bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utilization and related harms of systemic glucocorticosteroids for atopic dermatitis: claims data analysis
Authors: Hagenström Kristina , Klinger Theresa , Müller Katharina , Willers Charlotte , Augustin Matthias 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Systemic glucocorticosteroids (SGCs) are used in the short-term treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), but are not recommended for long-term use because they are associated with severe side-effects.

Objectives
This study aimed to characterize the utilization and potentially negative effects of SGC use for AD in German statutory health insurance (SHI) claims data.

Methods
Cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of a large nationwide SHI dataset. SGC drug prescriptions and incidences of predefined comorbidities after drug initiation that were known to be potentially harmful side-effects were analysed. SGC use was quantified by (­definition 1) the number of quarters with at least one SGC prescription and (definition 2) the defined daily doses (DDD). Comparisons were adjusted for age, sex and morbidity.

Results
The AD prevalence was 4.07% in 2020 (4.12% women, 3.42% men). During this period 9.91% of people with AD were prescribed SGCs compared with 5.54% in people without AD (P &lt; 0.01). Prescribing of SGCs was significantly higher in women (10.20% vs. 9.42% in men, P &lt; 0.01) and in the elderly. AD and SGC prevalence varied regionally. In a 3-year follow-up period, 58% of people with AD receiving a SGC were prescribed SGCs in &gt; one quarter and 15% in &gt; six quarters. The odds of developing osteoporosis [odds ratio (OR) 3.90 ­(definition 1) and 1.80 (definition 2)] and diabetes [OR 1.90 (definition 1) and 1.38 (definition 2)] were significantly higher in people with AD on SGCs, especially in the frequently prescribed group compared with the rarely prescribed group, regardless of quantified use.

Conclusions
A considerable number of people with AD in Germany are prescribed long-term SGCs. The onset of medical conditions known to be harmful effects of steroids was significantly more frequent in those who were frequently prescribed SGCs, indicating the need for optimized healthcare.
Association of glial fibrillary acid protein, Alzheimer's disease pathology and cognitive decline
Authors: Peretti Débora E , Boccalini Cecilia , Ribaldi Federica , Scheffler Max , Marizzoni Moira , Ashton Nicholas J , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Frisoni Giovanni B , Garibotto Valentina 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Increasing evidence shows that neuroinflammation is a possible modulator of tau spread effects on cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease. In this context, plasma levels of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) have been suggested to have a robust association with Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology. This study aims to assess the correlation between plasma GFAP and Alzheimer's disease pathology, and their synergistic effect on cognitive performance and decline.
A cohort of 122 memory clinic subjects with amyloid and tau PET, MRI scans, plasma GFAP and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was included in the study. A subsample of 94 subjects had a follow-up MMSE score at ≥1 year after baseline. Regional and voxel-based correlations between Alzheimer's disease biomarkers and plasma GFAP were assessed. Mediation analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of plasma GFAP on the association between amyloid and tau PET and between tau PET and cognitive impairment and decline.
GFAP was associated with increased tau PET ligand uptake in the lateral temporal and inferior temporal lobes in a strong left-sided pattern independently of age, sex, education, amyloid and APOE status (β = 0.001, P &lt; 0.01). The annual rate of MMSE change was significantly and independently correlated with both GFAP (β = 0.006, P &lt; 0.01) and global tau standardized uptake value ratio (β = 4.33, P &lt; 0.01), but not with amyloid burden. Partial mediation effects of GFAP were found on the association between amyloid and tau pathology (13.7%) and between tau pathology and cognitive decline (17.4%), but not on global cognition at baseline.
Neuroinflammation measured by circulating GFAP is independently associated with tau Alzheimer's disease pathology and with cognitive decline, suggesting neuroinflammation as a potential target for future disease-modifying trials targeting tau pathology.
Dynamical changes of interaction across functional brain communities during propofol-induced sedation
Authors: Wang Shengpei , Li Tianzuo , He Huiguang , Li Yun 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
It is crucial to understand how anesthetics disrupt information transmission within the whole-brain network and its hub structure to gain insight into the network-level mechanisms underlying propofol-induced sedation. However, the influence of propofol on functional integration, segregation, and community structure of whole-brain networks were still unclear. We recruited 12 healthy subjects and acquired resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data during 5 different propofol-induced effect-site concentrations (CEs): 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 μg/ml. We constructed whole-brain functional networks for each subject under different conditions and identify community structures. Subsequently, we calculated the global and local topological properties of whole-brain network to investigate the alterations in functional integration and segregation with deepening propofol sedation. Additionally, we assessed the alteration of key nodes within the whole-brain community structure at each effect-site concentrations level. We found that global participation was significantly increased at high effect-site concentrations, which was mediated by bilateral postcentral gyrus. Meanwhile, connector hubs appeared and were located in posterior cingulate cortex and precentral gyrus at high effect-site concentrations. Finally, nodal participation coefficients of connector hubs were closely associated to the level of sedation. These findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between increasing propofol dosage and enhanced functional interaction within the whole-brain networks.
Chain-length dependence in adsorption of perfluoroalkylcarboxylic acid on vesicles composed of amphiphiles with two bent hydrophobic chains
Authors: Usuda Hatsuho , Toyoshima Takahiro , Mishima Yoshie , Sakurai Koji , Takamura Chieko , Takahashi Akira , Minami Kimitaka , Kawamoto Tohru 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used but can have harmful effects on the human body. Activated carbon has been used to remove PFAS from water; however, vesicles consisting of amphiphiles are adsorbent candidates. Optimization of PFAS adsorption using vesicles has not yet been achieved. We analyzed the chain-length dependence of perfluorocarboxylic acid (PFCA) adsorption on vesicles composed of amphiphiles with two bent hydrophobic chains containing cis-double bonds to reveal the interaction between vesicles and PFCA.
Association between wet-bulb globe temperature and kidney function in different geographic regions in a large Taiwanese population study
Authors: Su Wei-Yu , Wu Ping-Hsun , Lin Ming-Yen , Wu Pei-Yu , Tsai Yi-Chun , Chiu Yi-Wen , Chang Jer-Ming , Hung Chih-Hsing , Wu Chih-Da , Kuo Chao-Hung , Chen Szu-Chia 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
The worldwide prevalence and incidence rates of end-stage renal disease have been increasing, and the trend is pronounced in Taiwan. This is especially evident in southern Taiwan, where the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is consistently higher than in other regions. The association between kidney function and WBGT has not been fully investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and WBGT and variations in this association across different geographic regions in Taiwan. We used the Taiwan Biobank (TWB) to obtain data on community-dwelling individuals, linked these data with WBGT data obtained from the Central Weather Bureau and then processed the data using a machine learning model. WBGT data were recorded during the working period of the day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These data were then compiled as 1-year, 3-year and 5-year averages, recorded prior to the survey year of the TWB of each participant. We identified 114 483 participants who had WBGT data during 2012–2020. Multivariable analysis showed that, in northern Taiwan, increases in 1- and 3-year averages of WBGT during the working period (β = −0.092, P = .043 and β = −0.193, P &lt; .001, respectively) were significantly associated with low eGFR. In southern Taiwan, increases in 1-, 3- and 5-year averages of WBGT during the working period (β = −0.518, P &lt; .001; β = −0.690, P &lt; .001; and β = −0.386, P = .001, respectively) were gnificantly associated with low eGFR. These findings highlight the importance of heat protection for people working outdoors or in high-temperature environments as a measure to prevent negative impacts on kidney function. Moreover, we observed that in southern Taiwan, every 1°C increase in WBGT had a greater impact on the decrease in eGFR compared with other regions in Taiwan.
Lemann Index for Assessing Bowel Damage in Crohn’s Disease: A Real-world Study
Authors: Prado Eric , Law Cindy C Y , Rowan Catherine , Osman Ali , Gore Emily , Ballard David H , Ludwig Daniel R , Tsai Richard , Gergely Maté , Geahchan Amine , Taouli Bachir , Abboud Ghadi , Altinmakas Emre , Rajauria Palak , Colombel Jean-Frederic , Ungaro Ryan C , Deepak Parakkal 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
The Lemann Index [LI], an endpoint to measure cumulative structural bowel damage in Crohn’s disease [CD], has been recently updated and validated. We applied this to investigate predictors of bowel damage in a real-world cohort.

Methods
We performed a retrospective study [2008–2022] involving two tertiary referral IBD centres in the USA. Magnetic resonance imaging [MR] or computed tomography [CT] enterographies were reviewed by study radiologists with endoscopy reports by study gastroenterologists, to calculate LI scores. Baseline and follow-up LI scores were calculated. We defined high bowel damage as LI ≥ 2. Factors associated with high LI were identified in patients with ≥ 2 LI scores, using multivariate logistic regression, and then assessed for a change in LI [increase vs no change/decrease], using a multivariate linear mixed-effects model.

Results
A total of 447 patients with CD had a median first LI of 7 (interquartile range [IQR], 1.25–14.55). Median LI scores were significantly different when categorised by disease duration; 2.0 [IQR, 0.6–5.9] for &lt; 2 years, 2.6 [IQR, 0.6–9.6] for ≥ 2 and &lt; 10 years, and 12.5 [IQR, 6.4–21.5] for ≥ 10 years, with a p &lt; 0.01. Disease duration, presence of perianal disease, elevated C-reactive protein, and Harvey–Bradshaw index, were associated with a high LI at inclusion and increase in LI during follow-up [all p &lt; 0.01].

Conclusions
The updated LI quantified cross-sectional and longitudinal cumulative bowel damage in a real-world cohort of patients with CD, with predictors identified for a longitudinal increase in LI. Further studies for prospective validation of LI and identification of multi-omic predictors of bowel damage are needed.
Safety of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices and abandoned or epicardial leads: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Meier Claudia , Israel Carsten , Eisenblätter Michel , Hoyer Annika , Stoye Ferdinand Valentin , Yilmaz Ali , Gielen Stephan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aims
Persistent reluctance to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with abandoned and/or epicardial leads of cardiac implantable electronic devices is related to in vitro studies reporting tip heating. While there is a plethora of data on the safety of MRI in conditional and non-conditional implantable devices, there is a clear lack of safety data in patients with abandoned and/or epicardial leads.

Methods and results
Relevant literature was identified in Medline and CINAHL using the key terms ‘magnetic resonance imaging’ AND ‘abandoned leads’ OR ‘epicardial leads’. Secondary literature and cross-references were supplemented. For reporting guidance, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 was used. International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registration number 465530. Twenty-one publications with a total of 656 patients with 854 abandoned and/or epicardial leads and 929 MRI scans of different anatomical regions were included. No scan-related major adverse cardiac event was documented, although the possibility of under-reporting of critical events in the literature should be considered. Furthermore, no severe device dysfunction or severe arrhythmia was reported. Mainly transient lead parameter changes were observed in 2.8% in the subgroup of patients with functional epicardial leads. As a possible correlate of myocardial affection, subjective sensations occurred mainly in the subgroup with abandoned epicardial leads (4.0%), but no change in myocardial biomarkers was observed.

Conclusion
Existing publications did not report any relevant adverse events for MRI in patients with abandoned and/or epicardial leads if performed according to strict safety guidelines. However, a more rigorous risk–benefit calculation should be made for patients with epicardial leads.
Causes of death in patients with atrial fibrillation anticoagulated with rivaroxaban: a pooled analysis of XANTUS
Authors: Kirchhof Paulus , Haas Sylvia , Amarenco Pierre , Turpie Alexander G G , Bach Miriam , Lambelet Marc , Hess Susanne , Camm A John 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aims
Anticoagulation can prevent stroke and prolong lives in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, anticoagulated patients with AF remain at risk of death. The aim of this study was to investigate the causes of death and factors associated with all-cause and cardiovascular death in the XANTUS population.

Methods and results
Causes of death occurring within a year after rivaroxaban initiation in patients in the XANTUS programme studies were adjudicated by a central adjudication committee and classified following international guidance. Baseline characteristics associated with all-cause or cardiovascular death were identified. Of 11 040 patients, 187 (1.7%) died. Almost half of these deaths were due to cardiovascular causes other than bleeding (n = 82, 43.9%), particularly heart failure (n = 38, 20.3%) and sudden or unwitnessed death (n = 24, 12.8%). Fatal stroke (n = 8, 4.3%), which was classified as a type of cardiovascular death, and fatal bleeding (n = 17, 9.1%) were less common causes of death. Independent factors associated with all-cause or cardiovascular death included age, AF type, body mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction, hospitalization at baseline, rivaroxaban dose, and anaemia.

Conclusion
The overall risk of death due to stroke or bleeding was low in XANTUS. Anticoagulated patients with AF remain at risk of death due to heart failure and sudden death. Potential interventions to reduce cardiovascular deaths in anticoagulated patients with AF require further investigation, e.g. early rhythm control therapy and AF ablation.

Trial registration numbers
NCT01606995, NCT01750788, NCT01800006
Improved Parker–Oldenburg method and its application to Moho topographic inversion in the northern South China Sea
Authors: Yu Hangtao , Qin Pengbo , Xu Chuang , Zhang Hui , Chai Yi , Du Ranran 
Published: June 2024

SUMMARY
Before inverting Moho topography, the traditional Parker–Oldenburg method requires the determination of two important hyperparameters, the average Moho depth and Moho density contrast. The selection of these two hyperparameters will directly affect the inversion results. In this paper, a new method for estimating hyperparameters is proposed which is used to improve the Parker–Oldenburg method. The new method is improved by using simulated annealing to accurately estimate the average Moho depth and Moho density contrast based on the relationship between Moho depths and corresponding gravity anomalies at seismic control points. Synthetic tests show that compared to the improved Bott's method and the trial and error method, our method reduces the error in Moho density contrast and average Moho depth by 0.83 and 1.81 per cent, respectively. In addition, compared with the trial and error method, our method greatly improves the computational efficiency. In a practical example, we apply this method to invert the Moho topography in the northern South China Sea. The inversion results show that the Moho topography in the northern South China Sea ranges from 8.2 to 33 km. The root mean squared error between our Moho topography and the seismic validation points is 0.94 km. Compared with the CRUST 1.0 model, our Moho topography is more accurate.
The true extent of eosinophil involvement in disease is unrecognized: the secret life of dead eosinophils
Authors: Leiferman Kristin M , Gleich Gerald J 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Eosinophil-mediated pathophysiology is tissue destructive and tissue altering with proinflammatory, prothrombotic, and profibrotic effects. The distinctive morphology of an eosinophil reveals a cytoplasm chockfull of unique granules, and the granule proteins have numerous toxic effects on cells, tissues, and organs. Eosinophils are not found in most human tissues, and eosinophil involvement in diseased tissues generally is identified by cell infiltration on histopathologic examination. However, eosinophils characteristically lose their structural integrity and deposit granules and granule proteins at sites of inflammation. Hence, their participation in tissue damage may be underrecognized or entirely overlooked. The eosinophil major basic protein 1 is a toxic granule protein and, when deposited, persists in tissues. Major basic protein 1 deposition can be regarded as a footprint of eosinophil activity. Analyses of numerous eosinophil-related diseases have demonstrated clear-cut evidence of major basic protein 1 deposition in affected tissues where eosinophils were not recognized by hematoxylin and eosin tissue staining and light microscopy. Eosinophil granule protein deposition, as exemplified by localization of major basic protein 1, especially when disproportionately greater than cellular infiltration, emerges as a biomarker of hidden eosinophil-related pathophysiology. Consequently, current assessments of recognized eosinophils may vastly underestimate their role in disease.
Article 5 of the ARSIWA
Authors: Viñuales Jorge E , Hailes Oliver 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis entry details Article 5 of the Articles on Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts (ARSIWA). It explains how investment agreements are generally supplemented by rules of customary international law on attribution of conduct. Article 5 is widely recognized as the codification of a customary rule of attribution, but the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has not yet taken an explicit stance on it. Thus, the detailed practice of investment tribunals is particularly useful to determine the contours of custom on the attribution of conduct by hybrid entities operating across a range of commercial sectors. The entry cites that commercial activities serving a public function must be clearly distinguished from attributable elements of governmental authority.
Article 7 of the ARSIWA
Authors: Brown Chester 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis entry examines Article 7 of the Articles on the Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts (ARSIWA). It discusses matters of attribution in case of ultra vires conduct – the excess of authority or contravention of instructions by state organs (Article 4 ARSIWA) or persons or entities empowered by the state to exercise elements of governmental authority (Article 5 ARSIWA). The entry sets out the requirements of this customary rule and presents the decisions both in investment arbitration and by other international courts and tribunals. Given that their practice is mostly consistent, most of the relevant practice comes from the field of investment arbitration. As a result, the decisions and awards of investment tribunals are likely to be influential.
Article 14 of the ARSIWA
Authors: Annacker Claudia , Horváth Enikő 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis entry looks into Article 14 of the Articles on the Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts (ARSIWA). Article 14 specifies the time of the occurrence of an internationally wrongful act and its duration, distinguishing between instantaneous breaches, continuing breaches, and breaches of an obligation to prevent a given event. The entry analyses the application of Article 14 in general international law and international investment law and identifies convergences among international courts and tribunals, such as on the basic concept of a continuing act and the non-continuing nature of unremedied conduct, and divergences, such as on the application of the concept of a continuing act in the context of undue delay and limitation periods.
Article 27 of the ARSIWA
Authors: Paddeu Federica 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis entry addresses certain consequences of invoking a circumstance precluding wrongfulness, specified in Article 27 of the Articles on the Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts (ARSIWA). It addresses, in turn, the issue of return to compliance once the facts giving rise to the defence no longer exist (Article 27(a)), and the question of a potential duty to compensation material harm caused by conduct covered by one of the defences (Article 27(b)). The clause in Article 27(a) is well accepted in general international law, and investment tribunals have endorsed it. However, Article 27(b) has created more difficulty, since it does not itself stipulate whether compensation is due: it is only a without prejudice clause. The entry explores the application of Article 27 in general international law and international investment law.
A fast neural emulator for interstellar chemistry
Authors: Ramos A Asensio , Plaza C Westendorp , Navarro-Almaida D , Rivière-Marichalar P , Wakelam V , Fuente A 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
Astrochemical models are important tools to interpret observations of molecular and atomic species in different environments. However, these models are time-consuming, precluding a thorough exploration of the parameter space, leading to uncertainties and biased results. Using neural networks to simulate the behaviour of astrochemical models is a way to circumvent this problem, providing fast calculations that are based on real astrochemical models. In this paper, we present a fast neural emulator of the astrochemical code Nautilus based on conditional neural fields. The resulting model produces the abundance of 192 species for arbitrary times between 1 and 107 yr. Uncertainties well below 0.2 dex are found for all species, while the computing time is of the order of 104 smaller than Nautilus. This will open up the possibility of performing much more complex forward models to better understand the physical properties of the interstellar medium. As an example of the power of these models, we ran a feature importance analysis on the electron abundance predicted by Nautilus. We found that the electron density is coupled to the initial sulphur abundance in a low-density gas. Increasing the initial sulphur abundance from a depleted scenario to the cosmic abundance leads to an enhancement of an order of magnitude of the electron density. This enhancement can potentially influence the dynamics of the gas in star formation sites.