bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low-intensity daily smoking and cause-specific mortality in Mexico: prospective study of 150 000 adults
Authors: Thomson Blake , Tapia-Conyer Roberto , Lacey Ben , Lewington Sarah , Ramirez-Reyes Raúl , Aguilar-Ramirez Diego , Gnatiuc Louisa , Herrington William G , Torres Jason , Trichia Eirini , Wade Rachel , Collins Rory , Peto Richard , Kuri-Morales Pablo , Alegre-Díaz Jesus , Emberson Jonathan R 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Research is needed to determine the relevance of low-intensity daily smoking to mortality in countries such as Mexico, where such smoking habits are common.

Methods
Prospective study of 159 755 Mexican adults recruited from 1998–2004 and followed for cause-specific mortality to 1 January 2018. Participants were categorized according to baseline self-reported smoking status. Confounder-adjusted mortality rate ratios (RRs) at ages 35–89 were estimated using Cox regression, after excluding those with previous chronic disease (to avoid reverse causality).

Results
Among 42 416 men and 86 735 women aged 35–89 and without previous disease, 18 985 men (45%) and 18 072 women (21%) reported current smoking and 8866 men (21%) and 53 912 women (62%) reported never smoking. Smoking less than daily was common: 33% of male current smokers and 39% of female current smokers. During follow-up, the all-cause mortality RRs associated with the baseline smoking categories of &lt;10 cigarettes per day (average during follow-up 4 per day) or ≥10 cigarettes per day (average during follow-up 10 per day), compared with never smoking, were 1.17 (95% confidence interval 1.10–1.25) and 1.54 (1.42–1.67), respectively. RRs were similar irrespective of age or sex. The diseases most strongly associated with daily smoking were respiratory cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and gastrointestinal and vascular diseases. Ex-daily smokers had substantially lower mortality rates than those who were current daily smokers at recruitment.

Conclusions
In this Mexican population, low-intensity daily smoking was associated with increased mortality. Of those smoking 10 cigarettes per day on average, about one-third were killed by their habit. Quitting substantially reduced these risks.
Myeloid cell dynamics correlating with clinical outcomes of severe COVID-19 in Japan
Authors: Takano Tomohiro , Matsumura Takayuki , Adachi Yu , Terahara Kazutaka , Moriyama Saya , Onodera Taishi , Nishiyama Ayae , Kawana-Tachikawa Ai , Miki Shoji , Hosoya-Nakayama Kaori , Nakamura-Hoshi Midori , Seki Sayuri , Tachikawa Natsuo , Yoshimura Yukihiro , Miyata Nobuyuki , Horiuchi Hiroshi , Sasaki Hiroaki , Miyazaki Kazuhito , Kinoshita Noriko , Sudo Tsutomu , Akiyama Yutaro , Sato Rubuna , Suzuki Tadaki , Matano Tetsuro , Takahashi Yoshimasa 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Abstract
An expanded myeloid cell compartment is a hallmark of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, data regarding myeloid cell expansion have been collected in Europe, where the mortality rate by COVID-19 is greater than those in other regions including Japan. Thus, characteristics of COVID-19-induced myeloid cell subsets remain largely unknown in the regions with low mortality rates. Here, we analyzed cellular dynamics of myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) subsets and examined whether any of them correlate with disease severity and prognosis, using blood samples from Japanese COVID-19 patients. We observed that polymorphonuclear (PMN)-MDSCs, but not other MDSC subsets, transiently expanded in severe cases but not in mild or moderate cases. Contrary to previous studies in Europe, this subset selectively expanded in survivors of severe cases and subsided before discharge, but such transient expansion was not observed in non-survivors in Japanese cohort. Analysis of plasma cytokine/chemokine levels revealed positive correlation of PMN-MDSC frequencies with IL-8 levels, indicating the involvement of IL-8 on recruitment of PMN-MDSCs to peripheral blood following the onset of severe COVID-19. Our data indicate that transient expansion of the PMN-MDSC subset results in improved clinical outcome. Thus, this myeloid cell subset may be a predictor of prognosis in cases of severe COVID-19 in Japan.
COVID-19 and International Crimes Trials in Germany
Authors: Ritscher Christian 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
With the appearance of the COVID-19 virus, the world faces new challenges in almost every area of social life. Social distancing and protection measures provide new challenges in business relations. This also holds true for criminal trials in general, and for international criminal trials, in particular. In Germany, several trials concerning charges of crimes under international law, established by the German Code of Crimes Against International Law (Völkerstrafgesetzbuch), are currently in progress. In particular, the trial against two former Syrian intelligence officers, which is currently taking place before the Higher Regional Court in Koblenz, has received international attention and will possibly be affected by the restrictions imposed.
US Army Drill Sergeants: Stressors, Behavioral Health, and Mitigating Factors
Authors: Elliman Toby D , Schwalb Molly E , Krauss Stephen , Mikoski Peter , Adler Amy B 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The role of the drill sergeant is one of the most challenging within the US Army, involving unusually long hours and little time off, for a minimum of 2 years. The current study sought to examine the behavioral health of this population and identify risk factors that might be addressed by policy changes.

Materials and Methods
In total, 856 drill sergeants across all Army basic training sites completed surveys from September to November of 2018. Drill sergeants identified factors that had caused stress or worry during their assignment. Rates were measured for behavioral health outcomes including depression, insomnia, anxiety, burnout, functional impairment, alcohol misuse, aggression, and low morale. Potential risk and resilience factors included time as a drill sergeant, sleep, route of assignment, general leadership, health-promoting leadership, and drill sergeant camaraderie. The study was approved by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Institutional Review Board.

Results
The most commonly experienced stressors were finding time to exercise, lack of sleep, and long work hours. Percentages of drill sergeants meeting behavioral health screening criteria were 19% for depression, 27% for moderate-to-severe insomnia, 14% for generalized anxiety disorder, 48% for high burnout, 32% for functional impairment, 35% for moderate alcohol misuse, 32% for off-duty aggression, and 25% for low morale. Rates for most outcomes were associated with time spent as a drill sergeant, with behavioral health issues peaking during 13-18 months. Poorer outcomes were also associated with fewer hours of sleep and initial unhappiness regarding involuntary assignment to the role of drill sergeant, while better outcomes were associated with higher ratings of general leadership, health-promoting leadership, and drill sergeant camaraderie.

Conclusions
This study is the first to examine behavioral health and morale of drill sergeants and to identify risk and resilience factors. Suggestions for policy changes include increasing the number of drill sergeants to decrease workload and allow sufficient time for recovery and sleep.
Flares in the Galactic Centre – I. Orbiting flux tubes in magnetically arrested black hole accretion discs
Authors: Porth O , Mizuno Y , Younsi Z , Fromm C M 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
Recent observations of Sgr A* by the GRAVITY instrument have astrometrically tracked infrared (IR) flares at distances of ∼10 gravitational radii (rg). In this paper, we study a model for the flares based on 3D general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations of magnetically arrested accretion discs (MADs) that exhibit violent episodes of flux escape from the black hole magnetosphere. These events are attractive for flare modelling for several reasons: (i) the magnetically dominant regions can resist being disrupted via magnetorotational turbulence and shear; (ii) the orientation of the magnetic field is predominantly vertical as suggested by the GRAVITY data; and (iii) the magnetic reconnection associated with the flux eruptions could yield a self-consistent means of particle heating/acceleration during the flare events. In this analysis, we track erupted flux bundles and provide distributions of sizes, energies, and plasma parameter. In our simulations, the orbits tend to circularize at a range of radii from ${\sim} 5\hbox{ to }40\, r_{\rm g}$. The magnetic energy contained within the flux bundles ranges up to ${\sim} 10^{40}\,\rm erg$, enough to power IR and X-ray flares. We find that the motion within the magnetically supported flow is substantially sub-Keplerian, in tension with the inferred period–radius relation of the three GRAVITY flares.
The VMC survey – XLI. Stellar proper motions within the Small Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Niederhofer Florian , Cioni Maria-Rosa L , Rubele Stefano , Schmidt Thomas , Diaz Jonathan D , Matijevĭc Gal , Bekki Kenji , Bell Cameron P M , de Grijs Richard , El Youssoufi Dalal , Ivanov Valentin D , Oliveira Joana M , Ripepi Vincenzo , Subramanian Smitha , Sun Ning-Chen , van Loon Jacco Th 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
We used data from the near-infrared Visible and Infrared Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA) survey of the Magellanic Cloud system (VMC) to measure proper motions (PMs) of stars within the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). The data analysed in this study comprise 26 VMC tiles, covering a total contiguous area on the sky of ∼40 deg2. Using multi-epoch observations in the Ks band over time baselines between 13 and 38 months, we calculated absolute PMs with respect to ∼130 000 background galaxies. We selected a sample of ∼2160 000 likely SMC member stars to model the centre-of-mass motion of the galaxy. The results found for three different choices of the SMC centre are in good agreement with recent space-based measurements. Using the systemic motion of the SMC, we constructed spatially resolved residual PM maps and analysed for the first time the internal kinematics of the intermediate-age/old and young stellar populations separately. We found outward motions that point either towards a stretching of the galaxy or stripping of its outer regions. Stellar motions towards the North might be related to the ‘Counter Bridge’ behind the SMC. The young populations show larger PMs in the region of the SMC Wing, towards the young Magellanic Bridge. In the older populations, we further detected a coordinated motion of stars away from the SMC in the direction of the Old Bridge as well as a stream towards the SMC.
Postoperative Psychosocial Factors in Health Functioning and Health-Related Quality of Life After Knee Arthroplasty: A 6-Month Follow up Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Terradas-Monllor Marc , Navarro-Fernández Gonzalo , Ruiz Miguel A , Beltran-Alacreu Hector , Fernández-Carnero Josué , Salinas-Chesa Julio , Ochandorena-Acha Mirari 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objective
Knee arthroplasty (KA) is an effective and cost-effective treatment for end-stage knee osteoarthritis. Despite high surgical success rates, as many as 25% of patients report compromised postoperative functioning, persistent pain, and reduced quality of life. The purpose of this study was to assess the predictive value of psychological factors in health functioning and quality of life, during a 6-month period after KA.

Design
A prospective observational study.

Setting
Surgery at two hospitals and follow-up was carried out through the domiciliary rehabilitation service.

Subjects
In total, 89 patients (age 70.27 ± 7.99 years) met the inclusion criteria.

Method
A test battery composed of Health functioning associated with osteoarthritis (WOMAC), Health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), Anxiety and Depression (HADS), Pain attitudes (SOPA-B), Pain catastrophizing (PCS), and Fear of Movement (TSK-11) was assessed at 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. A mixed effects linear model was used to estimate the effect of time and covariates. An exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the number of dimensions underlying the group of psychological measurements.

Results
In WOMAC model, anxiety level (F = 120.8), PCS (F = 103.9), depression level (F = 93.6) and pain score (F = 72.8) were the most influential variables. Regarding EQ-5D-5L model, anxiety level (F = 98.5), PCS (F = 79.8), depression level (F = 78.3) and pain score (F = 45) were the most influential variables. Pain score and the psychosocial variables of PCS, TSK, HADS-A, HADS-D, SOPA-B Emotion, SOPA-B Harm and SOPA-B Disability loaded in one single dimension.

Conclusions
Postoperative acute pain and psychosocial factors of pain catastrophizing, anxiety, depression, and pain attitudes might influence health functioning and quality of life during KA rehabilitation. Such factors could be gathered into one single dimension defined as pain-related psychologic distress.
Chemotype and Aggressiveness Evaluation of Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum Isolates from Wheat Fields in Wisconsin
Authors: Mueller Brian , Groves Carol L. , Smith Damon L. 
Published: January 2021

Fusarium graminearum commonly causes Fusarium head blight on wheat, barley, rice, and oats. F. graminearum produces nivalenol (NIV) and deoxynivalenol (DON) and forms derivatives of DON based on its acetylation sites. The fungus is profiled into chemotypes based on DON derivative chemotypes (3 acetyldeoxynivalenol [3ADON] chemotype; 15 acetyldeoxynivalenol [15ADON] chemotype), and/or the NIV chemotype. This study assessed the Fusarium population found on wheat and the chemotype profile of the isolates collected from 2016 and 2017 in Wisconsin. F. graminearum was isolated from all locations sampled in both 2016 and 2017. Fusarium culmorum was isolated only from Door County in 2016. Over both growing seasons, 91% of isolates were identified as the 15ADON chemotype, while 9% of isolates were identified as the 3ADON chemotype. Aggressiveness was quantified by area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). The isolates with the highest AUDPC values were from the highest wheat-producing cropping districts in the state. Deoxynivalenol production in grain and sporulation and growth rate in vitro were compared with aggressiveness in the greenhouse. Our results showed that 3ADON isolates in Wisconsin were among the highest in sporulation capacity, growth rate, and DON production in grain. However, there were no significant differences in aggressiveness between the 3ADON and 15ADON isolates. The results of this research detail the baseline frequency and distribution of 3ADON and 15ADON chemotypes observed in Wisconsin. Chemotype distributions within populations of F. graminearum in Wisconsin should continue to be monitored in the future.
Epidemiology of sepsis and septic shock
Authors: Chiu Catherine , Legrand Matthieu 
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review
The epidemiology of sepsis and septic shock has been challenging to study for multiple reasons. These include changing diagnostic definitions, as well a high concentration of sepsis-related studies published from high-income countries (HICs), despite a large global burden. This section attempts to address the incidence of sepsis throughout the years and worldwide.

Recent findings
The incidence of sepsis and septic shock has continued to increase since the first consensus definitions (Sepsis-1) were established in 1991, and the latest definitions (Sepsis-3) provide a better reflection of mortality risk for a diagnosis of sepsis. Several studies argue that the incidence of sepsis is overreported in HICs, based on billing and coding practices, and may lead to overutilization of resources. However, recent estimates of the true global burden of sepsis, including low-income countries, are likely much higher than reported, with calls for better allocation of resources.

Summary
The true epidemiology of sepsis worldwide continues to be a highly debated subject, and more research is needed among low-income countries and high-risk subpopulations.
The Pathology of the Vestibular System in CANVAS
Authors: Ishai Reuven , Seyyedi Mohammad , Chancellor Andrew M. , McLean Catriona A. , Rodriguez Michael L. , Halmagyi Gabor Michael , Nadol Joseph B. , Szmulewicz David J. , Quesnel Alicia M. 
Published: January 2021

Objective:
To describe the site of lesion responsible for the severe, bilateral, symmetrical, selective loss of vestibular function in Cerebellar Ataxia with Neuronopathy and Vestibular Areflexia Syndrome (CANVAS), an adult-onset recessively-inherited ataxia, characterized by progressive imbalance due to a combination of cerebellar, somatosensory, and selective vestibular impairment with normal hearing.

Methods:
Histologic examination of five temporal bones and the brainstems from four CANVAS patients and the brainstem only from one more, each diagnosed and followed from diagnosis to death by one of the clinician authors.

Results:
All five temporal bones showed severe loss of vestibular ganglion cells (cell counts 3–16% of normal), and atrophy of the vestibular nerves, whereas vestibular receptor hair cells and the vestibular nuclei were preserved. In contrast, auditory receptor hair cells, the auditory ganglia (cell counts 51–100% of normal), and the auditory nerves were relatively preserved. In addition, the cranial sensory ganglia (geniculate and trigeminal), present in two temporal bones, also showed severe degeneration.

Conclusions:
In CANVAS there is a severe cranial sensory ganglionopathy neuronopathy (ganglionopathy) involving the vestibular, facial, and trigeminal ganglia but sparing the auditory ganglia. These observations, when coupled with the known spinal dorsal root ganglionopathy in CANVAS, indicate a shared pathogenesis of its somatosensory and cranial nerve manifestations. This is the first published account of both the otopathology and neuropathology of CANVAS, a disease that involves the central as well as the peripheral nervous system.
Evaluating the Epley Canalolith Repositioning Procedure With and Without a Visual Assistive Device
Authors: Moroz Matthew , Choy Matthew , Lee Chang Woo , Hadfield Hugo , Lasenby Joan , Stone Thomas , Bance Manohar 
Published: January 2021

Hypothesis:
The primary goal of this study was to examine how accuracy is affected when we employ a guidance device to assist with the execution of the Epley canalolith repositioning procedure.

Background:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common cause of vestibular vertigo. Treatment is noninvasive and generally effective when performed correctly. Deficiencies in clinical application result in unnecessary failures in response for those affected.

Methods:
Ten participants were each taken through six iterations of the Epley canalolith repositioning procedure. Iterations were divided evenly between those conducted with and without the use of a guidance device. One clinician performed all 60 procedures. Head movements were recorded using motion capture cameras and strategically placed motion tracking markers.

Results:
Results showed that the guidance device significantly improved the latter phase maneuver accuracy. Rotation error was significantly reduced for hold3 with-device (M = 20.23°, SD = 12.08°) versus without-device (M = 40.13°, SD = 14.62°, p
=
0.001). Maximal rotation error during rotation4 of the maneuver demonstrated a similar reduction of error with-device (M = 24.44°, SD = 10.43°) versus without-device (M = 41.36°, SD = 12.89°, p
=
0.002).

Conclusion:
A simple visual guidance device can increase the execution accuracy of canalith repositioning procedures. Further research is required to show how such improvements influence treatment efficacy.
Predictive Sensitivity and Concordance of Machine-learning Tools for Diagnosing DFNA9 in a Large Series of p.Pro51Ser Variant Carriers in the COCH-gene
Authors: Salah Mahadi , de Varebeke Sebastien Janssens , Fransen Erik , Topsakal Vedat , Van Camp Guy , Van Rompaey Vincent 
Published: January 2021

Objective:
In this study we aimed to evaluate the predictive cross-sectional sensitivity and longitudinal concordance of a machine-learning algorithm in a series of genetically confirmed p.(Pro51Ser) variant carriers (DFNA9).

Study Design:
Cross-sectional study.

Setting:
Tertiary and secondary referral center.

Patients:
Audiograms of 111 subjects with the p.(Pro51Ser) mutation in the COCH-gene were analyzed cross-sectionally. A subset of 17 subjects with repeated audiograms were used for longitudinal analysis.

Intervention(s):
All audiological thresholds were run through the web-based AudioGene v4.0 software.

Main Outcome Measure(s):
Sensitivity for accurate prediction of DFNA9 for cross-sectional data and concordance of correct prediction for longitudinal auditory data.

Results:
DFNA9 was predicted with a sensitivity of 93.7% in a series of 222 cross-sectionally collected audiological thresholds (76.1% as first gene locus). When using the hearing thresholds of the best ear, the sensitivity was 94.6%. The sensitivity was significantly higher in DFNA9 patients aged younger than 40 and aged 60 years or older, compared to the age group of 40 to 59 years, with resp. 97.6% (p < 0.0001) and 98.8% (p < 0.0001) accurate predictions. An average concordance of 91.6% was found to show the same response in all successive longitudinal audiometric data per patient.

Conclusions:
Audioprofiling software can accurately predict DFNA9 in an area with a high prevalence of confirmed carriers of the p.(Pro51Ser) variant in the COCH-gene. This algorithm yields high promises for helping clinicians in directing genetic testing in case of a strong family history of progressive hearing loss, especially for very young and old carriers.
Comparative Utilization and Efficacy of Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists in Relapsed/Refractory Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Arnall Justin R. , DiSogra Kristyn Y. , Downing Lauren , Elmes Joseph B. , Tran Thuy , Moore Donald C. 
Published: January 2021

Background:
The thrombopoietin (TPO) agonists, eltrombopag and romiplostim, stimulate the production of platelets and offer an effective treatment option in relapsed/refractory immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Recently published 2019 ITP guidelines recommend the TPO agonists as second-line therapy following corticosteroids; however, little data offer insights into comparative efficacy and tolerability.

Study Question:
Is there a difference in the efficacy between romiplostim and eltrombopag in relapsed/refractory ITP?

Study Design:
We conducted a single-center, retrospective chart review of patients with ITP treated with romiplostim or eltrombopag.

Measures and Outcomes:
The primary objective was a sustained platelet response, defined as platelets greater than 50,000/μL in more than 66% of clinic visits over a 6-month period. Secondary objectives sought to evaluate response to and tolerability of TPO agonists.

Results:
The study included 107 consecutive patients, 67 (63%) on romiplostim and 40 (37%) on eltrombopag. Previous corticosteroids and rituximab were used in 95% and 50% of patients, respectively. There was no difference identified in platelet responses between the TPO-RAs, 72% romiplostim versus 65% eltrombopag (P = 0.520). In addition, no differences were identified in secondary measures of response.

Conclusions:
In our experience with romiplostim and eltrombopag for ITP, we did not identify a difference in the efficacy of these agents. Further larger and prospective evaluations should be considered.