bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
KIF3B gene silent variant leading to sperm morphology and motility defects and male infertility
Authors: Heydari Raheleh , Seresht-Ahmadi Mehrshad , Mirshahvaladi Shahab , Sabbaghian Marjan , Mohseni-Meybodi Anahita 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Sperm structural and functi onal defects are leading causes of male infertility. Patients with immotile sperm disorders suffer from axoneme failure and show a significant reduction in sperm count. The kinesin family member 3B (KIF3B) is one of the genes involved in the proper formation of sperm with a critical role in intraflagellar and intramanchette transport. A part of exon 2 and exons 3–5 of the KIF3B encodes a protein coiled-coil domain that interacts with intraflagellar transport 20 (IFT20) from the intraflagellar transport protein complex. In the present study, the coding region of KIF3B coiled-coil domain was assessed in 88 oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) patients, and the protein expression was evaluated in the mature spermatozoa of the case and control groups using immunocytochemistry and western blotting. According to the results, there was no genetic variation in the exons 3–5 of the KIF3B, but a new A&gt;T variant was identified within the exon 2 in 30 patients, where nothing was detected in the control group. In contrast to healthy individuals, significantly reduced protein expression was observable in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic patients carrying variation where protein organization was disarranged, especially in the principal piece and midpiece of the sperm tail. Besides, the protein expression level was lower in the patients’ samples compared to that of the control group. According to the results of the present study the KIF3B gene variation as well as lower protein expression leads to defects in sperm morphology and motility and consequently to male infertility.
A Clinical Predictive Model for One-year Colectomy in Adults Hospitalized for Severe Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Zafer Maryam , Zhang Hui , Dwadasi Sujaata , Goens Donald , Paknikar Raghavendra , Dalal Sushila , Cohen Russell D , Pekow Joel , Rubin David T , Sakuraba Atsushi , Micic Dejan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Models to predict colectomy in ulcerative colitis (UC) are valuable for identification, clinical management, and follow-up of high-risk patients. Our aim was to develop a clinical predictive model based on admission data for one-year colectomy in adults hospitalized for severe UC.

Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis of patients hospitalized at a tertiary academic center for management of severe UC from 1/2013 to 4/2018. Multivariate regression was performed to identify individual predictors of one-year colectomy. Outcome probabilities of colectomy based on the prognostic score were estimated using a bootstrapping technique.

Results
Two hundred twenty-nine individuals were included in the final analytic cohort. Four independent variables were associated with one-year colectomy which were incorporated into a point scoring system: (+) 1 for single class biologic exposure prior to admission; (+) 2 for multiple classes of biologic exposure; (+) 1 for inpatient salvage therapy with cyclosporine or a TNF-alpha inhibitor; (+) 1 for age &lt;40. The risk probabilities of colectomy within one year in patients assigned scores 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 9.4% (95% CI, 1.7–17.2), 33.7% (95% CI, 23.9–43.5), 58.5% (95% CI, 42.9–74.1), 75.0% (95% CI, 50.5–99.5). An assigned score of zero was a perfect predictor of no colectomy.

Conclusion
Risk factors most associated with one-year colectomy for severe UC included: prior biologic exposure, need for inpatient salvage therapy, and younger age. We developed a simple scoring system using these variables to identify and stratify patients during their index hospitalization.
Loss of myeloid cell-specific SIRPα, but not CD47, attenuates inflammation and suppresses atherosclerosis
Authors: Singla Bhupesh , Lin Hui-Ping , Ahn WonMo , Xu Jiean , Ma Qian , Sghayyer Moses , Dong Kunzhe , Cherian-Shaw Mary , Zhou Jiliang , Huo Yuqing , White Joseph , Csányi Gábor 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimsInhibitors of the anti-phagocytic CD47-SIRPα immune checkpoint are currently in clinical development for a variety of haematological and solid tumours. Application of immune checkpoint inhibitors to the cardiovascular field is limited by the lack of preclinical studies using genetic models of CD47 and SIRPα inhibition. In this study, we comprehensively analysed the effects of global and cell-specific SIRPα and CD47 deletion on atherosclerosis development.Methods and resultsHere, we show that both SIRPα and CD47 expression are increased in human atherosclerotic arteries and primarily co-localize to CD68+ areas in the plaque region. Hypercholesterolaemic mice homozygous for a Sirpa mutant lacking the signalling cytoplasmic region (Sirpamut/mut) and myeloid cell-specific Sirpa-knockout mice are protected from atherosclerosis. Further, global Cd47−/− mice are protected from atherosclerosis but myeloid cell-specific deletion of Cd47 increased atherosclerosis development. Using a combination of techniques, we show that loss of SIRPα signalling in macrophages stimulates efferocytosis, reduces cholesterol accumulation, promotes lipid efflux, and attenuates oxidized LDL-induced inflammation in vitro and induces M2 macrophage phenotype and inhibits necrotic core formation in the arterial wall in vivo. Conversely, loss of myeloid cell CD47 inhibited efferocytosis, impaired cholesterol efflux, augmented cellular inflammation, stimulated M1 polarization, and failed to decrease necrotic core area in atherosclerotic vessels. Finally, comprehensive blood cell analysis demonstrated lower haemoglobin and erythrocyte levels in Cd47−/− mice compared with wild-type and Sirpamut/mut mice.ConclusionTaken together, these findings identify SIRPα as a potential target in atherosclerosis and suggest the importance of cell-specific CD47 inhibition as a future therapeutic strategy.
POEMS syndrome causing left ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial dysfunction, and pericardial effusion: a case report
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Wu Xuejie , Li Hui 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundPOEMS syndrome (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, skin changes) is a paraneoplastic syndrome caused by a plasma cell proliferative disorder. Characteristics of POEMS syndrome include elevated pro-inflammatory and angiogenic cytokine levels that lead to multi-organ dysfunction. Patients have a variety of initial symptoms, but cardiac involvement is not common.Case summaryWe report a case of a 31-year-old Chinese woman with chief complaints of chest pain and dyspnoea who was diagnosed with POEMS syndrome. The cardiovascular system in the case study patient was characterized by pericardial effusion, enlarged left atria, abnormal myocardial segmental deformation, left ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary hypertension, and increased glucose metabolism in the left and right ventricular myocardium. The pericardial effusion diminished, while cardiac function, left ventricular wall thickness, and pulmonary hypertension gradually returned to normal with dexamethasone and bortezomib treatment.DiscussionThis case suggests that cardiovascular system damage may be related to systemic diseases. Cardiovascular system damage caused by POEMS syndrome is recoverable after chemotherapy treatment. Echocardiography readily visualizes the changes in the heart of a patient with POEMS syndrome, clearly reflecting the changes in the structure and function of the heart before and after treatment.
Social relationships and the risk of incident heart failure: results from a prospective population-based study of older men
Authors: Coyte Aishah , Perry Rachel , Papacosta Anna Olia , Lennon Lucy , Whincup Peter Hynes , Wannamethee Sasiwarang Goya , Ramsay and Sheena Esther 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimsLimited social relationships, particularly in older adults, have been implicated as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the associations between poor social relationships and heart failure incidence.Methods and resultsProspective study of socially representative men aged 60–79 years drawn from general practices in 24 British towns and followed up for a maximum of 18 years. A total of 3698 participants with no previous diagnosis of heart failure were included. Information on social relationships was based on a combination of marital status, living circumstances, and social contacts with friends and family. These provided information on contact frequency, contact satisfaction, and a social relationship score (low to high) combining frequency and satisfaction with contact. Heart failure included both incidents non-fatal heart failure and death from heart failure. Among 3698 participants, 330 developed heart failure. Men with low compared to high frequency of contact with family and friends had an increased risk of incident heart failure [hazard ratio (HR) 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–2.18]; this remained statistically significant after adjustment for social class, behavioural, and biological risk factors. Low compared to high scores for satisfaction with contacts was associated with increased risk of heart failure (adjusted HR = 1.54; 95% CI 1.14–2.07). Lower social relationship scores (combining frequency and satisfaction with contact) were associated with greater risk of incident heart failure (adjusted HR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.02–1.87). Marital status and living alone were not significantly associated with heart failure.ConclusionWeaker social relationships appear to increase the risk of developing heart failure in older age. Further research is needed to investigate pathways underlying these associations and to test whether interventions to strengthen social relationships can reduce the risk of heart failure.
Midterm results of arch augmentation with autologous vascular patch in interrupted aortic arch
Authors: Lee Sang On , Shin Hong Ju , Jun Tae-Gook , Kang I-Seok , Huh June , Song Jinyoung , Yang Ji-Hyuk 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Aortic arch reconstruction of interrupted aortic arch remains challenging, and subsequent problems, including arch and airway stenosis, may occur. Thus, we investigated midterm results of an augmentation technique using autologous vascular patch.

METHODS
This retrospective study included 24 patients who underwent arch reconstruction with an autologous vascular patch for interrupted aortic arch with biventricular physiology from 2006 to 2018. The median age and body weight at operation were 10 days (range 4–77 days) and 3 kg (range 2.5–5.1 kg), respectively. The reconstructed arch was supplemented in the lesser curvature with an autologous vascular patch that was harvested from main pulmonary artery (n = 19), left subclavian artery (n = 3) or aberrant right subclavian artery (n = 1). One patient used patches from both the main pulmonary and left subclavian artery.

RESULTS
There was 1 early death due to right heart failure. All survivors were discharged 15 days (range 9–58 days) after surgery without residual arch stenosis. Late death occurred in 1 patient with Cri-du-chat syndrome and airway stenosis. Two reoperations and 1 intervention for arch stenosis were performed. The 1-, 5- and 10-year survival was 92%. Freedom from reoperation or intervention for arch stenosis was 86% 1, 5 and 10 years after surgery. No occurrence of arch aneurysm formation, left main bronchial stenosis and significant hypertension was found during a median follow-up period of 5.5 years (range 0.3–13.3 years).

CONCLUSIONS
Augmenting the lesser curvature with an autologous vascular patch during arch reconstruction resulted in reasonable midterm outcomes.
Gender differences in lifestyle management among coronary patients and the association with education and age: results from the ESC EORP EUROASPIRE V registry
Authors: Vynckier Pieter , Ferrannini Giulia , Kotseva Kornelia , Gevaert Sofie , De Bacquer Dirk , De Smedt Delphine 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Lifestyle management is essential in the secondary care of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. Little evidence is available about gender differences in lifestyle counselling and lifestyle compliance. This study aimed to provide an overview on potential gender differences in lifestyle advice provided by a healthcare professional and patients’ lifestyle compliance.

Methods and results
Analyses were based on the cross-sectional ESC EORP EUROASPIRE V survey including data on CHD patients across 27 European countries. Consecutive patients &lt;80 years, hospitalized for a first or recurrent coronary event, were included in the study. Information on lifestyle management was collected from medical records, medical examination, and structured questionnaires during patient interviews (≥6 months to &lt;2 years after hospitalization). Data were available for 8261 patients of whom 25.8% women. Overall, no gender differences were observed in lifestyle advice provided by a healthcare professional for smoking cessation advice, dietary advice, advice on losing weight, and physical activity advice (P &gt; 0.05). However, a closer look at the particular actions to adopt a healthy diet revealed that women reported more frequently a reduction of their salt (68.6% vs. 73.7%; P = 0.002), fat (70.8% vs. 74.7%; P = 0.003), and calorie intake (56.8% vs. 60.5%; P = 0.004) compared to men. In contrast, women were less likely to increase their physical activity levels (55.5% vs. 48.0%; P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
Despite little gender differences in lifestyle advice provided by a healthcare professional, lifestyle compliance for physical activity is worse in CHD women. Further actions are needed to increase physical activity levels in female CHD patients.
Associations Between Changes in Loneliness and Social Connections, and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Women’s Health Initiative
Authors: Goveas Joseph S , Ray Roberta M , Woods Nancy F , Manson JoAnn E , Kroenke Candyce H , Michael Yvonne L , Shadyab Aladdin H , Meliker Jaymie R , Chen Jiu-Chiuan , Johnson Lisa , Mouton Charles , Saquib Nazmus , Weitlauf Julie , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Naughton Michelle , Shumaker Sally , Anderson Garnet L 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Older women have faced significant disruptions in social connections during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Whether loneliness increased or whether a change in loneliness from pre- to intrapandemic period was associated with mental health during the pandemic is unknown.

Methods
Older women (n = 27 479; mean age 83.2 [SD: 5.4] years) completed surveys in mid-2020, including questions about loneliness, living arrangements, changes in social connections, and mental health. Loneliness was also previously assessed in 2014–2016. We examined whether loneliness changed from the pre- to intrapandemic period and explored factors associated with this change. In multivariable models, we investigated the association of changes in loneliness and social connections with mental health.

Results
Loneliness increased from pre- to intrapandemic levels. Factors associated with worsening loneliness included older age, experiencing stressful life events, bereavement, histories of vascular disease and depression, and social connection disruptions. Factors associated with a decrease in loneliness included identifying as Black, engaging in more frequent physical activity, being optimistic, and having a higher purpose in life. A 3-point increase in loneliness scores was associated with higher perceived stress, higher depressive, and higher anxiety symptoms. Social connection disruptions showed modest or no associations with mental health.

Conclusions
Loneliness increased during the pandemic in older women and was associated with higher stress, depressive, and anxiety symptoms. Our findings point to opportunities for interventions targeting lifestyle behaviors, well-being, disrupted social connections, and paying closer attention to those with specific medical and mental health histories that may reduce loneliness and improve mental health.
Validation of Claims Algorithms to Identify Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Authors: McCarthy Ellen P , Chang Chiang-Hua , Tilton Nicholas , Kabeto Mohammed U , Langa Kenneth M , Bynum Julie P W 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Using billing data generated through health care delivery to identify individuals with dementia has become important in research. To inform tradeoffs between approaches, we tested the validity of different Medicare claims-based algorithms.

Methods
We included 5 784 Medicare-enrolled, Health and Retirement Study participants aged older than 65 years in 2012 clinically assessed for cognitive status over multiple waves and determined performance characteristics of different claims-based algorithms.

Results
Positive predictive value (PPV) of claims ranged from 53.8% to 70.3% and was highest using a revised algorithm and 1 year of observation. The tradeoff of greater PPV was lower sensitivity; sensitivity could be maximized using 3 years of observation. All algorithms had low sensitivity (31.3%–56.8%) and high specificity (92.3%–98.0%). Algorithm test performance varied by participant characteristics, including age and race.

Conclusion
Revised algorithms for dementia diagnosis using Medicare administrative data have reasonable accuracy for research purposes, but investigators should be cognizant of the tradeoffs in accuracy among the approaches they consider.
Geriatric Interprofessional Education Theoretical Framework
Authors: Drost Jennifer 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The literature is lacking in theoretically grounded techniques to teach interprofessional skills specific to caring for older adults. This presentation details how Wagner’s Chronic Care Model and the Constructivist/Active Learning theoretical frameworks were used in the design of an interprofessional education. The content of the education was modeled after Wagner’s chronic illness care model that advocates changes in processes and organizational structures to promote interprofessional team practice. The educational intervention follows a Constructivist/Active learning framework delivered in a simulation format. Constructivist approaches encompass active learning and guided experiential learning procedures, methods well-suited to our scaffolded simulation educational experience.
Geriatric Interprofessional Simulation Education Results and Rapid Cycle Quality Improvement
Authors: Kropp Denise 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Following a geriatric interprofessional education event, we measured learner progression in interprofessional collaborative competencies using the Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale (ISVS). We also measured student satisfaction with an investigator generated assessment tool. Through Rapid Cycle Quality Improvement (RCQI) processes, we implemented a number of variations of both the in-person and the virtual events. Variations included differences in case studies, pre work requirements, geriatric didactic topics, poster topics and presentation format, facilitator training, standardized patient or patient presence, huddle format, and demonstration of how to effectively perform teamwork. Results showed gains in interprofessional collaborative competencies between pre- and post-education using this geriatric simulation model. Learner satisfaction was high for all simulation variations. Results of education variations and comparisons of the delivery methods will be presented.
A DNAmCULTURE Epigenetic Fingerprint Recapitulates Physiological Aging
Authors: Minteer Christopher , Morselli Marco , Meer Margarita , Cao Jian , Lang Sabine , Pellegrini Matteo , Yan Qin , Levine Morgan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Aging elicits dramatic changes to DNA methylation (DNAm), however the causes and consequences of such alterations to the epigenome remain unclear. The utility of biomarkers of aging based on DNAm patterns would be greatly enhanced if in vitro models existed that recapitulated physiological phenotypes such that modulation could garnish mechanistic insights. Using DNAm from serially passaged mouse embryonic fibroblasts, we developed a marker of culture aging and asked if culture phenotypes, like exhaustive replication, are epigenetically analogous to physiological aging. Our measure, termed DNAmCULTURE, accurately estimated passage number and was shown to strongly increase with age when examined in multiple tissues. Furthermore, we observed epigenetic alterations indicative of early cultured cells in animals undergoing caloric restriction and in lung and kidney fibroblasts re-programmed to iPSCs. This study identifies culture-derived alterations to the methylome as physiologically relevant and implicates culture aging as an important feature in known epigenetic aging phenomena.
Navigating COVID-19 and Long-Term Care: Dementia Caregivers' Challenges and Strengths
Authors: Mitchell Lauren , Albers Elizabeth , Birkeland Robyn , Stabler Henry , Cha Jinhee , Gaugler Joseph 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Persons with dementia living in long-term care settings have been especially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and their family caregivers have had to cope with numerous additional stressors during this time. We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews and gathered open-ended survey data from N=104 caregivers participating in an ongoing intervention trial at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Open-ended questions explored the difficulties caregivers have experienced in caring for and supporting a relative in long-term residential care. Caregivers provided their perspectives about services and supports that have facilitated coping with uncertainty, anxiety, and loss during the pandemic, and identified resources and strengths they have found helpful in caring for their relatives. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes reflecting the key challenges and supports that have emerged for caregivers, and to highlight caregivers' recommendations for promoting their and their relatives' well-being during this crisis.
Assessing Personality in Daily Life: Variability Between and Within Persons
Authors: Ferguson Giselle , Pasquini Giancarlo , Neubauer Andreas , Scott Stacey 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Trait personality measures may not be able to detect subtle personality changes and fluctuations which may be indicative of cognitive impairment. Measuring personality in daily life may allow sufficient sensitivity to capture this within-person variability. Eighty-six older adults from the Einstein Aging Study completed items assessing daily extraversion and neuroticism for a median of 17 days. Using separate unconditional models, we calculated the proportions of variance in daily extraversion and neuroticism that were due to between-person and within-person variability. Variability in daily extraversion was relatively evenly related to between-person differences and within-person fluctuation (Intra-Class Correlation [ICC] = 0.576), but the majority of variability in daily neuroticism was at the between-person level (ICC = 0.730). Thus, although these daily assessments were sensitive enough to capture within-person variability in personality in daily life, different traits may exhibit more or less of this variability.