bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The cytokine profile of menstrual blood
Authors: Crona Guterstam Ylva , Strunz Benedikt , Ivarsson Martin A. , Zimmer Christine , Melin Anna‐Sofia , Jonasson Aino F. , Björkström Niklas K. , Gidlöf Sebastian Brusell 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interplay between endometrial epithelial cells, endothelial cells, immune cells, and sex hormones. To communicate, cells secrete cytokines that have multiple and diverse effects on recipient cells. Knowledge of how these cells interact in the uterus is insufficient. Menstrual blood is easily accessible and provides a source to study menstrual cycle physiology. This study aimed to determine the cytokine profile in menstrual blood plasma and investigate the differences in cytokine profiles between menstrual and peripheral blood plasma. Several previous studies indicate an improved chance of embryo implantation after endometrial scratching. Consequently, our secondary aim was to compare the menstrual blood cytokine profile before and after luteal phase endometrial scratching.Material and methodsNineteen healthy donors collected menstrual blood for the first 24 hours of menstruation in two sequential cycles. Matched peripheral blood was taken at the same time. An endometrial biopsy was performed at cycle day 7‐9 post ovulation in between the two collection times. A Luminex multiplex assay was performed in one batch analyzing a predetermined group of cytokines in plasma.ResultsPeripheral blood plasma and menstrual blood plasma showed substantial significant differences in cytokine profile. In menstrual blood plasma, C5/C5a, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐1β, and CXCL8 were detected in high concentrations, whereas IL‐2, IL‐12p70, XCL1/Lymphotactin, and interferon‐γ were low. The most pronounced median differences between menstrual and peripheral blood plasma were found for IL‐6, IL‐1β, and CXCL8. The cytokine profiles of menstrual blood plasma were similar between the individual donors and did not differ over two subsequent cycles. None of the cytokines analyzed in menstrual blood plasma differed significantly before or after luteal phase endometrial scratching (P < .01).ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that the menstrual blood cytokine profile is distinctly different from peripheral blood plasma and that the inter‐individual difference in menstrual blood cytokine profile in healthy donors is limited and stable over time. The small injury caused by an endometrial biopsy does not change the cytokine profile in the subsequent menstrual cycle. Our study provides new insights into menstrual cycle physiology.
The challenge to define the optimal prophylactic regimen for vitamin K deficiency bleeding in infants
Authors: Lembo Chiara , Buonocore Giuseppe , Perrone Serafina 
Published: September 2020

AbstractInfants are at risk of vitamin K deficiency that may lead to vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). Although many vitamin K prophylactic regimens have been developed throughout the years, still cases of late form VKBD may occur. The introduction of combined prophylactic strategy with prolonged oral prophylaxes after the intramuscular dose at birth has showed a decrease of the late severe VKDB incidence. Nevertheless, there is still lack of consensus about the administration scheme after the first dose at birth.ConclusionLate form VKBD is not eradicated, and the best prophylactic regimen in term and preterm infants is still an open debate.
Reference interval for albumin‐adjusted calcium based on a large UK population
Authors: Schini Marian , Hannan Fadil M. , Walsh Jennifer S. , Eastell Richard 
Published: September 2020

AbstractContextPrimary hyperparathyroidism is a common condition and results in hypercalcaemia, especially in older women. Thus, it is critical to obtain a robust estimate for the upper limit of the reference interval for albumin‐adjusted serum calcium in the general population. The current reference interval in use in the UK (Pathology Harmony range, 2.20 to 2.60 mmol/L) was based on a consensus.ObjectivesTo establish a reference interval for albumin‐adjusted serum calcium in men and women.DesignCross‐sectional study of men and women who did not have chronic kidney disease or vitamin D deficiency; outliers were identified statistically and then rejected and then a 99% reference interval was calculated.Patients502 524 men and women aged 40 to 69 years from the UK Biobank Study.MeasurementsSerum total calcium, albumin, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, estimated glomerular function (eGFR).ResultsWe developed an equation for albumin‐adjusted serum calcium and applied it to 178 377 men and women who did not have chronic kidney disease or vitamin D deficiency. We identified 2962 (1.7%) as outliers, and when excluded, we report a 99% reference interval of 2.19 to 2.56 mmol/L (8.76 to 10.24 mg/dL). We found that for older (55‐69 years) and younger women (40‐55 years) the upper limits were 2.59 mmol/L and 2.57 mmol/L and that for all men, the upper limit was 2.55 mmol/L.ConclusionsWe have established an upper limit of the reference range for older women that would identify all high outliers (2.60 mmol/L and above). The upper limit for young women and for men is lower, at 2.57 and 2.55 mmol/L respectively. The current reference interval in use has to be updated and improved based on these findings. These upper limits may prove helpful for identifying hypercalcaemic disorders like primary hyperparathyroidism in clinical practice.
RAR‐related orphan receptor A: One gene with multiple functions related to migraine
Authors: Farahani Sedigheh , Solgi Leila , Bayat Sahar , Abedin Do Atieh , Zare‐Karizi Shohreh , Safarpour Lima Behnam , Mirfakhraie Reza 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimsRAR‐related orphan receptor (RORA) involves in regulation of several biological processes including inflammation and circadian rhythm that probably are involved in migraine pathophysiology. In the current study, the association between RORA rs11639084 and rs4774388 variants and susceptibility to migraine were investigated in a sample of Iranian migraine patients for the first time.MethodsIn a case‐control study including 400 participants, 200 migraineurs and 200 healthy controls, genotyping of RORA rs4774388 and rs11639084 polymorphisms was performed using tetra‐primer amplification refractory mutation system–polymerase chain reaction (TP‐ARMS‐PCR).ResultsThe distribution of rs4774388 C/T and T/T genotypes differed significantly between the studied groups. Moreover, an association was observed between rs4774388 and migraine under the recessive mode of inheritance (P = 0.002; OR = 1.89.; CI = 1.25‐2.87). The distribution of rs11639084 alleles and genotypes was not significantly different between migraineurs and healthy controls.ConclusionCurrent results suggest RORA, as a molecular link, may explain inflammation and circadian rhythm dysfunction in migraine. Further studies in different ethnicities are required to confirm the function of RORA in migraine development.
Prognostic significance of exercise‐induced diastolic dysfunction: A systematic review
Authors: Sud Karan , Bhatia Kirtipal Singh , Vogel Birgit , Bohra Chandrashekar , Argulian Edgar 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundRecent guidelines recommend diastolic stress testing among patients with unexplained dyspnea. Previous studies have reported exercise related change in diastolic parameters as a prognostic marker for worse outcomes. However, the role of exercise‐induced diastolic dysfunction (DD) in predicting adverse outcomes has not been fully established.MethodWe conducted a meta‐analysis to explore the prognostic significance of exercise‐induced DD. PUBMED/EMBASE/SCOPUS databases were searched for studies reporting adverse outcomes in patients undergoing exercise echocardiography based on diastolic response during exercise. Exercise‐induced DD was defined as an increase in E/e′ or E/A ratio with stress. Outcomes of interest were cardiovascular mortality or hospitalizations.ResultsA total of 8 studies were identified, including 4,462 patients who underwent exercise stress echocardiography. The follow‐up ranged from 13 months to 5 years. The major indication for stress testing was exertional dyspnea. All studies reported cardiac mortality and hospitalization in the composite outcome. Meta‐analysis conducted using random‐effects model showed that exercise‐induced DD was associated with a higher likelihood of cardiovascular mortality or hospitalization (HR = 1.32, P < .05). Significant heterogeneity was noted among the studies.ConclusionsExercise‐induced DD is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes. Changes in echocardiographic parameters such as e′ with exercise might be useful for risk stratification and identification of high‐risk patients.
A comparison of cardiac structure and function between female powerlifters, fitness‐oriented athletes, and sedentary controls
Authors: Radovanović Dragan , Stoičkov Viktor , Ignjatović Aleksandar , Scanlan Aaron T. , Jakovljević Vladimir , Stojanović Emilija 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimTo compare echocardiographic parameters between female powerlifters, fitness‐oriented athletes, and sedentary controls.MethodsA between‐subject, cross‐sectional experimental design was adopted. Echocardiographic parameters were measured in female powerlifters (n = 10; progressive overload 60%–95% of 1 repetition maximum [RM]), fitness‐oriented athletes (n = 10; 50%–70% of 1‐RM), and sedentary control subjects (n = 10). Comparisons were made with Kruskal‐Wallis tests, one‐way analyses of variance, and eta‐squared (η2) interpreted as small = 0.01–0.06, moderate = 0.061‐0.14, and large >0.14.ResultsLarge differences (P > .05) were observed between resistance‐trained groups and sedentary controls, whereby relative wall thickness (RWT) and left ventricular (LV) index were greater in powerlifters (RWT: 0.40 ± 0.05, η2 = 0.15; LV index: 95.6 ± 13.6 g/m2, η2 = 0.15) and fitness‐oriented athletes (RWT: 0.40 ± 0.05, η2 = 0.15; LV index: 97.9 ± 14.2 g/m2, η2 = 0.20) compared to sedentary controls (RWT: 0.36 ± 0.05; LV index: 85.9 ± 10.3 g/m2). Large differences were observed in intra‐ventricular septal wall thickness (ISWT) and late diastolic velocity (a') between groups, whereby powerlifters exhibited lower a' (8.6 ± 1.2 cm/s) compared to fitness‐oriented athletes (9.9 ± 0.9 cm/s, η2 = 0.26, P = .04) and sedentary controls (9.6 ± 0.9 cm/s, η2 = 0.19, P > .05), while fitness‐oriented athletes exhibited greater ISWT (10.1 ± 0.7 mm) compared to sedentary controls (9.4 ± 1.0 mm, η2 = 0.16, P > .05).ConclusionsDifferences in cardiac structure between powerlifters, fitness‐oriented athletes, and sedentary controls suggest specific cardiac remodeling may occur in response to resistance training, without impairment of cardiac function.
National registry of haemophilia and other coagulopathies: A multisector initiative in the Colombian Health System
Authors: Alvis Luisa Fernanda , Sánchez Patricia , Acuña Lizbeth , Escobar Germán , Linares Adriana , Solano María Helena , Robledo Sergio 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionHaemophilia is an orphan and high‐cost disease worldwide and, especially in middle‐income countries as Colombia. Given its burden of disease, in 2014, a national administrative registry was created to centralize demographic, clinical and economic information regarding to haemophilia and other coagulopathies.ObjectiveTo describe the building and implementation processes of the Colombian registry of haemophilia and other coagulopathies.MethodsThe 'consensus conference' methodology was used to design the registry. It was a multisector process, which included different actors of the health system (healthcare payers and providers, government institutions, academic and scientific organizations and patients).ResultsColombia's national registry includes 95 variables, grouped in four sections: (1) sociodemographic data, (2) clinical condition, (3) economic costs, and (4) administrative updates. According to a resolution, stated by the Ministry of Health, payers and providers of healthcare must report annually to the registry the information of new and existing patients with coagulopathies.ConclusionsA national registry serves as an organized and interactive system for monitoring morbidity and mortality, assessing healthcare access and its impact on disease complications, as well as associated costs to medical assistance. Furthermore, registry information can guide a rational making decision process to use economic resources efficiently. On the other hand, data about orphan diseases can encourage health research and evidence‐based care to improve quality of life and reduce associated disability.
Respiratory symptoms and chronic bronchitis in people with and without HIV infection
Authors: Sabin CA , Kunisaki KM , Bagkeris E , Post FA , Sachikonye M , Boffito M , Anderson J , Mallon PWG , Williams I , Vera JH , Johnson M , Babalis D , Winston A 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesHigh rates of respiratory symptoms and chronic bronchitis (CB) are reported in people with HIV infection (PWH). We investigated the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and CB in PWH and HIV‐negative people in the Pharmacokinetic and clinical Observations in PeoPle over fiftY (POPPY) study.MethodsAssessment of respiratory symptoms and CB was undertaken using the modified form of the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Univariate (χ2 tests, Mann–Whitney U tests and Spearman’s rank correlation) and multivariable (linear and logistic regression) analyses were performed to consider associations of respiratory symptoms with demographic, lifestyle and HIV‐related parameters, and with depressive symptoms and quality of life.ResultsAmong the 619 participants, respiratory Symptom scores were higher in older and younger PWH compared to older HIV‐negative people, with median (interquartile range) scores of 17.7 (6.2, 39.5), 17.5 (0.9, 30.0) and 9.0 (0.9, 17.5), respectively (P = 0.0001); these differences remained significant after confounder adjustment. Sixty‐three participants (10.2%) met the criteria for CB [44 (14.0%) older PWH, 14 (9.2%) younger PWH, and five (3.3%) older HIV‐negative people; P = 0.002], with these differences also remaining after adjustment for confounding variables, particularly smoking status [older vs. younger PWH: odds ratio (OR) 4.48 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.64, 12.30); P = 0.004; older PWH vs. HIV‐negative people: OR 4.53 (95% CI 1.12, 18.28); P = 0.03]. Respiratory symptoms and CB were both associated with greater depressive symptom scores and poorer quality of life. No strong associations were reported between CB and immune function, HIV RNA or previous diagnosis of any AIDS event.ConclusionsRespiratory symptoms and CB are more common in PWH than in demographically and lifestyle‐similar HIV‐negative people and are associated with poorer mental health and quality of life.
Evaluation of COVID‐19 coagulopathy; laboratory characterization using thrombin generation and nonconventional haemostasis assays
Authors: White Danielle , MacDonald Stephen , Edwards Tara , Bridgeman Chris , Hayman Megan , Sharp Megan , Cox‐Morton Sally , Duff Emily , Mahajan Swati , Moore Chloe , Kirk Melissa , Williams Richard , Besser Martin , Thomas Will 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionPatients with COVID‐19 are known to have a coagulopathy with a thrombosis risk. It is unknown whether this is due to a generalized humoral prothrombotic state or endothelial factors such as inflammation and dysfunction. The aim was to further characterize thrombin generation using a novel analyser (ST Genesia, Diagnostica Stago, Asnières, France) and a panel of haematological analytes in patients with COVID‐19.MethodsPlatelet poor plasma of 34 patients with noncritical COVID‐19 was compared with 75 patients with critical COVID‐19 (as defined by WHO criteria) in a retrospective study by calibrated automated thrombography and ELISA. Patients were matched for baseline characteristics of age and gender.ResultsCritical patients had significantly increased fibrinogen, CRP, interleukin‐6 and D‐dimer compared to noncritical patients. Thrombin generation, in critical patients, was right shifted without significant differences in peak, velocity index or endogenous thrombin potential. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly increased in the critical versus noncritical patients. Critically ill patients were on haemodiafiltration (31%; heparin used in the circuit) or often received escalated prophylactic low‐molecular weight heparin.ConclusionThese results confirm increased fibrinogen and D‐dimer in critical COVID‐19‐infected patients. Importantly, disease severity did not increase thrombin generation (including thrombin‐antithrombin complexes and prothrombin fragment 1 + 2) when comparing both cohorts; counter‐intuitively critical patients were hypocoaguable. tPA, TFPI and VEGF were increased in critical patients, which are hypothesized to reflect endothelial dysfunction and/or contribution of heparin (which may cause endothelial TFPI/tPA release).
Supporting immigrant cultural rights: The roles of deprovincialization and identity continuity
Authors: Velthuis Evi , Verkuyten Maykel , Smeekes Anouk 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis research examines the role of deprovincialization, conceptualized in terms of a nuanced perspective on one’s in‐group culture, for majority members’ support for immigrants’ cultural practices and expressive rights. In three studies using data from samples drawn from nationally representative panels in the Netherlands (additionally analyzed in an internal meta‐analysis of N = 1,791), it was found that deprovincialization is a unique and robust predictor of support for immigrant rights, above and beyond prejudicial feelings, political orientation, level of education, gender, age, and religious affiliation. Furthermore, deprovincialization was found to be independent of national identification, which in previous research has been used as a proxy for deprovincialization. Additionally and in trying to conceptually replicate the pattern of findings (Studies 2 and 3), two different measures of perceived concern about the continuity of the in‐group culture and identity were found to weaken the deprovincialization‐support association. The findings go beyond existing research by focusing on the cultural openness understanding of deprovincialization and demonstrating the robust importance of how majority members understand their in‐group for their support of immigrants’ practices and rights.
Montane regions shape patterns of diversification in small mammals and reptiles from Madagascar’s moist evergreen forest
Authors: Everson Kathryn M. , Jansa Sharon A. , Goodman Steven M. , Olson Link E. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimMadagascar is renowned for its exceptional species diversity and endemism. The island's mountainous regions are thought to have played a role in lineage and species diversification, but this has yet to be explored across taxonomic groups and a temporal context has not yet been identified. We tested whether montane regions have promoted population divergence in Madagascar's vertebrate fauna and, if so, whether these divergence events were contemporaneous.LocationMoist evergreen forests of Madagascar.TaxaSmall mammals and reptiles.MethodsWe analysed mitochondrial DNA data from 20 small‐mammal and five reptile species widely distributed across Madagascar's moist evergreen forests. We used phylogenetic and population genetic analyses to identify major phylogeographic patterns, then used linear regression to determine if the strength of phylogeographic structure is related to taxon, body size or elevation. Finally, we tested whether or not divergence across highlands occurred synchronously in multiple species, and used simulations to assess the power of these analyses to accurately estimate divergence times.ResultsWe observed a shared phylogeographic pattern across multiple species that suggests Madagascar's northern, central and southern highlands have served as important regions of diversification on Madagascar. This pattern was recovered across taxa with varying body sizes and elevational distributions. We also identified four pulses of divergence between the northern and central highlands since the late Miocene, although simulations suggest that our empirical data cannot recover the number or timing of divergence events with high certainty. Finally, we observed several instances of deep intraspecific genetic splits, suggesting that several of the species we evaluated may represent cryptic species complexes.Main ConclusionsWe identified a highland‐driven phylogeographic pattern plus several cases of cryptic endemism and recent speciation, which have important evolutionary and conservation implications. This work presents a new phylogeographic hypothesis for recent diversification on Madagascar, reaffirms the urgent need for continued collection of voucher specimens and illuminates areas of particular importance for safeguarding genetic diversity in one of the world's foremost and threatened biodiversity hotspots.
Objective masticatory efficiency and subjective quality of masticatory function among patients with periodontal disease
Authors: Barbe Anna Greta , Javadian Simin , Rott Thea , Scharfenberg Isabel , Deutscher Helena Caterina Deborah , Noack Michael Johannes , Derman Sonja Henny Maria 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimsTo examine patient‐centred clinical outcomes for objective masticatory efficiency (OME) and subjective quality of masticatory function (QMF) among periodontitis patients using test methods easily applicable in daily practice.Materials and MethodsCross‐sectional investigation of patients undergoing supportive periodontal therapy (n = 224). Outcomes included OME and QMF related to periodontitis characteristics.ResultsOME and QMF were associated (x2 = 0.252, p = 0.037) and showed highest values in stage 4 according to the new classification of periodontal disease. There were correlations particularly in stage 2 between OME and number of teeth (x2 = −0.317, p < 0.001), Quigley–Hein Index (x2 = 0.152, p = 0.031), attachment level (x2 = 0.268, p < 0.001), probing depths (x2 = 0.185, p = 0.006), tooth mobility (x2 = 0.147, p = 0.031) and functional occlusal units (x2 = −0.423, p < 0.001) but not bleeding on probing. A trend existed between QMF and number of teeth (x2 = −0.237, p = 0.050) and functional occlusal units (x2 = 0.238, p = 0.058), but not other periodontal findings.ConclusionsOME and QMF values represent each other and are highest in stage 4. Periodontitis findings influence masticatory efficiency particularly in stage 2, but gingival inflammation does not. Number of teeth and functional occlusal units are associated with QMF, while periodontitis findings have less impact. An assessment of mastication should be routinely included in the diagnosis of periodontitis patients in all stages.
Morphological, ecological and physiological characteristics of downstream‐migrating and non‐migrating Pacific bicolor eels Anguilla bicolorpacifica
Authors: Hagihara Seishi , Aoyama Jun , Limbong Daniel , Tsukamoto Katsumi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis is the first study describing the morphological, ecological and physiological characteristics of two downstream‐migrating and two non‐migrating female Pacific bicolor eels, Anguilla bicolor pacifica. The total length and age of the downstream‐migrating eels were 1005 mm and 10 years and 1110 mm and 11 years old, respectively, and those of the non‐migrating eels were 892 mm and 8 years and 805 mm and 9 years, respectively. Silvering‐related characteristics (silvering index, eye index, pectoral‐fin index, gut‐somatic index and swimbladder‐somatic index) and reproductive physiological characteristics (gonado‐somatic index, follicle diameter, oocyte stage, transcription of gonadotropins and concentration of sex steroids) of the migrating eels were more advanced than those of the non‐migrating eels.