bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of relative apical longitudinal strain index to predict positive 99mTc‐labeled pyrophosphate scintigraphy findings in advanced‐age patients with suspected transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy
Authors: Usuku Hiroki , Takashio Seiji , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Kinoshita Yui , Nishi Masato , Oike Fumi , Marume Kyohei , Hirakawa Kyoko , Tabata Noriaki , Oda Seitaro , Misumi Yohei , Ueda Mitsuharu , Kawano Hiroaki , Kaikita Koichi , Matsushita Kenichi , Ando Yukio , Matsui Hirotaka , Tsujita Kenichi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe previously reported that a high score (2 or 3 points) according to the Kumamoto criteria, a combination of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) ≥0.308 ng/mL, the length of QRS ≥ 120 ms in electrocardiogram, and left ventricular (LV) posterior wall thickness ≥ 13.6 mm, increases the pretest probability of 99mTc‐labeled pyrophosphate (99mTc‐PYP) scintigraphy in patients with suspected transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR‐CM). However, some patients with a low score (0 or 1 point) show positive findings on 99mTc‐PYP scintigraphy. Therefore, we evaluated the usefulness of additional examinations, including echocardiographic assessment of myocardial strain, to raise the pretest probability of 99mTc‐PYP scintigraphy for these patients.Methods and ResultsWe examined 109 consecutive patients aged ≥70 years with low scores according to the Kumamoto criteria who underwent 99mTc‐PYP scintigraphy. Nineteen patients (17%) had positive 99mTc‐PYP scintigraphy findings. The relative apical longitudinal strain (LS) index (apical LS/ basal LS + mid LS) (RapLSI) was significantly higher in patients with positive than negative 99mTc‐PYP scintigraphy findings (1.04 ± 0.37 vs 0.70 ± 0.28, P < .01). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that a high RapLSI (≥1.04) was significantly associated with 99mTc‐PYP positivity (odds ratio, 14.14; 95% confidence interval, 3.36‐59.47; P < .01). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the diagnostic model using the RapLSI for identification of 99mTc‐PYP positivity were 53%, 94%, and 87%, respectively.ConclusionsA high RapLSI can raise the pretest probability of 99mTc‐PYP scintigraphy in patients with a low score according to the Kumamoto criteria. The RapLSI can assist clinicians in determining strategies for these patients.
Scarlet fever and nineteenth‐century mortality trends: a reply to Romola Davenport
Authors: Szreter Simon , Mooney Graham 
Published: November 2020

AbstractRomola Davenport's recent article is presented as a significant revision of the interpretation of the reasons for rising and then falling urban mortality in Britain in the nineteenth century put forward by Szreter and Mooney, which emphasized the importance of the politics of public health. Davenport's claims that mortality patternsc. 1830–70 were driven by a synchronized rise and fall of scarlet fever across Europe and North America, as well as in rural locations in Britain, are based on frail and inconclusive forms of evidence. The epidemiological evidence presented by Davenport in fact indicates a chronologically lagging—not leading—role for scarlet fever in contributing to the rise in urban death rates before 1850 and the subsequent fall in urban mortality afterc. 1870 in Britain.
Slippery liquid‐infused porous surfaces: The effect of oil on the water repellence of hydrophobic and superhydrophobic soils
Authors: McCerery Rebecca , Woodward John , McHale Glen , Winter Kate , Armstrong Steven , Orme Bethany V. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSoil wettability is important for understanding a wide range of earth system processes, from agricultural productivity to debris flows and sediment fan formation. However, there is limited research considering how soil–water interactions, where the soil grains are naturally hydrophobic, might change in the presence of oil from natural hydrocarbon leakage or oil spills. Here we show how slippery liquid‐infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) apply to hydrophobic soils, by physical modelling of surfaces of different grain sizes and examining their interactions with water before and after impregnation with silicone oil. Using contact and sliding angle measurements and laser scanning fluorescence confocal microscopy, we demonstrate that soil SLIPS can be created with thick oil layers and thin conformal oil layers on median grain sizes of 231 μm and 32 μm, respectively. Until now, SLIPS have only been observed in human‐made materials and biological surfaces. The mechanisms reported here demonstrate that SLIPS can occur in natural granular materials, providing a new mechanism for water‐shedding in soil and sediment systems. Furthermore, the water‐shedding properties may be long lasting as conformal oil layers are stabilized by capillary forces. These results have important implications for understanding soil physics and mechanics where oil is present in a soil, and for agricultural hydrophobicity on shallow slopes.Highlights
We model oil contamination on a hydrophobic model soil as a mechanism for creating SLIPS.
Soil SLIPS have implications for water‐shedding, oil spill remediation and earth processes.
Our model soils exhibit extreme water‐shedding, illustrated by low water droplet sliding angles.
This is the first physical modelling observation of SLIPS arising from hydrophobic soil.
Longitudinal measurement of cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light in anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis
Authors: Macher Stefan , Zrzavy Tobias , Höftberger Romana , Altmann Patrick , Pataraia Ekatarina , Zimprich Fritz , Berger Thomas , Rommer Paulus 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackground and purposeBiomarkers reflecting the course of patients suffering from anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis (anti‐NMDARE) are urgently needed. Neurofilament light chains (NfL) have been studied as potential markers for neuroaxonal injury mainly in neuroinflammatory diseases, but so far there have been only in a few small reports on anti‐NMDARE. We aimed to compare the longitudinal course of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)‐NfL levels and anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (anti‐NMDAR) antibodies with clinical parameters in six patients with anti‐NMDARE.MethodsLongitudinal measurement of CSF‐NfL levels and CSF anti‐NMDAR antibodies in six patients suffering from anti‐NMDARE was performed.ResultsThe major finding of this study is that most of our patients showed highly elevated NfL, with peak levels considerably delayed to clinical nadir. High NfL levels were associated with hippocampal atrophy but not with tumors detected. Furthermore, we did not find a clear relationship between NfL levels, CSF antibody titer, and CSF inflammatory markers.ConclusionsCSF‐NfL levels do not predict short‐term outcome but rather are associated with intensive care unit stay and extreme delta brushes. However, high CSF‐NFL levels were associated with long‐term outcome. Our data suggest early aggressive immunotherapy to avoid primary and secondary neuroaxonal damage.
Haematogenous septic arthritis, physitis and osteomyelitis in foals: A tutorial review on pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Part 2
Authors: Lindegaard C. , van Galen G. , Aarsvold S. , Berg L. , Verwilghen D. 
Published: November 2020

SummaryHaematogenous septic arthritis, physitis and osteomyelitis are manifestations of a potentially debilitating or even life‐threatening disease entity encountered in all types of foals from neonates to approximately 7 months of age. Correct and complete diagnosis and successful treatment requires collaboration across specialties; medicine, anaesthesia, diagnostic imaging, surgery, and rehabilitation. However, in order to succeed it is important that all specialties have an overall knowledge of all aspects of the disease complex. Therefore, the aim of this review is to give an overview of aetiology, presenting complaints, clinical findings, diagnostic imaging, treatment, rehabilitation and prognosis.
Clinical relevance of the relaxant effects of roflumilast on human bronchus: potentiation by a long‐acting beta‐2‐agonist
Authors: Salvator Hélène , Naline Emmanuel , Brollo Marion , Tenor Hermann , Grassin‐Delyle Stanislas , Devillier Philippe 
Published: November 2020

AbstractRoflumilast is an oral, add‐on option for treating patients with severe COPD and frequent exacerbations despite optimal therapy with inhaled drugs. The present study focused on whether this phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor and its active metabolite roflumilast N‐oxide affect the tone of human bronchial rings. We also investigated the interactions between roflumilast, roflumilast N‐oxide and the long‐acting β2‐agonist formoterol with regard to the relaxation of isolated human bronchial rings at basal tone or pre‐contracted with histamine. Our results demonstrated for the first time that at a clinically relevant concentration (1 nm), roflumilast N‐oxide and roflumilast induce a weak relaxation of the isolated human bronchus either at resting tone (22% and 16%, respectively) or even weaker on pre‐contracted bronchus with histamine (7% and 5%, respectively). In addition, the combination of formoterol with roflumilast or roflumilast N‐oxide is more potent than each component alone for relaxing pre‐contracted isolated bronchi ‐ the apparent pD2 of formoterol was significantly reduced for the threshold concentration of 1 nm of the phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors by a factor of 2.4 for roflumilast N‐oxide and 1.9 for roflumilast. The full inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 activity is achieved at 100 nm but this high concentration only caused partial relaxations of the human bronchi. At a clinically relevant concentration, these oral phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors are not effective direct bronchodilators but could enhance the efficacy of inhaled long‐acting β2‐agonists.
Sex‐dependent effects of anHnrnph1mutation on fentanyl addiction‐relevant behaviors but not antinociception in mice
Authors: Bryant Camron D. , Healy Aidan F. , Ruan Qiu T. , Coehlo Michal A. , Lustig Elijah , Yazdani Neema , Luttik Kimberly P. , Tran Tori , Swancy Isaiah , Brewin Lindsey W. , Chen Melanie M. , Szumlinski Karen K. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOpioid Use Disorder (OUD) and opioid‐related deaths remain a major public health concern in the United States. Both environmental and genetic factors influence risk for OUD. We previously identifiedHnrnph1as a quantitative trait gene underlying the stimulant, rewarding, and reinforcing properties of methamphetamine. Prior work shows that hnRNP H1, the RNA‐binding protein encoded byHnrnph1,post‐transcriptionally regulatesOprm1(mu opioid receptor gene)—the primary molecular target for the therapeutic and addictive properties of opioids. Because genetic variants can exert pleiotropic effects on behaviors induced by multiple drugs of abuse, in the current study, we tested the hypothesis thatHnrnph1mutants would show reduced behavioral sensitivity to the mu opioid receptor agonist fentanyl.Hnrnph1mutants showed reduced sensitivity to fentanyl‐induced locomotor activity, along with a female‐specific reduction in, and a male‐specific induction of, locomotor sensitization following three, daily injections (0.2 mg/kg, i.p.).Hnrnph1mutants also required a higher dose of fentanyl to exhibit opioid reward as measured via conditioned place preference (CPP). MaleHnrnph1mutants showed reduced fentanyl reinforcement.Hnrnph1mutants also showed reduced sucrose motivation, suggesting a reward deficit. No genotypic differences were observed in baseline thermal nociception, fentanyl‐induced antinociception, physical or negative affective signs of opioid dependence, or in sensorimotor gating. In the context of our prior work, these findings suggest thatHnrnph1dysfunction exerts a selective role in reducing the addiction liability to drugs of abuse (opioids and psychostimulants), which could provide new biological pathways to improve their therapeutic profiles.
Global responses of fine root biomass and traits to plant species mixtures in terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Peng Sai , Chen Han Y. H. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimFine root traits underpin terrestrial ecosystem functioning. Despite ongoing plant diversity loss due to anthropogenic activities, our understanding of the effects of plant diversity on fine root traits remains elusive. We addressed: (a) Do fine roots modify their traits in response to species mixtures? (b) Do these responses change with the species richness in mixtures, stand age, and soil depth? (c) Do plant‐mixture induced responses of root traits differ across terrestrial ecosystems?LocationGlobal.Time periodPublication years: 1985–2019.Major taxa studiedPlants.MethodsWe conducted a global meta‐analysis of 852 paired observations from 103 published studies to assess the effects of species mixtures on fine root biomass and traits (including root/shoot ratio, community‐weighted mean rooting depth, root length density, specific root length, mean root diameter and root nitrogen content).ResultsWe found that the effects of species mixtures were highly dependent on species richness in mixtures, stand age, and soil depth. The positive effects of species mixtures on root biomass increased with species richness, soil depth, and mean annual temperature. Species mixture effects on root length density shifted from negative to positive with increasing stand age and soil depth and with decreased temperatures. The effects of species mixtures on specific root length shifted from positive to negative with increasing species richness and soil depth, and from negative to positive with increasing stand age.Main conclusionsOur meta‐analysis highlights that the community‐level consequences of changes in plant diversity on fine root traits are not consistent, and that predicting these consequences requires taking into account the extent of changes in plant species richness, stand age, soil depth investigated, background climates, and importantly, particular fine root traits.
Characteristics of urinary tract infections in older patients in a tertiary hospital in Greece
Authors: Ioannou Petros , Plexousaki Myrto , Dimogerontas Konstantinos , Aftzi Vasileia , Drougkaki Maria , Konidaki Myrto , Paschalidis Konstantinos , Maraki Sofia , Kofteridis Diamantis P 
Published: November 2020

AimsUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are commonly encountered. They are more commonly caused by Enterobacteriaceae, while antimicrobial resistance is an emerging problem in their management, with extended‐spectrum‐β‐lactamase (ESBL) producing Gram‐negative bacteria and multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa being increasingly common. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology and outcomes of UTIs in patients admitted in a tertiary hospital, which mostly admits geriatric patients, and compare the effects of antimicrobial resistance on patient outcomes.MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted at a University Hospital in Crete, Greece. Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of patients with a UTI were recorded.ResultsDuring the 3‐year period of the study, 204 UTIs were recorded. Mean age was 83.3 years and 38.7% were male. The most common isolated pathogens were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus faecalis. Among all patients with UTI, 15.7% had an infection from ESBL, MDR, extensively drug‐resistant or vancomycin‐resistant enterococci pathogens. Recent antimicrobial use or hospitalization, dementia, bedridden state and sex were independently associated with mortality, while being a nursing home resident was independently associated with a higher possibility of infection from ESBL, MDR, extensively drug‐resistant or vancomycin‐resistant enterococci pathogens. Infection by such a resistant pathogen led to increased duration of hospitalization but not to increased mortality.ConclusionsAlarming antimicrobial resistance rates were noted in patients with UTIs, and this led to longer duration of hospitalization even though it did not have an impact on mortality, which was otherwise higher than in other studies. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 1228–1233.
Out‐of‐pocket payments by end‐stage kidney disease patients on regular hemodialysis: Cost of illness analysis, experience from Sudan
Authors: Yousif Aisha Osman , Idris Almutaz Khalfalla Mohammed , Awad Mousnad Mohammed , El‐Samani El‐Fatih Z. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionIn Sudan, the number of end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) is growing. Patients and their families incur a high out‐of‐pocket expenditure (OOPE), given that HD treatment is expensive. There are limited data about OOP spending on HD in the country. This study aims to explore patients' OOP expense on direct medical and nonmedical goods and services and to which extent they can be predicted from sociodemographic characteristics, health insurance status, comorbidity, and accommodation change.MethodsThis is descriptive a cross‐sectional study conducted in Ibn Sina Hospital. One hundred and thirty patients undergo regular HD were randomly selected.FindingsAmong the study participants (130), the median of the overall total OOP (direct medical and direct nonmedical) spending per patients per year was found to be US$ 3859.1 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2298.1–6261.1). As for the medians OOP expenditure on direct medical and nonmedical costs, they were found to be US$ 2327.6 (IQR: 1421.5–3804.8) and US$ 1096 (IQR: 715.2–2345.2), respectively. The direct medical expenditure (355,586 US$) accounted for 60% of the overall total expenses.DiscussionMedications and investigations were the primary drivers of direct medical spending. Higher OOPE rates were found among those with one or more of these factors; uninsured patients, patient with comorbidity, female gender, and over 40 years aged. The multivariate analysis showed that the significant predictors of direct medical expenditure were health insurance and comorbid conditions, where as the predictors for direct nonmedical expenditure were accommodation change and gender. This study results in a better understanding of OOP spending on direct medical and nonmedical services and its associated predictors among HD patients within the context of Sudan. Further research is needed in this area.
The impact of the Christmas holiday effect on interdialytic weight gain in hemodialysis patients: A multicenter observational retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zimbudzi Edward , Kerr Peter G. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe 3‐day interdialytic interval (IDI) is associated with high interdialytic weight gain (IDWG), but little is known about the effect of public or religious holidays on IDWG. Consequently, we evaluated the impact of the “Christmas holiday effect” on IDWG of hemodialysis patients.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of adult hemodialysis patients (over 18 years) was conducted across five dialysis units in Australia. Demographic and clinical data were collected from electronic medical records. IDWG was established for three time points; regular 3‐day IDI, 2‐day IDI preceding the Christmas holiday and a 3‐day IDI that included the Christmas holiday. Paired t‐tests and logistic regression were used to compare differences in mean IDWG before and after the Christmas holiday and to examine factors associated with high IDWG, respectively.FindingsTwo hundred and fifty‐two patients, 69% of whom were male, with mean (SD) age of 65.4 ± 15.3 years, were studied. Most had end‐stage kidney disease due to diabetes (44%), and they had been on hemodialysis for a median of 25.5 (IQR, 60–10) months. There was a significant increase in absolute IDWG (MD 0.21 kg, 95% CI −0.07 to 0.36; P = 0.004) and relative IDWG (MD 0.3%, 95% CI 0.10‐0.40; P = 0.01) after the holiday 3‐day IDI compared with the regular 3‐day IDI. Older age (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.02‐0.55) and a unit increase in hemoglobin (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.89‐0.99) were associated with lower odds of high relative IDWG while speaking a language other than English increased the odds for high relative IDWG (OR 5.03; 95% CI 1.12‐22.65).ConclusionAbsolute and relative IDWG increased significantly after the Christmas holiday. Individualizing dialysis needs may improve outcomes for these patients.
Innate and adaptive γδ T cells: How, when, and why
Authors: Papadopoulou Maria , Sanchez Sanchez Guillem , Vermijlen David 
Published: November 2020

Summaryγδ T cells comprise the third cell lineage of lymphocytes that use, like αβ T cells and B cells, V(D)J gene rearrangement with the potential to generate a highly diverse T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. There is no obvious conservation of γδ T cell subsets (based on TCR repertoire and/or function) between mice and human, leading to the notion that human and mouse γδ T cells are highly different. In this review, we focus on human γδ T cells, building on recent studies using high‐throughput sequencing to analyze the TCR repertoire in various settings. We make then the comparison with mouse γδ T cell subsets highlighting the similarities and differences and describe the remarkable changes during lifespan of innate and adaptive γδ T cells. Finally, we propose mechanisms contributing to the generation of innate versus adaptive γδ T cells. We conclude that key elements related to the generation of the γδ TCR repertoire and γδ T cell activation/development are conserved between human and mice, highlighting the similarities between these two species.
‘Anyone can have a mental illness’: A qualitative inquiry of pre‐registration nursing students’ experiences of traditional mental health clinical placements
Authors: Foster Kim , Giandinoto Jo‐Ann , Furness Trentham , Blanco Anthony , Withers Elaine , Alexander Louise 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNurses play a crucial role in mental healthcare provision. Like many countries, Australian nursing students are educated in comprehensive pre‐registration programmes which include mental health clinical placements. Placements play a vital role in students’ education, providing the opportunity to engage with consumers and develop mental health nursing knowledge and skills. There is limited knowledge of student perspectives on traditional placements in contemporary recovery‐oriented mental health services. This interpretive qualitative inquiry aimed to explore nursing students’ experience of traditional mental health clinical placement and how it influenced their practice and their understandings of recovery from mental illness. Data were collected from focus groups with n = 31 nursing students in a large metropolitan public mental health service. Thematic analysis resulted in three themes of experience: humanizing people with mental illness; learning about recovery; and shifting perspectives on mental health nursing. Through a positive placement experience where they felt supported and included by staff, students came to see consumers as people rather than diagnoses, developed greater understanding of mental health nursing work and were more likely to consider mental health nursing as a career choice. Peer‐support workers were an important influence on students’ understandings of recovery and have a key role to play in educating students on placement. Students need to be prepared and supported by university and clinical staff to deal with vicarious trauma that may occur on placement. Mental health placements play a crucial role in attracting students into the field, and it is imperative they remain part of comprehensive pre‐registration education.