bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fertility Awareness and Subclinical Infertility Among Women Trying to Get Pregnant at Home&nbsp;
Authors: iino kaori , Fukuhara Rie , Yokota Megumi , Yokoyama Yoshihito 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Recent studies on fertility awareness in the reproductive population have reported the lack of accurate knowledge about fertility and assisted reproductive technologies. However, these researches were conducted among university students or fertility patients. Therefore, there was little information among women trying to get pregnant at home on the following aspects: (i) the presence of adequate fertility knowledge, (ii) the prevalence of subclinical infertility, and (iii) reasons for not visiting the clinic to identify the possibility of infertility. The aim of this study was to explore fertility awareness and subclinical infertility among women trying to get pregnant at home.Methods: A total of 2,084 Japanese women responded to this online survey. We selected 1,541 women according to the study criteria. By the results of 61 questions, we evaluated knowledge about fertility, prevalence of subclinical infertility, and reasons for visiting the clinic.Results: Despite the desire of the participants to get pregnant, they had an apparent tendency to overestimate the age limit of childbearing. A total of 338 (21.9%) women thought that those aged over 45 years could have children. Approximately 40% of the women had a possibility of subclinical infertility, despite being unaware of the fact. In addition, about 70% of the women considered themselves to suffer from infertility problems. Women who were informed about the possibility of infertility hesitated to visit the clinic for the following reasons: unfamiliarity with a gynecologist or clinic and apprehensions about the gynecologic examination.Conclusions: Several women require treatment for infertility. Nonetheless, they hesitate to visit the clinic. Sexual health education, together with proper accessibility to gynecology clinics are necessary to avoid involuntary childlessness.
Relationship Between Pain Intensity, Pain Catastrophizing, Self-efficacy in Patients With a Frozen Shoulder
Authors: Hirata Junya , Tomiyama Minori , Koike Yasuhiro , Yoshimura Manabu , Inoue Keiko 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The evaluation of pain catastrophizing and self-efficacy is useful for predicting pain and is also associated with shoulder pain. The purposes of our study were to examine the relationship between pain catastrophizing, self-efficacy, and pain intensity in patients with a frozen shoulder.Methods: Ninety-three patients who were diagnosed with frozen shoulder were included in this study. Pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale: NRS), pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale: PCS), and self-efficacy (Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire: PSEQ) were measured at the first examination, and the relationship was examined using Bayesian estimation method. We developed a hypothesis model in which self-efficacy affects pain catastrophizing and pain catastrophizing affects pain intensity.Results: The path coefficients from the PSEQ score to the PCS score and from the PCS score to the NRS score were significant. The convergence of the hypothesized model was confirmed and validated (posterior prediction p-value 0.35). Conclusion: Our results suggest that self-efficacy affects pain catastrophizing, and pain catastrophizing affects pain intensity.
The Role of Serum Fibrinogen in Predicting Reinfection after DAIR (debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention) Treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infections
Authors: Zhao Dacheng , Jinwen He , Xingwen Wang , Xiaobing Zhao , Geng Bin , Xia Yayi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Fibrinogen (FIB) has been used to differentiate periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) from aseptic loosening. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of FIB in predicting postoperative reinfection in patients with debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR).
Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the patients who were admitted to DAIR from January 2013 to August 2019 for consideration of PJI readmission. Subgroups were divided into subgroups based on whether there was reinfection after DAIR treatment, and the diagnostic value of serum fibrinogen, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) before DAIR treatment was analyzed by receiver operating Characteristic curve (ROC). To evaluate the diagnostic value of FIB in predicting postoperative reinfection in DAIR patients.
Results

FIB expression was different in acute PJI patients and chronic PJI patients treated with DAIR (4.03 VS 3.08; P < .05, 4.28 VS 3.68; P < .05). In patients with acute PJI treated with DAIR, the sensitivity and specificity of FIB were 81.82% and 83.33%, respectively, significantly higher than CRP (sensitivity, 72.73%; Specificity, 50%; P < .05), while the specificity was higher than ESR (specificity,41.67%; P < .05). In patients with chronic PJI treated with DAIR, the sensitivity and specificity of FIB were 80.00% and 66.66%, respectively, significantly higher than CRP (sensitivity, 53.33%; Specificity, 66.66%; P < .05), ESR (sensitivity was 66.00%; Specificity, 16.66 %; P < .05).
Conclusion

FIB can predict reinfection after DAIR treatment for acute or chronic PJI. Considering the low success rate of DAIR treatment for chronic PJI, it should be chosen carefully.
The role of membrane destabilisation and protein dynamics in BAM catalysed OMP folding.
Authors: White Paul , Haysom Samuel , Iadanza Matthew , Higgins Anna , Machin Jonathan , Horne Jim , Schiffrin Bob , Carpenter-Platt Charlotte , Whitehouse James , Storek Kelly , Rutherford Steven , Brockwell David , Ranson Neil , Radford Sheena 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The folding of β-barrel outer membrane proteins (OMPs) in Gram-negative bacteria is catalysed by the β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM). How lateral opening in the β-barrel of the major subunit BamA assists in OMP folding, and the contribution of membrane disruption to BAM catalysis remain unresolved. Here, we use an anti-BamA monoclonal antibody fragment (Fab1) and two disulphide-crosslinked BAM variants (lid-locked (LL), and POTRA-5-locked (P5L)) to dissect these roles. Despite being lethal in vivo, we show that all complexes catalyse folding in vitro, albeit less efficiently than wild-type BAM. CryoEM revealed that while Fab1 and BAM-P5L trap an open-barrel state, BAM-LL contains a mixture of closed and contorted, partially-open structures. Finally, all three complexes globally destabilise the lipid bilayer, while BamA does not, revealing that the BAM lipoproteins are required for this function. Together the results provide new insights into the role of BAM structure and lipid dynamics in OMP folding.
No-Touch Sequential Saphenous Venous Harvesting Technique in Off-Pump Bypass Surgery: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Hou Xuejian , Zhang Kui , Liu Taoshuai , Li Yang , Zhao Yang , Song Bangrong , Huang Zhuhui , Zheng Jubing , Dong Ran 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
In the mid-1990s, the Swedish expert team proposed saphenous vein graft (SVG) harvesting with pedicle tissue. The short-term and long-term patency rates of the great saphenous vein obtained by the no-touch technique (NT) were higher than those obtained by the conventional technique (CON). In the past, NT technology was mainly used in on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and vein grafts were mostly single vein grafts. In this study, we retrospectively analysed the safety and effectiveness of sequential vein grafts using NT technology in off-pump CABG.
Methods
From 2017 to 2019, a total of 505 patients were included in the study. There were 150 patients in the NT group and 355 patients in the CON group. After applying propensity score matching (1:1 matching), 148 patients were included in each group. Baseline data, graft patency, postoperative complications, leg wound complications and 1-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) were compared between the two groups.
Results
There was no significant difference in the patency rate of sequential venous grafts between the two groups one year after the operation either before (NT: 7.1% (10/141) vs CON: 11.5% (38/331), p = 0.149) or after matching (NT: 7.1% (10/140) vs CON: 7.3% (9/124), p = 0.971). There was no significant difference in the composite clinical endpoint between the two groups either before (NT: 3 (2.3%) vs CON: 9 (2.8%), p = 1.000) or after matching (NT: 3 (2.3%) vs CON: 3 (2.5%), p = 1.000). There were differences in leg wound complications between the two groups both before (NT: 9 (6.9%) vs CON: 6 (1.9%), p = 0.007) and after matching (NT: 9 (6.9%) vs CON: 2 (1.7%), p = 0.043).
Conclusions
The application of the NT technique in off-pump CABG with sequential vein grafts is safe and effective. Leg wound complications are more common with the NT technique than with the conventional technique.
Polymorphism of Aspergillus Fumigatus Major Allergen Genes Associating with Their Isolated Sites Affects Their IgE Epitope Structures
Authors: Konuma Rumi , Watanabe Maiko , Irikura Daisuke , Sugita-Konishi Yoshiko , Yamazaki Akiko , Yanagi U , Yahia Doha , Kobayashi Naoki , Chibana Hiroji , Onami Jun-ichi , Kamata Yoichi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The circumstances in which organisms live induce polymorphism in their genes, including fungal allergen genes, leading to altered structures and functions of proteins, related to their pathogenicity. Major allergen genes of Aspergillus fumigatus, Asp f 1, Asp f 2, and Asp f 3, were examined in 59 strains [environment and animal/human-body origin] to determine their nucleotide sequences, and then categorized. The location and number of IgE epitopes on the allergen molecules were predicted using a computer software. The Asp f 1 gene was classified into two groups (f1-1 and f1-2). One of the groups possessed one-nucleotide mutation point with one amino-acid substitution. The mutated Asp f 2 gene accompanying 6-amino acid substitution was classified into 7 groups (f2-1 to f2-7). Six of the groups possessed a newborn IgE epitope. The Asp f 3 gene contained two mutations, resulted in three groups (f3-1 to f3-3) without any amino-acid substitutions. Category E, consisting of groups f1-1, f2-5, and f3-2, was specific to an environmental origin. Our findings suggest that nucleotide mutation of the fungal allergen genes, associated with the origin of the fungus, modifies the structure of proteins, and affects their pathogenic properties, such as the localization of IgE epitopes.
Usefulness of the Modified Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale in Choosing the Feeding Method for Stroke Patients with Dysphagia
Authors: Lee Byung Joo , Eo Hyoshin , Lee Changbae , Park Donghwi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Introduction: The Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale (VDS) is used to predict the long-term prognosis of dysphagia in patients with stroke. However, the inter-rater reliability of the VDS was low in a previous study. To overcome the mentioned limitations of the VDS, the modified version of the VDS (mVDS) was created and clinically applied to evaluate its usefulness in choosing the feeding method for stroke patients with dysphagia.Methods: The videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) data of 56 stroke patients with dysphagia were collected retrospectively. We investigated the presence of aspiration pneumonia and the selected feeding method. We also evaluated the correlations between the mVDS and the selected feeding method, and between the mVDS and the presence of aspiration pneumonia after stroke. Univariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses were used in the data analysis.Results: The inter-rater reliability (Cronbach α value) of the total score of the mVDS was 0.886, which was consistent with very good inter-rater reliability. In all patients, the supratentorial stroke subgroup, and the infratentorial stroke subgroup, the mVDS scores were statistically correlated with the feeding method selected (p<0.05) and the presence of aspiration pneumonia (p<0.05).Conclusions: The mVDS can be a useful scale for quantifying the severity of dysphagia, and it can be a useful tool in the clinical setting and in studies for interpreting the VFSS findings in stroke patients with dysphagia. Further studies with a greater number of patients and various stroke etiologies are required for more generalized application of the mVDS.
Sequential Congruency Effects of Reverse Stroop Interference On Event-Related Potential Components For Go- and Nogo-Stimuli
Authors: Suzuki Kota 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Sequential congruency effects are observed in interference tasks, in which RTs are shorter for congruent stimuli preceded by congruent (cC) than incongruent stimuli (iC), and RTs are longer for incongruent stimuli preceded by congruent (cI) than incongruent stimuli (iI). These effects are interpreted as resulting from incongruent stimuli triggering attentional control in the next trial, which reduces cognitive control. The aim of this study was to examine sequential congruency effects on ERP components for Go- and Nogo-stimuli using the hybrid reverse Stroop Go/Nogo task. Results indicated that the Nogo-N1 was reduced by trials preceded by incongruent stimuli compared to congruent ones, suggesting that color processing was inhibited by attentional control. However, there was no reduction in the Go-N1. Moreover, the Nogo-N2 amplitudes were larger for cI than iI and iC than cC. On the other hand, the Go-N2 was not modulated by sequential modulation effects, which was lower for incongruent stimuli than congruent stimuli. These results indicate that the Nogo-N2 is involved in cognitive control, whereas the Go-N2 is associated with selection processing. Therefore, it was suggested that response inhibition task demands are necessary for modulating the ERP components by sequential congruency effects.
Mitochondrial Structure and Polarity in Dendrites and the Axon Initial Segment are Regulated by Homeostatic Plasticity and Dysregulated in Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Bülow Pernille , Wenner Peter A , Faundez Victor , Bassell Gary J 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction has long been overlooked in neurodevelopmental disorders, but recent studies have provided new links to genetic forms of autism, including Rett syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). In parallel, recent studies have uncovered important basic functions of mitochondria to power protein synthesis, synaptic plasticity and neuronal maturation. The mitochondrion also responds to neuronal activity by altering its morphology and function, and this plasticity of the mitochondrion appear important for proper neuronal plasticity. Previous research has reported disease induced changes in mitochondrial morphology and function, but it remains unknown how such abnormalities affect the ability of mitochondria to express activity dependent plasticity. This study addresses this gap in knowledge using a mouse model of FXS. We previously reported abnormalities in one type of homeostatic plasticity, called homeostatic intrinsic plasticity, which is known to involve structural changes in the axon initial segment (AIS). Another form of homeostatic plasticity, called synaptic scaling, which involves postsynaptic changes in dendrites, is also impaired in FXS. It remains unknown if or how homeostatic plasticity affects mitochondria in axons and/or dendrites and whether impairments occur in neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we test the hypothesis that mitochondria are structurally and functionally modified in a compartment specific manner during homeostatic plasticity in cortical neurons from wild type mice, and that this plasticity-induced regulation is altered in Fmr1 KO neurons, as a model of FXS. We uncovered dendritic specific regulation of mitochondrial surface area, whereas AIS mitochondria show changes in polarity; both responses are lost in Fmr1 KO. Taken together our results demonstrate impairments in mitochondrial plasticity in FXS, which has not previously been reported. These results suggest that mitochondrial dysregulation in FXS contributes to abnormal neuronal plasticity, with broader implications to other neurodevelopmental disorders and therapeutic strategies.
An Amino Acid Ester of Menthol Elicits Defense Responses in Plants
Authors: Tsuzuki Chisato , Hachisu Masakazu , Iwabe Rihoko , Nakayama Yuna , Nonaga Yoko , Sukegawa Satoru , Horito Shigeomi , Arimura Gen-ichiro 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Terpenoids, including menthol, exhibit potent abilities as plant defense potentiators in agriculture and horticulture. In the current study, we developed new terpene derivatives that consisted of menthol and various amino acids and that were expected to act as powerful plant defense potentiators. We used 6 amino acids possessing low-reactive sidechains to synthesize an array of amino acid ester of menthol (ment-aa) compounds. Transcript levels of two defense genes (pathogenesis-related 1 [PR1] and trypsin inhibitor [TI]) were evaluated in leaves of soybean plants 24 h after application of aquatic solution of menthol or menthol-aa, and revealed that the menthol menthyl ester of valine (ment-Val) alone elevated the transcript level of defense genes, and it did so only at the low dose of 1 µM, not at higher or lower doses tested. Moreover, it appeared that histone acetylation was involved in this effect. Application of ment-Val enabled soybean plants to sustain the increased transcript levels in their leaves for up to 3 days. Moreover, when ment-Val was additionally applied at day 4, at which time the transcript level had declined to the basal level, the transcript level was re-elevated, indicating the possibility that ment-Val could be repeatedly used to sustain pest control. Ment-Val was found to be chemically stable and effective for defense of several crop species. Collectively, these data show that terpenoid conjugates are useful for pest control instead of or in addition to pesticides.
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 Expression in Human Type II Pneumocytes is Influenced by Renin-Angiotensin System Blockade
Authors: Silva Mauro G , Falcoff Nora L , Corradi Gerardo C , Alfie José , Seguel Rolando F. , Tabaj Gabriela , Iglesias Laura , Nuñez Myriam , Guman Gabriela R. , Gironacci Mariela M. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) acts as the receptor for the type 2 coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV2), the etiological agent of coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19). There has been a growing concern that renin-angiotensin (RAS) blockade increases the expression of ACE2 and then elevate patient susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. Here, we report that age, smoking and RAS blockade influence on the percentage of human ACE2-expressing type II pneumocytes. These findings may explain the increased susceptibility to COVID-19 with age and in subjects with treated cardiovascular-related pathologies. Enhanced ACE2-expressing type II pneumonocytes would facilitate SARS-CoV2 infection, thus increasing patient susceptibility to acute respiratory distress syndrome development because of an unbalance between the pressor and depressor axis of the RAS due to ACE2 sequestration by the virus.
Calvarial Lesions: Overview of Imaging Features and Neurosurgical Management
Authors: Nasi-Kordhishti Isabella , Hempel Johann-Martin , Ebner Florian Heinrich , Tatagiba Marcos 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveCalvarial lesions are rare and can present as a variety of different diseases. The lesions can be palpable on the skin, cause local pain and paraesthesia and, depending on the location, neurological deficits can also occur. This research aims to present an overview of typical imaging features as well as neurosurgical management. MethodsWe examined the charts of patients who underwent surgery on a calvarial lesion in our department between 2004 and 2017 (n=133). Retrospectively, the pre-, intra- and postoperative data were analyzed with morphological and histological findings and compared with each other.ResultsPain, swelling, cosmetically disturbing and neurological deficits were the main complaints. Seventy-seven lesions were limited to the bone, while another 56 lesions showed an infiltrating growth in the adjacent tissue. Depending on the clinical signs and suspected diagnosis, a biopsy, a partial removal or a complete resection was performed. Histiocytosis (n=20), meningiomas (n=20), metastases (n=19) and osteomas (n=16) were the most common lesions. Fibrous dysplasia (n=6) and intraosseous hemangioma (n=9) were less common; other lesions were present only in isolated cases. ConclusionImaging gives a hint, but the diagnosis can be only confirmed by histological examination. The surgical strategy depends on the complaints, location of the lesion and suspected diagnosis. Adjuvant treatment should be initiated according to the histological findings.
Effectiveness of Attachment-Based Family Therapy compared to Treatment as Usual for Depressed Adolescents in Community Mental Health Clinics
Authors: Waraan Luxsiya , Rognli Erling W. , Czajkowski Nikolai Olavi , Aalberg Marianne , Mehlum Lars 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a disabling mood disorder, profoundly affecting a large number of adolescent’s quality of life. To date, no obvious treatment of choice for MDD in adolescents is available and progress in the treatment of depressed adolescents will have important public health implications. Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT), as the only empirically supported family therapy model designed to treat adolescent depression, aims to repair interpersonal ruptures and rebuild an emotionally protective parent-child relationship. Objective: To study the effectiveness of ABFT compared with treatment as usual (TAU) delivered within child- and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) to adolescents with MDD.Method: Sixty adolescents (86.7% girls), aged 13-18 years (M = 14.9, SD = 1.35), with MDD referred to two CAMHS were randomized to 16 weeks of ABFT or TAU. ABFT consisted of weekly therapy sessions (family/individual or both) according to the treatment manual. TAU was not monitored. Primary outcomes were assessed by blinded evaluators at baseline and post-treatment with the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Self-reported (Beck Depression Inventory-II, BDI-II) depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline, and after 4, 6, 8, 10,12, 14, and 16 weeks. Analyses were performed according to intent-to-treat principles. Results: At post-treatment, clinician-rated remission rates on the HAMD (5 % in ABFT and 3.33% in TAU, p =1, OR=1.54, Fisher’s exact test) and self-reported symptoms of depression on the BDI-II did not differ significantly between groups (X2[2, N = 60] =0.06 , p = 0.97). In both treatment groups participants reported significantly reduced depressive symptoms, but the majority (63.3 %) of adolescents were still in the clinical range after 16 weeks of treatment. Conclusion: ABFT was not superior to TAU. Remission and response rates were low in both groups, suggesting none of the treatments were effective in treating MDD in adolescents. Findings must be viewed in the context of the study’s small sample size, missing data, and implementation challenges. Continued efforts to improve treatment for MDD in outpatient clinics are warranted . Future research should examine moderators of and mechanisms for individual differences to treatment response, as well as the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of implementing treatment models which may require extensive training and expertise to yield clinically meaningful improvements in non-research settings. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01830088 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01830088?term=Villab%C3%B8&draw=2&rank=1 Date of registration: April 12, 2013