bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiometabolic risk factors associated with brain age and accelerated brain ageing
Authors: Beck Dani , de Lange Ann‐Marie G. , Pedersen Mads L. , Alnæs Dag , Maximov Ivan I. , Voldsbekk Irene , Richard Geneviève , Sanders Anne‐Marthe , Ulrichsen Kristine M. , Dørum Erlend S. , Kolskår Knut K. , Høgestøl Einar A. , Steen Nils Eiel , Djurovic Srdjan , Andreassen Ole A. , Nordvik Jan E. , Kaufmann Tobias , Westlye Lars T. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe structure and integrity of the ageing brain is interchangeably linked to physical health, and cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRs) are associated with dementia and other brain disorders. In this mixed cross‐sectional and longitudinal study (interval mean = 19.7 months), including 790 healthy individuals (mean age = 46.7 years, 53% women), we investigated CMRs and health indicators including anthropometric measures, lifestyle factors, and blood biomarkers in relation to brain structure using MRI‐based morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). We performed tissue specific brain age prediction using machine learning and performed Bayesian multilevel modeling to assess changes in each CMR over time, their respective association with brain age gap (BAG), and their interaction effects with time and age on the tissue‐specific BAGs. The results showed credible associations between DTI‐based BAG and blood levels of phosphate and mean cell volume (MCV), and between T1‐based BAG and systolic blood pressure, smoking, pulse, and C‐reactive protein (CRP), indicating older‐appearing brains in people with higher cardiometabolic risk (smoking, higher blood pressure and pulse, low‐grade inflammation). Longitudinal evidence supported interactions between both BAGs and waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), and between DTI‐based BAG and systolic blood pressure and smoking, indicating accelerated ageing in people with higher cardiometabolic risk (smoking, higher blood pressure, and WHR). The results demonstrate that cardiometabolic risk factors are associated with brain ageing. While randomized controlled trials are needed to establish causality, our results indicate that public health initiatives and treatment strategies targeting modifiable cardiometabolic risk factors may also improve risk trajectories and delay brain ageing.
Shelter‐Based Integrated Model Is Effective in Scaling Up Hepatitis C Testing and Treatment in Persons Experiencing Homelessness
Authors: Khalili Mandana , Powell Jesse , Park Helen H. , Bush Dylan , Naugle Jessica , Ricco Margaret , Magee Catherine , Braimoh Grace , Zevin Barry , Fokuo J. Konadu , Masson Carmen L. 
Published: October 2021

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence is high among people experiencing homelessness, but barriers to scaling up HCV testing and treatment persist. We aimed to implement onsite HCV testing and education and evaluate the effectiveness of low‐barrier linkage to HCV therapy among individuals accessing homeless shelters. HCV rapid testing was performed at four large shelters in San Francisco (SF) and Minneapolis (MN). Sociodemographic status, HCV risk, barriers to testing, and interest in therapy were captured. Participants received information about HCV. Those testing positive underwent formal HCV education and onsite therapy. Multivariable modeling assessed predictors of receipt of HCV therapy and sustained virologic response (SVR). A total of 766 clients were tested. Median age was 53.7 years, 68.2% were male participants, 46.3% were Black, 27.5% were White, 13.2% were Hispanic, and 57.7% had high school education or less; 162 (21.1%) were HCV antibody positive, 107 (66.0%) had detectable HCV RNA (82.1% with active drug use, 53.8% history of psychiatric illness), 66 (61.7%) received HCV therapy, and 81.8% achieved SVR. On multivariate analysis, shelter location (MN vs. SF, odds ratio [OR], 0.3; P = 0.01) and having a health care provider (OR, 4.1; P = 0.02) were associated with receipt of therapy. On intention to treat analysis, the only predictor of SVR when adjusted for age, sex, and race was HCV medication adherence (OR, 14.5; P = 0.01). Conclusion: Leveraging existing homeless shelter infrastructure was successful in enhancing HCV testing and treatment uptake. Despite high rates of active substance use, psychiatric illness, and suboptimal adherence, over 80% achieved HCV cure. This highlights the critical importance of integrated models in HCV elimination efforts in people experiencing homelessness that can be applied to other shelter settings.
Ergonomic evaluation and field validation of the insole padding system
Authors: Lee Yu‐Chi , Wang Mao‐Jiun 
Published: October 2021

AbstractInsoles are typically worn to increase comfort in performing daily activities. Many studies have investigated the effects of insoles with different properties. This study performed an ergonomic evaluation of three insole types, with a focus on assessing the effectiveness of an insole padding system (IPS). The objectives of this study were (1) to perform an ergonomic evaluation of three insoles and (2) to perform a field validation study to examine the effectiveness of IPS wearing among nurses. The study involved two phases. In the first phase, 15 healthy females participated in an experiment evaluating three insoles (general flat insole, ergo‐insole, and IPS). The outcome measurements were electromyography activity of four muscles, plantar pressure distribution in seven zones, and subjective discomfort rating. In the second phase, 100 nurses were recruited for the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire survey and 43 nurses participated in the field evaluation study. The results indicated that walking with the IPS was associated with lower plantar pressures in the midfoot and heel regions. Participants who wore ergo‐insole and IPS exhibited lower overall subjective discomfort ratings. Lower‐extremity discomfort was significantly improved after wearing the IPS for 2 weeks. The findings of this study suggest that walking with the IPS can result in less discomfort in the lower extremities than walking with the conventional insoles. IPS wearing is effective in improving lower‐extremity discomfort in persons who require prolonged standing and walking in daily life.
Can family doctor contracted services facilitate orderly visits in the referral system? A frontier policy study from Shanghai, China
Authors: Huang Jiaoling , Liu Yan , Zhang Tao , Wang Luan , Liu Shanshan , Liang Hong , Zhang Yimin , Chen Gang , Liu Chengjun 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundChina committed to establishing a family doctor (FD)‐based referral system following the medical reform in 2009. This paper explored the effect of FD on establishing the anticipated system.MethodsTwo waves of survey were conducted in Shanghai, China. 2754 and 1995 individuals were sampled in 2013 and 2016 respectively. We compared orderly visiting behaviour between contracted and non‐contracted residents. Logistic regression models were performed to further test the effect of FD on orderly visits.ResultsMore contracted residents first‐contacted community health service centres (CHSCs; 45.48%) than non‐contracted residents (28.93%). Contracted residents were also more likely to refer to specialists via CHSCs than the non‐contracted (9.84% vs. 2.60%). The odds ratio (OR) for first‐contact at CHSCs by contract status was 1.569 in 2013, but increased to 1.675 in 2016. Being contracted with a FD was associated with referral behaviour, but the OR declined from 2.692 to 2.487 over years.ConclusionThe survey from Shanghai showed that FD had a significant effect on attracting first‐contact at CHSCs and referral via CHSCs; however, the effect on the latter decreased. The effectiveness of the FD role on referral behaviour requires a well‐established referral system, which has not yet been completely achieved in China.
Leaderlessness in social movements: Advancing space, symbols, and spectacle as modes of “Leadership”
Authors: Keshtiban Amir E. , Callahan Jamie L. , Harris Martin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe emergence of the Occupy movements along with other social movements in 2011 elevated the idea of radically decentralized “leaderless” social movement organizations. We argue that looking at such an alternative, horizontalist form of organizing presents an opportunity to reframe how we understand leadership. This paper illustrates how the coordination of the Occupy London movement was accomplished horizontally in the absence of formal organization, leadership, or authority structures. Using an ethnographic approach, we show how this movement generated a “multimodal” repertoire of protest that included (1) the politically effective occupation of urban space; (2) the ability to deploy symbols as compelling forms of aesthetic questioning; and (3) the creation of politically charged spectacles that allowed the movement to appropriate the news agendas of established broadcast media. The findings of this paper challenge the language of leadership and contribute to understandings of feminist forms of leadership and leaderless organizing by explaining one way that “leadership” occurs in horizontal organizational structures such as social movements. Namely we demonstrate how the modes of space, symbols, and spectacles effectively replace the role of “leader” in the absence of formal organizational structures.
Investigating the multidimensionality of informal learning: Validation of a short measure for white‐collar workers
Authors: Decius Julian , Knappstein Michael , Schaper Niclas , Seifert Andreas 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe challenges resulting from increasing digitalization and globalization require flexible continuing education for white‐collar workers. Especially informal learning becomes increasingly important in the modern workplace. Practitioners want to promote informal learning among employees, researchers want to unveil conducive contextual conditions for informal learning, but they lack an appropriate, validated measure. Based on the octagon model of informal workplace learning (Decius et al.,Human Resource Development Quarterly, 2019, 30, 495–535) and an existing 24‐item scale for blue‐collar workers, we present a short version of eight items for use among white‐collar workers. Using three independent samples of 695, 500, and 3134 German employees, we show that the second‐order factor structure—following the multidimensional octagon model—has a better fit compared with a model in which all items load on a single factor. The short scale is strongly correlated with the original full scale. The scale's reliability is satisfying (α = 0.76/0.77/0.85; ω = 0.78/0.78/0.86), considering the heterogeneous conceptual nature of informal learning. Regarding criterion validity, we found theoretically expected correlations with job demands, job autonomy, knowledge/skill acquisition, age, and self‐directed learning orientation. Furthermore, the scale reveals measurement invariance across sociodemographic characteristics of gender and educational background. We also discuss implications for research and practice of the new informal learning measure among white‐collar workers.
Etiology of viral respiratory tract infections in hospitalized adults, and evidence of the high frequency of prehospitalization antibiotic treatment in Norway
Authors: Debes Sara , Haug Jon Birger , de Blasio Birgitte Freiesleben , Jonassen Christine Monceyron , Dudman Susanne Gjeruldsen 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsRespiratory tract infections (RTIs) cause considerable morbidity and mortality in all age groups, but the epidemiology and role of several of the viral RTIs in the adult and elderly patients are still unclear, as is the extent of prehospitalization antibacterial drug use in this population.MethodsWe conducted a three‐year (2015‐2018) observational study of viral RTIs in hospitalized patients in a 500‐bed hospital in Southeastern Norway, including all patients ≥18 years with RTI symptoms where one of the following viral agents was detected in a respiratory specimen (Seegene Allplex): Influenza A/B, RSV A/B, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), adenovirus and parainfluenza virus 1‐4. Viral findings, demographical data, and information on prehospital antibiotic prescriptions were recorded.ResultsIn 1182 patients 1222 viral infection events occurred. The mean patient age was 69.6 years, and 53% were females. Influenza virus A/B (63%), RSV A/B (15%) and hMPV (13%) were the most common agents detected. The proportional burden of influenza A H1 was found to be relatively high (65%) in the age groups <69 years, compared to older patients (P = .001, chi‐square).As many as 20% of the patients had been treated with antibiotics prior to admission, with the lowest rate for influenza A H3 group at 17% (P = .036, chi‐square), and highest for the RSV group at 28% (P = .004, chi‐square).Oseltamivir was prescribed prior to hospitalization in only 3 cases (0.2%).ConclusionsWe found a high rate of prehospital antibiotic prescription in adults hospitalized with viral RTIs, warranting better stewardship programs to tackle the increasing antibiotic resistance problem.
Mental health among Thai medical students: Preadmission evaluation and service utilization
Authors: Chiddaycha Mayteewat , Wainipitapong Sorawit 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsMental illness among medical students is common. Identifying at‐risk students can be beneficial in terms of prevention and treatment. This study examined the association between preadmission mental health evaluation and mental health service utilization among Thai medical students.MethodsThe authors collected data from all first‐ to sixth‐year students at one university hospital and three affiliated hospitals during the 2014 to 2019 academic year (n = 1642). Preadmission mental health was evaluated using the Thai Mental Health Indicators 66 (TMHI‐66) questionnaire. Data from mental health service utilization included the dates of service and the clinical diagnosis. Data were analyzed using Cox regression, adjusted for sex, hometown, and affiliated hospital.ResultsThe prevalence of poor mental health was found to be 3.7% based on TMHI‐66 results. The proportion of all students who sought mental health services was 8.3%, and they were mostly diagnosed with depressive disorder (3%), adjustment disorder (1.9%), and anxiety disorder (1.9%). Students with positive TMHI‐66 results were more likely to seek out services at the faculty counseling center for one or more mental health problems (Hazard ratio [HR] = 2.11, 95% CI 1.11‐4.04, P = .024).ConclusionPreadmission mental health was found to be associated with mental health service utilization. Depressive disorder was the most frequent mental illness among Thai medical students utilizing the faculty counseling services. Still, the number was far lower than the reported prevalence of mental disorders due to various reasons. Further studies are needed to investigate risk and protective factors for mental disorders to better promote mental health and encourage mental health service utilization in targeted students throughout medical education.
Effect of a turbocharger and EGR on the performance and emission characteristics of a CRDI small diesel engine
Authors: Dond Dipak K. , Gulhane Nitin P. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractLimited fuel capacity and pollution are major concerns in the automobile industry. Methods to tackle these issues are continuously being investigated. The present work represents the experimental evaluation of a turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation's (EGR's) combined effect on the common rail direct injection (CRDI) small diesel engine's performance and emission attributes. The fuel handling CRDI system variables, such as injection pressure, split injection timing, and fuel injection quantity along with EGR and turbocharger technology were considered for the study. Experiments were conducted with and without EGR and turbocharger conditions. Efforts are made to correlate the performance and emission characteristics with and without EGR and turbochargers. A combination of turbocharger and EGR shows much more lowering in nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbon emission at the cost of a slight rise in smoke percentage. The thermal efficiency and fuel economy of the engine show a significant improvement for the turbocharger system. Overall, turbocharger and EGR combinations positively impact the engine characteristics compared to the conventional mechanical fuel injection system.
Chirality Retention in Aqueous Propylene Oxide Hydration: Chirality of the Transition State
Authors: Shukla N. , Yu M. , Pradhan A. , Han Y. , Gellman A. J. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe hydration kinetics of enantiomerically pure propylene oxide (PO, CH3*CHCH2O) to chiral propylene glycol (PG, CH3*CH(OH)CH2OH) in aqueous solution have been studied using FTIR while simultaneously monitoring the net chirality of the reaction mixture. The hydration reaction appears to be first‐order in the PO concentration with a rate constant of
0.05 hr−1. More importantly, the reaction is enantioselective; the product PG retains the chirality of the 2C carbon in PO with ∼2 : 1 selectivity. The fact that there is some inversion of the chirality suggests that the dominant transition state is one in which the 2C−O bond in PO is cleaved, resulting in a close to planar transition state capable of inversion during hydration. If the transition state involved 1C−O cleavage it would retain the rigid chiral center of the PO reactant, preventing significant inversion.
Clinical impact of antibodies to Sp100 on a bacterial infection in patients with primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Himoto Takashi , Yamamoto Shuhei , Morimoto Kaho , Tada Satoshi , Mimura Shima , Fujita Koji , Tani Joji , Morishita Asahiro , Masaki Tsutomu 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundA specific antinuclear antibody for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is anti‐Sp100, which was recognized as a serological marker of concurrent urinary tract infection. We sought to determine the clinical characteristics of PBC patients who had anti‐Sp100.Patients and MethodsFifty‐one patients with PBC and 10 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Anti‐Sp100 were determined with an ELISA method. Lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein (LBP) was measured as a serological hallmark for bacterial infection. The correlations of anti‐Sp100 with demographic, laboratory, and pathological parameters were investigated.ResultsSix of the 51 (11.8%) PBC patients had anti‐Sp100, whereas none of the HCs did. There was no significant difference in the frequency of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMAs) between PBC patients with and without anti‐Sp100 (67% vs. 82%, p = 0.5839). Biochemical and immunological parameters were not associated with the emergence of anti‐Sp100 in these patients. The clinical stage by Scheuer classification was not correlated with the existence of anti‐Sp100. No significant difference in the serum LBP levels was found between PBC patients with and without anti‐Sp‐100, although serum LBP levels were significantly higher in PBC patients with anti‐Sp100 than in HCs (8.30 ± 2.24 ng/ml, vs. 5.12 ± 2.48 ng/ml, p = 0.0022). The frequency of granuloma formation was higher in the liver specimens of PBC patients with anti‐Sp100 than in those without anti‐Sp100 (67% vs 29%, p = 0.0710).Conclusionanti‐Sp100 does not become a complementary serological marker for PBC in AMA‐negative patients. A bacterial infection may trigger the production of anti‐Sp100. Another factor is required to initiate the autoantibody production.
Association of lymphocyte subsets with mortality in severe COVID‐19 pneumonia patients
Authors: Ashrafi Farzaneh , Nematollahi Pardis , Salmasi Mehrzad , Hedayat Arash , Amra Babak 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have investigated the alterations in the T and B cell counts and related subgroups in pulmonary infections especially COVID‐19. Here, we aimed to evaluate total T and B lymphocytes and T cell subgroup counts to find the possible correlation between number of these cells and severity and mortality in COVID‐19 patients.MethodsThis study was performed on 40 patients with severe COVID‐19 infection confirmed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and chest HRCT in August 2020. By the time of admission, T lymphocytes profile in peripheral blood was investigated using multicolor flow cytometry. The total number of T lymphocytes, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and B lymphocytes were calculated. Expression of CD2, CD3, CD5, and CD7 as pan T cell surface markers and expression of CD38 and HLA‐DR as activated markers on T lymphocytes were also evaluated.ResultsNine patients (22.5%) died during the study and 16 patients (40%) were admitted to ICU. Deceased patients demonstrated lower amounts of T cell count and CD4+ T cell count (with a marginal difference (p = 0.07)) compared with survived patients at the time of admission. The chance of mortality was significantly higher for patients with CD7 loss (OR = 14.89). A marginally significant relationship was also indicated between CD4<200/ml and mortality (OR = 8.65), but no other significant relationships were observed between variables and ICU admission.ConclusionAltogether, CD7 loss on T lymphocytes and CD4+ T cell count below 200/ml revealed a significant relationship with mortality. Considering T lymphocytes and T cell subgroup count could have a predictive value for patients suffering from COVID‐19.
Serum progranulin as a predictive marker for high activity of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis
Authors: Yoon Taejun , Lee Lucy Eunju , Ahn Sung Soo , Pyo Jung Yoon , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong‐Beom , Lee Sang‐Won 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigated whether serum progranulin could act as a predictive marker for high disease activity of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV).MethodsFifty‐eight AAV patients were included in this study. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained at blood collection. The Short‐Form 36‐Item Health Survey Physical and Mental Component Summaries (SF‐36 PCS and SF‐36 MCS), Birmingham Vasculitis activity score (BVAS), Five‐Factor Score (FFS), and Vasculitis Damage Index (VDI) were assessed as AAV‐specific indices. Whole blood was collected and serum samples were isolated and stored at −80°C. Serum progranulin concentration was quantified by ELISA kits.ResultsThe median age of patients was 63.0 years (19 men). The median BVAS was 11.0, and the median serum progranulin level was 49.0 ng/ml. Serum progranulin was significantly correlated with BVAS, FFS, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein level, SF‐36 PCS, haemoglobin, and serum albumin. Severe AAV was arbitrarily defined as the highest tertile of BVAS (BVAS ≥16). When the cut‐offs of serum progranulin were set as 55.16 ng/ml and 43.01 ng/ml for severe AAV, AAV patients with serum progranulin ≥55.16 and 43.01 ng/ml had significantly higher risks of severe AAV than those without (relative risk (RR) 4.167 and 4.524, respectively).ConclusionsProgranulin might play an anti‐inflammatory role in AAV pathogenesis and serum progranulin could be used as a predictive marker for high activity of AAV.