bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ageing and longevity genes in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Liberale Luca , Kraler Simon , Camici Giovanni G. , Lüscher Thomas F. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOver the last century, Western societies experienced a demographic shift driven by increased lifespan and decreased fertility, resulting in the subversion of the world's demographic pyramid. In ageing societies, cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of morbidity and mortality, thus representing a major societal and economic burden. Indeed, ageing associates with the deterioration of a genetic network implicated in senescence and longevity, orchestrating deleterious cellular processes that converge in the structural and functional decline of both the myocardium and the vasculature. In this review, we revise a compendium of genes involved in these processes and delineate possible strategies to interfere with them. Dietary interventions (eg intermittent fasting) and sirtuin‐activating compounds are among the most promising interventions shown to promote protective effects on the ageing cardiovascular system. We conclude that ageing and longevity genes modulate cardiovascular function by acting on deleterious downstream processes such as inflammation and oxidative stress, thus representing promising targets for the prevention and treatment of age‐related cardiovascular dysfunction.
The prevalence and natural history of normocalcaemic hypoparathyroidism in a United Kingdom referral population
Authors: Schini Marian , Stirling Rebecca , Jacques Richard M. , Oakes Eleanor , Peel Nicola F. A. , Walsh Jennifer S. , Eastell Richard 
Published: May 2020

AbstractContextNormocalcaemic hypoparathyroidism (NHYPO) is characterized by low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) with normal levels of calcium. There is little in the current literature on this disease, with only two studies published on its prevalence, while its natural history remains relatively unknown.ObjectivesTo identify the prevalence of NHYPO in a UK referral population and to study the natural history of the disorder.DesignRetrospective study. Five‐year follow‐up.Patients6280 patients referred for a BMD measurement in a Metabolic Bone referral centre.MeasurementsPrevalence of NHYPO and variability of calcium.ResultsBased on laboratory results on the index day, 22 patients with NHYPO were identified. Four patients were excluded due to non‐PTH‐induced hypocalcaemia and unconfirmed data. The final prevalence was 0.29%. Only 67% had persistent normocalcaemia, and the rest had intermittent hypocalcaemia. Two of these patients also had persistently low PTH on two occasions. Most of the patients had one PTH measurement available. No patient developed permanent hypoparathyroidism.ConclusionsThe prevalence calculated from this UK referral population is lower when compared to results from previous studies. NHYPO patients often have episodes of hypocalcaemia with some cases having no apparent reason for calcium levels below the reference range.
Multifactorial pathways facilitate resilience among kindergarteners at risk for dyslexia: A longitudinal behavioral and neuroimaging study
Authors: Zuk Jennifer , Dunstan Jade , Norton Elizabeth , Yu Xi , Ozernov‐Palchik Ola , Wang Yingying , Hogan Tiffany P. , Gabrieli John D. E. , Gaab Nadine 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRecent efforts have focused on screening methods to identify children at risk for dyslexia as early as preschool/kindergarten. Unfortunately, while low sensitivity leads to under‐identification of at‐risk children, low specificity can lead to over‐identification, resulting in inaccurate allocation of limited educational resources. The present study focused on children identified as at‐risk in kindergarten who do not subsequently develop poor reading skills to specify factors associated with better reading outcomes among at‐risk children. Early screening was conducted in kindergarten and a subset of children was tracked longitudinally until second grade. Potential protective factors were evaluated at cognitive‐linguistic, environmental, and neural levels. Relative to at‐risk kindergarteners with subsequent poor reading, those with typical reading outcomes were characterized by significantly higher socioeconomic status (SES), speech production accuracy, and structural organization of the posterior right‐hemispheric superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). A positive association between structural organization of the right SLF and subsequent decoding skills was found to be specific to at‐risk children and not observed among typical controls. Among at‐risk children, several kindergarten‐age factors were found to significantly contribute to the prediction of subsequent decoding skills: white matter organization in the posterior right SLF, age, gender, SES, and phonological awareness. These findings suggest that putative compensatory mechanisms are already present by the start of kindergarten. The right SLF, in conjunction with the cognitive‐linguistic and socioeconomic factors identified, may play an important role in facilitating reading development among at‐risk children. This study has important implications for approaches to early screening, and assessment strategies for at‐risk children.
Mechanobiology of the brain in ageing and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hall Chloe M. , Moeendarbary Emad , Sheridan Graham K. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractJust as the epigenome, the proteome and the electrophysiological properties of a cell influence its function, so too do its intrinsic mechanical properties and its extrinsic mechanical environment. This is especially true for neurons of the central nervous system (CNS) as long‐term maintenance of synaptic connections relies on efficient axonal transport machinery and structural stability of the cytoskeleton. Recent reports suggest that profound physical changes occur in the CNS microenvironment with advancing age which, in turn, will impact highly mechanoresponsive neurons and glial cells. Here, we discuss the complex and inhomogeneous mechanical structure of CNS tissue, as revealed by recent mechanical measurements on the brain and spinal cord, using techniques such as magnetic resonance elastography and atomic force microscopy. Moreover, ageing, traumatic brain injury, demyelination and neurodegeneration can perturb the mechanical properties of brain tissue and trigger mechanobiological signalling pathways in neurons, glia and cerebral vasculature. It is, therefore, very likely that significant changes in cell and tissue mechanics contribute to age‐related cognitive decline and deficits in memory formation which are accelerated and magnified in neurodegenerative states, such as Alzheimer's disease. Importantly, we are now beginning to understand how neuronal and glial cell mechanics and brain tissue mechanobiology are intimately linked with neurophysiology and cognition.
Disease hotspots or hot species? Infection dynamics in multi‐host metacommunities controlled by species identity, not source location
Authors: Wilber Mark Q. , Johnson Pieter T. J. , Briggs Cheryl J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPathogen persistence in host communities is influenced by processes operating at the individual host to landscape‐level scale, but isolating the relative contributions of these processes is challenging. We developed theory to partition the influence of host species, habitat patches and landscape connectivity on pathogen persistence within metacommunities of hosts and pathogens. We used this framework to quantify the contributions of host species composition and habitat patch identity on the persistence of an amphibian pathogen across the landscape. By sampling over 11 000 hosts of six amphibian species, we found that a single host species could maintain the pathogen in 91% of observed metacommunities. Moreover, this dominant maintenance species contributed, on average, twice as much to landscape‐level pathogen persistence compared to the most influential source patch in a metacommunity. Our analysis demonstrates substantial inequality in how species and patches contribute to pathogen persistence, with important implications for targeted disease management.
Setting the scene: Historical overview of challenges and what led to advances in comprehensive care in developed countries, the Canadian experience
Authors: Page David 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe history of the development of comprehensive care for hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders in Canada has been long and full of challenges. From limited in‐patient treatment with plasma and cryoprecipitate in a few major centres in the 1950s and 1960s, a network of Hemophilia Treatment Centres (HTCs) offering multi‐disciplinary comprehensive care, home infusion and prophylaxis was established across the country by the late 1970s and early 1980s, only to be shaken by the widespread contamination of factor concentrates with HIV and HCV in the 1970s and 1980s. In recent years the mission of HTCs has expanded to better serve people with von Willebrand disease, rare factor deficiencies and other rare bleeding disorders, and more fully recognize the needs of women with bleeding disorders. In 2020, challenges remain, notably maintaining the resources and expertise in HTCs and gaining access to the latest innovations in treatments.
Investigator clinical trials: How can we ask the question?
Authors: Schved Jean‐François 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe development of knowledge about a treatment requires clinical trials. In addition to the trials initiated by the industry, some trials called Investigator initiated trials (it is) are developed on the initiative of the investigator. The assay must provide answers to one or several questions concerning the drug studied, so it is essential to determine the exact form of the question. Through three examples of drug development in the field of haemorrhagic diseases, we try to identify the difficulties encountered in developing these trials and the risks of misinterpretation of the results of these trials.
'It just wasn’t going to be heard’: A mixed methods study to compare different ways of involving people with diabetes and health‐care professionals in health intervention research
Authors: Racine Emmy , Riordan Fiona , Phillip Eunice , Flynn Grainne , McHugh Sheena , Kearney Patricia M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundGuidelines recommend involving intervention users in the intervention development process. However, there is limited guidance on how to involve users in a meaningful and effective way.ObjectiveThe aim of this Study within a trial was to compare participants’ experiences of taking part in one of three types of consensus meetings—people with diabetes‐only, combined people with diabetes and health‐care professionals (HCPs) or HCP‐only meeting.DesignThe study used a mixed methods convergent design. Quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (observation notes and semi‐structured telephone interviews) data were collected to explore participants’ experiences. A triangulation protocol was used to compare quantitative and qualitative findings.ParticipantsPeople with diabetes (recruited via multiple strategies) were randomly assigned to attend the people with diabetes or combined meeting. HCPs (recruited through professional networks) attended the HCP or combined meeting based on their availability.ResultsSixteen people with diabetes and 15 HCPs attended meetings, of whom 18 participated in a telephone interview. Participants’ questionnaire responses suggested similar positive experiences across the three meetings. Observation and semi‐structured interviews highlighted differences experienced by participants in the combined meeting relating to: perceived lack of common ground; feeling empowered versus undervalued; needing to feel safe and going off task to fill the void.ConclusionsThe qualitative theme ‘needing to feel safe’ may explain the dissonance (disagreement) between quantitative and qualitative data. In this study, involving patients and HCPs simultaneously in a consensus process was not found to be as suitable as involving each stakeholder group separately.
Meat safety and quality: a biological approach
Authors: Nielsen Barbara , Colle Michael J. , Ünlü Gülhan 
Published: May 2020

SummarySafe, high‐quality meat that is minimally processed, containing few added chemicals, is what is desired by the modern consumer. Biological approaches to meat safety appear more natural and, thus, are more readily acceptable. In this review, we examine biological approaches for meat safety and quality in the preharvest animal as well as during slaughter and in the post‐harvest processing of the meat product. Biological components, including probiotics (Direct‐Fed Microbials), vaccines, bacteriocins and lytic bacteriophage, are important components of a comprehensive approach to meat safety and quality.
Product appropriateness, willingness to try and perceived risks of foods containing insect protein powder: A survey of U.S. consumers
Authors: Ardoin Ryan , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAs a sustainable alternative to livestock consumption, insect protein has applications beyond meat substitution. However, strategies to normalise entomophagy in the United States have been less explored than in Europe. Two online surveys (N = 1005 U.S. consumers) identified the most appropriate products, from a list of 30, for insect protein powder incorporation by evaluating willingness to try (WTT). Consumers reported perceived risks for negative WTT, and the effect of entomophagy benefit information (EBI) on WTT was measured. Overall, 72% of consumers were willing to consume at least one insect‐containing product. The three most appropriate products were protein/energy bars, chips/snack crackers and protein shakes. Bakery/cereal products garnered positive WTT by >54% of consumers, followed by snacks/candy (53%). Unfamiliarity with insects as food was the most cited risk. EBI presentation significantly increased (α < 0.05, McNemar’s test) positive WTT for all products. Once unfamiliarity is overcome through trial, negative emotions and concerns about sensory quality can be addressed.
To what extent does severity of loneliness vary among different mental health diagnostic groups: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Alasmawi Khulood , Mann Farhana , Lewis Gemma , White Sarah , Mezey Gill , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor 
Published: May 2020

AbstractLoneliness is a common and debilitating problem in individuals with mental health disorders. However, our knowledge on severity of loneliness in different mental health diagnostic groups and factors associated with loneliness is poor, thus limiting the ability to target and improve loneliness interventions. The current study investigated the association between diagnoses and loneliness and explored whether psychological and social factors were related to loneliness. This study employed a cross‐sectional design using data from a completed study which developed a measure of social inclusion. It included 192 participants from secondary, specialist mental health services with a primary diagnosis of psychotic disorders (n = 106), common mental disorders (n = 49), or personality disorders (n = 37). The study explored differences in loneliness between these broad diagnostic groups, and the relationship to loneliness of: affective symptoms, social isolation, perceived discrimination, and internalized stigma. The study adhered to the STROBE checklist for observational research. People with common mental disorders (MD = 3.94, CI = 2.15 to 5.72, P < 0.001) and people with personality disorders (MD = 4.96, CI = 2.88 to 7.05, P < 0.001) reported higher levels of loneliness compared to people with psychosis. These differences remained significant after adjustment for all psychological and social variables. Perceived discrimination and internalized stigma were also independently associated with loneliness and substantially contributed to a final explanatory model. The severity of loneliness varies between different mental health diagnostic groups. Both people with common mental disorders and personality disorders reported higher levels of loneliness than people with psychosis. Addressing perceived mental health discrimination and stigma may help to reduce loneliness.
Critical discrepancy in blood glucose control levels evaluated by glycated albumin and estimated hemoglobin A1c levels determined from a flash continuous glucose monitoring system in patients with type 2 diabetes on hemodialysis
Authors: Ushigome Emi , Matsusaki Seiko , Watanabe Nami , Hashimoto Tetsuya , Nakamura Naoto , Fukui Michiaki 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe aimed to investigate if estimated hemoglobin A1c (eHbA1c) levels determined using a flash continuous glucose monitoring system could be an indicator of glycemic control status in hemodialysis patients with diabetes. Hemodialysis patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited. eHbA1c levels were measured using the FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System®. A total of 18 hemodialysis patients with diabetes were included in the study. The eHbA1cGA – calculated based on glycated albumin level, and body mass index and serum hemoglobin concentration were also included in the formula – was higher than the eHbA1c in most patients. Furthermore, the eHbA1cGA – eHbA1c values were >2% in all patients with body mass index <18.5 kg/m2; the maximal value was 4.1%. This study shows that eHbA1c can be used as a reliable indicator for evaluating glycemic control and avoiding hypoglycemia in hemodialysis patients with diabetes, particularly those with decreased body mass index.
Direct dopamine terminal regulation by local striatal microcircuitry
Authors: Nolan Suzanne O. , Zachry Jennifer E. , Johnson Amy R. , Brady Lillian J. , Siciliano Cody A. , Calipari Erin S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRegulation of axonal dopamine release by local microcircuitry is at the hub of several biological processes that govern the timing and magnitude of signaling events in reward‐related brain regions. An important characteristic of dopamine release from axon terminals in the striatum is that it is rapidly modulated by local regulatory mechanisms. These processes can occur via homosynaptic mechanisms—such as presynaptic dopamine autoreceptors and dopamine transporters ‐ as well heterosynaptic mechanisms such as retrograde signaling from postsynaptic cholinergic and dynorphin systems, among others. Additionally, modulation of dopamine release via diffusible messengers, such as nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide, allows for various metabolic factors to quickly and efficiently regulate dopamine release and subsequent signaling. Here we review how these mechanisms work in concert to influence the timing and magnitude of striatal dopamine signaling, independent of action potential activity at the level of dopaminergic cell bodies in the midbrain, thereby providing a parallel pathway by which dopamine can be modulated. Understanding the complexities of local regulation of dopamine signaling is required for building comprehensive frameworks of how activity throughout the dopamine system is integrated to drive signaling and control behavior.
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Family Forerunners? Parental Separation and Partnership Formation in 16 Countries
Authors: Härkönen Juho , Brons M.D. (Anne) , Dronkers Jaap 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the relationships between parental separation and partnership formation patterns across 16 countries and over time, and how the relationships are shaped by contextual factors.BackgroundSeveral studies have found that parental separation predicts higher rates of cohabitation and lower rates of marriage. Few studies have analyzed these relationships over time or across countries, and none have systematically analyzed whether they are moderated by contextual factors.MethodRetrospective partnership histories on 138,739 women and men from the Generations and Gender Survey and Harmonized Histories datafiles were used. Monthly data on entry into cohabitation or marriage as the first coresidential union, and on entry into marriage were analyzed using life table and event history techniques. The overall incidences of parental separation and of premarital cohabitation were used as contextual‐level measures in the event history analyses.ResultsThe association between parental separation and partnership formation was moderated by the spread of premarital cohabitation. Higher incidence of cohabitation was associated with a weaker positive association between parental separation and cohabitation, and a more negative association between parental separation and marriage. The associations between parental separation and partnership formation were not weaker when parental separation was more common.ConclusionChildren of divorce have been among the forerunners of the increase in cohabitation and the retreat from marriage.
Use of Temporary Primary Care Providers in Federally Qualified Health Centers
Authors: Han Xinxin , Chen Candice , Pittman Patricia 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study examines the use of temporary providers in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in recent years and identifies associated factors.MethodsUsing 2013‐2017 federal administrative data of 1,028 FQHCs, we describe trends in the number and percentage of FQHCs that used temporary primary care physicians and advanced practice providers (nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and certified nurse midwives). We employed descriptive statistics to compare facility and patient characteristics between FQHCs that used and did not use temporary providers and constructed multivariate linear probability models to identify factors associated with their use.FindingsSlightly over one‐third of FQHCs used temporary primary care providers during 2013‐2017. During this period, fewer FQHCs used temporary family physicians, while more FQHCs used nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Centers that used temporary providers were larger and less rural. Multivariate regression analysis showed that neither Health Professional Shortage Area facility scores (a measure of provider shortage), nor the county primary care provider‐to‐population ratio, was a predictor of temporary provider usage in FQHCs. Instead, facility regular primary care staff‐to‐patient ratio was positively associated with use of temporary providers.ConclusionTemporary providers tend to be used in FQHCs where measure of underservice appears to be less severe. Future research should use qualitative interviews or other data sources to explore further the underlying reasons for using temporary providers in FQHCs.