bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes of pediatric macular edema associated with non-infectious uveitis
Authors: Nguyen Anh Hong , Mekonnen Bethlehem , Kim Eric , Acharya Nisha R. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Macular edema (ME) is the most frequent cause of irreversible visual impairment in patients with uveitis. To date, little data exists about the clinical course of ME in pediatric patients. A retrospective, observational study was performed to examine the visual and macular thickness outcomes of ME associated with chronic, noninfectious uveitis in pediatric patients.

Methods
Pediatric patients with noninfectious uveitis complicated by ME seen in the University of California San Francisco Health System from 2012 to 2018 were identified using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. Data were collected from medical records including demographics, diagnoses, ocular history, OCT imaging findings, complications, and treatments at first encounter and at 3, 6, 9, and 12-month follow-up visits. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to investigate the association between different classes of treatment (steroid drops, steroid injections, oral steroids and other immunosuppressive therapies) and resolution of macular edema.

Results
The cohort comprised of 21 children (26 eyes) with a mean age of 10.5 years (SD 3.3). Undifferentiated uveitis was the most common diagnosis, affecting 19 eyes (73.1%). The majority of observed macular edema was unilateral (16 patients, 76.2%) and 5 patients had bilateral macular edema. The mean duration of follow-up at UCSF was 35.3 months (SD 25.7).
By 12 months, 18 eyes (69.2%) had achieved resolution of ME. The median time to resolution was 3 months (IQR 3–6 months). Median best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline was 0.54 logMAR (Snellen 20/69, IQR 20/40 to 20/200). Median BCVA at 12 months was 0.1 logMAR (Snellen 20/25, IQR 20/20 to 20/50) Corticosteroid injections were associated with a 4.0-fold higher rate of macular edema resolution (95% CI 1.3–12.2, P = 0.01).

Conclusions
Although only 15% of the pediatric patients with uveitis in the study cohort had ME, it is clinically important to conduct OCTs to detect ME in this population. Treatment resulted in 69% of eyes achieving resolution of ME by 12 months, accompanied with improvement in visual acuity. Corticosteroid injections were significantly associated with resolution of macular edema.
Correction for both common and rare cell types in blood is important to identify genes that correlate with age
Authors:   BIOS Consortium, Pellegrino-Coppola Damiano , Claringbould Annique , Stutvoet Maartje , Boomsma Dorret I. , Ikram M. Arfan , Slagboom P. Eline , Westra Harm-Jan , Franke Lude 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundAging is a multifactorial process that affects multiple tissues and is characterized by changes in homeostasis over time, leading to increased morbidity. Whole blood gene expression signatures have been associated with aging and have been used to gain information on its biological mechanisms, which are still not fully understood. However, blood is composed of many cell types whose proportions in blood vary with age. As a result, previously observed associations between gene expression levels and aging might be driven by cell type composition rather than intracellular aging mechanisms. To overcome this, previous aging studies already accounted for major cell types, but the possibility that the reported associations are false positives driven by less prevalent cell subtypes remains.ResultsHere, we compared the regression model from our previous work to an extended model that corrects for 33 additional white blood cell subtypes. Both models were applied to whole blood gene expression data from 3165 individuals belonging to the general population (age range of 18–81 years). We evaluated that the new model is a better fit for the data and it identified fewer genes associated with aging (625, compared to the 2808 of the initial model;P≤ 2.5⨯10−6). Moreover, 511 genes (~ 18% of the 2808 genes identified by the initial model) were found using both models, indicating that the other previously reported genes could be proxies for less abundant cell types. In particular, functional enrichment of the genes identified by the new model highlighted pathways and GO terms specifically associated with platelet activity.ConclusionsWe conclude that gene expression analyses in blood strongly benefit from correction for both common and rare blood cell types, and recommend using blood-cell count estimates as standard covariates when studying whole blood gene expression.
Supraventricular tachycardias in the first year of life: what is the best pharmacological treatment? 24 years of experience in a single centre
Authors: Capponi Guglielmo , Belli Gilda , Giovannini Mattia , Remaschi Giulia , Brambilla Alice , Vannuccini Francesca , Favilli Silvia , Porcedda Giulio , De Simone Luciano 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs) are common in the first year of life and may be life-threatening. Acute cardioversion is usually effective, with both pharmacological and non-pharmacological procedures. However, as yet no international consensus exists concerning the best drug required for a stable conversion to sinus rhythm (maintenance treatment). Our study intends to describe the experience of a single centre with maintenance drug treatment of both re-entry and automatic SVTs in the first year of life.

Methods
From March 1995 to April 2019, 55 patients under one year of age with SVT were observed in our Centre. The SVTs were divided into two groups: 45 re-entry and 10 automatic tachycardias. As regards maintenance therapy, in re-entry tachycardias, we chose to start with oral flecainide and in case of relapses switched to combined treatment with beta-blockers or digoxin. In automatic tachycardias we first administered a beta-blocker, later combined with flecainide or amiodarone when ineffective.

Results
The patients’ median follow-up time was 35 months. In re-entry tachycardias, flecainide was effective as monotherapy in 23/45 patients (51.1%) and in 20/45 patients (44.4%) in combination with nadolol, sotalol or digoxin (overall 95.5%). In automatic tachycardias, a beta-blocker alone was effective in 3/10 patients (30.0%), however, the best results were obtained when combined with flecainide: overall 9/10 (90%).

Conclusions
In this retrospective study on pharmacological treatment of SVTs under 1 year of age the combination of flecainide and beta-blockers was highly effective in long-term maintenance of sinus rhythm in both re-entry and automatic tachycardias.
Understanding the influence of substrate when growing tumorspheres
Authors: Benítez Lucía , Barberis Lucas , Vellón Luciano , Condat Carlos A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Cancer stem cells are important for the development of many solid tumors. These cells receive promoting and inhibitory signals that depend on the nature of their environment (their niche) and determine cell dynamics. Mechanical stresses are crucial to the initiation and interpretation of these signals.

Methods
A two-population mathematical model of tumorsphere growth is used to interpret the results of a series of experiments recently carried out in Tianjin, China, and extract information about the intraspecific and interspecific interactions between cancer stem cell and differentiated cancer cell populations.

Results
The model allows us to reconstruct the time evolution of the cancer stem cell fraction, which was not directly measured. We find that, in the presence of stem cell growth factors, the interspecific cooperation between cancer stem cells and differentiated cancer cells induces a positive feedback loop that determines growth, independently of substrate hardness. In a frustrated attempt to reconstitute the stem cell niche, the number of cancer stem cells increases continuously with a reproduction rate that is enhanced by a hard substrate. For growth on soft agar, intraspecific interactions are always inhibitory, but on hard agar the interactions between stem cells are collaborative while those between differentiated cells are strongly inhibitory. Evidence also suggests that a hard substrate brings about a large fraction of asymmetric stem cell divisions. In the absence of stem cell growth factors, the barrier to differentiation is broken and overall growth is faster, even if the stem cell number is conserved.

Conclusions
Our interpretation of the experimental results validates the centrality of the concept of stem cell niche when tumor growth is fueled by cancer stem cells. Niche memory is found to be responsible for the characteristic population dynamics observed in tumorspheres. The model also shows why substratum stiffness has a deep influence on the behavior of cancer stem cells, stiffer substrates leading to a larger proportion of asymmetric doublings. A specific condition for the growth of the cancer stem cell number is also obtained
‘Listen and learn:’ participant input in program planning for a low-income urban population at cardiovascular risk
Authors: Kirzner Rachel S. , Robbins Inga , Privitello Meghan , Miserandino Marianne 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundPoverty increases the risk of cardiac disease, while diminishing the resources available to mitigate that risk. Available prevention programs often require resources that low-income residents of urban areas do not possess, e.g. membership fees, resources to purchase healthy foods, and safe places for physical activity. The aim of this study is to obtain participant input in order to understand the health-related goals, barriers, and strengths as part of planning a program to reduce cardiovascular risk.MethodsIn a mixed methods study, we used written surveys and focus groups as part of planning an intervention specifically designed to meet the needs of lower income individuals. Based on prior research, we used Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and its core constructs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness as the theoretical framework for analysis. The study collected information on the perspectives of low-income urban residents on their risks of cardiovascular disease, their barriers to and supports for addressing health needs, and how they addressed barriers and utilized supports. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using standard qualitative methods including paired coding and development of themes from identified codes.ResultsParticipants had health goals that aligned with accepted approaches to reducing their cardiovascular risks, however they lacked the resources to reach those goals. We found a lack of support for the three SDT core constructs. The barriers that participants reported suggested that these basic psychological needs were often thwarted by their environments.ConclusionsSubstantial disparities in both access to health-promoting resources and in support for autonomy, competence, and relatedness must be addressed in order to design an effective intervention for a low-income population at cardiac risk.
Joint association of cigarette smoking and PM2.5 with COPD among urban and rural adults in regional China
Authors: Su Jian , Ye Qing , Zhang Dandan , Zhou Jinyi , Tao Ran , Ding Zhen , Lu Gan , Liu Jiannan , Xu Fei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Cigarette smoking and PM2.5 are important risk factors of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). However, the joint association of cigarette smoking and PM2.5 with COPD is unknown.

Methods
A community-based study was conducted among urban and rural adults aged 40 + years between May and December of 2015 in Jiangsu Province, China. The outcome variable was spirometry-defined COPD. Explanatory measures were smoking status (non-smokers or smokers) and PM2.5 exposure [low level (< 75 μg/m3) or high level (≥ 75 μg/m3)]. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were applied to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to investigate the associations of cigarette smoking and PM2.5 with COPD.

Results
The prevalence of COPD was 11.9% (95% CI = 10.9%, 13.0%) within the overall 3407 participants in this study. After adjustment for potential confounders and community-level clustering effect, smokers tended to develop COPD relative to non-smokers (OR = 2.46, 95% CI 1.76, 3.43), while only smokers exposed to high level PM2.5 were more likely to experience COPD (OR = 1.36; 95% CI 1.01, 1.83) compared to their counterparts exposed to low level PM2.5. Meanwhile, compared to non-smokers who exposed to low level PM2.5, non-smokers who exposed to high level PM2.5 (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.74, 1.64), smokers who exposed to low (OR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.51, 3.27) or high level PM2.5 (OR = 3.14, 95% CI 2.15, 4.59) were, respectively, more like to develop COPD.

Conclusions
Cigarette smoking was positively associated with COPD among overall participants, while PM2.5 was in positive relation to COPD among smokers only. Moreover, cigarette smoking and PM2.5 might have an additive effect on the risk of COPD among adult smokers aged 40 years or older in China.
Height difference between the vestibular and palatal walls and palatal width: a cone beam computed tomography approach
Authors: López-Jarana P. , Díaz-Castro C. M. , Falcão A. , Falcão C. , Ríos-Santos J. V. , Fernández-Palacín A. , Herrero-Climent M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study was to measure two parameters involved in tri-dimensional implant planning: the position of the buccal and palatal bone wall and the palatal thickness.MethodsCone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images (Planmeca ProMax 3D) of 403 teeth (208 upper teeth and 195 lower teeth) were obtained from 49 patients referred to the Dental School of Seville from January to December 2014. The height difference between the palatal and buccal walls was measured on the most coronal point of both walls. The thickness of the palatal wall was measured 2 mm from the most coronal point of the palatal wall.ResultsThe mean values in the maxilla were 1.7 ± 0.9 mm for central and lateral incisors, 2.2 ± 1.7 mm for canines, 1.6 ± 0.9 mm for premolars and 1.9 ± 1.5 mm for molars. In the lower jaw, the mean values were 1.3 ± 0.8 mm for incisors, 1.7 ± 1.2 mm for canines, 2.3 ± 1.3 mm for premolars, and 2.6 ± 1.7 mm for molars. In the upper jaw, more than 55% of maxillary teeth (excluding second premolars and molars) presented mean height differences greater than 1 mm. In the mandible, more than 60% of incisors showed a buccal bone thickness of 1 mm from the apical to lingual aspect. All teeth except the second premolar presented a buccal wall located more than 1 mm more apically than the lingual bone wall.ConclusionsThe buccal bone wall is located more apically (greater than 1 mm) than the palatal or lingual table in most of the cases assessed. The thickness of the palatal or lingual table is also less than 2 mm in the maxilla and mandible, except in the upper canines and premolars and the lower molars.
Insulin resistance, diabetic kidney disease, and all-cause mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study
Authors:   for the Renal Insufficiency And Cardiovascular Events (RIACE) Study Group, Penno Giuseppe , Solini Anna , Orsi Emanuela , Bonora Enzo , Fondelli Cecilia , Trevisan Roberto , Vedovato Monica , Cavalot Franco , Zerbini Gianpaolo , Lamacchia Olga , Nicolucci Antonio , Pugliese Giuseppe 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
It is unclear whether insulin resistance (IR) contributes to excess mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes independent of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), which is strongly associated with IR and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), the main cause of death in these individuals. We tested this hypothesis in patients with type 2 diabetes from the Renal Insufficiency And Cardiovascular Events Italian Multicentre Study.

Methods
This observational, prospective, cohort study enrolled 15,773 patients with type 2 diabetes attending 19 Italian Diabetes Clinics in 2006–2008. Insulin sensitivity was assessed as estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR), which was validated against the euglycaemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique. Vital status on October 31, 2015, was retrieved for 15,656 patients (99.3%). Participants were stratified by eGDR tertiles from T1 (≥ 5.35 mg/kg/min) to T3 (≤ 4.14 mg/kg/min, highest IR).

Results
CVD risk profile was worse in T2 and T3 vs T1. eGDR tertiles were independently associated with micro- and macroalbuminuria and the albuminuric DKD phenotypes (albuminuria with preserved or reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) as well as with eGFR categories or the nonalbuminuric DKD phenotype. Over a 7.4-year follow-up, unadjusted death rates and mortality risks increased progressively across eGDR tertiles, but remained significantly elevated after adjustment only in T3 vs T1 (age- and gender- adjusted death rate, 22.35 vs 16.74 per 1000 person-years, p < 0.0001, and hazard ratio [HR] adjusted for multiple confounders including DKD, 1.140 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.049–1.238], p = 0.002). However, eGDR was independently associated with mortality in participants with no DKD (adjusted HR, 1.214 [95% CI, 1.072–1.375], p = 0.002) and in those with nonalbuminuric DKD (1.276 [1.034–1.575], p = 0.023), but not in those with the albuminuric DKD phenotypes. Moreover, the association was stronger in males and in younger individuals and was observed in those without but not with prior CVD, though interaction was significant only for age.

Conclusions
The proxy of insulin sensitivity eGDR predicts all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes, independent of confounders including DKD. However, the impact of IR in individuals with albuminuric DKD may be mediated by its relationship with albuminuria.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00715481, retrospectively registered 15 July 2008.
Fractional unit-root tests allowing for a fractional frequency flexible Fourier form trend: predictability of Covid-19
Authors: Omay Tolga , Baleanu Dumitru 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this study we propose a fractional frequency flexible Fourier form fractionally integrated ADF unit-root test, which combines the fractional integration and nonlinear trend as a form of the Fourier function. We provide the asymptotics of the newly proposed test and investigate its small-sample properties. Moreover, we show the best estimators for both fractional frequency and fractional difference operator for our newly proposed test. Finally, an empirical study demonstrates that not considering the structural break and fractional integration simultaneously in the testing process may lead to misleading results about the stochastic behavior of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Recommendations for Face Coverings While Exercising During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Shurlock Jonathan , Muniz-Pardos Borja , Tucker Ross , Bachl Norbert , Papadopoulou Theodora , Holloway Graham , Jones Nigel , Bigard Xavier , Vonbank Karin , Niederseer David , Meyer Joachim , Nowak Dennis , Debruyne Andre , Zupet Petra , Löllgen Herbert , Steinacker Juergen M. , Wolfarth Bernd , Bilzon James L. J. , Ionescu Anca , Dohi Michiko , Swart Jeroen , Constantinou Demitri , Badtieva Victoriya , Zelenkova Irina , Casasco Maurizio , Geistlinger Michael , Fossati Chiara , Fagnani Federica , Di Luigi Luigi , Webborn Nick , Angeloudis Konstantinos , Guppy Fergus M. , Singleton Patrick , Miller Mike , Pigozzi Fabio , Pitsiladis Yannis P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn an effort to reduce transmission and number of infections of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19) virus, governments and official bodies around the world have produced guidelines on the use of face masks and face coverings. While there is a growing body of recommendations for healthcare professionals and the wider population to use facial protection in “enclosed spaces” where minimal distancing from other individuals is not possible, there is a dearth of clear guidelines for individuals undertaking exercise and sporting activity. The present viewpoint aims to propose recommendations for face coverings while exercising during the COVID-19 pandemic that consider physical distancing, the environment, the density of active cases associated with the specific sports activity, and the practical use of face coverings in order to reduce potential viral transmission. Recommendations are provided on the basis of very limited available evidence in conjunction with the extensive collective clinical experience of the authors and acknowledging the need to consider the likelihood of the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 in the general population. We recommend that face coverings should be used in any environment considered to be of a high or moderate transmission risk, where tolerated and after individual risk assessment. In addition, as national caseloads fluctuate, individual sporting bodies should consider up to date guidance on the use of face coverings during sport and exercise, alongside other preventative measures.
Cardioprotective effect of Malva verticillata against doxorubicin -induced toxicity in rats
Authors: Ibrahim Doa’a Anwar , Almutawakel Mohammad Abdualqodous , Al-Badani Rowida 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
M. verticillata (Malvaceae) is a medicinal plant used in the treatment of wounds, boils, and liver injuries. The plant leaf extracts possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of various cancers, but its clinical use is limited by acute and chronic cardiotoxicity. This study aims to evaluate the possible cardioprotective role of Malva verticillata against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Method
Thirty-six male albino rats were divided into six groups, (n = 6): G1: normal control (was given 1 ml/kg of NaCl, 0.9%, twice a week IP), G2: cardiotoxic group (was given 1 mg/kg of DOX twice a week IP). G3 and G4 were given 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of M. verticillata, respectively, while G5 and G6: were given 250, 500 mg/kg of M. verticillata PO and 1 mg/kg IP of DOX. for 6 weeks. Total body weight was taken weekly and Heart: body weight ratio was calculated. Blood samples were collected for determination of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and Troponin, the hearts were removed and processed for histopathological examination.

Results
M. verticillata showed a significant dose-dependent reduction in the cardiac enzyme levels, LDH, CPK activities, and Troponin levels. The histopathological studies in rat hearts also supported those findings.

Conclusion
The present study suggests that M. verticillata may have a novel and worthwhile cardioprotective effect against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.
Recognition and management of depression in early psychosis
Authors: Bashir Zainab , Griffiths Sian Lowri , Upthegrove Rachel 
Published: March 2021

Aims and methodDepression in first-episode psychosis (FEP) is highly prevalent and associated with poor outcomes; it has become increasingly recognised and adopted in national and international guidelines for psychosis. Using a 26-item questionnaire, this study aimed to explore if this shift has led to greater recognition among UK psychiatrists, and more effective management of depression in FEP.ResultsOf the 297 respondents, 54.4% observed depression occurring in chronic psychosis, with the least number of respondents (17.7%) identifying depression occurring frequently during FEP. Although there was reasonable agreement in the use of antidepressants as a first-line treatment for depression (70% prescribing antidepressants), there was uncertainty around assessing depression and delineating from psychosis symptoms, and particularly negative symptoms.Clinical implicationsEvidence-based treatments for comorbid depression in psychosis will lead to clearer national guidelines, allowing for optimal management of depression in early psychosis, potentially leading to improved outcomes for these individuals.