 gene versus those carrying the C allele. Moreover, the role of the G allele in the TLR7 expression up‐regulation was confirmed. However, gene expression analysis showed no significant differences in TLR3 and TLR7 mRNA levels between LN patient biopsies and healthy tissues (p > .05). When comparing patients and controls, no statistical difference was observed in XCI pattern. Otherwise, notable associations were raised between TLR3 and TLR7 gene variants and clinical and serological lupus features pointing towards the role of genetic background in the physiopathogenesis of the disease.
Limitarianism: Pattern, Principle, or Presumption?
Authors: Timmer Dick 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this article, I assess the prospects for the limitarian thesis that someone has too much wealth if they exceed a specific wealth threshold. Limitarianism claims that there are good political and/or ethical reasons to prevent people from having such ‘surplus wealth’, for example, because it has no moral value for the holder or because allowing people to have surplus wealth has less moral value than redistributing it. Drawing on recent literature on distributive justice, I defend two types of limitarian principles of justice. First, limitarian midlevel principles draw on the limitarian thesis to specify normative commitments for guiding institutional design and individual actions. Second, the limitarian presumption draws on that thesis to specify what a just allocation of wealth requires under epistemic constraints. Such a presumption says that without substantive reasons to the contrary, we should regard a distribution as unjust if some people’s wealth exceeds the limitarian threshold. Furthermore, I will argue that we must reject a possible but implausible interpretation of limitarianism as an ideal distributive pattern. Yet both as a midlevel principle and as a presumption, limitarianism can play an important role in theorizing about justice in the real world.
Impact of age on catheter ablation of premature ventricular contractions
Authors: Badertscher Patrick , John Leah , Payne Joshua , Bainey Adam , Ishida Yuji , Field Michael E. , Winterfield Jeffrey R , Gold Michael R 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionCatheter ablation (CA) of frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVC) is increasingly performed in older patients as the population ages. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of age on procedural characteristics, safety and efficacy on PVC ablations.MethodsConsecutive patients with symptomatic PVCs undergoing CA between 2015 and 2020 were evaluated. Acute ablation success was defined as the elimination of PVCs at the end of the procedure. Sustained success was defined as an elimination of symptoms, and ≥80% reduction of PVC burden determined by Holter‐electrocardiogram during long‐term follow. Patients were sub‐grouped based on age (<65 vs. ≥65 years).ResultsA total of 114 patients were enrolled (median age 64 years, 71% males) and followed up for a median duration of 228 days. Baseline and procedural data were similar in both age groups. A left‐sided origin of PVCs was more frequently observed in the elderly patient group compared to younger patients (83% vs. 67%; p = .04). The median procedure time was significantly shorter in elderly patients (160 vs. 193 min; p = .02). The rates of both acute (86% vs. 92%; p = .32) and sustained success (70% vs. 71%; p = .90) were similar between groups. Complications rates (3.7%) did not differ between the two groups.ConclusionIn a large series of patients with a variety of underlying arrhythmia substrates, similar rates of acute procedural success, complications, and ventricular arrhythmia‐free‐survival were observed after CA of PVCs. Older age alone should not be a reason to withhold CA of PVCs.
Safety and complications of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: Predictors of complications from an updated analysis the National Inpatient Database
Authors: Wu Lingling , Narasimhan Bharat , Ho Kam S. , Zheng Yingying , Shah Arti N. , Kantharia Bharat K. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundCatheter ablation is increasingly employed in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). Data regarding safety of ablation of AF is largely derived from controlled clinical trials.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyze safety and complications of AF ablation performed in a “real world” setting outside of clinical trials, and obtain insights on predictors of complications.MethodsWe utilized the National Inpatient Sample database, to identify all patients who underwent AF ablations between 2015 and 2017 using International Classification of Disease—Tenth revision codes. Complications were defined as per the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality Guidelines. Statistical tests including multivariate logistic regression were performed to determine predictors of complications.ResultsAmong 14,875 cases of AF ablation between 2015 and 2017, a total of 1884 complications were identified among 1080 (7.2%) patients. Patients with complications were likely to be older and female with a higher burden of comorbidities. A 27% increase in complications was observed from 2015 to 2017, driven by an increase in pericardial complications. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that pulmonary hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.99, p = .041) and chronic kidney disease (CKD; aOR: 1.67, p = .024), were independent predictors of complications. Centers with higher procedural volumes were associated with lower complication rates.ConclusionsComplication rates related to AF ablations remain substantially high. Presence of pulmonary hypertension and CKD are predictive of higher procedural complications. Furthermore, hospital procedure volume is an important factor that correlates with complication rates.
Prospective study: Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene is associated with cardio‐cerebrovascular complications in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: He Qingfang , Pan Jin , Wang Lixin , Fang Yujia , Hu Ruying 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAims/IntroductionMost studies have shown that aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) mutations were associated with cardio‐cerebrovascular complications of diabetes based on cross‐sectional investigations, but few studies based on cohorts were carried out. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between the ALDH2 gene and the occurrence of and death from cardio‐cerebrovascular complications in type 2 diabetes patients through a prospective cohort study.Materials and MethodsAccording to a community‐based and disease‐based prospective cohort study design, a baseline cohort of 10,339 persons with type 2 diabetes was established in 2016, and the occurrence of and death from cardio‐cerebrovascular complications were followed up until December 2018. A total of 2,500 diabetes patients without cardio‐cerebrovascular complications were randomly selected from the baseline cohort to detect the rs671 polymorphism of the ALDH2 gene. Cox regression analysis was carried out on the effect of different ALDH2 rs671 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms on the risk and survival time of cardio‐cerebrovascular complications among diabetes patients.ResultsThere were 215 cardio‐cerebrovascular complications, including 10 deaths, that occurred in the 2,500 diabetes patients during the follow‐up period. Cox regression analysis showed that rs671 GA/AA genotype, sex (male), poor control of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure and glycated were risk factors, whereas drinking alcohol was a protective factor for cardio‐cerebrovascular complications (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age and sex, the risk of the rs671 GA/AA genotype was 1.314‐fold (95% confidence interval 1.000–1.727) that of the GG genotype.ConclusionThe G‐A mutation of ALDH2 rs671 is a risk factor for the occurrence of and death from cardio‐cerebrovascular complications in type 2 diabetes patients. Further studies with larger cohorts and longer follow up will be necessary to reveal a consensus.
Public transport, noise complaints, and housing: Evidence from sentiment analysis in Singapore
Authors: Fan Yi , Teo Ho Pin , Wan Wayne X. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates the effect of a new bus route on noise complaints of residents and the influence of noise on housing price. To overcome the challenge of mapping noise data with subjective emotion, we use a novel data source—text‐based noise complaint records from residents in a town in Singapore—and apply natural language processing tools to conduct sentiment analysis. To address the endogeneity concern regarding the bus route, we use a hypothetical least cost path as an instrument for the existing bus route. We find that living closer to the bus route for every 100 m increases noise complaints by around 10 percentage points, and the effect is more severe on medium floor levels (5th–8th floors) and near bus stops (within 100 m). We further link noise with housing price and discover a price reduction of 3% with a 1‐scale‐point increase in noise complaints. This implies that bus noise offsets 17.8% of the benefit from convenience, which sheds light on the importance of noise insulation in transit‐oriented developments.
Morphological and genetic analyses of Ostreopsis (Dinophyceae, Gonyaulacales, Ostreopsidaceae) species from Vietnamese waters with a re‐description of the type species, O. siamensis
Authors: Nguyen‐Ngoc Lam , Doan‐Nhu Hai , Larsen Jacob , Phan‐Tan Luom , Nguyen Xuan‐Vy , Lundholm Nina , Van Chu Thuoc , Huynh‐Thi Duyen Ngoc 
Published: March 2021

Identification of species of the dinoflagellate genus Ostreopsis is difficult because several species have been poorly described, others misidentified in the literature, and the type species, O. siamensis, has not been described by contemporary taxonomic methods. In the present study, it is argued that Ostreopsis sp. 6 as described by previous authors is similar to the type species, and we offer an emended description of O. siamensis by LM, SEM, and molecular analyses of nuclear LSU and ITS rDNA based on material collected a few hundred kilometers from the type locality in the Gulf of Thailand and along the Vietnamese east coast. Ostreopsis siamensis is genetically different from the species reported as O. cf. siamensis in the literature and the latter should be described as a separate species. It is also concluded that with the poor knowledge of the morphological variability of many species of Ostreopsis, O. siamensis may not be distinguished from other similar‐sized species by its morphological features, and hence molecular data are needed for reliable identification. The species Ostreopsis lenticularis and Ostreopsis cf. ovata were also found and described.
But They Told Us It Was Safe! Carbon Dioxide Removal, Fracking, and Ripple Effects in Risk Perceptions
Authors: Cox Emily , Pidgeon Nick , Spence Elspeth 
Published: March 2021

AbstractReaching net‐zero for global greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050 will require a portfolio of new technologies and approaches, potentially requiring direct removal and sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide using negative emissions technologies (NETs). Since energy and climate systems are fundamentally interconnected it is important that we understand the impacts of policy decisions and their associated controversies in other related technologies and sectors. Using a secondary analysis of data from a series of deliberative workshops conducted with lay publics in the United Kingdom, we suggest that perceptions of CO2 removal technologies were negatively impacted by risk perceptions and recent policy decisions surrounding shale gas and fracking. Using the social amplification of risk framework, we argue that heightened risk perceptions have extended via “ripple effects” across these technologies. Participants’ attitudes were underpinned by deeper misgivings regarding the actions and motives of experts and policymakers; a pervasive discourse of “but they told us it was safe” regarding fracking negatively affected people's trust in assurances of the safety and efficacy of CO2 removal. This has the potential to undermine attempts to build societal agreement around future deployment of CO2 removal technologies.