bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A nurse‐led, rheumatologist‐assisted telemedicine intervention for dose escalation of urate‐lowering therapy in gout
Authors: Phang Kee Fong , Santosa Amelia , Low Bernadette P. L. , Tan Pamela S. H. , Khong Zhi Wei , Lim Anita Y. N. , Teng Gim Gee , Tay Sen Hee 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimsUrate‐lowering therapy (ULT) is effective in gout, but suboptimal management with wide variability in dose escalation remains widespread. We protocolized dose escalation of ULT to improve gout management. The aim was to reduce time to achieve target serum urate (SU) <360 µmol/L.MethodsProcess improvement tools were used to identify underlying causes of prolonged time to target SU. We designed a nurse‐led telemedicine intervention for dose escalation of ULT. Patients with gout with SU ≥360 µmol/L meeting indications for ULT at a single institution were recruited. Exclusion criteria were estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min, pregnancy, cognitive impairment and poor mobility. A nurse‐led telemedicine clinic was set up to perform patient education, monitoring of adverse events and drug escalation. We partnered with primary healthcare centers for routine blood tests.ResultsFrom July 2016 to December 2017, 127 patients were recruited. Median time to target SU was 19.0 weeks (interquartile range [IQR] 11.0‐31.0). Median dose of allopurinol was 300 mg/d (IQR 200‐400) in normal renal function and lower in renal impairment. Median telemedicine calls required to achieve target SU was 2 (IQR 1‐3). No patient was hospitalized for gout flares. Two patients had adverse drug reactions, one required cessation of allopurinol for rash with eosinophilia, the other had self‐resolving ulcers and allopurinol was continued. Lower baseline SU and number of gout flares were associated with attainment of target SU.ConclusionA nurse‐led telemedicine for gout care is effective and safe. Our results affirm the utility of telemedicine in increasing access to care and lower healthcare utilization.
Anti‐alanyl tRNA positive antisynthase syndrome with Kaposi sarcoma
Authors: He Nan , Lu Dingqi , Xue Jing , Wang Xinchang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe report a rare case of antisynthase syndrome (ASS) complicated with Kaposi sarcoma, analyze its clinical characteristics, and review the literature on the topic. An 80‐year‐old male patient developed fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Lung high‐resolution computed tomography showed nonspecific interstitial pneumonia in both lungs, and myositis antibody examination showed strongly positive anti‐alanyl tRNA synthase (PL‐12) antibodies. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with ASS. After full‐dose glucocorticoid treatment, the symptoms of fever and cough were relieved, but skin thickening and pigmentation in both feet were observed. We confirmed Kaposi sarcoma through skin pathology and immunohistochemical examination of the bottom of the patient's feet, and the patient was transferred to a cancer hospital for radiotherapy. ASS presents with some skin changes that might lead to misdiagnosis. ASS complicated with Kaposi sarcoma is rare, and to our knowledge, this is the first case reported in China.
Blood glucose fluctuations detected by continuous glucose monitoring system in gout patients with normal glucose tolerance and the effect of urate‐lowering therapy
Authors: Mu Zepeng , Wang Jing , Wang Wei , Lv Wenshan , Chen Ying , Wang Fang , Zhao Yuhang , Dong Bingzi , Wang Yangang , Wang Zhongchao 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate whether there are blood glucose fluctuations in gout patients with hyperuricemia and normal glucose tolerance, and the effect of urate‐lowering therapy on blood glucose fluctuations.MethodsThirty patients with newly diagnosed gout, hyperuricemia and normal glucose tolerance were enrolled in our study. Continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) was used to detect the blood glucose fluctuations of these gout patients. Changes in blood glucose fluctuations after allopurinol therapy were also evaluated.ResultsCompared with the reference values of blood glucose fluctuation parameters in China, gout patients had greater glycemic fluctuations including higher mean amplitude of glucose excursions (MAGE) (4.65 vs 1.94 mmol/L, P < .001), higher largest amplitude of blood glucose excursions (LAGE) (4.99 vs 3.72 mmol/L, P < .001) and higher standard deviations of blood glucose (SDBG) (1.36 vs 0.79 mmol/L, P < .001). MAGE was significantly correlated with uric acid (β = .007, P = .024) and HOMA‐insulin resistance (IR) (β = .508, P = .03). Allopurinol treatment significantly reduced MAGE (4.16 vs 4.65 mmol/L, P < .001), SDBG (0.99 vs 1.36 mmol/L, P < .001) and HOMA‐IR (2.26 vs 3.01, P < .001) in gout patients.ConclusionBlood glucose fluctuation increased even in the stage of normal glucose tolerance among gout patients. Blood glucose fluctuations in gout patients were associated with the level of serum uric acid and allopurinol could decrease blood glucose fluctuation as well as IR.
The problem of widows
Authors: DAVIDSON JOANNA 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTHow does an ethnographer inquire about a social category that is neither named nor recognized as such? The Ejamat Jola language has no word for widow, even though more than a third of households in the Jola villages of Guinea‐Bissau are occupied by women whose husbands have died. Over years of fieldwork, I have tried to explain why widows were not named or even seen by Jola villagers. Chronicling how each of my explanations was undercut by both Jola responses and my own critical scrutiny, I recount the impasses of an ethnographic quest and show the gradual process of gaining insight into experiences that cannot be encapsulated by either local or anthropological models. The unspeakable can signal not only profound fragilities in social relations but also openings for new social formations beyond the normative bounds of received cultural categories. [widows, marriage, gender, production, reproduction, silence, ethnography, Jola, Guinea‐Bissau, West Africa]
Comprehensive genomic diagnosis of inherited retinal and optical nerve disorders reveals hidden syndromes and personalized therapeutic options
Authors: Diñeiro Marta , Capín Raquel , Cifuentes Guadalupe Á. , Fernández‐Vega Beatriz , Villota Eva , Otero Andrea , Santiago Adrián , Pruneda Patricia C. , Castillo David , Viejo‐Díaz Mónica , Hernando Inés , Durán Noelia S. , Álvarez Rebeca , Lago Claudia G. , Ordóñez Gonzalo R. , Fernández‐Vega Álvaro , Cabanillas Rubén , Cadiñanos Juan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPurposeIn the era of precision medicine, genomic characterization of blind patients is critical. Here, we evaluate the effects of comprehensive genetic analysis on the etiologic diagnosis of potentially hereditary vision loss and its impact on clinical management.MethodsWe studied 100 non‐syndromic and syndromic Spanish patients with a clinical diagnosis of blindness caused by alterations on the retina, choroid, vitreous and/or optic nerve. We used a next‐generation sequencing (NGS) panel (OFTALMOgenics™), developed and validated within this study, including up to 362 genes previously associated with these conditions.ResultsWe identified the genetic cause of blindness in 45% of patients (45/100). A total of 28.9% of genetically diagnosed cases (13/45) were syndromic and, of those, in 30.8% (4/13) extraophthalmic features had been overlooked and/or not related to visual impairment before genetic testing, including cases with Mainzer‐Saldino, Bardet‐Biedl, mucolipidosis and MLCRD syndromes. In two additional cases–syndromic blindness had been proposed before, but not specifically diagnosed, and one patient with Heimler syndrome had been misdiagnosed as an Usher case before testing. 33.3% of the genetically diagnosed patients (15/45) had causative variants in genes targeted by clinical trials exploring the curative potential of gene therapy approaches.ConclusionComprehensive genomic testing provided clinically relevant insights in a large proportion of blind patients, identifying potential therapeutic opportunities or previously undiagnosed syndromes in 42.2% of the genetically diagnosed cases (19/45).
Growth failure is rare in a contemporary cohort of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: Ashton James J. , Green Zachary , Young Aneurin , Borca Florina , Coelho Tracy , Batra Akshay , Afzal Nadeem A. , Ennis Sarah , Johnson Mark J. , Beattie R. Mark 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimWe assessed growth in a paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) cohort.MethodsPaediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients were eligible if they were diagnosed at Southampton Children's Hospital from 2011 to 2018. Weight and height standard deviation scores (SDS) were retrieved. Mean SDS values, SDS change and anti‐TNF status were analysed at diagnosis and during follow‐up.ResultsFour hundred and ninety patients were included, 313 with Crohn's disease (CD). CD patients presented with mean height SDS −0.13, −0.1 at 1‐year, −0.11 at 2‐years and −0.03 at 5 years, reflecting preserved linear growth. There was no significant height‐SDS change from diagnosis to 5‐year follow‐up, +0.12, 95%‐CI: 0.48 to −0.24. Mean weight‐SDS at diagnosis was −0.39, driven by CD patients (−0.65). Mean weight‐SDS approached 0 after 1 year and remained at the 50th centile throughout follow‐up. Growth in ulcerative colitis was maintained. In multivariable regression males had worse height growth from diagnosis to transition (P = .036). Anti‐TNF treatment (P = .013) and surgical resection (P = .005) were also associated with poorer linear growth. Patients treated with anti‐TNF therapy had lower height‐SDS compared to those never treated with anti‐TNF at 1 year (−0.2 vs −0.01, P = .22), 2‐years (−0.27 vs −0.01, P = .07) and 5 years (−0.21 vs 0.25, P = .051).ConclusionHeight was generally maintained in Crohn's disease, and impaired linear growth was rare in this cohort.
Shrinking opportunities for establishment of native annual forbs in fragmented grassy woodlands
Authors: Morgan John W. , Ebsary Jemma 
Published: June 2020

AbstractQuestionsRepeat vegetation surveys in fragmented woodlands in southeast Australia show native and exotic annual plant species have different trajectories of abundance; native annuals are declining while exotic annuals are increasing. We ask: is the divergent species origin response due to fundamental differences in germination cues and/or “safe‐sites” for establishment?LocationTemperate grassy woodlands, southern Victoria, Australia.MethodsWe quantified patch type frequency in the field. Diurnal temperature effects on four native annual forbs and three exotic annual grasses were assessed in a laboratory germination trial. We used a glasshouse experiment to assess the effects of patch type (bare ground, tree litter, grass litter, moss mat) on the emergence and growth of two native and two exotic annuals.ResultsExotic annuals typically had higher and more rapid germination across a wider range of diurnal temperatures than native annuals. Emergence of native and exotic annuals was highest on bare ground patches but was suppressed by leaf litter and moss mat. Native annuals did not emerge from under a moss mat and germinated much less than exotics in all patch types. Seedling growth of native annuals was suppressed by tree litter whereas growth of exotic species was not suppressed by litter or the moss mat.ConclusionsThe regeneration niche of the native annual forb species we examined was typically narrower than that of exotic annual grasses. Many of the differences in response between native and exotic species may be due to seed traits such as seed mass; native annuals have much smaller seeds than exotic annual species. This likely affects the persistence, germination cues, co‐existence and restoration potential of native annuals in fragmented grassy woodlands that have lost their endogenous disturbance agents.
Abnormal processing of IL-1β in NLRP7-mutated monocytes in hydatidiform mole patients
Authors: Zhang P , Zhu X , Yu X , Huang B , Jiang T , Zhang X , Yang H , Qian J 
Published: June 2020

Summary
NOD-like receptor pyrin 7 (NLRP7) has been identified as the major gene responsible for the recurrent hydatidiform mole (RHM). The immunological role of NLRP7 mutation in HM patients has not been conclusively demonstrated. Hence, we aim to demonstrate this role in our study. We followed 12 new patients with NLRP7 non-synonymous variations (NSVs) from date to date. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected separately from patients with and without NLRP7 mutation. Supernatant interleukin (IL)-1β secretion, intracellular pro-IL-1β and mature IL-1β expressions were measured after 24 h lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Plasmids with corresponding NSVs were generated to evaluate the ability of processing pro-IL-1β into mature IL-1β in vitro. Homozygous or compound heterozygous NLRP7 mutations secreted less IL-1β in roots of abnormal intracellular pro-IL-1β or mature IL-1β, according to different domains. Plasmids with NSVs could also affect processing or/and trafficking together with caspase-1 and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC). Inflammasome-related NLRP7 mutation is a potential mechanism of RHM.
Shedding light on the clinical recognition process of transient global amnesia
Authors: Hoyer C. , Ebert A. , Pooyeh A. , Eisele P. , Gass A. , Platten M. , Szabo K. 
Published: June 2020

Background and purposeDiagnostic uncertainty is common in the emergency evaluation of neurological conditions such as acute confusional states, particularly for non‐neurologists. We aimed to investigate the clinical recognition process of transient global amnesia (TGA) before arrival at the hospital and in the emergency department (ED).MethodsIn this retrospective observational study, medical records of 365 patients with TGA were analysed concerning mode of arrival, symptoms and suspected diagnosis made by pre‐hospital medical care providers and the ED neurologist.ResultsMore than half of the 248 patients who were evaluated before arrival at the hospital (N = 157, 63.3%) received a diagnosis of suspected stroke, whereas TGA was considered in only 16 patients (6.5%), with recognition of acute amnesia in 150 patients (60.5%) and disturbed orientation in 86 patients (34.7%). Repetitive questions by the patient were noted in 28 patients (11.3%). In contrast, in 355 patients (97.3%), TGA was considered the primary diagnosis by the ED neurologist. Diagnosis in the ED was achieved by documenting ongoing impairment of episodic verbal memory (100.0%), repetitive questions as a prominent ancillary finding (95.5%) and the lack of focal neurological symptoms (100.0%) or by carefully obtaining collateral history suggestive of anterograde memory disturbance (89.9%) and/or repetitive questions (85.7%).ConclusionRecognizing TGA crucially depends on identifying isolated anterograde episodic long‐term memory disturbance or its observable effects such as repetitive questions and actions.
Modulation of posttraumatic epileptogenesis in aquaporin‐4 knockout mice
Authors: Szu Jenny I. , Patel Dillon D. , Chaturvedi Som , Lovelace Jonathan W. , Binder Devin K. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the role of aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) in posttraumatic epileptogenesis using long‐term video‐electroencephalographic (vEEG) recordings. Here, differences in EEG were analyzed between wild‐type (WT) and AQP4 knockout (KO) mice and between mice with and without posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE).MethodsWT and AQP4 KO mice were subjected to a single controlled cortical impact traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the frontal cortex, and vEEG was recorded in the ipsilateral hippocampus at 14, 30, 60, and 90 days postinjury (dpi). Intrahippocampal electrical stimulation was also used to assess electrographic seizure threshold and electrographic seizure duration (ESD).ResultsThe mean seizure frequency per day for WT mice was 0.07 ± 0.07, 0.11 ± 0.07, 0.26 ± 0.13, and 0.12 ± 0.10 at 14, 30, 60, and 90 dpi, respectively. The mean seizure frequency per day for AQP4 KO mice was 0.45 ± 0.27, 0.29 ± 0.12, and 0.26 ± 0.19 at 14, 30, and 60 dpi, respectively. The mean seizure duration was 15 ± 2 seconds and 24 ± 3 seconds for WT and AQP4 KO mice, respectively. The percentage of mice that developed PTE were 28% and 37% for WT and AQP4 KO mice, respectively. Power spectral density (PSD) analysis revealed alterations in EEG frequency bands between sham and TBI in both genotypes. Additionally, PSD analysis of spontaneous recurrent seizures revealed alterations in delta power between genotypes. Morlet wavelet analysis detected heterogeneity in EEG seizure subtypes and dynamic EEG power patterns after TBI. Compared with AQP4 KO mice, a significant increase in ESD was observed in WT mice at 14 dpi.SignificancePosttraumatic seizures (PTSs) may be modulated by the astrocyte water channel AQP4. Absence of AQP4 increases the number of spontaneous seizures, increases seizure duration, and alters EEG power patterns of PTSs.
First report of Zaprionus indianus and Z. tuberculatus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Tunisia
Authors: Ben Halima Kamel M. , Ben Cheik Z. , Zouari S. , Mdellel L. , Balmès V. 
Published: June 2020

In October 2019, unusual damage was observed on Carissa macrocarpa (Apocynaceae) fruit at the ornamental nursery of the Higher Agronomic Institute (ISA CM), Chott Mariem (Sousse, Tunisia). Samples of fruit were collected and brought to the laboratory for observation and rearing. After a few days, adult flies emerged from infested fruit. Zaprionus indianus Gupta, Z. tuberculatus Malloch (Diptera Drosophilidae) and Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera, Tephritidae) were identified morphologically. Information on the morphology, distribution and ecology of the two Zaprionus species are provided. This is the first record of Z. indianus and Z. tuberculatus in Tunisia.
Effects of endurance racing on horse plasma extracellular particle miRNA
Authors: de Oliveira Getúlio P. , Porto William F. , Palu Cintia C. , Pereira Lydyane M. , Reis Alessandra M. M. , Marçola Tatiana G. , Teixeira‐Neto Antonio R. , Franco Octavio L. , Pereira Rinaldo W. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundPhysical exercise is an essential factor in preventing and treating metabolic diseases by promoting systemic benefits throughout the body. The molecular factors involved in this process are poorly understood. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that inhibit mRNA transcription. MiRNAs, which can participate in the benefits of exercise to health, circulate in plasma in extracellular particles (EP). Horses that undergo endurance racing are an excellent model to study the impact of long‐duration/low intensity exercise in plasma EP miRNAs.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of 160 km endurance racing on horse plasma extracellular particles and their miRNA population.Study designCohort study.MethodsWe collected plasma from five Arabian horses during five time‐points of an endurance ride. Extracellular particles were purified from plasma and characterised by electron microscopy, resistive pulse sensing (qNano) and western blotting. Small RNAs were purified from horse plasma EP, and sequencing was performed.ResultsEndurance racing increased EP concentration and average diameter compared to before the race. Western blotting showed a high concentration of extracellular vesicles proteins 2 hours after the race, which returned to baseline 15 hours after the race. MicroRNA differential expression analysis revealed increasing levels of eca‐miR‐486‐5p during and after the race, and decreasing levels of eca‐miR‐9083 after the end.ConclusionsThis study adds new data about the variation in plasma EP concentrations after long‐distance exercise and brings new insights about the roles of exercise‐derived EP miRNAs during low‐intensity endurance exercise.
Communication Mediators of the Link Between Depressive Symptoms and Relationship Satisfaction Among Army Soldiers
Authors: Knobloch Leanne K. , Basinger Erin D. 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveWe evaluated two fundamental communication processes, self‐disclosure and destructive conflict management strategies, as mediators of the link between depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction among married U.S. soldiers.BackgroundIdentifying the communication behaviors underlying why people with depressive symptoms are less satisfied with their romantic relationship is a high priority for research, and pinpointing relevant mediators is especially important among military personnel who face particular job stressors and relationship challenges.MethodsWe analyzed cross‐sectional self‐report data from a representative sample of 4,196 married U.S. soldiers who participated in the all‐Army component of the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS).ResultsMediation was apparent such that people's depressive symptoms had indirect associations with their relationship satisfaction through both their self‐disclosure and their reports of their partner's destructive conflict management strategies. In contrast, mediation was not evident for their reports of their own destructive conflict management strategies.ConclusionLess self‐disclosure and more destructive conflict management strategies by a partner may be reasons why soldiers experiencing depressive symptoms are less satisfied with their romantic relationship.ImplicationsCommunication skills training for self‐disclosure and conflict management may help break the link between depressive symptoms and relationship dissatisfaction.
Age‐related factors that affect B cell responses to vaccination in mice and humans
Authors: Frasca Daniela , Blomberg Bonnie B. , Garcia Denisse , Keilich Spencer R. , Haynes Laura 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAging significantly changes the ability to respond to vaccinations and infections. In this review, we summarize published results on age‐related changes in response to infection with the influenza virus and on the factors known to increase influenza risk infection leading to organ failure and death. We also summarize how aging affects the response to the influenza vaccine with a special focus on B cells, which have been shown to be less responsive in the elderly. We show the cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to the dysfunctional immune response of the elderly to the vaccine against influenza. These include a defective interaction of helper T cells (CD4+) with B cells in germinal centers, changes in the microenvironment, and the generation of immune cells with a senescence‐associated phenotype. Finally, we discuss the effects of aging on metabolic pathways and we show how metabolic complications associated with aging lead to immune dysfunction.