bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of muscle mass and intramuscular fatty infiltration in dogs with hypercortisolism and their association with prognosis
Authors: Yoshida Kei , Kobatake Yui , Takashima Satoshi , Nishii Naohito 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundMuscle atrophy and intramuscular fatty infiltration, as well as their association with prognosis, have not been quantified in dogs with spontaneous hypercortisolism (HC).ObjectiveTo quantitatively evaluate muscle atrophy and IM fatty infiltration in dogs with HC and determine their prognostic impact.AnimalsFifty‐three dogs with HC and 66 control dogs without HC.MethodsRetrospective cohort study. Medical records and computed tomography images obtained between 2014 and 2021 were evaluated. Kaplan‐Meier curves and log‐rank tests were used to analyze the effect of muscle atrophy and IM fatty infiltration on the prognosis of dogs with HC.ResultsDogs with HC showed lower visually measured cross‐sectional area (VCSA) and cross‐sectional area based on attenuation (HCSA) than control dogs (median [interquartile range {IQR}]: 50.3 mm2/mm [36.2‐67.8] vs 66.7 mm2/mm [48.0‐85.9]; P < .001; 30.4 mm2/mm [13.7‐57.2] vs 54.8 mm2/mm [39.7‐71.5]; P < .001, respectively). Dogs with HC had lower epaxial muscle attenuation (L3HU) than control dogs (median [IQR]: 21.2 Hounsfield [HU] [12.4‐28.2] vs 33.2 HU [22.6‐43.6]; P < .001). Dogs with HC with lower HCSA or L3HU had shorter survival (median [IQR]: 670 days [222‐673] vs 949 days [788‐1074], P < .01; 523 days [132‐670] vs 949 days [756‐1074], P < .01, respectively) but not lower VCSA (median [IQR]: 673 days [132‐788] vs 949 days [523 to not applicable]; P = .30).Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceHypercortisolism in dogs causes muscle atrophy and IM fatty infiltration and is associated with poor prognosis.
Maternal anaemia prevention and control in China: A policy review
Authors: Liu Xiaoxi , Huang Xiaona , Yang Yuning , Narayan Anuradha , Du‐Skabrin Lidan , Ding Xue , Chen Yongchao , Zhao Jun , Chang Suying , Wang Fang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMaternal anaemia is a major public health problem. Developing maternal anaemia prevention and control policies is an important prerequisite for carrying out evidence‐based interventions. This article reviews maternal anaemia prevention and control policies in China, identifies gaps, and provides references for other countries. We examined policies concerning maternal nutrition and other related literature in China, identified through key databases and government websites, and conducted a narrative review of the relevant documentations guided by the Smith Policy‐Implementing‐Process framework. A total of 65 articles and documents were identified for analysis. We found that Chinese government has committed to reducing maternal anaemia at the policy level, with established objectives and a clear time frame. However, most of policies were not accompanied by operational guidelines, standardized interventions, and vigorous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and 85% of the policies don't have quantifiable objectives on anaemia. Maternal anaemia prevention and control services offered in clinical settings were primarily nutrition education and anaemia screening. Population‐based interventions such as iron fortification have yet to be scaled up. Furthermore, medical insurance schemes in some regions do not cover anaemia prevention and treatment, and in other regions that offer coverage, the reimbursement rate is low. The number and capacity of health professionals is also limited. Policy changes should focus on the integration of evidence‐based interventions into routine antenatal care services and public health service packages, standardization of dosages and provision of iron supplementation, streamline of reimbursement for outpatient expenses, and capacity building of health professionals.
Psychological comorbidities are more prevalent amongst pregnant and postpartum patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Luo Yuying , Luo Christie Lee , Meislin Rachel , Yang Eunyoung , Zhang Xiaotao 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundThere is a lack of data on the epidemiology of IBS in pregnant and postpartum patients in the United States.MethodsA retrospective claims analysis was conducted in a cohort of 1,618,379 patients with ≥1 delivery hospitalization between 2013–2019 utilizing ICD‐9 and ICD‐10 codes after merging inpatient and outpatient claims. Obstetric, psychological, and other medical comorbidities were also examined.Key ResultsThe prevalence of IBS in our cohort was 1.38%. Pregnant and postpartum patients with IBS were more likely to have psychological comorbidities including depression (OR 2.93, CI 2.83–3.03), postpartum depression (OR 3.00, CI 2.91–3.09), and anxiety (OR 3.74, CI 3.64–3.84). They were also more likely to have migraines (OR 3.04, CI 2.94–3.15) and connective tissue disease or autoimmune disease (OR 3.54, CI 3.22–3.89).ConclusionThe prevalence of IBS in pregnant and postpartum patients in a large claims database was 1.38%. Pregnant and postpartum patients with IBS have a higher odd of psychological comorbidities in addition to medical comorbidities such as migraines, connective tissue, and autoimmune disease. Future studies should focus on validating and characterizing the impact and directionality of co‐existing comorbidities on IBS severity and the development of new‐onset IBS during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
“The future is unstable”: Exploring changing fertility intentions in the United Kingdom during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Raybould Alyce , Mynarska Monika , Sear Rebecca 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo understand whether reproductive decision‐making among United Kingdom (UK) respondents had changed in light of the COVID‐19 pandemic and, if so, why COVID‐19 had led them to change their intentions.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional online survey in January 2021. We asked survey participants if their fertility intentions had changed and to rate how aspects of their life had changed during COVID‐19. We also included an open‐ended question and asked participants to explain in their own words how COVID‐19 had influenced their reproductive decision‐making. We used descriptive and regression analyses to explore the quantitative data and thematically analyzed written responses.ResultsNine percent (n = 70) of our 789 UK respondents reported a change in fertility intention after the start of the pandemic. Changes in both pro‐natal and anti‐natal directions made the overall change in intentions small: there was a 2% increase across the sample in not intending a child between the two time points. Only increased financial insecurity was predictive of changing intentions. Responses to the open‐ended question (n = 103) listed health concerns, indirect costs of the pandemic, and changing work‐life priorities as reasons for changing their intentions.ConclusionWhile studies conducted at the beginning of the pandemic found that fertility intentions became more anti‐natal, we found little overall change in fertility intentions in January 2021. Our findings of small pro‐natal and anti‐natal changes in fertility intentions align with emerging UK birth rate data for 2021, which show minimal change in the total fertility rate in response to the pandemic.
Definitions by abstraction and Leibniz's notion of quantity
Authors: Costantini Filippo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper analyses the abstractionist account of quantity championed by Leibniz, especially in the 1680s. Leibniz introduced the notion of quantity in an indirect way, via an abstraction principle. In the first part of the paper, I identify the context in which this approach arose in light of Leibniz's criticism of his earlier dream of an ‘alphabet of human thought’. Recognising the impossibility of such a project led him to realise that, when dealing with terms referring to abstract objects, we should always consider them within the true sentences in which they occur. In the second part, I describe this approach in detail. This allows us to look at some key concepts of Leibniz's theory of quantity. In particular, I raise the problem of the relationship between the two sides of the abstraction principle: how should we think of the relation between the claim that a and b are equal, and the claim that the quantity of a is identical to the quantity of b? I argue that we can find a positive answer to this problem in Leibniz.
An experimentally informed computational model of neurovestibular adaptation to altered gravity
Authors: Kravets Victoria G. , Clark Torin K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTransitions to altered gravity environments result in acute sensorimotor impairment for astronauts, leading to serious mission and safety risks in the crucial first moments in a new setting. Our understanding of the time course and severity of impairment in the early stages of adaptation remains limited and confounded by unmonitored head movements, which are likely to impact the rate of adaptation. Here, we aimed to address this gap by using a human centrifuge to simulate the first hour of hypergravity (1.5g) exposure and the subsequent 1g readaptation period, with precisely controlled head tilt activity. We quantified head tilt overestimation via subjective visual vertical and found ∼30% tilt overestimation that did not decrease over the course of 1 h of exposure to the simulated gravity environment. These findings extended the floor of the vestibular adaptation window (with controlled vestibular cueing) to 1 h of exposure to altered gravity. We then used the empirical data to inform a computational model of neurovestibular adaptation to changes in the magnitude of gravity, which can offer insight into the adaptation process and, with further tuning, can be used to predict the temporal dynamics of vestibular‐mediated misperceptions in altered gravity.
Walking Activity and Physical Function Among Mexican American Older Adults Over 9 Years of Follow Up
Authors: Tahmassi Nicholas , Al Snih Soham 
Published: April 2024

Background: Walking activity has been associated with reduction in the development of chronic disease, cognitive and physical function impairment, disability, and mortality. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between walking activity and physical function over 9 years of follow-up among Mexican Americans aged 78 years and older. Methods: Participants (N = 998) were from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (2007–2016). Measures included walking activity duration and frequency, socio-demographics, body mass index, medical conditions, pain, depressive symptoms, limitation in activities of daily living, and the Mini-Mental State Examination. Low physical function was defined as scoring <7 on the Short Physical Performance Battery. At baseline, participants were grouped into nonwalkers (n = 653), walked <150 minutes/week (n = 144), and walked 150 minutes/week or more (n = 201). A Generalized Estimating Equation model was used to estimate the odds ratio and 95% CI of low physical performance as a function of walking activity status. Results: Compared with nonwalkers, participants walking < 150 minutes/week had lower odds (odds ratio = 0.66, 95% CI, 0.51–0.86) of low physical function over time, after controlling for all covariates, as did those walking ≥ 150 minutes/week (odds ratio = 0.54, 95% CI, 0.41–0.71). Conclusions: Mexican American older adults who engage in any walking activity are at reduced risk of low physical function, even those with disability. Interventions at the individual and community level are recommended to reduce physical function impairment, even in those with preexisting medical conditions or disability.
Genomic characterization of ST38 NDM-5-producing
Escherichia coli
isolates from an outbreak in the Czech Republic
Authors: Chudejova Katerina , Sourenian Tsolaire , Palkovicova Jana , Stredanska Katarina , Nechutna Lucie , Vlkova Katerina , Studentova Vendula ,   Working Group for Monitoring of Antibiotic Resistance, Hrabak Jaroslav , Papagiannitsis Costas C. , Dolejska Monika , Bitar Ibrahim , Glasnak Marian , Krckova Dana , Horvathova Beata , Jurankova Jana , Tejkalova Renata , Pokorna Zora , Fibiger Vladimir , Sus David , Mednansky Marian , Ryskova Lenka , Koupilova Miriam , Kotalikova Jana , Prejzkova Miroslava , Bohackova Marie , Smolikova Marie , Skacan Helena , Vesela Denisa , Puchalkova Blanka , Eliasova Galina , Nedvedova Helena , Unuckova Lenka , Barinkova Yvona , Kremeckova Hana , Fackova Daniela , Janeckova Jana , Jirsa Roman , Zaruba Roman , Vesela Eva , Zamazalova Dana , Dovalova Marie , Vagnerova Iva , Kurfurst Vladimir , Ochvatova Blanka , Chmelarova Eva , Krejci Eva , Zalabska Eva , Kurkova Vera , Blahova Simona , Bergerova Tamara , Adamkova Vaclava , Kubele Jan , Skruzna Marketa , Balikova Daniela , Steinerova Alena , Semerakova Zuzana , Kocianova Miloslava , Curdova Martina , Zemlickova Helena , Jakubu Vladislav , Kadleckova Zuzana , Nycova Elka , Jordakova Helena , Nyc Otakar , Prusik Filip , Kohnova Ivana , Holnova Renata , Simeckova Eva , Czyzova Erika , Kucharova Alice , Trojan Ladislav , Urbusova Danuta , Vitova Eva , Repiscakova Jana , Miklova Jarmila , Dvorakova Lenka , Jiresova Jirina , Tkadlec Jan , Pitakova Zdena , Bartonikova Natasa , Stanek Michal 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

A 2-year national genomic screening in the Czech Republic identified a notable prevalence of the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 5 (NDM-5)-producing
Escherichia coli
sequence type 38 (ST38) in the city of Brno. Forty-two ST38
E. coli
isolates harbored the
bla
NDM-5
gene on the chromosome. Virulence factors confirmed the persistence of these isolates through biofilm formation. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)-based phylogeny and CRISPR assay typing showed minimal genomic variations, implying a clonally driven outbreak. Results suggest that this high-risk clone may impose a nationwide problem.
Detection of Internal Transport Barrier in the T-10 Tokamak Using Thomson Scattering Diagnostics
Authors: Asadulin G. M. , Kirneva N. A. , Bel’bas I. S. , Gorshkov A. V. , Panfilov D. S. , Krylov S. V. , Nemets A. P. , Sergeev D. S. , Solov’ev N. A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
At the T-10 tokamak, the Thomson scattering diagnostics was upgraded in 2016. The new system is based on the Nd:YAG laser with the pulse repetition frequency of 100 Hz; the measurements can be performed every 10 ms during the entire plasma discharge at the spatial resolution of up to 5 mm. Using the upgraded diagnostics, the electron temperature measurements were performed during experimental campaigns of the T-10 tokamak in 2016−2018. In the regimes with the electron cyclotron resonance heating, it was demonstrated that the regions with increased temperature gradients form in the plasma, which was interpreted as the formation of internal transport barrier. The ASTRA-code-based simulations of the current profile time evolution made it possible to correlate the positions of the barrier and the rational surface q = 1.
Formation of Extended Tubular Plasma in Argon at Low Pressure and in a Weak Longitudinal Magnetic Field
Authors: Akishev Yu. S. , Bakhtin V. P. , Buleyko A. B. , Loza O. T. , Petryakov A. V. , Ravaev A. A. , Fefelova E. A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The results of experimental studies on the formation and subsequent evolution of extended (l = 300 mm) and thin-walled (Δr ≈ 10 mm) tubular (2r ≈ 110 mm) plasma in a weak longitudinal magnetic field (B = 175 G) without the use of a thermionic cathode are presented. The cylindrical chamber in which the tubular plasma was formed was pumped with high purity argon (99.998%) at an average velocity of about 1 m/s at a pressure of P = 10–3–10–2 Torr. Two methods of creating seed electrons initiating the development of ionization avalanches were used. The difference inherent to these methods has been established in the dynamics of breakdown, completing in the formation of a tubular discharge. In the first of them, a pulsed discharge preceding the high voltage supply of the main discharge created gas preionization in a small area around the sectioned cathodes. In the second method, seed electrons were created in the entire working area of the discharge chamber by an RF discharge with a frequency of 85 kHz and duration of about 1 s. High-speed shooting with a 4-frame ICCD camera allowed us to establish the dynamics of tubular discharge formation at all its stages. Measurements of the longitudinal and radial discharge current were carried out. The results we obtained showed the possibility of spatial isolation of an extended tubular plasma from the close located metal wall of the discharge chamber by using a weak longitudinal magnetic field.
Grading recommendations for enhanced patient safety in sentinel event analysis: the recommendation improvement matrix
Authors: Bos Kelly , van der Laan Maarten J , Groeneweg Jop , Kamps Gert Jan , Legemate Dink A , Leistikow Ian , Dongelmans Dave A 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesThe goal of sentinel event (SE) analysis is to prevent recurrence. However, the rate of SEs has remained constant over the past years. Research suggests this is in part due to the quality of recommendations. Currently, standards for the selection of recommendations are lacking. Developing a method to grade recommendations could help in both designing and selecting interventions most likely to improve patient safety. The aim of this study was to (1) develop a user-friendly method to grade recommendations and (2) assess its applicability in a large series of Dutch perioperative SE analysis reports.MethodsBased on two grading methods, we developed the recommendation improvement matrix (RIM). Applicability was assessed by analysing all Dutch perioperative SE reports over a 12-month period. After which interobserver agreement was studied.ResultsIn the RIM, two elements are crucial: whether the recommendation intervenes before or after an SE and whether it eliminates or controls the hazard. Applicability was evaluated in 115 analysis reports, encompassing 161 recommendations. Recommendation quality varied from the highest, category A, to the lowest, category D, with category A accounting for 44%, category B for 35%, category C for 2% and category D for 19% of recommendations. There was a fair interobserver agreement.ConclusionThe RIM can be used to grade recommendations in SE analysis and could possibly help in both designing and selecting interventions. It is relatively simple, user-friendly and has the potential to improve patient safety. The RIM can help formulate effective and sustainable recommendations, a second key objective of the RIM is to foster and facilitate constructive dialogue among those responsible for patient safety.
Perspectives of healthcare providers and persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus on improving glycaemic control in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: a qualitative study
Authors: Fina Lubaki Jean-Pierre , Francis Joel M , Omole Olufemi Babatunde 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionGlycaemic control remains suboptimal in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Defining interventions to improve glycaemic control requires a clear knowledge of factors driving poor glycaemic control. Qualitative studies exploring the perspectives of key stakeholders on this issue are lacking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of persons with type 2 diabetes and healthcare providers on ways to improve glycaemic control in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.MethodsThis qualitative study used face-to-face, semistructured interviews on 26 purposively sampled participants: 10 persons with type 2 diabetes and 16 healthcare providers. The study used deductive, constructionist and thematic analyses. Themes were organised and integrated using the WHO Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions Framework.ResultsThe healthcare providers recommended better preparation of the healthcare system for better care of diabetes. This is achieved through training of healthcare providers, equipping healthcare structures and organising a reliable drug delivery system. Healthcare providers must also act to ensure that patients get adequate support from their surroundings and the community by providing adequate information about diabetes. The policy environment must create conditions for alleviating the cost of care and prevention of diabetes. In addition, patients with diabetes identified three needs: need mainly for financial support to overcome the cost of diabetes, knowledge for better self-management of the illness and support from healthcare providers to succeed in self-management.ConclusionImproving glycaemic control in persons with type 2 diabetes requires multidimensional strategies, with particular focus on empowering patients and their families for efficient self-management, strengthening the healthcare system for diabetes care and greater involvement of the government in terms of funding and adopting positive policies. To be efficient, these interventions need to be integrated into the chronic diseases management framework.
Proteasome Inhibition Reprograms Chromatin Landscape in Breast Cancer
Authors: Kinyamu H. Karimi , Bennett Brian D. , Ward James M. , Archer Trevor K. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The 26S proteasome is the major protein degradation machinery in cells. Cancer cells use the proteasome to modulate gene expression networks that promote tumor growth. Proteasome inhibitors have emerged as effective cancer therapeutics, but how they work mechanistically remains unclear. Here, using integrative genomic analysis, we discovered unexpected reprogramming of the chromatin landscape and RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription initiation in breast cancer cells treated with the proteasome inhibitor MG132. The cells acquired dynamic changes in chromatin accessibility at specific genomic loci termed differentially open chromatin regions (DOCR). DOCRs with decreased accessibility were promoter proximal and exhibited unique chromatin architecture associated with divergent RNAPII transcription. Conversely, DOCRs with increased accessibility were primarily distal to transcription start sites and enriched in oncogenic superenhancers predominantly accessible in non-basal breast tumor subtypes. These findings describe the mechanisms by which the proteasome modulates the expression of gene networks intrinsic to breast cancer biology.

Significance:
Our study provides a strong basis for understanding the mechanisms by which proteasome inhibitors exert anticancer effects. We find open chromatin regions that change during proteasome inhibition, are typically accessible in non-basal breast cancers.
Hobbes, Locke, and the Christian Commonwealth
Authors: Stanton Timothy , Stuart-Buttle Tim 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Locke refrained from engaging explicitly with Hobbes in any of his writings. Locke’s policy of non-engagement should be interpreted, we argue, neither as evidence of his lack of interest in (or ignorance of) Hobbes’s arguments, nor as an attempt to conceal from the uninitiated Locke’s covert Hobbesian commitments. Locke’s silence reveals rather than conceals. What it reveals is an absolute determination to “distinguish between the business of civil government and that of religion, and to mark the true bounds between them”. Approached in this way, precisely because Locke’s account of the “business of civil government” says nothing about ecclesiastical government, the second of Two Treatises can be read, in its entirety, as a powerful critical response to Hobbes. To see why, it is necessary to grasp that Part iii of Leviathan (“Of a Christian Common-wealth”) is integral to Hobbes’s positive argumentative purposes in the work.