bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers predictive of long-term fertility found in vaginal lipidome of gilts at weaning
Authors: Mills Kayla M , Ferreira Christina R , Stevens Jebadiah G , Stewart Kara R , Casey Theresa M 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA marker indicative of the fertility potential of replacement gilts early in development would decrease culling rates in the sow herd, improve sow herd reproductive efficiency, and reduce production costs. The objective of this study was to determine if vaginal lipid profiles at 21 d postnatal (PN) could predict sow reproductive performance. Vaginal swabs of the anterior vagina were taken at 21 ± 4 d PN from gilts born on a commercial sow production facility for lipidomic analysis. Animals were followed prospectively for 2 yr and assigned to reproductive performance categories based on the observation of estrus or piglets weaned per sow per year (PSY) across two farrowings. Lipids were extracted from cellular material collected with swabs taken from high fertility (HF; n = 28; ≥26 PSY) and infertile (IF; n = 34; no estrus, no pregnancy) animals, and multiple reaction monitoring profiling was used for lipidome analysis. The relative abundance of arachidonic acid (C20:4) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6) was lower (P &lt; 0.05) in IF gilts than HF gilts, whereas the abundance of the free fatty acids such as cerotic (C26:0), ximenic (C26:1), and nonadecanoic (C19:0) acids was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in IF gilts. Additionally, eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5), a precursor of prostaglandins, was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in IF gilts. The perspective of having a panel of lipids captured with vaginal swabs at weaning that can predict the reproductive efficiency of gilts shows promise and warrants future research in this area.
Association between SNPs and hepatotoxicity in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma on high-dose methotrexate therapy
Authors: Zhao Qing , Cui Yong , Zeng Chun , Ren Xiaohui , Yu Kefu , Lin Song , Zhao Zhigang , Mei Shenghui 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Objectives
This study aims to evaluate the association between polymorphisms of methotrexate pathway genes and high-dose methotrexate-related hepatotoxicity in Chinese patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma.

Methods
Sixty-five patients in 411 treatment courses were enrolled and their toxicities were evaluated. The association between 30 candidate SNPs from 20 methotrexate pathway genes and high-dose methotrexate-related hepatotoxicity was analysed by PLINK and logistic regression.

Key findings
TYMS 6 bp DI + II (rs151264360; OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.25–0.66; P = 0.00029), MTHFD1 1958 GA + AA (rs2236225; OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.33–0.91; P = 0.020) and CCND1 870 GA + GG (rs9344; OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.24–0.73; P = 0.0024) had less risk of hepatotoxicity compared with their homozygotes (DD, GG and AA, respectively), while ABCC2 intron 29 GA + GG (rs3740065; OR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.89–5.20; P = 0.00001) was more prevalent in patients with hepatotoxicity than TT.

Conclusions
TYMS 6 bp DI + II, MTHFD1 1958 GA + AA, CCND1 870 GA + GG genotypes were associated with a lower probability of hepatotoxicity in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma on high-dose methotrexate therapy, and ABCC2 intron 29 GA + GG was correlated with increased risk of hepatotoxicity.
Donor Financial Capacity Drives Racial Inequality in Medical Crowdsourced Funding
Authors: Igra Mark 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Americans facing large health-related expenses have increasingly turned to online crowdsourced funding for support, initiating 250,000 medical fundraisers on GoFundMe in 2018. Recent research indicates that these fundraisers yield inequitable outcomes, with White crowdfunding beneficiaries receiving higher levels of support than non-White beneficiaries. Researchers fear that racialized impressions of deservingness may be a driver of unequal returns in crowdfunding. However, rather than being a direct effect of interpersonal racism, differences in returns may be an indirect effect of the systemic racism that causes the social networks of Black and Hispanic Americans to have lower access to financial capital. This paper is the first to focus on how unequal access to monetary capital in networks of potential crowdfunding donors drives unequal returns for beneficiaries. I analyze a geographically stratified sample of 2,618 GoFundMe campaigns coded for perceived race and ethnicity of the beneficiary. I estimate donor financial capacity for each campaign based on the geography of Facebook friend networks and the most likely racial and ethnic makeup of the donor pool, based on donor surnames. I show that variations in the estimated income of potential donors can account for much of the deficit in returns. Thus, even in the absence of interpersonal discrimination, crowdfunding is unlikely to yield equitable outcomes given the current distribution of financial resources in the United States.
Exposure to relaxing words during sleep promotes slow-wave sleep and subjective sleep quality
Authors: Beck Jonas , Loretz Erna , Rasch Björn 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Our thoughts alter our sleep, but the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. We propose that mental processes are active to a greater or lesser extent during sleep and that this degree of activation affects our sleep depth. We examined this notion by activating the concept of “relaxation” during sleep using relaxation-related words in 50 healthy participants. In support of our hypothesis, playing relaxing words during non-rapid eye movement sleep extended the time spent in slow-wave sleep, increased power in the slow-wave activity band after the word cue, and abolished an asymmetrical sleep depth during the word presentation period. In addition, participants reported a higher sleep quality and elevated subjective alertness. Our results support the notion that the activation of mental concepts during sleep can influence sleep depth. They provide a basis for interventions using targeted activations to promote sleep depth and sleep quality to foster well-being and health.
Fostering Collaborative Research Culture Through Research Development Rounds
Authors: Babenko Oksana , Gruneir Andrea 
Published: June 2021

Abstract:
Helping physicians to prepare for and fulfill their role as CanMEDS scholars requires collaborative research environments, which promote engagement with a research community of practice through all stages of the research process. To foster such an environment in the Department of Family Medicine, we spearheaded Research Development Rounds. Open to anyone with interest in research development, Research Development Rounds offer an opportunity for faculty, staff, residents, and other trainees to receive constructive feedback on their work that is in development from department members. Programs seeking to create a more collaborative research culture should try this approach.
Training Future International Clinical Academic Leaders Through a Structured Observership Program: Impact and Outcomes from the Initial Cohort
Authors: Kuc Karen J. , Roberts David H. , Caballero Augusto Enrique 
Published: June 2021

Introduction:
Clinical observership programs have existed for many years as both formal initiatives organized at the institutional or professional society level and informal arrangements between individual physicians and prospective mentors. However, few programs longitudinally assess their impact on patient care and require implementation of a postobservership project to demonstrate learning. In 2018, the Harvard Medical School Office for External Education launched the International Clinical Leaders Observership Program (ICLOP) as an opportunity for midcareer physicians to shadow Harvard Medical School faculty in one of three specialty areas: oncology, cardiology, or diabetology. The culminating activity for each participant was presentation of a capstone project and commitment to implement it on returning home.

Methods:
We summarize here the initial cohort and results from a follow-up survey measuring the impact of the program on their subsequent patient care, academic activities, and achievements.

Results:
At 1 year of follow-up, 90% of survey respondents had implemented their project. Improvements were reported in areas of clinical, surgical, therapeutic, system, patient education, and team innovation, as well as personal benefits to the participants.

Discussion:
ICLOP is a robust and reproducible initiative that resulted in meaningful improvements in patient care and physician-related outcomes for the first cohort of participants.
CLINICAL AND MORPHOLOGIC FEATURES OF POSTERIOR STAPHYLOMA EDGES BY ULTRA-WIDEFIELD IMAGING IN PATHOLOGIC MYOPIA
Authors: Liu Lillian , Fang Yuxin , Igarashi-Yokoi Tae , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Ohno-Matsui Kyoko 
Published: June 2021

Purpose:
To investigate morphologic features along posterior staphyloma edges in eyes with pathologic myopia using ultra-widefield optical coherence tomography imaging.

Methods:
Highly myopic patients (refractive error < −8 diopters or axial length ≥26.5 mm) were consecutively examined by prototype ultra-widefield optical coherence tomography with a scan width of 23 mm and depth of 5 mm. Staphyloma edges were assessed for scleral, choroidal, and retinal status, as well as measurements of angle size. Findings were correlated with pigmentary changes observed on Optos fundus photography, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results:
In 164 eyes diagnosed with posterior staphyloma by ultra-widefield optical coherence tomography, choroidal thinning and scleral protrusion were hallmark features of staphyloma edges, observed simultaneously in more than 95% of staphylomatous eyes. Outer neural retinal thinning was observed in 80 eyes (48.8%), whereas 15 eyes (9.1%) showed retinal pigment epithelium damage. The mean angle at the staphyloma edge was 23° ± 12.4° (range 8° to 77°). Larger angles were significant predictors of retinal thinning (adjusted odds ratio: 1.17, confidence interval: 1.09–1.25), and the staphyloma was detected by Optos pseudocolor fundus photography (adjusted odds ratio: 1.08, confidence interval: 1.02–1.15).

Conclusion:
These morphologic findings may provide a basis for exploring the natural evolution of posterior staphyloma as part of the development of pathologic myopia.
RETINAL VASCULAR ABNORMALITIES IN CHILDREN WITH NEUROFIBROMATOSIS TYPE 1
Authors: Touzé Romain , Abitbol Marc M. , Bremond-Gignac Dominique , Robert Matthieu P. 
Published: June 2021

Purpose:
Retinal vascular abnormalities (RVAs) have been recently described in patients with neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) as vascular tortuosity, best visible on infrared imaging. This study assessed clinical RVA's characteristics in a large series of children with NF1.

Methods:
This retrospective observational study was conducted in children (0–18 years) with an NF1 diagnosis. Using near-infrared imaging, RVAs were classified according to the nature of vessels involvement and their degree of tortuosity.

Results:
Retinal imaging from 140 children, with a median age of 8.8 years (1.5–18), was included; 52 patients (37.1%) (81 eyes) exhibited RVAs. These RVAs comprised 96% (50/52) of simple vascular tortuosity and 17% (9/52) of a corkscrew pattern. A corkscrew pattern involved only small veins, whereas simple vascular tortuosity could affect both arteries and veins. No statistically significant age correlation was observed, but evolution of RVAs from simple vascular tortuosity to corkscrew pattern was observed in 5 cases.

Conclusion:
Retinal vascular abnormalities occurred in 37.1% of children with NF1. These abnormalities may result from NF1 promoting localized tortuosity in both small arteries and veins, whereas only small second-order or tertiary-order venules evolve to a highly tortuous pattern.
Pain, cannabis use, and physical and mental health indicators among veterans and nonveterans: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III
Authors: Enkema Matthew C. , Hasin Deborah S. , Browne Kendall C. , Stohl Malki , Shmulewitz Dvora , Fink David S. , Olfson Mark , Martins Silvia S. , Bohnert Kipling M. , Sherman Scott E. , Cerda Magdalena , Wall Melanie , Aharonovich Efrat , Keyhani Salomeh , Saxon Andrew J. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Chronic pain is associated with mental and physical health difficulties and is prevalent among veterans. Cannabis has been put forth as a treatment for chronic pain, and changes in laws, attitudes, and use patterns have occurred over the past 2 decades. Differences in prevalence of nonmedical cannabis use and cannabis use disorder (CUD) were examined across 2 groups: veterans or nonveterans and those reporting or not reporting recent pain. Data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (2012-2013; n = 36,309) were analyzed using logistic regression. Prevalence differences (PDs) for 3 cannabis outcomes (1) past-year nonmedical cannabis use, (2) frequent (≥3 times a week) nonmedical use, and (3) DSM-5 CUD were estimated for those reporting recent moderate to severe pain (veterans or nonveterans) and veterans reporting or not reporting recent pain. Difference in differences was calculated to investigate PDs on outcomes associated with residence in a state with medical cannabis laws (MCLs). Associations between physical and mental health and cannabis variables were tested. The results indicated that the prevalence of recent pain was greater among veterans (PD = 7.25%, 95% confidence interval (CI) [4.90-9.60]). Among veterans, the prevalence of frequent cannabis use was greater among those with pain (PD = 1.92%, 98% CI [0.21-3.63]), and among veterans residing in a state with MCLs, the prevalence of CUD was greater among those reporting recent pain (PD = 3.88%, 98% CI [0.36-7.39]). Findings failed to support the hypothesis that cannabis use improves mental or physical health for veterans with pain. Providers treating veterans with pain in MCL states should monitor such patients closely for CUD.
Direct to consumer genetic and genomic testing with associated implications for advanced nursing practice
Authors: Aleman Kristy M. , Chipman Melanie , Peck Jessica L. , Hughes Ashley K. , Murphey Christina 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
Direct-to-consumer genetic and genomic testing (DTCGT) has paved the way for consumers to gain information about their genetic makeup. Consumers may seek DTCGT to estimate ethnic background, identify genetic relations, or obtain raw DNA information that can be used for other purposes, such as testing for paternity and identifying genetically linked illnesses. Despite robust progress in genetic and genomic testing, most people have a low exposure threshold to DTCGT. Patient consumers may unnecessarily experience anxiety if they do not have a health care provider (HCP) to consult and review their results. Presently, there is a knowledge gap in how accurately HCPs can interpret and communicate genetic test results to patients compared with genetic specialists who may be inaccessible to underserved populations. Genetic and genomic information is rapidly progressing in health care and can identify patients at increased risk for certain diseases and improve patient care and outcomes. Appropriate use of genetic and genomic testing and knowing the limitations and difficulties of current testing available are integral to the success of HCPs in using these results in health promotion and improving quality of life. Health care providers should be aware of DTCGT recommendations and implications for patients, be prepared to counsel patients who present with testing results in hand, seeking advisement, and be competent in determining the need for further diagnostic testing or referral to a specialist genetic counselor.
Anomalous functional connectivity within the default-mode network in treatment-naive patients possessing first-episode major depressive disorder
Authors: Yu Renqiang , Tan Huan , Peng Gang , Du Lian , Wang Peijia , Zhang Zhiwei , Lyu Fajin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background and Objective:
Previous studies have shown that the default-mode network (DMN) has a substantial role in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, there is a shortage of information regarding variations in the functional connectivity (FC) of the DMN of treatment-naive patients with first-episode MDD. The present study aims to explore the FC of the DMN in such patients.

Methods:
The study population consisted of 33 patients and 35 controls, paired regarding age, gender, education level, and health condition. Depression severity was assessed through the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D), and subjects underwent evaluation during the resting-state through functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). To assess the result, we used FC and ICA. We used Spearman's correlation test to detect potential correlations between anomalous FC and severity of HAM-D scores.

Results:
We have found a decreased FC in the left medial orbitofrontal gyrus (MOFG) and right marginal gyrus (SMG) in depressive patients compared to controls. There was a negative correlation between abnormal FC in the right SMG and HAM-D scores. We have not found any increase in FC of the DMN in treatment-naive, first-episode of MDD patients.

Conclusions:
Our study provided evidence of a negative correlation between abnormal FC in the DMN and severity of depression symptoms measured by HAM-D in treatment-naive MDD patients. This finding could shed some light on the relevance of DMN for understanding the pathophysiology of cognitive impairment in MDD.
Increased immune activation and signs of neuronal injury in HIV-negative people on preexposure prophylaxis
Authors: Robertson Josefina , Edén Arvid , Nyström Kristina , Hagberg Lars , Yilmaz Aylin , Gostner Johanna M. , Fuchs Dietmar , Nilsson Staffan , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Gisslén Magnus 
Published: June 2021

Objective:
Persistent immune activation in the central nervous system and systemically are common in people living with HIV (PLHIV) despite antiretroviral therapy. It is not known whether this is generated by HIV replication or by other components such as coinfections and lifestyle-related factors.

Design:
The aim of this study was to determine the importance of different factors; it is crucial to find well matched HIV-negative controls. In this context, HIV-negative persons on preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may constitute a suitable control group to PLHIV with similar lifestyle-related factors.

Methods:
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood were collected from 40 HIV-negative persons on PrEP and 20 controls without PrEP. Biomarkers of immune activation, blood--brain barrier (BBB) integrity and neuronal injury were analysed.

Results:
CSF and serum β2-microglobulin, serum neopterin and CSF neurofilament light protein were higher in persons on PrEP compared with controls. Furthermore, persons on PrEP had higher CSF/plasma albumin ratio, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 concentrations, indicating BBB dysfunction. Of persons on PrEP, 90% were cytomegalovirus (CMV)-positive compared to 65% of the controls. CMV-positive individuals as a group had higher levels of serum β2-microglobulin than CMV-negative individuals (P < 0.05). Drug users had higher serum β2-microglobulin compared to nonusers (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:
HIV-negative persons on PrEP had higher levels of biomarkers for immune activation, BBB impairment and neuronal injury, compared with volunteers without PrEP. Moreover, serum β2-microglobulin was higher in CMV-positive than in CMV-negative individuals and in drug users compared with nonusers. These findings are important to consider when analysing immune activation and CNS injury in PLHIV, and emphasize the importance of appropriate controls.
Xpert HPV as a Screening Tool for Anal Histologic High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions in Women Living With HIV
Authors: Ellsworth Grant B. , Stier Elizabeth A. , Chiao Elizabeth Y. , Lensing Shelly Y. , Darragh Teresa , Jay Naomi , Berry-Lawhorn J. Michael , Einstein Mark , Barroso Luis F. , Cranston Ross D. , Levine Rebecca , Guiot Humberto M. , French Audrey L. , Goldstone Stephen E. , Preiser Wolfgang , Claassen Mathilda , Palefsky Joel M. , Wilkin Timothy J. ,   AIDS Malignancy Consortium
Published: June 2021

Background:
Women living with HIV (WLWH) experience high rates of anal cancer. Screening using anal cytology, high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) with biopsies, can histologically diagnose anal cancer precursors called high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). The low specificity of screening using anal cytology results in HRA referral for many WLWH without HSIL. Screening using high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) may improve specificity.

Methods:
Two hundred seven WLWH (63% non-Hispanic black) were screened for anal histologic HSIL (hHSIL) using cytology, HRA-guided biopsies, and Xpert HPV. Xpert performance for predicting anal hHSIL was compared with that of cytology. Usng Xpert 5 HPV genotypic results and accompanying cycle thresholds, receiver operator characteristic curve and recursive partitioning analyses were used to create predictive models for hHSIL.

Results:
The performance of Xpert to predict hHSIL was not different from that of cytology with a sensitivity (Sn) of 89% and specificity (Sp) of 49%. Interpretation of Xpert was modified using genotypic results and receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, which produced a screen with an Sn and Sp of 75% and 84% for hHSIL, respectively. Another reinterpretation of Xpert was created using recursive partitioning and cycle thresholds, which predicted hHSIL with an Sn and Sp of 75% and 86%, respectively. The detection of HPV-16 was highly predictive of hHSIL in all analyses. These modified screening tests would reduce HRA referral in this population by almost half compared with anal cytology.

Conclusions:
Xpert HPV is an alternative to anal cytology to screen for anal HSIL and can be optimized to reduce the number of unnecessary HRAs performed in WLWH.