bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between oral health and thyroid disorders: A population‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kwon Minsu , Jeong Yu‐Jin , Kwak Jiwon , Jung Kwang‐Yoon , Baek Seung‐Kuk 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesIn this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between oral health status and thyroid dysfunction.MethodsA population‐based cross‐sectional analysis using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES) was performed. We investigated the association between oral health‐related parameters and the prevalence of thyroid diseases. In addition, the relationship between oral health status and thyroid function test (TFT) results was analyzed. One‐way analysis of variances or chi‐square test was used for comparisons between oral health‐related parameters and presence of thyroid diseases. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the associations between participants’ characteristics including oral health‐related parameters and the abnormal results of TFTs.ResultsA total of 18,034 adults were surveyed. Histories of thyroid diseases were found to be more common in people who brushed their teeth frequently or used oral hygiene products. However, histories of periodontitis and community periodontal index (CPI) did not show significant associations with histories of thyroid diseases. Among 14,860 participants without history of thyroid disorders, people having higher CPI values demonstrated higher probabilities of abnormal TFTs (OR 1.381, 95% CI 1.241‒1.537, p < .0001); however, statistical significance was not found after adjusting for the other variables.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that good oral health‐related behavior was associated with more frequent thyroid disease history. High CPI showed a significant association with TFT abnormalities; however, the significance of this association became lower when other variables such as age and sex were adjusted. Further studies will be needed to determine how the control of oral health‐related conditions actually has a causal relationship with thyroid disease/dysfunction through prospective cohort studies.
TERMINAL FLOWER1 andTERMINAL FLOWER1d respond to temperature and photoperiod signals to inhibit determinate growth in cucumber
Authors: Wen Haifan , Pan Jian , Chen Yue , Chen Guanqun , Du Hui , Zhang Leyu , Zhang Keyan , He Huanle , Wang Gang , Cai Run , Pan Junsong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPlants monitor environmental cues to balance their vegetative and productive growth by optimizing their inflorescence architecture. TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1) and its orthologs regulate the inflorescence structure in cucumber, yet the mechanisms underlying their responses to environmental factors and the formation of terminal flowers remain elusive. Here, we performed map‐based cloning to identify the gene that controls a season‐dependent determinate growth phenotype and found that it was caused by the complete deletion ofCsTFL1in the genome of cucumber lineWI1983Hde. In theCsTFL1deletion plants (CsTFL1del), determinate growth could be partially rescued by high‐temperature and long‐day conditions. The expressions ofCsTFL1and its orthologCsTFL1dcould be upregulated by long‐day and high‐temperature signals. Knockdown ofCsTFL1dresulted in determinate growth and the formation of terminal flowers in WT. These results indicate that the induction ofCsTFL1dexpression by long‐day and high‐temperature might partially rescue determinate growth ofCsTFL1del. Furthermore, biochemical analyses showed that CsTFL1d interacts directly with CsNOT2a, which indicated that CsTFL1d and CsTFL1 function via similar regulatory mechanism. Our data suggest thatCsTFL1andCsTFL1dco‐contribute to inhibit determinate growth by responding to temperature and photoperiod signals. It provides mechanistic insights into how environmental cues sculpt the inflorescence architecture of cucumber.
A novel fractional‐order reaction diffusion system for the multiplicative noise removal
Authors: Gao Juanjuan , Sun Jiebao , Yao Wenjuan , Guo Zhichang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a fractional‐order nonlinear reaction diffusion system is proposed to remove the multiplicative Gamma noise. The new reaction diffusion system consists of three equations: the regularized Perona and Malik (PM) equation , which is used for presmoothing the image that is contaminated by noise; the time‐delay regularization equation, which is used for incorporating the past information into the diffusion process and adjusting oversmoothing; and the fractional‐order diffusion equation, which is used for removing the multiplicative Gamma noise and maintaining texture. The new reaction diffusion system is coupled, leading to the difficulty in theoretical analysis. To this end, we use decoupled and Schauder's fixed‐point theorem to obtain the existence and uniqueness of weak solution of the system. The explicit finite difference scheme is employed to implement the fractional‐order nonlinear reaction diffusion system. In addition, we test both texture images and nontexture images. Experimental results show that the new model achieves a better trade‐off between denoising performance and texture preservation than the other three models.
The provision of work–life balance practices across welfare states and industries and their impact on extraordinary turnover
Authors: Joecks Jasmin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study focusses on the provision of work–life balance practices across welfare states and industries and its effect on extraordinary turnover. Given the welfare states and the industry's differences, it is important to focus on extraordinary employee turnover defined as positive and negative deviations from the relevant means per year and by welfare state and industry. Based on a sample of 199 listed companies in these European welfare states from 2002 to 2011, the results showed that the provision of daycare services is higher in socially oriented welfare states (e.g., Sweden, Germany) or in low‐technology industries (consumer services) than in liberally oriented welfare states (e.g., Italy, the United Kingdom) or in high‐technology industries (e.g., IT). For the provision of daycare services, the findings support a decreasing effect on extraordinary employee turnover, whereas other practices such as flexible working, generous vacations and additional maternity leave have no effect.
Age-Related Changes in Concentric and Eccentric Isokinetic Peak Torque of the Trunk Muscles in Healthy Older Versus Younger Men
Authors: Dallaway A. , Hattersley J. , Tallis J. , Renshaw D. , Griffen C. , Duncan M. 
Published: April 2021

This study investigated age-related changes in trunk muscle function in healthy men and the moderating effect of physical activity. Twelve older (67.3 ± 6.0 years) and 12 younger (24.7 ± 3.1 years) men performed isokinetic trunk flexion and extension tests across a range of angular velocities (15°/s–180°/s) and contractile modes (concentric and eccentric). For concentric trunk extension, mixed-effects analysis of covariance revealed a significant interaction between Angular velocity × Age group (p = .026) controlling for physical activity. Follow-up univariate analysis of covariance revealed that the younger group produced significantly greater peak torque for all concentric extension conditions. Eccentric trunk strength was somewhat preserved in the older group. Age-related changes in trunk strength were independent of physical activity. The normal loss of trunk muscle strength in older age is muscle- and contractile-mode specific. These findings provide guidance for effective intervention strategies to offset adverse health outcomes related to trunk strength loss in older adults.
Superior oblique split lengthening procedure for brown syndrome, outcomes and complications
Authors: Alhamzah Albanderi , Alshareef Mozon F , Shabar Rasha , Alfreihi Shatha Hussein 
Published: April 2021

IntroductionTo evaluate the outcomes of the superior oblique split tendon lengthening (SOSL) procedure for Brown syndrome (BS).MethodsAt a single institution, all patients who underwent SOSL surgery for BS from 2013 to 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. We looked at the surgical outcomes and complications in a total of 20 eyes of 18 patients. The superior oblique (SO) muscle was isolated and then extended. The tendon was then split centrally into equal halves. Two 6–0 polyglactin sutures were then placed on each end of the split tendon 6–10 mm apart. To complete the Z-cut, the split tendon was cut distal to the preplaced sutures. The sutures were then tied to produce the split Z-tendon lengthening.ResultsEleven (55%) out of 20 eyes were female patients. The mean age was 6.6 years (range 2–17 years). The mean follow-up was 26.8 months (range 5–72 months). The mean degree of preoperative limitation of elevation on adduction was −3.6±0.58 preoperatively and −0.75±1.25 postoperatively (p=0.0001). Preoperatively, the mean degree of vertical deviation at near was 3.5±7.62 and at distance was 3.10±7.84 prism diopters (PD), respectively. Postoperatively, the mean vertical deviation was 2.77±4.75 and 2.10±4.08 PD at near and distance, respectively. Postoperative complications included haematoma in one patient (5%), overcorrection in two patients (10%) and one patient required reoperation (5%).ConclusionSOSL is a safe procedure that surgeons can consider in managing patients with BS.
Association of objective visual impairment with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among adults aged ≥50 years in low/middle-income countries
Authors: Smith Lee , Shin Jae Il , Barnett Yvonne , Allen Peter M , Lindsay Rosie , Pizzol Damiano , Jacob Louis , Oh Hans , Yang Lin , Tully Mark A , Veronese Nicola , Koyanagi Ai 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundThere is currently limited literature on the association between visual impairment and suicidal thoughts and behaviours, especially among older adults from low/middle-income countries (LMICs). Thus, we aimed to investigate the associations of objectively measured distance visual impairment with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among adults aged ≥50 years from six LMICs and to identify potential mediators.MethodsCross-sectional, community-based, nationally representative data from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health were analysed. Objective distance visual acuity was measured using the tumbling E logMAR chart, and vision impairment was categorised as none, mild, moderate and severe. Self-reported information on past 12-month suicidal ideation and suicide attempts was also collected. Multivariable logistic regression and mediation analysis were conducted.ResultsData on 34 129 individuals aged ≥50 years (mean (SD) age, 62.4 (16.0) years; 47.9% men) were analysed. After adjustment for potential confounders, compared with no visual impairment, severe visual impairment was significantly associated with suicidal ideation (OR=9.50; 95% CI=2.47 to 36.52). Moderate and severe visual impairment were significantly associated with a 2.22 (95% CI=1.14 to 4.35) and 11.50 (95% CI=1.44 to 91.88) times higher odds of suicide attempts, respectively. Disability, poor self-rated health, mobility and loneliness explained 14.0%, 9.3%, 7.2% and 6.3% of the association between moderate/severe visual impairment and suicide attempts, respectively.ConclusionInterventions to reduce suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among older adults with visual impairment in LMICs are required, targeting identified mediators, while using tested strategies for suicide prevention per se in LMICs may yield beneficial outcomes.
Trabeculectomy with mitomycin C alone or coupled with intracamerular bevacizumab? A 2-year comparative study
Authors: José Patrícia , Teixeira Filipa Jorge , Barão Rafael , Sousa David Cordeiro , Marques Raquel Esteves , Barata Andre Diogo De Oliveira , Marques-Neves Carlos , Alves Marta , Papoila Ana Luísa , Stalmans Ingeborg , Silva José Pedro , Abegão Pinto Luis 
Published: April 2021

PurposeTo compare outcomes of primary trabeculectomy using either mitomycin C (MMC) alone versus MMC augmented with intracamerular bevacizumab in patients with open-angle glaucoma.MethodsRetrospective, cohort, two-centre, comparative study. Patients’ data were screened between October 2015 and March 2019, with inclusion requiring a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Primary outcome was intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering at 24 months, with surgical success defined with different maximum IOP targets (≤18, ≤16 and ≤14 mm Hg) and at least 30% reduction and higher than 5 mm Hg. Absolute success was achieved if no IOP-lowering medication was needed and a qualified success if otherwise. Safety outcomes were analysed.ResultsA total of 110 eyes underwent trabeculectomy with MMC, 51 of these combined with intracamerular bevacizumab. Both strategies were effective in terms of IOP lowering (baseline vs 2 years postoperatively: 24.4 (8.0) mm Hg vs 12.1 (5.3) mm Hg in the MMC group; 25.1 (8.7) vs 10.8 (3.8) mm Hg in the MMC+bevacizumab group; p<0.001 in both comparisons). The MMC+bevacizumab group had a significant difference towards higher efficacy on absolute success rates at all targets (IOP≤14 or ≤16 or ≤18 mm Hg; p=0.010, p=0.039 and p=0.007, respectively). The large majority (93%) of the MMC+bevacizumab group was drop-free at 24 months, and 41% had IOP below 10 mm Hg. Complication rates were low and similar between groups, with no systemic adverse events.ConclusionsIntracamerular bevacizumab in MMC-augmented primary trabeculectomy increases the chances of obtaining low IOP outcomes. This strategy may be useful when planning for surgeries aiming at target pressures in the low teens.Trial registration numberISRCTN93098069.
Inappropriate intensification of glucose-lowering treatment in older patients with type 2 diabetes: the global DISCOVER study
Authors: Bongaerts Brenda , Arnold Suzanne V , Charbonnel Bernard H , Chen Hungta , Cooper Andrew , Fenici Peter , Gomes Marilia , Ji Linong , Khunti Kamlesh , Kosiborod Mikhail , Medina Jesús , Nicolucci Antonio , Shestakova Marina , Shimomura Iichiro , Tang Fengming , Watada Hirotaka , Rathmann Wolfgang 
Published: May 2021

IntroductionAlthough individualized target glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels are recommended in older people with type 2 diabetes, studies report high levels of potential overtreatment. We aimed to investigate the proportion of older patients (aged ≥65 years) who potentially received an inappropriately intensive treatment (HbA1clevel <7.0% (53.0 mmol/mol)) in a global study. Factors associated with intensive glycemic management and using glucose-lowering medications associated with a high risk of hypoglycemia (high-risk medications (insulin, sulfonylureas, and meglitinides)) were also assessed.Research design and methodsDISCOVER is a 3-year observational study program of 15 992 people with type 2 diabetes initiating second-line glucose-lowering therapy in 38 countries. Data were collected at baseline (initiation of second-line therapy) and at 6, 12, and 24 months. Factors associated with an inappropriately intensive treatment or using high-risk medications were assessed using a hierarchical regression model.ResultsOf the 3344 older patients with baseline HbA1cdata in our analytic cohort, 23.5% received inappropriate treatment intensification. Among those who had follow-up HbA1cdata, 55.2%, 54.2%, and 53.5% were inappropriately tightly controlled at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively, with higher proportions in high-income than in middle-income countries. The proportion of patients receiving high-risk medications was higher in middle-income countries than in high-income countries. Gross national income (per US$5000 increment) was associated with increased odds of inappropriately intensive treatment but with decreased odds of receiving high-risk medications.ConclusionsA large proportion of older DISCOVER patients received an inappropriately intensive glucose-lowering treatment across the 2 years of follow-up, with substantial regional variation. The use of high-risk medications in these patients is particularly concerning.
Amyloid-related protein changes associated with dementia differ according to severity of hypoglycemia
Authors: Moin Abu Saleh Md , Kahal Hassan , Al-Qaissi Ahmed , Kumar Nitya , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Atkin Stephen L , Butler Alexandra E 
Published: April 2021

IntroductionHypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes (T2D) may increase risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but no data on changes in AD-related proteins with differing degrees of hypoglycemia exist. We hypothesized that milder prolonged hypoglycemia would cause greater AD-related protein changes versus severe transient hypoglycemia.Research design and methodsTwo prospective case-control induced hypoglycemia studies were compared: study 1, hypoglycemic clamp to 2.8 mmol/L (50 mg/dL) for 1 hour in 17 subjects (T2D (n=10), controls (n=7)); study 2, hypoglycemic clamp to 2.0 mmol/L (36 mg/dL) undertaken transiently and reversed in 46 subjects (T2D (n=23), controls (n=23)). Blood sampling at baseline, hypoglycemia and 24-hour post-hypoglycemia, with proteomic analysis of amyloid-related proteins performed.ResultsIn control subjects, the percentage change from baseline to hypoglycemia differed between study 1 and study 2 for 5 of 11 proteins in the AD-related panel: serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) (p=0.009), pappalysin (PAPPA) (p=0.002), apolipoprotein E2 (p=0.02), apolipoprotein E3 (p=0.03) and apolipoprotein E4 (p=0.02). In controls, the percentage change from baseline to 24 hours differed between studies for two proteins: SAA1 (p=0.003) and PAPPA (p=0.004); however, after Bonferroni correction only SAA1 and PAPPA remain significant. In T2D, there were no differential protein changes between the studies.ConclusionsThe differential changes in AD-related proteins were seen only in control subjects in response to iatrogenic induction of hypoglycemic insults of differing length and severity and may reflect a protective response that was absent in subjects with T2D. Milder prolonged hypoglycemia caused greater AD-related protein changes than severe acute hypoglycemia in control subjects.Trial registration numbersNCT02205996,NCT03102801.
Effect of specificity of health expenditure questions in the measurement of out-of-pocket health expenditure: evidence from field experimental study in Ghana
Authors: Agorinya Isaiah Awintuen , Ross Amanda , Flores Gabriela , TanTorres Edejer Tessa , Dalaba Maxwell Ayindenaba , Mensah Nathan Kumasenu , Le My Lan , Dessie Yadeta , Sumboh Jemima , Oduro Abraham Rexford , Akazili J , Tediosi Fabrizio 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe effect of number of health items on out-of-pockets (OOPs) has been identified as a source of bias in measuring OOPs. Evidence comes mostly from cross-sectional comparison of different survey instruments to collect data on OOPs. Very few studies have attempted to validate these questionnaires, or distinguish bias arising from the comprehensiveness of the OOPs list versus specificity of OOPs questions.ObjectivesThis study aims to estimate biases arising from the specificity of OOPs questions by comparing provider and household’s information.MethodsA generic questionnaire to collect data on household’s OOPs was developed following the nomenclature proposed in division 6 of the classification of household final consumption 2018. The four categories within such division are used to set the comprehensiveness of the OOPs list, the specificity within each category was tailored to the design of the nationally representative living standard survey in Ghana where a field experiment was conducted to test the validity of different versions. Households were randomised to 11, 44 or 56 health items. Using data from provider records as the gold standard, we compared the mean positive OOPs, and estimated the mean ratio and variability in the ratio of household expenditures to provider data for the individual households using the Bland-Altman method of assessing agreement.FindingsWe found evidence of a difference in the overall mean ratio in the specificity for OOPs in inpatient care and medications. Within each of these two categories, a more detailed disaggregation yielded lower OOPs estimates than less detailed ones. The level of agreement between household and provider OOPs also decreased with increasing specificity of health items.ConclusionOur findings suggest that, for inpatient care and medications, systematically decomposing OOPs categories into finer subclasses tend to produce lower OOPs estimates. Less detailed items produced more accurate and reliable OOPs estimates in the context of a rural setting.
Cast immobilisation in situ versus open reduction and internal fixation of displaced medial epicondyle fractures in children between 7 and 16 years old. A study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hämäläinen Tero , Ahonen Matti , Helenius Ilkka , Jalkanen Jenni , Lastikka Markus , Nietosvaara Yrjänä , Salonen Anne , Sinikumpu Juha-Jaakko , Grahn Petra 
Published: May 2021

IntroductionMedial epicondyle fracture of the humerus is a common injury in childhood. There is uniform agreement that minimally displaced fractures (dislocation ≤2 mm) can be treated nonoperatively with immobilisation. Open fractures, fractures with joint incarceration or ulnar nerve dysfunction require surgery. There is no common consensus in treatment of closed medial epicondyle fractures with >2 mm dislocation without joint incarceration or ulnar nerve dysfunction. We hypothesise that there is no difference in treatment outcomes between nonoperative and operative treatment.Methods and analysisThis is a multicentre, controlled, prospective, randomised noninferiority study comparing operative treatment to non-operative treatment of >2 mm dislocated paediatric medial epicondyle fractures without joint incarceration or ulnar nerve dysfunction. A total of 120 patients will be randomised in 1:1 ratio to either operative or nonoperative treatment. The study will have a parallel nonrandomised patient preference arm. Operative treatment will be open reduction and internal fixation. Nonoperative treatment will be upper limb immobilisation in long arm cast for 4 weeks. Data will be collected at baseline and at each follow-up up to 2 years. Quick-DASH is used as primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes are patient-reported pain, differences in range of motion, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, cosmetic visual analogue scale and Mayo Elbow Performance Score.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) ethical board HUS/1443/2019. Each study centre has obtained their own permission for the study. A written authorisation from legal guardian will be acquired and the child will be informed about the trial. Results of the trial will be disseminated as published articles in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registrationThe trial has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov with registration numberNCT04531085.