bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuropathologic and Cognitive Correlates of Enlarged Perivascular Spaces in a Community-Based Cohort of Older Adults
Authors: Javierre-Petit Carles , Schneider Julie A. , Kapasi Alifiya , Makkinejad Nazanin , Tamhane Ashish A. , Leurgans Sue E. , Mehta Rupal I. , Barnes Lisa L. , Bennett David A. , Arfanakis Konstantinos 
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose:
Enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) have been associated with aging, increased stroke risk, decreased cognitive function, and vascular dementia. However, the relationship of EPVS with age-related neuropathologies is not well understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the neuropathologic correlates of EPVS in a large community-based cohort of older adults. The cognitive correlates of EPVS over and beyond those of other pathologies were also assessed.

Methods:
This study included 654 older deceased and autopsied participants of 3 longitudinal community-based studies of aging that had available data on cognition, ex vivo brain magnetic resonance imaging, and detailed neuropathologic examination. EPVS seen on ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging were histologically validated. Experienced observers rated EPVS burden in ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging using a semiquantitative 4-level scale. Elastic-net regularized ordinal logistic regression was used to investigate associations of EPVS burden with age-related neuropathologies. Mixed-effects models of cognition controlling for neuropathologies, demographics, and clinical factors, were used to determine whether EPVS burden has additional contributions to cognitive decline.

Results:

EPVS burden in the whole group was associated with gross infarcts (odds ratio=1.67,
P
=0.0017) and diabetes mellitus (odds ratio=1.73,
P
=0.004). When considering only nondemented participants (with mild or no cognitive impairment), EPVS burden was associated with gross infarcts (odds ratio=1.74,
P
=0.016) and microscopic infarcts (odds ratio=1.79,
P
=0.013). EPVS burden was associated with faster decline in visuospatial abilities (estimate=−0.009,
P
=0.028), in the whole group, as well as lower levels of semantic memory (estimate=−0.13,
P
=0.048) and visuospatial abilities (estimate=−0.11,
P
=0.016) at the time of death.

Conclusions:
EPVS and infarcts may share similar neurobiological pathways regardless of dementia status. EPVS burden is linked to diabetes mellitus independently of neuropathologies, extending recent findings in animal studies implicating diabetes mellitus in impairment of the glymphatic system. Finally, EPVS burden may reflect additional brain tissue injury that may contribute to cognitive decline, not captured with traditional neuropathologic measures.
A Medieval European Value for the Circumference of the Earth
Authors: Nothaft C. Philipp E. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Geographic and astronomical texts from late-medieval Central Europe frequently give 16 German miles, or miliaria teutonica, as the length of a degree of terrestrial latitude. The earliest identifiable author to endorse this equivalence is the Swabian astronomer Heinrich Selder, who wrote about the length of a degree and the circumference of the Earth on several occasions during the 1360s and 1370s. Of particular interest is his claim that he and certain unnamed experimentatores established their preferred value empirically. Based on an analysis of relevant statements in Selder’s extant works and other late-medieval sources, it is argued that this claim is plausible and that the convention 1° = 16 German miles was indeed the result of an independent measurement.
Operative Treatment of Acute Patellar Tendon Ruptures
Authors: O’Dowd James A. , Lehoang David M. , Butler Rebecca R. , Dewitt David O. , Mirzayan Raffy 
Published: August 2020

Background: The gold standard for patellar tendon repair is a transosseous technique. Suture anchor repair has gained popularity, with recent biomechanical studies demonstrating significantly less gap formation during cyclic loading and significantly higher ultimate failure loads as compared with transosseous repair. These findings have not been substantiated in a large clinical cohort. Purpose: To report demographic and epidemiologic data, clinical and surgical findings, and outcomes and complications of anchor and transosseous suture repairs of acute patellar tendon ruptures. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All patients who underwent a primary repair of a traumatic patellar tendon rupture within 45 days of injury between 2006 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Surgery was performed at a multisurgeon (120 surgeons) multicenter (14 centers) community-based integrated health care system. Patient demographic information, repair type, complications, and time from surgery to release from medical care were recorded. Results: A total of 361 patients (374 knees) met our inclusion criteria. The mean age was 39.8 years (range, 9-86 years), and 91.7% were male. There were 321 transosseous and 53 anchor repairs. There was no significant difference in the mean age ( P = .27), sex ( P = .79), tourniquet time ( P = .93), or body mass index ( P = .78) between the groups. There was a significant difference in rerupture rate between transosseous and anchor repairs (7.5% vs 0%, respectively; P = .034). Based on logistic regression, transosseous repair had 3.24 times the odds of reoperation verseus anchor repair (95% CI, 0.757-13.895; P = .1129). The infection rate was 1.6% for transosseous repair and 7.5% for anchor repair ( P = .160). There was no difference in time to release from medical care: 18.4 weeks for anchor and 17.1 weeks for transosseous repairs ( P = .92). Conclusion: Anchor repair demonstrated a significant decrease in rerupture rate when compared with transosseous repair. There was no difference in reoperation rate, infection rate, or time to release from medical care.
Immunosuppressive therapy of systemic lupus erythematosus associated peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review
Authors: Constantin Alexandru , Năstase Daniela , Tulbă Delia , Bălănescu Paul , Băicuș Cristian 
Published: August 2020

Introduction Peripheral neurologic manifestations may be associated with most of the collagen vascular diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), yet most of the times it is not clear what therapy should be prescribed. EULAR recommendations for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus with neuropsychiatric manifestations suggest the use of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents for the treatment of SLE associated peripheral neuropathy (PN) (strength of statement A, category of evidence 1), however these recommendations are based on studies that did not focus specifically on PN but rather on neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE out of which only one was a randomized controlled clinical trial that included 7 patients with peripheral neuropathy. The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether the pathogenic treatments (corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, intravenous immunoglobulins, plasmapheresis) are effective for SLE associated PN. Methods We searched MEDLINE for all the studies that included the pathogenic treatment of SLE associated PN. The purpose was to identify randomized clinical trials, and in the absence of these, we included observational studies and case reports or case series. Results The search returned only retrospective case reports or case series. Only one prospective study, a randomized controlled study, was focused on neuropsychiatric SLE and included few patients with PN (7). Some studies reported cases of PN responsive to glucocorticoids (GC), cyclophosphamide (CYC), rituximab (RTX), azathioprine (AZA), plasmapheresis (PPH), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or different combinations of these immunosuppressive agents, whereas others noticed effectiveness of sequential treatments (i.e. administration of a therapeutic agent after another single agent or a combination of agents had previously failed). Many studies did not mention how the outcomes were objectively measured. Conclusions There are no interventional studies dedicated to the SLE associated PN, only retrospective case reports or case series which not only did they show contradictory results, but they also represent the lowest level of evidence. There is a strong need for new analytical studies dedicated to SLE associated PN. Protocol registered with PROSPERO (number CRD42019121748).
Patterns of Medications for Atrial Fibrillation Among Older Women: Results From the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health
Authors: Abbas Shazia Shehzad , Majeed Tazeen , Nair Balakrishnan R. , Forder Peta M. , Biostatistics M. , Weaver Natasha , Byles Julie E. 
Published: August 2020

Purpose: Examine patterns of medication use, changes in medication patterns over time, and investigate factors associated with medication patterns among older Australian women with Atrial Fibrillation (AF). Methods: It is a retrospective analysis of the 1921-26 birth cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH), diagnosed with AF between 2000-2015 (N = 1206). Survey data of these women was linked with national registries for medications and death. Latent Transition Analysis (LTA) identified distinct patterns of medication use and transitions among these patterns for 3 consecutive years following AF diagnosis. LTA with co-variates determined the factors associated with latent status membership. Results: One-tenth (9.6%, 11.7%, 11.4%) of the study population did not receive any medication for AF in all 3 years following AF diagnosis and about 60% did not receive any medication for the prevention of thromboembolism. Among those who received medications, almost three-quarters (76.6%, 68.4%, 68.5%) received some kind of combination of medications. LTA indicated at least 6 different patterns of AF medications. These patterns had transition probabilities >85% for most of the latent statuses. All factors but diabetes mellitus among the CHA2DS2-VA scoring scheme were independently associated with latent status membership at the time of AF diagnosis. Conclusions: Evaluation of pharmacological treatment indicates that prevention of thromboembolism is inadequate among women with AF. There exists wide variations in medication patterns. However, once in a particular pattern, women are likely to continue the same medications long-term. This underscores the importance of initial assessment of patient profile and stroke risk score in determining the treatment for AF. Failure to assess risk makes women susceptible to devastating AF complications.
Association between morphological characteristics of the optic disc and other anatomical features of the fundus in highly myopic eyes
Authors: Guo Xiaoxiao , Chen Xi , Li Min , Li Shanshan , You Ran , Wang Yanling 
Published: August 2020

Purpose: To investigate associated factors with optic disc characteristics in high myopia patients. Methods: According to the meta-analysis of pathologic myopia study, patients were divided into groups from categories 1 (C1) to C4. The diameters, tilt ratio, and rotation degree of optic disc, and the diameters of parapapillary atrophy were measured among other morphometric variables. Results: Totally 147 eyes (84 patients) were included. Longer horizontal optic disc diameter was associated with smaller tilt ratio ( p < 0.001, unstandardized regression coefficient B: −0.59), greater rotation degree ( p < 0.001, B: 0.01), and longer horizontal delta zone diameter ( p < 0.001, B: 0.09). Longer vertical optic disc diameter was associated with smaller rotation degree ( p < 0.001, B: 0.01), longer vertical delta zone diameter ( p < 0.001, B: 0.16), and longer disc–fovea distance (DFD; p < 0.024, B: 0.14). Generally, the horizontal optic disc diameter of C3 and C4 groups was smaller than C1 and C2, while vertical diameter and tilt ratio was greater than in C1 and C2. After setting axial length (AL) as an independent variable, horizontal diameters and tilt ratio still showed significant differences, while vertical diameters did not show significant differences. Conclusion: Axial elongation was associated with an increase of vertical optic disc diameter that was correlated with an reduction of optic disc rotation degree. By contrast, horizontal optic disc diameter elongation was correlated with an reduction of optic disc tilt ratio and an increase of optic disc rotation degree, which was independent of axial elongation.
Incidence of osteoporosis and fragility fractures in asthma: a UK population-based matched cohort study
Authors: Chalitsios Christos V. , McKeever Tricia M. , Shaw Dominick E. 
Published: August 2020

IntroductionOsteoporosis and fragility fractures are associated with corticosteroids which are the mainstay treatment for asthma; however, these bone comorbidities within asthma need to be better described.MethodsA matched cohort study was conducted using the UK Clinical Practice Research Database (CPRD). Adults with an incident asthma code were identified and matched, with up to four randomly selected people without asthma, by age, sex and practice. Osteoporosis and fragility fracture incidence rates were calculated, and Cox regression was performed comparing hazard rates to the general population. We report the impact of age, sex, glucocorticoids and the risk of specific fractures.ResultsPatients with asthma had a higher risk of osteoporosis (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.18, 95% CI 1.13–1.23) and were 12% (aHR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07–1.16) more likely to sustain fragility fractures than the general population. Age modified the effect of asthma on osteoporosis and fragility fractures, such that the effect was stronger in younger people (pinteraction<0.0001). The vertebra (aHR 1.40, 95% CI 1.33–1.48) and forearm/wrist (aHR 1.27, 95% CI 1.22–1.32) were the sites linked with a larger incidence. A dose–response relationship between oral corticosteroids (OCS) and osteoporosis was observed, whereas the risk of fragility fractures increased in those with six or more OCS courses per year. Regular use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) increased the risk of both bone conditions.ConclusionsPatients with asthma are more likely to develop osteoporosis or sustain fragility fractures than the general population, with a particular concern in younger people and those more frequently using OCS and ICS.
Identification of protein complexes and functional modules in E. coli PPI networks
Authors: Kong Ping , Huang Gang , Liu Wei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Escherichia coli always plays an important role in microbial research, and it has been a benchmark model for the study of molecular mechanisms of microorganisms. Molecular complexes, operons, and functional modules are valuable molecular functional domains of E. coli. The identification of protein complexes and functional modules of E. coli is essential to reveal the principles of cell organization, process, and function. At present, many studies focus on the detection of E. coli protein complexes based on experimental methods. However, based on the large-scale proteomics data set of E. coli, the simultaneous prediction of protein complexes and functional modules, especially the comparative analysis of them is relatively less.

Results
In this study, the Edge Label Propagate Algorithm (ELPA) of the complex biological network was used to predict the protein complexes and functional modules of two high-quality PPI networks of E. coli, respectively. According to the gold standard protein complexes and function annotations provided by EcoCyc dataset, most protein modules predicted in the two datasets matched highly with real protein complexes, cellular processes, and biological functions. Some novel and significant protein complexes and functional modules were revealed based on ELPA. Moreover, through a comparative analysis of predicted complexes with corresponding functional modules, we found the protein complexes were significantly overlapped with corresponding functional modules, and almost all predicted protein complexes were completely covered by one or more functional modules. Finally, on the same PPI network of E. coli, ELPA was compared with a well-known protein module detection method (MCL) and we found that the performance of ELPA and MCL is comparable in predicting protein complexes.

Conclusions
In this paper, a link clustering method was used to predict protein complexes and functional modules in PPI networks of E. coli, and the correlation between them was compared, which could help us to understand the molecular functional units of E. coli better.
Comprehensive identification and analysis of DELLA genes throughout the plant kingdom
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Zhang Qianqian , Chen Yingchun , Zhao Yanxia , Ren Fengshan , Shi Hongmei , Wu Xinying 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
DELLAs play key roles in plant gibberellin signaling pathways and are generally important in plant development and growth. However, DELLAs in many plant taxa have not yet been systematically analyzed.

Results
In our study, we searched for DELLA genes across 58 green plant genomes and found 181 DELLAs. Structure analysis showed some DELLA domains do not contain “D-E-L-L-A” sequences and instead contain similar domains, including DGLLA and DSLLH domains. “VHYNP” motifs in plant DELLAs comprise 23 types of sequences, while some DELLAs did not contain GRAS domains. In grape, we found that the DELLA protein GSVIVT01015465001 contains an F-box domain, while apple DELLA proteins MDP0000220512 and MDP0000403162 contain a WW domain and a BCIP domain, respectively. These DELLAs can be divided into 22 homologous groups and 17 orthologous groups, and 35 paralogous genes were identified. In total, 35 positively selected genes (PSGs) and 121 negatively selected genes (NSGs) were found among DELLAs based on selective pressure analysis, with an average Ks of NSGs that was significantly higher than that of PSGs (P < 0.05). Among the paralogous groups, CBI and Fop were significantly positively correlated with GC, GC1, GC2, GC12, and GC3, while CAI was significantly positively correlated with GC, GC1, GC12, and GC. The paralogous groups with ω values exceeding 1 had significantly higher Ka values. We also found some paralogous groups with ω values exceeding 1 that differed in their motifs.

Conclusions
This study provides helpful insights into the evolution of DELLA genes and offers exciting opportunities for the investigation of DELLA functions in different plants.
Breaking down walls: a qualitative evaluation of perceived emergency department delays for patients transferred with ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Ward Michael J. , Vogus Timothy J. , Bonnet Kemberlee , Moser Kelly , Schlundt David , Kripalani Sunil 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundDespite regionalization efforts, delays at transferring hospitals for patients transferred with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) persist. These delays primarily occur in the emergency department (ED), and are associated with increased mortality. We sought to use qualitative methods to understand staff and clinician perceptions underlying these delays.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews at 3 EDs that routinely transfer STEMI patients to identify staff perceptions of delays and potential interventions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using an iterative inductive-deductive approach to build and refine a list of themes and subthemes, and identify supporting quotes.ResultsWe interviewed 43 ED staff (staff, nurses, and physicians) and identified 3 major themes influencing inter-facility transfers of STEMI patients: 1) Processes, 2) Communication; and 3) Resources. Standardized processes (i.e., protocols) reduce uncertainty and can mobilize resources. Use of performance benchmarks can motivate staff but are frequently focused on internal, not inter-organizational performance. Direct use ofcommunication between ORGANIZATIONS can process uncertainty and expedite care. Record sharing and regular post-transfer communication could provide opportunities to discuss and learn from delays and increase professional satisfaction. Finally, characteristics of resources that enhanced their capacity, clarity, experience, and reliability were identified as contributing to timely transfers.ConclusionsProcesses, communication, and resources were identified as modifying inter-facility transfer timeliness. Potential quality improvement strategies include ongoing updates of protocols within and between organizations to account for changes, enhanced post-transfer feedback between organizations, shared medical records, and designated roles for coordination.
An updated overview of spectrum of gluten-related disorders: clinical and diagnostic aspects
Authors: Taraghikhah Nazanin , Ashtari Sara , Asri Nastaran , Shahbazkhani Bijan , Al-Dulaimi David , Rostami-Nejad Mohammad , Rezaei-Tavirani Mostafa , Razzaghi Mohammad Reza , Zali Mohammad Reza 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe incidence of gluten-related disorders (GRDs) continues to increase and its global prevalence is estimated at approximately 5% of the population. Celiac disease (CD), dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), gluten ataxia (GA), wheat allergy (WA), and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) are the five major GRDs that present with a wide range of clinical manifestations. The diagnosis of GRDs can be challenging because the typical and atypical clinical manifestations of the GRDs overlap. In this review, the current definitions of gluten-related disorders, focusing on their clinical features, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are presented. We concluded that GRDs are usually diagnosed using a combination of clinical features, serological tests, and histopathological findings. Treatment usually involves dietary modification.
Transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic: nothing noble is accomplished without danger
Authors: Spoletini Gabriele , Bianco Giuseppe , Graceffa Dario , Lai Quirino 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe global health crisis due to the fast spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused major disruption in all aspects of healthcare. Transplantation is one of the most affected sectors, as it relies on a variety of services that have been drastically occupied to treat patients affected by COVID-19. With this report from two transplant centers in Italy, we aim to reflect on resource organization, organ allocation, virus testing and transplant service provision during the course of the pandemic and to provide actionable information highlighting advantages and drawbacks.To what extent can we preserve the noble purpose of transplantation in times of increased danger? Strategies to minimize risk exposure to the transplant population and health- workers include systematic virus screening, protection devices, social distancing and reduction of patients visits to the transplant center. While resources for the transplant activity are inevitably reduced, new dilemmas arise to the transplant community: further optimization of time constraints during organ retrievals and implantation, less organs and blood products donated, limited space in the intensive care unit and the duty to maintain safety and outcomes.