bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in Distress Intolerance Among Daily and Intermittent Smokers
Authors: Veilleux Jennifer C , Skinner Kayla D 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Distress intolerance is an important risk factor for smokers. Smokers have greater problems tolerating distress than nonsmokers, and distress intolerance is theoretically an important predictor of early lapse. However, much of the distress intolerance research has been conducted on daily smokers. Understanding distress intolerance in nondaily or intermittent smokers may help elucidate whether distress intolerance is a function of current smoking habits.

Aims and Methods
Daily (n = 36) and intermittent (n = 28) smokers completed behavioral distress intolerance tasks (breath holding, mirror tracing persistence, and image persistence) along with self-report measures of both general and smoking-specific distress intolerance. They also completed 1 week of ecological momentary assessment where positive and negative affect were assessed along with momentary distress intolerance, at both random times (7×/day) and immediately prior to smoking a cigarette.

Results
Results found no differences between intermittent and daily smokers on behavioral distress intolerance tasks or general self-reported distress intolerance. Daily smokers reported greater self-reported smoking-specific distress intolerance compared to intermittent smokers. In addition, across both smoker groups, momentary distress intolerance was higher at smoking compared to random sessions, and low positive affect predicted greater momentary distress intolerance specifically for intermittent smokers prior to smoking.

Conclusions
The lack of differences between daily and intermittent smokers on general distress intolerance measures suggests that distress intolerance abilities and self-perceptions are not a function of higher levels of current smoking. However, the contextual variation in momentary distress intolerance is worth further exploration in both daily and intermittent smokers.

Implications
The overall lack of differences between intermittent and daily smokers on distress intolerance tasks and self-report measures suggests that daily smoking is not associated with lower abilities to manage or tolerate distress at the individual difference level. However, understanding fluctuations in distress intolerance across time and context is crucial, as smokers’ perceptions of their abilities to manage distress shift based on affect and smoking contexts. Stabilizing or increasing self-efficacy in tolerating distress during daily life is likely an important avenue for future research.
Genetic and Epigenetic Analysis Revealing Variants in the NCAM1–TTC12–ANKK1–DRD2 Cluster Associated Significantly With Nicotine Dependence in Chinese Han Smokers
Authors: Liu Qiang , Xu Yi , Mao Ying , Ma Yunlong , Wang Maiqiu , Han Haijun , Cui Wenyan , Yuan Wenji , Payne Thomas J , Xu Yizhou , Li Ming D , Yang Zhongli 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundsAlthough studies have demonstrated that the NCAM1–TTC12–ANKK1–DRD2 gene cluster plays essential roles in addictions in subjects of European and African origin, study of Chinese Han subjects is limited. Further, the underlying biological mechanisms of detected associations are largely unknown.MethodsSixty-four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in this cluster were analyzed for association with Fagerstrőm Test for Nicotine Dependence score (FTND) and cigarettes per day (CPD) in male Chinese Han smokers (N = 2616). Next-generation bisulfite sequencing was used to discover smoking-associated differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Both cis-eQTL and cis-mQTL analyses were applied to assess the cis-regulatory effects of these risk SNPs.ResultsAssociation analysis revealed that rs4648317 was significantly associated with FTND and CPD (p = .00018; p = .00072). Moreover, 14 additional SNPs were marginally significantly associated with FTND or CPD (p = .05–.01). Haplotype-based association analysis showed that one haplotype in DRD2, C-T-A-G, formed by rs4245148, rs4581480, rs4648317, and rs11214613, was significantly associated with CPD (p = .0005) and marginally associated with FTND (p = .003). Further, we identified four significant smoking-associated DMRs, three of which are located in the DRD2/ANKK1 region (p = .0012–.00005). Finally, we found five significant CpG–SNP pairs (p = 7.9 × 10–9–6.6 × 10–6) formed by risk SNPs rs4648317, rs11604671, and rs2734849 and three methylation loci.ConclusionsWe found two missense variants (rs11604671; rs2734849) and an intronic variant (rs4648317) with significant effects on ND and further explored their mechanisms of action through expression and methylation analysis. We found the majority of smoking-related DMRs are located in the ANKK1/DRD2 region, indicating a likely causative relation between non-synonymous SNPs and DMRs.ImplicationsThis study shows that there exist significant association of variants and haplotypes in ANKK1/DRD2 region with ND in Chinese male smokers. Further, this study also shows that DNA methylation plays an important role in mediating such associations.
Release of Anterior Longitudinal Ligament in Setting of Unfavorable Vascular Anatomy for Anterior Column Realignment—Technical Note: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Godzik Jakub , Walker Corey T , Whiting Alexander C , Hlubek Randall J , Uribe Juan S , Turner Jay D 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Anterior column realignment (ACR) with anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) release from a lateral transpsoas approach is increasingly being used as a minimally invasive technique to restore lordosis. Safe execution requires a plane between the ALL and the anterior vasculature. An unfavorable plane on preoperative imaging is a contraindication to using the technique. We describe a patient undergoing multistage minimally invasive correction of a flat-back deformity who had an unfavorable plane between the ALL and vasculature at L4-5. Patient consent was provided, and Institutional Review Board approval was not required. To safely complete the ALL release and ACR, we elected to sharply incise the lateral aspect of the ligament at L4-5 with direct control of the vessels during the anterior approach for an L5-S1 anterior lumbar interbody fusion. We then moved to the lateral transpsoas approach and used controlled distraction techniques to complete the ALL release and then to complete the ACR in a standard fashion. We ultimately achieved excellent realignment with correction of the patient's flat-back deformity using minimally invasive surgical techniques while minimizing vascular risk. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.
The effects of suspended sediments on the swimming behavior of the calanoid copepod, Acartia tonsa
Authors: Liu Xinlu , Sew Genevieve , Jakobsen Hans Henrik , Todd Peter A 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Copepod swimming behavior is governed by chemical and hydro-mechanical cues. The environment of copepods, however, is frequently impacted by anthropogenic activities, in particular increased levels of suspended sediment due to coastal development. To better understand the effects of sediments on copepod behavior, we used video recordings to document free-swimming in Acartia tonsa under five sediment regimes, both with and without food. Results of the video analysis indicate that as sediment concentration increased, jumping increased and swimming paths became more convoluted. In the presence of prey, swimming trajectories became circular, as opposed to without prey, where paths were more erratic and slower. There was a reverse trend at higher sediment concentrations (120 and 200 mg l−1) for net velocity, turning rate and “spread of participation” index, which could indicate a behavioral threshold. Overall, greater motility with increasing sediment concentration suggests that the copepods were trying to transport themselves out of the sediment-affected area. In the absence of food, the energy cost of this behavior may affect the fitness of Acartia tonsa and, consequently, its predators.
The Effects of Home Exercise in Older Women With Vertebral Fractures: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gibbs Jenna C , McArthur Caitlin , Wark John D , Thabane Lehana , Scherer Samuel C , Prasad Sadhana , Papaioannou Alexandra , Mittmann Nicole , Laprade Judi , Kim Sandra , Khan Aliya , Kendler David L , Hill Keith D , Cheung Angela M , Bleakney Robert , Ashe Maureen C , Adachi Jonathan D , Giangregorio Lora M 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Regular exercise is advocated in osteoporosis guidelines to prevent fractures. Few studies have evaluated the effect of exercise on functional performance, posture, and other outcomes that are important to patients after vertebral fractures.

Objective
This pilot study will explore the effect of home exercise versus control on functional performance, posture, and patient-reported outcome measures.

Design
This study was a parallel 2-arm pilot feasibility trial with 1:1 randomization to exercise or attentional control groups.

Setting
This study took place in 5 Canadian and 2 Australian academic or community hospitals/centers.

Participants
This study included 141 women ≥65 years of age with radiographically confirmed vertebral fractures.

Intervention
A physical therapist delivered exercise and behavioral counseling in 6 home visits over 8 months and monthly calls. Participants were to exercise ≥3 times weekly. Controls received equal attention.

Measurements
Functional performance, posture, quality of life, pain, and behavior-change outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 6 (questionnaires only) and 12 months. Adherence to exercise was assessed by calendar diary. All t tests examined between-group mean differences (MD) in change from baseline in intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses.

Results
There was a small effect of exercise on 5 times sit-to-stand test versus control (MD = −1.58 [95% CI = −3.09 to −0.07], intention-to-treat; MD = −1.49 [95% CI = −3.12 to 0.16], per-protocol). There were no other major or statistically significant MDs for any other measured outcomes after follow-up. Adherence declined over time.

Limitations
Treatment effects on variables may have been underestimated due to multiple comparisons and underpowered analyses.

Conclusions
Our exploratory estimate of the effect of exercise on functional leg muscle strength was consistent in direction and magnitude with other trials in individuals with vertebral fractures. Declining adherence to home exercise suggests that strategies to enhance long-term adherence might be important in future confirmatory trials.
Effect of rituximab or tumour necrosis factor inhibitors on lung infection and survival in rheumatoid arthritis-associated bronchiectasis
Authors: Md Yusof Md Yuzaiful , Iqbal Kundan , Darby Michael , Lettieri Giovanni , Vital Edward M , Beirne Paul , Dass Shouvik , Emery Paul , Kelly Clive 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate rituximab (RTX) in patients with RA-associated bronchiectasis (RA-BR) and compare 5-year respiratory survival between those treated with RTX and TNF inhibitors (TNFi).MethodsA retrospective observational cohort study of RA-BR in RTX or TNFi-treated RA patients from two UK centres over 10 years. BR was assessed using number of infective exacerbation/year. Respiratory survival was measured from therapy initiation to discontinuation either due to lung exacerbation or lung-related deaths.ResultsOf 800 RTX-treated RA patients, 68 had RA-BR (prevalence 8.5%). Post-RTX, new BR was diagnosed in 3/735 patients (incidence 0.4%). At 12 months post-Cycle 1 RTX, 21/68 (31%) patients had fewer exacerbations than the year pre-RTX, 36/68 (53%) remained stable and 11/68 (16%) had increased exacerbations. The rates of exacerbation improved after Cycle 2 and stabilized up to 5 cycles. Of patients who received ≥2 RTX cycles (n = 60), increased exacerbations occurred in 7/60 (12%) and were associated with low IgG, aspergillosis and concurrent alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Overall, 8/68 (11.8%) patients discontinued RTX while 15/46 (32.6%) discontinued TNFi due to respiratory causes. The adjusted 5-year respiratory survival was better in RTX-treated compared with TNFi-treated RA-BR patients; HR 0.40 (95% CI 0.17, 0.96); P =0.041.ConclusionThe majority of RTX-treated RA-BR patients had stable/improved pulmonary symptoms in this long-term follow-up. In isolated cases, worsening of exacerbation had definable causes. Rates of discontinuation due to adverse lung outcomes were better for RTX than a matched TNFi cohort. RTX is an acceptable therapeutic choice for RA-BR if a biologic is needed.
Reduced sleep pressure in young children with autism
Authors: Arazi Ayelet , Meiri Gal , Danan Dor , Michaelovski Analya , Flusser Hagit , Menashe Idan , Tarasiuk Ariel , Dinstein Ilan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractStudy ObjectivesSleep disturbances and insomnia are highly prevalent in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Sleep homeostasis, a fundamental mechanism of sleep regulation that generates pressure to sleep as a function of wakefulness, has not been studied in children with ASD so far, and its potential contribution to their sleep disturbances remains unknown. Here, we examined whether slow-wave activity (SWA), a measure that is indicative of sleep pressure, differs in children with ASD.MethodsIn this case-control study, we compared overnight electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings that were performed during Polysomnography (PSG) evaluations of 29 children with ASD and 23 typically developing children.ResultsChildren with ASD exhibited significantly weaker SWA power, shallower SWA slopes, and a decreased proportion of slow-wave sleep in comparison to controls. This difference was largest during the first 2 hours following sleep onset and decreased gradually thereafter. Furthermore, SWA power of children with ASD was significantly negatively correlated with the time of their sleep onset in the lab and at home, as reported by parents.ConclusionsThese results suggest that children with ASD may have a dysregulation of sleep homeostasis that is manifested in reduced sleep pressure. The extent of this dysregulation in individual children was apparent in the amplitude of their SWA power, which was indicative of the severity of their individual sleep disturbances. We, therefore, suggest that disrupted homeostatic sleep regulation may contribute to sleep disturbances in children with ASD.
Predictors of long-term outcomes of radiologically defined perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease treated with antitumor necrosis factor-alpha agents based on Parks’ classification
Authors: Azzam Nahla , Alharbi Othman , Almadi Majid , Aljebreen Abdulrahman , AlAmeel Turki , Alabbas Mohammed , Bahammam Salman , Bashmail Ahmed , Alomar Yasser , Mosli Mahmoud 
Published: December 2019

Background and aims
Perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease (PFCD) leads to significant disability. Data assessing healing of complex PFCD based on pelvic MRI using Parks’ classification remains sparse. We aimed to assess the frequency of closure of fistula tract on MRI in patients treated with antitumor necrosis factor alpha antagonists and identify predictors of poor response.

Materials and methods
We retrospectively identified patients registered in the Saudi Inflammatory Bowel Disease Information System registry, who were diagnosed as PFCD based on MRI and treated with infliximab or adalimumab. Fistulae were classified based on Parks’ classification and response to treatment was determined as full, partial, or no response, after at least 12 months of treatment.

Results
Out of 960 patients, 61 had complex PFCD that required treatment with an anti-TNF agent. The median age was 27 years (range: 14–69 years) and the median duration of disease was 6.2 ± 5.8 years. A full response to treatment was achieved in 27 (44.4%), whereas 10 patients (16.3%) had partial response and 24 (39.3%) had no response. On univariable analysis, a statistically significant association was observed between poor fistula response and low BMI, rectal involvement, fistulae classification, and the presence of an abscess. According to multivariable regression, only low BMI predicted poor fistulae outcome (odds ratio = 1.37, 95% confidence interval: 0.69–0.98).

Conclusion
Less than half of this cohort of patients with PFCD achieved complete radiological fistula healing with anti-TNF therapy. Low BMI appears to be the only predictor of poor outcome.
Add-on sorafenib is beneficial for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with transarterial chemoembolization refractoriness: a real-world experience
Authors: Lin Po-Ting , Teng Wei , Jeng Wen-Juei , Hsieh Yi-Chung , Hung Chen-Fu , Huang Chien-Hao , Lui Kar-Wai , Chen Yi-Cheng , Lin Chen-Chun , Lin Chun-Yen , Sheen I-Shyan , Lin Shi-Ming 
Published: December 2019

Background and aims:
Sorafenib is the first proved target therapy that shows significant survival benefit in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. This study was aimed to investigate whether add-on sorafenib be beneficial for those experienced transarterial chemoembolization refractoriness.

Methods:
From 2005 to 2016, a total of 656 treatment-naive hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving transarterial chemoembolization treatment were recruited. Transarterial chemoembolization refractoriness was defined as progressive disease after two consecutive of transarterial chemoembolization treatment within 6 months. Patient’s baseline characteristics, tumor burden, and parameters for liver function evaluation during treatment were analyzed. All the variables were compared between patients with and without transarterial chemoembolization refractoriness, as well as with and without add-on sorafenib.

Results:
Among the 656 patients, the median age was 62.5 (range 27.3–91.5) years old, and 74.5% were male. Transarterial chemoembolization refractoriness events were documented in 202 patients (30.8%). After multivariate logistic regression analysis, tumor size ≧5 cm, baseline alpha-fetoprotein level ≧200 mg/dl, elevation of alpha-fetoprotein ≧20%, and elevation of Child-Turcotte-Pugh score ≧2 points after first transarterial chemoembolization were the independent predictive factors for transarterial chemoembolization refractoriness. Twenty-two patients (10.9%) received add-on sorafenib treatment and 146 (72.3%) patients continued transarterial chemoembolization treatment alone. After 1:2 propensity score matching, patients with add-on sorafenib therapy had significantly longer median overall survival than transarterial chemoembolization treatment alone (23.1 vs. 11.0 months, log-rank P = 0.001).

Conclusion:
The tumor size, baseline alpha-fetoprotein, and elevation of alpha-fetoprotein and Child-Turcotte-Pugh score after first transarterial chemoembolization were the predictors for transarterial chemoembolization refractoriness. For patients with transarterial chemoembolization refractoriness, add-on sorafenib achieved better survival benefit than transarterial chemoembolization treatment alone.
Efficacy of modified esomeprazole-amoxicillin dual therapies for Helicobacter pylori infection: an open-label, randomized trial
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhu Yang-Jie , Zhao Zhe , Zhao Jing-Tao , Wang Ting-Yi , Yang Jing , Chen Dong-Feng , Lan Chun-Hui 
Published: December 2019

Objective
The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori resistance to amoxicillin was less than 5% in most countries. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-amoxicillin dual therapy dosing four times daily (q.i.d.) for 14 days could achieve an eradication rate of more than 85%. It is unclear whether dual therapy with shorter treatment duration or lower dosing frequency could also attain a satisfactory cure rate. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of two modified esomeprazole-amoxicillin dual therapies, 10-day q.i.d. and 14-day three times daily (t.i.d.) dual therapy, and investigate the factors that might affect the eradication rates.

Participants and methods
A total of 253 patients were screened for eligibility and 208 patients were randomly assigned to 10-day dual therapy (esomeprazole 20 mg and amoxicillin 750 mg, all given four times daily) or 14-day dual therapy (esomeprazole 20 mg and amoxicillin 1000 mg, all given three times daily).

Results
In the intention-to-treat analysis, the eradication rates for 10-day and 14-day groups were 79.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 70.2–87.4%] and 83.5% (95% CI: 74.3–90.5%) as first-line therapies; and 80% (95% CI: 44.4–97.5%) and 76.9% (95% CI: 46.2–95.0%) as rescue therapies. The adverse event rates were 5.9% and 5.0% for 10-day and 14-day groups, respectively. Smoking and compliance significantly affected the efficacy of PPI-amoxicillin dual therapies.

Conclusion
The eradication rate of 10-day q.i.d. dual therapy was unacceptable, while that of the 14-day t.i.d. dual therapy was borderline acceptable for first-line therapy. The two dual therapies were well tolerated with few adverse effects.
Incident heart failure is a predictor of adverse outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kumar Anand , Lukin Dana J. 
Published: December 2019

Objective
Heart failure (HF) exerts deleterious effects on the gastrointestinal tract and the gut microbiome, yet its impact on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unknown. This study was performed to evaluate the impact of HF on disease course and outcomes in patients with IBD.

Methods
Using a large institutional database, we identified patients aged 18–65 years diagnosed with IBD and incident HF (IBD-HF), IBD without HF (IBD), and HF without IBD (HF). Patients were followed longitudinally, and IBD-related outcomes were compared between the IBD-HF and IBD cohorts using multivariable cox regression. General clinical outcomes were compared between all three cohorts using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.

Results
A total of 271, 2449, and 20,444 patients were included in the IBD-HF, IBD, and HF cohorts. Compared with IBD, IBD-HF had significantly higher risk of IBD-related hospitalization [hazard ratio (HR): 1.42; (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.2–1.69)], flare [HR 1.32 (1.09–1.58)], complication [HR 1.7 (1.33–2.17)], pancolitis [HR 1.55 (1.04–2.3)], and escalation to nonbiologic therapy. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of IBD-related surgery or Clostridium difficile infection. New biologic use was less frequent in IBD-HF [HR 0.52 (0.36–0.77)]. IBD-HF, compared with the other two groups, had reduced event-free survival for all-cause hospitalization (P < 0.001), emergency department visits (P = 001), and venous thromboembolism (P < 0.05). Mortality risk in IBD-HF was elevated compared to IBD but was similar to that within HF cohort.

Conclusion
Incident HF in patients with IBD is a predictor of adverse IBD-related and overall clinical outcomes.