bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Farewell to Northern Ireland? Constitutional Options for Irish Unity
Authors: Coakley John 
Published: March 2022

AbstractA combination of unintended consequences of Brexit and demographic change in Northern Ireland has brought the issue of Irish unity forcefully onto the political agenda. The meaning and implications of ‘unity’, however, remain unclear. The comparative politics literature offers several models of territorial statehood that are of theoretical interest, but only two potentially enjoy substantial political recognition in Ireland. The first is a unitary state with power concentrated in the capital, the model anticipated by Irish nationalists before the partition of Ireland in 1921, and widely supported since then. The second is a unitary state with special provisions for Northern Ireland's autonomy similar to those it now enjoys within the UK, as envisaged by other nationalists and implicitly endorsed by the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. Making a decision on Irish unity requires detailed analysis of what this concept implies and recognition of the complex issues to which it gives rise.
Casual C peptide index: Predicting the subsequent need for insulin therapy in outpatients with type 2 diabetes under primary care
Authors: Uehara Ryota , Yamada Eijiro , Nakajima Yasuyo , Osaki Aya , Okada Shuichi , Yamada Masanobu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundEvaluation of residual beta cell function is indispensable in patients with type 2 diabetes as it informs not only diagnoses but also appropriate treatment modalities. However, there is a lack of convenient biomarkers for residual beta cell function. Therefore, we evaluated endogenous insulin level as a biomarker in outpatients who were being treated with insulin therapy and in patients who were introduced to insulin therapy after 4 years.MethodsData of 174 outpatients with type 2 diabetes (50% male) whose glycemia was moderately controlled (glycated A1c 7.3% [5.2%–14.8%]) were reviewed. Twenty patients whose estimated glomerular filtration rate was lower than 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 were excluded from the evaluation of endogenous insulin level with both casual C‐peptide index (C‐CPI) and urinary C‐peptide/creatinine ratio (determined at any time, generally 1–2 h after breakfast). Patients were stratified based on the provision of insulin therapy.ResultsC‐CPI and UCPCR were significantly lower in the insulin‐treated patients than in the insulin‐untreated patients (0.9 vs. 2.2, p < 0.0001; 24.7 vs. 75.5, p = 0.0003, respectively). Moreover, C‐CPI were significantly lower in the insulin‐requiring patients for 4 years than in the insulin‐unrequiring patients (1.0 vs. 1.7, p = 0.0184). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that both indicators of insulin secretion influenced the requirement for insulin therapy, but C‐CPI could serve as the most convenient and useful biomarker for not only current insulin therapy requirements (p = 0.0002) but also the subsequent requirement for insulin therapy (p = 0.0008).ConclusionsC‐CPI could be determined easily, and it was found to be a more practical marker for outpatients; therefore, our findings would have critical implications for primary care.
Effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on patients with diabetic kidney disease: A preliminary study on the basis of podocyturia
Authors: Durcan Emre , Ozkan Serbay , Saygi Halil Ibrahim , Dincer Mevlut Tamer , Korkmaz Ozge Polat , Sahin Serdar , Karaca Cebrail , Sulu Cem , Bakir Alev , Ozkaya Hande Mefkure , Trabulus Sinan , Guzel Elif , Seyahi Nurhan , Gonen Mustafa Sait 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on the glomerulus through the evaluation of podocyturia in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).MethodsThe study population was composed of 40 male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; 22 of them received SGLT2i (SGLT2i group), and the others who did not were the control. The DKD‐related parameters of patients were monitored before SGLT2i initiation, and then in the third and sixth month of the follow‐up period. Patients' demographic, clinical, laboratory, and follow‐up data were obtained from medical charts. Microalbuminuria was measured in 24‐h urine. The number of podocytes in the urine was determined by immunocytochemical staining of two different markers, namely podocalyxin (podx) and synaptopodin (synpo). Concentrations of urine stromal cell‐derived factor 1a and vascular endothelial growth factor cytokines were quantified with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit.ResultsAt the end of the follow‐up period, decreases in glycosylated hemoglobin, glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, uric acid level, and microalbuminuria, and improvement in body mass index level and weight loss were significant for the SGLT2i group. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in terms of these parameters in the control group. The excretion of synaptopodin‐positive (synpo+) and podocalyxin‐positive (podx+) cells was significantly reduced at the end of the follow‐up period for the SGLT2i group, while there was no significant change for the control.ConclusionsAt the end of the follow‐up period, male patients receiving SGLT2i had better DKD‐related parameters and podocyturia levels compared to baseline and the control group. Our data support the notion that SGLT2i might have structural benefits for glomerular health.
Effects of calcium silicate‐based cements on odonto/osteogenic differentiation potential in mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Sismanoglu Soner , Ercal Pinar 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the biological effects and odonto/osteogenic differentiation potential of Biodentine, NeoMTA Plus and TheraCal LC in tooth germ‐derived stem cells (TGSCs). TGSCs were exposed to the material extracts. Biocompatibility was tested with MTS cell proliferation assay. Odonto/osteogenic differentiation was assessed with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mRNA gene expressions (RUNX2, DSPP and DMP‐1). Scanning electronic microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray (SEM/EDX) analysis and pH analysis were also performed for the materials. Data were evaluated using the one‐way ANOVA and Tukey's tests. TGSCs remained viable after 7 days of incubation with all tested materials. Biodentine and NeoMTA Plus showed high ALP activity and increased expression of RUNX2, DSPP and DMP‐1 compared to that of TheraCal LC. All materials can induce odonto/osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in various levels. Biocompatibility and odonto/osteogenic differentiation potential of Biodentine and NeoMTA Plus are similar and superior to that of TheraCal LC.
Age and residential differences in functional fitness of Chinese older women
Authors: Li Zongtao , Lai Qin , Benedict Ronald J. , Yang Tao , Zhang Xuelin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate age‐associated changes in functional fitness (FF) among Chinese older women and to identify any urban‐rural disparity.MethodsNine hundred and sixty‐five participants aged 60–84 yrs were assessed for their functional fitness. They were stratified into five groups by age and two groups by residential areas. Two‐way ANOVA was used to observe the group differences in functional fitness, and linear regression analysis was conducted to identify each of the functional fitness measures as a function of age and residential area.ResultsAll functional fitness tests showed a significant decline across age groups. Age‐related decline in muscle strength occurred relatively earlier (age 65–69) compared to the decline in aerobic endurance (age 75–79). Linear regression analysis indicated that age has notable effects on each of the functional fitness measures and predicts balance control better than other factors. Urban participants outperformed their rural counterparts in all FF tests except for upper body flexibility and BMI. Notably, the greatest disparity occurred between 70 and 79 years of age.ConclusionsEnhanced physical fitness monitoring and targeted interventions that focus on strength training and increasing moderate‐ to high‐intensity leisure‐time physical activity are necessary to improve the functional fitness of Chinese older women, especially those in rural areas.
Thalidomide for prevention of camrelizumab‐induced reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation
Authors: Song Geng , Zhang Fei‐Fei , Cheng Huai‐Dong 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe study evaluated the efficacy of thalidomide in prevention of camrelizumab‐induced reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation (RCCEP).MethodsIn this study, patients treated with camrelizumab plus thalidomide or camrelizumab alone were included. The occurrences, onset time, severity of RCCEP and the adverse effect of thalidomide were analysed.ResultsA total of 19 patients were enrolled. The incidence of RCCEP in thalidomide group (2/9, 22.2%) was significantly lower than that in camrelizumab group (8/10, 80%). The median onset time of RCCEP was 5 weeks and 4 weeks respectively. The adverse events of thalidomide were mild, and no treatment‐associated interruption was observed.ConclusionsThalidomide showed a promising in prevention of the RCCEP in patients receiving camrelizumab therapy with an acceptable safety profile.
Police, permits and politics: Navigating life on Australia's state borders during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: McCann Lily , Thompson Sandra C. , Rolf Floraidh , Podubinski Tegan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the ways in which the Coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) pandemic has affected Australians who live and travel in cross‐border regions in the course of their daily lives.DesignSemi‐structured interviews were undertaken with participants by telephone. The analysis utilised qualitative exploratory methods and provided rich data through immersive and reflexive analysis.SettingInterviews of people across Australia.ParticipantsOf 90 people interviewed in relation to their experiences of the COVID‐19 pandemic, 13 described challenges related to border crossing that impacted their usual work and personal life.Main outcome MeasureDescription of challenges faced by Australians living close to state borders due to internal border closures in the early period of COVID‐19 (2020).ResultsPolicy changes surrounding border closures negatively impacted people’s wellbeing in Australia with three key interconnected themes identified for Australians living in cross‐border regions. First, border closures presented participants of these communities with physical barriers which reduced access to healthcare and employment. Second, participants reported how restrictions on travel to neighboring states and territories impacted their mental wellbeing. Finally, many Australians in cross‐border regions faced financial struggles exacerbated by border closures.ConclusionNormally, interstate borders are largely invisible with formalities relevant to few circumstances. Since the emergence of the COVID‐19 pandemic, Australians who used to regularly cross these borders in the course of their daily activities were no longer able or willing to do so due to the uncertain circumstances surrounding border policy. This study elaborates on the impact of these closures on people’s physical, financial, and emotional state.
Hemodynamic characterization of the Realheart® total artificial heart with a hybrid cardiovascular simulator
Authors: Fresiello Libera , Najar Azad , Brynedal Ignell Nils , Zieliński Krzysztof , Rocchi Maria , Meyns Bart , Perkins Ina Laura 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundHeart failure is a growing health problem worldwide. Due to the lack of donor hearts there is a need for alternative therapies, such as total artificial hearts (TAHs). The aim of this study is to evaluate the hemodynamic performance of the Realheart® TAH, a new 4‐chamber cardiac prosthesis device.MethodsThe Realheart® TAH was connected to a hybrid cardiovascular simulator with inflow connections at the left/right atrium, and outflow connections at the ascending aorta/pulmonary artery. The Realheart® TAH was tested at different pumping rates and stroke volumes. Different systemic resistances (20.0‐16.7‐13.3‐10.0 Wood units), pulmonary resistances (6.7‐3.3‐1.7 Wood units), and pulmonary/systemic arterial compliances (1.4–0.6 ml/mm Hg) were simulated. Tests were also conducted in static conditions, by imposing predefined values of preload‐afterload across the artificial ventricle.ResultsThe Realheart® TAH allows the operator to finely tune the delivered flow by regulating the pumping rate and stroke volume of the artificial ventricles. For a systemic resistance of 16.7 Wood units, the TAH flow ranges from 2.7 ± 0.1 to 6.9 ± 0.1 L/min. For a pulmonary resistance of 3.3 Wood units, the TAH flow ranges from 3.1 ± 0.0 to 8.2 ± 0.3 L/min. The Realheart® TAH delivered a pulse pressure ranging between ~25 mm Hg and ~50 mm Hg for the tested conditions.ConclusionsThe Realheart® TAH offers great flexibility to adjust the output flow and delivers good pressure pulsatility in the vessels. Low sensitivity of device flow to the pressure drop across it was identified and a new version is under development to counteract this.
Stringent screening strategy significantly reduces reactivation rates of tuberculosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease on anti‐TNF therapy in tuberculosis endemic region
Authors: Kumar Peeyush , Vuyyuru Sudheer K. , Kante Bhaskar , Sahu Pabitra , Goyal Sandeep , Madhu Deepak , Jain Saransh , Ranjan Mukesh Kumar , Mundhra Sandeep , Golla Rithvik , Singh Mukesh , Virmani Shubi , Gupta Anvita , Yadav Nidhi , Kalaivani Mani , Sharma Raju , Das Prasenjit , Makharia Govind , Kedia Saurabh , Ahuja Vineet 
Published: March 2022

SummaryBackgroundAnti‐tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) therapy use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) leads to an increased risk of tuberculosis (TB) reactivation despite latent tuberculosis (LTB) screening, especially in TB endemic regions.AimWe evaluated the effect of stringent screening strategy and LTB prophylaxis on TB reactivation.MethodsWe performed an ambispective comparison between patients who received anti‐TNF therapy after January 2019 (late cohort) and between Jan 2005 and Jan 2019 (early cohort). Late cohort patients were subjected to stringent screening criteria which included all: history of past TB/recent contact with active TB, chest X‐ray, CT (computed tomography) chest, IGRA (interferon‐gamma release assay), TST (tuberculin skin test), and if any positive were given chemoprophylaxis. A cohort comparison was done to evaluate for risk reduction of TB following the stringent screening strategy.ResultsOne hundred seventy‐one patients (63: ulcerative colitis/108: Crohn’s disease, mean age diagnosis: 28.5 ± 13.4 years, 60% males, median follow‐up duration after anti‐TNF: 33 months [interquartile range: 23–57 months]) were included. Among the 112 in the early cohort, 29 (26%) underwent complete TB screening, 22 (19.6%) had LTB, 10 (9%) received chemoprophylaxis, and 19 (17%) developed TB. In comparison, in the late cohort, 100% of patients underwent complete TB screening, 26 (44%) had LTB, 23 (39%) received chemoprophylaxis, and only 1(1.7%) developed TB (p < 0.01). On survival analysis, patients in early cohort had a higher probability of TB reactivation compared with the late cohort (HR: 14.52 (95% CI: 1.90–110.61 [p = 0.01]) after adjusting for gender, age at anti‐TNF initiation, concomitant immunosuppression, anti‐TNF doses, and therapy escalation.ConclusionThe high risk of TB reactivation with anti‐TNF therapy in TB endemic regions can be significantly mitigated with stringent LTB screening and chemoprophylaxis.
Review article: therapeutic targets for the pharmacologic management of coeliac disease—the future beyond a gluten‐free diet
Authors: Klonarakis Michael , Andrews Christopher N. , Raman Maitreyi , Panaccione Remo , Ma Christopher 
Published: March 2022

SummaryBackgroundCoeliac disease (CeD) is an immune‐mediated small bowel enteropathy resulting from dietary gluten exposure. Presently, the only effective treatment is adoption of a gluten‐free diet (GFD), although strict adherence is challenging to maintain, and inadvertent gluten exposures are inevitable for most patients. Hence, there is substantial interest in drug development in CeD and multiple novel therapies are under investigation.AimsTo review existing and upcoming clinical trial programmes for pharmacologic agents for CeD.MethodsA narrative review was performed, informed by a search of MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane CENTRAL Library and clinicaltrials.gov.ResultsWe summarise the pathophysiology of CeD and the specific steps that are potentially amenable to pharmacologic treatment. We evaluate the evidence supporting existing and future drug targets, including trials of peptidases, gluten sequestrants, tight junction regulators, anti‐transglutaminase 2 therapies, immune tolerizing agents, advanced biologics and small molecules, and microbiome‐targeted strategies. We highlight unique considerations for conducting CeD trials, including identifying appropriate study populations, assessing results in the context of a gluten challenge, and interpreting CeD‐specific clinical and histologic outcomes. Understanding these factors is crucial for accurately appraising the evidence. Finally, we outline what the future of CeD therapy may hold with the introduction of pharmacotherapies.ConclusionsThere is a need for pharmacologic options for CeD, either used adjunctively with a GFD for accidental or intentional gluten exposures or for refractory disease. Multiple promising agents are in development, and these trials are likely to lead to approvals for the first generation of pharmacologic agents for CeD within the next 5 years.
The Beautiful Game: Fair Value, Accountability and Accounting for Player Registrations
Authors: Maroun Warren , van Zijl Wayne , Chesaina Rottok , Garnett Robert 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCurrently, professional football clubs only recognise purchased player contracts (player registrations) in their financial statements. The costs associated with home‐grown players are expensed. Furthermore, acquired player registrations must be held under the historical cost model because revaluations are only permitted when an active market for identical intangible assets is available. This is rare and results in a club's most important asset class either being excluded from the balance sheet or carried at outdated amounts. Comparability among clubs is also compromised. Clubs with a player development strategy are disadvantaged in comparison to those that actively purchase established players because they report weaker balance sheets. Additionally, because the development and changes in the value of registrations are not accounted for over time, current revenues are mismatched with expenses related to investments in assets distorting performance assessments. In response, the current paper develops a normative framework for accounting for player registrations designed to provide a more detailed and transparent account of how clubs manage these important assets. The model complements financial statements by incorporating elements of historical cost and fair value whilst maintaining compliance with IFRS. The model's practical application is illustrated using three well‐known football clubs namely, Arsenal, Everton and Manchester United.
Amentoflavone attenuates Listeria monocytogenes pathogenicity through an LLO‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Tingting Wang , Tianqi Fang , Xinyu Wang , Can Zhang , Xue Shen , Xuming Deng , Jianfeng Wang 
Published: March 2022

Background and PurposeL. monocytogenes remain a leading cause of foodborne infection. Listeriolysin O (LLO), an indispensable virulence determinant involved in diverse pathogenic mechanisms of L. monocytogenes infection, represents a promising therapeutic target. In this study, we sought to identify an effective inhibitor of LLO pore formation and its mechanism of action in the treatment of L. monocytogenes infection.Experimental ApproachHaemolysis assays were carried out to screen an effective LLO inhibitor. The interaction between candidate and LLO was investigated using surface plasmon resonance and molecular docking. The effect of candidate on LLO‐mediated cytotoxicity, barrier disruption and immune response were investigated. Finally, the in vivo effect of candidate on mice challenged with L. monocytogenes was examined.Key resultsAmentoflavone, a natural flavone present in traditional Chinese herbs, effectively inhibited LLO pore formation by engaging the residues Lys93, Asp416, Tyr469 and Lys505 in LLO. Amentoflavone dose‐dependently reduced L. monocytogenes‐induced cell injury in an LLO‐dependent manner. In the Caco‐2 monolayer model, amentoflavone maintained the integrity of the epithelial barrier exposed to LLO. Amentoflavone inhibited the inflammatory response evoked by L. monocytogenes in an LLO‐dependent manner, and inhibition was attributed to ability to block perforation‐associated K+ efflux and Ca2+ influx. In the mouse infection model, amentoflavone treatment significantly reduced bacterial burden and pathological lesions in target organs, with a significant increase in survival rate.Conclusions and ImplicationsAmentoflavone reduced the pathogenicity of L. monocytogenes by specifically inhibiting LLO pore formation, and this may represent a potential treatment for L. monocytogenes infection.
The terrestrial and semi‐aquatic invertebrates of intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams
Authors: Steward Alisha L. , Datry Thibault , Langhans Simone D. 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTIntermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES), which cease flow and/or dry at some point, are the most abundant waterways on earth, and are found on every continent. They can support a diverse, and often abundant, terrestrial and semi‐aquatic invertebrate (TSAI) fauna, which has been poorly explored due to its position at the fringe between aquatic and terrestrial disciplines. TSAIs can inhabit a variety of habitat types, including the shoreline, the surface of exposed gravel bars, unsaturated gravels, dry riverbeds, riparian zones, and floodplains. Much less is known about the species composition and ecological roles of TSAIs of IRES than their aquatic counterparts, with TSAIs being largely overlooked in conceptual models, legislation, policy, and ecological monitoring. Herein we review the TSAI literature that has increased substantially over the last decade and present conceptual models describing how TSAIs respond to hydrological changes in IRES. Then, we test these models with data collected during wet and dry phases in IRES from Australia and France. These generic models can be utilised by water managers and policy makers, ensuring that both wet and dry phases are considered in the management and protection of IRES. IRES should be viewed as a habitat continuum through time, with taxa from a pool of aquatic, semi‐aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates inhabiting at any hydrological stage. We call for collaboration among terrestrial and aquatic ecologists to explore these invertebrates and ecosystems further.