bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metformin modulates the gut microbiome in a mice model of high-fat diet-induced glycolipid metabolism disorder
Authors: Wu Haoran , Wang Xinmiao , Fang Xinyi , Lian Fengmei , Li Min , Liao Jiangquan , Dai Dan , Tian Jiaxing 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionMetformin (MET) can regulate glucose and lipid levels, and the gut microbiota may be involved in the control of metabolism. We hypothesized that MET alleviates glucolipid metabolism disorder by modulating gut microbiota and microbial metabolites.Research design and methodsA total of 24 male C57BL/6 J mice were equally divided into three groups (normal control, model control (MC), and MET-treated groups). Model mice were established by feeding a high-fat diet for 6 weeks. The MET-treated group was administered MET solution (2.5 g/100 mL, 250 mg/kg). Fecal samples were collected to characterize the microbiota system using metagenomic shotgun sequencing and gas chromatography–time of flight–mass spectrometry analysis. Phenotypic and biochemical indices were obtained for further correlation analysis.ResultsCompared with the MC group, MET reduced the levels of weight, glucose, areas under the glucose curve in the glucose tolerance test, triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC). A decreasing abundance of bacteria, includingParabacteroides distasonis, and an increasing abundance of bacteria, includingBacteroides vulgatus, were observed in the MET-treated group. The 2-deoxytetronic acid declined after MET intervention and was positively correlated with species over-represented in the MC group and negatively correlated with species enriched in the MET-treated group. Additionally, species enriched in the MET-treated group negatively correlated with glucose, areas under the glucose curve in the glucose tolerance test, and TGs. Further, the correlation between the differential metabolites, which decreased after MET intervention, and the phenotypic indices was positive.ConclusionsMET-induced restoration of intestinal homeostasis correlates with the amelioration of host glucolipid metabolism.
External validation of the risk prediction model for early diabetic kidney disease in Taiwan population: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sun Zhenzhen , Wang Kun , Miller Joshua D , Yuan Xiaodan , Lee Yau-Jiunn , Lou Qingqing 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesThis study aims to independently and externally validate the Risk Prediction Model for Diabetic Kidney Disease (RPM-DKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).DesignThis is a retrospective cohort study.SettingOutpatient clinics at Lee’s United Clinics, Taiwan, China.ParticipantsA total of 2504 patients (average age 55.44 years, SD, 7.49 years) and 4455 patients (average age 57.88 years, SD, 8.80 years) were included for analysis in the DKD prediction and progression prediction cohorts, respectively.ExposureThe predicted risk for DKD and DKD progression for each patient were all calculated using the RPM-DKD.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was overall incidence of DKD. Secondary outcomes included DKD progression. The discrimination, calibration and precision of the RPM-DKD score were assessed.ResultsThe DKD prediction cohort and progression prediction cohort consisted of patients with 2504 and 4455 T2DM, respectively. The RPM-DKD examined in this study showed moderately discriminative ability with area under the curve ranged from 0.636 to 0.681 for the occurrence of DKD and 0.620 to 0.654 for the progression of DKD. The Hosmer-Lemeshow χ2test indicted the RPM-DKD was not well calibrated for predicting the occurrence of DKD and overestimated the progression of DKD. The precision for predicting the occurrence and progression of DKD were 43.2% and 42.2%, respectively.ConclusionsOn external validation, the RPM-DKD cannot accurately predict the risk of DKD occurrence and progression in patients with T2DM.
Factors influencing the information behaviour of doctors and nurses in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Northern Cape provinces: a survey study protocol
Authors: Chitha Nombulelo , Mabunda Sikhumbuzo A , Essel Vivien , Funani Itumeleng , Godlimpi Lizo , Swartbooi Buyiswa , Mnyaka Onke , Thabede Jahman , Tshabalala Ruth , Chitha Wezile 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionInformation is a prerequisite for quality healthcare service. Health professionals play a key role in the health system as they jointly have the responsibility of looking after patients everyday. Failure to use evidence in medicine may lead to medical errors such as incorrect diagnosis and/or mismanagement. Health professionals with access to quality health information can improve health services. This study focuses on the information behaviour of doctors and nurses whose role involves direct patient care.Methods and analysisThis study will employ a quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey design. Simple random sampling will be used to identify the provinces and hospitals. Stratified random sampling will be used to select doctors and nurses to whom a validated questionnaire will be administered. The study will use a structured self-administered questionnaire. Data collection will be carried out at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Witbank Hospital, Pietersburg Hospital and Robert Mangaliso Hospital, respectively. Questionnaires are distributed to health professionals in one of two ways. First, by emailing an editable Microsoft word document (questionnaire) to the health professionals to complete and send back. Second, by sharing with the health professionals through WhatsApp or email, an online version of the questionnaire that has been created on Google Forms. Data collection process is scheduled to commence on 14 March 2022 and is expected to end on the 15 September 2022.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained from the University of the Witwatersrand Human Research Ethics Committee (reference: M211013) and Walter Sisulu University Human Research Ethics and Biosafety Committee (reference: 099/2021). Permission to access the health facilities was approved by the Provincial Health Research Committees of the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape. Finally, results will be shared with all key stakeholders, including hospital management, clinical staff, through public presentation and direct engagements with stakeholders.
Relationship between Tai Chi and clinical outcomes in elderly patients with COVID-19: a protocol for systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Jinfeng , Wang Yang , He Sheng , Peng Xiao , Wang Chun , Li Na , Liao Yuanpeng 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionCOVID-19 has posed a serious threat to people worldwide, especially the older adults, since its discovery. Tai Chi as a traditional Chinese exercisethat belongs to traditional Chinese medicine has proven its effectiveness against COVID-19. However, no high-quality evidence is found on the dose–response relationships between Tai Chi and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. This study will evaluate and determine the clinical evidence of Tai Chi as a treatment in elderly patients with COVID-19.Methods and analysisThe following electronic bibliographical databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database and Wanfang Database will be screened from their inception date to 30 June 2022. All eligible randomised controlled trials or controlled clinical trials related to Tai Chi for elderly patients with COVID-19 will be included. The primary outcomes are forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC ratio (FEV1%). The secondary outcomes are the time of main symptoms disappearance, length of hospital stay, serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1b and tumour necrosis factor-α, and adverse event rate. Two independent reviewers will select the studies, extract the data, and analyse them on EndNote V.X9.0 and Stata V.12.1. The robust error meta-regression model will be used to establish the dose–response relationships between Tai Chi and clinical outcomes. The heterogeneity and variability will be analysed by I2and τ2statistics. Risk of bias, subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis will also be performed. The quality of evidence will be assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation, and the risk of bias will be evaluated by using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale.Ethics and disseminationThis study will review published data; thus, obtaining ethical approval and consent is unnecessary. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022327694.
Changes in signalling from faecal neuroactive metabolites following dietary modulation of IBS pain
Authors: Tuck Caroline J , Abu Omar Amal , De Palma Giada , Osman Samira , Jiménez-Vargas Nestor N , Yu Yang , Bennet Sean MP , Lopez-Lopez Cintya , Jaramillo-Polanco Josue O , Baker Corey C , Bennett Aidan SW , Guzman-Rodriguez Mabel , Tsang Quentin , Alward Taylor , Rolland Sebastien , Morissette Celine , Verdu Elena F , Bercik Premysl , Vanner Stephen J , Lomax Alan E , Reed David E 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveDietary therapies for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have received increasing interest but predicting which patients will benefit remains a challenge due to a lack of mechanistic insight. We recently found evidence of a role for the microbiota in dietary modulation of pain signalling in a humanised mouse model of IBS. This randomised cross-over study aimed to test the hypothesis that pain relief following reduced consumption of fermentable carbohydrates is the result of changes in luminal neuroactive metabolites.DesignIBS (Rome IV) participants underwent four trial periods: two non-intervention periods, followed by a diet low (LFD) and high in fermentable carbohydrates for 3 weeks each. At the end of each period, participants completed questionnaires and provided stool. The effects of faecal supernatants (FS) collected before (IBS FS) and after a LFD (LFD FS) on nociceptive afferent neurons were assessed in mice using patch-clamp and ex vivo colonic afferent nerve recording techniques.ResultsTotal IBS symptom severity score and abdominal pain were reduced by the LFD (N=25; p<0.01). Excitability of neurons was increased in response to IBS FS, but this effect was reduced (p<0.01) with LFD FS from pain-responders. IBS FS from pain-responders increased mechanosensitivity of nociceptive afferent nerve axons (p<0.001), an effect lost following LFD FS administration (p=NS) or when IBS FS was administered in the presence of antagonists of histamine receptors or protease inhibitors.ConclusionsIn a subset of IBS patients with improvement in abdominal pain following a LFD, there is a decrease in pronociceptive signalling from FS, suggesting that changes in luminal mediators may contribute to symptom response.
Time to steroids impacts visual outcome of optic neuritis in MOGAD
Authors: Rode Julie , Pique Julie , Maarouf Adil , Ayrignac Xavier , Bourre Bertrand , Ciron Jonathan , Cohen Mikael , Collongues Nicolas , Deschamps Romain , Maillart Elisabeth , Montcuquet Alexis , Papeix Caroline , Ruet Aurelie , Wiertlewski Sandrine , Zephir Helene , Marignier Romain , Audoin Bertrand 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundTo characterise the response to treatment of inaugural optic neuritis (ON) in patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD).MethodsWe searched the French MOGAD database for adults with inaugural ON with a detailed report of acute treatment modalities and measures of high-contrast best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at nadir and after 3 months. Predictors of visual outcomes were assessed by multivariable analysis.ResultsAmong 245 patients with at least one episode of ON, 82 fulfilled all criteria, and data on the peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) were available for 44. All patients received methylprednisolone (MP), combined with plasma exchange in 18. After 3 months, 75 of 82 (91%) patients retained full BCVA recovery, and median (range) pRNFL of the affected eye was 72 µm (40–102). Failure to regain 0.0 logarithmic minimum angle of resolution vision (Snellen 20/20) at 3 months was associated with time to first MP treatment ≥10 days (OR 16, 95% CI 1.14 to 213, p=0.01). pRNFL thickness after 3 months was related to better BCVA at nadir and time to first MP treatment <10 days (r2=19%, p=0.004 and r2=11%, p=0.03, respectively).ConclusionsTime to MP affects functional but also structural visual outcomes of ON in MOGAD.
Postdischarge prognostic significance of periprocedural myocardial injury after percutaneous intervention of chronic total occlusion
Authors: Poels Ella , Vanhaverbeke Maarten , van den Buijs Deborah , Cottens Daan , Ameloot Koen , Lesizza Pierluigi , McCutcheon Keir , Bennet Johan , Dens Joseph 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundThe postdischarge prognostic implication of periprocedural myocardial injury in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of a chronic total occlusion (CTO) remains scarcely studied.AimsThe aim of this study is to assess the prognostic value of periprocedural myocardial injury, defined by increased high-sensitive troponin T (hs-TnT) levels according to updated guidelines, after CTO PCI.MethodsBetween September 2011 and April 2020, 726 patients undergoing CTO PCI at 2 Belgian referral centres were prospectively included and divided into 4 groups based on postprocedural hs-TnT levels (unelevated; ≥5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN); ≥35 times the ULN; ≥70 times the ULN). Postprocedural hs-TnT levels were subsequently related to patient and procedural characteristics, 1-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; excluding in-hospital MACCE) as well as 1-year mortality.ResultsAt 1 year follow-up (FU), elevated hs-TnT≥5 times and ≥35 times the ULN were associated with higher MACCE rates (p=0.001; p=0.007, respectively). In addition, they also resulted in a higher 1-year mortality rate (p=0.009;p=0.021, respectively). Patients with increased hs-TnT≥5 times the ULN (35% of patients) more frequently had signs of more advanced atherosclerotic disease (previous CABG p<0.001; stroke p≤0.001 and peripheral vascular disease p<0.001) and had higher procedural complexity (Japanese CTO Score p=<0.001, stent length>48 mm p<0.001, procedure time p<0.001). Antegrade wire escalation did not result in lower event rate of postdischarge MACCE compared with the other CTO crossing techniques combined (p=0.158).ConclusionPeriprocedural myocardial injury was associated with a significantly higher rate of MACCE and all-cause mortality after 12 months of FU.
Episodic breathlessness in patients with cancer: definition, terminology, clinical features – integrative systematic review
Authors: Julià-Torras Joaquim , Moreno-Alonso Deborah , Porta-Sales Josep , Monforte-Royo Cristina 
Published: December 2022

PurposeBreatlessness flares directly impair quality of life of patients with cancer. The aim of this review was to analyse and synthesise the available information related to its terminology, definition and clinical features in patients with cancer.MethodsIntegrative systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Literature search was conducted in MEDLINE PubMed, CINAHLPlus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register Controlled Trials CENTRAL, Scopus and OpenAire.ResultsData from 1065 patients with cancer included in 12 studies were analysed. The preferred term for breathlessness flares was episodic dyspnoea (ED). The reported frequency of ED was 20.4% (70.9% in patients reporting background dyspnoea (BD)). ED intensity was moderate to severe with short duration (<10 min) in >80% of patients. The most common trigger was exertion (>90%) followed by emotional or environmental factors. ED management consisted mainly of pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures.ConclusionsThis systematic review shows that ED is common in patients with cancer, especially in those with BD. Further studies are urgently needed to better understand this condition and to develop specific therapeutic management.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019126708.
Impact of waterpipe tobacco taxation on consumption, government revenue and premature deaths averted in Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine: a simulation study
Authors: Jawad Mohammed , Awawda Sameera , Abla Ruba , Chalak Ali , Khader Yousef S , Nakkash Rima T , Mostafa Aya , Salloum Ramzi G , Abu-Rmeileh Niveen M E 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionDespite the high prevalence of waterpipe tobacco smoking in the Eastern Mediterranean region, evidence supporting its fiscal measures is limited. We modelled the impact of waterpipe tobacco-specific excise taxes on consumption, government revenue and premature deaths averted in Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine.MethodsWe developed a simulation model using country-specific and market share-specific price, consumption and price elasticity data from WHO, UN Comtrade and nationally representative surveys. We modelled increases to specific excise taxes to meet a 35.9% tax burden on 20 g of waterpipe tobacco in Lebanon and Jordan, in line with the global average, and to double government revenues from excise duties in Palestine, which has surpassed this average.ResultsSpecific excise tax was raised by $1.14 ($0.18–$1.32) in Jordan, $2.41 ($0.03–$2.44) in Lebanon (alongside removal ofad valoremtaxes) and $2.39 ($1.72–$4.11) in Palestine per 20 g of waterpipe tobacco. Government revenue increased by $126.3 million in Jordan, $53.8 million in Lebanon and $162.4 million in Palestine while waterpipes smoked decreased by 32.4% in Jordan, 71.0% in Lebanon and 16.3% in Palestine. The corresponding numbers of premature deaths averted annually were approximately 162 000; 1 000 000; and 52 000.DiscussionIncreases in waterpipe tobacco-specific excise taxes substantially reduce smoking and increase government revenue and averted premature deaths in Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. This has positive implications for both public health and financing and should be considered a policy priority.
Effects of Lorentz symmetry breaking environment on generalized relativistic quantum oscillator field
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin 
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we study the generalized Klein–Gordon oscillator under the effects of the violation of Lorentz symmetry defined by a tensor field ( KF) μναβ out of the standard model extension. We consider a possible scenario of Lorentz-violating with a Cornell-type potential form electric field and a linear magnetic field that contributes a harmonic-type central potential effects in the quantum motions of oscillator fields. The bound-state solutions of the wave equation using the parametric Nikiforov–Uvarov method by considering Coulomb- and Cornell-type potential form functions are obtained. We see that the eigenvalue solutions get modified by the Lorentz symmetry breaking effects in comparison to the Landau levels (without Lorentz-violation effects in flat space).
The Coverage Problem by Aligned Disks
Authors: Nakano Shin-ichi 
Published: December 2022

Given a set [Formula: see text] of points and a horizontal line [Formula: see text] in the plane and a set [Formula: see text] of points on [Formula: see text], we want to find a set of disks such that (1) each disk has the center at a point in [Formula: see text] (but with arbitrary radius), (2) each point in [Formula: see text] is covered by at least one disk, and (3) the cost of the set of disks is minimized. Here the (transmission) cost of a disk with radius [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a positive constant depending on the power consumption model, and the cost of a set of disk is the sum of the cost of disks in the set. In this paper we first give an algorithm based on dynamic programming method to solve the problem in [Formula: see text] metric. A naive dynamic programming algorithm runs in [Formula: see text] time. We design an algorithm which runs in [Formula: see text] time. Then we design another algorithm to solve the problem in [Formula: see text] metric based on a reduction to a shortest path problem in a directed acyclic graph. The running time of the algorithm is [Formula: see text].
The value of integrated core–CT–BHI data in characterizing aeolian dune geometries and effects of cross-cutting deformation bands: implications for permeability architecture
Authors: James Andrea , Bertouche Meriem , Foote Nicolas , Hern Caroline Y. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Three-dimensional circumferential CT-scans have transformed how core is described and calibrated with borehole image (BHI) datasets to refine reservoir rock typing and facies description.
This paper focuses on the value of circumferential CT-scans in the assessment of plug and bed-scale heterogeneities. It shows how careful re-orientation and calibration with borehole images can help unravel sandbody geometries and orientation, and the potential effects of cross-cutting deformation bands on permeability architecture and sweep efficiency. This is demonstrated using aeolian-dominated core examples, supported with circumferential CT-scans, minipermeability data, conventional logs and BHI data, taken from the Jurassic Norphlet Formation from producing fields in the Gulf of Mexico. The formation overlies Early Jurassic Louann Salt, and syn-depositional halokinesis significantly influenced depositional accommodation space, facies distribution, and preservation potential. Furthermore, deposition during active salt tectonics has resulted in complex deformation band networks within these clean sandstones.
CT-scan density contrasts highlight stratification types and deformation bands not always visible on slabbed core. Furthermore, BHI re-orientated CT-scans provide high-resolution dip/azimuth data and aid aeolian bedset bounding surface definition, which is important for determining dune geometry and stacking patterns. Hence, an integrated approach using core, circumferential CT-scan and calibrated BHI has been essential for deciphering the complexity of these deposits.
Approximating Pathwidth for Graphs of Small Treewidth
Authors: Groenland Carla , Joret Gwenaël , Nadara Wojciech , Walczak Bartosz 
Published: December 2022

We describe a polynomial-time algorithm which, given a graphGwith treewidtht, approximates the pathwidth ofGto within a ratio of\(O(t\sqrt {\log t})\). This is the first algorithm to achieve anf(t)-approximation for some functionf.Our approach builds on the following key insight: every graph with large pathwidth has large treewidth or contains a subdivision of a large complete binary tree. Specifically, we show that every graph with pathwidth at leastth+2 has treewidth at leasttor contains a subdivision of a complete binary tree of heighth+1. The boundth+2 is best possible up to a multiplicative constant. This result was motivated by, and implies (withc=2), the following conjecture of Kawarabayashi and Rossman (SODA’18): there exists a universal constantcsuch that every graph with pathwidth Ω(kc) has treewidth at leastkor contains a subdivision of a complete binary tree of heightk.Our main technical algorithm takes a graphGand some (not necessarily optimal) tree decomposition ofGof widtht′ in the input, and it computes in polynomial time an integerh, a certificate thatGhas pathwidth at leasth, and a path decomposition ofGof width at most (t′+1)h+1. The certificate is closely related to (and implies) the existence of a subdivision of a complete binary tree of heighth. The approximation algorithm for pathwidth is then obtained by combining this algorithm with the approximation algorithm of Feige, Hajiaghayi, and Lee (STOC’05) for treewidth.