bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum total testosterone is associated with phosphate and calcium excretion in response to oral phosphate loading in healthy middle‐aged males
Authors: Sharma Jaya K. , Turner Mandy E. , Paynter Amanda S. , Norman Patrick A. , White Christine A. , Ward Emilie C. , Adams Michael A. , Holden Rachel M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAndrogen receptors are expressed in the kidney and serum testosterone is negatively associated with serum phosphate in males, suggesting a role of testosterone in renal phosphate handling. In this cross‐sectional study, we examined the association of serum total and free testosterone with acute phosphate and calcium excretion in males in response to an oral phosphate challenge. Thirty‐five healthy adult males with normal baseline testosterone levels consumed a 500 mg phosphorus drink and the urinary excretion of minerals, as well as levels of relevant circulating parameters, were assessed at baseline and hourly for 4 h. Serum total testosterone was positively associated with overall phosphate excretion (r = 0.35, p = 0.04) and calcium excretion (r = 0.44, p = 0.00) in response to the challenge. Serum free testosterone was positively associated with post‐challenge calcium excretion (r = 0.34, p = 0.048), but significance was not reached for phosphate excretion (r = 0.31, p = 0.07). Serum total and free testosterone were not associated with parathyroid hormone, fibroblast growth factor‐23, or vitamin D—key factors implicated in phosphate and calcium regulation. Overall, higher serum total testosterone levels in healthy middle‐aged males are associated with a greater capacity to acutely excrete phosphate and calcium after a single oral phosphate challenge, suggesting potential ramifications of testosterone deficiency related to mineral homeostasis.
The missing link: The significance of institutional interdependencies and dynamics of action for transnational labour regulation in multinational companies
Authors: Haipeter Thomas , Rosenbohm Sophie , Üyük Christine 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn recent decades, both academic research and industrial relations practice have been increasingly concerned with whether, and to what extent, transnational forms of labour regulation might constitute a countervailing power to globally operating companies. And although numerous studies have analysed the various instruments and institutions of transnational labour regulation – such as Global Framework Agreements, trade union networks and European or World Works Councils – as yet there has been little in the way of exploration of their dynamics or interconnections. Against this backdrop and based on a comparison of three case studies of multinational companies, we focus on what we consider to be the ‘missing link’ between the dynamics of social action and the interdependencies of institutions in order to explain how transnational institution building can contribute to the development of transnational labour regulation. Specifically, we investigate how different pathways to transnational labour regulation have been the outcomes of actions taken by actors in a multinational corporation and how, in turn, these developments shaped the dynamics of subsequent action. The study underlines that those pathways can only be properly understood when seen in terms of social actors, their power resources and their willingness and capacities to deploy them.
Multi‐source detrital contributions in the Po alluvial basin (northern Italy) since the Middle Pleistocene. Insights into sediment accumulation in intermediate sinks
Authors: Demurtas Luca , Fontana Daniela , Lugli Stefano , Bruno Luigi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntegrated stratigraphic‐compositional studies on alluvial successions provide a valuable tool to investigate the provenance of detritus in multi‐source systems. The Po Plain is an intermediate sink of the Po‐Adriatic source‐to‐sink system, fed by rivers draining two orogens. The Alps are characterized by extensive outcrops of plutonic‐metamorphic and ultramafic rocks to the north‐west and of Mesozoic carbonates to the east (Southern Alps). The Northern Apennines, to the south, are dominated by sedimentary successions. The Po River flows from the Western Alps to the Adriatic Sea, interacting with a dense network of transverse tributaries that drain the two orogens. Stratigraphic, sedimentological and compositional analyses of two 101 and 77.5 m‐long cores, recovered from the Central Po Plain, reveal the stacking of three petrofacies, which reflects distinct provenance and configurations of the fluvial network. A South‐Alpine sedimentary input between MIS 12 and MIS 10 is testified by petrofacies 1, characterized by carbonate‐ and volcanic‐rich detritus from rocks exposed in the Southern Alps. A northward shift of the Po River of more than 30 km is marked by a quartz‐feldspar and metamorphic‐rich detritus (petrofacies 2), similar to modern Po River sands. This dramatic reorganization of the fluvial network likely occurred around MIS 9–MIS 8 and is possibly structurally controlled. A further northward shift of the Po River and the onset of Apennine sedimentation in the Late Holocene is revealed by petrofacies 3, rich in sedimentary lithics from the Apennine successions. The results of this study document how compositional analysis, if framed in a robust stratigraphic picture, may provide clues on the evolution of multi‐source alluvial systems.
Evaluation of quality of life in children with precocious puberty
Authors: Yılmazer İlkay N. , Abseyi Sema Nilay , Şenyazar Gizem , Berberoğlu Merih , Şıklar Zeynep , Aycan Zehra 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the quality of life of patients with central precocious puberty (CPP) who required treatment and premature thelarche (PT) followed up without treatment and to compare the groups with and without treatment among themselves and with healthy children.Design, Patients and MeasurementThis study is designed as a case–control study. A total of 193 children including 59 children with CPP, 53 children with PT, 81 healthy children and their parents were included in the study. A questionnaire was applied to evaluate the sociodemographic characteristics that would affect the quality of life. The ‘Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)’ was used to assess the quality of life.ResultsThe PedsQL total scale score was 78.10 ± 17.13, 79.35 ± 11.54 and 79.52 ± 14.65, the psychosocial health summary score was 78.86 ± 16.83, 79.40 ± 12.54 and 79.94 ± 14.94 and physical health summary score was 75.81 ± 20.69, 79.41 ± 15.04 and 78.25 ± 17.52 in CPP, PT and control groups, respectively; however, there was no statistical difference (p > .05). In the scale administered to the parents, scores were similar in the three groups. No difference was found between CPP, PT and control groups in terms of sociodemographic data in the study (p > .05).ConclusionUnlike previous studies, in this study the effects of sociodemographic characteristics and whether treatment was initiated or not on quality of life were investigated. Although the scale scores of the CPP group were lower than the PT and control group, there was no statistically significant difference, indicating that quality of life was not negatively affected in the CPP group receiving treatment.
Efficacy of prophylactic clip closure in reducing the risk of delayed bleeding after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients on anticoagulant therapy: Multicenter prospective study
Authors: Ogiyama Hideharu , Kato Minoru , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Kanesaka Takashi , Yamada Takuya , Yamamoto Masashi , Komori Masato , Nagaike Koji , Nakahara Masanori , Tsutsui Shusaku , Tsujii Yoshiki , Saita Ryotaro , Iijima Hideki , Hayashi Yoshito , Takehara Tetsuo 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesThe high rate of delayed bleeding after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy remains a problem. Whether prophylactic clip closure reduces the rate of delayed bleeding in these patients is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic clip closure in patients receiving anticoagulants.MethodsThis multicenter prospective interventional trial was conducted at nine referral centers in Japan. Patients regularly taking anticoagulants, including warfarin potassium or direct oral anticoagulants, and undergoing ESD for colorectal neoplasms were enrolled. The discontinuation of anticoagulants was minimized according to recent guidelines. After the ESD, post‐ESD ulcers were prophylactically closed using endoclips. The primary end‐point was the incidence of delayed bleeding. The sample size was 45 lesions, and prophylactic clip closure was considered effective when the upper limit of the 90% confidence interval (CI) for delayed bleeding did not exceed 20%.ResultsForty‐five lesions were used, and three were excluded. Complete closure was achieved in 41/42 lesions (97.6%). The overall delayed bleeding rate was low, at 4.9% (2/41; 90% [CI] 0.8–14.5), which was significantly lower than that at the prespecified threshold of 20% (P = 0.007). The median closure procedure time was 17 min, and the median number of clips was nine. No massive delayed bleeding requiring transfusion, interventional radiology, or surgery was observed, and no thromboembolic events were observed.ConclusionProphylactic clip closure may reduce the risk of delayed bleeding following colorectal ESD in patients receiving anticoagulants.Trial registrationUMIN Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000036734).
The Italian version of the 16‐item Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ‐16) and its psychometric features in help‐seeking ultra‐high‐risk subjects and in the general population
Authors: Parabiaghi Alberto , Rossi Alessandro Alberto , Castelnovo Anna , del Fabro Lorenzo , Mannarini Stefania , Percudani Mauro Emilio ,   for the CCM2013 Project team (corporate authorship)
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing attention to the early stages of psychosis and the identification of symptomatic prodromal states have led to the development of a growing number of screening tools. The 16‐item version of the Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ‐16) is a worldwide used self‐administered tool for this purpose. However, to date, fundamental psychometric properties of PQ‐16 were not thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to examine the structural validity, measurement invariance, reliability and other psychometrical properties of the Italian version of the PQ‐16 (iPQ‐16) in help‐seeking individuals and in the general population.MethodsThe iPQ‐16 was administered to 449 young outpatients attending six community mental health services and to 318 control participants enrolled in educational environment. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs), measurement invariance (MI) between the help‐seeking group and the general population sample, convergent validity, test–retest reliability, internal consistency, and prevalence analyses were performed. Lastly, the validity of the adopted PQ‐16 cut‐offs through Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves plotted against CAARMS diagnoses was also tested.ResultsCFAs confirmed the single‐factor structure for the iPQ‐16 and scalar MI was reached. The iPQ‐16 showed high internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent validity, and acceptable diagnostic accuracy. ROC analysis suggested a score of ≥4 as best cut‐off.ConclusionsThe iPQ‐16 represents a valid and reliable questionnaire for the assessment of high mental risk in both Italian outpatients and general student population. It has good psychometric properties and is easy to implement as UHR screening for clinical as well as research purposes.
Rituximab treatment in pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis
Authors: Breu Markus , Sandesjö Fredrik , Milos Ruxandra‐Iulia , Svoboda Jan , Salzer Jonatan , Schneider Lisa , Reichelt Julian Benedikt , Bertolini Annikki , Blaschek Astrid , Fink Katharina , Höftberger Romana , Lycke Jan , Rostásy Kevin , Seidl Rainer , Siegert Sandy , Wickström Ronny , Kornek Barbara 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeRituximab (RTX) is frequently used off‐label in multiple sclerosis. However, studies on the risk–benefit profile of RTX in pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis are scarce.MethodsIn this multicenter retrospective cohort study, patients with pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis from Sweden, Austria and Germany, who received RTX treatment were identified by chart review. Annualized relapse rates, Expanded Disability Status Scale scores and magnetic resonance imaging parameters (new T2 lesions and contrast‐enhancing lesions) were assessed before and during RTX treatment. The proportion of patients who remained free from clinical and disease activity (NEDA‐3) during RTX treatment was calculated. Side effects such as infusion‐related reactions, infections and laboratory abnormalities were assessed.ResultsSixty‐one patients received RTX during a median (interquartile range) follow‐up period of 20.9 (35.6) months. The annualized relapse rate decreased from 0.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38–0.92) to 0.03 (95% CI 0.02–0.14). The annual rate of new T2 lesions decreased from 1.25 (95% CI 0.70–2.48) to 0.08 (95% CI 0.03–0.25) and annual rates of new contrast‐enhancing lesions decreased from 0.86 (95% CI 0.30–3.96) to 0. Overall, 70% of patients displayed no evidence of disease activity (NEDA‐3). Adverse events were observed in 67% of patients. Six patients discontinued treatment due to ongoing disease activity or adverse events.ConclusionOur study provides class IV evidence that RTX reduces clinical and radiological activity in pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis.
Assessment of diagnostic criteria for multifocal motor neuropathy in patients included in the Italian database
Authors: Doneddu Pietro Emiliano , Gentile Luca , Cocito Dario , Fazio Raffaella , Luigetti Marco , Briani Chiara , Filosto Massimiliano , Siciliano Gabriele , Benedetti Luana , Antonini Giovanni , Matà Sabrina , Marfia Girolama Alessandra , Inghilleri Maurizio , Manganelli Fiore , Cosentino Giuseppe , Brighina Filippo , Carpo Marinella , Carta Francesca , Mazzeo Anna , Peci Erdita , Strano Camilla , Romano Angela , Campagnolo Marta , Cotti‐Piccinelli Stefano , Viola Divina Valeria , Germano Francesco , Leonardi Luca , Sperti Martina , Mataluni Giorgia , Ceccanti Marco , Spina Emanuele , Vegezzi Elisa , Di Stefano Vincenzo , Nobile‐Orazio Eduardo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeThis study aimed to assess the diagnostic criteria, ancillary investigations and treatment response using real‐life data in multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) patients.MethodsClinical and laboratory data were collected from 110 patients enrolled in the Italian MMN database through a structured questionnaire. Twenty‐six patients were excluded due to the unavailability of nerve conduction studies or the presence of clinical signs and symptoms and electrodiagnostic abnormalities inconsistent with the MMN diagnosis. Analyses were conducted on 73 patients with a confirmed MMN diagnosis and 11 patients who did not meet the diagnostic criteria.ResultsThe European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society (EFNS/PNS) diagnostic criteria were variably applied. AUTHOR:When applying the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine criteria, an additional 17% of patients fulfilled the criteria for probable/definite diagnosis whilst a further 9.5% missed the diagnosis. In 17% of the patients only compound muscle action potential amplitude, but not area, was measured and subsequently recorded in the database by the treating physician. Additional investigations, including anti‐GM1 immunoglobulin M antibodies, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, nerve ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, supported the diagnosis in 46%–83% of the patients. Anti‐GM1 immunoglobulin M antibodies and nerve ultrasound demonstrated the highest sensitivity. Additional tests were frequently performed outside the EFNS/PNS guideline recommendations.ConclusionsThis study provides insights into the real‐world diagnostic and management strategies for MMN, highlighting the challenges in applying diagnostic criteria.
Investigating the impact of sample desiccation on Itrax XRF core scanner signal reproducibility
Authors: Hassan Naveed , Löwemark Ludvig , Liao Alice Chien‐Yi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSediment samples tend to dry out during storage and are, therefore, stored refrigerated at about 4°C after wrapping in plastic foil. During XRF core scanning however, the samples must be taken out of their cover, increasing the risk of drying and formation of desiccation cracks on the surface. Because scan times can often amount to several hours and at highest resolution may take over a day to complete, the core will progressively dry out during scanning. With this study we aim to increase our understanding of how this slow drying of the samples during scanning and storage influences the XRF signal because of changes in water content, sediment surface topography, and the development of small, but slowly expanding cracks in the sediment core. Results show that the desiccation of samples during scanning and storage influence the XRF measurements in several ways. Most importantly, slow desiccation of the cores results in both a general lowering of the sample surface, and a shortening of the core due to shrinkage. Larger distance between sediment surface and detector leads to increased noise levels and poor reproducibility for many elements, while the shrinking of cores may shift individual data points between runs, resulting in poor reproducibility and offsets between datasets obtained at different times. Moreover, the loss of light elements, such as hydrogen and oxygen, can influence the matrix effect, especially for organic‐rich sediment. Because the XRF signals of individual elements are affected to different degrees, these changes may induce artificial shifts and biases in many elemental ratios commonly used for paleoenvironmental reconstruction.
How are middle‐ and older‐age women employees perceived and treated at work? A review and analysis
Authors: Ryan Lucy , Gatrell Caroline 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBuilding on the rich array of literatures that explore women's ageing and employment, we conduct a comprehensive review of research on middle‐ and older‐age women and work (including menopause and post‐menopause). In reviewing these studies, we blend our interdisciplinary discussions across several domains. We reflect on the question: How are employed, middle‐ and older‐age women treated in organizations, and what are employers’ perceptions of these workers? Through our analysis, we identify and critique two predominant, conflicting yet inter‐related themes. These are, namely, notions of constraint (and women's supposed/perceived reduced competencies as they age) versus ideas of flexibility (foregrounding assumptions that employed women experience fewer limitations as they age). As a theoretical lens for theorizing the constraints theme, we draw upon the concept of abjection, highlighting how employer perceptions of women's health as supposedly diminishing can lead to discriminatory treatment at work. In analysing theoretical assumptions regarding apparently enhanced flexibility among middle‐ and older‐age women, we note how women's differing circumstances and requirements might go unrecognized. We argue the need to deepen theoretical understandings about ideas of flexibility during women's middle and older age. Reflecting on the limitations of both themes, we consider the implications for future research agendas.
Non‐Durable Solutions: The Harm of Permanently Temporary Refugee Habitation
Authors: Trautmann Micah 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTThe notion of ‘durability’ plays a central role in the discourse, policies, and practices surrounding forced displacement. Yet, for all the talk of ‘durable solutions’ to refugee situations, durability is in many ways the quality most conspicuously absent in refugees' everyday lives and living spaces. As the world has grown progressively more inured to the practice of using provisional spaces of transit as permanent sites of residence, displaced persons are increasingly finding themselves trapped in spaces marked by a kind of permanent temporariness. In this article, I sketch three different ways in which living for long periods of time in temporary spaces can harm inhabitants: first, I argue that non‐durability in the home can undermine cognitive function; second, that it can attenuate various forms of agency; and third, that it fails to furnish a ground on which refugees can build meaningful lives and futures for themselves. I conclude by arguing that the deprivation of durable living conditions is not only harmful, but wrongful.
The Utilitarian's Global Warming Problem (Why Utilitarians Should Be Social Identity Theorists)
Authors: Dieveney Patrick 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTGlobal warming presents challenges to utilitarianism. Its structural features seem to suggest that individuals have no moral obligations to take steps to reduce their carbon footprints. For those who find this to be an unacceptable result, Jamieson proposes an alternative. He argues that utilitarians should embrace a version of virtue ethics. They should embrace what he calls ‘green virtues’. In this article, I argue that Jamieson's proposal does not adequately address the ethical challenges that global warming poses for utilitarianism. I propose an alternative. Rather than aiming to inculcate green virtues, we should be aiming to inculcate a certain social identity: a green identity. Not only is this approach more in keeping with utilitarianism, but recent research in the social sciences also suggests that it is much more likely to result in an impactful reduction in global emissions.
Predicting the risk of pancreatic cancer in women with new‐onset diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ali Sitwat , Coory Michael , Donovan Peter , Na Renhua , Pandeya Nirmala , Pearson Sallie‐Anne , Spilsbury Katrina , Tuesley Karen , Jordan Susan J. , Neale Rachel E. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and AimPeople with new‐onset diabetes mellitus (diabetes) could be a possible target population for pancreatic cancer surveillance. However, distinguishing diabetes caused by pancreatic cancer from type 2 diabetes remains challenging. We aimed to develop and validate a model to predict pancreatic cancer among women with new‐onset diabetes.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study among Australian women newly diagnosed with diabetes, using first prescription of anti‐diabetic medications, sourced from administrative data, as a surrogate for the diagnosis of diabetes. The outcome was a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer within 3 years of diabetes diagnosis. We used prescription medications, severity of diabetes (i.e., change/addition of medication within 2 months after first medication), and age at diabetes diagnosis as potential predictors of pancreatic cancer.ResultsAmong 99 687 women aged ≥ 50 years with new‐onset diabetes, 602 (0.6%) were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer within 3 years. The area under the receiver operating curve for the risk prediction model was 0.73. Age and diabetes severity were the two most influential predictors followed by beta‐blockers, acid disorder drugs, and lipid‐modifying agents. Using a risk threshold of 50%, sensitivity and specificity were 69% and the positive predictive value (PPV) was 1.3%.ConclusionsOur model doubled the PPV of pancreatic cancer in women with new‐onset diabetes from 0.6% to 1.3%. Age and rapid progression of diabetes were important risk factors, and pancreatic cancer occurred more commonly in women without typical risk factors for type 2 diabetes. This model could prove valuable as an initial screening tool, especially as new biomarkers emerge.