bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐management model based on information–motivation–behavioral skills model in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Lim Kyeung Eun , Kim Sung Reul , Kim Hye Young , Kim So Ri , Lee Yong Chul 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAimTo develop and test a predictive model of self‐management based on the theory of the information–motivation–behavioural skills model and previous literature on self‐management for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).DesignA descriptive, correlational, cross‐sectional design was used.MethodsA convenience sample recruited 248 patients with COPD from the pulmonary medicine clinic in South Korea between July 2020 and June 2021. We used self‐administrated, structured questionnaires for dyspnoea, health status, knowledge, attitude, social support, self‐efficacy and self‐management. Data were analysed using path analysis to test a self‐management model for patients with COPD.ResultsGender, COPD self‐management knowledge, social support and COPD self‐efficacy had a direct effect on COPD self‐management. Dyspnoea, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage, health status, COPD self‐management attitude and social support had an indirect effect on self‐management in patients with COPD. These variables explained 43.2% of the total variance for self‐management in patients with COPD.ConclusionsWhen assessing self‐management of COPD; demographic and clinical factors, knowledge, attitudes, social support and self‐efficacy included in the information–motivation–behavioural skills model should be considered together.
The relationship between high–normal blood pressure in the first half of pregnancy and the risk of hypertensive disease of pregnancy
Authors: Zou Xiao‐Yi , Yang Ning , Cai Wei , Niu Xiu‐Long , Wei Mao‐Ti , Zhang Xin , LI Yu‐Ming 
Published: July 2022

AbstractEarly warning of hypertensive disorder in pregnancy (HDP) can improve maternal and infant outcomes. However, few studies had evaluated the warning value of high–normal blood pressure (BP) before the onset of HDP. This was a prospective cohort study to investigate the relationship between high‐normal BP in the first half of pregnancy and the risk of HDP. According to the maximum BP measured before 20+6 weeks of gestation, the cohort was divided into three groups: optimal BP (SBP < 120 mmHg and DBP < 80 mmHg), normal BP (120 mmHg ≤ SBP < 130 mmHg or 80 mmHg ≤ DBP < 85 mmHg), and high–normal BP (130 mmHg ≤ SBP < 140 mmHg or 85 mmHg ≤ DBP < 90 mmHg). The relationship between different BP levels in the first half of pregnancy and HDP risk was assessed by general linear models. Ten thousand one hundred and ninety‐three normotensive pregnant women with complete information were finally included for data analysis. Among them, 532 pregnant women were diagnosed with HDP, with a total HDP incidence of 5.2%. The incidences in the optimal, normal, and high–normal BP groups were 2.4%, 6.0%, and 21.8%, respectively. Compared to women with optimal BP in the first half of pregnancy, women with high‐normal BP had a 445% increased risk of HDP (aRR: 5.45, 95% CI: 4.24–7.00), and even women with normal BP had a 107% increased risk of HDP (aRR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.68–2.56). This study demonstrated that among low‐risk healthy women, women with high–normal BP in the first half of pregnancy had a significantly higher risk of HDP.
Effect of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor medication on new prescriptions of antihypertensives, antigout/antihyperuricemics and antidyslipidemics in Japan: Analysis using the JMDC Claims Database
Authors: Gouda Maki , Arakawa Kenji , Inagaki Masaya , Ushirogawa Yoshiteru 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAims/IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the effects of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on new prescriptions of drugs, including antihypertensives, antigout/antihyperuricemics and antidyslipidemics, for the treatment of lifestyle‐related diseases in Japanese patients with diabetes mellitus using the JMDC Claims Database.Materials and MethodsPatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were newly treated with SGLT2i or other oral antidiabetic drugs and had not been prescribed any antihypertensives, antigout/antihyperuricemics or antidyslipidemics for at least 1 year were extracted from the database. Using propensity score calibration matching (1:1), we assessed the proportion of patients who started the aforementioned concomitant medications within 2 years, and the risk ratio of SGLT2i to other antidiabetic medication groups was calculated.ResultsIn 856,796 patients with diabetes mellitus, 734, 1,197 and 703 propensity score calibration‐matched patients in each group were analyzed for the prescription of antihypertensives, antigout/antihyperuricemics and antidyslipidemics, respectively. The new prescriptions of antihypertensives and antigout/antihyperuricemics were lower in the SGLT2i group than those in the other oral antidiabetic drug group (risk ratio 0.66 and 0.37, respectively), whereas those of antidyslipidemics were more common in the SGLT2i group (risk ratio 1.43).ConclusionsNew prescriptions of antihypertensives or antigout/antihyperuricemics were lower for patients taking SGLT2i than those taking other oral antidiabetic drugs, probably due to a reduction of blood pressure and uric acid levels by SGLT2i. The more frequent prescriptions of antidyslipidemics might partially reflect a moderate increase in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as a result of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition.
Mortality and prognostic factors in patients with bullous pemphigoid: a retrospective multicenter Italian study
Authors: Bardazzi F. , Filippi F. , Chessa M.A. , Iommi M. , Loi C. , Campanati A. , Rizzetto G. , Tagliati C. , Atzori L. , Muratori S. , Genovese G. , Gisondi P. , Schena D. , Balestri R. , Rech G. , Feliciani C. , Lasagni C. , Bigi L. , De Simone C. , Di Zenzo G. , Moro F. , Borghi A. , Di Lernia V. , D'Arrigo G. , Tripepi G. , Gori M. , Pitino A. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIntroductionBullous pemphigoid is the most common autoimmune bullous dermatosis. In recent years several studies have tried to identify the main factors of the disease related with an increased risk of death. The aim of this multicenter Italian study was to assess the risk score of death considering epidemiologic, clinical, immunological, and therapeutic factors in a cohort of patients affected by bullous pemphigoid and try to identify the cumulative survival up to 120 months.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with bullous pemphigoid who were diagnosed between 2005 and 2020 in the 12 Italian centers. Data collected included sex, age at the time of diagnosis, laboratory findings, severity of disease, time at death/censoring, treatment, and multimorbidity.ResultsA total of 572 patients were included in the study. The crude mortality rate was 20.6%, with an incidence mortality rate of 5.9 × 100 person/year. The mortality rate at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years was 3.2%, 18.2%, 27.4% and 51.9%, respectively. Multivariate model results showed that the risk of death was significantly higher in patients older than 78 years, in presence of multimorbidity, anti‐BP180 autoantibodies >72 U/mL, or anti‐BP230 > 3 U/mL at diagnosis. The variables jointly included provided an accuracy (Harrel's Index) of 77% for predicting mortality.ConclusionThis study represents the first nationwide Italian study to have retrospectively investigated the mortality rates and prognostic factors in patients with bullous pemphigoid. A novel finding emerged in our study is that a risk prediction rule based on simple risk factors (age, multimorbidity, steroid‐sparing drugs, prednisone use, and disease severity) jointly considered with two biomarkers routinely measured in clinical practice (anti‐BP230 and anti‐BP180 autoantibodies) provided about 80% accuracy for predicting mortality in large series of patients with this disease.
For‐profit hospitals could play a distinctive role as anchor institutions
Authors: Choyke Kelly Lynn , Franz Berkeley , Rodriguez Vanessa , Cronin Cory E. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractRationaleHospitals have a longstanding presence in United States communities and contribute to economic development and community well‐being through widespread employment, purchasing and direct community engagement. Most of the data on anchor institutions to date, however, has focused on nonprofit organisations, especially nonprofit hospitals, colleges and universities. The aim of this study is to better understand if for‐profit hospitals engage in explicit anchor activities, and whether these organisations adopt unique strategies in carrying out this study.MethodsWe used an inductive, qualitative approach to understand how for‐profit hospitals perceive their anchoring efforts as distinct as compared to nonprofits. We conducted in‐depth interviews with 23 hospital leaders, researchers and members of advocacy organisations, representing 11 different hospital organisations and 10 communities; and used thematic analysis to generate study findings.ResultsFor‐profit hospitals do see at least three primary differences that render them distinctive in their efforts to anchor themselves within their communities—namely, barriers that for‐profits encounter that nonprofits may not; their emphasis on strategic and synergistic practices; and their status as hospitals that also support their communities economically as tax‐paying entities.ConclusionWith a better understanding of their unique contributions as for‐profit organisations, policymakers can identify ways to leverage these hospitals to support their communities through outreach and engagement.
Preparation and characterization of an alkali‐pickled preserved egg white heat‐induced gel
Authors: Ye Yang , Li Anjiao , Feng Tingting , Yuan Xianling , Xiao Xia , Wang Yang 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIn recent years, heavy‐metal salts for pickling preserved eggs and the long production period have affected its acceptability and industrialization. In this study, we used the method of short‐term pickling of no‐heavy‐metal salts to obtain gels by alkali‐picked and heat induced. The physicochemical properties, secondary structure and free amino acid composition of egg whites during pickling were determined. Furthermore, the texture and chromatic characters of the preserved egg white gels after heating were analyzed. After 7 days of pickling, the pH and free alkalinity can reach the level of preserved eggs, presenting the value of 11.48 and 184.03 mg/100 g respectively. The α‐helix content decreased from 36.01% to 32.39%. On the other hand, the β‐turns increased from 16.98% to 18.82%, and the Random coils increased from 26.31% to 28.76%. The free sulfhydryl content of preserved egg white increased gradually, whereas the total sulfhydryl content, the Td value, and free amino acid content decreased during the pickling process. The hardness and springiness of the gel remained largely unchanged during the pickling time (5–8 days). The gel's appearance, chromatic, and texture reached the level of traditional preserved egg in a relatively short pickling time, providing a new idea for the rapid picking of preserved egg white gel. The treatment in this study is important for improving the efficiency of industrial production of preserved egg white gels.Practical applicationsHeat treatment is a standard method in food processing, helping improve the texture and quality of products. After heat treatment, the physicochemical properties of the alkali‐pickled eggs can reach the state of traditionally preserved egg whites. Therefore, the method described in this study can help shorten the pickling time of preserved egg white products and provide theoretical support for developing new preserved egg products.
Norepinephrine modulation of heat dissipation in female rats lacking estrogen
Authors: Fonseca Cristina S. , Aquino Nayara S. S. , Goncalves Gleisy K. N. , Drummond Lucas R. , Hipolito Laisa T. M. , Silva Juneo F. , Silva Kaoma S. C. , Henriques Patricia C. , Domingues Talita E. , Lacerda Ana C. R. , Guatimosim Silvia , Coimbra Candido C. , Szawka Raphael E. , Reis Adelina M. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractPostmenopausal hot flushes are caused by lack of estradiol (E2) but their neuroendocrine basis is still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the interrelationship between norepinephrine and hypothalamic neurons, with emphasis on kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), as a regulatory pathway in the vasomotor effects of E2. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats displayed increased tail skin temperature (TST), and this increase was prevented in OVX rats treated with E2 (OVX + E2). Expression of Fos in the hypothalamus and the number of ARC kisspeptin neurons coexpressing Fos were increased in OVX rats. Likewise, brainstem norepinephrine neurons of OVX rats displayed higher Fos immunoreactivity associated with the increase in TST. In the ARC, the density of dopamine‐ß‐hydroxylase (DBH)‐immunoreactive (ir) fibers was not altered by E2 but, importantly, DBH‐ir terminals were found in close apposition to kisspeptin cells, revealing norepinephrine inputs to ARC kisspeptin neurons. Intracerebroventricular injection of the α2‐adrenergic agonist clonidine (CLO) was used to reduce central norepinephrine release, confirmed by the decreased 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol/norepinephrine ratio in the preoptic area and ARC. Accordingly, CLO treatment in OVX rats reduced ARC Kiss1 mRNA levels and TST to the values of OVX + E2 rats. Conversely, CLO stimulated Kiss1 expression in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and increased luteinizing hormone secretion. These findings provide evidence that augmented heat dissipation in OVX rats involves the increase in central norepinephrine that modulates hypothalamic areas related to thermoregulation, including ARC kisspeptin neurons. This neuronal network is suppressed by E2 and its imbalance may be implicated in the vasomotor symptoms of postmenopausal hot flushes.
Medical therapies for melasma
Authors: Mahajan Vikram K. , Patil Anant , Blicharz Leszek , Kassir Martin , Konnikov Nellie , Gold Michael H. , Goldman Mitchel P. , Galadari Hassan , Goldust Mohamad 
Published: July 2022

AbstractMelasma is a common malady affecting all races with a higher incidence in Hispanics, Middle Eastern, Asians, and African origin females (Fitzpatrick skin phototypes III–V). Women are affected much more often than men. Melasma remains a significant cause of cosmetic morbidity and psychosocial embarrassment affecting quality of life necessitating effective and reliable treatment. Unfortunately, treatment remains unsatisfactory due to limited efficacy, adverse effects, and relapses after stopping treatment. Although chemical peels, laser and light therapies and dermabrasion may have utility, the evidence available for their efficacy is limited and they often cause post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in individuals with darker skin types. Medical therapies remain mainstay in the management of melasma. The triple combination, hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05%, and fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% (Triluma, Galderma, Ft. Worth Texas, often modified incorporating different corticosteroids) remains the only US FDA‐approved treatment for melasma and is the gold standard due its demonstrated efficacy across ethnicities. Oral tranexamic acid alone or in combination with other modalities has also shown significant efficacy. Several cosmeceuticals and botanical extracts used as skin lightening agents have been demonstrated to be useful. Physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and silicones provide photoprotective and camouflage effect. We propose that a multimodality approach to the treatment of melasma is the most effective treatment approach. This review is focused on the medical therapies for melasma.
A review of Phillips‐type right‐tailed unit root bubble detection tests
Authors: Hu Yang 
Published: July 2022

AbstractRecent developments on the right‐tailed unit root tests of Phillips et al., which are used to date stamp the origination and collapse dates of asset price bubbles, have generated considerable interest. This paper provides a review for both empirical researchers that adopt these new econometric tools to detect the presence of asset price bubbles, and theoretical papers that extend these testing procedures. This paper also uses the psymonitor package in R to demonstrate the practical use of such tests using an example based on data for British Railway Mania of the 1840s.
A robust subpixel refinement technique using self‐adaptive edge points matching for vision‐based structural displacement measurement
Authors: Wang Miaomin , Xu Fuyou , Xu Yan , Brownjohn James 
Published: July 2022

AbstractApplying a subpixel refinement technique in vision‐based displacement sensing can significantly improve the measurement accuracy. However, digital image signals from the camera are highly sensitive to drastically varying lighting conditions in the field measurements of structural displacement, causing pixels expressing a tracking target to have nonuniform grayscale intensity changes in different recording video frames. Traditional feature points‐based subpixel refinement techniques are neither robust nor accurate enough in this case, presenting challenges for accurate measurement. This paper proposes a robust subpixel refinement technique—self‐adaptive edge points matching (SEPM)—to obtain accurate subpixel‐level displacements under drastic illumination change conditions. Different from traditional feature points‐based methods, the gradient and shape information of the target edge contour are used in the SEPM calculation. Three tests under different illumination conditions were conducted to evaluate the performance of the SEPM. The results show that the SEPM is capable of producing accurate subpixel‐level displacement data with less 1/16‐pixel root mean‐square error.
Stateness and democratic backsliding in the former Yugoslavia: How political actors subvert democracy in the name of the nation
Authors: Milacic Filip 
Published: July 2022

AbstractWith respect to the relationship between the state and democracy, the scholarly research thus far has mainly oscillated between two perspectives: ‘no state, no democracy’ versus ‘no democracy, no state’. Using the example of former Yugoslav republics and based on Mill's method of difference that is complemented with process tracing, we offer an alternative approach. We posit that a democracy can emerge within the context of unresolved matters of state and nation but it is unlikely that it will flourish. Furthermore, we argue that stateness problem creates conditions that facilitate democratic backsliding even if a country achieves a considerable level of democratic development: a fertile ground for ethno‐political entrepreneurship and national identity‐based political divisions that promote polarization. Accordingly, besides facilitating democratization, a resolved stateness problem should be regarded as a condition that fosters democratic resilience as well. The article contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between the state and democracy and reveals the mechanisms that are behind a successful subversion of democracy in the name of the nation.
Rare Bone Metastasis of Neuroendocrine Tumors of Unknown Origin: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Pan Qing , Yang Wenbo , Zhang Zhicai , Shao Zengwu 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundThe neuroendocrine tumor (NET) is rare, accounting for about 0.5% of all tumors. NETs have the characteristics of metastasis, especially lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and bone.Case presentationWe report a 30‐year‐old man diagnosed with a NET with bone metastasis and presented with waist and leg pain. The imaging findings of this case showed multiple osteosclerosis and no apparent bone destruction. We collected the patient's previous examinations, including laboratory, imaging, and pathological examination to get a precise diagnosis. Given this case, we carried out symptomatic support treatment to relieve the patients' pain symptoms.ConclusionBone metastases from NETs of unknown primary site are rare in both clinical and imaging manifestations. The disease is mainly manifested as multiple osteosclerosis, accompanied by muscle soreness and pain. It is recommended to try chemotherapy for this disorder.
Phloem turgor is maintained during severe drought in Ricinus communis
Authors: Gersony Jess Toby , Holbrook Noel M. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe phloem is a key player in whole plant functioning—transporting carbon from sites of production to sites of demand—and is likely influenced by drought due to its dependence on water for generating pressure‐driven bulk flow transport. Yet, phloem functioning during drought remains largely unknown due to a lack of experimental studies. Here, we use a phloem‐bleeding species, Ricinus communis, to investigate phloem loss‐of‐function in the context of leaf physiological processes, the mechanisms of phloem turgor maintenance during drought, and the role of turgor in phloem loss‐of‐function. We found that the solute concentration in the phloem sap doubled over the drought, which allowed phloem turgor to be maintained past the point at which leaves have reached permanent stomatal closure. We also found that phloem turgor did not decline before bleeding ceased, which suggests that phloem bleeding ceassation (interpreted as the cessation of transport) occurred when the phloem still had turgor. In sum, our findings highlight the robustness of phloem functioning, with important implications for forecasting whole‐plant carbon dynamics and drought‐induced tree mortality.
Analysis of Renal Cell Carcinoma Cell Response to the Enhancement of 5‐aminolevulinic Acid‐mediated Protoporphyrin IX Fluorescence by Iron Chelator Deferoxamine†
Authors: Howley Richard , Mansi Matthew , Shinde Janhavi , Restrepo Juliana , Chen Bin 
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACTAs a tumor photodiagnostic agent, 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is metabolized in the heme biosynthesis pathway to produce protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) with fluorescence. ALA‐PpIX fluorescence was evaluated in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines and non‐tumor HK‐2 cell lines. We found that extracellular PpIX level was correlated with ABCG2 activity, illustrating its importance as a PpIX efflux transporter. Extracellular PpIX was also related to the Km of ferrochelatase (FECH) that chelates PpIX with ferrous iron to form heme. The Vmax of FECH was higher in all RCC cell lines tested than in the HK‐2 cell line. TCGA dataset analysis indicates a positive correlation between FECH expression and RCC patient survival. These findings suggest FECH as an important biomarker in RCC. Effects of iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO) on the enhancement of PpIX fluorescence were assessed. DFO increased intracellular PpIX in both tumor and non‐tumor cells, resulting in no gain in tumor/non‐tumor fluorescence ratios. DFO appeared to increase ALA‐PpIX more at 1‐h than at 4‐h treatment. There was an inverse correlation between ALA‐PpIX fluorescence and the enhancement effect of DFO. These results suggest that enhancement of ALA‐PpIX by DFO may be limited by the availability of ferrous iron in mitochondria following ALA administration.