bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metformin use is associated with a decrease in the risk of hospitalization and mortality in COVID‐19 patients with diabetes: A population‐based study in Lombardy
Authors: Ojeda‐Fernández Luisa , Foresta Andreana , Macaluso Giulia , Colacioppo Pierluca , Tettamanti Mauro , Zambon Antonella , Genovese Stefano , Fortino Ida , Leoni Olivia , Roncaglioni Maria Carla , Baviera Marta 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAimTo compare the association of metformin use and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outcomes in a cohort of 31 966 patients with diabetes in Lombardy.MethodsWe used a COVID‐19 linkable administrative regional database to select patients with diabetes who were aged 40 years or older. They had at least two prescriptions of antidiabetic drugs in 2019 and a positive test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 from 15 February 2020 to 15 March 2021. The association of metformin use and clinical outcomes was assessed by multivariable logistic regression analyses and after propensity score matching (PSM). Clinical outcomes were all‐cause mortality, in‐hospital mortality, hospitalization for COVID‐19, and admission to an intensive care unit (ICU).ResultsIn multivariable models, metformin use was associated with a significantly lower risk of total mortality (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.66‐0.75), in‐hospital mortality (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.63‐0.73), hospitalization for COVID‐19 (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.81‐0.91), and ICU admission (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.69‐0.94) compared with metformin non‐users. Results were similar after PSM; metformin was associated with a significantly lower risk of total mortality (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.73‐0.86), in‐hospital mortality (OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.67‐0.81), and ICU admission (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.63‐0.95).ConclusionsIn this large cohort, metformin use was associated with a protective effect in COVID‐19 clinical outcomes, suggesting that it might be a potentially useful drug to prevent severe COVID‐19 disease, although randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to confirm this. While awaiting the results of RCTs, we suggest continuing prescribing metformin to COVID‐19 patients with diabetes.
Cleft posterior mitral valve leaflet: The added value of 3‐dimensional echocardiography
Authors: Rizk Judy , Abdel‐Hay Mohamed Ayman 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA 65‐year‐old female patient diagnosed with degenerative aortic valve disease and severe regurgitation on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) also had severe mitral regurgitation (MR), but the exact mechanism of MR could not be determined. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed limited leaflet coaptation and a severe central MR jet. Further three‐dimensional (3D) imaging revealed an indentation in the middle of P2 scallop almost reaching the annulus. This was consistent with the diagnosis of cleft posterior mitral valve leaflet. Unlike cleft anterior leaflet which can be clear on TTE short‐axis images, cleft posterior leaflet may only be visible using 3D TEE. The identification of cleft posterior leaflet is essential in guiding surgical valve repair.
The partisan divide in U.S. congressional communications after the China shock
Authors: Kuk John , Seligsohn Deborah , Zhang Jiakun Jack 
Published: January 2022

AbstractEmerging literature shows that rising import exposure resulting from the China shock devastated U.S. manufacturing and contributed to the rise of Donald Trump. However, several studies found that these recent localized economic shocks did not negatively impact the tenure of incumbent politicians, and this outcome remains a puzzle. In this paper, we examine the partisan difference in congressional communication strategies on China and trade‐related issues. We propose a theory of China‐bashing to explain how members of Congress frame the negative impacts of trade to their voters. Using press release data from members of Congress, we show that, even though Chinese import competition impacted both Republican‐ and Democrat‐held districts, Republican politicians in adversely affected districts responded by increasing their anti‐China rhetoric, while there was no similar difference among Democrats. At the same time, there was no difference between Republican and Democratic messaging on general trade issues. In doing so, Republican legislators were able to support trade liberalization during the Bush and Obama administrations while blaming its negative externalities to their constituents on China.
Pregnancy‐induced brain magnetic resonance imaging changes in women with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Uher Tomas , Kubala Havrdova Eva , Vodehnalova Karolina , Krasensky Jan , Capek Vaclav , Vaneckova Manuela , Horakova Dana 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeThe effect of pregnancy on brain changes and radiological disease activity in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) is not well understood. This study was undertaken to describe the dynamics of lesion activity and brain volume changes during the pregnancy and postpartum periods.MethodsThis observational study of 62 women with relapsing–remitting MS included magnetic resonance imaging (221 scans) as well as clinical visits at baseline (<24 and >6 months before pregnancy), prepregnancy (<6 months before pregnancy), postpartum (<3 months after delivery), and follow‐up (>12 and <24 months after delivery) periods.ResultsThe majority of women had a mild disability and a short disease duration (median = 5.5 years). Eighteen (29.0%) women had a relapse during the year preceding pregnancy onset, nine (14.5%) during pregnancy, and 20 (32.3%) in the year following delivery. Disability status remained unchanged during follow‐up. Women in the postpartum period (n = 62) had higher T2 lesion volume (median = 1.18 ml vs. 0.94 ml), greater annualized T2 lesion volume increase (0.23 ml vs. 0.0 ml), lower brain parenchymal fraction (85.6% vs. 86.4%), and greater annualized brain volume loss (‐1.74% vs. ‐0.16%) compared with the prepregnancy period (all p < 0.001). At 12–24 months after delivery, women (n = 41) had higher T2 lesion volume (1.16 ml vs. 1.0 ml) and lower brain parenchymal fraction (86.0% vs. 86.5%) compared to the prepregnancy period (both p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe postpartum period was associated with an increase in T2 lesion volume and accelerated brain volume loss in a considerable proportion of women. This should be considered in treatment decision‐making and designing clinical trials.
Corneal neoplasia in horses
Authors: Malalana F. 
Published: January 2022

SummaryPrimary corneal neoplasia in horses is rare. In most cases, tumours extend into the cornea from the adjacent limbus, sclera and/or conjunctiva with only a handful of cases described originating on the cornea. The most common tumour reported affecting the cornea is squamous cell carcinoma with other types of neoplasia described as sporadic case reports. This short clinical commentary accompanies and intends to complement a report of primary corneal lymphoma in a horse (Equine Vet Educ, 2022,https://doi.org/10.1111/eve.13601).
Impact of annealing treatment on the fatigue behavior of Inconel 625 produced by laser‐based powder bed fusion
Authors: Martin Noémie , Hor Anis , Copin Etienne , Lours Philippe , Ratsifandrihana Léon 
Published: January 2022

AbstractLaser‐based powder bed fusion (LPBF) is attractive to build complex parts in spite of the low machinability of Inconel 625. The LPBF microstructures and tensile properties are well documented in literature. But fatigue properties and impact of the LPBF intrinsic defects and microstructures on the crack initiation and propagation mechanisms are uncommon. Low and high‐cycle fatigue tests at room and service temperature presented in this paper prove that the LPBF defects shorten the crack initiation stage. After annealing heat treatment, the microstructure adapts to the defects, and the fatigue response becomes similar to a free defect material. The fatigue life of as‐built Inconel 625 is lower than 50% of its monotonic yield tensile strength (YTS) while the annealed material reaches 100% of its YTS. The propagation rate is slowed by the homogeneous annealed microstructure and improved ductility resulting from removal of dislocation cells and changes in grain morphology.
Multi‐decadal changes in phytoplankton biomass in northern temperate lakes as seen through the prism of landscape properties
Authors: Paltsev Aleksey , Creed Irena F. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractEcologists collectively predict that climate change will enhance phytoplankton biomass in northern lakes. Yet there are unique variations in the structures and regulating functions of lakes to make this prediction challengeable and, perhaps, inaccurate. We used archived Landsat TM/ETM+ satellite products to estimate epilimnetic chlorophyll‐a (Chl‐a) concentration as a proxy for phytoplankton biomass in 281 northern temperate lakes over 28 years. We explored the influence of climate (air temperature, precipitation) and landscape proxies for nutrient sources (proportion of wetlands in a contributing catchment, size of the littoral zone, potential for wind‐driven sediment resuspension as estimated by the dynamic ratio) or nutrient sinks (lake volume) in a random forest model to explain heterogeneity in peak Chl‐a. Lakes with higher Chl‐a (median Chl‐a = 2.4 μg L−1, n = 40) had smaller volumes (<44 × 104 m3) and were more sensitive to increases in temperature. In contrast, lakes with lower Chl‐a (median Chl‐a = 0.6 μg L−1, n = 241) had larger volumes (≥44 × 104 m3), contributing catchments with smaller proportions of wetlands (<4.5% of catchment area, n = 70), smaller littoral zones (<16.4 ha, n = 137), minimal wind‐driven sediment resuspension (as defined by the dynamic ratio; <0.45, n = 232), and were more sensitive to increases in precipitation. Lakes with larger volumes were generally less responsive to climate factors; however, larger volume lakes with a significant proportion of wetlands and larger littoral zones behaved similarly to lakes with smaller volumes. Our finding that lakes with different landscape properties respond differently to climate factors may help predict the susceptibility of lakes to eutrophication under changing climatic conditions.
Differential regulation of p27Kip1 depending on culture conditions and its correlation with status of p14ARF and p53
Authors: Kometani Tatsuya , Kawasaki Yutaro , Chibazakura Taku 
Published: January 2022

Abstractp27Kip1 is known as a major cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor and a tumor suppressor, and often functionally hampered at protein level. p27 protein expression levels are frequently low in various cancers and negatively correlated with malignancy of cancer. However, in our previous study, we discovered that p27 overexpression does not inhibit the proliferation of two cancer cell lines due to a functional suppression of p27 by nucleophosmin isoform 1 (NPM1); that is, a qualitative, not quantitative, suppression of p27 function occurs in these cancer cell lines. To clarify the regulation of p27 in several types of cancer, we investigated p27 function in other cancer cell lines, based on proliferation assays in those cell lines carrying doxycycline‐inducible p27, and found that MDAH041 cells which express p14ARF, an antagonist of NPM1, show growth inhibition depending on p27 induction. Moreover, to investigate p27 function under anchorage‐independent culture conditions, we performed soft agar colony formation assay and observed that the colony formation of some cell lines carrying wild‐type p53, a major tumor suppressor, was inhibited depending on p27 induction. These results suggest that p27 function is regulated differentially among cancer cell types under anchorage‐dependent and anchorage‐independent culture conditions.
Perceived barriers and facilitators to exercise in kidney transplant recipients: A qualitative study
Authors: Billany Roseanne E. , Smith Alice C. , Stevinson Clare , Clarke Amy L. , Graham‐Brown Matthew P. M. , Bishop Nicolette C. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundExercise has the potential to attenuate the high levels of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality present in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Despite this, activity levels in KTRs remain low. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the barriers and facilitators of exercise in KTRs.MethodsThirteen KTRs (eight males; mean ± SD; age 53 ± 13 years; estimated glomerular filtration rate 53 ± 21 ml/min/1.73 m2) were recruited and completed semistructured one‐to‐one interviews at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. All KTRs were eligible if their kidney transplant was completed >12 weeks before interview and their consultant considered them to have no major contraindications to exercise. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and subject to framework analysis to identify and report themes.ResultsThemes were organized into personal, behavioural and environmental factors based on social cognitive theory. Facilitators of exercise were largely internal: enjoyment, exercise for general health and health of the transplanted kidney and desire to maintain normality. Social interaction, support and guidance of healthcare professionals and goal setting were perceived as motivational. Harming the kidney, a lack of guidance, self‐motivation and accessibility were barriers to exercise.ConclusionThese results provide detailed insight into the development of interventions designed to increase physical activity in KTRs. They provide strong evidence that specific exercise guidelines are required for this population and that the healthcare system could have a key role in supporting KTRs to become more physically active. Interventions need to be multifaceted to appeal to the differing levels of support desired by KTRs.Patient or Public ContributionKTRs were involved in the development of the interview topic guide to ensure all relevant topics were explored.
Positive Outcomes: Validity, reliability and responsiveness of a novel person‐centred outcome measure for people with HIV
Authors: Harding Richard , Jones Christopher Iain , Bremner Stephen , Bristowe Katherine , West Brian , Siegert Richard J. , O’Brien Kelly K. , Whetham Jennifer ,   EMERGE Consortium, Horizon 2020
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivesDespite successful treatment, people living with HIV experience persisting and burdensome multidimensional problems. We aimed to assess the validity, reliability and responsiveness of Positive Outcomes, a patient‐reported outcome measure for use in clinical practice.MethodsIn all, 1392 outpatients in five European countries self‐completed Positive Outcomes, PAM‐13 (patient empowerment), PROQOL‐HIV (quality of life) and FRAIL (frailty) at baseline and 12 months. Analysis assessed: (a) validity (structural, convergent and divergent, discriminant); (b) reliability (internal consistency, test‐retest); and (c) responsiveness.ResultsAn interpretable four‐factor structure was identified: ‘emotional wellbeing’, ‘interpersonal and sexual wellbeing’, ‘socioeconomic wellbeing’ and ‘physical wellbeing’. Moderate to strong convergent validity was found for three subscales of Positive Outcomes and PROQOL (ρ = −0.481 to −0.618, all p < 0.001). Divergent validity was found for total scores with weak ρ (−0.295, p < 0.001). Discriminant validity was confirmed with worse Positive Outcomes score associated with increasing odds of worse FRAIL group (4.81‐fold, p < 0.001) and PAM‐13 level (2.28‐fold, p < 0.001). Internal consistency for total Positive Outcomes and its factors exceeded the conservative α threshold of 0.6. Test‐retest reliability was established: those with stable PAM‐13 and FRAIL scores also reported median Positive Outcomes change of 0. Improved PROQOL‐HIV score baseline to 12 months was associated with improved Positive Outcomes score (r = −0.44, p < 0.001).ConclusionsPositive Outcomes face and content validity was previously established, and the remaining validity, reliability and responsiveness properties are now demonstrated. The items within the brief 22‐item tool are designed to be actionable by health and social care professionals to facilitate the goal of person‐centred care.
Gamma radiation shielding studies on highly dense barium bismuth borate glasses
Authors: Chinthakayala Sai Kumar , Gadige Paramesh , Kollipara Vijay Sai , Ramadurai Gowrishankar 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTransparent dense barium bismuth borate (BBB) glasses in ternary x(BaO–Bi2O3)–(1–x)B2O3 system, with x = .15, .25, .35, and .45, were prepared by the melt‐quenching process. Density of the glasses increased to 7.145 g/cm3 with increasing BaO–Bi2O3 content. Gamma radiation shielding performance of the glasses was estimated by studying mass attenuation coefficients (MAC) and effective atomic numbers, using XCOM software as a function of photon energy. Subsequently, experimental MAC values of the glasses were measured using 152Eu and 60Co sources by the radiation transmission method. Measured and calculated MAC values of the glasses were in close agreement. Equivalent atomic numbers, exposure, and energy absorption buildup factors were analyzed at different mean free paths and photon energies using Phy‐X software. Dense glasses exhibited large effective atomic numbers and radiation shielding characteristics comparable with the dense heavy metal oxide glasses. Effective atomic numbers of the glasses were found to be close to the heavy metallic elements (Pb, W, and Hf) at low gamma energies. Radiation shielding ability of the glasses is discussed by comparing with the recently reported radiation shielding glasses and conventional shielding materials. Lead‐free and dense transparent BBB glasses in the present study can be effective in radiation shielding for radiological applications.
Effectiveness of an adapted physical activity intervention for weight management in adolescents with intellectual disability: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yu Siyue , Gao Yang , Wang Aiwei , Sun Yan , Wang Jingjing , Kwok Heather Hei Man , Wu Shing , Lam Chi Kei , Tao Emma Dan , Jiao Jojo Jiao , Fong Shirley Siu Ming , Xie Yaojie , Zhang Dexing , Baker Julien S. 
Published: January 2022

SummaryObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of a 9‐month school‐based adapted physical activity (APA) program for reducing weight among adolescents with intellectual disability (ID).MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, adolescents with ID, aged 12–18 years, who were overweight/or with obesity were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. The APA intervention consisted of aerobic and resistance exercises with an overall moderate intensity and was delivered at a frequency of two sessions per week for 9 months. Changes in body mass index (BMI, primary outcome) and changes in BMIz, weight, percent body fat, waist circumference and waist‐to‐height ratio (secondary outcomes) were examined using general linear models.ResultsIn total 61 subjects (39 in the intervention and 22 in the control) completed the study and were included in the analyses. At 9 months, the intervention group exhibited a reduced BMI of −0.66 kg/m2 (95% CI −1.06 to −0.25 kg/m2, p = 0.002), while a significant increase in BMI was observed in the control group. A significant post‐intervention between‐group difference in change in BMI (−1.31 kg/m2 [95% CI −1.99 to −0.63], p < 0.01) was found in favour of the intervention group. Similar results were also observed for all secondary outcomes.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that a 9‐month APA intervention induced clinically meaningful effects on weight loss in adolescents with ID.
Experts as researchers and policy actors: Czech pension reform
Authors: Potůček Martin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIs it possible to act simultaneously as an expert and co‐policymaker without breaking the rules for knowledge‐based social policies? Trying to answer this question, I recap my experience as Chairman of the Czech Government‐established Expert Committee on Pension Reform in 2013–2017. I reflected on it analysing and advising on the path of the Czech pension reform. Applying theories of actor‐centred and discursive institutionalism, I analysed the rich empirical evidence based on the content of manyfold actors’ discourses. My involvement gave me a chance to participatorily observe the behaviour of formal and informal actors and thus learn more about their ideological positions, communication and negotiation strategies, and final embodiments of these disputes in policy proposals and acts. I analysed the roles of experts as moderators of discourse, analysts, and policy actors themselves. Following this experience, I offer some tentative conclusions for further discussion.
Enhancing giant dielectric properties of Ta5+‐doped Na1/2Y1/2Cu3Ti4O12 ceramics by engineering grain and grain boundary
Authors: Saengvong Pariwat , Chanlek Narong , Srepusharawoot Pornjuk , Harnchana Viyada , Thongbai Prasit 
Published: January 2022

AbstractVarious strategies to improve the dielectric properties of ACu3Ti4O12 (A = Sr, Ca, Ba, Cd, and Na1/2Bi1/2) ceramics have widely been investigated. However, the reduction in the loss tangent (tanδ) is usually accompanied by the decreased dielectric permittivity (ε′), or vice versa. Herein, we report a route to considerably increase ε′ with a simultaneous reduction in tanδ in Ta5+–doped Na1/2Y1/2Cu3Ti4O12 (NYCTO) ceramics. Dense microstructures with segregation of Cu– and Ta–rich phases along the grain boundaries (GBs) and slightly increased mean grain size were observed. The samples prepared via solid‐state reaction displayed an increase in ε′ by more than a factor of 3, whereas tanδ was significantly reduced by an order of magnitude. The GB–conduction activation energy and resistance raised due to the segregation of Cu/Ta–rich phases along the GBs, resulting in a decreased tanδ. Concurrently, the grain–conduction activation energy and grain resistance of the NYCTO ceramics were reduced by Ta5+ doping ions owing to the increased Cu+/Cu2+, Cu3+/Cu2+, and Ti3+/Ti4+ ratios, resulting in enhanced interfacial polarization and ε′. The effects of Ta5+ dopant on the giant dielectric response and electrical properties of the grain and GBs were described based on the Maxwell–Wagner polarization at the insulating GB interface, following the internal barrier layer capacitor model.
A rare variant of obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis and its improvement of classification
Authors: Feng Tongfu , Rao Xiaoyan , Yang Xiaohong , Yu Xudong , Xia Feng , Du Xin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA) is a rare congenital malformation of the female reproductive organs, including uterine dysplasia, blind hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal dysplasia. It has a serious impact on patients' quality of life and fertility. We report a rare case of OHVIRA with a complete septate uterus, ectopic dysplasia of the left kidney, left ectopic ureter, and three oblique vaginal septa. The dysplastic left kidney and the ectopic ureter were removed during laparoscopy. In addition, the two layers of vaginal septa, which were ignored in the past 10 years, were removed by hysteroscopy. As the detection rate of OHVIRA has gradually increased, manifestations that previous classification systems could not recapitulate have emerged. By retrieving the relevant cases, we have tried to propose a new classification system, which would allow clinicians to have a complete understanding of the manifestations of OHVIRA and would be helpful in the treatment of patients.