bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of oral corticosteroids on respiratory outcomes in acute preschool wheeze: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Wallace Alexandra , Sinclair Owen , Shepherd Michael , Neutze Jocelyn , Trenholme Adrian , Tan Eunicia , Brabyn Christine , Bonisch Megan , Grey Naomi , Johnson David W , McNamara David , Thompson John M D , Asher Innes , Dalziel Stuart R 
Published: October 2020

Objective
To determine if administration of oral prednisolone to preschool children with acute wheeze alters respiratory outcomes.

Design
Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled equivalence trial.

Setting
Three hospitals in New Zealand.

Patients
477 children aged 24–59 months with acute wheeze associated with respiratory illness.

Interventions
2 mg/kg (maximum 40 mg) oral prednisolone or similar placebo, once daily for 3 days.

Main outcome measures
Primary outcome was change in Preschool Respiratory Assessment Measure (PRAM) score 24 hours after intervention. Secondary outcomes included PRAM score at 4 hours, length of emergency department and inpatient stays, admission and representation rates, time to return to normal activities and use of additional oral prednisolone or intravenous medications. Analysis was by intention-to-treat.

Results
There was no difference between groups for change in PRAM score at 24 hours (difference between means −0.39, 95% CI −0.84 to 0.06, p=0.09). Absolute PRAM score was lower in the prednisolone group at 4 hours (median (IQR) 1 (0–2) vs 2 (0–3), p=0.01) and 24 hours (0 (0–1) vs 0 (0–1), p=0.01), when symptoms had resolved for most children regardless of initial treatment. Admission rate, requirement for additional oral prednisolone and use of intravenous medication were lower in the prednisolone group, although there were no differences between groups for time taken to return to normal activities or rates of representation within 7 days.

Conclusion
Oral prednisolone does not alter respiratory outcomes at 24 hours or beyond in preschool children presenting with acute wheeze.
Correlation of histopathology of trabecular meshwork with clinical features in primary congenital glaucoma
Authors: Agarwal Rinky , Sen Seema , Kashyap Seema , Dada Tanuj , Nag Tapas Chandra , Gupta Viney , Sihota Ramanjit 
Published: October 2020

PurposeTo correlate histopathological changes of trabecular meshwork (TM) with clinical features in primary congenital glaucoma (PCG).MethodsThis was a prospective interventional study including 66 eyes of 39 PCG children aged ≤12 months at diagnosis. Corneal clarity, corneal diameter (CD), intraocular pressure (IOP) and cup disc ratio (C:D ratio) were assessed at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. The trabecular meshwork (TM) specimens obtained during primary combined trabeculectomy and trabeculotomy augmented with Mitomycin-C were evaluated on light microscopy to look for eosinophilic membrane (EM), status of trabecular beams and trabecular endothelial cells (TEC), presence of intervening spaces, TM thickness and TEC count which were then correlated with clinical features.ResultsAt 1-year follow-up, IOP reduced from 27.96±10.2 to 11.88±5.63 mm Hg, p<0.001, C:D ratio decreased from 0.65±0.34 to 0.49±0.06, p=0.036, and the bleb had a significant tendency to change from well formed (59–46) to flat type (3–6) or thin, cystic type (4–14) (p=0.014). Presence of EM on the cameral surface was associated with a lower baseline IOP. Fused trabecular beams were associated with higher baseline IOP. The TM was significantly thicker in eyes with IOP >20 mm Hg at presentation (1.86±0.7 mm vs 1.3±0.47 mm, p=0.0356). Eyes with IOP ≤14 mm Hg at final follow-up had lower TEC count than eyes with IOP >14 mm Hg (0.92±0.45 cells/mm2 vs 1.00±0.74 cells/mm2, p=0.0028).ConclusionA light microscopic analysis of surgical specimens may guide prognosis of PCG. However, larger studies are required to validate these results.
Overcoming barriers of retinal care delivery during a pandemic—attitudes and drivers for the implementation of digital health: a global expert survey
Authors: Faes Livia , Rosenblatt Amir , Schwartz Roy , Touhami Sara , Ventura Camila V , Chatziralli Irini P , Ruiz-Medrano Jorge , Vogt Denise , Savastano Alfonso , Ruiz-Garcia Humberto , Pohlmann Dominika , Loewenstein Anat 
Published: October 2020

Background/AimsThe SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has imposed barriers to retinal care delivery worldwide. In this context, retinal services are exploring novel ways to ensure access to healthcare.MethodsWe conducted a worldwide survey among retinal specialists between March 31, 2020 and April 12, 2020. The expert survey was developed on the basis of focus group discussions involving retinal specialists and literature searches. It included 44 questions on alternative ways of care provision including digital health domains such as teleophthalmology, home monitoring or decentralised patient care.Results214 retinal experts participated in the survey, of which 120 (56.1%) had more than 15 years of experience in ophthalmology. Most participants were clinicians (n=158, 73.9%) practising in Western Europe (n=159, 74%). In the majority of institutions, teleophthalmology, home monitoring and decentralised patient care have not been implemented before the pandemic (n=46, 21.8.1%; n=64, 29.9%; n=38, 19.1%). During the pandemic, the use of teleophthalmology and home monitoring increased significantly (n=105, p<0.001; n=90, p<0.001). In the subgroup of institutions reporting no teleophthalmology service before and implementing a service during the pandemic (34/70, 48.6%), reimbursement was the sole significant parameter (OR 9.62 (95% CI 2.42 to 38.16); p<0.001).ConclusionDigital health is taking the centre stage tackling unpreceded challenges of retinal care delivery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and may sustainably change the way we practice ophthalmology.
Retinal findings in hospitalised patients with severe COVID-19
Authors: Pereira Leonardo Amarante , Soares Larissa Caroline Mansano , Nascimento Priscila Alves , Cirillo Luciano Rabello Netto , Sakuma Hebert Toshiaki , Veiga Glaucia Luciano da , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Afonso , Lima Vagner Loduca , Abucham-Neto Julio Zaki 
Published: October 2020

AimTo identify retinal findings using dilated eye examination, which are possibly related to SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospitalised patients with confirmed severe COVID-19.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, hospitalised patients with confirmed severe COVID-19 in a single referral centre for the treatment of COVID-19, in Santo André, São Paulo Metropolitan Area, Brazil, underwent dilated eye examination of both eyes performed by a retina specialist. Findings were recorded using a portable digital fundus camera. Retinographies were analysed by two retina specialists. Medical records were reviewed for assessment of patient demographics, baseline comorbidities and clinical data.ResultsThere were a total of 18 patients, nine (50%) male, median IQR age of 62.5 (12) years. Ten of the 18 patients (55.6%; 95% CI 33.7 to 75.4) had abnormalities on dilated eye examination. The main findings were flame-shaped haemorrhages (N=4; 22.2%; 95% CI 9.0 to 45.2) and ischaemic pattern lesions (cotton wool spots and retinal sectorial pallor) (N=4; 22.2%; 95% CI 9.0 to 45.2), with one patient having both cotton wool spots and flame-shaped haemorrhages.ConclusionThese findings suggest that patients with severe COVID-19 have acute vascular lesions of the inner retina including flame-shaped haemorrhages and cotton wool spots. Further studies controlling for confounding factors are necessary to properly assess these findings so as to increase the understanding of COVID-19 pathophysiology and to identify new therapies.
It depends on how you ask: measuring bias in population surveys of compliance with COVID-19 public health guidance
Authors: Timmons Shane , McGinnity Frances , Belton Cameron , Barjaková Martina , Lunn Peter 
Published: October 2020

Objective
Accurate measurement of compliance with COVID-19 guidance is important for public health policy and communications. Responses to surveys, however, are susceptible to psychological biases, including framing effects and social desirability. Our aim was to measure the effects of these biases on estimates of compliance with public health guidance (eg, hand-washing, social distancing).

Design
We conducted two online experiments (n=1800) and varied whether questions were framed positively or negatively (eg, ‘I always wash my hands…’ vs ‘I don’t always wash my hands…’). We also varied the degree to which anonymity was assured, via a ‘list’ experiment.

Results
Reported compliance, despite being generally high, was reduced by negatively framing questions and increasing anonymity using a list experiment technique. Effect sizes were large: compliance estimates diminished by up to 17% points and 10% points, respectively.

Conclusion
Estimates of compliance with COVID-19 guidance vary substantially with how the question is asked. Standard tracking surveys tend to pose questions in ways that lead to higher estimates than alternative approaches. Experimental tests of these surveys offer public health officials greater insight into the range of likely compliance estimates to better inform policy and communications.
Natural killer cells in the human lung tumor microenvironment display immune inhibitory functions
Authors: Russick Jules , Joubert Pierre-Emmanuel , Gillard-Bocquet Mélanie , Torset Carine , Meylan Maxime , Petitprez Florent , Dragon-Durey Marie-Agnes , Marmier Solenne , Varthaman Aditi , Josseaume Nathalie , Germain Claire , Goc Jérémy , Dieu-Nosjean Marie-Caroline , Validire Pierre , Fournel Ludovic , Zitvogel Laurence , Bindea Gabriela , Lupo Audrey , Damotte Diane , Alifano Marco , Cremer Isabelle 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundNatural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in tumor immunosurveillance through their cytotoxic effector functions and their capacity to interact with other immune cells to build a coordinated antitumor immune response. Emerging data reveal NK cell dysfunction within the tumor microenvironment (TME) through checkpoint inhibitory molecules associated with a regulatory phenotype.ObjectiveWe aimed at analyzing the gene expression profile of intratumoral NK cells compared with non-tumorous NK cells, and to characterize their inhibitory function in the TME.MethodsNK cells were sorted from human lung tumor tissue and compared with non- tumoral distant lungs.ResultsIn the current study, we identify a unique gene signature of NK cell dysfunction in human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). First, transcriptomic analysis reveals significant changes related to migratory pattern with a downregulation of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) and CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) and overexpression of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5) and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 6 (CXCR6). Second, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and killer cell lectin like receptor (KLRC1) inhibitory molecules were increased in intratumoral NK cells, and CTLA-4 blockade could partially restore MHC class II level on dendritic cell (DC) that was impaired during the DCs/NK cell cross talk. Finally, NK cell density impacts the positive prognostic value of CD8+ T cells in NSCLC.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate novel molecular cues associated with NK cell inhibitory functions in NSCLC.
Time-focusing time-of-flight, a new method to turn a MAC-E-filter into a quasi-differential spectrometer
Authors: Fulst A. , Lokhov A. , Fedkevych M. , Steinbrink N. , Weinheimer C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSpectrometers based on the magnetic adiabatic collimation followed by an electrostatic filter (MAC-E-filter) principle combine high angular acceptance with an excellent energy resolution. These features make MAC-E-filters very valuable for experiments where the kinetic energy of ions or electrons from rare processes has to be measured with utmost sensitivity and precision. Examples are direct neutrino mass experiments like KATRIN which investigate the energy of electrons in the endpoint region of the tritium $$\beta $$
β
-spectrum. However, the MAC-E-filter is a very sharp energy high-pass filter but not a differential spectrometer. To determine a spectral shape of a charged particle source, different electric retarding potentials have to be used sequentially, reducing the statistics. In a previous work we have shown that the advantages of the standard MAC-E-filter can be combined with a measurement of the time-of-flight (TOF), allowing to determine spectral information over a certain energy range with one retarding potential only, with the corresponding gain in statistics. This TOF method requires one to know the start time of the charged particles, which is not always possible. Therefore, we propose a new method which does not require the determination of the start time and which we call “time-focusing time-of-flight” (tfTOF): by applying a time dependent acceleration and deceleration potential at a subsequent MAC-E-filter, an energy dependent post-bunching of the charged particles is achieved.
Sleep deprivation and endothelial function: reconciling seminal evidence with recent perspectives
Authors: Cherubini Joshua M. , Cheng Jem L. , Williams Jennifer S. , MacDonald Maureen J. 
Published: October 2020

Sleep is critical for the maintenance of physiological homeostasis and, as such, inadequate sleep beckons a myriad of pathologies. Sleep deprivation is a growing health concern in contemporary society since short sleep durations are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk and atherosclerotic plaque development. Vascular endothelial dysfunction is an antecedent to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Herein, we review seminal literature indicating that short sleep durations attenuate endothelial function and explore more recent evidence indicating that sleep deprivation perturbs autonomic balance and the circadian rhythmicity of peripheral vascular clock components. We further examine literature that indicates a mechanistic link between short sleep duration and endothelial dysfunction and subsequent morbidity. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate endothelial function in the context of sleep deprivation facilitates the development and optimization of interventions, such as exercise, that mitigate the ramifications of inadequate sleep on vascular function and cardiovascular health. Listen to this article’s corresponding podcast at https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/sleep-deprivation-and-endothelial-function/
Coronary CTA to Investigate Predictive Value of Left Atrial Appendage for Cardiogenic Stroke in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Wang Runrong , Hu Chunhong , Li Zheng , Zhang Shuai , Li Wei , Hou Hongling 
Published: October 2020

Purpose. To investigate the predictive value of changes in LAA size and function for cardiogenic stroke (CS) in patients with NVAF by coronary CTA examination. Materials and Method. 179 patients with NVAF were selected and grouped according to the outbreak of acute ischemic stroke and TIA within 2 years after coronary CTA examination. Those who met the criteria for CS were selected as cases (87 patients), and those neither stroke nor TIA as controls (92 patients). LAA size of selected patients was measured and data postprocessing was performed. The differences of baseline data and LAA parameters between groups were analyzed. The impacts of BMI, hyperlipidemia, the duration of AF, the LAAOA Index, and the LAAEF on CS were assessed by binary logistic regression. The predictive abilities of LAAOA Index, LAAEF, and the combined predictor were assessed by ROC curves. Results. Proportions of BMI ≥ 25, prevalence of hyperlipidemia, duration of AF, and LAAODmax, LAAODmin, LAAOA, LAAVmax, and LAAVmin with their correction index were greater in cases than controls. The LAAEF was lower in cases than that in controls. The binary logistic regression model showed an increase in LAAOA Index (P = 0.005) and a decrease in LAAEF (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for CS. ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff values of LAAOA Index and LAAEF to predict CS were 3.16 cm2/m2 and 38.71%, with AUC value of 0.712 and 0.734, respectively. The LAAOA Index‐LAAEF combined predictor (AUC value = 0.786) was likely superior to either LAAOA Index or LAAEF. Conclusions. Coronary CTA can provide additional valuable parameters, as a by‐product of coronary artery assessment without additional radiation dose, for the risk assessment of CS in patients with NVAF. Coronary CTA may make up for the limitation of single indicator of CHA2DS2‐VASc in guiding anticoagulation program, to reduce the incidence of embolism and bleeding events.
Androgens Accentuate TGF‐β Dependent Erk/Smad Activation During Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Formation in Marfan Syndrome Male Mice
Authors: Tashima Yasushi , He Hao , Cui Jason Z. , Pedroza Albert J. , Nakamura Ken , Yokoyama Nobu , Iosef Cristiana , Burdon Grayson , Koyano Tiffany , Yamaguchi Atsushi , Fischbein Michael P. 
Published: October 2020

Background
Male patients with Marfan syndrome have a higher risk of aortic events and root dilatation compared with females. The role androgens play during Marfan syndrome aneurysm development in males remains unknown. We hypothesized that androgens potentiate transforming growth factor beta induced Erk (extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase)/Smad activation, contributing to aneurysm progression in males.

Methods and Results

Aortic diameters in
Fbn1
C1039G/+
and littermate wild‐type controls were measured at ages 6, 8, 12, and 16 weeks.
Fbn1
C1039G/+
males were treated with (1) flutamide (androgen receptor blocker) or (2) vehicle control from age 6 to 16 weeks and then euthanized. p‐Erk1/2, p‐Smad2, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity were measured in ascending/aortic root and descending aorta specimens.
Fbn1
C1039G/+
male and female ascending/aortic root‐derived smooth muscle cells were utilized in vitro to measure Erk/Smad activation and MMP‐2 activity following dihydrotestosterone, flutamide or transforming growth factor beta 1 treatment.
Fbn1
C1039G/+
males have increased aneurysm growth. p‐Erk1/2 and p‐Smad2 were elevated in ascending/aortic root specimens at age 16 weeks. Corresponding with enhanced Erk/Smad signaling, MMP‐2 activity was higher in
Fbn1
C1039G/+
males. In vitro smooth muscle cell studies revealed that dihydrotestosterone potentiates transforming growth factor beta‐induced Erk/Smad activation and MMP‐2 activity, which is reversed by flutamide treatment. Finally, in vivo flutamide treatment reduced aneurysm growth via p‐Erk1/2 and p‐Smad2 reduction in
Fbn1
C1039G/+
males.

Conclusions

Fbn1
C1039G/+
males have enhanced aneurysm growth compared with females associated with enhanced p‐Erk1/2 and p‐Smad2 activation. Mechanistically, in vitro smooth muscle cell studies suggested that dihydrotestosterone potentiates transforming growth factor beta induced Erk/Smad activation. As biological proof of concept, flutamide treatment attenuated aneurysm growth and p‐Erk1/2 and p‐Smad2 signaling in
Fbn1
C1039G/+
males.
Molecular characterization and expression analysis of the inverbrate Dmrt1 homologs in the swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus (Miers, 1876) (Decapoda, Portunidae)
Authors: Wang Yaojing , Xie Xi , Wang Mengen , Zheng Hongkun , Zheng Liang , Zhu Dongfa 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The doublesex/mab-3 related transcription factor (Dmrt) gene family plays a conserved sexual regulatory role in different phyla, thus providing an important clue for studying the sex mechanism of crustaceans. In this study, cDNAs of three Dmrt homologs were cloned and characterized in the swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus (Miers, 1876). Sequence analysis indicated the obtained Dmrts might be orthologs of the invertebrate Dmrt1 (iDmrt1) described in the spiny lobster, Sagmariasus verreauxi (H. Milne-Edwards, 1851). Real-time quantitative PCR revealed that the PtiDmrt1 transcripts were highly expressed in testis, muscle, Y-organ, and gill, and in the C2 stage during the developmental process. In addition, RNAi of PtiDmrt1 showed that the gene expression of insulin-like androgenic gland hormone (IAG) decreased remarkably at 24 h after injection, but increased to a higher level than in the control group at 48 h post injection. The results suggested that the PtiDmrt1 is a potential regulator of IAG, although the underlying mechanism may be complicated.
Come Together to Decrease Depression: Women’s mental health, social capital, and participation in a Kenyan combined microfinance program
Authors: Goodman Michael L , Elliott Aleisha J , Gitari Stanley , Keiser Philip , Onwuegbuchu Erica , Michael Nicole , Seidel Sarah 
Published: October 2020

Background: Tools and systems to improve mental health have been understudied in low-resource environments, such as sub-Saharan Africa. This study explores depression amongst women participating in a community-based intervention combining savings- and lending-groups, entrepreneurial training and other skills training. Aims: This study aims to determine whether depression decreases with more program participation, and the extent to which social capital variables may explain these changes. Method: Survey data were gathered in June 2018, within 6 months of group formation, and again in June 2019 from 400 women participants in the program. Data between 2018 and 2019 were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum and Chi square tests. Inferential statistics included random effects regression models and general structural equation models. Results: At 1-year follow-up, depression and loneliness amongst Kenyan women ( n = 400) participating in the program had decreased. Social capital remained higher within groups than within the broader community, and mediated the association between program participation and decreased depression. Conclusions: Findings suggest this novel, community-based intervention has the potential to benefit mental health. Future research, including a randomised control trial, is required to establish (1) the extent of the program’s benefits and (2) the program’s application to particular subject areas and population segments.
Infusing Multiculturalism, Identity, and Social Justice in Asynchronous Courses
Authors: Maslowski Amy K. 
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Creating a multiculturally aware and inclusive class is critical with students. The lack of face-to-face contact with asynchronous courses limits instructors’ ability to form relationships with students. A myriad of teaching research provides strategies for incorporating multiculturalism, social justice, and identity into synchronous courses; however, considerably less research exists with asynchronous courses. Statement of the Problem: The purpose of the current article is to provide strategies for incorporating multiculturalism and issues of identity into asynchronous courses with a social justice lens. Literature Review: I review several published topical and review articles and offer suggestions and strategies that I have used in my own courses and/or in courses I have been involved with. Teaching Implications: I discuss the importance of incorporating multiculturalism and identity while maintaining justice in asynchronous courses. Moreover, I offer suggestions and strategies for doing so, from prior to class starting to navigating instances of microaggressions. Conclusion: This article builds off and infuses components of counseling psychology into the teaching of psychology to advance instructors’ cultural awareness, skills, and competence with asynchronous online courses.