bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac magnetic resonance-derived fibrosis, strain and molecular biomarkers of fibrosis in hypertensive heart disease
Authors: Pichler Gernot , Redon Josep , Martínez Fernando , Solaz Elena , Calaforra Oscar , Andrés Marta San , Lopez Begoña , Díez Javier , Oberbauer Rainer , Adlbrecht Christopher , Karth Georg Delle , Maceira Alicia 
Published: July 2020

Aims:
Myocardial fibrosis is a relevant component of hypertensive heart disease (HHD). Novel cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging techniques have shown potential in quantification of diffuse cardiac fibrosis, with T1 mapping, and estimating preclinical cardiac dysfunction, with strain analysis. Molecular biomarkers of fibrosis have been related with clinical outcomes and histologically proven myocardial fibrosis. The relationship between these CMR-imaging techniques and circulating biomarkers is not fully understood.

Methods and results:
CMR was performed on a 3T scanner in 36 individuals with HHD. Extracellular volume fraction (ECV) and the partition coefficient were assessed using the T1 mapping technique shMOLLI. Longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain was assessed using CMR-Feature Tracking. Molecular biomarkers of collagen synthesis (PICP and PIIINP) and collagen degradation (CITP and MMP-1) were measured in blood using commercial kits. Correlation models showed a significant relationship of T1 mapping measures with left atrial diameter, LV mass, LV posterior wall thickness, LV end-diastolic volume and longitudinal strain. In fully adjusted regression models, ECV was associated with left atrial diameter (β=0.75, P = 0.005) and longitudinal strain (β = 0.43, P = 0.030); the partition coefficient was associated with LV posterior wall thickness (β = 0.53, P = 0.046). Strain measures were associated with cardiac geometry, and longitudinal strain was marginally associated with CITP.

Conclusion:
In individuals with HHD, CMR-derived measures of myocardial fibrosis and function are related and might be useful tools for the identification and characterization of preclinical cardiac dysfunction and diffuse myocardial fibrosis. Molecular biomarkers of fibrosis were marginally associated with myocardial strain, but not with the extension of CMR-measured cardiac fibrosis.
Neurologic Manifestations and Complications of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Del Brutto Oscar , Costa Aldo F. , Aguayo Xavier 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic originated in China has caused a severe impact on worldwide health. Respiratory symptoms accompanied by unspecific systemic complaints are the most common presentation. However, neurological symptoms and complications could be found in a patient, and this might confer a poor prognosis. In this view, we aim to present a narrative review of neurological manifestations and complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection by performing literature research. We found nonspecific neurological symptoms such as headache, lethargy, anosmia, and dysgeusia reported in a few cohorts. Case reports of encephalitis, acute necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalopathy, and Guillain-Barré syndrome have also been published. Finally, cerebrovascular complications resulting from a hypercoagulation state, reported in some cases of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, confers higher morbidity, especially in younger patients. Future studies should address the implications of the nervous system manifestations and the possibility of virus permanence in nervous tissue.
Elucidating intraoperative dynamics and safety in posterior polar cataract with intraoperative OCT-guided phacoemulsification
Authors: Titiyal Jeewan S. , Kaur Manpreet , Shaikh Farin , Rani Deeksha , Bageshwar Lalit M.S. 
Published: July 2020

Purpose:
To evaluate morphological characteristics and intraoperative dynamics of posterior polar cataract (PPC) using intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT).

Setting:
Rajendra Prasad Center for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Design:
Prospective interventional study.

Methods:
Forty eyes with PPC undergoing phacoemulsification were evaluated. Primary outcome measure was morphology of PPC and intraoperative dynamics of posterior capsule (PC). Secondary outcome measure was PC rent, which was retrospectively compared with 72 PPC cases that underwent non–iOCT-guided surgery.

Results:
Of the 40 eyes evaluated, 3 morphological variants of PPC were observed: type I (19/40 [47.5%]) characterized by intact PC and clearance between PC and opacity, type II (12/40 [30%]) with intact PC in periphery of opacity, shadowing, and inability to detect PC in the center, and type III (9/40 [22.5%]) with dense opacity, extensive shadowing, and inability to delineate PC. In addition to hydrodelineation, hydrodissection was performed in all cases of type I PPC. In types II and III PPC, only hydrodelineation was performed. No case with type I opacity developed PC dehiscence. Three cases (7.5%) with types II (1 eye) and III (2 eyes) PPC developed PC dehiscence during aspiration of epinuclear cushion. Intraocular lens was implanted in all cases in the bag or sulcus. There was no significant difference in PC dehiscence between iOCT-guided and non–iOCT-guided surgery (P = .7).

Conclusions:
iOCT-guided surgery helps to elucidate intraoperative dynamics in PPC and assess real-time PC integrity. It characterizes high-risk morphological features, enables safe hydrodissection in a subset of PPC, but does not decrease the incidence of PC dehiscence.
General Functioning in Patients With First-Episode Psychosis After the First 18 Months of Treatment
Authors: Rojnic Kuzman Martina , Makaric Porin , Bosnjak Kuharic Dina , Kekin Ivana , Madzarac Zoran , Koricancic Makar Ana , Bajic Zarko , Ostojic Drazenka , Silic Ante , Zivkovic Maja 
Published: July 2020

Background
One of the main goals in the treatment of first-episode psychosis (FEP) is achieving functional remission. This study aims to analyze whether initial neurocognitive status and the use of specific pharmacological and psychosocial treatment options in FEP can predict general functioning after 18 months of treatment.

Methods
We conducted a longitudinal naturalistic study with a sample of 129 patients with FEP treated at 2 Croatian psychiatric clinics from 2016until 2018. Ordinal regression was used to predict the global level of functioning assessed with the Global Assessment of Functioning scale (GAF) at the 18th month of treatment from the baseline symptoms (assessed with a set of neurocognitive tests) and different treatment options.

Results
Higher score on GAF at the 18th month was significantly predicted by female sex, better baseline verbal memory and GAF scores, and the type of treatment. Group multimodal psychosocial treatment, antipsychotic polytherapy, and not being treated with sedatives at baseline predicted better GAF scores at follow-up. In the exploratory analysis, taking sedatives in the final assessment and being rehospitalized due to relapse predicted worse GAF scores at the end of follow-up.

Conclusions
Although baseline neurocognitive features and baseline general functioning seem to influence the overall long-term functioning of persons with FEP, addition of a multimodal group psychosocial treatment program and appropriate medication seem to be equally important for improving the patients’ level of functioning after the FEP.
A Preliminary Examination of Endogenous Peripheral Oxytocin in a Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial of Oxytocin-Enhanced Psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Sippel Lauren M. , King Courtney E. , Wahlquist Amy E. , Flanagan Julianne C. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
Preclinical and clinical research suggests that the oxytocin system is implicated in the development and maintenance of stress and anxiety-related psychiatric conditions, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recent research also suggests that intranasal oxytocin holds promise as a treatment for PTSD. However, little is known about the relationship between levels of peripheral oxytocin and PTSD symptom severity, PTSD treatment response, and repeated intranasal oxytocin administration.

Methods
In the current study, we examined associations between PTSD symptom severity and peripheral oxytocin levels measured in plasma before and after a course of prolonged exposure (PE) for PTSD (n = 13); participants were randomized to adjunctive intranasal oxytocin (n = 6) or placebo (n = 7).

Results
Baseline peripheral oxytocin levels were not associated with baseline PTSD symptom severity. Change in peripheral oxytocin levels did not differ by treatment condition and did not correspond to change in PTSD symptoms.

Conclusions
This proof-of-concept study illustrates the acceptability and feasibility of measuring peripheral oxytocin among individuals engaged in psychotherapy for PTSD and informs the utilization of these procedures in future adequately powered studies.
Correlates of the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale in Veterans With Tardive Dyskinesia
Authors: Caroff Stanley N. , Leong Shirley H. , Roberts Christopher B. , Berkowitz Rosalind M. , Campbell E. Cabrina 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Purpose/Background
To add to limited evidence on the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) as a measure of tardive dyskinesia (TD) in clinical practice settings, the characteristics and correlates of AIMS scores were assessed.

Methods/Procedures
Veterans with schizophrenia/schizoaffective, bipolar, or major depressive disorders receiving antipsychotics and at least 1 AIMS score during October 1, 2014, to September 30, 2015, were identified. Tardive dyskinesia was determined by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, codes. Correlates of AIMS scores were examined using χ2 or t tests. Odds ratios and β parameters with 95% confidence intervals for categorical and continuous variables associated with AIMS scores were derived from a multivariate logistic and linear regression, respectively.

Findings/Results
Among 7985 veterans receiving antipsychotics, only 4706 (58.9%) had at least 1 AIMS examination. Of these, 229 (4.9%) were diagnosed with possible TD. The mean total AIMS scores and AIMS awareness/incapacitation scores were significantly higher for patients with TD (both P < 0.0001). Comparing diagnostic threshold criteria of AIMS ratings, only 17.5% to 37.1% of veterans with TD were successfully identified. Among TD patients, 21.4% had a total score of moderate-severe and 15.3% had ratings of at least mild movements in 2 or more body regions. In the regression analyses, being older, African-American, having schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder, and receiving antipsychotics or benztropine significantly increased the severity of AIMS scores. Higher AIMS scores were not predictive of outcomes other than marital status in socioeconomic or healthcare domains.

Implications/Conclusions
Although the AIMS is essential for TD research, its value in clinical practice without training and oversight remains unclear. Efforts to adapt screening procedures to clinical needs may be worthwhile.
Multidrug-resistant bacteria in lung transplantation
Authors: Dominguez Fernando , Blodget Emily 
Published: July 2020

Purpose of review
The review of infections in lung transplantation is beyond the scope of this article as it is a comprehensive topic, however we aim to focus on infections with multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms in this patient population.

Recent findings
New emerging clinical studies have provided data regarding outcomes in lung transplant recipients with MDR bacterial infections.

Summary
Isolation of MDR bacteria from lung donors preoperatively has not been associated with worse outcomes in recipients. Patients with cystic fibrosis colonized with MDR bacteria do not have increased 1 year mortality rates compared to those without MDR bacteria.
Risk stratification and management of QuantiFERON-positive solid-organ living donors
Authors: Gibb Jean , Wong Darren 
Published: July 2020

Purpose of review
Donor-derived disease with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is likely to become more common as donor pools expand due to increasing transplant volume coupled with patterns of migration and global mobility. Our article reviews the current literature and provides a rational approach for clinicians managing the scenario of a living donor who has epidemiologic risk factors for tuberculosis exposure.

Recent findings
Tuberculous bacilli, formerly thought to exist latently only in pulmonary granulomas, are now known reside dormant in nonpulmonary organs. Kidney and liver grafts are thus vectors for donor transmitted MTB disease. Donors with elevated risk for latent MTB disease can be identified with tuberculin skin testing or IFN-γ release assay screening in combination with a thorough history to identify risk factors for latent disease.

Summary
Living donors with an elevated risk for prior MTB exposure provide an opportunity to treat latent disease prior to organ procurement and reduce the risk of donor transmitted disease and secondary morbidity. Improved identification of these high-risk donors can reduce both the incidence of posttransplant MTB disease and the risk of allograft compromise associated with treatment of latent and active disease in posttransplant recipients.
Concomitant Benefits of an Auricular Acupressure Intervention for Women With Cancer on Family Caregiver Sleep Quality
Authors: Wu Ting-Ting , Pan Hung-Wei , Kuo Hui-Chen , Chen San-Nung , Creedy Debra K. , Tsao Ying 
Published: July 2020

Background
Sleep disturbance is a frequent and significant problem challenge for family caregivers of patients with cancer. A previously tested 6-week auricular acupressure intervention was found to reduce symptom burden in women with cancer. It is possible that such an intervention has a concomitant benefit for family caregivers.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to explore if the effects of an auricular acupressure intervention on major symptoms experienced by women with ovarian cancer improves the sleep quality of family caregivers.

Methods
A quasi-randomized controlled trial with a repeated-measures design was used. Family caregivers (n = 68) of cancer patients were recruited and completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index on 4 occasions. Demographic information included age, sex, duration of caring role, and relationship to the patient.

Results
Family members with a longer duration of caregiving reported more sleep disturbance at baseline. As the symptom burden of treated women decreased, their family caregivers reported improved Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores at 4 weeks (time 2; Cohen d = 1.075) and 6 weeks (time 3; Cohen d = 1.022).

Conclusions
Reducing the symptom burden of patients with cancer can improve the sleep quality of family caregivers.

Implications for Practice
Auricular acupressure is a noninvasive and easy-to-apply intervention that can be applied by caregivers to assist their family member. Nursing staff can implement and test the acupressure intervention into their clinical practice and better support family-based strategies and interventions. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm our findings.
Sports Ultrasound Training During a Pandemic
Authors: Schroeder Allison N. , Hall Mederic M. , Kruse Ryan C. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
“Hands-on” teaching is an important part of sports ultrasound (US) education in sports medicine fellowships. However, physical distancing requirements during a global pandemic have resulted in cancellation and/or postponement of “in-person” educational sessions, ultrasound conferences, and clinical diagnostic and interventional ultrasound cases that enhance ultrasound training. For “hands-on” sports ultrasound teaching to continue during these uncertain times, the educational model must be adapted. The use of virtual meeting platforms to display ultrasound images is possible, and this not only allows for instructor demonstration but also gives the instructor an opportunity to observe the learner scanning and provide direct feedback in real-time. Moving forward, virtual ultrasound teaching methods will likely continue to be of educational value, as they provide increased access to individualized instruction from skilled instructors and eliminate travel time and cost of conferences and instructional sessions.
Changes to Rehabilitation Service Delivery and the Associated Physician Perspectives During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Yu Jaime C. , McIntyre McKyla , Dow Heather , Robinson Lawrence , Winston Paul 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This project aimed to determine the impact of and needs from physician members of the Canadian Association of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation during the early response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The purpose of this project was to develop a framework for addressing the pandemic tailored to the needs of Canadian physiatrists. A convergent mixed-methods design was used for this needs assessment quality project. A total of 136 responses were obtained with an overall response rate of 34%. Three major themes were identified relating to the impact of COVID-19 on physicians: (1) changes to direct patient care, (2) changes to nonclinical aspects of physician’s practices, and (3) impacts on personal and family well-being. Three requests for Canadian Association of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation support during the pandemic were as follows: (1) collaborative sharing of information and resources, (2) advocacy for both patients and providers, and (3) avenues for social connection and wellness. This project provided insight into the impact of COVID-19 and current needs of Canadian Association of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physicians. The results were used to develop a solutions framework including guidance on use of virtual care and holding education webinars on high-yield topics. Next steps include a follow-up survey on change in preparedness and member satisfaction with the Canadian Association of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation response.
The Role of FLIR ONE Thermography in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: Dhatt Saroop , Krauss Emily M. , Winston Paul 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Complex regional pain syndrome remains a debated syndrome characterized by symptoms and signs, including pain, sensory disturbances, thermal asymmetry, edema, and motor impairments. Thermography is a tool that assesses skin surface temperature distribution. Current literature focuses on the role of thermography for diagnostic purposes; however, its role in monitoring the response to treatment in complex regional pain syndrome is unclear. We present a case series of four patients with complex regional pain syndrome where a FLIR ONE thermal imaging camera (FLIR Systems, Inc, Wilsonville, OR) was used to assist in the diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome, capture the effects of diagnostic nerve blocks to evaluate a peripheral nerve contribution to complex regional pain syndrome, as well as monitor and assess treatment efficacy with prednisone and surgery. Four patients were screened by clinical assessment to meet the Budapest Criteria. The thermal images revealed improvement in the temperature distribution after therapeutic intervention. We also noted temporary but immediate changes on thermal imaging with diagnostic nerve blocks. Our cases suggest that the FLIR ONE thermal imaging camera has the potential to be an accessible monitoring tool to assist in diagnosis and assess treatment efficacy in complex regional pain syndrome over time.
Electrodiagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Review of Existing Guidelines
Authors: de Carvalho Mamede 
Published: July 2020

Summary:Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by degeneration of upper motor neurons in the motor cortex and lower motor neurons (LMN) in the brainstem and spinal cord, resulting in a progressive functional impairment. Neurophysiology is a diagnostic tool to detect dysfunction of upper motor neurons and LMN, even when the changes are subclinical. Electromyography is the standard neurophysiological investigation to detect LMN changes, which is essential to exclude mimicking disorders and attain early diagnosis. Recently, Awaji criteria was proposed to support ALS diagnosis, in these criteria fasciculation potentials associated with neurogenic motor unit potentials represents a sufficient marker of LMN involvement, in each muscle. Many studies have confirmed that Awaji criteria are more sensitive, permitting earlier diagnosis without loss of specificity when compared with the revised El Escorial criteria. Fasciculations are easily detected by ultrasound; increasingly, this technique has been used to diagnose ALS, combined with electromyography. This combination can increase diagnostic accuracy. Many techniques for estimating the number of motor units have been proposed, they are useful to quantify LMN loss. Electrical impedance myography is an emerging technique with great potential to monitor ALS progression. Neurophysiological investigation of upper motor neuron dysfunction is difficult in ALS, detecting decreased cortical inhibition by threshold tracking cortical magnetic stimulation is a promising method, which needs to be validated in different centers.
Ningiella ruwaisensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Alteromonadaceae isolated from marine water of the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Fotedar Rashmi , Caldwell Matthew E. , Sankaranarayanan Krithivasan , Al -Zeyara Aisha , Al-Malki Ameena , Kaul Ridhima , Al Marri Masoud , Al -Shamari Hamad S. , Lawson Paul A. 
Published: July 2020

Strain B66T was isolated from a marine water sample collected at Al Ruwais, located on the northern tip of Qatar. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic and short- rod-shaped with a polar flagellum. The isolate was able to grow at 15–45 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 5–11 (optimum, pH 6.5–8) and with 0–6 % NaCl. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain B66T was affiliated with the family

Alteromonadaceae

, sharing the highest sequence similarities to the genera

Alteromonas

(93.7–95.4 %),

Aestuariibacter

(94.0–95.1 %),

Agaribacter

(93.3–93.7 %),

Glaciecola

(92.0–93.7 %), Marisendiminitalea (93.2–93.3 %) and

Planctobacterium

(92.9 %). In the phylogenetic trees, strain B66T demonstrated the novel organism formed a distinct lineage closely associated with

Aestuariibacter

and

Planctobacterium

. Major fatty acids were C16 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
ω7c/C16 : 1
ω6c/iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8 and the major polar lipids are phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The DNA G+C content derived from the genome was 43.2 mol%. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and genomic data, strain B66T is considered to represent a novel species and genus for which the name Ningiella ruwaisensis gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is B66T (=QCC B003/17T=LMG 30288 T=CCUG 70703T).