bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kynurenine and Anthranilic Acid in the Peritoneum Correlate With the Stage of Gastric Cancer Disease
Authors: Gęca Katarzyna , Rawicz-Pruszyński Karol , Mlak Radosław , Sadok Ilona , Polkowski Wojciech P , Staniszewska Magdalena 
Published: February 2022

Background: This study aimed to assess the importance of selected kynurenines measured in peritoneal fluid, lavage washings, and blood serum in patients with advanced gastric cancer (GC) based on the clinical and pathological staging of TNM for a more precise evaluation of the stage of the disease. Methods: Data were collected from a prospectively maintained database of all patients operated on advanced GC between July 2018 and August 2020. In total, 98 patients were eligible for the analysis according to the REMARK guidelines. Results: Among the various kynurenines analyzed in this study, we found that the median concentration of anthranilic acid (AA) in the peritoneal lavage washings was significantly higher in patients with positive nodes (pN1-3) compared to those with negative nodes (pN0) ( P = 0.0100). Based on the ROC analysis, AA showed diagnostic utility in the differentiation of the pN staging ( P = 0.0047). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between AA in peritoneal fluid with stage pN ( P = 0.0116) and a positive correlation between AA in peritoneal lavage washings with stage cT ( P = 0.0101). We found that the median concentration of kynurenine (Kyn) in peritoneal lavage washings was significantly higher in patients with cM1 compared to cM0 patients ( P = 0.0047). Based on the ROC analysis, Kyn showed diagnostic utility in cM staging differentiation ( P < 0.0001). There was a positive correlation between peritoneal Kyn and stage of cM ( P = 0.0079). Conclusions: AA and Kyn measured in peritoneal lavage indicate advanced GC and may be considered in the future as valuable adjunct tools in TNM staging of advanced GC.
Peripheral helper T cells in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Holm Hansen Rikke , Højsgaard Chow Helene , Talbot Jacob , Buhelt Sophie , Nickelsen Hellem Marie Nathalie , Nielsen Jørgen Erik , Sellebjerg Finn Thorup , von Essen Marina Rode 
Published: February 2022

Background: Peripheral helper T cells (Tph) are likely implicated in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. Tph cells share functions with follicular helper T cells, including plasma cell differentiation and antibody production. Objective and methods: To investigate a possible role of Tph cells in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), we used flow cytometry to analyze the function, phenotype, and central nervous system (CNS)-recruitment of Tph cells in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from controls and patients with relapsing–remitting (RR) and primary progressive (PP) MS. Result: This study identified two functionally distinct Tph cell populations and a regulatory counterpart, Tpr cells. No differences in blood frequencies, cytokine production, or potential to interact with B cells were found between controls and patients with MS. Along with an equal CNS-migration potential, we found both Tph cell populations enriched in the CSF; and surprisingly, an increased frequency of intrathecal Tph cells in the control group compared to patients with MS. Conclusion: Altogether, we did not find an increased frequency of CSF Tph cells in patients with RRMS or PPMS. Our findings indicate that rather than being involved in MS pathogenesis, Tph cells may be implicated in normal CNS immunosurveillance.
Utility of frailty as a predictor of acute kidney injury in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Ng Christina , Dominguez Jose F , Hosein-Woodley Rasheed , Feldstein Eric , Naftchi Alexandria , Lui Aiden , Dicpinigaitis Alis J , McIntyre Matthew K , Kaur Gurmeen , Santarelli Justin , Bauerschmidt Andrew , Mayer Stephan A , Bowers Christian A , Gandhi Chirag D , Al-Mufti Fawaz 
Published: February 2022

Introduction Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with poor outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients (aSAH). Frailty has recently been demonstrated to correlate with elevated mortality and morbidity; its impact on predicting AKI and mortality in aSAH patients has not been investigated. Objective Evaluating risk factors and predictors for AKI in aSAH patients. Methods aSAH patients from a single-center's prospectively maintained database were retrospectively evaluated for development of AKI within 14 days of admission. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. The effect of frailty and other risk factors were evaluated. Results Of 213 aSAH patients, 53 (33.1%) were frail and 12 (5.6%) developed AKI. Admission serum creatinine (sCr) and peak sCr within 48 h were higher in frail patients. AKI patients showed a trend towards higher frailty. Mortality was significantly higher in AKI than non-AKI aSAH patients. Frailty was a poor predictor of AKI when controlling for Hunt and Hess (HH) grade or age. HH grade ≥ 4 strongly predicted AKI when controlling for frailty. Conclusion AKI in aSAH patients carries a poor prognosis. The HH grade appears to have superior utility as a predictor of AKI in aSAH patients than mFI.
Safety Nets Work Both Ways: The Influence of Available Paid Leave on Employee Risk Taking During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Galdeen Teegan R. , Humphrey Rebecca P. 
Published: February 2022

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, use of symptom-screening tools to limit attendance of infected workers has been widespread. However, it remains unknown how the reliability of responses to these tools may be compromised by individual and social factors. We aimed to determine whether personal concern over lost wages impacts responses to COVID-19 symptom-screening questionnaires making them less useful in limiting person-to-person transmission. Methods: We utilized an anonymous online questionnaire, administered through personal social media networks and those of two U.S. private colleges between September 16, 2020 and November 2, 2020 and distributed to currently or recently employed individuals 18 years of age or older. Participants considered ambiguous hypothetical scenarios involving possible COVID-19 symptoms or exposure and responded to a COVID-19 symptom screen ( N = 219). Findings: In response to symptom-related scenarios (i.e., elevated temperature or slight cough), respondents lacking access to paid sick leave were 2.2 to 2.7 times more likely to attend work than those with access to paid leave ( p < .05). This was not true for contact-related scenarios. Pay type and income level also significantly influenced screening responses. Conclusion/Application to practice: Risk of acute wage loss and overall financial stability appear to influence work-attendance decisions with regard to COVID-19 symptom screens. Broadened availability of paid leave and additional specificity within screening questionnaires would likely improve symptom-screen reliability.
The impact of home and host country institutional development on multinationals’ R&D intensity
Authors: Ellimäki Pia , Hurtado-Torres Nuria Esther , Cordón-Pozo Eulogio 
Published: February 2022

This empirical article examines how the institutional development of the home country and host countries in which multinational enterprises (MNEs) are embedded can drive MNEs’ research and development (R&D) intensity. In doing so, this study analyzes 967 firm-year observations of 234 pharmaceutical firms from 30 developed and less developed countries in the period from 2010 to 2017. We find empirical support for internationalization toward developed countries as a driver of R&D intensity at the firm level. Furthermore, we find that this positive effect is stronger for MNEs from less institutionally developed home countries. The results can help managers, researchers, and policymakers to better understand the innovation process in R&D-intensive industries. JEL CLASSIFICATION: M16, O32
Red Cell Distribution Width as a Predictor of Mortality in Patients With Clinical Sepsis: Experience From a Single Rural Center in Central India
Authors: Jain Kavita , Sharma Darshita , Patidar Mala , Nandedkar Shirish , Pathak Ashish , Purohit Manju 
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Early diagnosis of sepsis and its severity is essential for appropriate treatment to improve patient survival, especially in resource-limited settings. The aim of the present study was to study the role of red blood cell distribution (RDW) as a biomarker for the early detection of severe sepsis defined clinically and also in the prediction of mortality from sepsis. Methods: The cross-sectional study included a total of 175 subjects who met the inclusion criteria for the diagnosis of severe sepsis. After a thorough clinical examination, blood samples were taken from all patients within 3 hours of presenting the disease. The RDW values and other investigations were studied on the day of admission compared to other severity markers with the mortality index of 30 days. Result: The RDW value was significantly higher in patients with severe sepsis and in non-survivor patients than in survivors ( P < .0001). There was a strong correlation between the SOFA score and RDW in predicting the disease outcome with the Pearson correlation coefficient of r = .46. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was found to be 0.852 at a CI of 95% (0.796-0.909) with RDW 17.15, sensitivity was 88.6% and specificity was 63.5%. There was a positive correlation with Pearson’s correlation coefficient of r = .46 between RDW and the SOFA score. Conclusions: RDW can be used as a potential marker for the early detection of severe sepsis and in the prediction of the outcome. Large multicenter prospective studies can confirm the utility of this routinely available marker for patients with sepsis.
“You can do it yourself and you can do it at your convenience”: internet accessibility and willingness of people with chronic breathlessness to use an internet-based breathlessness self-management intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Reilly Charles C. , Bristowe Katherine , Roach Anna , Maddocks Matthew , Higginson Irene J. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe burden of chronic breathlessness on individuals, family, society and health systems is significant, and set to increase exponentially with population ageing, complex multimorbidity and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related disability. Breathlessness support services are effective; however, reach and access are limited. Delivering online breathlessness interventions may build capacity and resilience within health systems to tackle chronic breathlessness through supported self-management. The aim of this study was to explore accessibility and willingness of patients with chronic breathlessness to use an internet-based breathlessness self-management intervention (SELF-BREATHE).MethodsSemi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with adults living with advanced malignant and non-malignant disease and chronic breathlessness (July to November 2020). Interviews were analysed using conventional and summative content analysis.Results25 patients (COPD: n=13; lung cancer: n=8; interstitial lung disease (ILD): n=3; bronchiectasis: n=1) were interviewed: 17 male, median (range) age 70 (47–86) years and Medical Research Council dyspnoea score 3 (2–5). 21 patients had internet access. Participants described greater use, acceptance and normalisation of the internet since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. They described multifaceted internet use: functional, self-investment (improving health and wellbeing) and social. The concept of SELF-BREATHE was highly valued, and most participants with internet access were willing to use it. In addition to technical limitations, personal choice and perceived value of the internet were important factors that underpinned readiness to use online resources.ConclusionThese findings suggest that patients living with chronic breathlessness that have access to the internet would have the potential to benefit from the online SELF-BREATHE intervention, if given the opportunity.
Grazing exclusion had greater effects than nitrogen addition on soil and plant community in a desert steppe, Northwest of China
Authors: Li Mengru , Wang Lilong , Li Junjun , Peng Zhenling , Wang Liang , Zhang Xinfang , Xu Shijian 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
The impacts of increasing nitrogen (N) deposition and overgrazing on terrestrial ecosystems have been continuously hot issues. Grazing exclusion, aimed at restoration of grassland ecosystem function and service, has been extensively applied, and considered a rapid and effective vegetation restoration method. However, the synthetic effects of exclosure and N deposition on plant and community characteristics have rarely been studied. Here, a 4-year field experiment of N addition and exclusion treatment had been conducted in the desert steppe dominated by Alhagi sparsifolia and Lycium ruthenicum in northwest of China, and the responses of soil characteristics, plant nutrition and plant community to the treatments had been analyzed.

Results
The grazing exclusion significantly increased total N concentration in the surface soil (0-20 cm), and increased plant height, coverage (P < 0.05) and aboveground biomass. Specifically, A. sparsifolia recovered faster both in individual and community levels than L. ruthenicum did after exclusion. There was no difference in response to N addition gradients between the two plants.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that it is exclusion rather than N addition that has greater impacts on soil properties and plant community in desert steppe. Present N deposition level has no effect on plant community of desert steppe based on short-term experimental treatments.
General practitioners treating their own family members: a cross-sectional survey in Germany
Authors: Mücke Natalie Alida , Schmidt Alexandra , Kersting Christine , Kalitzkus Vera , Pentzek Michael , Wilm Stefan , Mortsiefer Achim 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn Germany, there are neither guidelines provided by the medical associations nor a public discussion about general practitioners (GPs) treating their family members. Only few studies on this topic from the primary care setting exist. The aim of this study is to describe GPs’ treatment of family members and to generate empirical data on the most common reasons for this.MethodsIn June 2018 we conducted a postal survey among GPs in the North Rhine region of Germany. The questionnaire was developed in a stepwise process including initial expert panels, interviews with GPs, item construction workshops, cognitive pre-tests and pilot testing with 40 questionnaires. The final questionnaire addressed: type and frequency of treatment, documentation and place of treatment, engagement as the official GP as well as reasons for and against the treatment. For data evaluation, descriptive and explorative statistical analyses were conducted.ResultsOverall, 393 questionnaires were returned (response rate 39.8%). 96.7% of the GPs had treated at least one family member during the last 12 months. Services that were provided frequently (more than three times in the last 12 months) included the prescription or dispensing of medication (partner 45%, children 37%, parents 43%, partner’s parents 26%), physical examinations (partner 18%, children 24%, parents 25%, partner’s parents 15%), and the arrangement or provision of laboratory tests (partner 14%, children 7%, parents 16%, partner’s parents 9%). Less than one third of the study participants always treated their relatives in their office. Male GPs more often provided care to family members (except children) registered in their practice. Senior male GPs treated their relatives more often than junior female GPs. Family members were most commonly treated for practical reasons.ConclusionThe subject of GPs treating their relatives is of high everyday relevance, since nearly all GPs are involved in the treatment of their family members. Frequent at-home treatments and low documentation rates may indicate risks due to deviating from the professional routine.
Initiating second-line antidiabetic medication among older adults with type 2 diabetes on Metformin
Authors: DeCarlo Kristen , Wallia Amisha , Kang Raymond H. , Cooper Andrew , Cherupally Manisha , Harris Sterling A. , Aikman Cassandra , Liss David T. , Ackermann Ronald T. , O’Brien Matthew J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundAntidiabetic medications (ADM), especially sulfonylureas (SFU) and basal insulin (BI), are associated with increased risk of hypoglycemia, which is especially concerning among older adults in poor health. The objective of this study was to investigate prescribing patterns of ADM in older adults according to their health status.MethodsThis case control study analyzed administrative claims between 2013 and 2017 from a large national payer. The study population was derived from a nationwide database of 84,720 U.S. adults aged ≥65, who were enrolled in Medicare Advantage health insurance plans. Participants had type 2 diabetes on metformin monotherapy, and started a second-line ADM during the study period. The exposure was a binary variable for health status, with poor health defined by end-stage medical conditions, dementia, or residence in a long-term nursing facility. The outcome was a variable identifying which second-line ADM class was started, categorized as SFU, BI, or other (i.e. all other ADM classes combined).ResultsOver half of participants (54%) received SFU as initial second-line ADM, 14% received BI, and 32% received another ADM. In multivariable models, the odds of filling SFU or BI was higher for participants in poor health than those in good or intermediate health [OR 1.13 (95% CI 1.05-1.21) and OR 2.34 (95% CI 2.14-2.55), respectively]. SFU and BI were also more commonly filled by older adults with poor glycemic control.ConclusionsDespite clinical consensus to use caution prescribing SFU and BI among older adults in poor health, these medications remain frequently used in this particularly vulnerable population.
Psychometric properties of the Persian version of short-form five factor borderline inventory (FFBI-SF)
Authors: Athar Mojtaba Elhami , Karimi Sirvan , DeShong Hilary L. , Lashgari Zahra , Azizi Morteza , Jazi Elham Azamian , Shamabadi Reza 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
The Five-Factor Borderline Inventory-Short Form (FFBI-SF) is a self-report measure developed to assess traits of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) from the perspective of the Five-Factor Model of general personality. This study was designed to examine the factor structure, internal consistency, and convergent/discriminant validity of the Persian FFBI-SF in a sample of Iranian university students.

Methods
A total of 641 university students (M-age = 28.04, SD = 8.21, 66.7% women) completed the online forms of the FFBI-SF, PID-5-BF, and Mini IPIP.

Results
Confirmatory factor analysis supported the original and modified (without item 47) twelve-factor models. Also, Cronbach’s alpha (α) for the FFBI-SF scores ranged from unacceptable to excellent ranges. However, when relying on MIC values to measure internal consistency, the FFBI-SF Total and subscale scores demonstrated adequate internal consistency. Finally, the FFBI Total and subscale scores showed the expected relations with other personality measures scores (e.g., Neuroticism, Antagonism, and Conscientiousness), which supports the validity of the interpretation of the FFBI-SF scores.

Conclusions
The findings indicated that FFBI-SF is a useful tool with sound psychometric properties for assessing BPD traits in Iranian students and may spark research in other Iranian settings (e.g., community and clinical samples).
Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of meeting the Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines among latin american adults: a multi-national cross-sectional study
Authors: Ferrari Gerson , Alberico Claudia , Drenowatz Clemens , Kovalskys Irina , Gómez Georgina , Rigotti Attilio , Cortés Lilia Yadira , García Martha Yépez , Liria-Domínguez Maria Reyna , Herrera-Cuenca Marianella , Peralta Miguel , Marques Adilson , Marconcin Priscila , Cristi-Montero Carlos , Leme Ana Carolina B. , Zimberg Ioná Zalcman , Farías-Valenzuela Claudio , Fisberg Mauro , Rollo Scott 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
24-hour movement behaviors, including moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary time (ST), and sleep duration, have important implications for health across the lifespan. However, no studies exist that have examined the integration of these 24-hour movement behaviors in Latin America. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of meeting the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guideline recommendations and sociodemographic correlates of meeting the guidelines in adults from eight Latin American countries.

Methods
This was a multi-national cross-sectional study of 2338 adults aged 18 to 64 years from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health. MVPA and ST data were collected using accelerometers. Sleep duration was self-reported using a daily log. Socio-demographic correlates included sex, age, education level, and marital status. Meeting the 24-hour movement guidelines was defined as: ≥150 min/week of MVPA; ≤8 h/day of ST; and between 7 and 9 h/day of sleep. Logistic regression models were estimated on pooled data.

Results
The prevalence of adults who met the MVPA, ST, sleep duration, and integrated recommendations was 48.3, 22.0, 19.4, and 1.6%, respectively. Overall, being a woman (OR: 0.72; 95%CI: 0.55,0.93) and having a middle (0.63; 0.47,0.85) or high education level (0.31; 0.17,0.56) was associated with lower odds of meeting all three of the 24-hour movement guideline recommendations. Being married (1.70; 1.25,2.29) was associated with greater odds of meeting all three recommendations. Being a woman (0.46; 0.39,0.55), aged 50-64 years (0.77; 0.60,0.97), and married (0.79; 0.65,0.96) were associated with lower odds of meeting the MVPA recommendation. Having a middle (0.64; 0.50,0.80) or high (0.36; 0.23,0.55) education level was associated with lower odds and being married (1.86; 1.46,2.36) was associated with greater odds of meeting the ST recommendation. Being a woman (0.63; 0.51,0.78) was associated with lower odds; whereas being aged 50-64 years (1.40; 1.04,1.88) and having a middle education level (1.37; 1.09,1.73) were associated with greater odds of meeting the sleep duration recommendation.

Conclusions
Overall, the proportion of Latin American adults achieving healthy levels of 24-hour movement behaviors was low. Further efforts are needed to promote more MVPA, less ST, and sufficient sleep in Latin American adults.

Trial registration
Clinical Trials NCT02226627. Retrospectively registered on August 27, 2014.