bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Computed Tomography Assessment of Bone Deficits in Ambulatory Children and Adolescents with Spina Bifida: Importance of Puberty
Authors: Wren Tishya AL , Mueske Nicole M , Rethlefsen Susan A , Kay Robert M , Van Speybroeck Alexander , Mack Wendy J 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTPathologic fractures of the femur and tibia are common in youth with spina bifida (SB). These fractures may be associated with deficient bone accrual due to decreased ambulation and skeletal loading. This prospective cohort study used quantitative computed tomography (QCT) to assess three‐dimensional (3D) bone properties in children and adolescents with SB. Eighty‐three ambulatory youth with SB underwent QCT imaging of the tibia at up to four annual visits between ages 6 to 16 years (294 total visits averaging 3.5 visits/patient). A total of 177 controls without disability and 10 non‐ambulatory youth with SB underwent imaging once. Bone geometric properties (cortical bone area, cross‐sectional area, cortical thickness, cortical density, and moments of inertia) were measured at the mid‐diaphysis (50% of bone length); cross‐sectional area, cancellous density, and density‐weighted area were measured in the proximal (13% of bone length) and distal (90% of bone length) metaphyses. Bone properties were compared between the ambulatory SB and control participants, among SB neurosegmental subgroups (sacral, low lumbar, mid lumbar and above) as a function of pubertal stage (prepubertal, pubertal, postpubertal), and considering SB type (myelomeningocele, lipomyelomeningocele) using linear mixed effects models adjusted for sex, age, height percentile, and body mass index (BMI) percentile. Only cancellous density of both metaphyses and weighted area of the proximal metaphysis differed between ambulatory children with SB and controls before puberty. However, significant deficits in all bone properties manifested during and after puberty as moderate bone growth in the SB group failed to keep pace with the large increases normally observed during puberty. The bone deficits primarily affected patients with myelomeningocele, and similar deficits were observed at all neurosegmental levels except that cancellous density was closer to normal in the sacral group. Descriptive analysis of the 10 non‐ambulatory youth with SB showed greater bone deficits than ambulatory children, particularly for cancellous density in the distal metaphysis. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Expression of eosinophil in peripheral blood of patients with COVID‐19 and its clinical significance
Authors: Mu Tong , Yi Zumu , Wang Minjin , Wang Junren , Zhang Chongwei , Chen Hong , Bai Mingxuan , Jiang Lingyu , Zhang Yuwei 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimsTo investigate the eosinophil cell (EC) expression in peripheral blood of patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS‐CoV‐2) and its clinical significance of diagnosis and prognosis.Methods95 patients, whose nucleic acid test of SARS‐CoV‐2 was positive to make a definite diagnosis of COVID‐19, were selected as the study group. They were admitted at the Chengdu Public Health Clinical Medical Center from January 21 to March 2, 2020. Another 95 healthy subjects and 95 non‐infectious fever patients during the same period were selected as the control group. The BC‐6900 blood cell analyzer was used to continuously observe and detect ECs in 95 patients with COVID‐19 and the control group. The differences in expression levels of ECs in peripheral blood were analyzed.ResultsECs were significantly decreased in 95 (75.8%) COVID‐19 patients (P < .01). The absolute EC count IQR was 0.01 × 10⁹/L (0 × 10⁹/L − 0.04 × 10⁹/L), and the EC percentage IQR was 0.3% (0.1% − 0.8%). As the patients’ condition improved, the ECs returned to normal, but for those without improvement, ECs continued to decline.ConclusionsECs decreased remarkably in patients with COVID‐19, and gradually returned to normal after the improvement of the patients’ condition, while EC continued to decrease in patients without improvement. It is suggested that ECs have certain clinical significance in the diagnosis and prognosis of COVID‐19, and may be a useful index in the early warning of acute infectious diseases.
Knowledge and attitudes about genetic counseling in patients at a major hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Jacobs Michelle F. , O'Connor Bridget C. , Weldetsadik Abate Yeshidinber , Tekleab Atnafu Mekonnen , Bekele Delayehu , Hanson Erika , Quinonez Shane C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPrevious work at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, demonstrated a need for genetic counseling (GC) services, with 4% of pediatric, neonatal intensive care, and prenatal patients identified as having indications for genetic evaluation (Quinonez et al, 2019). The aim of this study was to investigate SPHMMC patients' familiarity with, knowledge of, and attitudes toward GC services. Surveys were adapted from previous work in North America populations (Riesgraf et al, 2015 and Gemmell et al, 2017) and administered to 102 patients, and results were compared to North American populations using Student's t test. 30% of respondents reported at least some familiarity with GC, primarily via the media or healthcare providers. Patients had generally positive attitudes toward GC, reporting they would trust information provided by a genetic counselor and that GC is in line with their values. Knowledge of GC showed similar trends overall when compared to results from North American populations. Our work indicates limited exposure to GC in this population, but generally positive feelings toward GC. Patients' attitudes toward GC were comparable to rural North American populations surveyed using the same tool on most items; however, cultural differences including views on abortions and directiveness of healthcare providers could account for discrepancies and are important considerations when implementing genetic services globally.
Comparison of effectiveness and cost for different HIV screening strategies implemented at large urban medical centre in the United States
Authors: Skaathun Britt , Pho Mai T , Pollack Harold A , Friedman Samuel R , McNulty Moira C , Friedman Eleanor E , Schmitt Jessica , Pitrak David , Schneider John A 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionIncident HIV infections persist in the United States (U.S.) among marginalized populations. Targeted and cost‐efficient testing strategies can help in reaching HIV elimination. This analysis compares the effectiveness and cost of three HIV testing strategies in a high HIV burden area in the U.S. in identifying new HIV infections.MethodsWe performed a cost analysis comparing three HIV testing strategies in Chicago: (1) routine screening (RS) in an inpatient and outpatient setting, (2) modified partner services (MPS) among networks of the recently HIV infected and diagnosed, and (3) a respondent drive sampling (RDS)‐based social network (SN) approach targeting young African‐American men who have sex with men. All occurred at the same academic medical centre during the following times: routine testing, 2011 to 2016; MPS, 2013 to 2016; SN: 2013 to 2014. Costs were in 2016 dollars and included personnel, HIV testing, training, materials, overhead. Outcomes included cost per test, HIV‐positive test and new diagnosis. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the impact of population demographics.ResultsThe RS programme completed 57,308 HIV tests resulting in 360 (0.6%) HIV‐positive tests and 165 new HIV diagnoses (0.28%). The MPS completed 146 HIV tests, resulting in 79 (54%) HIV‐positive tests and eight new HIV diagnoses (5%). The SN strategy completed 508 HIV tests, resulting in 210 (41%) HIV‐positive tests and 37 new HIV diagnoses (7.2%). Labour accounted for the majority of costs in all strategies. The estimated cost per new HIV diagnosis was $16,773 for the RS programme, $61,418 for the MPS programme and $15,683 for the SN testing programme. These costs were reduced for the RS and MPS strategies in sensitivity analyses limiting testing efficacy to the highest prevalence patient populations ($2,841 and $33,233 respectively).ConclusionsThe SN strategy yielded the highest proportion of new diagnoses, followed closely by the MPS programme. Both the SN strategy and RS programme were comparable in the cost per new diagnosis. A simultaneous approach that consists of RS in combination with SN testing may be most effective for identifying new HIV infections in settings with heterogeneous epidemics with both high rates of HIV prevalence and HIV testing.
Antiretroviral treatment interruption among people living with HIV during COVID‐19 outbreak in China: a nationwide cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sun Yinghui , Li Hui , Luo Ganfeng , Meng Xiaojun , Guo Wei , Fitzpatrick Thomas , Ao Yunlong , Feng Anping , Liang Bowen , Zhan Yuewei , Sande Amakobe , Xie Feng , Wang Ying , Qian Han‐Zhu , Cai Yong , Zou Huachun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionSocial disruption associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) threatens to impede access to regular healthcare, including for people living with HIV (PLHIV), potentially resulting in antiretroviral therapy (ART) interruption (ATI). We aimed to explore the characteristics and factors associated with ATI during the COVID‐19 outbreak in China.MethodsWe conducted an online survey among PLHIV by convenience sampling through social media between 5 and 17 February 2020. Respondents were asked to report whether they were at risk of ATI (i.e. experienced ATI, risk of imminent ATI, threatened but resolved risk of ATI [obtaining ART prior to interruption]) or were not at risk of ATI associated with the COVID‐19 outbreak. PLHIV were also asked to report perceived risk factors for ATI and sources of additional ART. The factors associated with the risk of ATI were assessed using logistic regression. We also evaluated the factors associated with experienced ATI.ResultsA total of 5084 PLHIV from 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in mainland China completed the survey, with valid response rate of 99.4%. The median age was 31 years (IQR 27 to 37), 96.5% of participants were men, and 71.3% were men who had sex with men. Over one‐third (35.1%, 1782/5084) reported any risk of ATI during the COVID‐19 outbreak, including 2.7% (135/5084) who experienced ATI, 18.0% (917/5084) at risk of imminent ATI and 14.4% (730/5084) at threatened but resolved risk. PLHIV with ATI were more likely to have previous interruptions in ART (aOR 8.3, 95% CI 5.6 to 12.3), travelled away from where they typically receive HIV care (aOR 3.0, 95% CI 2.1 to 4.5), stayed in an area that implemented citywide lockdowns or travel restrictions to control COVID‐19 (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 4.6), and be in permanent residence in a rural area (aOR 3.7, 95% CI 2.3 to 5.8).ConclusionsA significant proportion of PLHIV in China are at risk of ATI during the COVID‐19 outbreak and some have already experienced ATI. Correlates of ATI and self‐reported barriers to ART suggest that social disruptions from COVID‐19 have contributed to ATI. Our findings demonstrate an urgent need for policies and interventions to maintain access to HIV care during public health emergencies.
Continuum‐based teleconnection indices of United States wintertime temperature variability
Authors: Schulte Justin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIt is well‐documented that United States (US) wintertime temperature variability is related to teleconnection patterns that are commonly extracted using Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis. However, recent work suggests that EOF patterns are not necessarily physical or strongly related to temperature variability at a specified location. In this paper, US wintertime temperature variability is understood using an alternative continuum approach to teleconnection patterns, contrasting with many previous studies that adopt an EOF‐based approach. Using the continuum approach, two patterns resembling the East Pacific‐North Pacific pattern are identified that are more strongly related to US wintertime temperature than common EOF‐based patterns. Using a simple correlation method and a teleconnection impact index, 13 teleconnection indices were ranked based on how much US wintertime temperature variability they can explain. The ranking methodologies revealed that three continuum‐based dipole patterns are the leading modes of US wintertime temperature variability and that common EOF‐based patterns like the Arctic Oscillation are relatively weak temperature influencers. It is also shown that the dipole patterns are related to a tropical sea surface temperature pattern termed the pan‐Niño (PN) pattern whose associated index was created using the continuum approach. The PN pattern was found to have moderate to strong relationships with the dipole patterns and US wintertime temperature, suggesting that tropical processes have contributed to recent wintertime temperature variability. These results have important implications for research focusing on seasonal forecasting, recent cooling trends across the eastern US, and the impact of Arctic warming on US winter weather.
Towards broad‐scale temperature reconstructions for Eastern North America using blue light intensity from tree rings
Authors: Harley Grant L. , Heeter Karen J. , Maxwell Justin T. , Rayback Shelly A. , Maxwell R. Stockton , Reinemann Ty E. P. , H. Taylor Alan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSummer temperatures across eastern North America (hereafter East) will soon reach a level consistently above any observation experienced during the instrumental period. Increasing temperatures will have negative impacts on natural (e.g., water, plant and animal communities) and human (e.g., health, infrastructure, economies) systems upon which the large and growing centres of human population across the region depend. Within the network of Northern Hemisphere tree‐ring temperature proxy records, one of the most obvious geographic holes is the East, where few temperature‐sensitive proxies exist. Here we present the first steps towards building a network of temperature‐sensitive proxy records across the East using blue light intensity (BI) methods applied to the tree rings of multiple temperature sensitive tree species situated from North Carolina to Maine, USA. Our overall objective is to report on the most viable species for BI analysis across different regions of the East (e.g., Southeast US, Midwest US, Northeast US/Canadian Maritimes) by exploring temporal (e.g., since ca. 1900) and spatial relationships between instrumental temperatures and BI metrics. We found BI to be a strong predictor of March–October mean air temperature (R2 = 0.61) across the Northeast US/eastern Canada, and Sep‐Oct maximum air temperature (R2 = 0.42) across the Southeast US. Of all species tested, Tsuga canadensis and Picea rubens contained the strongest BI temperature signal. Adding more BI sites from these and potentially other species, as well as inclusion of other temperature proxies (e.g., ring widths) will allow for the development of a skilful broad‐scale and long‐term temperature field reconstruction across the East.
Immediate Intraoperative Repair of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve in Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Simó Ricard , Nixon Iain J. , Rovira Aleix , Vander Poorten Vincent , Sanabria Alvaro , Zafereo Mark , Hartl Dana M. , Kowalski Luiz P. , Randolph Gregory W. , Kamani Dipti , Shaha Ashok R. , Shah Jatin , Marie Jean‐Paul , Rinaldo Alessandra , Ferlito Alfio 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesRecurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is a recognized risk during thyroid and parathyroid surgery and can result in significant morbidity. The aim of this review paper is to consider the optimal approach to the immediate intraoperative repair of the RLN during thyroid surgery.MethodsA PubMed literature search was performed from inception to June 2020 using the following search strategy: immediate repair or repair recurrent laryngeal nerve, repair or reinnervation recurrent laryngeal nerve and immediate neurorraphy or neurorraphy recurrent laryngeal nerve.ResultsMethods of immediate intraoperative repair of the RLN include direct end‐to‐end anastomosis, free nerve graft anastomosis, ansa cervicalis to RLN anastomosis, vagus to RLN anastomosis, and primary interposition graft. Techniques of nerve repair include micro‐suturing, use of fibrin glue, and nerve grafting. Direct micro‐suture is preferable when the defect can be repaired without tension. Fibrin glue has also been proposed for nerve repair but has been criticized for its toxicity, excessive slow reabsorption, and the risk of inflammatory reaction in the peripheral tissues. When the proximal stump of the RLN cannot be used, grafting could be done using transverse cervical nerve, supraclavicular nerve, vagus nerve, or ansa cervicalis.ConclusionsCurrent evidence is low‐level; however, it suggests that when the RLN has been severed, avulsed, or sacrificed during thyroid surgery it should be repaired intraoperatively. The immediate repair has on balance more advantages than disadvantages and should be considered whenever possible. This should enable the maintenance of vocal cord tone, better and prompter voice recovery and avoidance of aspiration. Laryngoscope, 131:1429–1435, 2021
Network Medicine Approach in Prevention and Personalized Treatment of Dyslipidemias
Authors: Benincasa Giuditta , de Candia Paola , Costa Dario , Faenza Mario , Mansueto Gelsomina , Ambrosio Giuseppe , Napoli Claudio 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDyslipidemias can affect molecular networks underlying the metabolic homeostasis and vascular function leading to atherogenesis at early stages of development. Since disease‐related proteins often interact with each other in functional modules, many advanced network‐oriented algorithms were applied to patient‐derived big data to identify the complex gene–environment interactions underlying the early pathophysiology of dyslipidemias and atherosclerosis. Both the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 7 (PCSK7) and collagen type 1 alpha 1 chain (COL1A1) genes arose from the application of TFfit and WGCNA algorithms, respectively, as potential useful therapeutic targets in prevention of dyslipidemias. Moreover, the Seed Connector algorithm (SCA) algorithm suggested a putative role of the neuropilin‐1 (NRP1) protein as drug target, whereas a regression network analysis reported that niacin may provide benefits in mixed dyslipidemias. Dyslipidemias are highly heterogeneous at the clinical level; thus, it would be helpful to overcome traditional evidence‐based paradigm toward a personalized risk assessment and therapy. Network Medicine uses omics data, artificial intelligence (AI), imaging tools, and clinical information to design personalized therapy of dyslipidemias and atherosclerosis. Recently, a novel non‐invasive AI‐derived biomarker, named Fat Attenuation Index (FAI™) has been established to early detect clinical signs of atherosclerosis. Moreover, an integrated AI‐radiomics approach can detect fibrosis and microvascular remodeling improving the customized risk assessment. Here, we offer a network‐based roadmap ranging from novel molecular pathways to digital therapeutics which can improve personalized therapy of dyslipidemias.
Biogeography of macrophyte productivity: Effects of oceanic and climatic regimes across spatiotemporal scales
Authors: Menge Bruce A. , Close Sarah L. , Hacker Sally D. , Nielsen Karina J. , Chan Francis 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSpatiotemporal variability in primary producer growth rates is a fundamental aspect of community structure. Understanding drivers of these patterns and their response to climate variability and change are ongoing challenges. Nutrient and light limitations often are invoked as proximate drivers of these patterns, but many other environmental and biological factors vary across spatial and temporal scales. In temperate rocky intertidal habitats, macrophytes are major space occupiers and the base of the food web, and thus their patterns of primary production relate directly to their functions and services in these communities. We investigated spatiotemporal patterns of the primary production of two species of macrophytes, the kelp Hedophyllum sessile and the surfgrass Phyllospadix scouleri, across 908 km of Oregon and California coastline. Spatiotemporal variability in macrophyte growth rates and their relationships to regional or local‐scale environmental variables (upwelling, nutrients, temperature, light, phytoplankton blooms) and climate regimes were explored. Paradoxically, we found that both warmer water temperature (e.g., warm phases of climate patterns, weaker upwelling) and increased nutrients (e.g., with stronger upwelling) increased macrophyte productivity. Kelp growth decreased with dense phytoplankton blooms, while surfgrass growth decreased with increasing air temperature. Growth rates reflected tissue elemental content in surfgrass but only weakly in kelp. Hence, as climate warms and/or if upwelling intensifies, productivity of these and perhaps other macrophytes should increase, at least until thermal conditions, particularly low tide air temperature, become too stressful.
FANCM c5791C>T stopgain mutation (rs144567652) is a familial colorectal cancer risk factor
Authors: Cannon‐Albright Lisa A. , Teerlink Craig C. , Stevens Jeffrey , Snow Angela K. , Thompson Bryony A. , Bell Russell , Nguyen Kim N. , Sargent Nykole R. , Kohlmann Wendy K. , Neklason Deborah W. , Tavtigian Sean V. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTPurposeWhile familial aggregation of colorectal cancer (CRC) is recognized, the majority of the germline predisposition factors remain unidentified, and many high‐risk CRC pedigrees remain unexplained by known risk variants. Fanconi Anemia genes have been recognized to be associated with cancer risk. Notably, FANCM (OMIM 609644) variants have been reported to confer risk for CRC and breast cancer.MethodsExome sequencing of CRC‐affected cousins in a set of 47 independent extended high‐risk CRC pedigrees identified a candidate set of rare, shared variants. Variants were tested for association with risk in 744 Utah CRC cases and 1525 controls, and for segregation with CRC in affected relatives.ResultsA FANCM stopgain variant was observed in two CRC‐affected cousin pairs, each from an independent Utah high‐risk pedigree, and yielded a nonsignificant, but elevated OR = 2.05 in a set of Utah cases and controls. Segregation of the variant to other related CRC‐affected cases was observed in the two extended pedigrees.ConclusionA rare stopgain variant in FANCM (rs144567652) that is recognized as a breast cancer predisposition variant, and that has previously been proposed, but not confirmed, as a CRC predisposition variant, is validated here as a risk factor for familial CRC.