bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol-related Outcomes and All-cause Mortality in the Health 2000 Survey by Participation Status and Compared with the Finnish Population
Authors: McMinn Megan A. , Gray Linsay , Härkänen Tommi , Tolonen Hanna , Pitkänen Joonas , Molaodi Oarabile R. , Leyland Alastair H. , Martikainen Pekka
Published: June 2020

Background:

In the context of declining levels of participation, understanding differences between participants and non-participants in health surveys is increasingly important for reliable measurement of health-related behaviors and their social differentials. This study compared participants and non-participants of the Finnish Health 2000 survey, and participants and a representative sample of the target population, in terms of alcohol-related harms (hospitalizations and deaths) and all-cause mortality.

Methods:

We individually linked 6,127 survey participants and 1,040 non-participants, aged 30–79, and a register-based population sample (n = 496,079) to 12 years of subsequent administrative hospital discharge and mortality data. We estimated age-standardized rates and rate ratios for each outcome for non-participants and the population sample relative to participants with and without sampling weights by sex and educational attainment.

Results:

Harms and mortality were higher in non-participants, relative to participants for both men (rate ratios = 1.5 [95% confidence interval = 1.2, 1.9] for harms; 1.6 [1.3, 2.0] for mortality) and women (2.7 [1.6, 4.4] harms; 1.7 [1.4, 2.0] mortality). Non-participation bias in harms estimates in women increased with education and in all-cause mortality overall. Age-adjusted comparisons between the population sample and sampling weighted participants were inconclusive for differences by sex; however, there were some large differences by educational attainment level.

Conclusions:

Rates of harms and mortality in non-participants exceed those in participants. Weighted participants’ rates reflected those in the population well by age and sex, but insufficiently by educational attainment. Despite relatively high participation levels (85%), social differentiating factors and levels of harm and mortality were underestimated in the participants.
Time-varying Effects of Screen Media Exposure in the Relationship Between Socioeconomic Background and Childhood Obesity
Authors: Oude Groeniger Joost , de Koster Willem , van der Waal Jeroen
Published: June 2020

Background:

We investigated to what extent social inequalities in childhood obesity could be reduced by eliminating differences in screen media exposure.

Methods:

We used longitudinal data from the UK-wide Millennium Cohort Study (n = 11,413). The study measured mother’s educational level at child’s age 5. We calculated screen media exposure as a combination of television viewing and computer use at ages 7 and 11. We derived obesity at age 14 from anthropometric measures. We estimated a counterfactual disparity measure of the unmediated association between mother’s education and obesity by fitting an inverse probability-weighted marginal structural model, adjusting for mediator–outcome confounders.

Results:

Compared with children of mothers with a university degree, children of mothers with education to age 16 were 1.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5, 2.3) times as likely to be obese. Those whose mothers had no qualifications were 2.0 (95% CI = 1.5, 2.5) times as likely to be obese. Compared with mothers with university qualifications, the estimated counterfactual disparity in obesity at age 14, if educational differences in screen media exposure at age 7 and 11 were eliminated, was 1.8 (95% CI = 1.4, 2.2) for mothers with education to age 16 and 1.8 (95% CI = 1.4, 2.4) for mothers with no qualifications on the risk ratio scale. Hence, relative inequalities in childhood obesity would reduce by 13% (95% CI = 1%, 26%) and 17% (95% CI = 1%, 33%). Estimated reductions on the risk difference scale (absolute inequalities) were of similar magnitude.

Conclusions:

Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that social inequalities in screen media exposure contribute substantially to social inequalities in childhood obesity.
Intergenerational Change in Birthweight
Authors: Andrasfay Theresa , Goldman Noreen
Published: June 2020

Background:

Foreign-born women have heavier infants than US-born women, but it is unclear whether this advantage persists across generations for all races and ethnicities.

Methods:

Using 1971–2015 Florida birth records, we linked records of female infants within families to assess intergenerational changes in birthweight and prevalence of low birthweight by grandmother’s race/ethnicity and foreign-born status. We also assessed educational gradients in low birthweight in two generations.

Results:

Compared with daughters of US-born black women, daughters of foreign-born black women had substantially higher birthweights (3,199 vs. 3,083 g) and lower prevalence of low birthweight (7.8% vs. 11.8%). Daughters of foreign-born Hispanic women had moderately higher birthweights (3,322 vs. 3,268 grams) and lower prevalence of low birthweight (4.5% vs. 6.2%) than daughters of US-born Hispanic women. In the next generation, a Hispanic foreign-origin advantage persisted in low birthweight prevalence (6.1% vs. 7.2%), but the corresponding black foreign-origin advantage was almost eliminated (12.2% vs. 13.1%). Findings were robust to adjustment for sociodemographic and medical risk factors. In contrast to patterns for other women, the prevalence of low birthweight varied little by maternal education for foreign-born black women. However, a gradient emerged among their US-born daughters.

Conclusions:

The convergence of birthweight between descendants of foreign-born and US-born black women is consistent with theories positing that lifetime exposure to discrimination and socioeconomic inequality is associated with adverse health outcomes for black women. The emergence of a distinct educational gradient in low birthweight prevalence between generations underscores hypothesized adverse effects of multiple dimensions of disadvantage.
Blockage of ventrolateral periaqueductal gray matter cannabinoid 1 receptor increases dental pulp pain and pain-related subsequent learning and memory deficits in rats
Authors: Raoof Maryam , Sofiabadi Mohammad , Haghdoost-Yazdi Hashem , Kooshki Razieh , Abbasnejad Mehdi
Published: June 2020

Cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) signaling has a pivotal role in the modulation of both pain and cognitive responses. This study aims at investigating the role of CB1R in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray matter (vlPAG) on both pulpal pain and pain-related subsequent changes in learning and memory performances in rats. The adult male Wistar rats were cannulated in the vlPAG. The rats were pretreated by intra-vlPAG administration of selective CB1R antagonist AM-251 (2, 4 and 8 µg/rat) and vehicle dimethylsulfoxide. The drugs were microinjected 20 min before the induction of capsaicin-induced pulpalgia. The nociceptive behaviors were recorded for 40 min. Then, passive avoidance and spatial learning and memory were assessed using the shuttle box and Morris water maze tests, respectively. Following the administration of intradental capsaicin, there was a significant nociceptive response that increased after an induced blockage of CB1R by AM-251 at 4 and 8 µg. In addition, capsaicin impaired passive avoidance and spatial memory performance of rats. Microinjection of AM-251, prior to capsaicin, could dose-dependently exaggerate capsaicin-related learning and memory deficits in both tests. The present data indicated that the vlPAG endocannabinoid system is involved in the modulation of pain signals from dental pulp. It was also accompanied by learning and memory impairments.
The Eyelid Crease Height, Depth, and Shape: A Scoring System for Revisional Asian Blepharoplasty
Authors: Chen William Pai-Dei
Published: June 2020

Background:

This study reports on a series of challenging revisional Asian blepharoplasty cases with various suboptimal factors, including high or low crease height, shallow or deep crease indentation (depth), and suboptimal crease shape. The study also presents a simple scoring scale that combines these challenges into a composite score, which has helped in the management of these cases.

Methods:

Data on 64 revisional cases were collected between January 1, 2006, and June 30, 2019, with 126 upper eyelids. These were cases with little skin remaining after previous surgeries, and each eyelid was scored based on a height, depth, shape scoring method. A composite score (H + D + S) is then summed up, which ranged from 1 to 10, with the higher number being the most challenging. The logic and rules behind this scoring scale are explained.

Results:

Data regarding age, gender, and eyelid crease characteristics of the cases were collected; photographs, notes, and diagrams in the medical records were used to complete each eyelid’s scoring. The age of the patients (57 women and 7 men) ranged from 21 to 74 years. The revision score distribution, age distribution, and averaged scores within each age group were investigated for those starting at 24 years or younger, and for each added decade until over 65 years. Patients with revisional effort scores of 5–8 were found in all age groups surveyed.

Conclusions:

In this study, the author presents a practical scoring scale that recognizes the factors responsible for the suboptimal results in double eyelid plasty and helps clinicians in management, patient-counseling, and planning of surgical solutions.
Effect of Different Antioxidants on X-ray Induced DNA Double-strand Breaks Using γ-H2AX in Human Blood Lymphocytes
Authors: Bicheru Nicoleta Simona , Haidoiu Cerasela , Călborean Octavian , Popa Adrian , Porosnicu Ioana , Hertzog Radu
Published: June 2020

Ionizing radiation exposure produces direct or indirect biological effects on genomic DNA. The latter are ionizing radiation mediated by induction of free radicals and oxygen species (ROS). The study was conducted to evaluate the dose-effect/time-effect of antioxidant treatments in reducing the induction of double-strand breaks in human blood lymphocytes. Human peripheral blood samples of 2 mL each from healthy donors were irradiated with 10 mGy after pre-incubation with different antioxidants (β-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, N-acetyl L-cysteine). In order to assess their efficiency as prophylactic therapy for irradiation, various concentrations and combinations of antioxidants, as well as different incubation times, have been evaluated. To assess double-strand breaks induced by ionizing radiation, the phosphorylated histone γ-H2AX has been used. A significant reduction (p< 0.001) in double-strand breaks studied with a γ-H2AX assay was observed with N-acetyl L-cysteine with a 1-h incubation time, followed by vitamin C, vitamin E, and β-carotene. The use of antioxidants, especially N-acetyl L-cysteine before irradiation, significantly decreased the occurrence of double-strand breaks, demonstrating the potential radiological protection for exposure to ionizing radiation.
Estimates of Long-Term Disability Among US Service Members With Traumatic Brain Injuries
Authors: Agimi Yll , Marion Donald , Schwab Karen , Stout Katharine
Published: June 2020

Background:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant health issue in the US military. The purpose of this study was to estimate the probability of long-term disability among hospitalized service members (SMs) with TBIs, using the South Carolina Traumatic Brain Injury and Follow-up Registry (SCTBIFR) model developed on civilian hospitalized patients.

Methods:

We identified military patients in military or civilian hospitals or theater level 3 to 5 military treatment facilities (MTFs) whose first TBI occurred between October 1, 2013, and September 30, 2015. TBI-related disability at 1-year post–hospital discharge was estimated using regression coefficients from the SCTBIFR.

Results:

Among the identified 4877 SMs, an estimated 65.6% of SMs with severe TBI, 56.2% with penetrating TBI, 31.4% with moderate TBI, and 12.0% with mild TBI are predicted to develop long-term disability. TBI patients identified at theater level 4 and 5 MTFs had an average long-term disability rate of 56.9% and 61.1%, respectively. In total, we estimate that 25.2% of all SMs hospitalized with TBI will develop long-term disability.

Conclusion

Applying SCTBIFR long-term probability estimates to US SMs with TBIs provides useful disability estimates to inform providers and health systems on the likelihood that particular subgroups of TBI patients will require continued support and long-term care.
Influence of Concomitant Extracranial Injury on Functional and Cognitive Recovery From Mild Versus Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Carroll Ellen L. , Manktelow Anne E. , Outtrim Joanne G. , Chatfield Doris , Forsyth Faye , Hutchinson Peter J. A. , Tenovuo Olli , Posti Jussi P. , Wilson Lindsay , Sahakian Barbara J. , Menon David K. , Newcombe Virginia F. J.
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To determine the effect of extracranial injury (ECI) on 6-month outcome in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) versus moderate-to-severe TBI.

Participants/Setting:

Patients with TBI (n = 135) or isolated orthopedic injury (n = 25) admitted to a UK major trauma center and healthy volunteers (n = 99).

Design:

Case-control observational study.

Main Measures:

Primary outcomes: (a) Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE), (b) depression, (c) quality of life (QOL), and (d) cognitive impairment including verbal fluency, episodic memory, short-term recognition memory, working memory, sustained attention, and attentional flexibility.

Results:

Outcome was influenced by both TBI severity and concomitant ECI. The influence of ECI was restricted to mild TBI; GOSE, QOL, and depression outcomes were significantly poorer following moderate-to-severe TBI than after isolated mild TBI (but not relative to mild TBI plus ECI). Cognitive impairment was driven solely by TBI severity. General health, bodily pain, semantic verbal fluency, spatial recognition memory, working memory span, and attentional flexibility were unaffected by TBI severity and additional ECI.

Conclusion:

The presence of concomitant ECI ought to be considered alongside brain injury severity when characterizing the functional and neurocognitive effects of TBI, with each presenting challenges to recovery.
Feasibility of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Assessment Based on Cardiovascular Response to Postural Change
Authors: Russell Katie N. , Preble Edward A. , Hegarty-Craver Meghan , Arrieux Jacques P. , Cole Wesley R. , Choi Y. Sammy , Grego Sonia , Rae Olmsted Kristine , Gilchrist Kristin H.
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To determine the feasibility of short-term cardiovascular responses to postural change as a screening tool for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), using heart rate metrics that can be measured with a wearable electrocardiogram sensor.

Setting:

Military TBI clinic.

Design:

Data collected from active-duty service members who had sustained a medically diagnosed mTBI within the prior 72 hours and from age- and sex-matched controls. Cardiac data collected while participants performed a sequence of postural changes.

Main Measures:

Model classification compared with clinical mTBI diagnosis.

Results:

Cardiac biomarkers of mTBI were identified and logistic regression classifiers for mTBI were developed from different subsets of biomarkers. The best model achieved 90% sensitivity and 69% specificity using data from 2 different postural changes.

Conclusion:

Noninvasive measurement of cardiovascular response to postural change is a promising approach for field-deployable post-mTBI screening.
Effectiveness of the Brains Ahead! Intervention: 6 Months Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial in School-Aged Children With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Renaud M. Irene , van de Port Ingrid G. L. , Catsman-Berrevoets Coriene E. , Köhler Sebastian , Lambregts Suzanne A. M. , van Heugten Caroline M.
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To examine the effectiveness of Brains Ahead!, a psychoeducational intervention aimed to prevent long-term problems with activities and participation in children after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Participants:

In total, 124 children, aged 6 to 18 years, diagnosed with mTBI and their caregivers.

Method:

After randomization, participants in the intervention group received a face-to-face psychoeducational session with written take-home information and follow-up telephone call(s). Participants in the control group received usual care, consisting of a concise information brochure.

Primary Outcome Measures:

Activities and participation (Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation [CASP]). Secondary outcomes: fatigue, postconcussive symptoms (PCSs), posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs), and quality of life (QOL).

Results:

Generalized Estimated Equation analyses showed that both groups improved over the first 6 months post-mTBI, but the intervention group did not differ significantly on the CASP. Mann-Whitney U tests showed that the intervention group reported significantly less fatigue, PCSs, and PTSSs and better QOL compared with the control group at 6 months post-MTBI.

Conclusions:

The Brains Ahead! intervention resulted in significant improvements compared with usual care in reducing fatigue, PCSs, and PTSSs and improving QOL. Lack of an effect on activities and participation may be due to the ceiling effect of the CASP.
Analysis of Corneal Densitometry and Endothelial Cell Function in Fuchs Uveitis Syndrome
Authors: Simsek Mert , Cakar Ozdal Pinar , Cankurtaran Mahmut , Ozdemir Huseyin Baran , Elgin Ufuk
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

To evaluate corneal densitometry and endothelial cell properties in patients with unilateral Fuchs uveitis syndrome (FUS), and to compare results with unaffected contralateral eyes and healthy control subjects.

Methods:

A total of 90 participants were included in this prospective cross-sectional study. Forty-five affected eyes of patients with FUS were regarded as group 1 (FUSa), 45 fellow eyes were regarded as group 2 (FUSf), and 45 healthy-control eyes were regarded as group 3. Corneal densitometry was measured with densitometry software of Scheimpflug Corneal Topography (Pentacam HR, Oculus GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany), whereas endothelial cell measurement was evaluated with specular microscopy (Tomey, EM4000, GmbH, Germany).

Results:

The mean corneal densitometry values were higher in the midstromal (zones; 2–6, 6–10 mm), posterior (all zones), and total thickness (zones; 2–6, 6–10 mm) layers in the FUSa compared with FUSf and control eyes (P<0.05 for all comparisons). The mean values of average cell area and cell size characteristics (minimum, maximum, SD, and coefficient of variation) were higher; endothelial cell density and percentage of hexagonal cells were lower in the FUSa than in the other two groups (P<0.05 for all comparisons). There was a significantly strong correlation between specular microscopy parameters and posterior corneal densitometry values in the FUSa group.

Conclusions:

Impairment of endothelial cell function in affected eyes of patients with FUS resulted in increased values of corneal densitometry, especially posterior layer.
Effect of photorefractive keratectomy on agreement of anterior segment variables obtained by a swept-source biometer vs a Scheimpflug-based tomographer
Authors: Salouti Ramin , Kamalipour Alireza , Masihpour Nasrin , Zamani Mohammad , Ghoreyshi Maryam , Salouti Kia , Nowroozzadeh M. Hossein
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate agreement of anterior segment variables between Pentacam-AXL and IOLMaster 700 before vs after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

Setting:

Salouti Eye Clinic, Shiraz, Iran.

Design:

Prospective cohort with interdevice agreement analysis.

Methods:

This study included healthy PRK candidates who were assessed with both devices preoperatively and 6 months after PRK. Only data from the right eye of each patient was analyzed. Pentacam-AXL average keratometry (AvgK) and zonal keratometry in the central 2.5 mm zone (zonal-K2.5) were each compared with mean keratometry (Km) from the IOLMaster 700. Other main outcome measures included vector analysis of corneal astigmatism (J0 and J45), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and white-to-white (WTW) distance. Axial length (AL) measurements by the same devices on a new cohort of 40 patients who had undergone PRK were also assessed. A paired t test was used to assess the interdevice measurement differences, and Bland-Altman analysis was used to calculate the 95% limits of agreement (LoA).

Results:

This study included 97 patients. Preoperative vs post-PRK 95% LoAs between Pentacam-AXL and IOLMaster 700 were as follows: AvgK/Km (−0.42, 0.08 diopter [D]) vs (−0.49, 0.18 D); zonal-K2.5/Km (−0.40, 0.32 D) vs (−0.57, 0.74 D); J0 (−0.33, 0.18 D) vs (−0.28, 0.35 D); J45 (−0.28, 0.23 D) vs (−0.24, 0.27 D); pupil pachymetry/CCT (−18, 12 μm) vs (−2.6, 19.6 μm); apical pachymetry/CCT (−17.4, 12.8 μm) vs (−1.7, 20.9 μm); ACD (−0.03, 0.13 mm) vs (−0.03, 0.13 mm); WTW (−0.68, 0.23 mm) vs (−0.63, 0.14 mm); and AL (−0.07, 0.01 mm) vs (−0.07, 0.03 mm), respectively.

Conclusions:

PRK showed a negative impact on interdevice agreement for CCT and corneal power measurements, whereas it did not have a significant effect on the agreement of devices for ACD, WTW, AL, and the J45 astigmatism vectoral component. For IOL power measurement in post-PRK eyes, the 2 devices could be regarded as interchangeable for measuring AL and ACD but not for keratometry readings.
Comparison of the rotational stability between plate-haptic toric and C-loop haptic toric IOLs in myopic eyes
Authors: Zhu Xiangjia , Meng Jiaqi , He Wenwen , Rong Xianfang , Lu Yi
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

To compare the rotational stability of a plate-haptic toric intraocular lens (IOL) vs a C-loop haptic toric IOL in myopic cataract eyes.

Setting:

Eye and Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, China.

Design:

Prospective, randomized, controlled study.

Methods:

Cataract eyes with axial length (AL) more than 24.5 mm were randomly assigned to receive implantation of a C-loop haptic toric IOL (AcrySof Toric IOL) (Group A) or a plate-haptic toric IOL (AT TORBI 709M IOL) (Group B). IOL rotation, residual astigmatism, visual acuity, and higher-order aberrations (HOAs) evaluated with OPD-Scan III aberrometer were compared at 3 months postoperatively.

Results:

In total, 62 eyes of 62 patients were eligible for analysis: 31 in Group A and 31 in Group B. The mean rotation of toric IOLs was greater in Group A than that in Group B (8.00 ± 3.60 degrees vs 4.42 ± 3.24 degrees, respectively, P < .001), especially when IOLs were vertically placed. IOL rotation was positively correlated with AL in Group A, whereas no such correlations were found in Group B. Residual astigmatism in Group A was greater than that in Group B (−0.76 ± 0.30 diopter [D] vs −0.51 ± 0.29 D, respectively, P = .001). Fewer eyes achieved residual astigmatism of 0.50 D or less in Group A than in Group B (38.71% vs 64.52%). Group A had worse postoperative uncorrected visual acuity and higher total HOAs and coma for a 6.0 mm pupil than Group B, whereas postoperative corrected visual acuity was not different between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

The plate-haptic toric IOL might be a better choice for myopic cataract eyes with corneal astigmatism because of reduced postoperative rotation.
Comparative postoperative topography pattern recognition analysis using axial vs tangential curvature maps
Authors: Shah Ravi S. , Khandelwal Sumitra S. , Goshe Jeffrey M. , Haberman Ilyse D. , Randleman J. Bradley
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

To determine prediction accuracy of patient refractive surgery status by novice reviewers based on topography pattern analysis using axial or tangential anterior curvature maps.

Setting:

Four U.S. academic centers.

Design:

Prospective case–control study.

Methods:

Image evaluation was performed by novice reviewers (n = 52) at 4 academic institutions. Participants were shown 60 total images from 30 eyes presenting for cataract surgery evaluation with known refractive surgery status, including 12 eyes imaged with Placido-based topography and 18 eyes imaged with Scheimpflug-based tomography. There were 12 eyes with myopic ablations, 12 eyes with hyperopic ablations, and 6 eyes with no previous refractive surgery performed. Each eye was shown in both axial and tangential curvature from either device, reviewed as a single image at a time, and masked to the map type (axial vs tangential).

Results:

For the 52 novice reviewers included, accuracy of pattern identification was 82.9% (517 of 624) for tangential vs 55.0% (343 of 624) for axial maps for eyes with myopic ablation (P < .00001), 90.9% (567 of 624) for tangential vs 58.3% (364 of 624) for axial maps for eyes with hyperopic ablation (P < .00001), and 15.4% (48 of 312) for tangential vs 62.8% (196 of 312) for axial maps for eyes with no ablation (P < .00001). There were no significant differences between Placido and Scheimpflug devices and no significant differences across groups based on year of training.

Conclusions:

Tangential curvature maps yielded significantly better pattern recognition accuracy compared with axial maps after myopic and hyperopic corneal refractive surgery ablations for novice reviewers. Using tangential curvature maps, especially for challenging cases, should benefit post-LASIK intraocular lens (IOL) calculator selection and, thereby, improve IOL power calculation accuracy.
Pain-related behaviors and abnormal cutaneous innervation in a murine model of classical Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
Authors: Syx Delfien , Miller Rachel E. , Obeidat Alia M. , Tran Phuong B. , Vroman Robin , Malfait Zoë , Miller Richard J. , Malfait Fransiska , Malfait Anne-Marie
Published: June 2020

Classical Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (cEDS) is a connective tissue disorder caused by heterozygous mutations in one of the type V collagen-encoding genes,COL5A1orCOL5A2. cEDS is characterized by generalized joint hypermobility and instability, hyperextensible, fragile skin, and delayed wound healing. Chronic pain is a major problem in cEDS patients, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown, and studies in animal models are lacking. Therefore, we assessed pain-related behaviors in haploinsufficientCol5a1+/−mice, which clinically mimic human cEDS. Compared to wild-type (WT) littermates, 15 to 20-week-oldCol5a1+/−mice of both sexes showed significant hypersensitivity to mechanical stimuli in the hind paws and the abdominal area, but responses to thermal stimuli were unaltered. Spontaneous behaviors, including distance travelled and rearing, were grossly normal in maleCol5a1+/−mice, whereas femaleCol5a1+/−mice showed altered climbing behavior. Finally, male and femaleCol5a1+/−mice vocalized more than WT littermates when scruffed. Decreased grip strength was also noted. In view of the observed pain phenotype,Col5a1+/−mice were crossed with NaV1.8-tdTomato reporter mice, enabling visualization of nociceptors in the glabrous skin of the footpad. We observed a significant decrease in intraepidermal nerve fiber density, with fewer nerves crossing the epidermis, and a decreased total nerve length ofCol5a1+/−mice compared to WT. In summary, male and femaleCol5a1+/−mice show hypersensitivity to mechanical stimuli, indicative of generalized sensitization of the nervous system, in conjunction with an aberrant organization of cutaneous nociceptors. Therefore,Col5a1+/−mice will provide a useful tool to study mechanisms of pain associated with cEDS.
Linguistic and Psychometric Validation of the Chinese Version of the Control Attitudes Scale-Revised in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Chen Shixiang , Zheng Shinan , Wang Xiaobing , Zhang Xiaonan , Fa Tiane , Fu Li , Zang Xiaoying , Zhao Yue
Published: June 2020

Background

The concept of perceived control reflects the belief that one has resources needed to cope with negative events and the ability to positively influence consequences of those negative events. In patients with heart failure, perceived control is associated with a variety of health outcomes. Perceived control is commonly measured using the Control Attitudes Scale-Revised (CASR). There is no Chinese version of the CAS-R (CCAS-R).

Objective

The purpose of this article was to perform linguistic validation and psychometric evaluation of the CCAS-R.

Methods

The CAS-R was translated into Chinese according to Brislin's model. Then, a multicenter observational study was performed. Floor and ceiling effects, internal consistency, structural validity, and hypothesis testing were all assessed for psychometric validation of the CCAS-R.

Results

A total of 227 patients with chronic heart failure were included. There were no ceiling or floor effects detected. Cronbach α was 0.94, indicating a high reliability. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis showed that the 1-factor structure as proposed by the original CAS-R fits the data well. The results of the principal component analysis suggested that the 1-factor structure was optimal as well, accounting for 71.6% of the total variance. The a priori hypothesis was supported by a statistically significant correlation between the CCAS-R and 3 theoretically related variables.

Conclusion

We developed a semantically equivalent version of the CAS-R in Chinese. The evaluation of the instruments' psychometric properties demonstrated that the CCAS-R has good reliability and validity for use in Chinese patients with chronic heart failure.
Pediatric Heatstroke Fatalities Caused by Being Left in Motor Vehicles
Authors: Hammett Deborah L. , Kennedy Thomas M. , Selbst Steven M. , Rollins Amber , Fennell Janette E.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Fatalities due to being left in motor vehicles is an important cause of pediatric mortality. Few studies in the medical literature focus on this topic. This study aims to describe the circumstances surrounding these deaths, to determine their geographic distribution, and to evaluate the legal consequences for those responsible.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of individuals ≤14 years old who died of heatstroke after being left in motor vehicles from 1990 through 2016 using a database provided by KidsAndCars.org. Descriptive data and specified outcomes regarding victims and responsible individuals were recorded.

Results

Of the 541 cases included for analysis, 528 fatalities involved a single victim and 26 fatalities involved 2 or more victims left in a vehicle. Of all fatalities, 54.4% were male and the mean age was 16.4 (±13.7) months. The responsible individual(s) unknowingly left the victim(s) in the vehicle in 78.2% of cases and knowingly left the victim(s) in 16.6% of cases. A single individual was responsible for leaving the victim(s) in 88.9% of cases. The cases were noted in 45 of 50 states and most commonly occurred in Texas (15%), Florida (12%), and California (7%). Criminal charges against the responsible individual(s) occurred in 58.2% of cases.

Conclusions

Pediatric fatalities due to being left in motor vehicles most commonly occur when a caregiver leaves a child unknowingly in a home parking area. These fatalities occur most often in Texas, Florida, and California. Responsible individuals are frequently charged with a crime.
Is it infection or rather vascular inflammation? Game-changer insights and recommendations from patterns of multi-organ involvement and affected subgroups in COVID-19
Authors: AbdelMassih Antoine Fakhry , Kamel Aya , Mishriky Fady , Ismail Habiba-Allah , El Qadi Layla , Malak Lauris , El-Husseiny Miral , Ashraf Mirette , Hafez Nada , AlShehry Nada , El-Husseiny Nadine , AbdelRaouf Nora , Shebl Noura , Hafez Nouran , Youssef Nourhan , Afdal Peter , Hozaien Rafeef , Menshawey Rahma , Saeed Rana , Fouda Raghda
Published: June 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious illness that has rapidly spread throughout the globe. The seriousness of complications puts significant pressures on hospital resources, especially the availability of ICU and ventilators. Current evidence suggests that COVID-19 pathogenesis majorly involves microvascular injury induced by hypercytokinemia, namely interleukin 6 (IL-6). We recount the suggested inflammatory pathway for COVID-19 and its effects on various organ systems, including respiratory, cardiac, hematologic, reproductive, and nervous organ systems, as well examine the role of hypercytokinemia in the at-risk geriatric and obesity subgroups with upregulated cytokines’ profile. In view of these findings, we strongly encourage the conduction of prospective studies to determine the baseline levels of IL-6 in infected patients, which can predict a negative outcome in COVID-19 cases, with subsequent early administration of IL-6 inhibitors, to decrease the need for ICU admission and the pressure on healthcare systems.

Video abstract: http://links.lww.com/CAEN/A24
miR-927 has pro-viral effects during acute and persistent infection with dengue virus type 2 in C6/36 mosquito cells
Authors: Avila-Bonilla Rodolfo Gamaliel , Yocupicio-Monroy Martha , Marchat Laurence A. , Pérez-Ishiwara David Guillermo , Cerecedo-Mercado Doris Atenea , del Ángel Rosa María , Salas-Benito Juan Santiago
Published: June 2020

Dengue virus (DENV) is an important flavivirus that is transmitted to humans byAedesmosquitoes, where it can establish a persistent infection underlying vertical and horizontal transmission. However, the exact mechanism of persistent DENV infection is not well understood. Recently miR-927 was found to be upregulated in C6/36-HT cells at 57 weeks of persistent infection (C6-L57), suggesting its participation during this type of infection. The aim of this study was to determine the role of miR-927 during infection with DENV type 2. The results indicate an overexpression of miR-927 in C6-L57 cells and acutely infected cells according to the time of infection and the m.o.i. used. The downregulation of miR-927 in C6-L57 cells results in a reduction of both viral titre and viral genome copy number. The overexpression of miR-927 in C6-L40 and C6/36 cells infected at an m.o.i. of 0.1 causes an increase in both viral titre and viral genome copy number, suggesting a pro-viral activity of miR-927.In silicoprediction analysis reveals target mRNAs for miR-927 are implicated in post-translational modifications (SUMO), translation factors (eIF-2B), the innate immune system (NKIRAS), exocytosis (EXOC-2), endocytosis (APM1) and the cytoskeleton (FLN). The expression levels of FLN were the most affected by both miR-927 overexpression and inhibition, and FLN was determined to be a direct target of miR-927 by a dual-luciferase gene reporter assay. FLN has been associated with the regulation of the Toll pathway and either overexpression or downregulation of miR-927 resulted in expression changes of antimicrobial peptides (Cecropins A and G, and Defensin D) involved in the Toll pathway response.
Fully implanted adaptive deep brain stimulation in freely moving essential tremor patients
Authors: Ferleger Benjamin I , Houston Brady , Thompson Margaret C , Cooper Sarah S , Sonnet Kazi Sabrina , Ko Andrew L , Herron Jeffrey A , Chizeck Howard J
Published: June 2020

Objective: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a safe and established treatment for essential tremor (ET) and several other movement disorders. One approach to improving DBS therapy is adaptive DBS (aDBS), in which stimulation parameters are modulated in real time based on biofeedback from either external or implanted sensors. Previously tested systems have fallen short of translational applicability due to the requirement for patients to continuously wear the necessary sensors or processing devices, as well as privacy and security concerns. Approach: We designed and implemented a translation-ready training data collection system for fully implanted aDBS. Two patients chronically implanted with electrocorticography strips over the hand portion of M1 and DBS probes in the ipsilateral ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus for treatment of ET were recruited for this study. Training was conducted using a translation-ready distributed training procedure, allowing a substantially higher degree of control over data collection than previous works. A linear classifier was trained using this system, biased towards activating stimulation in accordance with clinical considerations. Main Results: The clinically relevant average false negative rate, defined as fraction of time during which stimulation dropped below 1/2 clinical levels during movement epochs, was 0.036. Tremor suppression, calculated through analysis of gyroscope data, was 33.2% more effective on average with aDBS than with continuous DBS. During a period of free movement with aDBS, one patient reported a slight paresthesia; patients noticed no difference in treatment efficacy between systems. Significance: Here is presented the first translation-ready training procedure for a fully embedded aDBS control system for MDs and one of the first examples of such a system in ET, adding to the consensus that fully implanted aDBS systems are sufficiently mature for broader deployment in treatment of movement disorders.
Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients in New York City’s Public Hospital System
Authors: Marcello Roopa Kalyanaraman , Dolle Johanna , Grami Sheila , Adule Richard , Li Zeyu , Tatem Kathleen , Anyaogu Chinyere , Apfelroth Stephen , Ayinla Raji , Boma Noella , Brady Terence , Cosme-Thormann Braulio F. , Costarella Roseann , Ford Kenra , Gaither Kecia , Jacobson Jessica , Kanter Marc , Kessler Stuart , Kristal Ross B. , Lieber Joseph J. , Mukherjee Vikramjit , Rizzo Vincent , Rowell Madden , Stevens David , Sydney Elana , Wallach Andrew , Chokshi Dave A. , Davis Nichola ,   New York City Health + Hospitals COVID-19 Population Health Data Team
Published: June 2020

Background

New York City (NYC) has borne the greatest burden of COVID-19 in the United States, but information about characteristics and outcomes of racially/ethnically diverse individuals tested and hospitalized for COVID-19 remains limited. In this case series, we describe characteristics and outcomes of patients tested for and hospitalized with COVID-19 in New York City’s public hospital system.

Methods

We reviewed the electronic health records of all patients who received a SARS-CoV-2 test between March 5 and April 9, 2020, with follow up through April 16, 2020. The primary outcomes were a positive test, hospitalization, and death. Demographics and comorbidities were also assessed.

Results

22254 patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2. 13442 (61%) were positive; among those, the median age was 52.7 years (interquartile range [IQR] 39.5-64.5), 7481 (56%) were male, 3518 (26%) were Black, and 4593 (34%) were Hispanic. Nearly half (4669, 46%) had at least one chronic disease (27% diabetes, 30% hypertension, and 21% cardiovascular disease). Of those testing positive, 6248 (46%) were hospitalized. The median age was 61.6 years (IQR 49.7-72.9); 3851 (62%) were male, 1950 (31%) were Black, and 2102 (34%) were Hispanic. More than half (3269, 53%) had at least one chronic disease (33% diabetes, 37% hypertension, 24% cardiovascular disease, 11% chronic kidney disease). 1724 (28%) hospitalized patients died. The median age was 71.0 years (IQR 60.0, 80.9); 1087 (63%) were male, 506 (29%) were Black, and 528 (31%) were Hispanic. Chronic diseases were common (35% diabetes, 37% hypertension, 28% cardiovascular disease, 15% chronic kidney disease). Male sex, older age, diabetes, cardiac history, and chronic kidney disease were significantly associated with testing positive, hospitalization, and death. Racial/ethnic disparities were observed across all outcomes.

Conclusions and Relevance

This is the largest and most racially/ethnically diverse case series of patients tested and hospitalized for COVID-19 in the United States to date. Our findings highlight disparities in outcomes that can inform prevention and testing recommendations.
Exploring the maturation of a monocytic cell line using self-organizing maps of single-cell Raman spectra
Authors: Majumdar Sayani , Kraft Mary L
Published: June 2020

Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-differentiated THP-1 cells are routinely used in lieu of primary macrophages to study macrophage polarization during host-pathogen interactions and disease progression. The phenotypes of the THP-1 macrophages are influenced by the level and duration of PMA stimulation, and possibly also by the presence of adhesion factors. Here, we use self-organizing maps (SOMs) of single-cell Raman spectra to probe the effects of PMA stimulation conditions and adhesion factors on THP-1 cell differentiation. Raman spectra encoding for biochemical composition were acquired from individual cells on substrates coated with fibronectin or poly-L-lysine before and after stimulation with 20 nM or 200 nM PMA for two different time intervals. SOMs that show the extent of spectral dissimilarity were constructed. For all stimulation conditions, the SOMs indicated the spectra acquired from cells after 3 d treatment had diverged from those of untreated cells. The SOMs also showed treatment with 200 nM PMA for 3 d produced both fully and partially differentiated cells on both adhesion factors, whereas the outcome of 20 nM PMA treatment for 3 d depended on the adhesion factor. Treatment of THP-1 cells on fibronectin with 20 nM PMA for 3 d produced both partially and fully differentiated cells, but this treatment induced an intermediate stage of differentiation when applied to THP-1 cells on poly-L-lysine. Thus, the transition of THP-1 monocytes into macrophage-like cells may be modulated by integrin-binding interactions. Furthermore, the composite of culture and stimulation conditions may confound the comparison of results from separate studies.
Origin and cross-species transmission of bat coronaviruses in China
Authors: Latinne Alice , Hu Ben , Olival Kevin J. , Zhu Guangjian , Zhang Libiao , Li Hongying , Chmura Aleksei A. , Field Hume E. , Zambrana-Torrelio Carlos , Epstein Jonathan H. , Li Bei , Zhang Wei , Wang Lin-Fa , Shi Zheng-Li , Daszak Peter
Published: June 2020

Bats are presumed reservoirs of diverse coronaviruses (CoVs) including progenitors of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. However, the evolution and diversification of these coronaviruses remains poorly understood. We used a Bayesian statistical framework and sequence data from all known bat-CoVs (including 630 novel CoV sequences) to study their macroevolution, cross-species transmission, and dispersal in China. We find that host-switching was more frequent and across more distantly related host taxa in alpha-than beta-CoVs, and more highly constrained by phylogenetic distance for beta-CoVs. We show that inter-family and -genus switching is most common in Rhinolophidae and the genusRhinolophus. Our analyses identify the host taxa and geographic regions that define hotspots of CoV evolutionary diversity in China that could help target bat-CoV discovery for proactive zoonotic disease surveillance. Finally, we present a phylogenetic analysis suggesting a likely origin for SARS-CoV-2 inRhinolophusspp. bats.
In silicoandIn vitroevaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential ofCymbopogon citratusfrom North-western Himalayas
Authors: Salaria Deeksha , Rolta Rajan , Sharma Nitin , Dev Kamal , Sourirajan Anuradha , Kumar Vikas
Published: June 2020

Cymbopogon citratuswhich is an aromatic perennial herb belonging to family Gramineae is known for its application in food and healthcare industry. The present study attempts to evaluate the potential of essential oil fromCymbopogon citratus(CEO) as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. CEO showed significant DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50- 91.0 ± 9.25 µg/ml), as compared to Ascorbic acid (IC50-33.38 ± 2.29 µg/ml). CEO also exhibited significantin-vitroanti-inflammatory activity with IC50- 397.11± 1.45µg/ml) as compared to diclofenac sodium (IC50- 682.98 ± 7.47 µg/ml). Chemical constituents of the oil was determined using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy, showed that 8-methyl-3,7-Nonadien-2-one (E), α-Pinene, limonene, citral, limonene oxide and Epoxy-α-terpenyl acetate were the major constituents. Thein silicomolecular docking study showed phytocompounds of CEO (Caryophyllene oxide and β-caryophyllene) have considerable binding potential with 1HD2 and 5IKQ receptors. PASS prediction of these phytocompounds also confirmed strong anti-inflammatory activity ofC. citratus. The ADMET analysis also showed that these phytocompounds are safer to replace the synthetic drugs with side effects. This work establishes the anti inflammatory potential of CEO as an alternative to existing therapeutic approach to treatment of inflammation and also natural source of antioxidant compounds.
Robust frequency-encoded dynamics in a minimal synthetic phytohormone crosstalk
Authors: García S. Pérez , Navarrete M. García , Sanchis D. Ruiz , Navarro C. Prieto , Avdovic M. , Pucciariello O. , Wabnik K.
Published: June 2020

How do dynamic hormone inputs translate into speed, and precision of response is one of the most challenging questions of science. To approach this question, we constructed minimal synthetic gene circuits capable of responding to plant hormones auxin and salicylic acid (SA). These circuits integrate bacterial multi antibiotic resistance (Mar) repressors that directly detect phytohormones through a ligand-induced conformational switch. The combination of individual circuits in synthetic auxin-SA crosstalk was sufficient to coordinate responses across the cell population with tunable precision and speed in long-term microfluidics experiments. This antagonistic auxin-SA crosstalk retains temporal memory upon extended exposure to hormones and synchronizes the behavior of individual cells with the environmental clock. Our study shows how dynamic hormone inputs can be translated in robust and precise responses with a minimal assembly of bacterial transcriptional repressors, suggesting an alternative regulatory strategy to known plant hormone signaling systems.
Divergence and introgression in small apes, the genus Hylobates, revealed by reduced representation sequencing
Authors: Matsudaira Kazunari , Ishida Takafumi
Published: June 2020

Gibbons in the genus Hylobates, which live in Southeast Asia, show great diversity, comprising seven to nine species. Natural hybridisation has been observed in the species contact zones, although the roles played by hybridisation and introgression in the evolution of these species remain unclear. To uncover the divergence history and the contributions of hybridisation and introgression to the evolution of Hylobates, random amplicon sequencing-direct (GRAS-Di) analysis was employed to genotype 47 gibbons, representing eight species from three genera. After quality filtering, over 300,000 autosomal single-nucleotide variant (SNV) sites were identified. The SNV-based autosomal phylogeny, together with the mitochondrial phylogeny, supported a divergence pattern beginning approximately 4.3 million years ago. First, the mainland species, H. pileatus and H. lar, consecutively diverged from the Sundaic island species. Second, H. moloch, in Java (and likely H. klossii, in the Mentawai Islands) diverged from the other species. Third, H. muelleri, in Borneo, and H. agilis/H. albibarbis, in Sumatra and southwestern Borneo, diverged. Lastly, H. agilis and H. albibarbis diverged from each other. The Patterson’s D-statistics indicated significant introgression between H. lar and H. pileatus, between H. lar and H. agilis, and between H. albibarbis and H. muelleri, and weak introgression was identified between H. moloch and H. albibarbis, and between H. moloch and H. muelleri abbotti, suggesting incomplete reproductive barriers among Hylobates species and that hybridisation and introgression occur whenever the distribution ranges contact. Some candidates for introgressed genomic regions were detected, and the functions of these would be revealed by further genome-wide studies.