bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alexithymic and autistic traits: Relevance for comorbid depression and social phobia in adults with and without autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Albantakis Laura , Brandi Marie-Luise , Zillekens Imme Christina , Henco Lara , Weindel Leonie , Thaler Hanna , Schliephake Lena , Timmermans Bert , Schilbach Leonhard 
Published: July 2020

High alexithymic traits and psychiatric comorbidities such as depression and social phobia are frequently observed among adults with autism spectrum disorder. In this study, we tested whether alexithymic and/or autistic traits are risk factors for depressive and social phobic symptoms in adults with autism spectrum disorder ( n = 122), patients with social interaction difficulties other than autism ( n = 62), and neurotypical participants ( n = 261). Multiple regression analyses of these three groups demonstrated that both traits explained considerable variance of depressive and social phobic symptoms. In adults with autism spectrum disorder, alexithymic traits were predictive of depressive symptoms, while autistic traits predicted social phobic symptoms. In patients with social interaction difficulties other than autism, alexithymic and autistic traits were identified as predictors of social phobic symptoms, while no variable predicted depressive symptoms. In neurotypicals, both alexithymic and autistic traits were predictive of depressive and social phobic symptoms. Our results, therefore, highlight the importance of assessing both alexithymic and autistic traits in patients with and without autism spectrum disorder for identifying comorbid psychopathology. Depending on the underlying core symptomatology, alexithymic and/or autistic traits increase the risk of depressive and social phobic symptoms calling for therapeutic strategies to prevent or at least reduce comorbid psychopathology. Lay abstract Adults with autism often develop mental health problems such as depression and social phobia. The reasons for this are still unclear. Many studies found that alexithymia plays an important role in mental health problems like depression. People with alexithymia have difficulties identifying and describing their emotions. Almost every second person with autism has alexithymia. Therefore, we explored in this study whether alexithymia is linked to worse mental health in autistic people. We looked at two common diagnoses, depression and social phobia. We found that alexithymia increased symptoms of depression, while autistic traits increased symptoms of social phobia. Our results suggest that alexithymia and autistic traits can increase the risk of mental health problems. An early assessment could help prevent mental health problems and improve quality of life.
How do you identify the patient with ‘high expectations’ of orthodontic treatment: An empirical approach
Authors: Sayers Mark S , Cunningham Susan J , Newton J Tim 
Published: July 2020

Objectives: To identify an empirical method for identifying patients with ‘high expectations’ of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances using a questionnaire-based approach. Design: Secondary analysis of data from four studies which collected data on patients’ expectations of orthodontic treatment using the same questionnaire. Setting: Secondary care orthodontic services. Participants: All four datasets comprised new patients aged 12–15 years, with no history of orthodontic treatment, who fulfilled the criteria for NHS treatment using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Unpublished dataset 1 comprised 100 participants, while dataset 2 had 70 participants, dataset 3 had 67 participants and dataset 4 comprised 40 participants. Methods: The questionnaire utilised in all studies had a question which asked respondents to rate seven different expectations of outcome relating to straight teeth, better smile, ease of eating, speaking, cleaning teeth, improved career prospects and social confidence. Dataset 1 was analysed to determine the proportion of patients who had rated all seven outcome expectation items at a maximum score. Similar analyses were performed for the other three datasets to explore the trend in the proportion of patients with high expectations over time. Results: For dataset 1, 2.0% of participants had high expectations, as defined by their scores on the questionnaire. The proportions for the datasets 2, 3 and 4 were 4.0%, 4.5% and 2.5%, respectively. Conclusion: The method outlined provides an empirical basis for identifying patients with statistically infrequent high expectations. This can potentially help clinicians in the management of such patients.
Inhaled nitric oxide has pulmonary vasodilator efficacy both in the immediate and prolonged phase of acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Kramer Anders , Mortensen Christian Schmidt , Schultz Jacob Gammelgaard , Lyhne Mads Dam , Andersen Asger , Nielsen-Kudsk Jens Erik 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundInhaled nitric oxide (iNO) effectively reduces right ventricular afterload when administered in the immediate phase of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in preclinical animal models. In a porcine model of intermediate-risk PE, we aimed to investigate whether iNO has pulmonary vasodilator efficacy both in the immediate and prolonged phase of acute PE.MethodsAnesthetized pigs (n = 18) were randomized into three subgroups. An acute PE iNO-group (n = 6) received iNO at 40 ppm at one, three, six, nine and 12 hours after onset of PE. Vehicle animals (n = 6) received PE, but no active treatment. A third group of sham animals (n = 6) received neither PE nor treatment. Animals were evaluated using intravascular pressures, respiratory parameters, biochemistry and intracardiac pressure-volume measurements.ResultsThe administration of PE increased mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) (vehicle vs sham; 33.3 vs 17.7 mmHg, p &lt; 0.0001), pulmonary vascular resistance (vehicle vs sham; 847.5 vs 82.0 dynes, p &lt; 0.0001) and right ventricular arterial elastance (vehicle vs sham; 1.2 vs 0.2 mmHg/ml, p &lt; 0.0001). Significant mPAP reduction by iNO was preserved at 12 hours after the onset of acute PE (vehicle vs iNO; 0.5 vs –3.5 mmHg, p &lt; 0.0001). However, this response was attenuated over time (p = 0.0313). iNO did not affect the systemic circulation.ConclusionsiNO is a safe and effective pulmonary vasodilator both in the immediate and prolonged phase of acute PE in an in-vivo porcine model of intermediate-risk PE.
Measuring patient safety culture: A study at a teaching hospital in Ghana
Authors: Muftawu Musilimu , Aldogan Ece Ugurluoglu 
Published: July 2020

Objective This study examined the current patient safety culture from the perspective of healthcare workers in a teaching hospital in Ghana and drew comparison with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality 2018 Patient Safety Culture Comparative Database Report. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. A total of 435 questionnaires were distributed and 322 valid responses were received (a response rate of 74%). The study sample included 178 nurses, 59 doctors, 19 pharmacists, 35 technicians ((laboratory and radiology), and 31 management staff. The Hospital Survey Excel Tool 1.6 and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 were used to analyze the data. Results The overall average score for the 12 dimensions of patient safety culture was 53% which is 12% lower than the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality 2018 benchmark report of 65%. The dimension with the highest positive mean score was “Teamwork within Hospital Units” (77%) while the one with the lowest score was “Frequency of Event Reporting” (33%). All 12 domains except for Frequency of Event Reporting ( p = 0.414), Management Support for Patient Safety ( p = 0.823), and Teamwork within Units ( p = 0.070) have significant relationship with patient safety culture. Conclusions Generally, the patient safety culture dimension in the teaching hospital was low. Training of healthcare workers on patient safety and a broad based research including all categories of healthcare staff is highly needed in other to fully understand and change the patient safety culture in Ghanaian Hospitals.
Persistent post-traumatic headache: a migrainous loop or not? The preclinical evidence
Authors: Benemei Silvia , Labastida-Ramírez Alejandro , Abramova Ekaterina , Brunelli Nicoletta , Caronna Edoardo , Diana Paola , Gapeshin Roman , Hofacker Maxi Dana , Maestrini Ilaria , Pías Enrique Martínez , Mikulenka Petr , Tikhonova Olga , Martelletti Paolo , MaassenVanDenBrink Antoinette ,   On behalf of the European Headache Federation School of Advanced Studies (EHF-SAS)
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
According to the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3, post-traumatic headache (PTH) attributed to traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a secondary headache reported to have developed within 7 days from head injury, regaining consciousness following the head injury, or discontinuation of medication(s) impairing the ability to sense or report headache following the head injury. It is one of the most common secondary headache disorders, and it is defined as persistent when it lasts more than 3 months.

Main body
Currently, due to the high prevalence of this disorder, several preclinical studies have been conducted using different animal models of mild TBI to reproduce conditions that engender PTH. Despite representing a simplification of a complex disorder and displaying different limitations concerning the human condition, animal models are still a mainstay to study in vivo the mechanisms of PTH and have provided valuable insight into the pathophysiology and possible treatment strategies. Different models reproduce different types of trauma and have been ideated in order to ensure maximal proximity to the human condition and optimal experimental reproducibility.

Conclusion
At present, despite its high prevalence, PTH is not entirely understood, and the differential contribution of pathophysiological mechanisms, also observed in other conditions like migraine, has to be clarified. Although facing limitations, animal models are needed to improve understanding of PTH. The knowledge of currently available models is necessary to all researchers who want to investigate PTH and contribute to unravel its mechanisms.
Health impacts of environmental contamination of micro- and nanoplastics: a review
Authors: Jiang Baorong , Kauffman Alexandra E , Li Lei , McFee Wayne , Cai Bo , Weinstein John , Lead Jamie R , Chatterjee Saurabh , Scott Geoffrey I , Xiao Shuo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPlastics are extensively used in our daily life. However, a significant amount of plastic waste is discharged to the environment directly or via improper reuse or recycling. Degradation of plastic waste generates micro- or nano-sized plastic particles that are defined as micro- or nanoplastics (MNPs). Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles with a diameter less than 5 mm, while nanoplastics (NPs) range in diameter from 1 to 100 or 1000 nm. In the current review, we first briefly summarized the environmental contamination of MNPs and then discussed their health impacts based on existing MNP research. Our review indicates that MNPs can be detected in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems worldwide and be ingested and accumulated by animals along the food chain. Evidence has suggested the harmful health impacts of MNPs on marine and freshwater animals. Recent studies found MPs in human stool samples, suggesting that humans are exposed to MPs through food and/or drinking water. However, the effect of MNPs on human health is scarcely researched. In addition to the MNPs themselves, these tiny plastic particles can release plastic additives and/or adsorb other environmental chemicals, many of which have been shown to exhibit endocrine disrupting and other toxic effects. In summary, we conclude that more studies are necessary to provide a comprehensive understanding of MNP pollution hazards and also provide a basis for the subsequent pollution management and control.
Trauma team conformation in a war-influenced middle-income country in South America: is it possible?
Authors: Carvajal Sandra , Uribe-Buritica Francisco L , Ángel-Isaza Ana Maria , López-Girón María Camila , González Andres , Chica Julian , Benitez Manuel , García Alberto F 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Trauma teams (TTs) improve outcomes in trauma patients. A multidisciplinary TT was conformed in September 2015 in a tertiary level I trauma university hospital in southwestern Colombia, a middle-income war-influenced country.

Objective
To evaluate the impact of a TT in admission-tomography and admission-surgery times as well as mortality in a tertiary center university hospital in a middle-income country war-influenced country.

Material and methods
Retrospective analytical study. Patients older than 17 years admitted to the emergency room 15 months prior and 15 months after the TT implementation were included. Patients prior to the TT implementation were taken as controls. No exclusion criteria. Four hundred sixty-four patients were included, 220 before the TT implementation (BTT) and 244 after (ATT). Demographic data, trauma characteristics, admission-tomography, and admission-surgery time interval as well as mortality were recorded. Requirement of CT scan or surgery was based on physician decision. The analysis was made on Stata 15.1®. Categorical variables were described as quantities and proportions, and continuous variables as mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range (IQR). Categorical variables were compared using χ2 or Fisher’s test and continuous variables using Student’s T test or Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney. A multiple logistic regression model was created to evaluate the impact of being treated in the ATT group on mortality, adjusted by age, trauma severity, and physiological response upon admission.

Results
The admission-tomography time interval was 56 min (IQR 39–100) in the BTT group and 40 min (IQR 24–76) in the ATT group, p < 0.001. The admission-surgery time interval was 116 min (IQR 63–214) in the BTT group and 52 min (IQR 24–76) in the ATT group, p < 0.001. Mortality in the BTT group was 18.1% and 13.1% in the ATT group. Adjusted OR was 0.406 (0.215–0.789) p = 0.006

Conclusions
A trauma team conformation in a war-influenced middle-income country is feasible and reduces mortality as well as admission-surgery and admission-tomography time intervals in trauma patients.
Conditional permutation importance revisited
Authors: Debeer Dries , Strobl Carolin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundRandom forest based variable importance measures have become popular tools for assessing the contributions of the predictor variables in a fitted random forest. In this article we reconsider a frequently used variable importance measure, the Conditional Permutation Importance (CPI). We argue and illustrate that the CPI corresponds to a more partial quantification of variable importance and suggest several improvements in its methodology and implementation that enhance its practical value. In addition, we introduce the threshold value in the CPI algorithm as a parameter that can make the CPI more partial or more marginal.ResultsBy means of extensive simulations, where the original version of the CPI is used as the reference, we examine the impact of the proposed methodological improvements. The simulation results show how the improved CPI methodology increases the interpretability and stability of the computations. In addition, the newly proposed implementation decreases the computation times drastically and is more widely applicable. The improved CPI algorithm is made freely available as an add-on package to the open-source software R.ConclusionThe proposed methodology and implementation of the CPI is computationally faster and leads to more stable results. It has a beneficial impact on practical research by making random forest analyses more interpretable.
Investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurogenesis in Capitella teleta sheds light on the ancestor of Annelida
Authors: Sur A. , Renfro A. , Bergmann P. J. , Meyer N. P. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundDiverse architectures of nervous systems (NSs) such as a plexus in cnidarians or a more centralized nervous system (CNS) in insects and vertebrates are present across Metazoa, but it is unclear what selection pressures drove evolution and diversification of NSs. One underlying aspect of this diversity lies in the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving neurogenesis, i.e. generation of neurons from neural precursor cells (NPCs). In cnidarians, vertebrates, and arthropods, homologs of SoxB and bHLH proneural genes control different steps of neurogenesis, suggesting that some neurogenic mechanisms may be conserved. However, data are lacking for spiralian taxa.ResultsTo that end, we characterized NPCs and their daughters at different stages of neurogenesis in the spiralian annelidCapitella teleta. We assessed cellular division patterns in the neuroectoderm using static and pulse-chase labeling with thymidine analogs (EdU and BrdU), which enabled identification of NPCs that underwent multiple rounds of division. Actively-dividing brain NPCs were found to be apically-localized, whereas actively-dividing NPCs for the ventral nerve cord (VNC) were found apically, basally, and closer to the ventral midline. We used lineage tracing to characterize the changing boundary of the trunk neuroectoderm. Finally, to start to generate a genetic hierarchy, we performed double-fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) and single-FISH plus EdU labeling for neurogenic gene homologs. In the brain and VNC,Ct-soxB1andCt-neurogeninwere expressed in a large proportion of apically-localized, EdU+NPCs. In contrast,Ct-ash1was expressed in a small subset of apically-localized, EdU+NPCs and subsurface, EdU−cells, but not inCt-neuroD+orCt-elav1+cells, which also were subsurface.ConclusionsOur data suggest a putative genetic hierarchy withCt-soxB1andCt-neurogeninat the top, followed byCt-ash1, thenCt-neuroD, and finallyCt-elav1. Comparison of our data with that fromPlatynereis dumeriliirevealed expression ofneurogeninhomologs in proliferating NPCs in annelids, which appears different than the expression of vertebrateneurogeninhomologs in cells that are exiting the cell cycle. Furthermore, differences between neurogenesis in the head versus trunk ofC. teletasuggest that these two tissues may be independent developmental modules, possibly with differing evolutionary trajectories.
Clinical picture, management and risk stratification in patients with cardiogenic shock: does gender matter?
Authors: Collado-Lledó Elena , Llaó Isaac , Rivas-Lasarte Mercedes , González-Fernández Victor , Noriega Francisco J. , Hernández-Perez Francisco José , Alegre Oriol , Sionis Alessandro , Lidón Rosa M. , Viana-Tejedor Ana , Segovia-Cubero Javier , Ariza-Solé Albert 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundEarly recognition and risk stratification are crucial in cardiogenic shock (CS). A lower adherence to recommendations has been described in women with cardiovascular diseases. Little information exists about disparities in clinical picture, management and performance of risk stratification tools according to gender in patients with CS.MethodsData from the multicenter Red-Shock registry were used. All consecutive patients with CS were included. Both CardShock and IABP-SHOCK II risk scores were calculated. The primary end-point was in-hospital mortality. The discriminative ability of both scores according to gender was assessed by binary logistic regression, calculatingReceiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves and the corresponding area under the curve (AUC).ResultsA total of 793 patients were included, of whom 222 (28%) were female. Women were significantly older and had a lower proportion of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and prior myocardial infarction. CS was less often related to acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in women. The use of vasoactive drugs, renal replacement therapy, invasive ventilation, therapeutic hypothermia and mechanical circulatory support was similar between both groups. In-hospital mortality was 346/793 (43.6%). Mortality was not significantly different according to gender (p = 0.194).Cardshock risk score showed a good ability for predicting in-hospital mortality both in man (AUC 0.69) and women (AUC 0.735). Likewise, the IABP-II successfully predicted in-hospital mortality in both groups (man: AUC 0.693; women: AUC 0.722).ConclusionsNo significant differences were observed regarding management and in-hospital mortality according to gender. Both the CardShock and IABP-II risk scores depicted a good ability for predicting mortality also in women with CS.
Role of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-gamma in advanced glycation end product-mediated functional loss of voltage-gated potassium channel in rat coronary arteries
Authors: Gao Side , Hua Bing , Liu Qingbo , Liu Huirong , Li Weiping , Li Hongwei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
High blood glucose impairs voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channel-mediated vasodilation in rat coronary artery smooth muscle cells (CSMCs) via oxidative stress. Advanced glycation end product (AGE) and receptor for AGE (RAGE) axis has been found to impair coronary dilation by reducing Kv channel activity in diabetic rat small coronary arteries (RSCAs). However, its underlying mechanism remain unclear. Here, we used isolated arteries and primary CSMCs to investigate the effect of AGE incubation on Kv channel-mediated coronary dilation and the possible involvement of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor (PPAR) -γ pathway.

Methods
The RSCAs and primary CSMCs were isolated, cultured, and treated with bovine serum albumin (BSA), AGE-BSA, alagrebrium (ALA, AGE cross-linking breaker), pioglitazone (PIO, PPAR-γ activator) and/or GW9662 (PPAR-γ inhibitor). The groups were accordingly divided as control, BSA, AGE, AGE + ALA, AGE + PIO, or AGE + PIO + GW9662. Kv channel-mediated dilation was analyzed using wire myograph. Histology and immunohistochemistry of RSCAs were performed. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of RAGE, major Kv channel subunits expressed in CSMCs (Kv1.2 and Kv1.5), PPAR-γ, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase-2 (NOX-2).

Results
AGE markedly reduced Forskolin-induced Kv channel-mediated dilation of RSCAs by engaging with RAGE, and ALA or PIO significantly reversed the functional loss of Kv channel. In both RSCAs and CSMCs, AGE reduced Kv1.2/1.5 expression, increased RAGE and NOX-2 expression, and inhibited PPAR-γ expression, while ALA or PIO treatment partially reversed the inhibiting effects of AGE on Kv1.2/1.5 expression, accompanied by the downregulation of RAGE and decreased oxidative stress. Meanwhile, silencing of RAGE with siRNA remarkably alleviated the AGE-induced downregulation of Kv1.2/1.5 expression in CSMCs.

Conclusion
AGE reduces the Kv channel expression in CSMCs and further impairs the Kv channel-mediated dilation in RSCAs. The AGE/RAGE axis may enhance oxidative stress by inhibiting the downstream PPAR-γ pathway, thus playing a critical role in the dysfunction of Kv channels.