bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Symbol Digit Modalities Test: Greek Normative Data for the Oral and Written Version and Discriminative Validity in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Messinis Lambros , Bakirtzis Christos , Kosmidis Mary Helen , Economou Alexandra , Nasios Grigorios , Anyfantis Emmanouil , Konitsiotis Spiridon , Ntoskou Aikaterini , Peristeri Eleni , Dardiotis Efthymios , Grigoriadis Nikolaos , Gourzis Phillipos , Papathanasopoulos Panagiotis 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to generate normative data on the Symbol Digits Modalities Test (SDMT) for the written and oral versions in the Greek adult population. We also investigated the test’s validity in discriminating the performance of healthy adults from two groups of adults diagnosed with relapsing remitting (RRMS) and secondary progressive (SPMS) multiple sclerosis.

Method
The sample consisted of 609 healthy men and women between the ages of 18 and 65. All participants were monolingual native Greek adult speakers. Each healthy participant was administered either the written (n = 460) or oral (n = 149) versions of the SDMT. Discriminant validity was examined by comparing 35 healthy participants who had completed the oral version of the SDMT to 35 age - and education-matched RRMS and SPMS patients.

Results
Linear regression models explained between 36% and 55% of the variance in the SDMT oral and written version scores. Age was the strongest predictor of difference in SDMT written and oral version performance, followed by education that also accounted for a further proportion of the SDMT variance. On the contrary, gender was found not to contribute significantly to the variance in the SDMT for either the written or the oral versions. As a result, age- and education-adjusted norms were generated. Regarding the tests discriminative validity, we found that both MS patient groups scored significantly lower than the healthy group.

Conclusions
This is the first study to provide comprehensive normative data for the SDMT in the adult population in Greece, impacting the future practice of neuropsychological assessment in this country.
A venous mechanism of ventriculomegaly shared between traumatic brain injury and normal ageing
Authors: Aso Toshihiko , Sugihara Genichi , Murai Toshiya , Ubukata Shiho , Urayama Shin-ichi , Ueno Tsukasa , Fujimoto Gaku , Thuy Dinh Ha Duy , Fukuyama Hidenao , Ueda Keita 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Recently, age-related timing dissociation between the superficial and deep venous systems has been observed; this was particularly pronounced in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus, suggesting a common mechanism of ventriculomegaly. Establishing the relationship between venous drainage and ventricular enlargement would be clinically relevant and could provide insight into the mechanisms underlying brain ageing. To investigate a possible link between venous drainage and ventriculomegaly in both normal ageing and pathological conditions, we compared 225 healthy subjects (137 males and 88 females) and 71 traumatic brain injury patients of varying ages (53 males and 18 females) using MRI-based volumetry and a novel perfusion-timing analysis. Volumetry, focusing on the CSF space, revealed that the sulcal space and ventricular size presented different lifespan profiles with age; the latter presented a quadratic, rather than linear, pattern of increase. The venous timing shift slightly preceded this change, supporting a role for venous drainage in ventriculomegaly. In traumatic brain injury, a small but significant disease effect, similar to idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, was found in venous timing, but it tended to decrease with age at injury, suggesting an overlapping mechanism with normal ageing. Structural bias due to, or a direct causative role of ventriculomegaly was unlikely to play a dominant role, because of the low correlation between venous timing and ventricular size after adjustment for age in both patients and controls. Since post-traumatic hydrocephalus can be asymptomatic and occasionally overlooked, the observation suggested a link between venous drainage and CSF accumulation. Thus, hydrocephalus, involving venous insufficiency, may be a part of normal ageing, can be detected non-invasively, and is potentially treatable. Further investigation into the clinical application of this new marker of venous function is therefore warranted.
Prenatal stress enhances NNK-induced lung tumors in A/J mice
Authors: Ito Tomoaki , Saeki Harumi , Guo Xin , Sysa-Shah Polina , Coulter Jonathan , Tamashiro Kellie L K , Lee Richard S , Orita Hajime , Sato Koichi , Ishiyama Shun , Hulbert Alicia , Smith William E , Peterson Lisa A , Brock Malcolm V , Gabrielson Kathleen L 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Children born to women who experience stress during pregnancy have an increased risk of cancer in later life, but no previous animal studies have tested such a link. We questioned whether prenatal stress (PS) in A/J mice affected the development of lung tumors after postnatal response to tobacco-specific nitrosamine, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). Timed-bred A/J mice were randomly assigned on gestation day 12.5 to PS by restraint for 5 consecutive days or control (no restraint). Adult offspring of control and stressed pregnancies were all treated with three NNK injections (50 mg/kg every other day) and euthanized 16 weeks later to examine their lungs. Compared with controls, PS dams exhibited significantly increased levels of plasma corticosterone, increased adrenal weights and decreased fetus weights without fetal loss. Prenatally stressed litters had a significantly higher neonatal death rate within first week of life, and surviving male and female offspring developed lung epithelial proliferations with increase multiplicity, increased area and aggressive morphology. PS also induced more advanced atypical adenomatous hyperplasia lesions. We found no difference in lung NNK-derived methyl DNA adducts, but PS did significantly enhance CD3+ T cell and Foxp3+ T cell tumor infiltration. PS significantly increases multiplicity, area of NNK-induced lung tumors and advanced morphology. PS did not affect production of NNK-derived methyl DNA adducts but did increase lymphocytic infiltration of lung tumors. To our knowledge, this is the first animal model of PS with evaluation of cancer development in offspring.
Antimicrobial Use in US Hospitals: Comparison of Results From Emerging Infections Program Prevalence Surveys, 2015 and 2011
Authors: Magill Shelley S , O’Leary Erin , Ray Susan M , Kainer Marion A , Evans Christopher , Bamberg Wendy M , Johnston Helen , Janelle Sarah J , Oyewumi Tolulope , Lynfield Ruth , Rainbow Jean , Warnke Linn , Nadle Joelle , Thompson Deborah L , Sharmin Shamima , Pierce Rebecca , Zhang Alexia Y , Ocampo Valerie , Maloney Meghan , Greissman Samantha , Wilson Lucy E , Dumyati Ghinwa , Edwards Jonathan R ,   Emerging Infections Program Hospital Prevalence Survey Team, Frank Linda , Godine Deborah , Martin Brittany , Parker Erin , Pasutti Lauren , Friedman Sarabeth , Jones Annika , Kosmicki Tabetha , Fisher James , Maslar Amber , Meek James , Melchreit Richard , Badrun Farzana , Fiore Anthony , Fridkin Scott K , Morabit Susan L , Perry Lewis A , Perlmutter Rebecca , Vaeth Elisabeth , Gross Annastasia , Harper Jane , Pattee Brittany , Rahmathullah Nabeelah , Baumbach Joan , Sievers Marla , Concannon Cathleen , Felsen Christina , Gellert Anita , Samper Monika , Beard Raphaelle H , Lawson Patricia , Muleta Daniel , Reed Vicky P 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
In the 2011 US hospital prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use 50% of patients received antimicrobial medications on the survey date or day before. More hospitals have since established antimicrobial stewardship programs. We repeated the survey in 2015 to determine antimicrobial use prevalence and describe changes since 2011.

Methods
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infections Program sites in 10 states each recruited ≤25 general and women’s and children’s hospitals. Hospitals selected a survey date from May–September 2015. Medical records for a random patient sample on the survey date were reviewed to collect data on antimicrobial medications administered on the survey date or day before. Percentages of patients on antimicrobial medications were compared; multivariable log-binomial regression modeling was used to evaluate factors associated with antimicrobial use.

Results
Of 12 299 patients in 199 hospitals, 6084 (49.5%; 95% CI, 48.6–50.4%) received antimicrobials. Among 148 hospitals in both surveys, overall antimicrobial use prevalence was similar in 2011 and 2015, although the percentage of neonatal critical care patients on antimicrobials was lower in 2015 (22.8% vs 32.0% [2011]; P = .006). Fluoroquinolone use was lower in 2015 (10.1% of patients vs 11.9% [2011]; P &lt; .001). Third- or fourth-generation cephalosporin use was higher (12.2% vs 10.7% [2011]; P = .002), as was carbapenem use (3.7% vs 2.7% [2011]; P &lt; .001).

Conclusions
Overall hospital antimicrobial use prevalence was not different in 2011 and 2015; however, differences observed in selected patient or antimicrobial groups may provide evidence of stewardship impact.
Clinical Predictors of Liver Fibrosis Presence and Progression in Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Associated Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Fourman Lindsay T , Stanley Takara L , Zheng Isabel , Pan Chelsea S , Feldpausch Meghan N , Purdy Julia , Aepfelbacher Julia , Buckless Colleen , Tsao Andrew , Corey Kathleen E , Chung Raymond T , Torriani Martin , Kleiner David E , Hadigan Colleen M , Grinspoon Steven K 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects more than one-third of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Nonetheless, its natural history is poorly understood, including which patients are most likely to have a progressive disease course.

Methods
We leveraged a randomized trial of the growth hormone–releasing hormone analogue tesamorelin to treat NAFLD in HIV. Sixty-one participants with HIV-associated NAFLD were randomized to tesamorelin or placebo for 12 months with serial biopsies.

Results
In all participants with baseline biopsies (n = 58), 43% had hepatic fibrosis. Individuals with fibrosis had higher NAFLD Activity Score (NAS) (mean ± standard deviation [SD], 3.6 ± 2.0 vs 2.0 ± 0.8; P &lt; .0001) and visceral fat content (mean ± SD, 284 ± 91 cm2 vs 212 ± 95 cm2; P = .005), but no difference in hepatic fat or body mass index. Among placebo-treated participants with paired biopsies (n = 24), 38% had hepatic fibrosis progression over 12 months. For each 25 cm2 higher visceral fat at baseline, odds of fibrosis progression increased by 37% (odds ratio, 1.37 [95% confidence interval, 1.03–2.07]). There was no difference in baseline NAS between fibrosis progressors and nonprogressors, though NAS rose over time in the progressor group (mean ± SD, 1.1 ± 0.8 vs −0.5 ± 0.6; P &lt; .0001).

Conclusions
In this longitudinal study of HIV-associated NAFLD, high rates of hepatic fibrosis and progression were observed. Visceral adiposity was identified as a novel predictor of worsening fibrosis. In contrast, baseline histologic characteristics did not relate to fibrosis progression.
Genome-wide analysis of short interspersed nuclear elements provides insight into gene and genome evolution in citrus
Authors: Meng Haijun , Feng Jiancan , Bai Tuanhui , Jian Zaihai , Chen Yanhui , Wu Guoliang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractShort interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) are non-autonomous retrotransposons that are highly abundant, but not well annotated, in plant genomes. In this study, we identified 41,573 copies of SINEs in seven citrus genomes, including 11,275 full-length copies. The citrus SINEs were distributed among 12 families, with an average full-length rate of 0.27, and were dispersed throughout the chromosomes, preferentially in AT-rich areas. Approximately 18.4% of citrus SINEs were found in close proximity (≤1 kb upstream) to genes, indicating a significant enrichment of SINEs in promoter regions. Citrus SINEs promote gene and genome evolution by offering exons as well as splice sites and start and stop codons, creating novel genes and forming tandem and dispersed repeat structures. Comparative analysis of unique homologous SINE-containing loci (HSCLs) revealed chromosome rearrangements in sweet orange, pummelo, and mandarin, suggesting that unique HSCLs might be valuable for understanding chromosomal abnormalities. This study of SINEs provides us with new perspectives and new avenues by which to understand the evolution of citrus genes and genomes.
Impact of angiotensin receptor blockers on mortality after hospitalization for symptomatic lower extremity artery disease
Authors: Lapébie François-Xavier , Bura-Rivière Alessandra , Lacroix Philippe , Constans Joël , Boulon Carine , Messas Emmanuel , Aboyans Victor , Ferrières Jean , Bongard Vanina 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Aims
The objective was to assess the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) prescription at discharge in patients hospitalized for symptomatic lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) and 1-year mortality.

Methods and results
The COPART registry is a multicentre, prospective, observational, cohort study which includes consecutive patients hospitalized for symptomatic LEAD in four French academic centres. All-cause mortality during a 1-year follow-up after hospital discharge was compared between patients with ARB, patients with ACEI and patients without ARB or ACEI. Analyses were performed using Cox models. As a sensitivity analysis, a propensity score (PS)-matching analysis was carried out. Among 1981 patients, 421 had ARB (21.3%), 766 ACEI (38.7%), and 794 no ACEI/ARB (40.1%) at discharge. During the 1-year follow-up, incidence rates for mortality were 12.6/100 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI) 9.7–16.1] for patients with ARB, 15.8/100 person-years (95% CI 13.4–18.6) for patients with ACEI and 19.8/100 person-years for patients without ACEI/ARB (95% CI 17.2–22.8). In a multivariate Cox model, ARB at discharge was associated with decreased mortality compared with no ACEI/ARB, hazard ratio (HR) 0.68 (95% CI 0.49–0.95), and with ACEI, HR 0.69 (95% CI 0.49–0.97). These results are consistent with those obtained by the Cox analyses in the PS-matched sample: HR 0.68 (95% CI 0.47–0.98) for patients with ARB compared with no ARB.

Conclusion
Angiotensin receptor blockers at discharge after hospitalization for symptomatic LEAD is associated with a better survival compared with ACEI or no ACEI/ARB.
Dysferlin links excitation–contraction coupling to structure and maintenance of the cardiac transverse–axial tubule system
Authors: Hofhuis Julia , Bersch Kristina , Wagner Stefan , Molina Cristina , Fakuade Funsho E , Iyer Lavanya M , Streckfuss-Bömeke Katrin , Toischer Karl , Zelarayán Laura C , Voigt Niels , Nikolaev Viacheslav O , Maier Lars S , Klinge Lars , Thoms Sven 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Aims
The multi-C2 domain protein dysferlin localizes to the T-Tubule system of skeletal and heart muscles. In skeletal muscle, dysferlin is known to play a role in membrane repair and in T-tubule biogenesis and maintenance. Dysferlin deficiency manifests as muscular dystrophy of proximal and distal muscles. Cardiomyopathies have been also reported, and some dysferlinopathy mouse models develop cardiac dysfunction under stress. Generally, the role and functional relevance of dysferlin in the heart is not clear. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of dysferlin deficiency on the transverse–axial tubule system (TATS) structure and on Ca2+ homeostasis in the heart.

Methods and results
We studied dysferlin localization in rat and mouse cardiomyocytes by immunofluorescence microscopy. In dysferlin-deficient ventricular mouse cardiomyocytes, we analysed the TATS by live staining and assessed Ca2+ handling by patch-clamp experiments and measurement of Ca2+ transients and Ca2+ sparks. We found increasing co-localization of dysferlin with the L-type Ca2+-channel during TATS development and show that dysferlin deficiency leads to pathological loss of transversal and increase in longitudinal elements (axialization). We detected reduced L-type Ca2+-current (ICa,L) in cardiomyocytes from dysferlin-deficient mice and increased frequency of spontaneous sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release events resulting in pro-arrhythmic contractions. Moreover, cardiomyocytes from dysferlin-deficient mice showed an impaired response to β-adrenergic receptor stimulation.

Conclusions
Dysferlin is required for TATS biogenesis and maintenance in the heart by controlling the ratio of transversal and axial membrane elements. Absence of dysferlin leads to defects in Ca2+ homeostasis which may contribute to contractile heart dysfunction in dysferlinopathy patients.
Outcomes in patients with cardiac amyloidosis and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
Authors: Kim Eun-Jeong , Holmes Benjamin B , Huang Shi , Lugo Ricardo , Al Aboud Asad , Goodman Stacey , Hung Rebecca R , Slosky David , Stevenson William G , Michaud Gregory F , John Roy M 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Aims
Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is associated with increased mortality due to arrhythmias, heart failure, and electromechanical dissociation. However, the role of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) remains unclear. We conducted case-control study to assess survival in CA patients with and without a primary prevention ICD and compared outcomes to an age, sex, and device implant year-matched non-CA group with primary prevention ICD.

Methods and results
There were 91 subjects with CA [mean age= 71.2 ± 10.2, female 22.0%, 49 AL with Mayo Stage 2.9 ± 1.0, 41 transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR), 1 other] followed by Vanderbilt Amyloidosis centre. Patients with ICD (n = 23) were compared with those without (n = 68) and a non-amyloid group with ICD (n = 46). All subjects with ICD had implantation for primary prevention. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 36.2% ± 14.4% in CA with ICD, 41.0% ± 10.6% in CA without ICD, and 33.5% ± 14.4% in non-CA patients. Over 3.5 ± 3.1 years, 6 (26.1%) CA, and 12 (26.1%) non-CA subjects received ICD therapies (P = 0.71). Patients with CA had a significantly higher mortality (43.9% vs. 17.4%, P = 0.002) compared with the non-CA group. Mean time from device implantation to death was 21.8 months in AL and 22.8 months in ATTR patients. There was no significant difference in mortality between CA patients who did and did not receive an ICD (39.0% vs. 46.0%, P = 0.59).

Conclusions
Despite comparable event rates patients with CA had a significantly higher mortality and ICDs were not associated with longer survival. With the emergence of effective therapy for AL amyloidosis, further study of ICD is needed in this group.
Mortality and cardiac resynchronization therapy with or without defibrillation in primary prevention
Authors: Gras Matthieu , Bisson Arnaud , Bodin Alexandre , Herbert Julien , Babuty Dominique , Pierre Bertrand , Clementy Nicolas , Fauchier Laurent 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Aims
Cardiac resynchronization therapy with (CRTD) or without (CRTP) defibrillator is recommended in selected patient with systolic chronic heart failure and wide QRS. There is no guideline firmly indicating choice between CRTP and CRTD in primary prevention, particularly in older patients.

Methods and results
Based on the French administrative hospital-discharge database, information was collected from 2010 to 2017 for all patients implanted with CRTP or CRTD in primary prevention. Outcome analyses were undertaken in the total study population and in propensity-matched samples. During follow-up (913 days, SD 841, median 701, IQR 151–1493), 45 697 patients were analysed (CRTP 19 266 and CRTD 26 431). Incidence rate (%patient/year) of all-cause mortality was higher in CRTP patients (11.6%) than in CRTD patients (6.8%) [hazard ratio (HR) 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.63–1.76, P &lt; 0.001]. After propensity-matched analyses, mortality of patients over 75 years old with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) was not different with CRTP and CRTD (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.80–1.09, P = 0.39). The CRTP patients under 75 years old with NICM had a higher mortality than CRTD patients (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.03–1.45, P = 0.02). Mortality rate was also higher with CRTP than with CRTD irrespectively of age in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) (&lt;75 years old: HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08–1.37, P = 0.01; ≥75 years old: HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04–1.22, P = 0.003).

Conclusion
In this real-life study, CRTD was associated with a significantly lower all-cause mortality than CRTP in patients with ICM and in patients with NICM under 75 years old. Patients over 75 years old with NICM did not have lower mortality with primary prevention CRTD implantation.
Engaging adolescents in developing health education interventions: a multidisciplinary pilot project
Authors: Psaroudakis Irene , Quattrone Filippo , Tavoschi Lara , De Vita Erica , Cervia Silvia , Biancheri Rita , Lopalco Pietro Luigi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Adolescents engagement is fundamental to develop dedicated educational interventions. We piloted non-standard sociological methodology to assess risk perception, information sources and perceived educational needs of a group of Italian adolescents focusing on three infectious diseases. Three high-school classes students participated in a World Café event. A thematic analysis was performed. Participants showed lack of knowledge on diseases prevention. Family and school were key health information sources and social media considered unreliable. Future interventions preferences included interactive and informal sessions. We showed the utility of non-standard sociological methods to assess health knowledge among adolescents and enhance the design of dedicated interventions.
Increased temperatures alter viable microbial biomass, ammonia oxidizing bacteria and extracellular enzymatic activities in Antarctic soils
Authors: Barnard Sebastian , Van Goethem Marc W , de Scally Storme Z , Cowan Don A , van Rensburg Peet Jansen , Claassens Sarina , Makhalanyane Thulani P 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT
The effects of temperature on microorganisms in high latitude regions, and their possible feedbacks in response to change, are unclear. Here, we assess microbial functionality and composition in response to a substantial temperature change. Total soil biomass, amoA gene sequencing, extracellular activity assays and soil physicochemistry were measured to assess a warming scenario. Soil warming to 15°C for 30 days triggered a significant decrease in microbial biomass compared to baseline soils (0°C; P &lt; 0.05) after incubations had induced an initial increase. These changes coincided with increases in extracellular enzymatic activity for peptide hydrolysis and phenolic oxidation at higher temperatures, but not for the degradation of carbon substrates. Shifts in ammonia-oxidising bacteria (AOB) community composition related most significantly to changes in soil carbon content (P &lt; 0.05), which gradually increased in microcosms exposed to a persistently elevated temperature relative to baseline incubations, while temperature did not influence AOBs. The concentration of soil ammonium (NH4+) decreased significantly at higher temperatures subsequent to an initial increase, possibly due to higher conversion rates of NH4+ to nitrate by nitrifying bacteria. We show that higher soil temperatures may reduce viable microbial biomass in cold environments but stimulate their activity over a short period.