bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global brain network dynamics predict therapeutic responsiveness to cannabidiol treatment for refractory epilepsy
Authors: Anderson David E , Madhavan Deepak , Swaminathan Arun 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Refractory epilepsy is a chronic brain network disorder characterized by unresponsiveness to multiple (&gt;2) anti-epileptic drugs. Cannabidiol, a non-psychotropic neuroactive substance, is an emerging anti-epileptic treatment that was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of refractory epilepsy, especially Lennox Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. Here, we evaluated associations between global brain network dynamics and related changes and responsiveness to cannabidiol therapy using a combination of electroencephalography phase coherence and graph theoretical analyses. Refractory epilepsy patients with Lennox Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome underwent serial electroencephalography testing prior to and during cannabidiol treatment. Patients showing greater than 70% seizure frequency reduction were classified as treatment responders for the purposes of this study. We calculated inter-electrode electroencephalography phase coherence in delta (1–3 Hz), theta (4–7 Hz), alpha (8–12 Hz) and beta (13–30 Hz) frequency bands. Graph theoretical analysis of brain network dynamics was extracted from phase coherence to evaluate measures of network integration (i.e. characteristic path length, global efficiency and degree) and segregation (i.e. modularity and transitivity). We found that responders, relative to non-responders, showed increased network integration—as indexed by relatively higher global efficiency and lower degree—and increased network segregation—as indexed by relatively higher modularity—exclusively in the beta-frequency band. We also found that larger cannabidiol dosages were associated with increased network integration—as indexed by higher global efficiency with increasing dose—and increased network segregation—as indexed by lower transitivity with increasing dose—in the delta, theta and alpha frequency bands. In summary, we demonstrate novel effects of cannabidiol on brain network dynamics with important implications for the treatment of refractory epilepsy and, possibly, across broader research applications in the future.
A case report of ruptured amoebic liver abscess causing cardiac tamponade and requiring pericardial window
Authors: Francis Cliojis , Soni Swati , Gupta Anunay , Agstam Sourabh 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
Amoebiasis is a prevalent infection in the tropics. Amoebic liver abscess is the most common extraintestinal manifestation. Cardiac tamponade is an uncommon complication of amoebic liver abscess that may need urgent pericardiocentesis.

Case summary
A 25-year-old man presented with abdominal pain and fever for 1 month. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a 4.7 × 4.7 cm abscess in the left lobe of the liver. Percutaneous pigtail drainage was performed to evacuate the abscess. After 2 days, the patient developed signs of cardiac tamponade and bilateral pleural effusion, requiring urgent pericardiocentesis and chest drain insertion. Persistent posterior collection of thick abscess in pericardium needed pericardial window for complete drainage. The patient recovered completely after pericardial window. There was no evidence of chronic constrictive pericarditis after 1 year of follow-up.

Discussion
A rare complication of the amoebic liver abscess was observed in this young adult who developed cardiac tamponade, requiring an urgent pericardiocentesis, and later requiring pericardial window. Management includes amoebicidal and luminicidal drugs for complete eradication of Entamoeba histolytica.
A Characterisation of ‘Phelpsian’ Statistical Discrimination
Authors: Chambers Christopher P , Echenique Federico 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
We establish that a type of statistical discrimination—that based on informativeness of signals about workers’ skills and the ability appropriately to match workers to tasks—is possible if and only if it is impossible uniquely to identify the signal structure observed by an employer from a realised empirical distribution of skills. The impossibility of statistical discrimination is shown to be equivalent to the existence of a fair, skill-dependent, remuneration for workers. Finally, we connect the statistical discrimination literature to Bayesian persuasion, establishing that if discrimination is absent, then the optimal signalling problem results in a linear pay-off function (as well as a kind of converse).
May Measurement Month 2018: blood pressure screening results in Cameroon
Authors: Dzudie Anastase , Njume Epie , Boombhi Jerome , Awungia Alexis , Ndom Marie S , Ebasone Peter Vanes , Djomou A Armel , Ba Hamadou , Mfekeu Liliane K , Menanga Alain , Kamdem Felicite , Xia Xin , Ster Anca Chis , Beaney Thomas , Poulter Neil , Kingue Samuel 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Hypertension is a global public health challenge, but awareness, treatment, and control rates remain low. May Measurement Month (MMM) creates a platform for awareness creation and opportunistic screening which can identify significant numbers with raised blood pressure (BP). We present results of the 2018 edition of MMM in Cameroon. A cross-sectional survey of self-selected volunteers aged ≥18 years was conducted in May 2018. The definition of hypertension and statistical analyses followed the standard protocol. Data were collected from 28 public (indoors and outdoors) and private locations which were assigned unique site identification numbers, over a 30-day period. Of the 8883 participants screened, 53.8% were male and the median age was 35 (interquartile range 21) years, and 30.0% reported not having a previous BP measurement. After imputation, 1867 (21.0%) were hypertensive, 645 (34.5%) were aware of their diagnosis, and 507 (27.2%) were on antihypertensive medication, among whom 242 (47.8%) had controlled BP. In linear regression models adjusting for age, sex, and the use of antihypertensive medication, systolic and diastolic BP were significantly higher in participants aware of their diagnosis, those on antihypertensive medication, and who reported alcohol intake of 1–3 times per month and, one or more times per week. Hypertension prevalence is the lowest, and awareness, treatments, and control rates the highest reported in epidemiological studies in Cameroon in the last two decades. Further surveys will be useful in evaluating the impact, if any, of the MMM campaign on the burden of hypertension in the Cameroon.
May Measurement Month 2018: an analyses of blood pressure screening results from Cabo Verde
Authors: Azevedo Vanda , Dias Luís , Soares Irenita , Garcia Glenda , Xia Xin , Ster Anca Chis , Beaney Thomas , Poulter Neil R 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Raised blood pressure (BP) is the biggest contributor to mortality and disease burden in Cabo Verde. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global campaign set up in 2017 to raise awareness of high BP. In 2018, we aimed to expand the campaign by including a greater number of centres to increase awareness. Nine islands participated in MMM 2018. Volunteers (≥18 years) were recruited through opportunistic sampling at a variety of screening sites. Each participant had three BP measurements and completed a questionnaire on demographic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg, or taking antihypertensive medication. In total, 98.0% of screenees provided three BP readings and multiple imputation using chained equations was used to impute missing readings. A total of 8008 individuals (mean age 40.4 years; 68.5% female) were screened. After multiple imputation, 2666 (33.3%) individuals had hypertension, of whom 74.8% were aware of their previous diagnosis and 55.8% were taking antihypertensive medication. Of those on medication, 39.1% were controlled and of all hypertensives, 21.8% were controlled. We detected 44.2% of individuals with untreated hypertension and 60.9% of treated individuals were inadequately treated. The Cape Verdean population is ageing and consequently cardiovascular disease is increasing, with hypertension being an important risk factor. Corrective actions need to be taken by the government. MMM is an ideal initiative to reach the public by raising awareness of this major cardiovascular risk factor.
May Measurement Month 2018: an analysis of blood pressure screening results in Georgia
Authors: Tsinamdzgvrishvili Bezhan , Gamkrelidze Amiran , Trapaidze Dali , Sturua Lela , Grdzelidze Nino , Abesadze Tamar , Mebonia Nana , Shengelia Lela , Kereselidze Maia , Tkeshelashvili Lika , Vakhtangadze Tamar , Asatiani Nino , Beaney Thomas , Ster Anca Chis , Poulter Neil R 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMay Measurement Month (MMM) is aimed at raising public awareness about arterial hypertension—the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in the population. Screening was carried out at 200 sites on a national scale. More than 500 volunteers, including doctors (80%) and medical students (20%) participated in the screening. To familiarize them with the research tools and standard blood pressure (BP) measurement method, their training was conducted by the Georgian Society of Hypertension in Tbilisi and other large cities. Social and mass media, medical societies, and other stakeholders were actively involved in the recruitment process. A total of 10 756 people were screened. The mean age of participants was 53.1 years (SD 16.1). Males—67.9%, females—32.1%. One hundred percent were White. After multiple imputation, the number of hypertensive patients was 6.037 (56.1%) and out of them 4950 were aware and 4701 (77.9%) were on medication, 1336 (22.1%) were not taking a medication. Of those taking antihypertensive medication, 38.2% had controlled BP. In spite of non-randomized selection and certain restrictions with respect to extrapolation of the results, MMM comprehensively reflects an urgent problem and major gaps in the health system. Based on the above, its importance is extremely valuable for identifying public health policy priorities.
May Measurement Month 2018: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Ghana
Authors: Twumasi-Ankrah Betty , Myers-Hansen Gustavus A , Adu-Boakye Yaw , Tannor Elliot K , Nyarko Obed O , Boakye Edwin , Lincoln Mary D , Quarshie Gloria A , Deku Enoch M , Galley Matilda E , Beaney Thomas , Ster Anca Chis , Xia Xin , Poulter Neil 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Elevated blood pressure (BP) is one of the leading risk factors for death and disability globally. It is also an important global health challenge because of its high prevalence and resulting morbidities. Albeit, a substantial number of people who have hypertension are either oblivious of it, not treated, or being managed but remain uncontrolled. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative led by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) with the goal of increasing awareness of high BP and serving as a spur to establish screening programmes worldwide. An opportunistic cross-sectional survey of volunteers aged ≥18 years was carried out in May 2018. Measurement of BP and collection of relevant health information were performed according to a standardized protocol for MMM. Screening sites were set up in churches, mosques, health facilities, pharmacies, recreational parks, sports facilities, shopping centres, marketplaces, universities, workplaces, and community centres across four regions of Ghana. A total of 6907 participants were screened during MMM 2018. After multiple imputation, 2354 (34.1%) had hypertension. Of individuals not taking antihypertensive medications 1526 (25.1%) were hypertensive of whom 48.4% were aware of having it. Also, of individuals taking antihypertensive medications 432 (52.2%) had uncontrolled BP. Data obtained from this project demonstrates that a significant number of people with hypertension are unaware of having it, are untreated, or are on treatment but remain uncontrolled. It also highlights the effectiveness of BP screening campaigns as a tool to identify persons with elevated BP.
May Measurement Month 2018: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Italy
Authors: Torlasco Camilla , Faini Andrea , Ferri Claudio , Grassi Guido , Salvetti Massimo , Destro Maurizio , Cicero Arrigo F G , Galletti Ferruccio , Ghiadoni Lorenzo , Carugo Stefano , Sarzani Riccardo , Minuz Pietro , Morganti Alberto , Mulatero Paolo , Mulè Giuseppe , Savoia Carmine , Volpe Massimo , Borghi Claudio , Beaney Thomas , Ster Anca Chis , Poulter Neil R , Xia Xin , Parati Gianfranco 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Cardiovascular (CV) diseases are burdened by high mortality and morbidity, being responsible for half of the deaths in Europe. Although hypertension is recognized as the most important CV risk factor, hypertension awareness and blood pressure (BP) control are still unsatisfactory. In 2017, 30.6% of a &gt;10 000 individual sample who took part in the May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign in Italy was found to have high BP. To raise awareness on the hypertension issue and to report BP data on a nation-wide scale in Italy. In the frame of the MMM campaign, an opportunistic cross-sectional survey of volunteers aged ≥18 was carried out in May 2018. Blood pressure measurement, the definition of hypertension and statistical analysis followed the standard MMM protocol. Screenings were conducted in multiple sites by health care personnel. Among the 5554 people screened (females: 48.3%, mean age 58 ± 17 years) mean BP was 127/77 mmHg, and after imputations, 1462 (26.3%) participants were found to have high BP levels. Body mass index &gt;25 was associated with higher systolic BP and diastolic BP (DBP), while diabetes was associated with high DBP only. Our data provide a nation-wide snapshot of BP control in a sample of individuals participating in a national health care campaign, and confirm the power of this kind of healthcare-related activities in reaching a significant number of people to raise awareness on health topics. The apparent positive trend in BP control compared to available data from other similar campaigns carried out during the past years needs to be confirmed with more methodologically robust studies.
May Measurement Month 2018: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Nigeria
Authors: Wahab Kolawole W , Kolo Philip M , Sani Mahmoud U , Okubadejo Njide U , Peter Johnson O , Aigbe Fred , Makusidi Muhammad A , Aje Akinyemi , Adewale Arimiyau , Adebola Phillip , Beaney Thomas , Ster Anca Chis , Poulter Neil R , Xia Xin , Omotoso Ayodele B 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Hypertension remains the dominant cardiovascular risk factor worldwide. May Measurement Month (MMM) is an annual global programme of the International Society of Hypertension aimed at screening for undetected hypertension in the general population. We report the outcome of MMM 2018 in Nigeria. An opportunistic screening of adults aged at least 18 years was conducted in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria in the month of May, 2018. Screening for hypertension was done by trained volunteers with the use of validated digital and mercury sphygmomanometers following the MMM protocol. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure (BP) ≥140/90 mmHg or the use of BP-lowering medication. There were 6398 participants (53.0% female) with a mean (SD) age of 41.7 (15.0) years. Hypertension was present in 36.4% of the participants with 51.1% of the hypertensives aware of their status, 41.8% on medication, of whom 43.1% were controlled. Overall, only 18.0% of all hypertensive participants had their BP under control. The proportion with hypertension is high, and awareness, treatment, and control rates are low. Concerted efforts are needed to improve awareness and treatment of hypertension in Nigeria in order to reduce the high rate of complications associated with uncontrolled BP.
Maladaptive Changes Associated With Cardiac Aging Are Sex-Specific and Graded by Frailty and Inflammation in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Kane Alice E , Bisset Elise S , Heinze-Milne Stefan , Keller Kaitlyn M , Grandy Scott A , Howlett Susan E 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe investigated whether late-life changes in cardiac structure and function were related to high levels of frailty and inflammation in male and female mice. Frailty (frailty index), ventricular structure/function (echocardiography), and serum cytokines (multiplex immunoassay) were measured in 16- and 23-month-old mice. Left ventricular (LV) mass and septal wall thickness increased with age in both sexes. Ejection fraction increased with age in males (60.4 ± 1.4 vs 68.9 ± 1.8%; p &lt; .05) but not females (58.8 ± 2.5 vs 62.6 ± 2.4%). E/A ratios declined with age in males (1.6 ± 0.1 vs 1.3 ± 0.1; p &lt; .05) but not females (1.4 ± 0.1 vs 1.3 ± 0.1) and this was accompanied by increased ventricular collagen levels in males. These changes in ejection fraction (r = 0.52; p = .01), septal wall thickness (r = 0.59; p = .002), E/A ratios (r = −0.49; p = .04), and fibrosis (r = 0.82; p = .002) were closely graded by frailty scores in males. Only septal wall thickness and LV mass increased with frailty in females. Serum cytokines changed modestly with age in both sexes. Nonetheless, in males, E/A ratios, LV mass, LV posterior wall thickness, and septal wall thickness increased as serum cytokines increased (eg, IL-6, IL-3, IL-1α, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, eotaxin, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α), while ejection fraction declined with increasing IL-3 and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor. Cardiac outcomes were not correlated with inflammatory cytokines in females. Thus, changes in cardiac structure and function in late life are closely graded by both frailty and markers of inflammation, but this occurs primarily in males. This suggests poor overall health and inflammation drive maladaptive changes in older male hearts, while older females may be resistant to these adverse effects of frailty.
17α-Estradiol Modulates IGF1 and Hepatic Gene Expression in a Sex-Specific Manner
Authors: Sidhom Silvana , Schneider Augusto , Fang Yimin , McFadden Samuel , Darcy Justin , Sathiaseelan Roshini , Palmer Allyson K , Steyn Frederik J , Grillari Johannes , Kopchick John J , Bartke Andrzej , Siddiqi Shadab , Masternak Michal M , Stout Michael B 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Aging is the greatest risk factor for most chronic diseases. The somatotropic axis is one of the most conserved biological pathways that regulates aging across species. 17α-Estradiol (17α-E2), a diastereomer of 17β-estradiol (17β-E2), was recently found to elicit health benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity and extend longevity exclusively in male mice. Given that 17β-E2 is known to modulate somatotropic signaling in females through actions in the pituitary and liver, we hypothesized that 17α-E2 may be modulating the somatotropic axis in males, thereby contributing to health benefits. Herein, we demonstrate that 17α-E2 increases hepatic insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) production in male mice without inducing any changes in pulsatile growth hormone (GH) secretion. Using growth hormone receptor knockout (GHRKO) mice, we subsequently determined that the induction of hepatic IGF1 by 17α-E2 is dependent upon GH signaling in male mice, and that 17α-E2 elicits no effects on IGF1 production in female mice. We also determined that 17α-E2 failed to feminize the hepatic transcriptional profile in normal (N) male mice, as evidenced by a clear divergence between the sexes, regardless of treatment. Conversely, significant overlap in transcriptional profiles was observed between sexes in GHRKO mice, and this was unaffected by 17α-E2 treatment. Based on these findings, we propose that 17α-E2 acts as a pleiotropic pathway modulator in male mice by uncoupling IGF1 production from insulin sensitivity. In summary, 17α-E2 treatment upregulates IGF1 production in wild-type (and N) male mice in what appears to be a GH-dependent fashion, while no effects in female IGF1 production are observed following 17α-E2 treatment.
Developing the Canadian Indigenous Cognitive Assessment for Use With Indigenous Older Anishinaabe Adults in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Jacklin Kristen , Pitawanakwat Karen , Blind Melissa , O’Connell Megan E , Walker Jennifer , Lemieux Andrine M , Warry Wayne 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Dementia is a growing public health issue for aging Indigenous populations. Current cognitive assessments present varying degrees of cultural, educational, and language bias, impairing their application in Indigenous communities. Our goal is to provide Anishinaabe communities in Canada with a brief cognitive test that can be administered within the community setting by community health workers or professionals. The purpose of this study was to adapt the Kimberly Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (KICA) for use as a brief cognitive test with Anishinaabe populations in Canada.

Research Design and Methods
We used a community-based participatory research approach coupled with two-eyed seeing to provide an equitable space for Indigenous knowledge. Adaptation of the KICA was accomplished over 22 months using an iterative cycle of monthly consultations between an 11-member expert Anishinaabe language group (EALG) and the investigators, with ad hoc consultations with an Indigenous Elder, a community advisory council, and the KICA authors. Face validity was established with two pilot studies using cognitive interviewing with Indigenous older adults (n = 15) and a focus group consultation with local health professionals (n = 7).

Results
Each question of the KICA was scrutinized by the EALG for cultural appropriateness, language and translation, and cultural safety. Every domain required adaptation to reflect cultural values, specificity of language, tone, and a culturally safe approach. Orientation, verbal comprehension and fluency, praxis, and naming domains required the most adaptations. The first pilot for face validity resulted in additional changes; the second confirmed satisfactory adaptation of all changes.

Discussion and Implications
The research resulted in the new Canadian Indigenous Cognitive Assessment. The findings reveal important cultural and linguistic considerations for cross-cultural cognitive assessment in Indigenous contexts. This new culturally appropriate and safe brief cognitive test may improve case finding accuracy and lead to earlier diagnosis and improved dementia care for Indigenous peoples.