bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic polymorphisms of ACE1, ACE2, and TMPRSS2 associated with COVID‐19 severity: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Saengsiwaritt Wacharapol , Jittikoon Jiraphun , Chaikledkaew Usa , Udomsinprasert Wanvisa 
Published: January 2022

AbstractNovel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) poses a global threat, due to its fluctuating frequency and lethality. Published data revealed associations of COVID‐19 susceptibility and severity with host genetic polymorphisms in renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS)‐related genes including angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE)1, ACE2, and transmembrane protease (TMPRSS)2. However, the findings remain inconclusive. Accordingly, we aimed to clarify associations of genetic variants in those genes with COVID‐19 susceptibility and severity using a systematic review with meta‐analysis. From inception through 1 July 2021, a literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Allelic distributions for each polymorphism were calculated as pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to assess the strength of association. A total of 3333 COVID‐19 patients and 5547 controls from 11 eligible studies were included. From a systematic review, ACE1 rs1799752, ACE1 rs4646994, ACE2 rs2285666, and TMPRSS2 rs12329760 were identified as common polymorphisms of RAAS‐related genes. Meta‐analysis showed a significant association between TMPRSS2 rs12329760 C‐allele and an increased risk of developing severe COVID‐19 (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.73). Likewise, additional meta‐analyses uncovered that both ACE1 rs4646994 DD‐genotype and ACE2 rs2285666 GG‐genotype carriers had a significantly increased risk of developing severe COVID‐19 (OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.45, 2.93; OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.26, 3.66; respectively). Genetic polymorphisms of ACE1 rs4646994 DD‐genotype, ACE2 rs2285666 GG‐genotype, and TMPRSS2 rs12329760 CC‐genotype and C‐allele may serve as predictive models of COVID‐19 severity.
Comparing veterinarians’ attitudes to and the potential influence of pet health insurance in Austria, Denmark and the UK
Authors: Springer Svenja , Lund Thomas Bøker , Grimm Herwig , Kristensen Annemarie T. , Corr Sandra A. , Sandøe Peter 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundHealth insurance offers many benefits to clients and veterinarians, such as the ability to perform necessary and possibly cost‐intensive medical interventions without financial constraints, or to potentially prevent euthanasia based on financial challenges. However, concerns about negative consequences, such as the overuse of diagnostic tests or overtreatment, have also been raised.MethodsUsing an online questionnaire distributed via e‐mail, which included a section on health insurance, we investigated the relative number of insured dogs and cats treated by Austrian, Danish and UK veterinarians (N = 636) and the attitudes of those veterinarians toward health insurance. Further, using a case vignette, we examined whether coverage by health insurance may influence treatment suggestions.ResultsEven though veterinarians in all three countries believe that health insurance reduces stress since clients’ financial resources will be less important, we found that Austrian veterinarians are more likely to agree that health insurance is unnecessary compared to Danish and UK veterinarians. Further, many raised the concern that insurance policies influence clinical decisions; and less than half supported the idea of making insurance mandatory. A majority of veterinarians in Austria and the UK thought that insurance can lead to the overuse of diagnostic tests, and in the UK a majority also thought that it can lead to overtreatment. Using case vignettes, we found that veterinarians were significantly more likely to suggest a CT scan to a client with an insured animal, in contrast to a client with stated financial limitations. Further, UK veterinarians were more likely to suggest a CT scan to a client with an insured animal, in contrast to a client without insurance.ConclusionIn conclusion, we found that veterinarians, in general, were in favour of health insurance, and that greater coverage may increase more cost‐intensive veterinary care. Our findings also raise a potential ethical challenge of health insurance causing differential access to clinical care for patients.
Preventive hoof trimming in dairy cattle: Determining current practices and identifying future research areas
Authors: Pedersen Sara I. L. , Huxley Jonathan N. , Hudson Chris D. , Green Martin J. , Bell Nicholas J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe extent to which preventive hoof trimming is implemented on Great Britain's (GB) dairy farms is unknown. The aims of this study were to determine common practices and capture producers’ input on key areas that require further research.MethodsAn online survey was conducted over a 4‐week period from March to April 2017.ResultsA total of 338 valid survey responses were received. The majority of farmers undertook preventive hoof trimming (82.4%), and this was significantly positively associated with increased herd yield (p < 0.001). Drying off was the most common time trimming was undertaken, with 72.2% of farmers who implemented preventive trimming doing so at this point in the management cycle. Of those undertaking preventive trimming, 46.4% solely used an external hoof trimmer, 31.7% solely used farm staff and the remainder (21.9%) used a combination of operators. Four over‐arching themes were identified within the key research questions; when to trim, why we should trim, how to trim and who to trim. The most frequent questions related to optimal trimming timing, frequency and method.ConclusionThis study highlighted that preventive hoof trimming is a widespread practice on GB dairy farms, undertaken by both external hoof trimmers and farm staff. Despite this, farmers still want to know when they should undertake preventive hoof trimming and which technique they should use.
Seasonal calving UK dairy herds: A farmer survey of fertility and veterinary services
Authors: Giles George , Fishbourne Emma , Smith Robert Frank , Higgins Helen Mary 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere is a lack of literature concerning dairy farmers' use of veterinary services and how satisfied they are with them. This study aimed to fill this gap for seasonal calving UK herds, with a focus on fertility, and included farmer perceived barriers to veterinary involvement.MethodsA cross‐sectional questionnaire (convenience sample), with 166 useable responses.ResultsOpportunities exist for further veterinary involvement in seasonal herds. Areas vets are least involved in currently are nutrition, breeding and genetics, growth rate monitoring and infrastructure changes. Current veterinary input was rated neutral or poor value by 21% of respondents. Over 90% of farmers want vets to ask questions to elicit their needs. Frequently mentioned barriers were ‘lack of veterinary knowledge of our system’, ‘not enough cost‐benefit of veterinary involvement’ and ‘we get our fertility information elsewhere’. Along with clinical ability and being approachable, ‘understanding our system’ and being ‘proactive’ were qualities participants most valued in a vet. After cost, ‘pushing sales and interventions’ were the least liked.ConclusionFindings highlight the critical importance of clearly demonstrating the full cost‐benefit of veterinary services to farmers. The results contain many details concerning farmer perceptions and values that can help veterinary businesses to strengthen existing services and develop new services.
Flame retardants for epoxy resins: Application‐related challenges and solutions
Authors: Kandola Baljinder K. , Magnoni Federico , Ebdon John R. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractOwing to their high versatility from chemical and processing perspectives and hence their capability of being tailored for required properties, epoxy resins are used in a wide range of applications ranging from general use to high performing materials. Most of the applications though also require conformation to certain specified fire safety regulations. The flammability (and other properties) of cured epoxy resins depend on the type of resin, curing agent and curing process used, which have been highlighted in this article. The focus of the review though is on the type of flame retardants required to achieve certain levels of flame retardancy. There are numerous research articles and reviews dealing with flame retardancy of epoxy resins in the open literature and it is beyond the scope of this review to cover them all, hence only selected representative papers are discussed here, while references to previous reviews are provided that cover additional work. Different flame retardants and their chemically modified/synthesized variants developed by various researchers have been critically reviewed in terms of their flame retardant efficiency relative to their commonly used/ commercially available counterparts. The issues related to their suitability in terms of processability and performance in certain applications have also been discussed.
SnBrP‐A SnIP‐type representative in the Sn−Br−P system
Authors: Reiter Felix , Pielmeier Markus , Vogel Anna , Jandl Christian , Plodinec Milivoj , Rohner Christian , Lunkenbein Thomas , Nisi Katharina , Holleitner Alexander , Nilges Tom 
Published: January 2022

AbstractOne‐dimensional semiconductors are interesting materials due to their unique structural features and anisotropy, which grant them intriguing optical, dielectric and mechanical properties. In this work, we report on SnBrP, a lighter homologue of the first inorganic double helix compound SnIP. This class of compounds is characterized by intriguing mechanical and electronic properties, featuring a high flexibility without modulation of physical properties. Semiconducting SnBrP can be synthesized from red phosphorus, tin and tin(II)bromide at elevated temperatures and crystallizes as red‐orange, cleavable needles. Raman measurements pointed towards a double helical building unit in SnBrP, showing similarities to the SnIP structure. After taking PL measurements, HR‐TEM, and quantum chemical calculations into account, we were able to propose a sense full structure model for SnBrP.
Defect extremal surface for reflected entropy
Authors: Li Tianyi , Yuan Ma-Ke , Zhou Yang 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Defect extremal surface is defined by extremizing the Ryu-Takayanagi formula corrected by the quantum defect theory. This is interesting when the AdS bulk contains a defect brane (or string). We introduce a defect extremal surface formula for reflected entropy, which is a mixed state generalization of entanglement entropy measure. Based on a decomposition procedure of an AdS bulk with a brane, we demonstrate the equivalence between defect extremal surface formula and island formula for reflected entropy in AdS3/BCFT2. We also compute the evolution of reflected entropy in evaporating black hole model and find that defect extremal surface formula agrees with island formula.
Planckian physics comes into play at Planckian distance from horizon
Authors: Ho Pei-Ming , Kawai Hikaru , Yokokura Yuki 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
In the background of a gravitational collapse, we compute the transition amplitudes for the creation of particles for distant observers due to higher-derivative interactions in addition to Hawking radiation. The amplitudes grow exponentially with time and become of order 1 when the collapsing matter is about a Planck length outside the horizon. As a result, the effective theory breaks down at the scrambling time, invalidating its prediction of Hawking radiation. Planckian physics comes into play to decide the fate of black-hole evaporation.
Quantum gravity on the black hole horizon
Authors: Gaddam Nava , Groenenboom Nico , ’t Hooft Gerard 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
We study scattering on the black hole horizon in a partial wave basis, with an impact parameter of the order of the Schwarzschild radius or less. This resembles the strong gravity regime where quantum gravitational effects appear. The scattering is governed by an infinite number of virtual gravitons exchanged on the horizon. Remarkably, they can all be summed non-perturbatively in ħ and γ ∼ MPl/MBH. These results generalise those obtained from studying gravitational backreaction. Unlike in the eikonal calculations in flat space, the relevant centre of mass energy of the collisions is not necessarily Planckian; instead it is easily satisfied, s » γ2$$ {M}_{\mathrm{Pl}}^2 $$

M
Pl
2

, for semi-classical black holes. The calculation lends further support to the scattering matrix approach to quantum black holes, and is a second-quantised generalisation of the same.
The tiny (g-2) muon wobble from small-μ supersymmetry
Authors: Baum Sebastian , Carena Marcela , Shah Nausheen R. , Wagner Carlos E. M. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
A new measurement of the muon anomalous magnetic moment, gμ− 2, has been reported by the Fermilab Muon g-2 collaboration and shows a 4.2 σ departure from the most precise and reliable calculation of this quantity in the Standard Model. Assuming that this discrepancy is due to new physics, we concentrate on a simple supersymmetric model that also provides a dark matter explanation in a previously unexplored region of supersymmetric parameter space. Such interesting region can realize a Bino-like dark matter candidate compatible with all current direct detection constraints for small to moderate values of the Higgsino mass parameter |μ|. This in turn would imply the existence of light additional Higgs bosons and Higgsino particles within reach of the high-luminosity LHC and future colliders. We provide benchmark scenarios that will be tested in the next generation of direct dark matter experiments and at the LHC.
SUSY in the sky with gravitons
Authors: Jakobsen Gustav Uhre , Mogull Gustav , Plefka Jan , Steinhoff Jan 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Picture yourself in the wave zone of a gravitational scattering event of two massive, spinning compact bodies (black holes, neutron stars or stars). We show that this system of genuine astrophysical interest enjoys a hidden $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supersymmetry, at least to the order of spin-squared (quadrupole) interactions in arbitrary D spacetime dimensions. Using the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supersymmetric worldline action, augmented by finite-size corrections for the non-Kerr black hole case, we build a quadratic-in-spin extension to the worldline quantum field theory (WQFT) formalism introduced in our previous work, and calculate the two bodies’ deflection and spin kick to sub-leading order in the post-Minkowskian expansion in Newton’s constant G. For spins aligned to the normal vector of the scattering plane we also obtain the scattering angle. All D-dimensional observables are derived from an eikonal phase given as the free energy of the WQFT that is invariant under the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supersymmetry transformations.
Die Früherkennung zur Verbesserung der Lebensmittelsicherheit des Bundesamtes für Lebensmittelsicherheit und Veterinärwesen der Schweiz
Authors: Lüthi Thomas , Seger-Sauli Isabelle , Fridez Françoise 
Published: January 2022

ZusammenfassungDie Identifizierung von Gefahren in einem frühen Stadium ist ein zentraler Baustein der öffentlichen Gesundheit im Bereich der Lebensmittelsicherheit. Das Bundesamt für Lebensmittelsicherheit und Veterinärwesen der Schweiz verwendet seit 2018 ein System zur Früherkennung. Dieses stützt sich auf eine Gruppe von Fachpersonen, welche Informationen zu Gefahren identifizieren und periodisch bewerten. Der Beirat, ein wissenschaftliches Gremium von Experten und Expertinnen aus der Wirtschaft, von Hochschulen, Vollzugsbehörden und Referenzzentren erörtert anschließend die Themen und gibt seinerseits Empfehlungen an das Bundesamt für Lebensmittelsicherheit und Veterinärwesen ab. Insgesamt wurden bislang 37 Themen bearbeitet. Monatlich wird ein Newsletter zu Themen der Früherkennung publiziert. Zudem werden unregelmäßig bei Bedarf Briefing Letters mit einer vertieften Recherche zu einem Thema erstellt.
Effects of imidazoline agents in a rat conditioned place preference model of addiction
Authors: Şorodoc V. , Rusu-Zota G. , Nechita P. , Moraru C. , Manole O. M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAgmatine (AG), idazoxan (IDZ), and efaroxan (EFR) are imidazoline receptor ligands with beneficial effects in central nervous system disorders. The present study aimed to evaluate the interaction between AG, IDZ, and EFR with an opiate, tramadol (TR), in a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. In the experiment, we used five groups with 8 adult male Wistar rats each. During the condition session, on days 2, 4, 6, and 8, the rats received the drugs (saline, or TR, or IDZ and TR, or EFR and TR, or AG and TR) and were placed in their least preferred compartment. On days 1, 3, 5, and 7, the rats received saline in the preferred compartment. In the preconditioning, the preferred compartment was determined. In the postconditioning, the preference for one of the compartments was reevaluated. TR increased the time spent in the non-preferred compartment. AG decreased time spent in the TR-paired compartment. EFR, more than IDZ, reduced the time spent in the TR-paired compartment, but without statistical significance. AG reversed the TR-induced CPP, while EFR and IDZ only decreased the time spent in the TR-paired compartment, without statistical significance.
Effects of alternative splicing events and transcriptome changes on kidney stone formation
Authors: Yan Qunsheng , Chen Yang , Liu Haoran , Li Guoxiang , Liang Chaozhao , Hao Zongyao 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDuring the development of urinary stone disease, the formation of tiny crystals that adhere to the renal tubular epithelium induces epithelial cell damage. This damage and repair of the epithelium is associated with the establishment of more crystal adhesion sites, which in turn stimulates further crystal adhesion and, eventually, stone formation. Deposited crystals typically cause changes in epithelial cell gene expression, such as transcriptome changes and alternative splicing events. Although considered important for regulating gene expression, alternative splicing has not been reported in studies related to kidney stones. To date, whether alternative splicing events are involved in the regulation of stone formation and whether crystallographic cell interactions are regulated by alternative splicing at the transcriptional level have remained unknown. Therefore, we conducted RNA sequencing and alternative splicing-related bioassays by modeling the in vitro stone environment. Many alternative splicing events were associated with crystallographic cell interactions. Moreover, these events regulated transcription and significantly affected the capacity of crystals to adhere to renal tubular epithelial cells and regulate apoptosis.
Differential associations between neocortical tau pathology and blood flow with cognitive deficits in early-onset vs late-onset Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Visser Denise , Verfaillie Sander C. J. , Wolters Emma E. , Coomans Emma M. , Timmers Tessa , Tuncel Hayel , Boellaard Ronald , Golla Sandeep S. V. , Windhorst Albert D. , Scheltens Philip , van der Flier Wiesje M. , van Berckel Bart N. M. , Ossenkoppele Rik 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeEarly-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) differ in neuropathological burden and type of cognitive deficits. Assessing tau pathology and relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) measured with [18F]flortaucipir PET in relation to cognition may help explain these differences between EOAD and LOAD.MethodsSeventy-nine amyloid-positive individuals with a clinical diagnosis of AD (EOAD:n = 35, age-at-PET = 59 ± 5, MMSE = 23 ± 4; LOAD:n = 44, age-at-PET = 71 ± 5, MMSE = 23 ± 4) underwent a 130-min dynamic [18F]flortaucipir PET scan and extensive neuropsychological assessment. We extracted binding potentials (BPND) and R1(proxy of rCBF) from parametric images using receptor parametric mapping, in medial and lateral temporal, parietal, occipital, and frontal regions-of-interest and used nine neuropsychological tests covering memory, attention, language, and executive functioning. We first examined differences between EOAD and LOAD in BPNDor R1using ANOVA (region-of-interest analysis) and voxel-wise contrasts. Next, we performed linear regression models to test for potential interaction effects between age-at-onset and BPND/R1on cognition.ResultsBoth region-of-interest and voxel-wise contrasts showed higher [18F]flortaucipir BPNDvalues across all neocortical regions in EOAD. By contrast, LOAD patients had lowerR1values (indicative of more reduced rCBF) in medial temporal regions. For both tau and flow in lateral temporal, and occipitoparietal regions, associations with cognitive impairment were stronger in EOAD than in LOAD (EOAD BPND − 0.76 ≤ stβ ≤  − 0.48 vs LOAD − 0.18 ≤ stβ ≤  − 0.02; EOAD R10.37 ≤ stβ ≤ 0.84 vs LOAD − 0.25 ≤ stβ ≤ 0.16).ConclusionsCompared to LOAD, the degree of lateral temporal and occipitoparietal tau pathology and relative cerebral blood-flow is more strongly associated with cognition in EOAD.
Coincidence of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and type 1 diabetes: a case-based review
Authors: Szabłowski Maciej , Okruszko Michał Andrzej , Pochodowicz Katarzyna , Abramowicz Paweł , Konstantynowicz Jerzy , Bossowski Artur , Głowińska-Olszewska Barbara 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe study was aimed to review a rare coexistence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) regarding different clinical approaches to the management and treatment options. Medical complications of the two autoimmune disorders in children and adolescents have been evaluated, particularly in those treated with glucocorticosteroids (GCS) and insulin. A review of the literature regarding reports on concomitant T1D and JIA was conducted using resources available in Medline, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases, with a specific focus on the combination of T1D and JIA in a pediatric population. The review was extended by our analysis of two patients treated in a single center for this comorbidity. Eligible reports of four cases were found, and including our two original records, a total of six pediatric patients (5 females) were analyzed, of which three had also other autoimmune diseases (thyroiditis, coeliac disease, autoimmune hepatitis), whereas four had been treated with a long-term GCS, and two were receiving biological therapy (etanercept or adalimumab). Only one of them had good metabolic control of diabetes. Diabetes in childhood may coexist with other autoimmune diseases, including rheumatologic conditions. Hyperglycemia can worsen JIA therapy by induction and maintaining inflammation. Using modern diabetes technologies (like personal insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring) helps to minimize the deteriorating effect of JIA exacerbations and the rheumatoid treatment on metabolic control of diabetes.
Discretized Fast–Slow Systems with Canards in Two Dimensions
Authors: Engel Maximilian , Kuehn Christian , Petrera Matteo , Suris Yuri 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe study the problem of preservation of maximal canards for time discretized fast–slow systems with canard fold points. In order to ensure such preservation, certain favorable structure-preserving properties of the discretization scheme are required. Conventional schemes do not possess such properties. We perform a detailed analysis for an unconventional discretization scheme due to Kahan. The analysis uses the blow-up method to deal with the loss of normal hyperbolicity at the canard point. We show that the structure-preserving properties of the Kahan discretization for quadratic vector fields imply a similar result as in continuous time, guaranteeing the occurrence of maximal canards between attracting and repelling slow manifolds upon variation of a bifurcation parameter. The proof is based on a Melnikov computation along an invariant separating curve, which organizes the dynamics of the map similarly to the ODE problem.