bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, and ChAdOx1-S vaccines against severe covid-19 outcomes in a nationwide mass vaccination setting: cohort study
Authors: Bouillon Kim , Baricault Bérangère , Botton Jérémie , Jabagi Marie-Joëlle , Bertrand Marion , Semenzato Laura , Le Vu Stéphane , Drouin Jérôme , Dray-Spira Rosemary , Weill Alain , Zureik Mahmoud 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveTo estimate the effectiveness of the three covid-19 vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2), Moderna (mRNA-1273), and Oxford-AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1-S) in people after receiving two doses.DesignCohort study.SettingNationwide, population based data in France, from the French National Health Data System (Système National des Données de Santé), between 27 December 2020 and 30 April 2021.ParticipantsAdults aged ≥50 years receiving a first dose of BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, or ChAdOx1-S were randomly selected (1:1) and matched on the date of vaccination with one unvaccinated control. Individuals were matched on year of birth, sex, region of residence, and residence in a nursing home (for individuals aged ≥75 years). All individuals were followed up until 20 August 2021.Main outcome measuresPrimary outcome measure was vaccine effectiveness estimated at least 14 days after the second dose against covid-19 related hospital admission using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for baseline characteristics and comorbidities. Vaccine effectiveness against covid-19 related death in hospital was also investigated.Results11 256 832 vaccinated individuals were included in the study (63.6% (n=7 161 658) with the BNT162b2 vaccine, 7.6% (n=856 599) with the mRNA-1273 vaccine, and 28.8% (n=3 238 575) with the ChAdOx1-S vaccine), along with 11 256 832 matched unvaccinated controls. During follow-up (up to 20 August 2021), 43 158 covid-19 related hospital admissions and 7957 covid-19 related deaths in hospital were registered. Compared with unvaccinated controls, vaccine effectiveness of two doses against covid-19 related hospital admission was 91% (95% confidence interval 91% to 92%), 95% (93% to 96%), and 91% (89% to 94%) for the BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, and ChAdOx1-S vaccines, respectively. Similar results were observed for vaccine effectiveness of two doses against covid-19 related deaths in hospital (BNT162b2, 91% (90% to 93%); mRNA-1273, 96% (92% to 98%); and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, 88% (68% to 95%)). At 5-6 months after receiving the second dose of vaccine, effectiveness remained high at 94% (92% to 95%) for the BNT162b2 vaccine and 98% (93% to 100%) for the mRNA-1273 vaccine. Vaccine effectiveness of ChAdOx1-S estimated at 3-4 months was 90% (63% to 97%). All three vaccines remained effective at the time of circulation of the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 between 1 July and 20 August 2021 (effectiveness between 89% and 95%).ConclusionsThese findings provide evidence indicating that two doses of ChAdOx1-S is as effective as two doses of mRNA vaccines in France against the alpha and delta variants of SARS-CoV-2. The effectiveness of ChAdOx1-S should be further examined with a longer follow-up and in the light of the circulation of new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
Coexistent anti-GFAP and anti-MOG antibodies presenting with isolated meningitis and papillitis: more support for overlapping pathophysiology
Authors: Martin Andrew J , Strathdee James , Wolfe Nigel 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundAnti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-associated disorders are heterogeneous and associated predominantly with central nervous system demyelination. Anti-glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP) conditions are much rarer and involve meningoencephalomyelitis with papillitis in addition to characteristic imaging findings and are generally a severe condition. Multiple autoantibodies can exist in patients and may support overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms. The co-occurrence of MOG and GFAP antibodies, however, is rare, with only two cases previously reported.CaseA 53-year-old man presented with headache and fevers, with quick resolution, though with the later development of asymptomatic papillitis. He had a full recovery without the need for immunotherapy. He underwent extensive investigations and was found to have both anti-GFAP and anti-MOG antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid. Extensive other immunological and infectious investigations were negative. Imaging was largely unremarkable.ConclusionsThis is the third case of overlapping anti-GFAP and anti-MOG antibody-associated syndrome of self-limited lymphocytic meningitis, serving to expand the phenotype. Clinicians should consider testing for GFAP and MOG antibodies in otherwise unexplained meningitis, particularly with associated papillitis. This case may also help provide future insights into the pathophysiology of each condition.
Effect of living arrangements on cognitive function in Chinese elders: a longitudinal observational study
Authors: Lin Yanwei , Zhang Qi , Wang Tingxian , Zeng Zhirong 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveTo examine how living arrangement as a social contextual factor can affect Chinese elders’ cognitive function.Setting and participantsOur sample consists of 2486 Chinese elders from two waves (2014 and 2018) of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) that was administered in 22 of China’s 31 provinces using a multi-stage, disproportionate, purposive random sampling method. The CLHLS aims to better understand the determinants of healthy longevity in China and collects extensive data on a large population of fragile elders aged 80–112 in China.Outcome measuresCognitive function was measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Living arrangement was divided into living in an institution, living alone and living with household members. Generalised linear regressions were carried out to examine the associations between baseline characteristics and cognitive function, while controlling age, gender and residential area.ResultsA total of 2486 participants were included in the study at baseline in 2014. Of these, 1162 (46.7%) were men and 1324 (53.3%) were women. The mean age at baseline was 75.07 (±8.31) years. The mean years of schooling were 2.86 (±3.68). The number (proportion) of the three living arrangements (lived in institutions, lived alone and lived with household members) were 93 (3.8%), 463 (18.6%) and 1930 (77.6%), respectively. Among all participants, cognitive function declined over time. Those who lived alone presented with the highest MMSE scores at baseline and showed the lowest decline after 4 years. Living arrangements had significant effects on decreasing cognitive function.ConclusionChinese elders living in institutions were most vulnerable to cognitive decline. Living alone was not a risk condition in itself for the elderly in terms of cognitive decline. In addition, the benefits of living with household members to support cognitive function were not found in our study.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of Veress needle entry versus direct trocar entry in gynecologic surgery
Authors: Marchand Greg J , Masoud Ahmed , King Alexa , Brazil Giovanna , Ulibarri Hollie , Parise Julia , Arroyo Amanda , Coriell Catherine , Goetz Sydnee , Moir Carmen , Christensen Ashley , Alexander Tia , Govindan Malini 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveAlthough many studies have been performed, no consensus exists as to the ideal entry for laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. We sought out to compare the safety of direct trocar insertion with that of the Veress needle entry technique in gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.DesignSystematic review with meta-analysis.SettingWe searched Medline, ClinicalTrials.Gov, PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, SCOPUS, and Web of Science from their inception through 31 July 2021 for relevant studies. We included only controlled trials and ultimately seven trials were included in our meta-analysis.ParticipantsInclusion criteria included women undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery.InterventionThe intervention of direct trocar insertion technique compared with Veress needle entry technique.Main outcome measuresWe compared five different outcomes associated with the efficacy and complications of laparoscopic entry.ResultsThe pooled analysis showed that Veress needle entry was associated with a significant increase in the incidences of extraperitoneal insufflation (RR=0.177, 95% Cl (0.094 to 0.333), p<0.001), omental injury (RR=0.418, 95% Cl (0.195 to 0.896), p<0.001), failed entry (RR=0.173, 95% Cl (0.102 to 0.292), p<0.001), and trocar site infection (RR=0.404, 95% Cl (0.180 to 0.909), p<0.029). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the visceral injury (RR=0.562, 95% Cl (0.047 to 6.676), p<0.648).ConclusionsWhen excluding all data apart from gynecologic surgery, the Veress needle entry technique may have an increased incidence of some, but not all complications of laparoscopic entry. It may also have a higher incidence of failed entry compared with direct entry techniques. Care should be taken in extrapolating these general results to specific surgeon experience levels.Trial registration numberCRD42021273726
Unveiling confinement in pure gauge SU(3): flux tubes, fields, and magnetic currents
Authors: Baker M. , Chelnokov V. , Cosmai L. , Cuteri F. , Papa A. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractA characteristic signature of quark confinement is the concentration of the chromoelectric field between a static quark–antiquark pair in a flux tube. However, the structure of this flux tube, and hence of the confining force, has not been completely understood. Here we perform new lattice measurements of field distributions on smeared Monte Carlo ensembles in SU(3) gauge theory. On the basis of these simulations we demonstrate that the confining force can be understood using the analogy with the basic principles of electromagnetism as elucidated by Maxwell. We derive a chromomagnetic Lorentz force density coupling the chromoelectric field to chromomagnetic currents and integrate this force density over the flux tube interior to obtain a Maxwell-like force that squeezes the flux tube in the transverse direction. We show that the strength of this transverse confining force is equal to the value of the string tension calculated numerically from the chromoelectric field on the midplane between the quarks, verifying the consistency of these two complementary pictures of confinement.
Asymptotically flat vacuum solution for a rotating black hole in a modified gravity theory
Authors: Das Arghya Ranjan , Mukhopadhyay Banibrata 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe theory of f(R)-gravity is one of the theories of modified Einstein gravity. The vacuum solution, on the other hand, of the field equation is the solution for black hole geometry. We establish here an asymptotically flat rotating black hole solution in an f(R)-gravity. This essentially leads to the modified solution to the Kerr black hole. This solution exhibits the change in fundamental properties of the black hole and its geometry. It particularly shows that radii of marginally stable and bound orbits and black hole event horizon increase compared to those in Einstein gravity, depending on the modified gravity parameter. It further argues for faster spinning black holes with spin (Kerr) parameter greater than unity, without any naked singularity. This supports the weak cosmic censorship hypothesis.
HPLC Fingerprint Analysis of Rana chensinensis Eggs from Different Habitats and Their Antitussive Effect
Authors: Xu Yang , Xu Fangfei , Wang Yuejie , Wang Xu , Bao Huiwei 
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a novel fingerprint method was established for the quality control of Rana chensinensis eggs (RE) by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cluster analysis and principal component analysis were performed. Besides, the antitussive effect of RE was explored. The analysis was achieved on a Kromasil 100-5C18 (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm) column by gradient elution using methanol-0.1% phosphoric acid solution as the mobile phase. The influence of RE on cough latent periods and cough times of mice was investigated via an ammonia cough-inducing experiment. The validated HPLC method was precise, reproducible, and stable. The HPLC fingerprints of 10 batches of RE samples displayed 31 well-resolved common peaks in the chromatogram. Three of these peaks were identified and assigned to 1-methyl hydantoin, estradiol, and 4-cholestene-3-one. The similarities of 10 batches of samples were more than 0.95. RE from different origins could be classified into three groups via SPSS 23.0 software, suggesting RE samples from various provinces (Jilin, Liaoning, and Heilongjiang) can be well distinguished via the established method. High dose and middle dose of the RE group can significantly prolong the cough latent periods of mice (

P

< 0.05 or

P

< 0.01) and inhibit the cough times of mice (

P

< 0.01), indicating RE had a good antitussive effect. HPLC fingerprint combined with multicomponent determination can be an efficient and useful method for monitoring the quality of RE. This study also provided a more comprehensive strategy for the quality evaluation of RE.
A novel natural fiber from plane tree (Platanus orientalis L.) fruits to reinforce polypropylene composites
Authors: Atabek Savas Lemiye 
Published: October 2022

This study investigated the mechanical properties of polypropylene composites reinforced with short natural fibers obtained from plane tree ( Platanus orientalis L.) fruits. The fibers were harvested from the fruits that naturally fell from the tree in their standard length of about 6 mm. Composites were produced via melt blending using varied concentrations of the fibers (5–10–20–30 wt.%) and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) copolymer as the coupling agent. The mechanical properties of the composites were characterized by tensile test, flexural test, dynamic mechanic analysis and ball-on-disc sliding wear test. The findings revealed that the fibers had a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the polypropylene matrix and the properties were found to improve linearly with increasing fiber concentration. At a 30 wt.% fiber concentration, the tensile and flexural strengths increased about 28% and 36% compared to pure polypropylene, respectively. At this fiber concentration, the modulus doubled compared to the pristine polymer. This increase is higher than that reported for most other natural fibers. Good miscibility between fibers and matrix, enhanced thermal stability, and about 30% reduction in friction coefficients were found. As a result, PTFs have the potential to be used in industries such as automotive, construction and sports which require mechanical strength and low weight.
Explaining International Change: The Need for Greater Plurality in the Discipline of International Relations
Authors: Atlı Altay 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIn the third decade of the twenty-first century, the world is witnessing rapid changes in every field, and this refers not only to the accelerated pace of technological developments, social changes, economic booms and crashes, etc. but also to a major transformation in the international system from the post-1945 liberal international structure under the hegemonic stability provided by the United States to one that is marked with a larger number of major actors who do not necessarily subscribe to the tenets of free markets and electoral democracy. In this rapidly transforming world, efforts made by the scholarly inquiry of international relations fail to keep up with the speed of the empirical change. This paper asserts that the main reason of this shortcoming of the IR as a discipline is its lack of pluralism, meaning that mainstream IR theories continue to reflect Western viewpoints and interests while at the same time ignoring alternative, non-Western theories to large extent. This paper's argument is that such alternative IR theories and approaches have to emerge and reinforce the Western-centric mainstream so that the discipline can be in a better position to explain international change, as a multi-actor process cannot be adequately explained through the lens of one single actor. The potential offered by Chinese IR theory making is discussed within this context on the grounds that as China is one of the main proponents of change at the international level, Chinese perspectives produced through Chinese geocultural reference points are needed not to replace but to complement Western narratives in order to explain the change at the global level.
Nontype 1 Retinopathy of Prematurity: Disease Profile and Indications of Treatment
Authors: Phutela Parvi , Sethi Neha K. , Gupta Natharam , Kaur Gurmeet , Sethi Amanpreet , Prabha Archana 
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To study the features of “nontype 1” retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and indications of treatment. Design: Retrospective study. Methods: Medical records of inborn or outborn neonates screened for ROP from tertiary level special newborn care unit according to national screening guidelines were analyzed. Infants diagnosed with milder than type 1 ROP, not progressing to type 1 ROP, with complete medical records were included. Features, morphology, staging and indications of treatment were recorded. Preplus disease was studied as a risk factor for treatment. Results: 464 eyes (232 infants) were screened. Thirty eyes of 16 infants with non-type 1 ROP were included. Twelve out of 30 such eyes (40.0%) underwent treatment. Three had type 2 ROP, all of which were treated, 27 had mild type ROP, 9 of which were treated. So, out of 12 eyes, 3 (25.0%) were treated due to structural abnormalities (anteroposterior traction on retina, flat retinal fibrosis, vitreous hemorrhage) and 9 out of 12 eyes (75.0%) due to persistent ROP. Eyes with preplus disease were 2.33 times more likely to be treated; presence of preplus disease came out to be a significant risk factor for treatment. Conclusions: Persistent ROP with increasing weight and structural abnormalities were the major indication of treatment in milder than type 1 ROP. Presence of preplus disease was also an important risk factor for treatment.
Extent of smoking at a Danish hospital with a smoke-free policy
Authors: Mortensen Anne-Sofie M. , Kolstad Henrik A. , Hansen Karoline K. 
Published: October 2022

Aim: One-fifth of the Danish population smoke and exposure to second-hand smoke has well-documented adverse health effects. The smoking policy at hospital level prohibits hospital staff from smoking on the hospital grounds while patients and visitors may smoke in outdoor smoking cabins. This study aimed to quantify smoking at a Danish hospital and document any policy breaches. Methods: In April 2020, we collected cigarette butts and observed smokers at the outdoor grounds to document smoking behaviour. Results: In total, 7152 cigarette butts were collected during one week and 368 people were observed smoking at the outdoor grounds during four observation days. Of all collected cigarette butts, 55% were collected outside the smoking cabins and 62% of all smokers were observed smoking outside the smoking cabins. In addition, 31 staff were observed smoking. Conclusions: This study documents that smoking is prevalent at a smoke-free hospital and that the smoking policy is frequently violated. The frequency of smoking outside the cabins may at least partly be influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Smoking at a hospital can expose patients, visitors and staff to second-hand smoke with subsequent adverse health effects. Hospitals could play an exemplary role towards a smoke-free society (and not the exception), but the opportunity is not always seized.
Triglyceride glucose index is independently associated with aortic intima-media thickness in patients without known atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or diabetes
Authors: ÖZBİÇER Süleyman , YÜKSEL Gülhan , Deniz URGUN Örsan 
Published: October 2022

Background: The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a reliable marker of insulin resistance. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the TyG index and aortic intima-media thickness (IMT) in individuals without diabetes mellitus and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease undergoing transoesophageal echocardiography due to suspected structural heart disease. Methods: One hundred twenty-two patients enrolled in the study between January 2021 and June 2021. Patients were divided into two groups according to their median IMT; patients with an IMT equal to or less than 1.42 mm were low IMT group, and higher than 1.42 mm were high IMT group. Triglyceride-glucose index were higher in the high IMT group (8.69 ± 0.59 vs. 8.37 ± 0.53, p = .003). Results: Triglyceride-glucose index was correlated with IMT ( r = 0.259, p = .005) and in binary logistic regression analysis age and TyG was independently associated with having high IMT ( β = 0.076, exp(B)=1.079 95%CI = 1.041–1.118, p < .001 and β = 0.847, exp( B)= 2.334 95%CI= 1.048–5.199, p = .038, respectively). Conclusion: We found an independent relationship between TyG and IMT of the thoracic aorta, an early marker of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients without known atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Therefore, the TyG index can identify high-risk subjects in the general population.
Antihypertensive Potential of Tartaric Acid and Exploration of Underlying Mechanistic Pathways
Authors: Kousar Mubeen , Salma Umme , Khan Taous , Shah Abdul Jabbar 
Published: October 2022

Tartaric acid is capable of balancing blood pressure. It is the main constituent of antihypertensive agents (grapes and wine) and has not been scientifically explored as an antihypertensive remedy. This study aimed to investigate the antihypertensive effect of a low-dose tartaric acid in vivo and explore underlying mechanisms in vitro. Intravenous administration of tartaric acid at the dose of 50 µg/kg caused a % fall in mean arterial pressure (MAP) in normotensive and hypertensive rats [51.5 ± 1.7 and 63.5 ± 2.9% mmHg]. This hypotensive effect was partially inhibited by atropine (1 mg/kg) and L-NAME (100 µg/kg) pretreatment. In hypertensive rats, oral administration of tartaric acid (.1, .5, 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg) for 2 weeks resulted in 65 ± 7.3 mmHg MAP at 10 mg/kg. This antihypertensive effect was comparable to the orally administered verapamil (10 mg/kg) for 2 weeks which caused a decrease in MAP 60.4 ± 3.8 mmHg. Tartaric acid relaxed phenylephrine (PE) and High K+-induced contractions with EC50 values of .157 (.043-.2) and 1.93 (.07-2) µg/mL in vitro. This endothelium-dependent relaxation was inhibited with atropine (1 µM) and L-NAME (10 µM) pretreatment. Tartaric acid also suppressed phenylephrine contractions in Ca+2 free/EGTA medium and on voltage-dependent calcium channels, causing the concentration–response curves toward right. Tartaric acid induced negative inotropic and chronotropic effects with EC50 values of .26 (.14-.4) and .60 (.2-.8) in rat atria. It showed its effect by complete blockade against atropine and partially in propranolol pretreatment. These findings provide scientific basis to low-dose tartaric acid as an antihypertensive and vasodilatory remedy through muscarinic receptor-linked nitric oxide (NO) pathway and Ca+2 channel antagonist.