bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does Age at Onset Affect the Clinical Presentation of Familial Mediterranean Fever in Children?
Authors: Gezgin Yildirim Deniz , Gönen Sevim , Fidan Kibriya , Söylemezoğlu Oğuz 
Published: November 2020

Background/Objective
The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and demographic features and evaluate the phenotypic and genotypic differences of pediatric familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients according to their age at disease onset.

Methods
Records of 854 patients who were diagnosed with FMF between 2006 and 2017 were evaluated. Patients were divided into 2 subgroups according to their age at disease onset. Group 1 comprised FMF patients who had experienced their first attack at 2 years or younger (younger onset), and group 2 comprised FMF patients who had experienced their first attack at older than 2 years.

Results
There were 155 patients in group 1 and 699 patients in group 2. Delay in diagnosis, attack frequency, duration of attacks, fever, chest pain, erysipelas-like erythema, incidence of family history, anti–interleukin 1 therapy use, and M694V homozygous and M680I homozygous mutations were significantly higher in group 1, whereas arthralgia and abdominal pain were significantly higher in group 2. There were no significant differences in arthritis, amyloidosis, and protracted febrile myalgia between the groups. The colchicine dose at last visit and Pras activity score were higher in group 1.

Conclusions
It seems that FMF patients with a younger onset has a more severe disease course. They needed higher doses of colchicine to control the attacks. M694V and M680I homozygous mutations presented more frequently in younger-onset FMF patients. Increased awareness of physicians of the early presentation of FMF may prevent delays in FMF diagnosis.
Association of Core Muscle Endurance Times With Balance, Fatigue, Physical Activity Level, and Kyphosis Angle in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Sarac Devrim Can , Bayram Selin , Tore Nurten Gizem , Sari Fulden , Guler Aslihan Avanoglu , Tufan Abdurrahman , Oskay Deran 
Published: November 2020

Background/Objective
Core muscle endurance (CME), which is the ability of sustaining the activity of trunk muscles, has been shown to be lower in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The aim was to investigate the possible relationship between CME times and balance, fatigue, physical activity (PA) level, and thoracic kyphosis angle.

Methods
Fifty-one patients with AS with a mean age of 41.0 years (interquartile range, 25/75 years; 29.0/51.0 years) were included in the study. Core muscle endurance times were assessed by using trunk extension, trunk flexion, and side bridge tests. Overall stability index, anteroposterior stability index, mediolateral stability index, and limits of stability were evaluated with the Biodex Balance System. Fatigue and PA levels were surveyed using Fatigue Severity Scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire, respectively. Thoracic kyphosis angle was measured by using a digital inclinometer. Additionally, CME times were compared for “high-fatigue” versus “low-fatigue” and as “low PA” versus “moderate/high PA” groups. Spearman correlation coefficients and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis.

Results
Significant correlations were detected between overall stability index, anteroposterior stability index, Fatigue Severity Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and all CME tests (p < 0.05) and between mediolateral stability index and side bridge test (p < 0.05). Limits of stability correlated only with side bridge test (p < 0.05). Core muscle endurance significantly differed between high-fatigue and low-fatigue groups (p < 0.05), except trunk flexor test (p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed between low PA and moderate/high PA groups (p > 0.05), except side bridge test (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Core muscle endurance times seem to be related to PA level, fatigue, and balance but not with thoracic kyphosis angle. Assessing CME in patients with AS might help in planning individualized exercise programs.
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Chronic Widespread Pain in Chile
Authors: Durán Josefina , Zitko Pedro , Barrios Paola , Margozzini Paula 
Published: November 2020

Objectives
Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) causes significant health loss worldwide. Given that cultural factors may affect pain processing, it is key to have more information regarding CMP epidemiology in Latin America. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of CMP and chronic widespread pain (CWP) in Chile.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional survey study. We used data recollected in the 2016–2017 Chilean National Health Survey, a nationwide household survey. Our study population included subjects older than 14 years living in urban and rural Chile. We defined CMP as nontraumatic pain with a duration of longer than 3 months. Chronic widespread pain was defined by the presence of CMP in 5 body regions. The association between CMP and CWP and potential risk factors was investigated through univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results
After excluding subjects with missing information our final sample constituted 4045 subjects. Chronic musculoskeletal pain was present in 21.8% (95% confidence interval, 19.6%–24.1%) and CWP in 4.2% (95% confidence interval, 3.3%–5.1%). Significant risk factors in multivariate analysis were older age, female sex, lower educational level, and depressive symptoms. Factors associated with a reduced risk of CMP were not being married and moderate alcohol consumption.

Conclusions
One of 5 Chilean people has chronic pain, and 1 of 20 has CWP. Data regarding alcohol and pain have been controversial in previous studies; therefore, this decreased risk in moderate consumers should be further explored. Chronic widespread pain shared risk factors and protective factors with CMP but with a higher magnitude of association.
Alcohol Consumption is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Obese Patients with COVID-19: a Mendelian Randomization Study using UK Biobank
Authors: Fan Xiude , Liu Zhengwen , Poulsen Kyle L , Wu Xiaoqin , Miyata Tatsunori , Dasarathy Srinivasan , Rotroff Daniel M. , Nagy Laura E. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundAcute and chronic alcohol abuse have adverse impacts on both the innate and adaptive immune response, which may result in reduced resistance to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and promote the progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there are no large population-based data evaluating potential causal associations between alcohol consumption and COVID-19.MethodWe conducted a Mendelian randomization study using data from UK Biobank to explore the association between alcohol consumption and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and serious clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. A total of 12,937 participants aged 50-83 who tested for SARS-CoV-2 between 16 March to 27 July 2020 (12.1% tested positive) were included in the analysis. The exposure factor was alcohol consumption. Main outcomes were SARS-CoV-2 positivity and death in COVID-19 patients. We generated weighted and unweighted allele scores using three genetic variants (rs1229984, rs1260326, and rs13107325) and applied the allele scores as the instrumental variables to assess the effect of alcohol consumption on outcomes. Analyses were conducted separately for white participates with and without obesity.ResultsOf the 12,937 participants, 4,496 were never or infrequent drinkers and 8,441 were frequent drinkers. (including 1,156 light drinkers, 3,795 moderate drinkers, and 3,490 heavy drinkers). Both logistic regression and Mendelian randomization analyses found no evidence that alcohol consumption was associated with risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in participants either with (OR=0.963, 95%CI 0.800-1.159; q =1.000) or without obesity (OR=0.891, 95%CI 0.755-1.053; q =.319). However, frequent drinking (HR=1.565, 95%CI 1.012-2.419; q =.079), especially heavy drinking (HR=2.071, 95%CI 1.235-3.472; q =.054), was associated with higher risk of death in patients with obesity and COVID-19, but not in patients without obesity. Notably, the risk of death in frequent drinkers with obesity increased slightly with the average amount of alcohol consumed weekly (HR=1.480, 95%CI 1.059-2.069; q =.099).ConclusionsOur findings suggested alcohol consumption may had adverse effects on the progression of COVID-19 in white participants with obesity, but was not associate with susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
What do we know about smell and taste dysfunction by SARS-CoV-2. Predictive Value of the Venezuelan Olfactory test and RT-PCR analysis in viral infection diagnosis
Authors: Pieruzzini Rosalinda , Ayala-Grosso Carlos , de Jesus Navas Jose , Rodríguez Wilneg , Parra Nathalia , Luque Emily , Sánchez-Gago Aida , González Scarleth , Hagobian Alexandra , Grullón Angeline , Díaz Karen , Morales Mariano , De Jesús Melanie , Peña Sonia , Rodríguez Luis , Peña Luis L , Asaro Ana , Magris Magda 
Published: November 2020

SUMMARYBackgroundSmell and taste disorders are reported very frequently and at an early stage in the evolution of the infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2. These symptoms could be sensitive and specific to establish the condition of the infection, and may suggest the flow of decisions as to further therapy. We asked whether smell and taste impairment are earlier and more sensitive symptoms than the RT-PCR molecular assays for SARS-CoV-2 detection.MethodologySubjects (N=275) with a probable COVID19 diagnosis were classified as follows: Symptomatic with chemosensory dysfunction, symptomatic without chemosensory dysfunction, and asymptomatic. Subjects received a general clinical and otorhinolaryngology examination. Evaluation of the chemosensory dysfunction was performed by means of the Venezuelan Olfactory Test and taste test. Nasal swabs and blood samples were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis (RT-PCR) and a rapid diagnostic test to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus and antiviral antibodies, respectively. Patients had access to molecular tests and smell and taste evaluations every 3 to 5 days until they recovered.ResultsOut of 44 patients that were positive for RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2: 45.83% had smell and taste disorders and COVID19 symptoms, 23.61% did not have smell or taste disorders, but had COVID19 symptoms, and 30.55% were asymptomatic. Mild hyposmia and hypogeusia account for the most frequent chemosensory disorders accompanying common SARS-CoV-2 symptoms. Time to recover from the chemosensory dysfunction ranges from 3 to 14 days, up to a maximum of 5 weeks, while RT-PCR becomes negative after 21 days and up to 35 days in some cases. The Venezuelan Olfactory Test and taste test has a 61.68% positive predictive value, 45.83% sensitivity, and 68.7% specificity for SARS-CoV-2 infection.ConclusionsSmell and taste disorders are frequent symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but not a significant predictor of the disease, as compared to the molecular RT-PCR test.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels are associated with major depressive disorder
Authors: Proma Maliha Afrin , Daria Sohel , Islam Salsabil , Nahar Zabun , Ashraful Islam Sardar Mohammad , Bhuiyan Mohiuddin Ahmed , Islam Md. Rabiul 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is a distressing condition characterized by persistent low mood, loss of interest in daily activities. Many biological, psycho-social, and genetic factors are thought to be involved with depression. The present study aimed to investigate the serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in MDD patients to explore its role in the development of depression. This case-control study recruited 114 MDD patients and 106 healthy controls (HCs) matched by age and gender. A specialized psychiatrist diagnosed the cases and evaluated the controls based on the diagnostic and statistical manual for mental disorders, 5th edition. The serum MCP-1 levels were quantified by commercially available enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay kits. The Hamilton depression rating scale (Ham-D) was applied to measure the severity of depression. We observed the decreased levels of serum MCP-1 in MDD patients compared to HCs. A significant negative correlation was obtained between serum MCP-1 levels and Ham-D scores. Also, female MDD patients with higher Ham-D scores exhibited lower serum MCP-1 levels. The receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated the good diagnostic value of MCP-1 with the area under the curve at 0.837. The depression-related alteration of serum MCP-1 may be more complicated than the current assumption and depends on the characteristics of the individual patients. Our study suggests that the serum MCP-1 levels might be involved in the pathophysiology and mechanism of MDD. The present findings, along with the diagnostic evaluation, might be used to assess the depression risk.
Predictors of QT Interval Prolongation in Critically-ill Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Treated with Hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Scuotto Frederico , Marra Rogério , de Almeida Lilian Leite , Rita Soares Mariana Santa , Silva Gabriela Kurita , Paul Luiz Carlos , Fenelon Costa Guilherme Drummond , Cirenza Cláudio 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundHydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been described as a potential treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, there are safety concerns regarding its QT interval and pro-arrhythmic effects.ObjectiveThis trial aimed to determine the predictors of QT interval prolongation and pro-arrhythmic effects in patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection and receiving HCQ.MethodsWe performed a retrospective observational study of 45 critically-ill patients hospitalized because of SARS-CoV-2 infection and treated with 800 mg of HCQ at day 1 and 400 mg on days 2–5. Clinical aspects and outcomes, basal and final corrected QT (QTc) interval, and the incidence of arrhythmias and arrhythmogenic death were observed. Independent predictors of QTc prolongation were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. QT interval prolongation was considered substantial at final QTc ≥ 480 ms.ResultsThe mean age was 60.9 ± 16.67 years and 28 (62.2%) patients were men. Basal QTc was 442 ± 28 ms, and the final QTc interval was 458 ± 34 ms, for a mean QTc interval variation of 15 ± 11 ms. There was no arrhythmogenic death. The need for hemodialysis remained a statistically significant predictor of QT interval enlargement (odds ratio, 10.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 – 102.18; p = 0.045).ConclusionsHCQ promotes mild to moderate QT interval prolongation. The risk of QT interval prolongation is higher among patients with acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis.
Validated models for pre-test probability of stable coronary artery disease: a systematic review suggesting how to improve validation procedures
Authors: Mincarone Pierpaolo , Bodini Antonella , Tumolo Maria Rosaria , Vozzi Federico , Rocchiccioli Silvia , Pelosi Gualtiero , Caselli Chiara , Sabina Saverio , Leo Carlo Giacomo 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTAn overuse of invasive and non-invasive anatomical testing for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) affects patients’ and healthcare professionals’ safety, and the sustainability of Healthcare Systems. Pre-test probability (PTP) models can be routinely used as gatekeeper for initial patient management. Although with different positions, international organizations clearly underline the need for more information on the various risk factors acting as modifier of the PTP.This systematic review addresses validation of PTP models adopting variables available at the first-line assessment of a suspected stable CAD. A comprehensive search has been done in MEDLINE®, HealthSTAR, and Global Health databases.Nearly all the models considered in the 27 analysed papers include age, sex, and chest pain symptoms. Other common risk factors are smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia. Only one model considers genetic profile. Reported AUCs range from 0.51 to 0.81. Relevant heterogeneity sources have been highlighted, such as the sample size, the presence of a PTP cut-off and the adoption of different definitions of CAD which can prevent comparisons of results. Very few papers address a complete validation, making then impossible to understand the reasons why the model does not show a good discrimination capability on a different data set.We consequently recommend a more clear statement of endpoints, their consistent measurement both in the derivation and validation phases, more comprehensive validation analyses and the enhancement of threshold validations of PTP to assess the effects of PTP on clinical management.
Efficacy and safety of treating chronic nonspecific low back pain with radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT), rESWT combined with celecoxib and eperisone (C+E) or C+E alone: a prospective, randomized trial
Authors: Guo Xuejiao , Li Lin , Yan Zhe , Li Yunze , Peng Zhiyou , Yang Yixin , Zhang Yanfeng , Schmitz Christoph , Feng Zhiying 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate whether respectively radial extracoporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) or a combination of rESWT, Celecoxib and Eperisone (rESWT+C+E) are superior in reducing pain in subjects with chronic nonspecific low back pain (cnsLBP) compared to C+E alone (a standard treatment of this condition in China).Methods140 subjects with cnsLBP were randomly allocated to rESWT (n=47), rESWT+C+E (n=45) or C+E alone (n=48) for four weeks. Outcome was evaluated using the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire and Patient Health Questionnaire 9, collected at one week (W1), W2, W3, W4 and W12 after beginning of the therapy.ResultsAll scores showed a statistically significant improvement over time. The PSEQ and NRS scores showed a significant Time × Treatment effect. Subjects treated with rESWT had significantly lower mean NRS values than subjects treated with rESWT+C+E at W1 and W3, as well as than subjects treated with C+E alone at W3 and W4. No severe adverse events were observed.ConclusionrESWT may be superior to respectively rESWT+C+E or C+E alone in reducing pain in subjects with cnsLBP. Level of Evidence: Level I, prospective, randomized, active-controlled trial.
Are psychiatric disorders risk factors for COVID-19 susceptibility and severity? a two-sample, bidirectional, univariable and multivariable Mendelian Randomization study
Authors: Luykx Jurjen J. , Lin Bochao D. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObservational studies have suggested bidirectional associations between psychiatric disorders and COVID-19 phenotypes, but results of such studies are inconsistent. Mendelian Randomization (MR) may overcome limitations of observational studies, e.g. unmeasured confounding and uncertainties about cause and effect. We aimed to elucidate associations between neuropsychiatric disorders and COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. To that end, we applied a two-sample, bidirectional, univariable and multivariable MR design to genetic data from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of neuropsychiatric disorders and COVID-19 phenotypes (released on 20 Oct. 2020). In single-variable Generalized Summary MR analysis the most significant and only Bonferroni-corrected significant result was found for genetic liability to BIP-SCZ (a combined GWAS of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia as cases vs. controls) increasing risk of COVID-19 (OR = 1.17, 95% CI, 1.06-1.28). However, we found a significant, positive genetic correlation between BIP-SCZ and COVID-19 of 0.295 and could not confirm causal or horizontally pleiotropic effects using another method. No genetic liabilities to COVID-19 phenotypes increased risk of (neuro)psychiatric disorders. In multivariable MR using both neuropsychiatric and a range of other phenotypes, only genetic instruments of BMI remained causally associated with COVID-19. All sensitivity analyses confirmed the results. In conclusion, while genetic liability to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia combined slightly increased COVID-19 susceptibility in one univariable analysis, other MR and multivariable analyses could only confirm genetic underpinnings of BMI to be causally implicated in COVID-19 susceptibility. Thus, using MR we found no consistent proof of genetic liabilities to (neuro)psychiatric disorders contributing to COVID-19 liability or vice versa, which is in line with at least two observational studies. Previously reported positive associations between psychiatric disorders and COVID-19 by others may have resulted from statistical models incompletely capturing BMI as a continuous covariate.
The Effects of Psychosocial Stress on Memory and Cognitive Ability: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: McManus Elizabeth , Talmi Deborah , Haroon Hamied , Muhlert Nils 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe impact of stress on cognitive abilities, such as memory, is well documented in animal studies but it is not yet clear how stress in human social interactions affects memory. This review systematically explored the evidence regarding the effects of psychosocial stress on memory and associated cognitive abilities. PubMed, PsycInfo and Web of Science databases were searched for studies assessing the effects of psychosocial stress on long-term memory or related cognitive functions. Fifty-one studies were identified and compared based on the timing of stress induction. No overall effect of psychosocial stress induction was seen on long-term or working memory regardless of whether stress induction occurred following encoding or before retrieval. Psychosocial stress had a moderate effect in studies comparing memory for emotional compared to neutral stimuli, but the direction of this effect varied across studies. Psychosocial stress decreased performance on executive function tasks. Our findings demonstrate that psychosocial stress may not have the clear effects on memory previously ascribed to it, suggesting potentially different mechanisms from physiological stressors.
Competences development and turnover intentions: the serial mediation effect of perceived internal employability and affective commitment
Authors: Moreira Ana , Cesário Francisco , Chambel Maria José , Castanheira Filipa 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
This study aims to explore the serial mediation effect of perceived internal employability and affective commitment in the relationship between the organisational practices of competences development and turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach
The methodology was quantitative and is based on a survey with a sample of 313 participants, all of whom were employed in several organisations located in Portugal.

Findings
A significant and negative effect of organisational practices of competences development, perceived internal employability and affective commitment on turnover intentions was verified. A total serial mediation effect was also found from perceived internal employability and affective commitment in the relationship between organisational practices of competences development (i.e., training, individualised support and functional rotation) and turnover intentions.

Practical implications
These practices should be developed by leaders of organisations in order that employees feel that the organisation is investing in their development, which can lead to an increase in their emotional attachment towards the organisation and consequently increase their desire to stay in the organisation.

Originality/value
This study makes two important contributions. First, it confirms the existence of a significant and negative relationship between perceived internal employability and turnover intentions. Second, it proves the existence of a total serial mediation effect of perceived internal employability and affective commitment in the relationship between organisational practices of competences development and turnover intentions.