bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suppression of P2X3 receptor‐mediated currents by the activation of α2A‐adrenergic receptors in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons
Authors: Hao Jia‐Wei , Qiao Wen‐Long , Li Qing , Wei Shuang , Liu Ting‐Ting , Qiu Chun‐Yu , Hu Wang‐Ping 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimsThe α2‐adrenergic receptor (α2‐AR) agonists have been shown to be effective in the treatment of various pain. For example, dexmedetomidine (DEX), a selective α2A‐AR agonist, can be used for peripheral analgesia. However, it is not yet fully elucidated for the precise molecular mechanisms. P2X3 receptor is a major receptor processing nociceptive information in primary sensory neurons. Herein, we show that a functional interaction of α2A‐ARs and P2X3 receptors in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons could contribute to peripheral analgesia of DEX.MethodsElectrophysiological recordings were carried out on rat DRG neurons, and nociceptive behavior was quantified in rats.ResultsThe activation of α2A‐ARs by DEX suppressed P2X3 receptor‐mediated and α,β‐methylene‐ATP (α,β‐meATP)‐evoked inward currents in a concentration‐dependent and voltage‐independent manner. Pre‐application of DEX shifted the α,β‐meATP concentration‐response curve downwards, with a decrease of 50.43 ± 4.75% in the maximal current response of P2X3 receptors to α,β‐meATP in the presence of DEX. Suppression of α,β‐meATP‐evoked currents by DEX was blocked by the α2A‐AR antagonist BRL44408 and prevented by intracellular application of the Gi/o protein inhibitor pertussis toxin, the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin, and the cAMP analog 8‐Br‐cAMP. DEX also suppressed α,β‐meATP‐evoked action potentials through α2A‐ARs in rat DRG neurons. Finally, the activation of peripheral α2A‐ARs by DEX had an analgesic effect on the α,β‐meATP‐induced nociception.ConclusionsThese results suggested that activation of α2A‐ARs by DEX suppressed P2X3 receptor‐mediated electrophysiological and behavioral activity via a Gi/o proteins and cAMP signaling pathway, which was a novel potential mechanism underlying analgesia of peripheral α2A‐AR agonists.
Retransplanting a previously transplanted kidney: A safe strategy in times of organ shortage?
Authors: Karakizlis Hristos , van Rosmalen Marieke , Boide Philipp , Askevold Ingolf , Vogelaar Serge , Lorf Thomas , Berlakovich Gabrielle , Nitschke Martin , Padberg Winfried , Weimer Rolf 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe shortage of organs for transplantation remains a global problem. The retransplantation of a previously transplanted kidney might be a possibility to expand the pool of donors. We provide our experience with the successful reuse of transplanted kidneys in the Eurotransplant region.MethodsA query in the Eurotransplant database was performed between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2015, to find kidney donors who themselves had previously received a kidney graft.ResultsNine out of a total of 68,554 allocated kidneys had previously been transplanted. Four of these kidneys were transplanted once again. The mean interval between the first transplant and retransplantation was 1689±1682 days (SD; range 55–5,333 days). At the time of the first transplantation the mean serum creatinine of the donors was 1.0 mg/dl (.6–1.3 mg/dl) and at the second transplantation 1.4 mg/dl (.8–1.5 mg/dl). The mean graft survival in the first recipient was 50 months (2–110 months) and in the second recipient 111 months (40–215 months).ConclusionTransplantation of a previously transplanted kidney may successfully be performed with well‐preserved graft function and long‐term graft survival, even if the first transplantation was performed a long time ago. Such organs should be considered even for younger recipients in carefully selected cases.
An Analysis of Public Decision Making to Visit Archaeological Museums in Greece Using the Discrete Choice Model
Authors: Doxanaki Anastasia , Linardakis Michalis 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis study explores how the decision to visit an archaeological museum in Greece is influenced by a range of structural attributes, including admission fee, opening‐hours, collection type, and use of multisensory experiences, using the discrete choice model (DCM). DCM is used to study individual preferences towards a set of scenarios that describe a range of choices regarding museum attributes. Study conclusions are drawn from estimated model parameters that determine the most favoured attributes identifying the basis of visiting archaeological museums in Greece. According to the study, participants assess positively the introduction of specific museum services and exhibition features which seem to affect their decision making to visit archaeological museums. The results obtained are useful both from a theoretical point of view, given that there are few writings on this topic, and from a practical point of view, as they provide elements for visitors’ particular needs towards which museum practitioners and cultural policy makers should redirect their attention.
Decrements in health‐related quality of life associated with adverse events in people with diabetes
Authors: Keng Mi Jun , Leal Jose , Bowman Louise , Armitage Jane , Mihaylova Borislava ,   ASCEND Study Collaborative Group
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimTo estimate the decrements in health‐related quality of life (QoL) associated with a range of adverse events to inform assessments of the effects of diabetes treatments on QoL in contemporary clinical practice.MethodsParticipants' QoL utility measures were derived from the five‐level EuroQoL five‐dimensional (EQ‐5D‐5L) questionnaires completed by 11 683 ASCEND participants (76% of 15 480 recruited). EQ‐5D utility decrements associated with cardiovascular (myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, transient ischaemic attack [TIA], ischaemic stroke, heart failure), bleeding (gastrointestinal [GI] bleed, intracranial haemorrhage, other major bleed), cancer (GI tract cancer, non‐GI tract cancer), and microvascular events (end‐stage renal disease [ESRD], amputation) were estimated using a linear regression model following adjustment for participants' sociodemographic and clinical risk factors.ResultsAmputation was associated with the largest EQ‐5D utility decrement (−0.206), followed by heart failure (−0.185), intracranial haemorrhage (−0.164), GI bleed (−0.091), other major bleed (−0.096), ischaemic stroke (−0.061), TIA (−0.057), and non‐GI tract cancer (−0.026). We were unable to detect decrements in EQ‐5D utility associated with myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, GI tract cancer, or ESRD. EQ‐5D utility was lower at older age, independent of other factors.ConclusionThese estimated decrements in QoL associated with cardiovascular, bleeding, cancer, and other adverse events can inform assessments of the overall value of treatments in patients with diabetes.
Body mass index and cancer mortality in patients with incident type 2 diabetes: A population‐based study of adults in England
Authors: Alam Nasra N. , Wright Alison K. , Rutter Martin K. , Buchan Iain , Ashcroft Darren M. , Sperrin Matthew , Renehan Andrew G. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimsWe evaluated the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and cancer mortality in incident type 2 diabetes.MethodsWe used the Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD (1998‐2015), linked with the Office of National Statistics mortalities, and derived an incident type 2 diabetes cohort (N = 176 886; aged 30‐85 years). We determined BMI ±12 months diabetes diagnosis. The primary outcome was cancer mortality, categorized into deaths from obesity‐related cancers (ORCs) and non‐ORCs. Secondary outcomes were site‐specific cancer mortality and main causes of deaths [cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), non‐cancer non‐CVD]. We developed gender‐specific Cox models and expressed risk as hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals, stratified by smoking status.ResultsWith 886 850 person‐years follow‐up, 7593 cancer deaths occurred. Among women who never smoked, there were positive associations between BMI and deaths from endometrial (hazard ratios per 5 kg/m2: 1.43; 95% confidence interval 1.26‐1.61). Among men, associations between BMI and ORC mortality were inverse but attenuated towards null among never smokers and excluding deaths in the first 2 years. In men, the proportion of CVD deaths increased from 36.8% in BMI category 22.5 to 24.9 kg/m2 to 43.6% in BMI category ≥40 kg/m2 (p < .001).ConclusionsWe found some relationships between BMI and cancer mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes, but interpretations need to account for smoking status, reverse causality and deaths from CVD.
Mysterious window: A right coronary artery‐left ventricular fistula diagnosed by multiple imaging approaches
Authors: Yu Yi , Wang Qian , Li Cheng , Sun Jian , Li Wei , Wang Qun‐shan , Li Yi‐gang 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPrevalence of primary coronary cameral fistula (CCF) is extremely rare, especially for CCF with its drainage channel into the left ventricle (LV). We describe a 45‐year‐old male patient with giant aneurysm associated with proximal right coronary artery (RCA), and the distal end of RCA draining into the LV through a fistula, which was discovered by echocardiography. Dual‐source computer tomography revealed only the CCF‐related giant RCA aneurysm. The drainage site of the fistula and the above coexistent abnormality could not be visualized clearly by coronary artery angiography because of deficient contrast medium filling into the aneurysm. The patient underwent surgical resection of the giant aneurysm and occlusion of the fistula in 2015. Finally, the patient accepted another operation to occlude the residual coronary fistula in 2021.
Detecting myositis as a cause of unexplained dysphagia: Proposal for a diagnostic algorithm
Authors: Labeit Bendix , Grond Thalia , Beule Achim G. , Boehmer Maik , Thomas Christian , Muhle Paul , Claus Inga , Roderigo Malte , Rudack Claudia , Wiendl Heinz , Dziewas Rainer , Warnecke Tobias , Suntrup‐Krueger Sonja 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeIdiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) can present with dysphagia as a leading or only symptom. In such cases, diagnostic evaluation may be difficult, especially if serological and electromyographical findings are unsuspicious. In this observational study we propose and evaluate a diagnostic algorithm to identify IIM as a cause of unexplained dysphagia.MethodsOver a period of 4 years, patients with unexplained dysphagia were offered diagnostic evaluation according to a specific algorithm: The pattern of dysphagia was characterized by instrumental assessment (swallowing endoscopy, videofluoroscopy, high‐resolution manometry). Patients with an IIM‐compatible dysphagia pattern were subjected to further IIM‐focused diagnostic procedures, including whole‐body muscle magnetic resonance imaging, electromyography, creatine kinase blood level, IIM antibody panel and, as a final diagnostic step, muscle biopsy. Muscle biopsies were taken from affected muscles. In cases where no other muscles showed abnormalities, the cricopharyngeal muscle was targeted.ResultsSeventy‐two patients presented with IIM‐compatible dysphagia as a leading or only symptom. As a result of the specific diagnostic approach, 19 of these patients were diagnosed with IIM according to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria. Eighteen patients received immunomodulatory therapy as a result of the diagnosis. Of 10 patients with follow‐up swallowing examination, dysphagia improved in three patients after therapy, while it remained at least stable in six patients.ConclusionsIdiopathic inflammatory myopathy constitutes a potentially treatable etiology in patients with unexplained dysphagia. The diagnostic algorithm presented in this study helps to identify patients with an IIM‐compatible dysphagia pattern and to assign those patients for further IIM‐focused diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Innovative firms’ cash holdings, tax policies, and institutional environments
Authors: Li Fengfei , Lin Tse‐Chun 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBased on 21,653 innovative firms from 61 non‐U.S. economies, we find a positive relationship between a firm's innovativeness and cash holdings. This relationship is stronger after the implementation of patent boxes that provide preferential tax treatment for patent income. Moreover, innovative multinationals facing higher repatriation taxes accumulate higher total cash holdings. The positive innovativeness–cash relationship varies with institutional environments and is more pronounced in countries with higher R&D tax credits, less developed financial markets, better governance, stronger shareholder rights, more technicians, better infrastructure, greater investment freedom, and in industries with fiercer competition and longer innovation cycles. Innovative firms with higher cash holdings invest more in R&D and generate more patents. Overall, our findings provide insights into the driving forces underlying the large cash accumulation in innovative firms worldwide.
Macroinvertebrate community composition and richness along extreme gradients: The role of local, catchment, and climatic variables in Patagonian headwater streams
Authors: Astorga Roine Anna , Reid Brian , Uribe Luis , Moreno‐Meynard Paulo , Fierro Pablo , Madriz Isaí , Death Russell G. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We investigated how interacting multi‐scale environmental variables affect taxonomic composition and functional feeding groups of macroinvertebrates in headwater streams of western Patagonia in southern Chile (45–47°S), a region characterised by extreme climatic gradients, intact forested catchments, and recent intense land use change. The opportunity of establishing biological/functional diversity patterns for near‐reference conditions of headwaters streams is paramount.

We used multi‐dimensional scaling ordination and boosted regression tree analysis to evaluate the link between reach, catchment, spatial, and regional climatic variables and macroinvertebrate community structure.

The high diversity of predators in low productivity streams, together with genera previously unreported for this latitudinal range underscore the unique characteristics and very limited understanding of Patagonian freshwater stream communities.

Two main groups of environmental variables were linked to both taxonomic and functional feeding group diversity. The strongly associated variables were related to forest cover (and inversely alpine zone) at the catchment scale, together with stream velocity at the local scale. The second group reflected local indicators of productivity and weathering inputs, associated with the regional east–west precipitation gradient.

We present a conceptual model for the catchment scale effects on invertebrate functional groups in forested headwater streams. While the results highlight potentially singular characteristics of the study region, they also suggest a macro‐ecological generalisation of how global change variables, operating on mountain catchments, may differentially affect stream ecosystems as a consequence of the variations in the forest/alpine gradient, across both deciduous and evergreen temperate biomes.
Barriers and facilitators to hepatitis C screening and treatment for people with lived experience of homelessness: A mixed‐methods systematic review
Authors: Paisi Martha , Crombag Neeltje , Burns Lorna , Bogaerts Annick , Withers Lyndsey , Bates Laura , Crowley Daniel , Witton Robert , Shawe Jill 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundPeople experiencing homelessness have an increased risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with rates higher than the general population. However, their access to HCV diagnosis is limited and treatment uptake is low.ObjectivesTo identify and describe the barriers and facilitators for HCV screening and treatment for adults with lived experience of homelessness in highly developed countries.MethodsBibliographic databases (Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL and SocINDEX) and grey literature (Google, EThOS, the Health Foundation, Social Care Online, the World Health Organisation, Shelter, Crisis and Pathway) were searched. Two reviewers independently screened and appraised all studies. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist were used. The analysis involved a three‐stage process: coding, theme generation and theme mapping under Penchansky and Thomas's modified access model.ResultsTwelve papers/reports were included in the review. Several interacting factors influence access of people with lived experience of homelessness to HCV testing and treatment. Some mirror those identified for the general population. The precarious conditions associated with the lived experience of homelessness along with the rigidity of hospital settings and lack of awareness emerged as dominant barriers. Flexibility, outreach, effective communication, tailoring and integration of services were found to be important facilitators. Evidence from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups is limited.ConclusionsPeople experiencing homelessness face multiple barriers in accessing and completing HCV treatment, relating to both their lived experience and characteristics of health systems. Although some barriers are readily amenable to change, others are more difficult to modify. The facilitators identified could inform future targeted measures to improve HCV diagnosis and treatment for people experiencing homelessness. Research is warranted into successful models to promote screening, diagnosis and treatment.Patient or Public ContributionOur team includes a peer advocate, a hepatology nurse and a community volunteer, all with significant experience in promoting and engaging in HCV care and outreach for people experiencing homelessness. They contributed to the protocol, interpretation and reporting of the review findings.
Theory of crystal nucleation of glass‐forming liquids: Some new developments
Authors: Schmelzer Jürn W. P. , Tropin Timur V. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractExperiments on crystal nucleation are predominantly interpreted theoretically in terms of classical nucleation theory (CNT). This theory relies on thermodynamic concepts developed by Gibbs. Their application implies that the bulk properties of critical clusters governing nucleation are widely identical to those of the newly evolving macroscopic phases. Size effects are incorporated into CNT exclusively by a curvature dependence of the surface tension. This method works well but only down to temperatures near to the maximum of the steady‐state nucleation rate. This maximum (at) is correlated with the glass transition temperature,, that is,. For lower temperatures, significant deviations between theoretical predictions and experimental data are observed. We describe here different methods how a curvature dependence of the surface tension can be introduced to describe crystal nucleation correctly in the range. Problems occurring at, denoted sometimes as “breakdown of CNT,” are shown to be caused by the glass transition of the liquid. Modifications of CNT are advanced resolving them and giving also the possibility of interpretation of a variety of further experimental data in crystal nucleation (including hysteresis effects in cooling and heating, nucleation flashes in heating) in terms of CNT.
COVID‐19 outbreaks in aged‐care facilities in Australia
Authors: Quigley Ashley , Stone Haley , Nguyen Phi Yen , Chughtai Abrar Ahmad , MacIntyre C. Raina 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundAged‐care facilities (ACF’s) provide unique challenges when implementing infection control methods for respiratory outbreaks such as COVID‐19. Research on this highly vulnerable setting is lacking and there was no national reporting data of COVID‐19 cases in ACFs in Australia early in the pandemic. We aimed to estimate the burden of aged‐care worker (ACW) infections and outbreaks of COVID‐19 in Australian aged‐care.MethodsA line list of publicly available aged‐care related COVID‐19 reported cases from January 25 to June 10, 2020 was created and was enhanced by matching data extracted from media reports of aged‐care related COVID‐19 relevant outbreaks and reports. Rate ratios (RR) were used to predict risk of infection in ACW and aged‐care residents, and were calculated independently, by comparing overall cases to ACW and aged‐care residents' cases.ResultsA total of 14 ACFs with COVID‐19 cases were recorded by June 2020 nationwide, with a high case fatality rate (CFR) of 50% (n = 34) and 100% (n = 3) seen in two ACFs. Analysis on the resident risk found that the COVID‐19 risk is 1.27 times higher (unadjusted RR 1.27 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00 to1.61; P = 0.047) as compared with the risk of infection in the general population. In over 60% of cases identified in ACFs, the source of infection in the index case was unknown. A total of 28 deaths associated within ACFs were reported, accounting for 54.9% of total deaths in New South Wales and 26.9% of total deaths in Australia.ConclusionsThis high‐risk population requires additional prevention and control measures, such as routine testing of all staff and patients regardless of symptoms. Prompt isolation and quarantine as soon as a case is confirmed within a facility is essential.
Developing curricular‐content and systems‐related impact indicators for intellectual disability awareness training for acute hospital settings: A modified International Delphi Survey
Authors: Taggart Laurence , Marriott Anna , Cooper Madeline , Atkinson Dave , Griffiths Lynn , Ward Cathy , Mullhall Peter 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimTo identify, and reach consensus on, curricular‐content and delivery methods, as well as ways to maximize the impact of intellectual disability awareness training programmes in acute hospital settings.BackgroundWith the continuing evidence of avoidable deaths and unwarranted variations in the quality of care to people with an intellectual disability in acute hospitals, it could be purported that current training provided to hospital staff appears to be making a minimal difference in the care provided to this population.DesignA two‐round modified Delphi survey was conducted between June 2020–January 2021.MethodsInternational experts from primary healthcare and hospital settings, and intellectual disability health fields participated in the survey. Initial curricular‐content items were developed from the literature, and based on the combined clinical and academic experience base of the authors. Items were evaluated in terms of agreement/consensus, importance and stability of responses. There were 57 expert responses in Round 1 and 45 in Round 2.ResultsThe consensus was reached with regard to 55 of 65 curricular‐content indicators relating to Aims, Design, Content and Delivery. Ten curricular‐content indicators failed to be agreed on relating to the mode of training delivery. With regard to systems‐related impact indicators, 28 out of 31 reached consensus. The expert panel identified and agreed on seven system barriers that could obstruct the successful implementation of the awareness training programmes in acute hospital settings.ConclusionsThis is the first international Delphi survey to agree on curricular‐content and identify systems‐related facilitators for intellectual disability awareness training. Potential system barriers have been highlighted which could be addressed by systemic improvement. Implications for developing, and robustly testing the efficacy of, intellectual disability awareness training programmes are discussed, as are the implications for other cognitively impaired populations.ImpactIn order to maximize the impact, investment in acute hospital staff education will need to be accompanied by wider changes to systems and structures concerning the governance of service provision for people with an intellectual disability.