bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insulin sensitivity variations in apparently healthy Arab male subjects: correlation with insulin and C peptide
Authors: Suleiman Noor , Alkasem Meis , Hassoun Shaimaa , Abdalhakam Ibrahem , Bettahi Ilham , Mir Fayaz , Ramanjaneya Manjunath , Jerobin Jayakumar , Iskandarani Ahmad , Samra Tareq A , Chandra Prem , Skarulis Monica , Abou-Samra Abdul Badi 
Published: November 2021

IntroductionDecreased insulin sensitivity occurs early in type 2 diabetes (T2D). T2D is highly prevalent in the Middle East and North Africa regions. This study assessed the variations in insulin sensitivity in normal apparently healthy subjects and the levels of adiponectin, adipsin and inflammatory markers.Research design and methodsA total of 60 participants (aged 18–45, body mass index <28) with a normal oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) completed hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (40 mU/m2/min) and body composition test by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. Blood samples were assayed for glucose, insulin, C peptide, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers, adiponectin and adipsin.ResultsThe subjects showed wide variations in the whole-body glucose disposal rate (M value) from 2 to 20 mg/kg/min and were divided into three groups: most responsive (M>12 mg/kg/min, n=17), least responsive (M≤6 mg/kg/min, n=14) and intermediate responsive (M=6.1–12 mg/kg/min, n=29). Insulin and C peptide responses to OGTT were highest among the least insulin sensitive group. Triglycerides, cholesterol, alanine transaminase (ALT) and albumin levels were higher in the least responsive group compared with the other groups. Among the inflammatory markers, C reactive protein (CRP) was highest in the least sensitivity group compared with the other groups; however, there were no differences in the level of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products and Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily 1B (TNFRS1B). Plasma levels of insulin sensitivity markers, adiponectin and adipsin, and oxidative stress markers, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase 1, were similar between the groups.ConclusionsA wide range in insulin sensitivity and significant differences in triglycerides, cholesterol, ALT and CRP concentrations were observed despite the fact that the study subjects were homogenous in terms of age, gender and ethnic background, and all had normal screening comprehensive chemistry and normal glucose response to OGTT. The striking differences in insulin sensitivity reflect differences in genetic predisposition and/or environmental exposure. The low insulin sensitivity status associated with increased insulin level may represent an early stage of metabolic abnormality.
‘Care co-ordinator in my pocket’: a feasibility study of mobile assessment and therapy for psychosis (TechCare)
Authors: Gire Nadeem , Caton Neil , McKeown Mick , Mohmed Naeem , Duxbury Joy , Kelly James , Riley Miv , J Taylor Peter , Taylor Christopher D J , Naeem Farooq , Chaudhry Imran Bashir , Husain Nusrat 
Published: November 2021

ObjectivesThe aim of the project was to examine the acceptability and feasibility of a mobile phone application-based intervention ‘TechCare’, for individuals with psychosis in the North West of England. The main objectives were to determine whether appropriate individuals could be identified and recruited to the study and whether the TechCare App would be an acceptable intervention for individuals with psychosis.MethodsThis was a mixed methods feasibility study, consisting of a test-run and feasibility evaluation of the TechCare App intervention.SettingEarly Intervention Services (EIS) for psychosis, within an NHS Trust in the North West of England.ParticipantsSixteen participants (test-run n=4, feasibility study n=12) aged between 18 and 65 years recruited from the East, Central and North Lancashire EIS.InterventionA 6-week intervention, with the TechCare App assessing participants’ symptoms and responses in real-time and providing a personalised-guided self-help-based psychological intervention based on the principles of Cognitive Behaviorual Therapy (CBT).ResultsA total of 83.33% (n=10) of participants completed the 6-week feasibility study, with 70% of completers achieving the set compliance threshold of ≥33% engagement with the TechCare App system. Analysis of the qualitative data suggested that participants held the view that the TechCare was both an acceptable and feasible means of delivering interventions in real-time.ConclusionInnovative digital clinical technologies, such as the TechCare App, have the potential to increase access to psychological interventions, reduce health inequality and promote self-management with a real-time intervention, through enabling access to mental health resources in a stigma-free, evidence-based and time-independent manner.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02439619.
Association between neighbourhood deprivation, fetal growth, small-for-gestational age and preterm birth: a population-based prospective cohort study
Authors: Gootjes Dionne V , Posthumus Anke G , Jaddoe Vincent W V , Steegers Eric A P 
Published: November 2021

ObjectiveTo study the associations between neighbourhood deprivation and fetal growth, including growth in the first trimester, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingThe Netherlands, Rotterdam.Participants8617 live singleton births from the Generation R cohort study.ExpositionLiving in a deprived neighbourhood.Main outcome measuresFetal growth trajectories of head circumference, weight and length.Secondary outcomes measuresSmall-for-gestational age (SGA) and preterm birth (PTB).ResultsNeighbourhood deprivation was not associated with first trimester growth. However, a higher neighbourhood status score (less deprivation) was associated with increased fetal growth in the second and third trimesters (eg, estimated fetal weight; adjusted regression coefficient 0.04, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.06). Less deprivation was also associated with decreased odds of SGA (adjusted OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.97, p=0.01) and PTB (adjusted OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.96, p=0.01).ConclusionsWe found an association between neighbourhood deprivation and fetal growth in the second and third trimester pregnancy, but not with first trimester growth. Less neighbourhood deprivation is associated with lower odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The associations remained after adjustment for individual-level risk factors. This supports the hypothesis that living in a deprived neighbourhood acts as an independent risk factor for fetal growth and adverse pregnancy outcomes, above and beyond individual risk factors.
Impact of multimodal warming during general anaesthesia on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients with gynaecological cancer: study protocol for a single-blinded randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Jinxi , Song Shixiong , Zhu Qing 
Published: November 2021

BackgroundCognitive impairment after anaesthesia and surgery is a recognised consequence. This often leads to poor health outcomes and increases healthcare resource utilisation and associated costs, especially in elderly people. However, thus far, there have not been any effective therapies for managing postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Furthermore, research on the association of multimodal warming with POCD and the clinical outcomes in older patients after gynaecological surgery has not been rigorous. For these reasons, our investigation aims to evaluate whether perioperative multimodal warming would reduce the incidence of POCD and improve prognosis in elderly patients with gynaecological cancer.Methods and analysisThis is a single-centre, prospective, single-blinded randomised controlled trial. One hundred and fifty patients for gynaecological cancer surgery and 16 non-surgical controls aged 65 years or older will be studied in this trial. A series of neuropsychological tests will be completed to evaluate cognitive function in surgery patients before, at day 7 and 3 months after gynaecological cancer surgery. In addition, POCD and cognitive decline will be assessed using the reliable change index using the control group’s results. The primary outcome is the prevalence of POCD in elderly gynaecological cancer surgery patients and association between perioperative multimodal warming and POCD.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol for this prospective observational study was approved by the ethics committee of the West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University (NO. KX215). Recruitment will commence in April 2021 and continue to April 2022. The findings of this trial will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and scientific meetings.Trial registration numberChiCTR2100041663.
Identifying women’s preferences for treatment of urinary tract infection: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: van der Worp Henk , Brandenbarg Daan , Boek Pieter A , Braams Jort H W , Brink Leon J F , Keupers Joost , Blanker Marco H 
Published: November 2021

ObjectiveTo identify the preferences of women regarding management of urinary tract infections (UTIs).DesignA discrete choice experiment of the preferences for certain treatment attributes was conducted by survey. Attributes included treatment duration, time to complaint resolution, complication risk, side effect risk and contribution to antimicrobial resistance.SettingGeneral population in the Netherlands, recruited via social media.ParticipantsWomen aged 18 years or older.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the relative importance of the attributes for treatment choice, using a conditional logit model. The secondary outcome was the heterogeneity in these preferences.ResultsThe discrete choice experiment was completed by 833 women. Most attributes were important to decisions for UTI treatment. Women were willing to accept management with, for example, a higher chance of complications or longer time to resolution, if it could help avoid antimicrobial resistance. However, there was heterogeneity in the preferences. Women who had one previous UTI had a stronger preference for faster symptom resolution compared with those who had no previous UTI. Younger women also preferred faster symptom resolution. Finally, women with a low or middle education level gave less importance to preventing antimicrobial resistance than women with a high education level.ConclusionsThe current study indicated that a considerable part of women valued alternatives to antimicrobial treatment and were prepared to tolerate management that was less optimal in certain respects to avoid antimicrobial treatment.
Unexplained mortality during the US COVID-19 pandemic: retrospective analysis of death certificate data and critical assessment of excess death calculations
Authors: Fairman Kathleen A , Goodlet Kellie J , Rucker James D , Zawadzki Roy S 
Published: November 2021

ObjectivesCause-of-death discrepancies are common in respiratory illness-related mortality. A standard epidemiological metric, excess all-cause death, is unaffected by these discrepancies but provides no actionable policy information when increased all-cause mortality is unexplained by reported specific causes. To assess the contribution of unexplained mortality to the excess death metric, we parsed excess deaths in the COVID-19 pandemic into changes in explained versus unexplained (unreported or unspecified) causes.DesignRetrospective repeated cross-sectional analysis, US death certificate data for six influenza seasons beginning October 2014, comparing population-adjusted historical benchmarks from the previous two, three and five seasons with 2019–2020.Setting48 of 50 states with complete data.Participants16.3 million deaths in 312 weeks, reported in categories—all causes, top eight natural causes and respiratory causes including COVID-19.Outcome measuresChange in population-adjusted counts of deaths from seasonal benchmarks to 2019–2020, from all causes (ie, total excess deaths) and from explained versus unexplained causes, reported for the season overall and for time periods defined a priori: pandemic awareness (19 January through 28 March); initial pandemic peak (29 March through 30 May) and pandemic post-peak (31 May through 26 September).ResultsDepending on seasonal benchmark, 287 957–306 267 excess deaths occurred through September 2020: 179 903 (58.7%–62.5%) attributed to COVID-19; 44 022–49 311 (15.2%–16.1%) to other reported causes; 64 032–77 054 (22.2%–25.2%) unexplained (unspecified or unreported cause). Unexplained deaths constituted 65.2%–72.5% of excess deaths from 19 January to 28 March and 14.1%–16.1% from 29 March through 30 May.ConclusionsUnexplained mortality contributed substantially to US pandemic period excess deaths. Onset of unexplained mortality in February 2020 coincided with previously reported increases in psychotropic use, suggesting possible psychiatric or injurious causes. Because underlying causes of unexplained deaths may vary by group or region, results suggest excess death calculations provide limited actionable information, supporting previous calls for improved cause-of-death data to support evidence-based policy.
Association of apolipoprotein Cs with new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus: findings from the Chinese multi-provincial cohort study
Authors: Li Jiangtao , Zhao Dong , Liu Jing , Wang Miao , Sun Jiayi , Liu Jun , Li Yan , Deng Qiuju , Qi Yue 
Published: November 2021

ObjectivesApolipoprotein Cs (apoCs), especially apoC-II and apoC-III, as the components of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, play a key role in the pathophysiology of diabetes. However, prospective studies examining direct associations between apoCs and diabetes are not reproducible. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of apoCs on the risk of developing diabetes in a middle-aged population, and to explore possible mediators responsible for the relationship between apoCs and diabetes.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingCommunity-based study carried out in Beijing.MethodsApoCs were measured in 1085 participants aged 45–74 years and free of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at baseline from the Chinese Multi-Provincial Cohort Study-Beijing Project. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine the association of apoCs with a 5-year risk of new-onset T2DM. The impacts of triglycerides, insulin and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) on the association between apoC-III and the risk of T2DM were explored by a mediation test.ResultsDuring the 5 years of follow-up, 97 (8.9%) participants developed T2DM. ApoC-III was significantly associated with the risk of developing T2DM after multivariable adjustment (OR=1.40; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.82). This association was mainly mediated by triglyceride levels with a significant indirect effect (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.18), followed by hs-CRP and insulin.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrated that higher serum apoC-III was independently associated with increased 5-year risk of new-onset T2DM in the Chinese population, and triglyceride plays a crucial role in mediating this relationship. More attention should be paid to preventive strategies of T2DM targeting apoC-III.
The production of carbon monoxide from paint in sealed compartments
Authors: Dudding J. S. , Dudley S. F. , Frederick R. C. 
Published: November 2021

SummaryThe air of some hermetically-sealed spaces was found to contain traces of carbon monoxide.The source of this gas was the boiled linseed oil used to make up paint.The presence of carbon monoxide was demonstrated by chemical and biologic methods.
Relationship of age, atherosclerosis and angiographic stenosis using artificial intelligence
Authors: Jonas Rebecca , Earls James , Marques Hugo , Chang Hyuk-Jae , Choi Jung Hyun , Doh Joon-Hyung , Her Ae-Young , Koo Bon Kwon , Nam Chang-Wook , Park Hyung-Bok , Shin Sanghoon , Cole Jason , Gimelli Alessia , Khan Muhammad Akram , Lu Bin , Gao Yang , Nabi Faisal , Nakazato Ryo , Schoepf U Joseph , Driessen Roel S , Bom Michiel J , Thompson Randall C , Jang James J , Ridner Michael , Rowan Chris , Avelar Erick , Généreux Philippe , Knaapen Paul , de Waard Guus A , Pontone Gianluca , Andreini Daniele , Al-Mallah Mouaz H , Jennings Robert , Crabtree Tami R , Villines Todd C , Min James K , Choi Andrew D 
Published: November 2021

ObjectiveThe study evaluates the relationship of coronary stenosis, atherosclerotic plaque characteristics (APCs) and age using artificial intelligence enabled quantitative coronary computed tomographic angiography (AI-QCT).MethodsThis is a post-hoc analysis of data from 303 subjects enrolled in the CREDENCE (Computed TomogRaphic Evaluation of Atherosclerotic Determinants of Myocardial IsChEmia) trial who were referred for invasive coronary angiography and subsequently underwent coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA). In this study, a blinded core laboratory analysing quantitative coronary angiography images classified lesions as obstructive (≥50%) or non-obstructive (<50%) while AI software quantified APCs including plaque volume (PV), low-density non-calcified plaque (LD-NCP), non-calcified plaque (NCP), calcified plaque (CP), lesion length on a per-patient and per-lesion basis based on CCTA imaging. Plaque measurements were normalised for vessel volume and reported as % percent atheroma volume (%PAV) for all relevant plaque components. Data were subsequently stratified by age <65 and ≥65 years.ResultsThe cohort was 64.4±10.2 years and 29% women. Overall, patients >65 had more PV and CP than patients <65. On a lesion level, patients >65 had more CP than younger patients in both obstructive (29.2 mm3vs 48.2 mm3; p<0.04) and non-obstructive lesions (22.1 mm3vs 49.4 mm3; p<0.004) while younger patients had more %PAV (LD-NCP) (1.5% vs 0.7%; p<0.038). Younger patients had more PV, LD-NCP, NCP and lesion lengths in obstructive compared with non-obstructive lesions. There were no differences observed between lesion types in older patients.ConclusionAI-QCT identifies a unique APC signature that differs by age and degree of stenosis and provides a foundation for AI-guided age-based approaches to atherosclerosis identification, prevention and treatment.
Shading decreases and delays NDVI and flowering of prostrate Arctic shrubs
Authors: May Jeremy L. , Oberbauer Steven F. , Unger Steven L. , Simon Matthew J. , Betway Katlyn R. , Hollister Robert D. 
Published: November 2021

Increases in shrub growth and canopy cover are well documented community responses to climate warming in the Arctic. An important consequence of larger deciduous shrubs is shading of prostrate plant species, many of which are important sources of nectar and berries. Here, we present the impact of a shading experiment on two prostrate shrubs, Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. and Arctous alpina L., in northern Alaska over two growing seasons. We implemented three levels of shading (no shade, 40% shade, and 80% shade) in dry heath and moist acidic tundra. Plots were monitored for soil moisture content, surface temperature, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and flowering. Shading was shown to, on average, lower surface temperature (0.7 °C to 5.3 °C) and increase soil moisture content (0.5% to 5.6%) in both communities. Both species- and plot-level NDVI values were delayed in timing of peak values (7 to 13 days) and decreased at the highest shading. Flower abundance of both species was lower in shaded plots and peak flowering was delayed (3 to 8 days) compared with controls. Changes in timing may result in phenological mismatches and can impact other trophic levels in the Arctic as both the flowers and resulting berries are important food sources for animals.
Critical Factors in the Formation and Development of Technology-Based Firm Networks in Incubation Environments in Brazil
Authors: Castro Cleber Carvalho de , Antunes Luiz Guilherme Rodrigues , Freire Clarissa Dourado 
Published: November 2021

This research aims to identify the critical factors that influence the formation and development of the interorganizational networks that have emerged within incubators of technology-based firms in Brazil. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with startups form two networks of incubated companies (Education Network and Technology, Information and Knowledge Companies Network) and two incubators (Center of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Technology — CIETEC — and Incubator of Technology-Based Companies of Itajubá — INCIT). As a result, this study found eight critical factors: Actions by entrepreneurs, leadership, shared spaces, facilitation, network management, financial and brokerage, which can be framed in four characteristics: heterogeneity of the firms, lack of cooperation, interactions and the actions of the incubator. As a contribution, this research allows reflection on the effectiveness of the incubator, in addition to highlighting the complementarity of networks in the incubation processes. The study analyses different models of incubated firm networks that have been little explored as an object of study in the incubation literature and networks and what is the role of the incubator in each of these models.
Short NK- and Naïve T-Cell Telomere Length Is Associated with Thyroid Cancer in Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Man Tsz-Kwong , Aubert Geraldine , Richard Melissa A. , LeJeune Wanda , Hariri Elmira , Goltsova Tatiana , Gaikwad Amos , Chen Yan , Whitton Jillian , Leisenring Wendy M. , Arnold Michael A. , Neglia Joseph P. , Yasui Yutaka , Robison Leslie L. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Bhatia Smita , Gramatges Maria M. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Background:
Survivors of childhood cancer are at risk for therapy-related subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMN), including thyroid SMN. Telomere length (TL) is associated with cancer risk, but the relationship between TL and SMN risk among survivors is less clear.

Methods:
We conducted a nested, matched case–control study of radiation-exposed 15-year+ adult survivors of childhood cancer with thyroid SMN (cases) and without SMN (controls). Forty-six cases were matched to 46 controls by primary diagnosis, chemotherapy (yes/no), radiation field, and follow-up duration. Lymphocyte TL (LTL) was measured by telomere flow-FISH cytometry using blood samples banked at a mean of 38.9 years (cases), 39.2 years (controls). Genetic variation in telomere genes was assessed by whole genome sequencing. Point estimates for LTL &lt;10th percentile were determined for cases and controls.

Results:
Cases had shorter median LTL than controls in three out of four leukocyte subsets. Cases were more likely to have NK cell LTL &lt;10th percentile (P = 0.01), and 2.8-fold more likely to have naïve T-cell LTL &lt;10th percentile than controls (CI, 1.07–8.78). Five out of 15 cases with a rare indel or missense variant had naïve T-cell LTL &lt;10th percentile, compared with one out of eight controls.

Conclusions:
Long-term survivors have shorter than expected LTL, a finding that is more pronounced among survivors with thyroid SMN.

Impact:
The long-term impact of childhood cancer treatment on immune function is poorly understood. Our findings support immune function studies in larger survivor cohorts to assess long-term deficits in adaptive and innate immunity that may underlie SMN risk.