bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HbA1c and brain health across the entire glycaemic spectrum
Authors: Garfield Victoria , Farmaki Aliki‐Eleni , Eastwood Sophie V. , Mathur Rohini , Rentsch Christopher T. , Bhaskaran Krishnan , Smeeth Liam , Chaturvedi Nish 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimTo understand the relationship between HbA1c and brain health across the entire glycaemic spectrum.Materials and MethodsWe used data from the UK Biobank cohort consisting of 500,000 individuals aged 40–69 years. HbA1c and diabetes diagnosis were used to define baseline glycaemic categories. Our outcomes included incident all‐cause dementia, vascular dementia (VD), Alzheimer's dementia (AD), hippocampal volume (HV), white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, cognitive function and decline. The reference group was normoglycaemic individuals (HbA1c ≥35 & <42 mmol/mol). Our maximum analytical sample contained 449,973 individuals with complete data.ResultsPrediabetes and known diabetes increased incident VD (HR 1.54; 95% CI = 1.04, 2.28 and HR 2.97; 95% CI = 2.26, 3.90, respectively). Known diabetes increased all‐cause and AD risk (HR 1.91; 95% CI = 1.66, 2.21 and HR 1.84; 95% CI = 1.44, 2.36, respectively). Prediabetes and known diabetes elevated the risks of cognitive decline (OR 1.42; 1.48, 2.96 and OR 1.39; 1.04, 1.75, respectively). Prediabetes, undiagnosed and known diabetes conferred higher WMH volumes (3%, 22% and 7%, respectively) and lower HV (36, 80 and 82 mm3, respectively), whereas low‐normal HbA1c had 1% lower WMH volume and 12 mm3 greater HV.ConclusionBoth prediabetes and known diabetes are harmful in terms of VD, cognitive decline and AD risks, as well as lower HV. Associations appeared to be somewhat driven by antihypertensive medication, which implies that certain cardiovascular drugs may ameliorate some of the excess risk. Low‐normal HbA1c levels, however, are associated with more favourable brain health outcomes and warrant more in‐depth investigation.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as a metabolic disease in humans: A literature review
Authors: Cariou Bertrand , Byrne Christopher D. , Loomba Rohit , Sanyal Arun J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsTo conduct a systematic literature review to identify recent epidemiological, biomarker, genetic and clinical evidence that expands our understanding of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as a metabolic disorder.Materials and MethodsWe performed a literature search using PubMed to identify trials, observational studies and meta‐analyses published in the past 5 years.ResultsA total of 95 publications met prespecified inclusion criteria and reported on the interplay between NAFLD/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and metabolic dysfunction, in terms of disease burden and/or epidemiology (n = 10), pathophysiology, risk factors and associated conditions (n = 29), diagnosis and biomarkers (n = 34), and treatment approaches (n = 22). There is a growing body of evidence on the links between NAFLD/NASH pathogenesis and mechanisms of metabolic dysfunction, through liver lipid accumulation, insulin resistance, inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrogenic remodelling within the liver. The frequent co‐occurrence of NAFLD with obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes supports this premise. Therapeutic approaches originally envisaged for type 2 diabetes or obesity (such as glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists, sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors, insulin sensitizers and bariatric surgery) have shown promising signs of benefit for patients with NAFLD/NASH.ConclusionsGiven the complex interplay between NAFLD and metabolic dysfunction, there is an urgent need for multidisciplinary collaboration and established protocols for care of patients with NAFLD that are individualized and ideally support reduction of overall metabolic risk as well as treatment for NASH.
Short‐ and long‐term prognostic value of right ventricular function in patients with first acute ST elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary angioplasty
Authors: Radwan Hanan , Hussein Ekhlas M. , Refaat Hesham 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionLimited data are known about the prognostic value of right ventricle (RV) function in patients with first acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of RV dysfunction in predicting both in‐hospital and long‐term outcomes in these patients, irrespective of the site of necrosis.MethodsWe enrolled 502 consecutive patients with first acute STEMI treated with primary angioplasty and underwent echocardiography within 48 hours of admission. RV function was evaluated by RV myocardial performance index (RVMPI), RV fractional area change (RVFAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), pulsed tissue Doppler S′ wave velocity, and RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) of the free wall. The occurrence of in‐hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and 1‐year survival rate were recorded.ResultsIn MACE group, RVFAC, TAPSE, and RV S′ wave velocity were lower. However, RVMPI, RVGLS, and TR Vmax. were higher than MACE free group (P < .001). In multivariable analysis adjusted for other variables that predicted adverse outcomes, RVFAC < 35% (P < .001), TAPSE < 17 mm (P < .001), RVGLS > −17% (P < .001), RV S′ wave velocity < 9.5 cm/s (P = .02), RVMPI > 0.43 (P < .001), and TR Vmax. > 2.8 m/s (P = .01) were strong independent predictors of in‐hospital MACE. Lower 1‐year survival was noted in patients with RV dysfunction, documented by these cutoffs values.ConclusionRV dysfunction, evidenced by multiparametric echocardiography, is predictive for adverse in‐hospital outcomes, and lower 1‐year survival rate in first acute STEMI regardless of the site of necrosis.
Metabolic cost of holding nuptial food gifts for male spiders
Authors: Prokop Pavol , Okrouhlík Jan 
Published: January 2021

1. In various insect and spiders, males offer nuptial food gifts to females during copulation that enhance male fitness either directly through their effects on male fertilisation success or indirectly through the nutritional benefits delivering for females. However, the physiological costs of producing these gifts remain largely unexplored.2. We examined energetic costs of holding nuptial gifts in the gift‐giving spider, Pisaura mirabilis, using stop‐flow respirometry.3. Males exhibited 37% higher metabolic rates when holding a nuptial gift than when they do not have one.4. Our findings suggest the existence of metabolic costs associated with holding a nuptial gift for males. This confirm that male condition is particularly relevant for gift‐giving and may explain the evolution of male deception for cheaper nuptial gifts.
Integration of biological and psychological illness attributional belief in association with medication adherence behaviour: A path analysis
Authors: Suen Yi Nam , Yeung Emily Tsz Wa , Chan Sherry Kit Wa , Hui Christy Lai Ming , Lee Edwin Ho Ming , Chang Wing Chung , Chan Candice Yu Hay , Chen Chan Eric Yu Hai 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimThis study aimed to determine the association of biological (BAB) and psychological illness attributional beliefs (PAB) with medication adherence behaviour in patients with psychosis in Hong Kong.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey of 301 outpatients with psychosis in Hong Kong was conducted from August to October 2016. The survey included a set of questionnaires examining patient medication adherence behaviours (using five behavioural items from the Medication Adherence Rating Scale), illness attributional belief, insight into the illness, and attitudes towards antipsychotics and medical professionals. The associations between these variables were analysed using path analysis and adjusted for covariates of perceived social support, experience of side‐effects, and gender.ResultsThe data fit a model in which medication adherence behaviour was associated with illness attributional belief, insight, and attitudes (chi‐square = 32.33, p = .26; RMSEA = 0.02; SRMR = 0.04; and CFI = 0.97). BAB was positively and directly associated with medication adherence behaviour. PAB was positively and indirectly associated with medication adherence behaviour through insight into the illness and attitude towards medical professionals. PAB can strengthen the relationship between BAB and insight, and only the high PAB group exhibited a positive relationship between BAB and attitude towards medical professionals.ConclusionsAn integration of biological and psychological attributional beliefs in patients with psychosis is essential for better medication adherence behaviour. Future interventions should aim to modify patients' illness attributional beliefs by integrating both biological and psychological illness attribution to improve medication adherence.
Comparison of clinical characteristics and treatment efficacy in childhood‐onset schizophrenia and adolescent‐onset schizophrenia in mainland China: A retrospective study
Authors: Cheng Xin , Zhang Huihui , Zhang Jiuping , Xu Ping , Jin Peiying , Fang Hui , Chu Kangkang , Ke Xiaoyan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimThe comparative study of childhood‐onset schizophrenia (COS) and adolescent‐onset schizophrenia (AOS) is scarce. This study aimed to examine the differences in clinical presentations and treatment efficacy between COS and AOS and further analyse the factors affecting the efficacy of early‐onset schizophrenia (EOS).MethodsA total of 582 electronic medical records of inpatients with EOS (216 COS and 366 AOS inpatients) between 2012 and 2019 were retrospectively analysed. The positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) was used to assess psychotic symptoms. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyse the predictors of efficacy.ResultsThe mean age of onset of EOS was 12.87 ± 2.19 years. The importance of better diagnosing COS appeared in a longer illness course, more frequently insidious onset, less frequent delusions, more severe negative symptoms and bizarre behaviours than AOS. Besides, COS had more frequent visual hallucinations and impulsive behaviours than AOS. After hospitalization, the improvement rate of psychotic symptoms in COS and AOS were 38.3% and 47.8%, respectively. The difference of efficacy between the two groups was statistically significant. Days of hospitalization, age of onset, presence of flat affect, PANSS total and negative score at admission were predictors of treatment efficacy in EOS individuals.ConclusionsCOS inpatients suffer more obvious negative symptoms, bizarre behaviours, visual hallucinations and impulsive behaviours and worse efficacy than AOS inpatients. The severity of negative symptoms and age of onset seem the most noteworthy predictors of efficacy. These findings highlight the importance of early detection and early intervention.
Differences in microbial community response to nitrogen fertilization result in unique enzyme shifts between arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal‐dominated soils
Authors: Carrara Joseph E. , Walter Christopher A. , Freedman Zachary B. , Hostetler Ashley N. , Hawkins Jennifer S. , Fernandez Ivan J. , Brzostek Edward R. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWhile the effect of nitrogen (N) deposition on belowground carbon (C) cycling varies, emerging evidence shows that forest soils dominated by trees that associate with ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) store more C than soils dominated by trees that associate with arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) with increasing N deposition. We hypothesized that this is due to unique nutrient cycling responses to N between AM and ECM‐dominated soils. ECM trees primarily obtain N through fungal mining of soil organic matter subsidized by root‐C. As such, we expected the largest N‐induced responses of C and N cycling to occur in ECM rhizospheres and be driven by fungi. Conversely, as AM trees rely on bacterial scavengers in bulk soils to cycle N, we predicted the largest AM responses to be driven by shifts in bacteria and occur in bulk soils. To test this hypothesis, we measured microbial community composition, metatranscriptome profiles, and extracellular enzyme activity in bulk, rhizosphere, and organic horizon (OH) soils in AM and ECM‐dominated soils at Bear Brook Watershed in Maine, USA. After 27 years of N fertilization, fungal community composition shifted across ECM soils, but bacterial communities shifted across AM soils. These shifts were mirrored by enhanced C relative to N mining enzyme activities in both mycorrhizal types, but this occurred in different soil fractions. In ECM stands these shifts occurred in rhizosphere soils, but in AM stands they occurred in bulk soils. Additionally, ECM OH soils exhibited the opposite response with declines in C relative to N mining. As rhizosphere soils account for only a small portion of total soil volume relative to bulk soils, coupled with declines in C to N enzyme activity in ECM OH soils, we posit that this may partly explain why ECM soils store more C than AM soils as N inputs increase.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of conventional transarterial chemoembolization with and without drug‐eluting beads embolization for the treatment of unresectable large hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Shiguang , Yu Wenchang , Zhang Kongzhi , Liu Weifu , Chen Chuanben 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor prognosis. Moreover, large HCCs have been commonly observed. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of drug‐eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB‐TACE) combined with conventional TACE (cTACE) for the treatment of patients with unresectable large HCCs (main tumor ≥5 cm in diameter) compared with cTACE alone.MethodsA retrospective matched cohort study was performed on consecutive patients with unresectable large HCCs who underwent TACE as the initial treatment at the Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital from May 2017 and March 2019. Fifty‐five patients who underwent DEB‐TACE combined with cTACE were compared with a case‐matched control group of 110 patients who received cTACE alone. We compared the tumor response at 1 and 3 months after TACE, time to progression (TTP), and adverse events between the groups.ResultsThe objective response rate was higher for the DEB‐TACE combined with cTACE group than for the cTACE alone group at 1 (39 of 55 [70.9%] vs. 57 of 110 [51.8%], p = 0.019) and 3 months (27 of 43 [62.8%] vs. 31 of 71 [43.7%], p = 0.048) post‐treatment. The DEB‐TACE combined with cTACE group also had a significantly longer median TTP than that of the cTACE group (7.2 vs. 5.3 months, p = 0.039). Compared with the cTACE group, occurrences of abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, and constipation were significantly more frequent in the DEB‐TACE combined with cTACE group (p < 0.05).ConclusionCompared with cTACE alone, DEB‐TACE combined with cTACE significantly increased the objective response rate at 1 and 3 months after the treatment of unresectable large HCCs, and had a longer TTP, without any significant increase in the number of severe complications.
Fabrication and stability of Pickering emulsions using moringa seed residue protein: Effect of pH and ionic strength
Authors: Huang Zhilian , Huang Xiaobing , Zhou Wei , Zhang Li , Liu Fei , Li Jing , Peng Shaodan , Cao Yupo , Li Yahui , Li Ruyi , Li Jihua 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFood‐grade Pickering emulsions stabilised by plant protein have low toxicity. In this study, to explore the potential of Moringa seed residue protein (MSRP) as Pickering particles, MSRP was obtained from Moringa seed residue and used to fabricate emulsions at different pH and ionic strength. The molecular weight of MSRP ranged between 5 and 25 kDa. The particle diameter of MSRP with positive charge was > 233 nm. The highest MSRP solubility was achieved at pH 5 (206.89 mg g−1) and 0.2 M NaCl (202.55 mg g−1). MSRP generated an excellent interfacial layer as verified by confocal laser scanning microscope imaging, and had lower droplet size, and formed well‐developed elastic networks at pH 5 and 0.2 M NaCl. MSRP‐stabilised emulsion through steric hindrance, possessing excellent tolerance in salt (< 0.2M) and weakly acid (pH 5–7) environment. Our study finds MSRP can be used as potential Pickering particles applying in food and beverages industries.
Dialysis and driving: an anonymous survey of patients receiving dialysis for end‐stage kidney disease
Authors: Graver Alison , Odell Morris , Churilov Leonid , Power David A. , Mount Peter F. , Davies Matthew R. P. , Choy Suet‐Wan , Paizis Kathy , Cook Natasha 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundDriving is a complex task requiring multiple cognitive domains and the musculoskeletal system. Cognitive dysfunction is associated with driving impairment. Dialysis patients are known to have a high prevalence of cognitive impairment and other comorbidities, and may be at risk of driving impairment. No Australian guidelines address driving safety in dialysis patients.AimsTo estimate the proportion of dialysis patients who were driving and those at risk of driving impairment, and to investigate the agreement between objective and subjective markers of risk.MethodsThis single‐centre study involved dialysis patients voluntarily completing two questionnaires relating to risk of driving impairment; the first questionnaire focussed on objective markers, and the second questionnaire focussed on subjective markers. Risk of driving impairment was established using pre‐determined criteria, and the agreement between objective and subjective markers was estimated using Cohen kappa.ResultsA total of 44.8% (99/221) of patients participated; 76.8% (76/99) of participants were driving, and 76.3% (58/76) of drivers were at risk of driving impairment. Factors associated with at‐risk driving included post dialysis dizziness, leg weakness or numbness, falling asleep while driving and hypoglycaemia. Sixteen patients reported collisions since commencing dialysis. The questionnaires displayed slight agreement (Cohen kappa = 0.20) between objective and subjective markers.ConclusionsDialysis patients are at risk of driving impairment based on self‐reported questionnaire responses. Discrepancies between patients' perceptions and objective markers were apparent. Further research into appropriate risk assessments, as well as development of guidelines to aid in determining driving safety in dialysis patients, is needed.
Feasibility of an online cognitive rehabilitation programme in patients with a haematological malignancy undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Ku Matthew , Gates Priscilla , Renehan Steffi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundChemotherapy‐related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a known adverse event that can impact cancer survivors, resulting in long‐standing effect on quality of life and activities of daily living. Currently, there is limited knowledge regarding the aetiology and therapy for CRCI. Although CRCI following autologous stem cell transplantation (AuSCT) is emerging as a potentially significant concern for patients with underlying haematological malignancies, it is an area that requires further research.AimsThis pilot study aimed to assess (i) the prevalence of CRCI in patients with haematological malignancies both pre‐AuSCT and post‐AuSCT and (ii) the feasibility of a cognitive rehabilitation programme (CRP) in survivorship care post‐AuSCT.MethodsOver a 12‐month period, consecutive patients planned for AuSCT were approached for the study. Enrolled patients were administered a 9‐week course of CRP, commencing day 40 ± 5 post‐AuSCT. Participants were evaluated using a neuropsychological tool and validated questionnaires at baseline, pre‐CRP (day 40 ± 5 post‐AuSCT), post‐CRP and 6 months post‐CRP.ResultsThirty‐two patients were enrolled. The mean age was 59 years (SD = 11.5), 23 (72%) were male and 18 (56%) had multiple myeloma. Participants reported high satisfaction using the CRP, and most devoted significant amount of time as requested.ConclusionsWhile there appeared to be a low incidence of significant CRCI in our patient population, the incorporation of CRP in survivorship care appeared to be feasible. A larger randomised study examining the efficacy of CRP should be further explored.
Diabetic ketoacidosis: a canary in the mine for mental health disorders?
Authors: Hamblin Peter S. , Abdul‐Wahab Azni L. , Xu Sylvia F. B. , Steele Cheryl E. , Vogrin Sara 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundRecurrent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has been linked to mental health disorders, but less is known about single DKA episodes. Most studies are retrospective, lacking control groups.AimsTo prospectively examine psychosocial factors in patients presenting with recurrent or single episode DKA and compare with people who have not had DKA.MethodsCase‐controlled study (consecutive adult DKA admissions April 2015 to December 2016) at Western Health, Melbourne. Data were prospectively collected regarding diagnosed mental health disorders, likely depression (Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9)), diabetes distress (Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) questionnaire) and presence of adverse social factors. A control group without a history of DKA was also recruited.ResultsOf 123 patients admitted with DKA (164 consecutive episodes), 70 consented to participate and 73 age‐matched Type 1 diabetes controls were recruited. Eleven (61%) of 18 with recurrent DKA had a diagnosed mental health disorder versus 8 (19%) of 42 in the single episode group (P = 0.016). The prevalence of likely depression using PHQ‐9 was: recurrent 50%; single 40%; and controls 22% (recurrent vs controls, P = 0.036; single vs controls, P = 0.053). Severe diabetes distress (PAID) was present in 47% of recurrent and 34% of single episode DKA (P = 0.387). As a group, DKA patients had significantly more unemployment, illicit drug use and tobacco smoking, a lower level of formal education and less regular medical contact compared with controls.ConclusionsMental health disorders and adverse socioeconomic factors appear to be common in patients with DKA. The diagnosis of DKA presents an excellent opportunity to screen for depression and offer appropriate intervention.
The Behaviour of the Meerkat, Suricata suricatta (Schreber)
Authors: Ewer R. F. 
Published: January 2021

SummaryObservations have been made on three specimens of the viverrid Suricata suricatta (Schreber) kept as domestic pets and on two litters of young born in captivity. Language, gaits and postures are described, together with patterns connected with the following activities: heat regulation; toilet; micturition, defaecation and marking; food capture; attack and defence.The role played by learning in the responses to aerial predators and to large prey is considered.The development of the responses of the young and the behavioural interrelationships between them and the parents are recorded.The taxonomic value of behavioural characteristics is briefly considered. The patterns found in Suricata are compared with those known in other Viverridae and the taxonomic implications of these data are discussed.The way in which mode of life, bodily structure and behaviour in Suricata are harmoniously integrated is outlined.ZusammenfassungDrei im Heim gehaltene Stücke und zwei in Gefangenschaft geborene Würfe einer Viverride, Suricata suricatta (Schreber) wurden beobachtet. Sprache, Gangarten, Haltungen und Verhaltensweisen, Wärmeregulierung, Körperpflege, Harnen und Koten, Markieren, Nahrungserwerb, Angriff und Verteidigung werden beschrieben.Es wird erörtert, welchen Anteil das Lernen an den Reaktionen auf Raubvögel und große Beute hat.Die Entwicklung der Verhaltensweisen der Jungen und der Beziehungen zwischen ihnen und den Eltern werden beschrieben.Der taxonomische Wert des Verhaltens wird kurz erwogen. Die bei Suricata beobachteten Verhaltensweisen werden mit den bei anderen Viverriden bekannt gewordenen verglichen, und es wird besprochen, was daraus für das System folgt.Es wird ausgeführt, wie die Lebensweise, der Körperbau und das Verhalten von Suricata ein harmonisches Ganzes bilden.