bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive changes during the menopausal transition: a longitudinal study in women with and without HIV
Authors: Maki Pauline M. , Springer Gayle , Anastos Kathryn , Gustafson Deborah R. , Weber Kathleen , Vance David , Dykxhoorn Derek , Milam Joel , Adimora Adaora A. , Kassaye Seble G. , Waldrop Drenna , Rubin Leah. H. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objective:
To assess longitudinal changes in cognitive performance across menopause stages in a sample comprised primarily of low-income women of color, including women with HIV (WWH).

Methods:
A total of 443 women (291 WWH; 69% African American; 18% Hispanic; median age = 42 y) from the Women's Interagency HIV Study completed tests of verbal learning and memory, attention/working memory, processing speed, verbal fluency, motor skills, and executive function first at an index premenopausal visit and thereafter once every 2 years for up to six visits (mean follow-up = 5.7 y). General linear-mixed effects regression models were run to estimate associations between menopause stages and cognition, in the overall sample and in WWH. We examined both continuous scores and categorical scores of cognitive impairment (yes/no >1 standard deviation below the mean).

Results:
Adjusting for age and relevant covariates, the overall sample and WWH showed longitudinal declines in continuous measures of learning, memory, and attention/working memory domains from the premenopause to the early perimenopause and from the premenopause to the postmenopause, Ps < 0.05 to < 0.001. Effects on those same domains were also evident in categorical scores of cognitive impairment, with the increased odds of impairment ranging from 41% to 215%, Ps < 0.05 to < 0.001. The increase in predicted probability of impairment by menopausal stage (% affected) ranged from 4% to 13%.

Conclusions:
Menopause stage was a key determinant of cognition in a sample of low-income women of color, including WWH. Many of these changes reached a clinically significant level of cognitive impairment.
Individual and additive-effect relationships of sleep problems and severe menopausal symptoms among women in menopausal transition
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Zhao Di , Lv Gaorong , Mao Cui , Zhang Yunxue , Xie Zihui , Li Ping 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objective:
Sleep problems and menopausal symptoms are both common complaints among midlife women. However, the associations of the quality and quantity of sleep problems with the severity of menopausal symptoms have not been well studied. Thus, this study aims to examine the relationships between individual sleep problems and the additive number of sleep problems with severe menopausal symptoms among women during the menopausal transition.

Methods:
Using the convenience sampling, a total of 848 middle-aged women in China were investigated from December 2017 to August 2018. All participants completed a questionnaire on sleep problems, Menopause Rating Scale, and the general information questionnaire. Based on the cutoff of the Menopause Rating Scale, participants were divided into the nonsevere menopausal symptom group and severe menopausal symptoms group. Propensity score matching was used to balance covariates between the two groups. Stepwise binary logistic regression and restricted cubic spline were applied to analyze the associations of individual and additive sleep problems with severe menopausal symptoms.

Results:
After propensity score matching, no significant difference was observed between the nonsevere menopausal symptoms group and severe menopausal symptoms group (Ps > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that five sleep problems (“feeling too hot,” “having pain,” “restless legs syndrome,” “taking medicine to help sleep,” and “having trouble staying awake”) were closely associated with severe menopausal symptoms. The restricted cubic spline curve showed an upward trend in odds ratios between the number of these five sleep problems and severe menopausal symptoms, and women were more than twice as likely to suffer severe menopausal symptoms when they experienced more than three of these individual sleep problems.

Conclusion:
Both the individual and additive number of sleep problems exerted significant effects on severe menopausal symptoms. It might be useful for healthcare providers to set guidelines to support a healthy menopausal transition for midlife women.
Menopausal status and observed differences in the gut microbiome in women with and without HIV infection
Authors: Peters Brandilyn A. , Xue Xiaonan , Wang Zheng , Usyk Mykhaylo , Santoro Nanette , Sharma Anjali , Anastos Kathryn , Tien Phyllis C. , Golub Elizabeth T. , Weber Kathleen M. , Gustafson Deborah , Kaplan Robert C. , Burk Robert , Qi Qibin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objective:
Gut microbiota respond to host physiological phenomena, yet little is known regarding shifts in the gut microbiome due to menopausal hormonal and metabolic changes in women. HIV infection impacts menopause and may also cause gut dysbiosis. We therefore sought to determine the association between menopausal status and gut microbiome composition in women with and without HIV.

Methods:
Gut microbiome composition was assessed in stool from 432 women (99 premenopausal HIV+, 71 premenopausal HIV−, 182 postmenopausal HIV+, 80 postmenopausal HIV−) via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We examined cross-sectional associations of menopause with gut microbiota overall diversity and composition, and taxon and inferred metagenomic pathway abundance. Models were stratified by HIV serostatus and adjusted for age, HIV-related variables, and other potential confounders.

Results:
Menopause, ie post- versus premenopausal status, was associated with overall microbial composition only in women with HIV (permutational MANOVA of Jensen Shannon Divergence: P = 0.01). In women with HIV, menopause was associated with enrichment of gram-negative order Enterobacteriales, depletion of highly abundant taxa within Prevotella copri, and alterations in other low-abundance taxa. Additionally, menopause in women with HIV was associated with enrichment of metagenomic pathways related to Enterobacteriales, including degradation of amino acids and phenolic compounds, biosynthesis of enterobactin, and energy metabolism pathways. Menopause-related differences in some low-abundance taxa were also observed in women without HIV.

Conclusions:
A changing gut microbiome may be an overlooked phenomenon of reproductive aging in women with HIV. Longitudinal assessments across all reproductive stages are necessary to confirm these findings and identify health implications.
Change in Covid-19 infection and mortality rates in postmenopausal women
Authors: Cagnacci Angelo , Xholli Anjeza 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objective:
To evaluate whether the rates of COVID-19 infection and death in women versus men differ with age.

Methods:
From data provided by the Italian National Institute of Statistics, we calculated the respective proportions of women among COVID-infected versus noninfected populations and male versus female infection and death rates, stratifying the results into 10-year age groups.

Results:
The prevalence of COVID-19 infection was 3.6% higher in women than in the general population from 20 to 59 years of age, then decreased to −13.3% below that of the general population between 60 and 89 years of age. Death rates among infected women showed the opposite age-related trend. In infected women, the mortality rate was −77.4% lower than that of men aged 20 to 59 years. Between 60 and 89 years of age, the difference in women decreases to −34.5% below that of men.

Conclusions:
Our results indicate opposing age-related trends among women in infection and death rates due to COVID-19. Further studies are needed to examine the contribution of the phases of the female reproductive cycle to the observed variations.
Amniotic Membrane-Covered Conformer and Fibrin Glue for Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Authors: Chan Sarah , Gole Glen A. , Lee Graham A. 
Published: January 2021

Purpose:
Stevens-Johnson syndrome and its more severe form, toxic epidermal necrolysis, are immunologic disorders that cause widespread blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. Its incidence is higher in children and can lead to long-term disabling ocular surface complications that can be averted with amniotic membrane transplantation early in the disease. To introduce an amniotic membrane treatment technique that is time efficient and minimally invasive but still allows for extensive coverage of the ocular mucosal surfaces to prevent and lessen the severity of the complications from ocular surface sequelae.

Methods:
The procedure was undertaken in the operating room under general anesthesia. Symblephara were divided before an amniotic membrane-covered conformer was placed into the fornices. Fibrin glue was used to secure the conformer and to keep the palpebral aperture closed. Topical chloramphenicol 0.5% and prednisolone 0.5% were prescribed 4 times a day.

Results:
After 7 days, the conformers were removed and new amniotic membrane-covered conformers were reapplied in both eyes for a further week. After the second round of treatment, the conformers were left out for 3 days. Inferior symblephara reformed in the left lower fornix, and therefore, a third round of treatment was undertaken in the left eye only, which was then removed after 7 days. A follow-up at 8 weeks revealed 20/20 vision with minimal symblephara in either eye.

Conclusions:
This novel technique, using an amniotic membrane-covered conformer in combination with fibrin glue, allows for the coverage of the entire ocular surface and protection of the lid margins while requiring minimal preparation and surgical time. This technique could also be used in patients with other cicatrizing ocular surface conditions, such as chemical or thermal injuries or postreconstructive surgery of the fornices.
A Water-free 0.1% Cyclosporine A Solution for Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: Results of the Randomized Phase 2B/3 ESSENCE Study
Authors: Sheppard John D. , Wirta David L. , McLaurin Eugene , Boehmer Blair E. , Ciolino Joseph B. , Meides Alice S. , Schlüter Thomas , Ousler George W. , Usner Dale , Krösser Sonja 
Published: January 2021

Purpose:
To assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of a topical water-free cyclosporine A formulation (CyclASol 0.1% ophthalmic solution) in comparison with vehicle for the treatment of dry eye disease (DED).

Methods:
Three hundred twenty-eight patients were enrolled in this prospective, 12-week, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, confirmatory, vehicle-controlled clinical study. After a 2-week run-in period, eligible DED patients were randomized 1:1 to either CyclASol 0.1% or vehicle twice daily. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline in total corneal fluorescein staining (National Eye Institute scale), and the second hierarchical primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline in the Ocular Surface Disease Index score, both at 4 weeks. Secondary efficacy and safety assessments included conjunctival lissamine green staining (Oxford scale), visual analog scales for dry eye symptoms, and adverse event.

Results:
Treatment with CyclASol 0.1% was superior to vehicle in the primary endpoint: total corneal fluorescein staining at week 4 (Δ −0.8; 95% confidence interval, −1.3 to −0.4; P = 0.0002, analysis of covariance). This difference had already reached statistical significance after 2 weeks and was maintained throughout the study. The study did not statistically meet its second hierarchically tested primary endpoint: Ocular Surface Disease Index score (P = 0.2634). However, CyclASol 0.1% treatment showed statistically significant improvement compared with that of vehicle in the eye dryness score at week 4 (Δ −4.783; 95% confidence interval, −9.129 to −0.438; P = 0.0311).

Conclusions:
CyclASol 0.1% was effective in treating signs and symptoms of DED. It significantly reduced corneal and conjunctival staining and improved ocular dryness compared with vehicle. CyclASol 0.1% was safe and showed excellent tolerability.
Practice patterns of corneal transplantation in Europe: first report by the European Cornea and Cell Transplantation Registry
Authors: Dunker Suryan L. , Armitage W. John , Armitage Margareta , Brocato Lucia , Figueiredo Francisco C. , Heemskerk Martin B.A. , Hjortdal Jesper , Jones Gary L.A. , Konijn Cynthia , Nuijts Rudy M.M.A. , Lundström Mats , Dickman Mor M. 
Published: January 2021

Purpose:
To report practice patterns of corneal transplantation in Europe.

Setting:
Corneal clinics in 10 European member states (MS), the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

Design:
Multinational registry study.

Methods:
Corneal transplant procedures registered in the European Cornea and Cell Transplantation Registry were identified. Preoperative donor and recipient characteristics, indication and reason for transplantation, and surgical techniques were analyzed.

Results:
A total of 12 913 corneal transplants were identified from 10 European Union MS, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Most countries were self-sufficient with regard to donor tissue. Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy was the most common indication (41%, n = 5325), followed by regraft (16%, n = 2108), pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (12%, n = 1594), and keratoconus (12%, n = 1506). Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK, 46%, n = 5918) was the most commonly performed technique, followed by penetrating keratoplasty (30%, n = 3886) and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (9%, n = 1838). Vision improvement was the main reason for corneal transplantation (90%, n = 11 591). Surgical technique and reason for transplantation differed between indications.

Conclusions:
This report provides the most comprehensive overview of corneal transplantation practice patterns in Europe to date. Fuchs endothelial dystrophy is the most common indication, vision improvement the leading reason, and DSAEK the predominant technique for corneal transplantation.
Impact of pain and catastrophizing on the long-term course of depression in the general population: the HUNT pain study
Authors: Glette Mari , Stiles Tore C. , Jensen Mark P. , Nilsen Tom Ivar Lund , Borchgrevink Petter C. , Landmark Tormod 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Pain and depression are episodic conditions that might take a chronic course. They are clearly related, but information on how they influence each other in the process of chronification is limited. Pain catastrophizing is hypothesized to play a role in the development of depression and chronic pain, but few longitudinal studies have investigated their association over a longer term. In this study, a random cohort from the general population (n = 4764) answered questions about pain, catastrophizing, and depression at 5 assessments in yearly intervals. Linear mixed models showed that within persons, increases in pain intensity and catastrophizing were independently associated with increases in depressive symptoms {mean change = −1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−1.32 to −0.91] and −1.29, 95% CI [−1.52 to −1.05], respectively}. In prospective analyses restricted to individuals without depression above cutoff at baseline, chronic pain increased the risk of endorsing depression over the following 4 years (odds ratio = 2.01, 95% CI [1.71-2.37]). Seven percent showed a chronic course of depression, as indicated by scores above cutoff on at least 3 of 5 assessments. The number of years lived with chronic pain was associated with a chronic course of depression, with odds ratios increasing from 1.55 (95% CI [0.87-2.91]) to 14.19 (95% CI [8.99-22.41]) when reporting chronic pain on 2 vs 5 assessments compared with none. The results suggest that when pain intensity or catastrophizing change, depressive symptoms change in the same direction. When pain and catastrophizing become chronic, they seem to be mutually reinforcing determinants for chronic depression.
Quantitative language features identify placebo responders in chronic back pain
Authors: Berger Sara E. , Branco Paulo , Vachon-Presseau Etienne , Abdullah Taha B. , Cecchi Guillermo , Apkarian A. Vania 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Although placebo effect sizes in clinical trials of chronic pain treatments have been increasing, it remains unknown if characteristics of individuals' thoughts or previous experiences can reliably infer placebo pill responses. Research using language to investigate emotional and cognitive processes has recently gained momentum. Here, we quantified placebo responses in chronic back pain using more than 300 semantic and psycholinguistic features derived from patients' language. This speech content was collected in an exit interview as part of a clinical trial investigating placebo analgesia (62 patients, 42 treated; 20 not treated). Using a nested leave-one-out cross-validated approach, we distinguished placebo responders from nonresponders with 79% accuracy using language features alone; a subset of these features—semantic distances to identity and stigma and the number of achievement-related words—also explained 46% of the variance in placebo analgesia. Importantly, these language features were not due to generic treatment effects and were associated with patients' specific baseline psychological traits previously shown to be predictive of placebo including awareness and personality characteristics, explaining an additional 31% of the variance in placebo analgesia beyond that of personality. Initial interpretation of the features suggests that placebo responders differed in how they talked about negative emotions and the extent that they expressed awareness to various aspects of their experiences; differences were also seen in time spent talking about leisure activities. These results indicate that patients' language is sufficient to identify a placebo response and implie that specific speech features may be predictive of responders' previous treatment.
Difference of pain vulnerability in adult and juvenile rodents: the role of SIRT1-mediated ClC-3 trafficking in sensory neurons
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Long , Zhang Jin-Jun , Chen Zi-Hang , Yang Kai-Bin , Zhang Xi , Xiao Yi-Bin , Lei Yi , Cao Xian-Ying , Xie Man-Xiu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Adults are more likely to suffer from chronic pain than minors, and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. SIRT1 an important age-related protein with function of lifespan extension; whether SIRT1 plays a role in the different pain vulnerability of adult and juvenile remains unclear. Here, we found that the expression level of SIRT1 in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) was related to the pain vulnerability. After nerve injury, the expression of SIRT1 in DRG was decreased in adult rodents whereas increased in juvenile rodents. Differential manipulation of SIRT1 abolished the different pain vulnerability between adult and juvenile rodents. Furthermore, SIRT1 interacted with ClC-3 channel and mediated ClC-3 membrane trafficking and Cl− current in DRG neurons. Differential manipulation of ClC-3 also abolished the difference in pain vulnerability between adult and juvenile rodents. The different anti-inflammatory ability determined the different change trends of SIRT1 and ClC-3 trafficking contributed to the different pain vulnerability in adult and juvenile rodents. In addition, the serum SIRT1 level was negatively correlated with the pain score in patients with chronic pain. These findings revealed the mechanism of the difference in pain vulnerability between adult and juvenile rodents and provided evidence for age-specific treatment of chronic pain.
Prognostic factors for adolescent knee pain: an individual participant data meta-analysis of 1281 patients
Authors: Holden Sinead , Kasza Jessica , Winters Marinus , van Middelkoop Marienke ,   Adolescent Knee Health Group, Rathleff Michael Skovdal 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Adolescent knee pain has a propensity for chronicity, impacting physical activity and health into adulthood. The aim of this study is to investigate prognostic factors in adolescents with knee pain using individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis. Studies were identified through a systematic search and a collaborative group. We included IPD from prospective studies of adolescents (age 10-19 years) with nontraumatic knee pain (13 studies and 1516 adolescents with 1281 unique participants). Primary outcomes were pain intensity and function (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score “Sport/Rec” subscale). Primary endpoint was 12 months. Risk of bias was appraised with Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. Harmonised IPD was analysed by multilevel modelling. Fifty-one percent reported knee pain after 12-months. Lower baseline pain frequency was associated with lower pain intensity at 12 months (“less than weekly”; 12 (95% confidence interval [CI] 7-17) and “monthly”; 15 (95% CI 9-22) points lower on a 100-point pain scale, compared with “almost daily pain”). Other factors most strongly associated with 1-year pain prognosis were lower quality of life (30, 95% CI 19-42 points per unit change in the EQ5D index score), female sex (8 points, 95% CI 4-12 higher compared with males), and bilateral pain (7, 95% CI 1-13 points higher pain). Similar factors were associated with function. Body mass index, pain sensitivity, and knee strength were not associated with prognosis of pain or function. Adolescent knee pain is associated with clinically relevant long-term pain and functional deficits. Self-reported characteristics may help identify those at risk of poor prognosis.
Nonlinear increase of pain in distance-based and area-based spatial summation
Authors: Adamczyk Wacław M. , Manthey Linn , Domeier Christin , Szikszay Tibor M. , Luedtke Kerstin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
When nociceptive stimulation affects a larger body area, pain increases. This effect is called spatial summation of pain (SSp). The aim of this study was to describe SSp as a function of the size or distance of a stimulated area(s) and to test how this function is shaped by the intensity and SSp test paradigm. Thirty-one healthy volunteers participated in a within-subject experiment. Participants were exposed to area-based and distanced-based SSp. For area-based SSp, electrocutaneous noxious stimuli were applied by up to 5 electrodes (5 areas) forming a line-like pattern; for distance-based SSp, the same position and lengths of stimuli were used but only 2 electrodes were stimulated. Each paradigm was repeated using pain of low, moderate, and high intensity. It was found that the pattern of pain intensity followed a logarithmic (power) rather than a linear function. The dynamics of the pain increase were significantly different across pain intensities, with more summation occurring when pain was perceived as low. Results indicated that area-based SSp is more painful than distance-based SSp when low and moderate but not when high pain intensity is induced. Presented findings have important implications for all studies in which the spatial dimension of pain is measured. When the area or separation between nociceptive stimulation increases, pain does not increase linearly and the pattern of the pain increase is a result of the interaction between intensity and the number of nociceptive sites. A power function should be considered when predicting the size of a nociceptive source.