bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rodent models for nicotine withdrawal
Authors: Chellian Ranjithkumar , Behnood-Rod Azin , Bruijnzeel Dawn M , Wilson Ryann , Pandy Vijayapandi , Bruijnzeel Adriaan W 
Published: April 2021

Background: Animal models are critical to improve our understanding of the neuronal mechanisms underlying nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine dependence in rodents can be established by repeated nicotine injections, chronic nicotine infusion via osmotic minipumps, oral nicotine intake, tobacco smoke exposure, nicotine vapor exposure, and e-cigarette aerosol exposure. The time course of nicotine withdrawal symptoms associated with these methods has not been reviewed in the literature. Aim: The goal of this review is to discuss nicotine withdrawal symptoms associated with the cessation of nicotine, tobacco smoke, nicotine vapor, and e-cigarette aerosol exposure in rats and mice. Furthermore, age and sex differences in nicotine withdrawal symptoms are reviewed. Results: Cessation of nicotine, tobacco smoke, nicotine vapor, and e-cigarette aerosol exposure leads to nicotine withdrawal symptoms such as somatic withdrawal signs, changes in locomotor activity, anxiety- and depressive-like behavior, learning and memory deficits, attention deficits, hyperalgesia, and dysphoria. These withdrawal symptoms are most pronounced within the first week after cessation of nicotine exposure. Anxiety- and depressive-like behavior, and deficits in learning and memory may persist for several months. Adolescent (4–6 weeks old) rats and mice display fewer nicotine withdrawal symptoms than adults (>8 weeks old). In adult rats and mice, females show fewer nicotine withdrawal symptoms than males. The smoking cessation drugs bupropion and varenicline reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms in rodents. Conclusion: The nicotine withdrawal symptoms that are observed in rodents are similar to those observed in humans. Tobacco smoke and e-cigarette aerosol contain chemicals and added flavors that enhance the reinforcing properties of nicotine. Therefore, more valid animal models of tobacco and e-cigarette use need to be developed by using tobacco smoke and e-cigarette aerosol exposure methods to induce dependence.
Assessment of the neuronal underpinnings of cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder with a picture encoding paradigm and methodological lessons learnt
Authors: Petersen JZ , Macoveanu J , Kjærstad HL , Knudsen GM , Kessing LV , Miskowiak KW 
Published: April 2021

Background: Mood disorders are often associated with persistent cognitive impairments. However, pro-cognitive treatments are essentially lacking. This is partially because of poor insight into the neurocircuitry abnormalities underlying these deficits and their change with illness progression. Aims: This functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study investigates the neuronal underpinnings of cognitive impairments and neuronal change after mood episodes in remitted patients with bipolar disorder (BD) using a hippocampus-based picture encoding paradigm. Methods: Remitted patients with BD ( n=153) and healthy controls ( n=52) were assessed with neuropsychological tests and underwent fMRI while performing a strategic picture encoding task. A subgroup of patients ( n=43) were rescanned after 16 months. We conducted data-driven hierarchical cluster analysis of patients’ neuropsychological data and compared encoding-related neuronal activity between the resulting neurocognitive subgroups. For patients with follow-up data, effects of mood episodes were assessed by comparing encoding-related neuronal activity change in BD patients with and without episode(s). Results: Two neurocognitive subgroups were revealed: 91 patients displayed cognitive impairments while 62 patients were cognitively normal. No neuronal activity differences were observed between neurocognitive subgroups within the dorsal cognitive control network or hippocampus. However, exploratory whole-brain analysis revealed lower activity within a small region of middle temporal gyrus in impaired patients, which significantly correlated with poorer neuropsychological performance. No changes were observed in encoding-related neuronal activity or picture recall accuracy with the occurrence of mood episode(s) during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Memory encoding fMRI paradigms may not capture the neuronal underpinnings of cognitive impairment or effects of mood episodes.
Accuracy of iodine quantification using dual-energy computed tomography with focus on low concentrations
Authors: Ahnfelt Anders , Dahlman Pär , Segelsjö Monica , Magnusson Mats O , Magnusson Anders 
Published: April 2021

Background Iodine quantification using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is helpful in characterizing, and follow-up after treatment of tumors. Some malignant masses, for instance papillary renal cell carcinomas (p-RCC), are hard to differentiate from benign lesions because of very low contrast enhancement. In these cases, iodine concentrations might be very low, and it is therefore important that iodine quantification is reliable even at low concentrations if this technique is used. Purpose To examine the accuracy of iodine quantification and to determine whether it is also accurate for low iodine concentrations. Material and Methods Twenty-six syringes with different iodine concentrations (0–30 mg I/mL) were scanned in a phantom model using a DECT scanner with two different kilovoltage and image reconstruction settings. Iodine concentrations were measured and compared to known concentration. Absolute and relative errors were calculated. Results For concentrations of 1 mg I/mL or higher, there was an excellent correlation between true and measured iodine concentrations for all settings (R = 0.999–1.000; P < 0.001). For concentrations <1.0 mg I/mL, the relative error was greater. Absolute and relative errors were smaller using tube voltages of 80/Sn140 kV than 100/Sn140 kV ( P < 0.01). Reconstructions using a 3.0-mm slice thickness had less variance between repeated acquisitions versus 0.6 mm ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Iodine quantification using DECT was in general very accurate, but for concentrations < 1.0 mg I/mL the technique was less reliable. Using a tube voltage with larger spectral separation was more accurate and the result was more reproducible using thicker image reconstructions.
Serum levels of cancer antigen 125 before hormone replacement therapy are not associated with clinical outcome of frozen embryo transfer in women with adenomyosis
Authors: Huang Ling , Li Yubin , Chen Minghui , Wang Zengyan , Zhou Canquan 
Published: April 2021

Aim This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of serum cancer antigen 125 (CA125) levels before hormone replacement therapy on pregnancy outcomes in women with adenomyosis undergoing frozen embryo transfer. Methods A total of 509 women with adenomyosis were screened and 84 patients receiving a total of 114 cycles of frozen embryo transfer were included, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were divided into two groups based on their CA125 levels (≤ or >35 IU/mL) before hormone replacement therapy. The basic characteristics and main outcomes of the two groups were compared. Receiver operating characteristic curve and subgroup analyses were also conducted. Results There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes of frozen embryo transfer cycles in patients with different serum CA125 levels before hormone replacement therapy. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that CA125 levels before hormone replacement therapy were not predictive of clinical pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions Serum CA125 levels before hormone replacement therapy are not associated with the clinical outcomes of frozen embryo transfer among women with adenomyosis.
Acceptability of blood-based HIV self-testing among adolescents aged 15–19 years at risk of HIV acquisition in Bangkok
Authors: Phongphiew Pongpak , Songtaweesin Wipaporn N , Paiboon Nantika , Phiphatkhunarnon Panyaphon , Srimuan Patchareeyawan , Sowaprux Teaka , Wongharn Prissana , Moonwong Juthamanee , Kawichai Surinda , Puthanakit Thanyawee 
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and young transgender women (YTGW) in Thailand are at high HIV risk. HIV self-tests (HIVSTs) are rapidly administrable and prompt linkage to HIV treatment or prevention services. This study assesses the acceptability and feasibility of blood-based HIVST use in adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among YMSM and YTGW aged 15–19 years with HIV acquisition risk. Participants completed questionnaires on the HIVST and then administered INSTI® independently, an HIVST immunoassay detecting gp41 and gp36 antibodies from finger-stick blood. Confirmatory HIV antibody tests were performed. Results: Between July and September 2020, 90 adolescents were enrolled. Mean (SD) age was 17.6 (1.1) years. Half ( N = 45) were YMSM. Forty-six (51%) were first-time HIV testers, and 32 (36%) had “ever used” HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Two (2.2%, 95% CI: 0.0–5.3) tested positive, 21 (23.4%) invalid, and 67 (74.4%) negative. Invalidity causes included 17 (81%) insufficient blood, 3 (14%) buffer spillage, and 1 (5%) procedural missteps; all had negative HIV antibody tests. HIV self-test acceptability was 87.8% (95% CI: 81.0–94.5). Most (79%) preferred HIVST performance in hospital rather than at home. Conclusions: HIVSTs are acceptable in HIV at-risk adolescents. Blood-based HIVSTs should be positioned as rapid point-of-care tests with real-time linkage to HIV services.
Brillio Technologies and ‘Bringing Smiles’
Authors: Paluri Achuta Ratna , Sonwaney Vandana 
Published: April 2021

Firms are under constant pressure to minimize negative externalities and increase positive externalities. These pressures are translating into the corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities by firms. CSR is emerging as a widespread business activity, and firms are undertaking CSR voluntarily. This case provides a brief discussion of the scenario of CSR in India. It goes on to discuss the educational activities undertaken by firms under their CSR programmes. Brillio Technologies is one such company that has adopted CSR voluntarily, from the very first year of operations, in 2015. CSR actions of Brillio go beyond the legal requirements as it achieved remarkable results in community engagement and employee engagement. CSR activities of companies are internal to the organization, such as reducing and recycling waste, or external to the organization, such as reducing its carbon footprint. While Brillio undertook numerous internal activities, its focus was on external activities through its flagship programme ‘Bringing Smiles’. The programme successfully reached 100,000 underserved students through STEM education by 2020—the company partnered with NGOs and schools to achieve its social goals. Participants need to evaluate the existing programme and strategize for achieving the goals. They are posed with three choices: (a) increase employee volunteering hours, (b) partner with more NGOs and (c) recommend a foundation for taking up CSR activities. These strategies could be a huge drain on the resources, hence there is need for a cost-benefit analysis of the alternatives.
Living With Both a Total Ankle Replacement and an Ankle Fusion: A Qualitative Study From the Patients’ Perspective
Authors: Conlin Catherine , Khan Ryan M. , Wilson Ian , Daniels Timothy R. , Halai Mansur , Pinsker Ellie B. 
Published: April 2021

Background: Total ankle replacement (TAR) and ankle fusion are effective treatments for end-stage ankle arthritis. Comparative studies elucidate differences in treatment outcomes; however, the literature lacks evidence demonstrating what outcomes are important to patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate patients’ experiences of living with both a TAR and ankle fusion. Methods: This research study used qualitative description. Individuals were selected from a cohort of patients with TAR and/or ankle fusion (n = 1254). Eligible patients were English speaking with a TAR and contralateral ankle fusion, and a minimum of 1 year since their most recent ankle reconstruction. Surgeries were performed by a single experienced surgeon, and semistructured interviews were conducted by a single researcher in a private hospital setting or by telephone. Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) scores, radiographs, and ancillary surgical procedures were collected to characterize patients. Themes were derived through qualitative data analysis. Results: Ten adults (8 men, 2 women), ages 59 to 90 years, were included. Average AOS pain and disability scores were similar for both surgeries for most patients. Participants discussed perceptions of each reconstructed ankle. Ankle fusions were considered stable and strong, but also stiff and compromising balance. TARs were considered flexible and more like a “normal ankle,” though patients expressed concerns about their TAR “turning” on uneven ground. Individuals applied this knowledge to facilitate movement, particularly during a first step and transitioning between positions. They described the need for careful foot placement and attention to the environment to avoid potential challenges. Conclusion: This study provides insight into the experiences of individuals living with a TAR and ankle fusion. In this unusual but limited group of patients, we found that each ankle reconstruction was generally perceived to have different characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Most participants articulated a preference for their TAR. These findings can help clinicians better counsel patients on expectations after TAR and ankle fusion, and improve patient-reported outcome measures by better capturing meaningful outcomes for patients. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Assessment of Dasatinib Versus Nilotinib as Upfront Therapy for Chronic Phase of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Qatar: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Adel Ahmad , Abushanab Dina , Hamad Anas , Abdulla Mohammad , Izham Mohamed , Yassin Mohamed 
Published: April 2021

Background: The economic outcome research of approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors for treating the chronic phase of chronic myeloid leukemia in developing is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of dasatinib and nilotinib for newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia patients. Methods: A decision tree model was developed linking clinical effectiveness (defined as major molecular response) and/or complete cytogenetic response, utility, and cost data over a 12-month period. Patients are recruited from Qatar Cancer Registry. The probability of primary clinical outcome is calculated from DASISION (dasatinib) and ENESTnd (nilotinib) trials. Direct healthcare costs were derived from the national healthcare payer system, whereas adverse effects data were derived from local incident reporting system. Results: In the first-line treatments of chronic myeloid leukemia patients, nilotinib has greater major molecular response (39% nilotinib vs 12% dasatinib) and complete cytogenetic response (24% nilotinib vs 16% dastinib) response outcomes, and more adverse effects than dasatinib (13.3% vs 4%). Moreover, nilotinib is more cost-effective with annual costs (USD63,589.59) and after 12 months of follow-up. Despite the lower acquisition annual cost of dasatinib (USD59,486.30), the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of nilotinib (vs dasatinib) per major molecular response/complete cytogenetic response achieved was USD15,481.10 per year. There were no cases in both arms that progressed to accelerated or blast phase. At a threshold of 3 times gross domestic product per capita of Qatar and according to World Health Organization recommendation, the nilotinib use is still cost-effective. Conclusion: Upfront therapy of chronic myeloid leukemia–chronic phase patients by nilotinib plan appears to be more cost-effective than dasatinib.
Serum contactin-1 as a biomarker of long-term disease progression in natalizumab-treated multiple sclerosis
Authors: van Lierop Zoë YGJ , Wieske Luuk , Koel-Simmelink Marleen JA , Chatterjee Madhurima , Dekker Iris , Leurs Cyra E , Willemse Eline AJ , Moraal Bastiaan , Barkhof Frederik , Eftimov Filip , Uitdehaag Bernhard MJ , Killestein Joep , Teunissen Charlotte E 
Published: April 2021

Background: Natalizumab treatment provides a model for non-inflammation-induced disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: To study serum contactin-1 (sCNTN1) as a novel biomarker for disease progression in natalizumab-treated relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients. Methods: Eighty-nine natalizumab-treated RRMS patients with minimum follow-up of 3 years were included. sCNTN1 was analyzed at baseline (before natalizumab initiation), 3, 12, 24 months (M) and last follow-up (median 5.2 years) and compared to 222 healthy controls (HC) and 15 primary progressive MS patients (PPMS). Results were compared between patients with progressive, stable, or improved disability according to EDSS-plus criteria. Results: Median sCNTN1 levels (ng/mL,) in RRMS (baseline: 10.7, 3M: 9.7, 12M: 10.4, 24M: 10.8; last follow-up: 9.7) were significantly lower compared to HC (12.5; p ⩽ 0.001). It was observed that 48% of patients showed progression during follow-up, 11% improved, and 40% remained stable. sCNTN1 levels were significantly lower in progressors both at baseline and at 12M compared to non-progressors. A 1 ng/mL decrease in baseline sCNTN1 was consistent with an odds ratio of 1.23 (95% confidence interval 1.04–1.45) ( p = 0.017) for progression during follow-up. Conclusion: Lower baseline sCNTN1 concentrations were associated with long-term disability progression during natalizumab treatment, making it a possible blood-based prognostic biomarker for RRMS.
Effect of continuous positive airway pressure treatment of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea in multiple sclerosis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (SAMS-PAP study)
Authors: Khadadah Sulaiman , Kimoff R John , Duquette Pierre , Jobin Vincent , Lapierre Yves , Benedetti Andrea , Johara Fatema T , Robinson Ann , Roger Elaine , Bar-Or Amit , Leonard Gabriel , Kaminska Marta , Trojan Daria A 
Published: April 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS, preplanned primary outcome), another fatigue measure, sleep quality, somnolence, pain, disability, and quality of life in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea (OSAH). Methods: In a randomized, double-blind trial (NCT01746342), MS patients with fatigue, poor subjective sleep quality, and OSAH (apnea-hypopnea index of ⩾ 15 events per hour/sleep), but without severe OSAH (apnea-hypopnea index > 30, and 4% oxygen desaturation index > 15 events/hour or severe somnolence), were randomized to fixed CPAP or sham CPAP for 6 months. Outcome assessments were performed at 3 and 6 months. Results: Of 49 randomized patients, 34 completed the protocol. Among completers, FSS did not improve with CPAP compared to sham at 6 months. FSS tended to improve ( p = 0.09), and sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) improved significantly ( p = 0.03) at 3 months with CPAP compared to sham, but there were no other improvements with CPAP at either study evaluation. Conclusion: In non-severe OSAH patients, CPAP did not significantly improve the primary outcome of FSS change at 6 months. In secondary analyses, we found a trend to improved FSS, and a significant reduction in somnolence with CPAP at 3 months.
Baseline behaviour moderates movement skill intervention outcomes among young children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Bremer Emily , Lloyd Meghann 
Published: April 2021

This study examined whether adaptive behaviour, emotional and behavioural challenges, and social skills, respectively, moderated the effect of a movement skill intervention on movement skills among preschool aged children with autism spectrum disorder. Twenty-seven participants with autism spectrum disorder ( N = 13 experimental) between 3 and 5 years of age participated in a 12-week fundamental movement skill intervention. Movement skills were assessed at baseline and post-test. Adaptive behaviour, emotional and behavioural challenges, and social skills were assessed at baseline. A repeated-measures analysis of variance tested the group by time effect on movement skills. Three separate moderation analyses were then run to test the moderating effect of adaptive behaviour, emotional and behavioural challenges, and social skills, respectively, on the relationship between group assignment and movement skills at the post-test. The experimental group significantly improved their movement skills following the intervention ( p = 0.02, ηp2=.19). The moderation analyses showed that adaptive behaviour ( b( SE) = 0.86 (0.41), p < 0.05) and emotional and behavioural challenges ( b( SE) = −1.5 (0.8), p = 0.06) at baseline moderated the association between group and post-test movement skills, when controlling for baseline movement skills. These findings may help caregivers and clinicians individualize treatment plans in regard to movement skill interventions for preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder. Lay abstract It is common for children with autism spectrum disorder to experience delays in their movement skills. These skills are important for participation in play and physical activity. Previous research has found that movement skills can be improved with movement skill interventions. This study explored the behavioural factors of young children with autism spectrum disorder that make them most likely to improve their movement skills following a 12-week intervention. The study found that children with higher levels of adaptive behaviour and lower levels of emotional and behavioural challenges at the start of the intervention were more likely to have greater improvements in their movement skills following the intervention. These findings may help clinicians and caregivers plan which types of interventions are best suited for individual children with autism spectrum disorder.
Patient, clinician and independent observer perspectives of shared decision making in adult orthodontics
Authors: Keshtgar Asma , Cunningham Susan J , Jones Elinor , Ryan Fiona S 
Published: April 2021

Objectives: To investigate and compare the extent of shared decision making (SDM) in orthodontics from the perspective of patients, clinicians and independent observers. Design: A cross-sectional, observational study. Setting: NHS teaching hospital. Participants: A total of 31 adult patients and their treating clinicians were included in the study. Methods: The extent of SDM in new patient orthodontic consultations was measured using three versions of a validated instrument: the self-administered patient dyadic-OPTION scale; the self-administered clinician dyadic-OPTION scale; and an independent observer-rated OPTION12 scale. Patients and clinicians completed the 12-item dyadic-OPTION questionnaire independently at the end of the consultation to rate their perceived levels of SDM. The consultations were also audio-recorded and two calibrated raters independently rated the extent of SDM in these consultations using the OPTION12 scale. Results: There was excellent inter-rater reliability between the two independent raters using the OPTION12 scale (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.909). The mean patient, clinician and independent observer OPTION scores for SDM were 90.4% (SD 9.1%, range 70.8% to 100%), 76.2% (SD 8.95%, range 62.5% to 95.8%) and 42.6% (SD 17.4%, range 13.5% to 68.8%), respectively. There was no significant correlation between the OPTION scores for the three groups (ICC = −0.323). Conclusions: The results showed that generally high levels of SDM were perceived by patients and clinicians but lower levels of SDM were scored by the independent observers. However, it could be argued that the patient’s perception of SDM is the most important measure as it is their care that is affected by their involvement.