bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The frequency of sarcopenia in haemophilia patients: Effects on musculoskeletal health and functional performance
Authors: Uzuner Bora , Ketenci Sertaç , Durmus Dilek , Atay Hilmi Memis 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionIn patients with haemophilia A, chronic arthropathy develops over time as a result of recurrent joint bleeds, which leads to restricted mobility and disability in the affected joints. There are limited studies in the literature evaluating sarcopenia in patients with haemophilia. The present study aims to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in severe haemophilia‐A patients and to evaluate musculoskeletal health and functional performance.MethodsThirty haemophilia‐A patients and 26 adult male volunteers were enrolled in the study. For detection of sarcopenia, the appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was divided by height squared (m2) to obtain the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) value. The thighs of both lower extremities were measured using the Modified Sonographic Tight Adjustment Ratio (STAR) method, which was obtained by adding the bilateral rectus femoris and vastus intermedius muscle thicknesses measured by ultrasound. Hand and quadriceps muscle strength (MS) were measured with a dynamometer. Physical performance was determined using the walking speed (WS), timed up‐and‐go test (TUGT), 5‐repetition sit‐to‐stand test (5RSTS), and 6‐min walk test (6MWT). Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) and Haemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection‐Ultrasonography (HEAD‐US) were also used to assess the musculoskeletal system.ResultsAccording to the modified STAR values calculated based on body mass index, sarcopenia was present in 15 (50%) of 30 patients. However, based on the ASMI‐BIA values, sarcopenia was present in only two (6.6%) patients. A weak correlation was found between ASMI and HJHS, HEAD‐US, WS, TUGT, and hand MS (left), while a moderate correlation was found with knee MS (right), knee MS (left), and 5RSTS. A strong correlation was found between the modified STAR score and HEAD‐US, HJHS, knee MS (left), 5RSTS, TUGT, and WS, while a moderate correlation was found with hand MS (left), hand MS (right), and knee MS (right).ConclusionThis study showed muscle loss, joint mobility restrictions, and decreased functional capacity in haemophilia patients and demonstrated the presence of sarcopenia in these patients. The STAR measurement method showed stronger relationships with MS and functional performance values than ASMI measurements in terms of evaluating sarcopenia.
Clinician perceptions of research priorities for the management of noncritically ill patients admitted to hospital with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Bandara Methma M. , Barina Lauren A. , McPhee Grace M. , Goulding Susan R. , Denholm Justin T. , Morpeth Susan C. , Tong Steven Y. C. ,   the ASCOT Group
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe changing phenotype of coronarvirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) may quickly render guideline‐recommended interventions obsolete. We developed a 40‐question clinician survey in consultation with the Australasian COVID‐19 Trial site investigators. The survey was designed to assess clinician perceptions of the current treatment strategies and future research priorities in the management of non‐critically ill patients admitted to hospital with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. There were 84 complete responses from predominantly Australian and New Zealand clinicians. The perceived prevalence of patients with incidental COVID‐19, nosocomial infection, underlying illness exacerbated by COVID‐19, and/or immunocompromised status suggests new populations to target. The results highlighted clinician interest in antiviral therapies for future research in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised cohorts. These survey results underscore the need for ongoing surveillance of COVID‐19 disease phenotypes and clinician and patient priorities for future research.
Optimal two‐period pricing decisions and value‐added service strategies of two‐sided platform considering suppliers entry timing
Authors: Zeng Huabao , Shu Tong , Yu Yue , Cheng Jiaming 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe flourishing platform business model has been rapidly integrated into manufacturing industries, and value‐added service (VAS) provided by the platforms has become a critical part of enhancing competitiveness. This study investigates the optimal two‐period pricing decisions and VAS strategies of the two‐sided platform for manufacturing. For both the supplier and manufacturer side, the platform decides the entry fees in each period and provides differentiated quality of basic services, as well as the VAS (if any). Moreover, the manufacturer's utility of accessing is influenced by the cross‐network externality, which is related to the number of suppliers in each period. In the presence of the supplier's varying entry timing, three VAS strategies are available for the platform including: (1) VAS for suppliers in Period 1 (Model S1), (2) VAS for suppliers in Period 2 (Model S2), and (3) VAS for manufacturers in Period 1 or 2 (Model M). We establish a two‐period game model under each VAS strategy. Then, the optimal platform's pricing decisions are derived, and the optimal performances in three VAS strategies are compared. Findings demonstrate that when the cross‐network externality strength is large, the platform always prefers Model S1; only when both the cross‐network externality strength and quality of the platform's basic service are comparatively low, the platform selects Model S2; otherwise, the platform chooses Model M. This study also extends to the scenario that the platform provides bilateral VAS in Period 1 (Model B1) or Period 2 (Model B2). Notably, the platform is not always willing to offer bilateral VAS, especially when the VAS cost coefficient is relatively high.
Vonoprazan is superior to lansoprazole for healing of severe but not mild erosive esophagitis: A systematic review with meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Simadibrata Daniel Martin , Lesmana Elvira , Fass Ronnie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and AimHealing rates of severe erosive esophagitis (EE; Los Angeles [LA] Grade C/D) in patients treated with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is suboptimal (~60–70%). Vonoprazan, a potassium‐competitive acid blocker, is suggested to have better healing rates in patients with severe EE. This meta‐analysis compares the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan 20 mg versus lansoprazole 30 mg daily in healing EE, specifically in those with LA Grade C/D.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL on May 24, 2023. Studies that randomized EE patients to vonoprazan 20 mg daily or lansoprazole 30 mg daily and compared healing rates were included. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane's Risk of Bias 2 tool. The fixed‐effect model was used to obtain the pooled efficacy and safety outcomes. Subgroup analysis was done to compare healing rates in mild (LA Grade A/B) versus severe EE and based on study location.ResultsFour randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with low risks of bias comprising 2208 participants were included. Vonoprazan 20 mg was superior to lansoprazole 30 mg daily in healing severe EE at all weeks (Week 2 RR 1.294 [95% CI 1.169–1.433], Week 4 1.160 [1.059–1.270], and Week 8 1.175 [95% CI 1.107–1.247]), but was similar for mild EE at all weeks (P‐interaction < 0.01). Vonoprazan 20 mg was more efficacious than lansoprazole 30 mg at Week 8 in Western versus Asian studies (P‐interaction < 0.01). Any, serious, and drug‐related treatment‐emergent adverse events were comparable between groups.ConclusionVonoprazan 20 mg is superior to lansoprazole 30 mg for healing severe EE but not mild EE. Vonoprazan 20 mg daily has a similar safety profile to lansoprazole 30 mg daily.
Central bank communication and macro information in analyst forecasts: Evidence from Chinese listed firms
Authors: Chen Dong , Liu Kun , He Lerong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe paper examines how central bank communication affects the macro information in analyst forecasts. Using quarterly data of Chinese‐listed firms from 2007 to 2018, we find that richer and more frequent central bank communication increases the macro information contained in analyst forecasts. This effect is realized through the employment of in‐house economists by security firms. In addition, we document that the effect of central bank communication on macroeconomic information in analyst forecasts is more salient under a contractionary monetary policy regime, during a bear market, or when the economic policy is more uncertain. We also show that analyst forecasts are more sensitive to central bank communication when firms that they follow are state‐owned enterprises, have larger leverage ratios, or are located in more developed regions. In addition, analyst forecasts are more susceptible to central bank communication when the communication is in an informal oral format, when the public has more trust in the credibility of the central bank communication, and when the central bank pays more attention to expectation management after 2010. Finally, we show that richer and more frequent central bank communication also improves the accuracy of analyst forecasts.
Angiosperm‐wide analysis of fruit and ovary evolution aided by a new nuclear phylogeny supports association of the same ovary type with both dry and fleshy fruits
Authors: Xiang Yezi , Zhang Taikui , Zhao Yiyong , Dong Hongjin , Chen Hongyi , Hu Yi , Huang Chien‐Hsun , Xiang Jun , Ma Hong 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTFruit functions in seed protection and dispersal and belongs to many dry and fleshy types, yet their evolutionary pattern remains unclear in part due to uncertainties in the phylogenetic relationships among several orders and families. Thus we used nuclear genes of 502 angiosperm species representing 231 families to reconstruct a well supported phylogeny, with resolved relationships for orders and families with previously uncertain placements. Using this phylogeny as a framework, molecular dating supports a Triassic origin of the crown angiosperms, followed by the emergence of most orders in the Jurassic and Cretaceous and their rise to ecological dominance during the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution. The robust phylogeny allowed an examination of the evolutionary pattern of fruit and ovary types, revealing a trend of parallel carpel fusions during early diversifications in eudicots, monocots, and magnoliids. Moreover, taxa in the same order or family with the same ovary type can develop either dry or fleshy fruits with strong correlations between specific types of dry and fleshy fruits; such associations of ovary, dry and fleshy fruits define several ovary‐fruit “modules” each found in multiple families. One of the frequent modules has an ovary containing multiple ovules, capsules and berries, and another with an ovary having one or two ovules, achenes (or other single‐seeded dry fruits) and drupes. This new perspective of relationships among fruit types highlights the closeness of specific dry and fleshy fruit types, such as capsule and berry, that develop from the same ovary type and belong to the same module relative to dry and fleshy fruits of other modules (such as achenes and drupes). Further analyses of gene families containing known genes for ovary and fruit development identified phylogenetic nodes with multiple gene duplications, supporting a possible role of whole‐genome duplications, in combination with climate changes and animal behaviors, in angiosperm fruit and ovary diversification.
Analysis of the centre of pressure in bipedal stance among individuals with and without intellectual disabilities, individuals with Down syndrome and dancers with Down syndrome
Authors: Massó‐Ortigosa N. , Rey‐Abella F. , Gutiérrez‐Vilahú L. , Milà R. , Guerra‐Balic M. , Oviedo G. R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs) often present deficiencies in motor, balance and postural control. On the other hand, the practice of physical activity and dance usually reduces these deficiencies. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare the control of the centre of pressure (COP) in people with Down syndrome (DS) or other causes of ID in relation to people without disabilities and to observe the influence of vision and the practice of dance.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study analyses the COP in a static standing position with open and closed eyes in four study groups. A total of 273 people were recruited (80 adults without ID, 46 adults with DS, 120 adults with other causes of ID and 27 dancers with DS).ResultsA greater area of oscillation and path of the COP was observed in the participants with ID compared with the participants without ID, especially in the sway area of the COP. The oscillation speed of the COP was also higher. When analysing the displacement of the COP, anteroposterior and mediolateral components, there were also differences, except when comparing the group of dancers with DS with respect to the group without ID. The visual condition only influenced the group of participants without disabilities.ConclusionsThe results of our study show that there is a less efficient static postural control in people with ID, as greater displacements were observed in the COP of the participants with ID. The differences in some specific variables that analyse the displacement of the COP were smaller when comparing the group of dancers with DS and the individuals without ID.
Clinical efficacy of intense pulsed light combined with low‐dose intralesional corticosteroids in treating noninfectious granulomas after mesotherapy: A case series analysis
Authors: Wang Jieyi , Chen Zhuoxuan , Zhou Cheng , Yu Bo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundMesotherapy is a popular cosmetic procedure for localized delivery of substances. However, due to the lack of standardized processes, there are potential risks of adverse reactions. Granulomas formation is one of the chronic reactions which impose significant physical and mental burdens on patients.ObjectivesThe aim of this analysis is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of combining intense pulsed light (IPL) with intralesional corticosteroids for treating noninfectious granulomas after mesotherapy.MethodsThis retrospective observational case series included patients who suffer from noninfectious granulomas after mesotherapy and received combination of IPL and intralesional corticosteroids treatment between October 2021 and December 2022 at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China. The process and effect were analyzed and summarized.ResultsAmong the seven patients, five expressed extreme satisfaction with the efficacy, while two was slightly satisfied. The physicians believed that all patients had shown significant improvement. No adverse reactions or recurrences were observed during follow‐up.ConclusionBased on this analysis, the application of the combined treatment in patients suffering from noninfectious granuloma due to mesotherapy demonstrates good clinical efficacy and safety, making it worth considering as a treatment option.
Almond supplementation on appetite measures, body weight, and body composition in adults: A systematic review and dose‐response meta‐analysis of 37 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chahibakhsh Negar , Rafieipour Nastaran , Rahimi Homan , RajabiNezhad Sepideh , Momeni Seyed Aref , Motamedi Amir , Malekzadeh Janmohamad , Islam Md. Shahidul , Mohammadi‐Sartang Mohsen 
Published: February 2024

SummaryBackground and ObjectiveAlmond consumption has an inverse relationship with obesity and factors related to metabolic syndrome. However, the results of available clinical trials are inconsistent. Therefore, we analyzed the results of 37 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and evaluated the association of almond consumption with subjective appetite scores and body compositions.MethodsNet changes in bodyweight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), body fat percent, fat‐free mass (FFM), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and subjective appetite scores were used to calculate the effect size, which was reported as a weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsThis meta‐analysis was performed on 37 RCTs with 43 treatment arms. The certainty in the evidence was very low for appetite indices, body fat percent, FFM, VAT, and WHR, and moderate for other parameters as assessed by the GRADE evidence profiles. Pooled effect sizes indicated a significant reducing effect of almond consumption on body weight (WMD: −0.45 kg, 95% CI: −0.85, −0.05, p = 0.026), WC (WMD: −0.66 cm, 95% CI: −1.27, −0.04, p = 0.037), FM (WMD: −0.66 kg, 95% CI: −1.16, −0.17, p = 0.009), and hunger score (WMD: −1.15 mm, 95% CI: −1.98, −0.32, p = 0.006) compared with the control group. However, almond did not have a significant effect on BMI (WMD: −0.20 kg m−2, 95% CI: −0.46, 0.05, p = 0.122), body fat percent (WMD: −0.39%, 95% CI: −0.93, 0.14, p = 0.154), FFM (WMD: −0.06, 95% CI: −0.47, 0.34, p = 0.748), WHR (WMD: −0.04, 95% CI: −0.12, 0.02, p = 0.203), VAT (WMD: −0.33 cm, 95% CI: −0.99, 0.32), fullness (WMD: 0.46 mm, 95% CI: −0.95, 1.88), desire to eat (WMD: 0.98 mm, 95% CI: −4.13, 2.23), and prospective food consumption (WMD: 1.08 mm, 95% CI: −2.11, 4.28). Subgroup analyses indicated that consumption of ≥50 g almonds per day resulted in a significant and more favorable improvement in bodyweight, WC, FM, and hunger score. Body weight, WC, FM, body fat percent, and hunger scores were decreased significantly in the trials that lasted for ≥12 weeks and in the subjects with a BMI < 30 kg/m2. Furthermore, a significant reduction in body weight and WC was observed in those trials that used a nut‐free diet as a control group, but not in those using snacks and other nuts. The results of our analysis suggest that almond consumption may significantly improve body composition indices and hunger scores when consumed at a dose of ≥50 g/day for ≥12 weeks by individuals with a BMI < 30 kg/m2.ConclusionHowever, further well‐constructed randomized clinical trials are needed in order ascertain the outcome of our analysis.
Efficacy of information and communication technology interventions for the management of diabetes mellitus: An umbrella review and evidence map
Authors: Park Sangil , Lee Hyeri , Cho Wonyoung , Woo Ho Geol , Lim Hyunjung , Kim Sunyoung , Rhee Sang Youl , Yon Dong Keon 
Published: February 2024

SummaryIntroductionWe validated the quality of evidence and potential benefits of information and communication technology interventions on diabetes‐related health outcomes.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and CINAHL and manually searched the reference lists of the retrieved review articles from each database's inception to October 2022. Randomized controlled trials were included to determine the benefits of information and communication technology interventions on diabetes outcomes.ResultsTen meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials were included, with 37 unique outcomes encompassing 379 studies and >70,000 participants across 47 countries and six continents. Information and communication technology intervention was associated with reduced HbA1c levels in patients with type 1 (moderate certainty), type 2 (moderate certainty), and gestational diabetes (low certainty) and showed potential benefits for type 2 diabetes, demonstrating a reduction in systolic blood pressure (high certainty), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (low certainty), and body weight (low certainty), whereas those for gestational diabetes demonstrated a reduction in fasting (low certainty) and 2‐h postprandial blood glucose levels (low certainty).ConclusionThis umbrella review and evidence map revealed varying evidence on the potential benefits of information and communication technology interventions for diabetes‐related outcomes. Our results demonstrate these interventions to be novel treatment options for policymakers and physicians to establish personalized health strategies.
Immune modulation by rural exposures and allergy protection
Authors: Xing Yuhan , Tsang Miranda Sin‐Man , Yang Zhaowei , Wang Maggie Haitian , Pivniouk Vadim , Leung Agnes Sze‐Yin , Leung Ting‐Fan , Roponen Marjut , Schaub Bianca , Vercelli Donata , Wong Chun‐Kwok , Li Jing , Wong Gary Wing‐Kin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundGrowing up on traditional farms protects children from the development of asthma and allergies. However, we have identified distinct asthma‐protective factors, such as poultry exposure. This study aims to examine the biological effect of rural exposure in China.MethodsWe recruited 67 rural children (7.4 ± 0.9 years) and 79 urban children (6.8 ± 0.6 years). Depending on the personal history of exposure to domestic poultry (DP), rural children were further divided into those with DP exposure (DP+, n = 30) and those without (DP−, n = 37). Blood samples were collected to assess differential cell counts and expression of immune‐related genes. Dust samples were collected from poultry stables inside rural households. In vivo activities of nasal administration of DP dust extracts were tested in an ovalbumin‐induced asthma model.ResultsThere was a stepwise increase in the percentage of eosinophils (%) from rural DP+ children (median = 1.65, IQR = [1.28, 3.75]) to rural DP− children (3.40, [1.70, 6.50]; DP+ vs. DP−, p = .087) and to the highest of their urban counterparts (4.00, [2.00, 7.25]; urban vs. DP+, p = .017). Similarly, rural children exhibited reduced mRNA expression of immune markers, both at baseline and following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Whereas LPS stimulation induced increased secretion of Th1 and proinflammatory cytokines in rural DP+ children compared to rural DP− children and urban children. Bronchoalveolar lavage of mice with intranasal instillation of dust extracts from DP household showed a significant decrease in eosinophils as compared to those of control mice (p < .05). Furthermore, DP dust strongly inhibited gene expression of Th2 signature cytokines and induced IL‐17 expression in the murine asthma model.ConclusionsImmune responses of rural children were dampened compared to urban children and those exposed to DP had further downregulated immune responsiveness. DP dust extracts ameliorated Th2‐driven allergic airway inflammation in mice. Determining active protective components in the rural environment may provide directions for the development of primary prevention of asthma.
A group that grieves together stays together: Examining the impact of Holocaust Memorial Day in Israel on affective polarization
Authors: Gur Tamar , Ayal Shahar , Wagner Magnus , Adler Eli , Halperin Eran 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAffective polarization is defined as the tendency to dislike, distrust, and maintain hostile attitudes towards supporters of other political parties or ideologies. In its extreme form, affective polarization may pose a severe threat to these groups' cohesion, functionality, and existence. The current study explored the role of sadness, elicited by memorial days, in temporarily reducing affective polarization and protecting societies from its destructive outcomes. In a longitudinal study (517 participants), participants were surveyed prior to Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD), during HMD, and after HMD. The findings suggest that affective polarization declined during HMD. This effect was partially mediated by an increase in sadness. It is argued that one main function of memorial days is to harness the power of sadness to maintain cohesion and integrity among national groups.