bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) reference equations for diffusing capacity in relation to respiratory burden in the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS)
Authors: Malinovschi Andrei , Zhou Xingwu , Bake Björn , Bergström Göran , Blomberg Anders , Brisman Jonas , Caidahl Kenneth , Engström Gunnar , Eriksson Maria J. , Frølich Andreas , Janson Christer , Jansson Kjell , Vikgren Jenny , Lindberg Anne , Linder Robert , Mannila Maria , Persson Hans L. , Sköld C. Magnus , Torén Kjell , Östgren Carl J. , Wollmer Per , Engvall Jan E. 
Published: April 2020

The Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) has recently published international reference values for diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Lower limit of normal (LLN),i.e.the 5th percentile, usually defines impairedDLCO. We examined if the GLI LLN forDLCOdiffers from the LLN in a Swedish population of healthy, never-smoking individuals and how any such differences affect identification of subjects with respiratory burden.Spirometry,DLCO, chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and questionnaires were obtained from the first 15 040 participants, aged 50–64 years, of the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS). Both GLI reference values and the lambda-mu-sigma (LMS) method were used to define the LLN in asymptomatic never-smokers without respiratory disease (n=4903, of which 2329 were women).Both the median and LLN forDLCOfrom SCAPIS were above the median and LLN from the GLI (p<0.05). The prevalence ofDLCO<GLI LLN (and also <SCAPIS LLN) was 3.9%, while the prevalence ofDLCO>GLI LLN but <SCAPIS LLN was 5.7%. Subjects withDLCO>GLI LLN but <SCAPIS LLN (n=860) had more emphysema (14.3%versus4.5%, p<0.001), chronic airflow limitation (8.5%versus3.9%, p<0.001) and chronic bronchitis (8.3%versus4.4%, p<0.01) than subjects (n=13 600) with normalDLCO(>GLI LLN and >SCAPIS LLN). No differences were found with regard to physician-diagnosed asthma.The GLI LLN forDLCOis lower than the estimated LLN in healthy, never-smoking, middle-aged Swedish adults. Individuals withDLCOabove the GLI LLN but below the SCAPIS LLN had, to a larger extent, an increased respiratory burden. This suggests clinical implications for choosing an adequate LLN for studied populations.
Minimal clinically important differences in average, best, worst and current intensity and unpleasantness of chronic breathlessness
Authors: Ekström Magnus , Johnson Miriam J. , Huang Chao , Currow David C. 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundChronic breathlessness has devastating consequences. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for current intensity has been estimated as 9 mm on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). We aimed to determine MCIDs for commonly used dimensions and recall periods: the current unpleasantness and current, average, best and worst intensity of the past 24 h for chronic breathlessness.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial of morphineversusplacebo over 7 days in people with chronic breathlessness from severe disease. The breathlessness scores were self-reported using a diary each evening on 100-mm VAS. The MCID for improvement in each score was estimated using anchor-based and distribution-based methods.Results283 participants (mean age 74.2 years; 63% male; 58% COPD; 87.0% modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) score 3–4) were included. Anchor-based MCIDs for breathlessness scores ranged from −13.9 mm to −9.5 mm. The MCIDs were similar when using different anchors and across all participants, and participants with more severe breathlessness (mMRC 3–4). Distribution-based effect sizes were classed as small (−4.7−6.3 mm), moderate (−9.4−12.5 mm) and large (−15.0−20.0 mm) effect. Sample sizes for trials using the different scores were proposed. MCIDs of absolute change were more stable than using relative change from baseline.ConclusionAn improvement of ∼10 mm on a 100-mm VAS is likely to be clinically meaningful across commonly used measures of chronic breathlessness (current intensity, unpleasantness, and average, best and worst intensity over the past 24 h) to evaluate clinical benefit and effects in therapeutic trials.
High cytomegalovirus serology and subsequent COPD-related mortality: a longitudinal study
Authors: Nenna Raffaella , Zhai Jing , Packard Samuel E. , Spangenberg Amber , Sherrill Duane L. , Martinez Fernando D. , Halonen Marilyn , Guerra Stefano 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundPositive serology for cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been associated with all-cause mortality risk but its role in COPD mortality is unknown. The objective of the present study was to assess the relationship between CMV serology and COPD mortality.MethodsWe analysed data from 806 participants in the Tucson Epidemiological Study of Airway Obstructive Disease who, at enrolment, were aged 28–70 years and had completed lung function tests. We tested CMV serology in sera from enrolment and defined “high CMV serology” as being in the highest tertile. Vital status, date and cause of death were assessed through death certificates and/or linkage with the National Death Index up to January 2017. The association of CMV serology with all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk was tested in Cox models adjusted for age, sex, level of education, body mass index, smoking status and pack-years.ResultsHigh CMV serology was marginally associated with all-cause mortality (p=0.071) but the effect was inversely dependent on age, with the association being much stronger among participants <55 years than among participants ≥55 years at enrolment (p-value for CMV-by-age interaction <0.001). Compared with low CMV serology, high CMV serology was associated with mortality from COPD among all subjects (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 2.38, 95% CI 1.11–5.08; p=0.025) and particularly in subjects <55 years old at enrolment (HR 5.40, 95% CI 1.73–16.9; p=0.004). Consistent with these results, high CMV serology also predicted mortality risk among subjects who already had airflow limitation at enrolment (HR 2.10, 95% CI 1.20–3.68; p=0.009).ConclusionsWe report a strong relationship between CMV serology and the risk of dying from COPD, and thus identify a novel risk factor for COPD mortality.
Epidemiological features and medical care-seeking process of patients with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China
Authors: Hua Jing , Chen Rongzhang , Zhao Liming , Wu Xiaodong , Guo Qian , He Chunfeng , Li Tian , Ren Xiaoyu , Liu Zhongmin , Li Qiang , Wang Feilong 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate the epidemiological and clinical features, and medical care-seeking process of patients with the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China, to provide useful information to contain COVID-19 in other places with similar outbreaks of the virus.MethodsWe collected epidemiological and clinical information of patients with COVID-19 admitted to a makeshift Fangcang hospital between 7 and 26 February, 2020. The waiting time of each step during the medical care-seeking process was also analysed.ResultsOf the 205 patients with COVID-19 infection, 31% had presumed transmission from a family member. 10% of patients had hospital-related transmission. It took as long as a median of 6 days from the first medical visit to receive the COVID-19 nucleic acid test and 10 days from the first medical visit to hospital admission, indicating early recognition of COVID-19 was not achieved at the early stage of the outbreak, although these delays were shortened later. After clinical recovery from COVID-19, which took a mean of 21 days from illness onset, there was still a substantial proportion of patients who had persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection.ConclusionsThe diagnostic evaluation process of suspected patients needs to be accelerated at the epicentre of the outbreak and early isolation of infected patients in a healthcare setting rather than at home is urgently required to stop the spread of the virus. Clinical recovery is not an appropriate criterion to release isolated patients and as long as 4 weeks' isolation for patients with COVID-19 is not enough to prevent the spread of the virus.
Assessing work capacity – reviewing the what and how of physicians’ clinical practice
Authors: Nordling P. , Priebe G. , Björkelund C. , Hensing G. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Although a main task in the sickness certification process, physicians’ clinical practice when assessing work capacity has not been thoroughly described. Increased knowledge on the matter is needed to better understand and support the certification process. In this review, we aimed to synthesise existing qualitative evidence to provide a clearer description of the assessment of work capacity as practiced by physicians.

Method
Seven electronic databases were searched systematically for qualitative studies examining what and how physicians do when they assess work capacity. Data was analysed and integrated using thematic synthesis.

Results
Twelve articles were included. Results show that physicians seek to form a knowledge base including understanding the condition, the patient and the patient’s workplace. They consider both medical and non-medical aspects to affect work capacity. To acquire and process the information they use various skills, methods and resources. Medical competence is an important basis, but not enough. Time, trust, intuition and reasoning are also used to assess the patient’s claims and to translate the findings into a final assessment. The depth and focus of the information seeking and processing vary depending on several factors.

Conclusion
The assessment of work capacity is a complex task where physicians rely on their non-medical skills to a higher degree than in ordinary clinical work. These skills are highly relevant but need to be complemented with access to appropriate resources such as understanding of the associations between health, work and social security, enough time in daily work for the assessment and ways to better understand the patient’s work place. Also, the notion of an “objective” evaluation is questioned, calling for a greater appreciation of the complexity of the assessment and the role of professional judgement.
Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in an IgG2-deficient patient with multiple sclerosis on fingolimod therapy for more than five years – case report
Authors: Wienemann Tobias , Müller Ann-Kristin , MacKenzie Colin , Bielor Carina , Weyers Vivien , Aktas Orhan , Hartung Hans-Peter , Kremer David 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Fingolimod (Gilenya®), a first-in-class sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator is approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Fingolimod-induced selective immunosuppression leads to an increased risk of opportunistic infections such as cryptococcosis. So far, a total of 8 cases of fingolimod-related cryptococcal meningoencephalitis have been published.

Case presentation
A 49-year-old female with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis presented with cephalgia, fever, confusion and generalized weakness. She had been on fingolimod therapy for the past 5.5 years. Clinical examination suggested meningoencephalitis and laboratory findings showed an IgG2 deficiency. Initially no pathogen could be detected, but after 4 days Cryptococcus neoformans was found in the patient’s blood cultures leading to the diagnosis of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. After antimycotic therapy, her symptoms improved and the patient was discharged.

Conclusion
MS patients on immunomodulatory therapy are at constant risk for opportunistic infections. Cephalgia, fever and generalized weakness in combination with fingolimod-induced lymphopenia should be considered a red flag for cryptococcosis.
Sex-specific Effects of α2δ-1 in the Ventromedial Hypothalamus of Female Mice Controlling Glucose and Lipid Balance
Authors: Felsted Jennifer A , Meng Alice , Ameroso Dominique , Rios Maribel 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The thrombospondin receptor alpha2delta-1 (α2δ-1) plays essential roles promoting the activity of SF1 neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and mediating glucose and lipid metabolism in male mice. Its role in the VMH of female mice remains to be defined, especially considering that this hypothalamic region is sexually dimorphic. We found that α2δ-1 depletion in SF1 neurons differentially affects glucose and lipid balance control and sympathetic tone in females compared to males. Mutant females show a modest increase in relative body weight gain when fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and normal energy expenditure, indicating that α2δ-1 is not a critical regulator of energy balance in females, similar to males. However, diminished α2δ-1 function in the VMH leads to enhanced glycemic control in females fed a chow diet, in contrast to the glucose intolerance reported previously in mutant males. Interestingly, the effects of α2δ-1 on glucose balance in females are influenced by diet. Accordingly, females but not males lacking α2δ-1 exhibit diminished glycemic control as well as susceptibility to hepatic steatosis when fed a HFD. Increased hepatic sympathetic tone and CD36 mRNA expression and reduced adiponectin levels underlie these diet-induced metabolic alterations in mutant females. The results indicate that α2δ-1 in VMH SF1 neurons critically regulates metabolic function through sexually dimorphic mechanisms. These findings are clinically relevant since metabolic alterations have been reported as a side effect in human patients prescribed gabapentinoid drugs, known to inhibit α2δ-1 function, for the treatment of seizure disorders, neuropathic pain, and anxiety disorders.
Mis12 controls cyclin B1 stabilization via Cdc14B-mediated APC/CCdh1 regulation during meiotic G2/M transition in mouse oocytes
Authors: Bai Guang-Yu , Choe Min Ho , Kim Jae-Sung , Oh Jeong Su 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT
Mammalian oocytes are arrested at G2/prophase of the first meiosis. After a hormone surge, oocytes resume meiosis, undergoing germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). This process is regulated by Cdk1/cyclin B1. Here, we report that Mis12 is required for G2/M transition by regulating cyclin B1 accumulation via Cdc14B-mediated APC/CCdh1 regulation, but is not essential for spindle and chromosome dynamics during meiotic maturation. Depletion of Mis12 severely compromised GVBD by impairing cyclin B1 accumulation. Importantly, impaired GVBD after Mis12 depletion was rescued not only by overexpressing cyclin B1 but also by depleting Cdc14B or Cdh1. Notably, oocytes rescued by cyclin B1 overexpression exhibited normal spindle and chromosome organization with intact kinetochore-microtubule attachments. In addition, after being rescued by cyclin B1 overexpression, Mis12-depleted oocytes normally extruded polar bodies. Moreover, Mis12-depleted oocytes formed pronuclear structures after fertilization but failed to develop beyond zygotes. Interestingly, Mis12 was localized in the cytoplasm and spindle poles in oocytes, in contrast to kinetochore localization in somatic cells. Therefore, our results demonstrate that Mis12 is required for meiotic G2/M transition but is dispensable for meiotic progression through meiosis I and II.
Family planning science and practice lessons from the 2018 International Conference on Family Planning
Authors: Rusatira Jean Christophe , Silberg Claire , Mickler Alexandria , Salmeron Carolina , Twahirwa Rwema Jean Olivier , Johnstone Maia , Martinez Michelle , Rimon Jose G. , Zimmerman Linnea 
Published: April 2020

Since 2009, the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) has served as an opportunity for the global reproductive health community to share FP advances and practice lessons in the areas of research, programming, and advocacy. The key takeaways from all 15 tracks were grouped into six thematic areas: 1) Investing in family planning for a lifetime of returns. FP may yield different health and monetary benefits but continues to face a shortage of funding, although locally owned models provide alternative financing solutions. 2) Addressing inequities in family planning for adolescents, youth, and key populations. Marginalized populations and youth still face challenges in accessing FP. Youth-inclusive and user-centered programming show promise in addressing such challenges. 3) Reproductive justice: Abortion care, family planning, and women’s wellbeing. Unsafe abortions tend to be more common among younger, poor, uneducated and rural women. Promising evidence show that providers may effectively shift from unsafe practices of dilation and curettage to safer manual vacuum aspiration or misoprostol. 4) Couple dynamics and family planning decision-making. Couples who share everyday life decision-making are more likely to use contraceptives; couple discordance on childbearing and fertility decisions directly influence women’s decisions to covertly use FP. 5) Male involvement in FP programming. Male champions and advocates can successfully promote couple uptake of FP. Gender-transformative programming promotes gender equity and can directly impact behavior change. 6) Breakthroughs in novel contraceptives and systems improvement in family planning. User-centered contraceptive technologies and information systems present an opportunity to facilitate self-care and optimal supply chain management. ICFP 2018 highlighted research advances, implementation science wins, and critical knowledge gaps in global FP access and use. More research is needed to determine the scalability of novel technologies, more effective programming and service delivery models to ensure multisectoral knowledge translation and utilization by policymakers.
Photonic simulation of giant atom decay
Authors: Longhi Stefano 
Published: April 2020

Spontaneous emission of an excited atom in a featureless continuum of electromagnetic modes is a fundamental process in quantum electrodynamics associated with an exponential decay of the quantum emitter to its ground state accompanied by an irreversible emission of a photon. However, such a simple scenario is deeply modified when considering a “giant” atom, i.e., an atom whose dimension is larger than the wavelength of the emitted photon. In such an unconventional regime, non-Markovian effects and strong deviations from an exponential decay are observed owing to interference effects arising from nonlocal light–atom coupling. Here we suggest a photonic simulation of non-Markovian giant atom decay, based on light escape dynamics in an optical waveguide nonlocally coupled to a waveguide lattice. Major effects, such as nonexponential decay, enhancement, or slowing down of the decay, and formation of atom-field dark states can be emulated in this system.
Rethinking Security in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: De Azevedo Ana Cordeiro 
Published: April 2020

A Europa e o mundo viram-se forçados a enfrentar um novo paradigma de Segurança nas últimas décadas, em grande parte por força das alterações sociais, políticas e económicas decorrentes da globalização, mas sobretudo, pela velocidade com que estas mudanças se registam, que dificultam a evolução das políticas ou da legislação, mas sobretudo, o ajuste das mentalidades.
Propomos uma reflexão sobre alguns dos temas susceptíveis de produzir riscos para a Segurança no século XXI, nomeadamente a conjugação de fatores como alterações demográficas / climáticas / migrações, ou o impacto das (tele)comunicações nos processos de decisão democrática e na saúde e bem-estar da população.
Comparing the performance of forced aligners used in sociophonetic research
Authors: Gonzalez Simon , Grama James , Travis Catherine E. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Forced aligners have revolutionized sociophonetics, but while there are several forced aligners available, there are few systematic comparisons of their performance. Here, we consider four major forced aligners used in sociophonetics today: MAUS, FAVE, LaBB-CAT and MFA. Through comparisons with human coders, we find that both aligner and phonological context affect the quality of automated alignments of vowels extracted from English sociolinguistic interview data. MFA and LaBB-CAT produce the highest quality alignments, in some cases not significantly different from human alignment, followed by FAVE, and then MAUS. Aligners are less accurate placing boundaries following a vowel than preceding it, and they vary in accuracy across manner of articulation, particularly for following boundaries. These observations allow us to make specific recommendations for manual correction of forced alignment.
Neural Differentiation is Moderated by Age in Scene-Selective, But Not Face-Selective, Cortical Regions
Authors: Srokova Sabina , Hill Paul F. , Koen Joshua D. , King Danielle R. , Rugg Michael D. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe aging brain is characterized by neural dedifferentiation, an apparent decrease in the functional selectivity of category-selective cortical regions. Age-related reductions in neural differentiation have been proposed to play a causal role in cognitive aging. Recent findings suggest, however, that age-related dedifferentiation is not equally evident for all stimulus categories and, additionally, that the relationship between neural differentiation and cognitive performance is not moderated by age. In light of these findings, in the present experiment, younger and older human adults (males and females) underwent fMRI as they studied words paired with images of scenes or faces before a subsequent memory task. Neural selectivity was measured in two scene-selective (parahippocampal place area (PPA) and retrosplenial cortex (RSC)] and two face-selective [fusiform face area (FFA) and occipital face area (OFA)] regions using both a univariate differentiation index and multivoxel pattern similarity analysis. Both methods provided highly convergent results, which revealed evidence of age-related reductions in neural dedifferentiation in scene-selective but not face-selective cortical regions. Additionally, neural differentiation in the PPA demonstrated a positive, age-invariant relationship with subsequent source memory performance (recall of the image category paired with each recognized test word). These findings extend prior findings suggesting that age-related neural dedifferentiation is not a ubiquitous phenomenon, and that the specificity of neural responses to scenes is predictive of subsequent memory performance independently of age.