bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exercise capacity in axial spondyloarthritis and associated factors: A cross‐sectional controlled study
Authors: Köseoğlu Tohma Ebru , Günendi Zafer , Özyemişçi Taşkıran Özden , Mengi Gönen , Demirsoy Nesrin , Taş Nihal 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the associations between exercise capacity (EC), cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and disease‐related variables in axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) patients.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional controlled study, CV risk profile data, physical activity, 10‐year CV event risk estimated by the Framingham model and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score – C‐reactive protein were recorded. A maximal treadmill exercise test by Bruce protocol was administered. Analyses of covariance were performed with adjustments for age, smoking status and physical activity level. Linear regression analysis was performed to study the association between EC and related CV risk factors.ResultsThirty‐eight patients and 38 age‐gender matched controls were recruited between May and October 2014. Patients had significantly lower EC than controls (MD 2.2; metabolic equivalents 0.91‐3.49; P = .001). The difference remained significant after adjustments (P = .001). There were significant correlations between EC and age, 10‐year CV event risk, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference for patients and controls (P < .001 and P < .05, respectively). There was a significant relationship between EC and total cholesterol, triglycerides and heart rate recovery (HRR) in patients (P = .04, P < .001 and P = .006, respectively). High‐density lipoprotein ‐ cholesterol was significantly higher, and BMI was significantly lower in nonradiographic AxSpA patients (P = .026 and P = .03 respectively). Age and triglyceride levels were found as the significant predictors for EC in the AxSpa group (for age β = −.105, P = .003; for triglycerides β = −.016 P = .003).ConclusionExercise capacity was significantly lower and attenuated HRR was significantly associated with low EC and high 10‐year CV event risk in AxSpA patients.
Myopericarditis in a previously healthy adolescent male following COVID‐19 vaccination: A case report
Authors: McLean Kelsey , Johnson Tiffani J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe report the case of a previously healthy 16‐year‐old male who developed myopericarditis following the second dose of his Pfizer‐BioNTech COVID‐19 vaccine, with no other identified triggers. Adolescents and young adults experiencing chest pain after COVD‐19 vaccination should seek emergent medical care, and emergency providers should have a low threshold to consider and evaluate for myopericarditis. More data are needed to better understand the potential association between COVID‐19 vaccines and myopericarditis. If a true causal link is identified, the risk must also be viewed in context with the millions of patients who have been safely vaccinated and the known morbidity and mortality from COVID‐19 infection. As we see widespread vaccine rollout, it is important that all potential adverse reactions are reported as we continue to monitor for more rare but potentially serious side effects not identified in vaccination trials.
Levetiracetam in lactation: How much is excreted into human breast milk?
Authors: Dinavitser Natalie , Kohn Elkana , Berlin Maya , Brandriss Nurit , Bar‐Chaim Adina , Keidar Rimona , Livne Ayelet , Stepensky David , Berkovitch Matitiahu , Sheinberg Revital 
Published: June 2021

AimsIn breastfeeding women, anti‐epileptic therapy can lead to infant toxicities, even with newer anti‐epileptic drugs such as levetiracetam. This study assessed levetiracetam breastmilk excretion and its correlation with the maternal oral dose and serum concentrations.MethodsWomen with epilepsy treated with levetiracetam were recruited to this study and completed a questionnaire. Levetiracetam concentrations were determined in serial breastmilk samples (pre‐dose to 12 h post‐dose period) and in a single pre‐dose maternal serum sample.ResultsTwenty breastfeeding women and 21 infants (one woman with twins; 16 fully and five partially breastfed infants) participated in this study. The trough breastmilk/serum ratio of levetiracetam was 0.98 ± 0.20. The infant levetiracetam daily dose was 5.39 ± 1.96 and 2.70 ± 0.98 mg.kg‐1.d−1, and the relative infant dose (RID) was 13.8 ± 3.1% and 6.9 ± 1.6% in the fully and partially breastfed infants, respectively. Substantial correlations between the levetiracetam dose, maternal serum and breastmilk trough concentrations, and breastmilk AUC values were found. Three women reported somnolence in their fully breastfed infants, which resolved shortly after switching to partial breastfeeding. All the infants gained weight according to their age.ConclusionsInfant levetiracetam exposure via the breastmilk was close to the safety thresholds (trough breastmilk/serum ratio slightly below 1, RID > 10% in fully breastfed infants), and infant somnolescence reports could be related to exposure of the infants to levetiracetam via breastmilk. Further studies are warranted to reveal the short‐ and long‐term safety of levetiracetam in breastfeeding.
Statin liver safety in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and metanalysis
Authors: Pastori Daniele , Pani Arianna , Di Rocco Arianna , Menichelli Danilo , Gazzaniga Gianluca , Farcomeni Alessio , D'Erasmo Laura , Angelico Francesco , Del Ben Maria , Baratta Francesco 
Published: June 2021

AimsStatin liver safety in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients is not well defined. We analysed differences in liver function tests, including alanine transaminase aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in NAFLD patients treated or not treated with statins.MethodsWe performed a systematic review of MEDLINE via PubMed and EMBASE databases and metanalysis of clinical studies investigating levels of ALT, AST and GGT in NAFLD according to statin treatment. Mean difference (MD) and percentage MD were calculated between the two groups.ResultsWe included 22 studies with 2345 NAFLD patients. Overall, 16 were before‐after interventional, five were cross‐sectional and one was combined cross‐sectional/interventional study. In all interventional studies, except one, patients had raised ALT, AST and GGT at baseline. Interventional studies showed reduced ALT values with an MD reduction of −27.2 U/L (95% CI −35.25/−19.15) and a percentage MD reduction of −35.41% (95% CI −44.78/−26.04). Also, AST values were reduced after statin treatment in interventional studies with an MD of −18.82 U/L (95% CI −25.63/−12.02) (percentage −31.78%, 95% CI −41.45/−22.11). Similarly, GGT levels were reduced after statin treatment with an MD of −19.93 U/L (95% CI −27.10/−12.77) (percentage −25.57%, 95% CI −35.18/−15.97). Cross‐sectional studies showed no difference in AST and GGT values between patients treated with and without statins.ConclusionIn interventional studies, ALT, AST and GGT were reduced after statin treatment with a percentage mean difference of −35.41%, −31.78% and −25.57%, respectively, while observational studies showed a null effect, suggesting liver safety of statins in NAFLD patients.
What drives transcranial Doppler velocity improvement in paediatric sickle cell anaemia: analysis from the Sickle Cell Clinical Research and Intervention Program (SCCRIP) longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Estepp Jeremie H. , Cong Ze , Agodoa Irene , Kang Guolian , Ding Juan , McCarville M. Beth , Hankins Jane S. , Wang Winfred C. 
Published: June 2021

SummaryChildren with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) and conditional transcranial Doppler (TCD) flow velocities (conditional: 170–199 cm/s; normal: <170 cm/s) have an increased risk of stroke. The Sickle Cell Clinical Research and Intervention Program (SCCRIP), a lifetime observational study, assessed the influence of haematological markers on TCD velocities. In children (≤16 years) with SCA (HbSS/HbSβ0‐thalassaemia) and conditional TCD velocities (n = 32), increases in haemoglobin and in fetal haemoglobin after hydroxyurea initiation were significantly associated with decreases in TCD velocities. The benefit of pharmacological intervention to increase haemoglobin and fetal haemoglobin and normalise TCD velocities was demonstrated in this real‐world dataset.
Geographical variation in the bill–flower fit in a plant–pollinator interaction in western Mexico
Authors: Ocampo‐Sandoval Marisol , Arizmendi‐Arriaga María del Coro , Olson Mark E. , Sánchez‐González Luis A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFew studies have examined geographical variation in traits involved in biotic interactions, although such variation is likely key in the evolution of interactions. The fit between hummingbird bills and the flowers they feed on suggests mutual selection pressures. We tested for geographical variation in the pollinator–flower fit in the Mexican hermit Phaethornis mexicanus and Heliconia spp. flowers by analyzing the morphospaces of the interacting species and the ways they vary. To analyze the geographical variation in the morphology of P. mexicanus and Heliconia spp. flowers, we grouped samples into three operational geographic units (OGUs). Within each OGU, we assessed pollinator–flower specificity by analyzing floral resource preference, and morphological data using correlations and principal component analysis. Our data on floral preferences and morphology indicate geographical variation in the P. mexicanus–Heliconia interaction in all of the OGUs. Heliconia was the preferred floral resource (83% of the samples), suggesting a preference for these flowers as a food source. We also detected morphological overlap between the bill of P. mexicanus and the corollas of both Heliconia species, at least in the two westernmost OGUs. That P. mexicanus morphology tracked variation in the different Heliconia spp. across the hummingbird's range suggests that the specificity of the hummingbird–plant interaction exerts a significant selection pressure on hummingbird morphology. The morphological overlap observed in the two northernmost OGUs is probably due to the evolution of a close biotic interaction, which is reflected in the high correlation values in the morphological characters involved.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: What do we understand about protein alterations?
Authors: Perveen Nadia , Ashraf Waseem , Alqahtani Faleh , Fawad Rasool Muhammad , Samad Noreen , Imran Imran 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDuring neuronal diseases, neuronal proteins get disturbed due to changes in the connections of neurons. As a result, neuronal proteins get disturbed and cause epilepsy. At the genetic level, many mutations may take place in proteins like axon guidance proteins, leucine‐rich glioma inactivated 1 protein, microtubular protein, pore‐forming, chromatin remodeling, and chemokine proteins which may lead toward temporal lobe epilepsy. These proteins can be targeted in the future for the treatment purpose of epilepsy. Novel avenues can be developed for therapeutic interventions by these new insights.
Kidney transplant surgical director training: Urologists represent a functional alternative to general surgeons
Authors: Chiodo Ortiz A. , Choubey Ankur P. , Pai K. , Khan S. , Mishra A. , Bullock B. , Sureddi S. , James R. , Siddique A.B. , Koizumi N. , Ortiz J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionKidney transplant (KT) directors are general surgeons or urologists. All KT centers must meet established performance standards. However, it has not been established if general surgery and urology led programs have disparate outcomes.MethodsTransplant outcomes and donor‐recipient characteristics by director training were investigated. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) directory, program websites were analyzed for surgical director demographics. Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) 1‐year kidney survival and deceased donor (DD) wait‐time rankings were evaluated. A retrospective analysis of 142 157 KT recipients from 2010 to 2019 was performed using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database.ResultsOne hunderd and seventy three (90.6%) KT programs were led by general surgeons. There were no significant differences in gender, ethnicity, region, credentials, or fellowship completion. Recipients undergoing KT with urology led programs were older (P = .002) and had longer wait‐times (P < .001). These centers used higher KDPI (.47 vs. .45, P < .001) and higher HLA mismatch (3.92 vs. 3.89, P = .02) kidneys. Urology led centers utilized living donors less frequently (32.1% vs. 35.8%, P < .001) and had longer CIT (15.44 vs. 12.21, P < .001). Both had similar SRTR ranking of 1‐year survival and DD wait‐time.ConclusionMost directors were general surgeon. Patient outcomes did not differ by transplant director training. Urologists represent a viable option for KT leadership and recruitment should be encouraged.
First‐line pharmacotherapy for incident type 2 diabetes: Prescription patterns, adherence and associated costs
Authors: Campbell David J. T. , Campbell Dennis B. , Ogundeji Yewande , Au Flora , Beall Reed , Ronksley Paul E. , Quinn Amity E. , Manns Braden J. , Hemmelgarn Brenda R. , Tonelli Marcello , Spackman Eldon 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimsTo use real‐world prescription data from Alberta, Canada to: (a) describe the prescribing patterns for initial pharmacotherapy for those with newly diagnosed uncomplicated type 2 diabetes; (b) describe medication‐taking behaviours (adherence and persistence) in the first year after initiating pharmacotherapy; and (c) explore healthcare system costs associated with prescribing patterns.MethodsWe employed a retrospective cohort design using linked administrative datasets from 2012 to 2017 to define a cohort of those with uncomplicated incident diabetes. We summarized the initial prescription patterns, adherence and costs (healthcare and pharmaceutical) over the first year after initiation of pharmacotherapy. Using multivariable regression, we determined the association of these outcomes with various sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsThe majority of individuals for whom metformin was indicated as first‐line therapy received a prescription for metformin monotherapy (89%). Older individuals, those with higher baseline A1C and those with no comorbidities, were most likely to be started on non‐metformin agents. Adherence with the initially prescribed regimen was suboptimal overall, with nearly half (48%) being non‐adherent over the first year. One‐third of those who started metformin discontinued it in the first 3 months. Those started on non‐metformin agents had roughly twice the healthcare costs, and five to seven times higher medication costs, compared to those started on metformin, in the first year after starting therapy.ConclusionsWith the addition of new classes of medications, healthcare providers who look after those with type 2 diabetes have more pharmaceutical options than ever. Most individuals continue to be prescribed metformin monotherapy. However, adherence is suboptimal, and drops off considerably within the first 3 months.
Habitat partitioning among three predatory fish in a temperate reservoir
Authors: Westrelin Samuel , Cucherousset Julien , Roy Romain , Tissot Laurence , Santoul Frédéric , Argillier Christine 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe diversity of predatory species plays a key role in ecosystem functioning but our understanding of the mechanisms underlying their coexistence is limited, particularly in freshwater ecosystems. Northern pike Esox lucius, European perch Perca fluviatilis and pikeperch Sander lucioperca are three widespread predatory species in European lakes, where they often coexist. As potential competitors, we hypothesised that partitioning habitat is a determinant of species coexistence. This was tested by quantifying the variability of their habitat use in tracking adult individuals in the Bariousses reservoir (France, 86.6 ha, mean depth 7.1 m). Specifically, we investigated their distribution along the littoral–pelagic and depth axes along the daily cycle and across seasons. From littoral to pelagic waters were first found pike, then perch and finally pikeperch. Pike was the closest to the surface while pikeperch was the deepest. This general pattern was, however, variable across seasons with the three species located in the upper layer in summer during reservoir stratification. Individuals were more evenly distributed along the littoral–pelagic axis and closer to the bottom when water was mixing (autumn, winter). In summer, perch used more intensively in the pelagic zone during the daytime. Other species did not show any diel change of habitats. Our results highlighted that species coexistence is associated with habitat partitioning among these three predators, with perch showing a more variable behaviour regarding habitat characteristics. Now more than ever, in the context of global change which modifies habitats, it is of crucial importance to understand the coexistence mechanisms of species that shape ecosystems.
Aphids show interspecific and intraspecific variation in life history responses to host plant infection by the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Srisakrapikoop Ussawit , Pirie Tara J. , Fellowes Mark D. E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe life histories of insect herbivores are affected by variation in host plant quality, with poor quality typically being associated with reduced herbivore fecundity, size and longevity. Plant pathogens are ubiquitous in nature and can alter host plant quality as experienced by insect herbivores. We asked how host plant infection by the widespread and economically important fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea affected the life history traits of two aphid species. We found that the life history traits of the black bean aphid Aphis fabae were negatively affected by being reared on infected host plants, showing reduced fecundity, population growth rate, size, off‐plant survival time and development rate. In contrast, we found that pea aphids Acyrthosiphon pisum benefitted from being reared on infected plants, and that the degree of benefit varied between pea aphid clonal lines. This work suggests that the ecological and economic consequences of plant pathogen infection on the dynamics of aphid pests could be difficult to predict.
Mdivi‐1 alleviates atopic dermatitis through the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Li Lin , Mu Zhenzhen , Liu Pengyue , Wang Ying , Yang Fan , Han Xiuping 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory cutaneous disorder with few treatment options. Dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1)‐dependent mitochondrial fission contributes to the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, and inhibiting Drp1 has been become an attractive therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Drp1 inhibitor mdivi‐1 on experimental AD. We firstly detected the effects of mdivi‐1 on primary human keratinocytes in an inflammatory cocktail‐induced AD‐related inflammation in vitro. Results showed that mdivi‐1 inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis which were evidenced by decreased expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleavage of caspase‐1, GSDMD‐NT, mature interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐18 in keratinocytes under AD‐like inflammation. Next, mouse model of AD‐like skin lesions was induced by epicutaneous application of 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and mdivi‐1 (25 mg/kg/day, days 5–33 during construction of AD model) was intraperitoneally injected into DNCB‐induced mice. AD mice with mdivi‐1 treatment exhibited ameliorated AD symptoms, lower serum IgE level, and reduced epidermal thickening, mast cells infiltration, and production of IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13 in the lesional tissues. Indeed, mdivi‐1 significantly inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptotic injury occurred in DNCB‐treated skin tissues. Mechanically, mdivi‐1 regulated the expression of mitochondrial dynamic proteins and suppressed the activation of NF‐κB signal pathway which is an upstream of NLRP3 inflammasome both in vitro and in vivo. This study demonstrated that mdivi‐1 could protect against experimental AD through inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and subsequent inflammatory cytokine release, and mdivi‐1 might exert this function by inhibiting mitochondrial fission and subsequently blocking NF‐κB pathway.
‘I hated being ghosted’ – The relevance of social participation for living well with post‐stroke aphasia: Qualitative interviews with working aged adults
Authors: Manning Molly , MacFarlane Anne , Hickey Anne , Galvin Rose , Franklin Sue 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn the context of increasing incidence of stroke in working aged adults, there is a specific need to explore the views of working aged adults with post‐stroke aphasia, whose communication difficulties may result in restricted social participation, loss of employment and changed relationship and parenting roles. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of working aged adults with post‐stroke aphasia in relation to social participation and living well with aphasia (LWA).Design and participantsWe conducted qualitative interviews with 14 people with post‐stroke aphasia (PWA). Data were analysed following principles of reflexive, thematic analysis.Patient or Public Contribution: A Public and Patient Involvement aphasia advisory group inputted into the study design and interpretation of data.ResultsSocial participation spanned 5 themes: Relationships and roles; Social support; Peer network, Aphasia awareness; and Employment and training. Meaningful, interesting social participation for LWA is individually defined. Working aged PWA may require flexible support with parenting, accessing a diverse social network and finding opportunities for meaningful social connection, training and employment.ConclusionsThe findings extend knowledge of social participation in the context of LWA for working aged adults by elucidating the individually defined nature of meaningful participation and how PWA may need flexible support with parenting, accessing a diverse social network and training and employment. For aphasia research, policy and services to be relevant, it is crucial that working aged PWA are meaningfully involved in setting the aphasia agenda.