bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of a portable instrument for rapid and reliable detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in any environment
Authors: Martinelli Federico , Perrone Anna , Della Noce Isabella , Colombo Lorenzo , Lo Priore Stefano , Romano Simone 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe ongoing outbreak of the novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection is creating serious challenges for health laboratories that seek to identify viral infections as early as possible, optimally at the earliest appearance of symptom. Indeed, there is urgent need to develop and deploy robust diagnostic methodologies not only to use in health laboratory environments but also directly in places where humans circulate and spread the virus such as airports, trains, boats, and any public aggregation places. The success of a reliable and sensitive asymptomatic diagnosis relies on the identification and measurement of informative biomarkers from human host and virus in a rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive manner. The objective of this article is to describe an innovative multidisciplinary approach to develop an efficient, inexpensive, and easy‐to‐use portable instrument (bCUBE® by Hyris Ltd) that can be employed as a surveillance system for the emergency caused by SARS‐CoV‐2. A solution for Coronavirus testing, compliant with CDC guidelines, is scheduled to be released in the next weeks. In addition, we will describe a workflow and path of an integrated multi‐omic approach that will lead to host and pathogen biomarker discovery in order to train the instrument to provide reliable results based on a specific biomarker's fingerprint of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Noninvasive programmed stimulation in the setting of ventricular tachycardia catheter ablation
Authors: Frontera Antonio , Prolic Kalinsek Tine , Hadjis Alexios , Della Bella Paolo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn the setting of catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT), invasive programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) is considered an important tool to assess the (residual) inducibility of ventricular arrhythmias and determine the acute success of the procedure. In patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices, noninvasive programmed stimulation via implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) leads can be an alternative to the invasive PVS with intracardiac catheters. The advantages of noninvasive programmed stimulation include preprocedure planning of the electrophysiology procedure to ensure optimal conditions for successful catheter ablation of VT. Following the procedure, noninvasive programmed stimulation has been shown to be used as a guide for repeat early ablation, to offer better programming of ICD, to offer prognostic value regarding the VT recurrence, and to guide antiarrhythmic drug therapy. The noninvasive nature of noninvasive programmed stimulation makes it an attractive alternative to PVS in patients with ICD who have not undergone catheter ablation of VT to obtain prognostic value regarding the occurrence of VT.
Characteristics of People with Dementia vs Other Conditions on Admission to Inpatient Palliative Care
Authors: Ding Jinfeng , Johnson Claire E. , Lee Yun Chong (Olivia) , Gazey Angela , Cook Angus 
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVESOur aim was to (1) describe the clinical characteristics and symptoms of people diagnosed with dementia at the time of admission to inpatient palliative care; and (2) compare the nature and severity of these palliative care–related problems to patients with other chronic diseases.DESIGNDescriptive study using assessment data on point of care outcomes (January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018).SETTINGA total of 129 inpatient palliative care services participating in the Australian Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration.PARTICIPANTSA total of 29,971 patients with a primary diagnosis of dementia (n = 1,872), lung cancer (n = 19,499), cardiovascular disease (CVD, n = 5,079), stroke (n = 2,659), or motor neuron disease (MND, n = 862).MEASUREMENTSThis study reported the data collected at the time of admission to inpatient palliative care services including patients' self‐rated levels of distress from seven common physical symptoms, clinician‐rated symptom severity, functional dependency, and performance status. Other data analyzed included number of admissions, length of inpatient stay, and palliative care phases.RESULTSAt the time of admission to inpatient palliative care services, relative to patients with lung cancer, CVD, and MND, people with dementia presented with lower levels of distress from most symptoms (odds ratios [ORs] range from .15 to .80; P < .05 for all) but higher levels of functional impairment (ORs range from 3.02 to 8.62; P < .001 for all), and they needed more assistance with basic activities of daily living (ORs range from 3.83 to 12.24; P < .001 for all). The trends were mostly the opposite direction when compared with stroke patients. Patients with dementia tended to receive inpatient palliative care later than those with lung cancer and MND.CONCLUSIONThe unique pattern of palliative care problems experienced by people with dementia, as well as the skills of the relevant health services, need to be considered when deciding on the best location of care for each individual. Access to appropriately trained palliative care clinicians is important for people with high levels of physical or psychological concerns, irrespective of the care setting or diagnosis. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1825‐1833, 2020.
Associations of Coffee and Tea Consumption With Survival to Age 90 Years Among Older Women
Authors: Shadyab Aladdin H. , Manson JoAnn E. , Luo Juhua , Haring Bernhard , Saquib Nazmus , Snetselaar Linda G. , Chen Jiu‐Chiuan , Groessl Erik J. , Wassertheil‐Smoller Sylvia , Sun Yangbo , Hale Lauren , LeBoff Meryl S. , LaCroix Andrea Z. 
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUNDCoffee and tea are two of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide and have been associated with reduced risk of mortality in some studies. However, it is unknown whether consumption of these beverages is associated with survival to an advanced age.OBJECTIVETo examine associations of coffee and tea consumption with survival to age 90 years.DESIGNProspective cohort study among participants from the Womenʼs Health Initiative, recruited during 1993 to 1998 and followed up until March 31, 2018.SETTINGThe setting included 40 US clinical centers.PARTICIPANTSA racially and ethnically diverse cohort of 27,480 older women, aged 65 to 81 years at baseline.MEASUREMENTSWomen were classified as having either survived to age 90 years or died before this age. Consumption of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee and caffeinated tea was assessed at baseline and categorized as 0, 1, 2 to 3, or 4 or more cups/day. Associations of coffee and tea consumption with survival to age 90 years were examined using logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, dietary quality, and chronic disease history.RESULTSA total of 14,659 (53.3%) women survived to age 90 years during follow‐up. Caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or caffeinated tea consumption was not significantly associated with survival to age 90 years after adjusting for confounders. Findings did not significantly vary by smoking, body mass index, or race/ethnicity.CONCLUSIONNo amount of coffee or tea consumption was associated with late‐age survival among older women. These findings may be reassuring to older women who consume coffee and tea as part of their daily diets but do not support drinking these beverages to achieve longevity.
Sleep disorders and vascular responsiveness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Adawi M. , Sabbah F. , Tzischinsky O. , Blum N. , Bragazzi N. L. , Yehuda I. , Tamir S. , Romanenko O. , Blum A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic systemic inflammation. Half of the deaths of patients with RA are due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), considered to be 1.5 to −2.0‐fold that in the general population. Patients with RA also experience poor sleep, which by itself is associated with endothelial dysfunction, CVD events and sudden death. Our aim was to study the mechanistic pathways and the correlations between sleep efficiency and vascular reactivity of patients with RA.Methods and resultsA prospective study that evaluated quality of sleep using ACTi Graphs, vascular inflammation and endothelial function of 18 patients with RA. Inflammation was studied by levels of E‐selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) and NO in serum. Endothelial function was studied using the brachial artery plethysmography method. Eighteen RA patients (aged 57.56 ± 13.55 years; 16 women) with a long‐standing active RA: Eight patients had impaired sleep efficiency and 10 had a good sleep efficiency. Those who had an impaired sleep had larger baseline diameters of the brachial artery (0.39 ± 0.08 cm vs. 0.32 ± 0.04 cm; P = 0.02). Negative correlations were found between baseline brachial artery diameter and sleep efficiency (P = 0.01), and with NO level (P = 0.04). Stepwise regression found that brachial artery diameter at baseline and NO level could predict sleep efficiency (r2 = 0.543, P = 0.01).ConclusionVascular reactivity could predict quality of sleep in patients with RA. Quality of sleep may serve as an independent CVD risk factor in patients with RA.
Producing the Eikaiwa English language lesson: A dialectical approach to the contradictions of commodity production
Authors: Simpson William 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn building upon sociolinguistic work which highlights the continuities and contradictions of capitalism, this article proposes an understanding of Taylorised and flexible forms of production as a dialectical and contradictory unity, which can push and pull those within production in contradictory directions. As a means to illustrate what a dialectical approach to contradiction might offer sociolinguistics, the article discusses empirical work from corporate eikaiwa English language teaching, a form of commercial language teaching within Japan, where both Taylorised and flexible forms of producing the English language lesson exist in considerable tension. The article proposes a dialectical approach as a means of shedding light not only on how such contradictory regimes of production interrelate and play out in language work such as language teaching but also on how forms of subjectivity are produced among language workers, such as teachers, who are tasked with managing contradictory demands made of them in the workplace.
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2: an Australian case series
Authors: Johnson Alexandra M , Mandelstam Simone , Andrews Ian , Boysen Katja , Yaplito‐Lee Joy , Fietz Michael , Nagarajan Lakshmi , Rodriguez‐Casero Victoria , Ryan Monique M , Smith Nicholas , Scheffer Ingrid E , Ellaway Carolyn 
Published: April 2020

AimLate infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) disease is a rare neurodegenerative disorder presenting in children aged 2–4 years with seizures and loss of motor and language skills, followed by blindness and death in late childhood. Initial presenting features are similar to a range of common epilepsies. We aim to highlight typical clinical and radiological features that may prompt diagnosis of CLN2 disease in early disease stages.MethodsWe present a series of 13 Australian patients with CLN2 disease, describing clinical features, disease evolution, neuroimaging, electroencephalogram, biochemical and genetic results. Expert neuroradiological magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis was retrospectively performed on 10 cases.ResultsTwelve patients presented with seizures, with initial seizures being focal (n = 4), generalised tonic–clonic (n = 3), absence (n = 3) and febrile (n = 2). Eleven patients (85%) had a language delay before the onset of seizures. Cerebellar or cerebral atrophy was noted in all patients on centralised MRI review, with abnormalities of the brain‐stem, ventricles, corpus callosum and hippocampi.ConclusionsEarly language delay with the onset of seizures at 2–4 years of age is the hallmark of CLN2 disease. MRI findings of early subtle atrophy in the cerebellum or posterior cortical regions should hasten testing for CLN2 disease to enable early initiation of enzyme replacement therapy.
Immune‐related hepatitis related to checkpoint inhibitors: Clinical and prognostic factors
Authors: Riveiro‐Barciela Mar , Barreira‐Díaz Ana , Vidal‐González Judit , Muñoz‐Couselo Eva , Martínez‐Valle Fernando , Viladomiu Lluís , Mínguez Beatriz , Ortiz‐Velez Carolina , Castells Lluís , Esteban Rafael , Buti María 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground & AimsCheck point inhibitors (CPI) have improved survival of oncology patients but adverse effects that mimic autoimmune disorders have been reported. Our aim was describe the characteristics of immune‐related hepatitis (irH) and prognosis, and compared them to those of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).MethodsThis is a retrospective study including all grade ≥ 3 (severe) irH diagnosed among 414 patients treated with CPI from 2016 to 2018.ResultsTwenty‐eight cases of severe irH were recorded: 10 on anti‐CTLA‐4 ± anti‐PD1/PD‐L1 and 18 on anti‐PD1/PD‐L1. Half were female, age 63 years, median time on CPI three cycles. Four (14.3%) presented acute liver injury or failure and one (3.6%) died as consequence. 94% presented normal immunoglobulin G (IgG). Six (21.4%) patients were retreated with CPI and none presented relapse or new immune‐related adverse events after a median cycles of 11 (range 6‐36). Subjects with irH were older and had lower IgG values than a cohort of AIH (N = 38). Presentation tended to be more severe in AIH. Twenty‐five percent of irH and 84% AIH presented ANAs ≥ 1:80 (P = .001). In irH Initial dose of corticosteroids was higher (60 vs 30 mg, P < .001) but duration shorter (2.3 vs 7 months, P < .001) and frequently in monotherapy (41.7% vs 91.3%, P < .001).ConclusionsImmune‐related hepatitis can lead to acute liver failure, with absence of increased values of IgG and ANAs. In contrast to autoimmune hepatitis, initial corticosteroids dose were higher, duration shorter with few requiring additional immunosuppression. Retreatment with CPI was not associated with recurrence.
The impact of maternal asthma during pregnancy on offspring retinal microvascular structure and its relationship to placental growth factor production in utero
Authors: Jones Ailee R. , Tuckwell Christine , Wright Ian M. R. , Morrison Janna L. , Kandasamy Yogavijayan , Wittwer Melanie R. , Arstall Margaret A. , Stark Michael J. , Davies Michael , Hurst Cameron , Okano Satomi , Clifton Vicki L. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAsthma is a common chronic disease in pregnancy that affects placental function and fetal growth and associated with cardio‐metabolic disorders in the offspring but the mechanisms are unknown. This study explored whether maternal asthma in pregnancy is associated with the development of offspring microvascular structure and whether it was related to biomarkers of angiogenesis in utero. Children aged 4 to 6 years, born to either asthmatic mothers (n = 38) or healthy controls (n = 25), had their retinal microvascular structure examined. Maternal plasma PlGF concentrations at 18 and 36 weeks’ gestation were measured. There was a significant global difference in all retinal microvascular measures between children of asthmatic mothers relative to controls and increased retinal venular tortuosity in children born to asthmatic mothers (7.1 (95% CI 0.7‐13.5); P = .031). A rise in plasma PlGF from 18 to 36 weeks’ gestation was observed in the control population which was significantly lower in the asthma group by 190.9 pg/mL. PlGF concentrations were correlated with microvascular structure including arteriolar branching and venular tortuosity. These exploratory findings indicate that exposure to maternal asthma during pregnancy is associated with persistent changes in microvascular structure in childhood that may be driven by alterations to angiogenic mechanisms in utero.
Imagining Kawthoolei: Strategies of petitioning for Karen statehood in Burma in the first half of the 20th century
Authors: Garbagni Giulia , Walton Matthew J 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAcademic and media writing about the Karen ethnic group in Myanmar most often associates the group with war and insurgency. This article focuses instead on the different strategies and rhetorical arguments––and the ideological notions that underpinned them––adopted by the Karen in their informal and formal petitions for recognition and statehood from the early decades of the 20th century, through the Second World War, to the mid‐1950s, including previously unexamined evidence of an early Karen attempt to gain UN recognition. In following these efforts, we track imaginings of Karen nationhood over time through shifting and conflicting territorial claims and persistent, multifaceted diplomatic attempts to realize the material existence of the Karen homeland, Kawthoolei.
Is forest fecundity resistant to drought? Results from an 18‐yr rainfall‐reduction experiment
Authors: Bogdziewicz Michał , Fernández‐Martínez Marcos , Espelta Josep M. , Ogaya Romà , Penuelas Josep 
Published: April 2020

SummaryRecruitment is a primary determinant of the long‐term dynamics of plant populations in changing environments. However, little information is known about the effects of anthropogenic environmental changes on reproductive ecology of trees.We evaluated the impact of experimentally induced 18 yr of drought on reproduction of three contrasting forest trees:Quercus ilex,Phillyrea latifoliaandArbutus unedo.Rainfall reduction did not decrease tree fecundity. Drought, however, affected the allocation of resources inQ. ilexandA. unedobut not the more drought tolerantP. latifolia. Larger crop production byQ. ilexandA. unedowas associated with a stronger decrease in growth in the rainfall‐reduction plots compared with the control plots, suggesting that these species were able to maintain their fecundity by shifting their allocation of resources away from growth.Our results indicated resistance to change in tree fecundity in Mediterranean‐type forest subjected to an average 15% decrease in the amount of soil moisture, suggesting that these ecosystems may adapt to a progressive increase in arid conditions. However, the species‐specific reductions in growth may indirectly affect future fecundity and ultimately shift community composition, even without immediate direct effects of drought on tree fecundity.
The value of the financial structure to economic performance in oil‐producing countries
Authors: Oro Oro Ufuo , Ekpo Akpan H. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIs financial structure (FS) valuable to economic performance (EP) of countries? To answer this question, we investigated 23 oil‐producing and 18 non‐oil‐producing countries over the course of ten years (2006–2015). We found an increase in bank‐based FS decreases economic growth (EG) and amplifies growth volatility (GV) in the oil‐ and non‐oil‐producing economies. An increase in market‐based FS increases EG in the two samples but amplifies GV in the oil‐producing economies while dampening GV in the non‐oil‐producing countries. The uniqueness in our results is that between the oil‐ and non‐oil‐producing countries, where the relationship between FS and EP is negative, the negative effect is more in the oil‐producing countries. Where the relationship is positive in the two samples, the positive effect is smaller in the oil‐producing countries. We, therefore, recommend that any policy reforms in the oil‐producing economies should be context‐specific because oil‐producing economies appear to differ from the other economies.
SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in children – Understanding the immune responses and controlling the pandemic
Authors: Lu Xiaoxia , Xiang Yun , Du Hui , Wing‐Kin Wong Gary 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn December 2019, a cluster of patients with severe pneumonia caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) emerged in the city of Wuhan, China. The disease is now termed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). In the early reports, the patients were mainly middle‐aged and elderly men, and children appeared to be less susceptible to this infection. With modern and efficient transportation, the disease quickly spread to almost all corners of the world and the mortality far exceeds that caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus. As the number of children with COVID‐19 gradually increases, the disease has been documented in premature babies, infants, children, and adolescents. Severe and fatal cases in children are relatively rare. The burden of disease in children has been relatively low, but the high proportions of asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic infections in children deserve careful attention. A clear understanding of the immune responses to the virus in children and the transmission potential of asymptomatic children is of paramount importance for the development of specific treatments and vaccine in order to effectively control the ongoing pandemic.
The res (restored cell structure by salinity) tomato mutant reveals the role of the DEAD‐box RNA helicase SlDEAD39 in plant development and salt response
Authors: Capel Carmen , Albaladejo Irene , Egea Isabel , Massaretto Isabel L. , Yuste‐Lisbona Fernando J. , Pineda Benito , García‐Sogo Begoña , Angosto Trinidad , Flores Francisco B. , Moreno Vicente , Lozano Rafael , Bolarín María C. , Capel Juan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIncreasing evidences highlight the importance of DEAD‐box RNA helicases in plant development and stress responses. In a previous study, we characterized the tomato res mutant (restored cell structure by salinity), showing chlorosis and development alterations that reverted under salt‐stress conditions. Map‐based cloning demonstrates that RES gene encodes SlDEAD39, a chloroplast‐targeted DEAD‐box RNA helicase. Constitutive expression of SlDEAD39 complements the res mutation, while the silencing lines had a similar phenotype than res mutant, which is also reverted under salinity. Functional analysis of res mutant proved SlDEAD39 is involved in the in vivo processing of the chloroplast, 23S rRNA, at the hidden break‐B site, a feature also supported by in vitro binding experiments of the protein. In addition, our results show that other genes coding for chloroplast‐targeted DEAD‐box proteins are induced by salt‐stress, which might explain the rescue of the res mutant phenotype. Interestingly, salinity restored the phenotype of res adult plants by increasing their sugar content and fruit yield. Together, these results propose an unprecedented role of a DEAD‐box RNA helicase in regulating plant development and stress response through the proper ribosome and chloroplast functioning, which, in turn, represents a potential target to improve salt tolerance in tomato crops.