bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are remission and low disease activity state ideal targets for pregnancy planning in systemic lupus erythematosus? A multicentre study
Authors: Tani Chiara , Zucchi Dina , Haase Isabell , Larosa Maddalena , Crisafulli Francesca , Strigini Francesca A L , Monacci Francesca , Elefante Elena , Mucke Johanna , Choi May Y , Andreoli Laura , Iaccarino Luca , Tincani Angela , Doria Andrea , Fischer-Betz Rebecca , Mosca Marta 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To determine whether disease remission or low disease activity state at the beginning of pregnancy in SLE patients is associated with better pregnancy outcome.

Methods
Pregnancies in SLE patients prospectively monitored by pregnancy clinics at four rheumatology centres were enrolled. Patient demographics and clinical information were collected at baseline (pregnancy visit before 8 weeks of gestation) including whether patients were in remission according to the Definition of Remission in SLE (DORIS) criteria and and/or Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS). Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine predictors of disease flare and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) including preeclampsia, preterm delivery, small for gestational age infant, intrauterine growth restriction and intrauterine fetal death.

Results
A total of 347 pregnancies were observed in 281 SLE patients. Excluding early pregnancy losses, 212 pregnancies (69.7%) occurred in patients who were in remission at baseline, 33 (10.9%) in patients in LLDAS, and the remainder in active patients. Seventy-three flares (24%) were observed during pregnancy or puerperium, and 105 (34.5%) APOs occurred. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients in disease remission or taking HCQ were less likely to have disease flare, while a history of LN increased the risk. The risk of APOs was increased in patients with shorter disease duration, while being on HCQ resulted a protective variable. An almost significant association between complete remission and a decreased risk of APOs was observed.

Conclusions
Prenatal planning with a firm treat-to-target goal of disease remission is an important strategy to reduce the risk of disease flares and severe obstetric complications in SLE pregnancies.
Systemic sclerosis skin is a primed microenvironment for soft tissue calcification—a hypothesis
Authors: Burgess Kyle A , Herrick Ariane L , Watson Rachel E B 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCalcinosis cutis, defined as sub-epidermal deposition of calcium salts, is a major clinical problem in patients with SSc, affecting 20–40% of patients. A number of recognized factors associated with calcinosis have been identified, including disease duration, digital ischaemia and acro-osteolysis. Yet, to date, the pathogenesis of SSc-related calcinosis remains unknown, and currently there is no effective disease-modifying pharmacotherapy. Following onset of SSc, there are marked changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the skin, notably a breakdown in the microfibrillar network and accumulation of type I collagen. Our hypothesis is that these pathological changes reflect a changing cellular phenotype and result in a primed microenvironment for soft tissue calcification, with SSc fibroblasts adopting a pro-osteogenic profile, and specific driving forces promoting tissue mineralization. Considering the role of the ECM in disease progression may help elucidate the mechanism(s) behind SSc-related calcinosis and inform the development of future therapeutic interventions.
Familial Mediterranean fever and asthma
Authors: Tsur Avishai M , Watad Abdulla , Gendelman Omer , Nissan Daniel , Cohen Arnon D , Amital Howard 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objective
To assess the association between FMF and asthma.

Methods
This study was designed as a cross-sectional study. All patients diagnosed with FMF between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2016 who were prescribed colchicine were included in the study. Controls were matched by sex, date of birth, residential socioeconomic status and country of birth. Logistic regression models were used to determine the odds ratio for asthma in FMF patients and controls.

Results
A total of 7098 FMF patients who were prescribed colchicine were identified. Of them, 3547 (50%) were females, 3632 (51%) were of low residential socioeconomic status and 6160 (87%) were born in Israel. Their median age at the end of follow-up was 37 years (23–54). In an unadjusted logistic regression, FMF was associated with asthma [odds ratio (OR)=1.33, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.51; P &lt;0.001]. The association persisted after adjusting for sex, socioeconomic status and country of birth (OR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.52; P &lt;0.001)

Conclusion
FMF is positively associated with asthma. Further research is required to validate our results and explore possible explanations of this association. These findings cast doubt on previous studies implying FMF to be a protective factor from asthma.
COSMIC RADIATION EXPOSURE TO THE AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC
Authors: Tate Brendan , Carpenter Julia , Tinker Rick , Orr Blake 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A component of natural background radiation is exposure to galactic cosmic radiation (GCR). Annual GCR doses to the Australian public at ground levels and at altitudes of commercial domestic and international flights were estimated using the cosmic radiation dose modelling tool CARI-6. The annual population weighted average dose to Australians from GCR was estimated to be 342 μSv, of which 14.7 μSv (5%) was from domestic travel, 30.7 μSv (10%) was from international travel and 297 μSv (85%) of the dose was received at ground level. This study showed that critical population groups that are frequent flyers may exceed reference levels where additional awareness or protection should be considered. The GCR dose portion is ~25% of the total annual background radiation dose received by the Australian public.
Insomnia symptom severity is associated with increased suicidality and death by suicide in a sample of patients with psychiatric disorders
Authors: Simmons Zach , Burlingame Gary , Korbanka Juergen , Eastman Kevin , Thomas Douglas , Christensen Jeremy , Jenson Michelle , Nadorff Michael R , Kay Daniel B 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Study Objectives
Insomnia is a risk factor for suicidal behavior including attempts and death by suicide. We investigated whether insomnia symptom severity was associated with suicidality and death by suicide in patients with psychiatric disorders.

Methods
The sample included 180 deceased patients with psychiatric disorders seen at Weber Human Services between 2008 and 2018 who completed the Outpatient Questionnaire-45.2 (OQ) prior to death. Insomnia symptom severity was assessed using item 41 from the OQ. Manner of death was determined by death records and autopsy reports. History of suicidality was determined through electronic medical records. Cases were grouped into four lifetime categories: non-suicidal (n = 30), suicidal ideation (n = 36), suicide attempt (n = 95), and death by suicide (n = 19). Demographic, medical, and psychiatric features of each group were compared using linear regression. Logistic regression was used to determine whether insomnia symptom severity was associated with lifetime suicidality severity grouping, adjusting for psychiatric disorders commonly linked to suicidality.

Results
Lifetime suicidality was associated with sleep problems, fatigue, headaches, and psychiatric disorders (i.e. depressive, personality, and trauma-related disorders). Referenced to the non-suicidal group, greater insomnia symptom severity was significantly associated with suicide attempts and death by suicide, with odds ratios (OR) of OR = 2.67, p = 0.011, and OR = 5.53, p = 0.002, respectively, even after adjusting important psychiatric diagnoses.

Conclusions
Results suggest that insomnia symptom severity endorsed during a clinical visit is associated with heightened suicidality, especially suicidal behavior. The presence of insomnia symptoms in patients with psychiatric disorders may indicate risk for suicide and is a target for suicide prevention.
Transcriptional control of Clostridium autoethanogenum using CRISPRi
Authors: Fackler Nicholas , Heffernan James , Juminaga Alex , Doser Damien , Nagaraju Shilpa , Gonzalez-Garcia R Axayacatl , Simpson Séan D , Marcellin Esteban , Köpke Michael 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Gas fermentation by Clostridium autoethanogenum is a commercial process for the sustainable biomanufacturing of fuels and valuable chemicals using abundant, low-cost C1 feedstocks (CO and CO2) from sources such as inedible biomass, unsorted and nonrecyclable municipal solid waste, and industrial emissions. Efforts toward pathway engineering and elucidation of gene function in this microbe have been limited by a lack of genetic tools to control gene expression and arduous genome engineering methods. To increase the pace of progress, here we developed an inducible CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system for C. autoethanogenum and applied that system toward transcriptional repression of genes with ostensibly crucial functions in metabolism.
Modelling trachoma post-2020: opportunities for mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and accelerating progress towards elimination
Authors: Borlase Anna , Blumberg Seth , Callahan E Kelly , Deiner Michael S , Nash Scott D , Porco Travis C , Solomon Anthony W , Lietman Thomas M , Prada Joaquin M , Hollingsworth T Dèirdre 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted planned annual antibiotic mass drug administration (MDA) activities that have formed the cornerstone of the largely successful global efforts to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem.

Methods
Using a mathematical model we investigate the impact of interruption to MDA in trachoma-endemic settings. We evaluate potential measures to mitigate this impact and consider alternative strategies for accelerating progress in those areas where the trachoma elimination targets may not be achievable otherwise.

Results
We demonstrate that for districts that were hyperendemic at baseline, or where the trachoma elimination thresholds have not already been achieved after three rounds of MDA, the interruption to planned MDA could lead to a delay to reaching elimination targets greater than the duration of interruption. We also show that an additional round of MDA in the year following MDA resumption could effectively mitigate this delay. For districts where the probability of elimination under annual MDA was already very low, we demonstrate that more intensive MDA schedules are needed to achieve agreed targets.

Conclusion
Through appropriate use of additional MDA, the impact of COVID-19 in terms of delay to reaching trachoma elimination targets can be effectively mitigated. Additionally, more frequent MDA may accelerate progress towards 2030 goals.
Comparative study of small-incision lenticule extraction with and without prophylactic corneal crosslinking: 1-year outcomes
Authors: Liu Chunlei , Fang Xuejun , Wang Zheng , Zhao Xinheng , Zou Haohan , Jhanji Vishal , Wang Yan 
Published: February 2021

Purpose:
To compare myopia and astigmatic correction after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) with or without prophylactic crosslinking (SMILE Xtra).

Setting:
Shenyang Aier Eye Hospital, Central South University, China.

Design:
Retrospective study.

Methods:
Patients with comparable manifest sphere and cylinder undergoing SMILE Xtra or SMILE were enrolled. The crosslinking (CXL) energy was 2.7 J/cm2. Only right eyes were selected. Visual and refractive changes were evaluated for 1 year. Astigmatic correction was analyzed using Alpins method.

Results:
Thirty-six eyes undergoing SMILE Xtra and 40 eyes undergoing SMILE were enrolled. The uncorrected distance visual acuity at 1-day visit was lower after SMILE Xtra than that after SMILE (P = .01). At 12 months, the mean manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) and manifest cylinder were 0.08 ± 0.32 diopters (D) and −0.29 ± 0.23 D in SMILE Xtra group, whereas −0.25 ± 0.29 D and −0.22 ± 0.19 D in SMILE group (P < .01 and P = .135), respectively. Thirty-four eyes (94%) and 32 eyes (89%) in SMILE Xtra group and 36 eyes (91%) and 39 eyes (98%) in SMILE group exhibited target MRSE and manifest cylinder within ±0.50 D (P = .771 and P = .294), respectively. Compared with SMILE group, spherical correction index (SCI), correction index (CI), and difference vector were higher in SMILE Xtra group since 1-week follow-up (all P < .05). SCI and CI were slightly more than 1.0 after SMILE Xtra even at postoperative 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions:
With CXL protocol of 30 mW/cm2 for 90 seconds, SMILE Xtra exhibited comparable astigmatic correction with SMILE up to 1-year follow-up, although slight spherical equivalent and astigmatic overcorrection were evident after SMILE Xtra.
Menstrual Dysfunction in Women With Schizophrenia During Risperidone Maintenance Treatment
Authors: Bo Qijing , Xing Xiaomeng , Li Tian , Mao Zhen , Zhou Fuchun , Wang Chuanyue 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
A percentage of women patients with schizophrenia may suffer from menstrual dysfunction associated with antipsychotic medication. This study evaluated menstrual dysfunction in women with schizophrenia given maintenance risperidone, and investigated the association between menstrual dysfunction and the duration and dose of risperidone and clinical symptoms.

Methods
The data of 161 women were obtained from the Risperidone Maintenance Treatment in Schizophrenia study, including patients' characteristics, menstrual conditions, and duration and dosage of risperidone. Qualitative data regarding menstrual health were evaluated at baseline (clinical stabilization after 4–8 weeks maintenance treatment with a standard risperidone dose 4–8 mg/d) and follow-up interviews up to 52 weeks.

Results
At baseline, 73.2% (119/161) of the patients were eumenorrheic; specific rates of menstrual dysfunction were 14.3% (23/161) irregular menstruation, 6.8% (11/161) oligomenorrhea, and 5.0% (8/161) amenorrhea. At the end of follow-up, 16.0% (19/119) of those with eumenorrhea at baseline reported menstrual dysfunction. During the entire risperidone maintenance treatment, 37.9% (61/161) experienced menstrual dysfunction. The range of onset time from the beginning of risperidone treatment to menstrual dysfunction was 64 to 243 days. Risperidone dose was positively associated with menstrual dysfunction (r = 0.187, P = 0.046). The total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale score was significantly associated with menstrual dysfunction (r = 0.274, P = 0.001).

Conclusions
Attention should be given to menstrual dysfunction of women with schizophrenia that is an adverse effect of risperidone maintenance treatment. Menstrual dysfunction may occur early or late during maintenance treatment, partly depending on the dose.

ClinicalTrials.gov
identifier: NCT00848432
Atomoxetine Reduced Binge/Purge Symptoms in a Case of Anorexia Nervosa Binge/Purge Type
Authors: Wilfahrt Robert P. , Wilfahrt Lucy G. , Matthews Hamburg Abigail 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Psychopharmacologic treatments for eating disorders (EDs) remain unclear, particularly for anorexia nervosa. As in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, a dopaminergic mechanism has been implicated in EDs, prompting our use of atomoxetine in an 18-year-old woman with anorexia nervosa, binge/purge type. Atomoxetine is a highly selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor with nonaddictive properties and limited effects of appetite suppression. Doses followed those used in a previous trial of atomoxetine in the treatment of binge ED, and response was assessed over 4 months, with significant improvement in ED behaviors and mood. Larger-scale, randomized studies that assess the efficacy of atomoxetine in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, binge/purge type are warranted.
Implementation of an in-house real-time reverse transcription-PCR assay to detect the emerging SARS-CoV-2 N501Y variants
Authors: Bedotto Marielle , Fournier Pierre-Edouard , Houhamdi Linda , Colson Philippe , Raoult Didier 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTThe SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been associated with the emergence of several variants with a mutated spike glycoprotein that are of substantial concern regarding their transmissibility and ability to evade immune responses. This warrants implementing strategies for their detection and surveillance. We have set up an in-house one-step real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qPCR) assay that specifically detects SARS-CoV-2 spike N501Y variants. Our assay was positive for all 6 patients found spike N501Y-positive by genome sequencing. Ten cDNA samples for each of the 10 Marseille variants identified by genome sequencing and three nasopharyngeal samples of a spike N501Y-negative variant (Marseille-4) that predominates locally tested negative. All negative controls among which 5 SARS-CoV-2-negative nasopharyngeal samples tested negative. First use in the setting of diagnosis on 51 nasopharyngeal samples from SARS-CoV-2-positive but Marseille-4-negative patients showed positivity in 5 cases further confirmed by sequencing as from spike N501Y variant-infected patients. Thus, our in-house qPCR system was found reliable for the detection of the N501Y substitution and allowed estimating preliminarily that spike N501Y variant prevalence was 4% among SARS-CoV-2 diagnoses since January 2020.
Estimating real-world COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in Israel using aggregated counts
Authors: Aran Dvir 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe vaccination roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccines in Israel has been highly successful. By February 22th, approximately 47% of the population has already been administered at least one dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine. Efforts to estimate the true real-world effectiveness of the vaccine have been hampered by disease dynamics and social-economic discrepancies. Here, using counts of positive and hospitalized cases of vaccinated individuals, we conduct a sensitivity analysis of the vaccine effectiveness. Under an assumption of no effectiveness on the first two weeks after the 1st dose, we observe very low effectiveness on the third week. After the 2nd dose, on weeks 1 and 2 we find 73-85% effectiveness in reducing positive cases, hospitalizations, and severe cases, which increase to 89-97% effectiveness 14 days after the 2nd dose. As more granular data will be available, it will be possible to extract more exact estimates; however, the emerging evidence suggests that the vaccine is highly effective.
ADIPOSE-DERIVED STROMAL VASCULAR FRACTION AND FAT GRAFTS VERSUS MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR TREATING THE HANDS OF PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS. A RANDOMIZED CRONTOLLED TRIAL
Authors: Iglesias Martin , Torre-Villalvazo Iván , Butrón-Gandarillas Patricia , Rodríguez-Reyna Tatiana S. , Torre-Anaya Erik A. , Tovar-Palacio Armando R. , Zentella-Dehesa Alejandro , Guevara-Cruz Martha , Hérnandez-Campos Alan M 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundIn the hand, the Systemic Sclerosis (SS) is characteristically evidenced by Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) and fibrosis of the skin, tendons, ligaments, and joints as well as digital ulcers with prolonged healing. Current medical treatment not always cure these complications. Local adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (ADSVF) administration into the hands has been proposed as an emerging treatment for these complications, due to its proangiogenic, antifibrotic, and immunoregulatory activities. The objective of this controlled trial was to evaluate the safety and clinical effects of fat micrografts plus ADSVF administration into the hands of patients with SS.MethodsThis was an open-label, monocentric, randomized controlled study. Twenty patients diagnosed with SS were enrolled and assigned to the experimental or control group. Fat micrografts plus the ADSVF were injected into the right hand of experimental group patients. The control group continued to receive only medical treatment. Demographic, serologic data and disease severity were recorded. Digital oximetry, pain, Raynaud phenomenon (RP), digital ulcer healing (DUH), mobility, thumb opposition, vascular density of the nail bed, skin affection of the hand, Serologic antibodies, hand function, and quality of life scores were evaluated in both groups. The mean follow-up period was 168 days.The differences between before and after the intervention were analyzed with the Wilcoxon range test, and the differences between the control and experimental groups at 0 days and 168 days were analyzed with the Mann–Whitney U test.ResultsAdverse events were not observed in both groups. There were no changes in disease severity, serologic antibodies, nailfold capillaroscopy patterns, mobility, and hand function in both groups. There were significant improvements in pain, DUH and quality of life scores in the experimental group. RP improved significantly in both groups. However, on statistically comparing the results at 168 days between the groups, significant improvements were only observed in pain levels (p = 0.02) and DUH (p=0.003).ConclusionsThe injection of ADSVF plus fat micrografts is a reproducible, and safe technique. Pain and digital ulcers in the hands of patients with SS can be treated with this treatment.Trial RegistrationRetrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with identifier NCT04387825
Amyloid deposition in granuloma of tuberculosis patients: A pilot study
Authors: Ghosh Shreya , Kala Chayanika , Garg Akansha , Thakur Ashwani Kumar 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe formation of granuloma is one of the characteristic features of tuberculosis. Besides, rise in the concentration of serum amyloid A (SAA) protein is the indicator for chronic inflammation associated with tuberculosis. The predisposition of SAA driven secondary amyloidosis in tuberculosis is well documented. However, SAA derived amyloid onset and deposition start sites are not well chracterised in tuberculosis and other chronic inflammatory conditions. We hypothesized that granuloma could be a potential site for amyloid deposition because of the presence of SAA protein and proteases that cleave SAA into aggregation prone fragments. 150 tuberculosis patients were screened and biopsies were collected from the affected organs of these patients. 20 patients showed eosinophilic hyaline rich deposits within and surrounding granuloma respectively. They were further screened for the presence of amyloid deposits. The hyaline material, upon Congo red staining exhibited characteristic apple green birefringence under polarized light, confirming deposition of amyloid. Further upon immuno histochemical staining with anti-SAA antibody, the amyloid enriched areas showed positive immunoreactivity. In this pilot study, wexx have shown granuloma as a potential site for serum amyloid A derived amyloid deposition in tuberculosis patients. This study would set a stage to expxand the clinical and fundamental research for understanding the mechanism of amyloid formation in granuloma underlying tuberculosis and other chronic inflammatory conditions.