bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring Cognitive Health in Ethnically Diverse Older Adults
Authors: Hernandez Saucedo Hector , Whitmer Rachel A , Glymour Maria , DeCarli Charles , Mayeda Elizabeth-Rose , Gilsanz Paola , Miles Sunita Q , Bhulani Nihal , Tomaszewski Farias Sarah , Olichney John , Mungas Dan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Understanding racial/ethnic disparities in late-life cognitive health is a public health imperative. We used baseline data from the Kaiser Healthy Aging and Diverse Life Experiences (KHANDLE) study to examine how age, education, gender, and clinical diagnosis, a proxy for brain health, are associated with cross-sectional measures of cognition in diverse racial/ethnic groups.

Methods
Comprehensive measures of cognition were obtained using the Spanish and English Neuropsychological Assessment Scales and the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognitive Health Battery in a sample of 1,695 KHANDLE participants (Asians 24%, Blacks 26%, Latinos 20%, Whites 29%). A 25% random subsample was clinically evaluated and diagnosed with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or dementia. Cognitive test scores were regressed on core demographic variables and diagnosis in the combined sample and in multiple group analyses stratified by racial/ethnic group.

Results
Race/ethnicity and education were variably associated with test scores with strongest associations with tests of vocabulary and semantic memory. Older age was associated with poorer performance on all measures, and gender differences varied across cognitive tests. Clinical diagnosis of MCI or dementia was associated with average decrements in test scores that ranged from −0.41 to −0.84 SD, with largest differences on tests of executive function and episodic memory. With few exceptions, associations of demographic variables and clinical diagnosis did not differ across racial/ethnic groups.

Discussion
The robust associations of cognitive test results with clinical diagnosis independent of core demographic variables and race/ethnicity support the validity of cognitive tests as indicators for brain health in diverse older adults.
Robot-assisted intrathoracic procedure for dumbbell tumour in the prone position
Authors: Okazaki Mikio , Takigawa Tomoyuki , Suzawa Ken , Toyooka Shinichi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
A 24-year-old man presented with a dumbbell-shaped right posterior mediastinal mass. The patient was placed in the prone position following general anaesthesia and intubation. After laminectomy and dissection of the dorsal part of the tumour using a posterior approach were performed, the tumour was completely resected using a robotic approach in the thoracic cavity without repositioning. This is the first report of robotic resection for posterior mediastinal tumour in the prone position as well as a novel combined posterior approach and robotic resection for dumbbell tumours.
Usefulness of monitoring intrapleural pressure with digital chest drainage system for the management of air leakage after lung resection
Authors: Eriguchi Daisuke , Ito Hiroyuki , Nagashima Takuya , Adachi Hiroyuki , Samejima Joji , Nemoto Daiji , Nakayama Haruhiko , Ikeda Norihiko 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to determine the variation in intrapleural pressure (IPP) with and without air leakage using a digital chest drainage system (DCS) for each pressure setting.

METHODS
In this retrospective single-centre study, we analysed 49,553 h of air leakage after anatomical lung resection in 714 patients between 2018 and 2020. The transition of mean IPP and mean air leak flow was monitored using DCS, and the association between mean IPP and mean air leak flow was examined. The relationship between the transition of mean IPP and air leakage according to the varying suction pressures on DCS was also investigated.

RESULTS
Overall, 272 patients (38.1%) showed air leakage after surgery. The mean IPP in patients without air leakage was −12.0 ± 2.9 cmH2O and maintained at about −12 cmH2O constantly, while the mean IPP in patients with air leakage was −8.3 ± 1.9 cmH2O, which changed to −12 cmH2O instantly if air leakage disappeared (P &lt; 0.001). Among patients with air leakage, the mean IPP changed more distinctly in patients with mild suction management than in those with conventional suction management (−5.0 ± 2.6 to −11.5 ± 4.2 and −8.8 ± 1.3 to −12.1 ± 2.5 cmH2O, respectively; P &lt; 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
The change in IPP on a DCS is useful for detecting air leakage. Furthermore, management with a mild suction setting on DCS makes it easy to recognize the disappearance of postoperative air leakage.
AACC Guidance Document on Laboratory Testing for the Assessment of Preterm Delivery
Authors: Farnsworth Christopher , Schuler Erin E , Woodworth Alison , Straseski Joely , Pschirrer E Rebecca , Nerenz Robert D 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Identifying women with preterm labor who will go on to deliver prematurely is crucial to improving outcomes for mother and baby and for saving healthcare resources. Even among those with symptoms, the number of women who deliver preterm is low, and thus the low positive predictive value (PPV) and high negative predictive value (NPV) associated with available biomarkers does not substantially reduce the uncertainty of the clinical diagnosis. While there is some promise in the use of fetal fibronectin (fFN), interleukin 6 (IL-6), or placental alpha microglobulin 1 (PAMG-1) for predicting preterm birth (PTB), their use is unlikely to provide considerable clinical value in populations with a low prevalence. To provide real clinical benefit, a biomarker must demonstrate a high PPV to allow identification of the minority of symptomatic women who will deliver prematurely. As none of the currently available biomarkers exhibit this performance characteristic, we do not recommend their routine clinical use in populations with a pre-test probability of PTB of &lt;5%. Limiting biomarker testing to only high-risk women identified on the basis of cervical length or other characteristics will increase the pre-testprobability in the tested population, thereby improving PPV. PAMG-1 is associated with a higher PPV than fFN and may show clinical utility in populations with a higher pre-test probability, but further work is required to conclusively demonstrate improved outcomes in this patient group.
MiR-20a-5p overexpression prevented diabetic cardiomyopathy via inhibition of cardiomyocyte apoptosis, hypertrophy, fibrosis and JNK/NF-κB signalling pathway
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Guo Bingyan , Zhang Wei , Ma Bocong , Li Yongjun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common cardiovascular disease. A declined miR-20a-5p was observed in hearts of diabetic mice, while its effect on DCM remains unknown. Herein, we established streptozotocin-induced DCM rat model and high glucose-stimulated H9C2 model of DCM. Then they were treated with adenovirus expressing miR-20a-5p to explore the function of miR-20a-5p. Insulin tolerance test and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test assay revealed that miR-20a-5p reduced blood glucose level. Besides, miR-20a-5p improved cardiac dysfunction reflected by reduced heart weight/body weight and left ventricular diastolic pressure, and increased left ventricular systolic pressure and ±LV dp/dt max. MiR-20a-5p prevented cardiomyocyte apoptosis, along with the upregulated c-caspase-3, bax and downregulated bcl-2. Moreover, miR-20a-5p alleviated cardiac hypertrophy as the parameters of atrial natriuretic peptide, B-type natriuretic peptide and MyHC-β decreased. Also, miR-20a-5p attenuated the cardiac fibrosis demonstrated by decreased transforming growth factor-β1, collagen I levels and the inflammatory response manifested by reduced interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-α and IL-1β production. Furthermore, miR-20a-5p prevented Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65nuclear translocation. Similarly, the effects of miR-20a-5p on DCM were confirmed in our in vitro experiments. Additionally, ROCK2 is a possible target gene of miR-20a-5p. ROCK2 overexpression reversed the protective effect of miR-20a-5p on DCM. Overall, miR-20a-5p may effectively ameliorate DCM through improving cardiac metabolism, and subsequently inhibiting inflammation, apoptosis, hypertrophy, fibrosis and JNK/NF-κB pathway via modulating ROCK2.
Nile Tilapia: A Model for Studying Teleost Color Patterns
Authors: Wang Chenxu , Lu Baoyue , Li Tao , Liang Guangyuan , Xu Mengmeng , Liu Xingyong , Tao Wenjing , Zhou Linyan , Kocher Thomas D , Wang Deshou 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe diverse color patterns of cichlid fishes play an important role in mate choice and speciation. Here we develop the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as a model system for studying the developmental genetics of cichlid color patterns. We identified 4 types of pigment cells: melanophores, xanthophores, iridophores and erythrophores, and characterized their first appearance in wild-type fish. We mutated 25 genes involved in melanogenesis, pteridine metabolism, and the carotenoid absorption and cleavage pathways. Among the 25 mutated genes, 13 genes had a phenotype in both the F0 and F2 generations. None of F1 heterozygotes had phenotype. By comparing the color pattern of our mutants with that of red tilapia (Oreochromis spp), a natural mutant produced during hybridization of tilapia species, we found that the pigmentation of the body and eye is controlled by different genes. Previously studied genes like mitf, kita/kitlga, pmel, tyrb, hps4, gch2, csf1ra, pax7b, and bco2b were proved to be of great significance for color patterning in tilapia. Our results suggested that tilapia, a fish with 4 types of pigment cells and a vertically barred wild-type color pattern, together with various natural and artificially induced color gene mutants, can serve as an excellent model system for study color patterning in vertebrates.
A rare case of gallstone ileus—the unanswered question
Authors: Tsang Chi Fai 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Gallstone ileus is caused by an impaction of one or more gallstones within the gastrointestinal tract leading to mechanical intestinal obstruction. It is a rare complication of cholelithiasis and found in 2–3% of all cases associated with recurrent episodes of cholecystitis. This case study demonstrates an atypical presentation of gallstone ileus. A 57-year-old woman was presented with abdominal pain and vomiting without previous history of gallstone disease. The features of gallstone ileus are evident on computed tomography. She underwent an emergency laparotomy and enterotomy for the removal of impacting gallstones, followed by an interval cholecystectomy and cholecystoduodenal fistula closure. This case report aims to explore the proper surgical management of gallstone ileus. Unfortunately, the question of whether interval biliary surgery should be performed remains unanswered, and surgeons will continue to make the decision based on their clinical judgement.
Transfer- or ‘transmission’-RNA fragments? The roles of tsRNAs in the reproductive system
Authors: Li Hui-Min , Tan Xia , Zhang Shun , Yao Jun , Li Hong-Gang 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTTransfer-RNAs (tRNAs) help ribosomes decode mRNAs and synthesize proteins; however, tRNA fragments produced under certain conditions, known as tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), have been found to play important roles in pathophysiological processes. In the reproductive system, tsRNAs are abundant in gametes and embryos and at the maternal–fetal interface, as well as in microvesicles like epididymosomes, seminal plasma exosomes, and syncytiotrophoblast-derived extracellular vesicles. tsRNAs can affect gamete cell maturation, zygote activation, and early embryonic development. tsRNAs can transmit epigenetic information to later generations. In particular, exposure to environmental factors such as nutrition, isoproterenol, and poly(I:C) may allow tsRNAs to transfer information to the gametes or placenta to alter offspring phenotype. The underlying mechanisms of tsRNAs action include transposon silencing, translation regulation, and target mRNA degradation. Herein, we review the currently reported tsRNAs in the reproductive system, their validated functions, and potential roles. A better understanding of this field may help to provide useful recommendations or develop strategies to increase fertility and conception of healthy babies.
Endonuclease enrichment TAPS for cost-effective genome-wide base-resolution DNA methylation detection
Authors: Cheng Jingfei , Siejka-Zielińska Paulina , Liu Yibin , Chandran Anandhakumar , Kriaucionis Skirmantas , Song Chun-Xiao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Whole genome base-resolution methylome sequencing allows for the most comprehensive analysis of DNA methylation, however, the considerable sequencing cost often limits its applications. While reduced representation sequencing can be an affordable alternative, over 80% of CpGs in the genome are not covered. Building on our recently developed TET-assisted pyridine borane sequencing (TAPS) method, we here described endonuclease enrichment TAPS (eeTAPS), which utilizes dihydrouracil (DHU)-cleaving endonuclease digestion of TAPS-converted DNA to enrich methylated CpG sites (mCpGs). eeTAPS can accurately detect 87% of mCpGs in the mouse genome with a sequencing depth equivalent to 4× whole genome sequencing. In comparison, reduced representation TAPS (rrTAPS) detected less than 4% of mCpGs with 2.5× sequencing depth. Our results demonstrate eeTAPS to be a new strategy for cost-effective genome-wide methylation analysis at single-CpG resolution that can fill the gap between whole-genome and reduced representation sequencing.
Tumor Growth Rate as a New Predictor of Progression-Free Survival After Chordoma Surgery
Authors: Passeri Thibault , di Russo Paolo , Champagne Pierre-Olivier , Bernat Anne-Laure , Cartailler Jérome , Guichard Jean Pierre , Mammar Hamid , Giammattei Lorenzo , Adle-Biassette Homa , George Bernard , Mandonnet Emmanuel , Froelich Sébastien 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Currently, different postoperative predictors of chordoma recurrence have been identified. Tumor growth rate (TGR) is an image-based calculation that provides quantitative information of tumor's volume changing over time and has been shown to predict progression-free survival (PFS) in other tumor types.

OBJECTIVE
To explore the usefulness of TGR as a new preoperative radiological marker for chordoma recurrence.

METHODS
A retrospective single-institution study was carried out including patients reflecting these criteria: confirmed diagnosis of chordoma on pathological analysis, no history of previous radiation, and at least 2 preoperative thin-slice magnetic resonance images available to measure TGR. TGR was calculated for all patients, showing the percentage change in tumor size over 1 mo.

RESULTS
A total of 32 patients were retained for analysis. Patients with a TGR ≥ 10.12%/m had a statistically significantly lower mean PFS (P < .0001). TGR ≥ 10.12%/m (odds ratio = 26, P = .001) was observed more frequently in recurrent chordoma. In a subgroup analysis, we found that the association of Ki-67 labeling index ≥ 6% and TGR ≥ 10.12%/m was correlated with recurrence (P = .0008).

CONCLUSION
TGR may be considered as a preoperative radiological indicator of tumor proliferation and seems to preoperatively identify more aggressive tumors with a higher tendency to recur. Our findings suggest that the therapeutic strategy and clinical-radiological follow-up of patients with chordoma can be adapted also according to this new parameter.
Allometry and the calculation of zooplankton metabolism in the subarctic Northeast Pacific Ocean
Authors: Maas Amy E , Miccoli Andrea , Stamieszkin Karen , Carlson Craig A , Steinberg Deborah K 
Published: April 2021

AbstractUsing measurements of respiration and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) excretion from the subarctic Northeast Pacific Ocean (August 2018), we explore the efficacy of pre-existing allometric relationships to predict metabolic rates of diel vertically migrating zooplankton, and to test taxon-specific influences on these calculations at our study site. Non-taxon-specific allometric equations were associated with our best predictive model, and they underestimated measured respiratory values by ~10%. The best prediction of DOC release from estimates of biomass used taxon-specific coefficients and overestimated DOC production by 12%. There is a distinct allometric relationship for DOC excretion that varies between taxa, and slightly higher DOC production in more carnivorous groups. This study provides uncertainty estimates for zooplankton active flux analyses in the region, and identifies important research directions for allometry in biogeochemical studies.
Gendered Prices
Authors: Adams Renée B , Kräussl Roman , Navone Marco , Verwijmeren Patrick 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We provide evidence that culture is a source of pricing bias. In a sample of 1.9 million auction transactions in 49 countries, paintings by female artists sell at an unconditional discount of 42.1%. The gender discount increases with measures of country-level gender inequality—even in artist fixed effects regressions. Our results are robust to accounting for potential gender differences in art characteristics and their liquidity. Evidence from two experiments supports the argument that women’s art may sell for less because it is made by women. However, the gender discount reduces over time as gender equality increases.
Trends in Incidence of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Modern US Population-based Study
Authors: Thomas Joshua J. , Stans Anthony A. , Milbrandt Todd A. , Kremers Hilal M. , Shaughnessy William J. , Larson A. Noelle 
Published: April 2021

Background:
A successful disease screening strategy requires a high incidence of the condition, efficacy of early treatment, and efficient detection. There is limited population-based data describing trends in incidence of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in the United States and potential role of school screening programs on the incidence of AIS. Thus, we sought to evaluate the incidence of AIS over a 20-year period between 1994 and 2013 using a population-based cohort.

Methods:
The study population comprised 1782 adolescents (aged 10 to 18 y) with AIS first diagnosed between January 1, 1994 and December 31, 2013. The complete medical records and radiographs were reviewed to confirm diagnosis and coronal Cobb angles at first diagnosis. Age-specific and sex-specific incidence rates were calculated and adjusted to the 2010 United States population. Poisson regression analyses were performed to examine incidence trends by age, sex, and calendar period.

Results:
The overall age-adjusted and sex-adjusted annual incidence of AIS was 522.5 [95% confidence interval (CI): 498.2, 546.8] per 100,000 person-years. Incidence was about 2-fold higher in females than in males (732.3 vs. 338.8/100,000, P<0.05). The incidence of newly diagnosed AIS cases with radiographs showing a Cobb angle >10 degrees was 181.7 (95% CI: 167.5, 196.0) per 100,000 person-years. The overall incidence of AIS decreased significantly after discontinuation of school screening in 2004 (P<0.001). The incidence of bracing and surgery at initial diagnosis was 16.6 (95% CI: 12.3, 20.9) and 2.0 (95% CI: 0.5, 3.4) per 100,000 person-years, respectively.

Conclusions:
Overall population-based incidence of AIS decreased after school screening was discontinued. However, incidence of patients with a Cobb angle >10 degrees, initiation of bracing and surgery did not change significantly over time. This provides further data to help determine the role of scoliosis screening.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.
Mental Health Interventions to Improve Psychological Outcomes in Informal Caregivers of Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis*
Authors: Cherak Stephana J. , Rosgen Brianna K. , Amarbayan Mungunzul , Wollny Krista , Doig Christopher J. , Patten Scott B. , Stelfox Henry T. , Fiest Kirsten M. 
Published: April 2021

OBJECTIVES:
Determine effect of mental health interventions on psychologic outcomes in informal caregivers of critically ill patients.

DATA SOURCES:
Searches conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and other databases from inception to October 31, 2019.

STUDY SELECTION:
Interventions for informal caregivers of critically ill patients in adult ICU, PICU, or neonatal ICU.

DATA EXTRACTION:
Two independent, blinded reviewers screened citations and extracted data. Random-effects models with inverse variance weighting pooled outcome data when suitable. Psychologic outcomes categorized: 1) negative (anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, distress, and burden) or 2) positive (courage, humanity, justice, transcendence, temperance, and wisdom and knowledge). Stratification according to intervention type and patient population was performed.

DATA SYNTHESIS:
Of 11,201 studies, 102 interventional trials were included (n = 12,676 informal caregivers). Interventions targeted caregiver experience (n = 58), role (n = 6), or support (n = 38). Meta-analysis (56 randomized controlled trials; n = 22 [39%] in adult ICUs; n = 34 [61%] in neonatal ICU or PICU) demonstrated reduced anxiety (ratio of means = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.87–0.97) and depression (ratio of means = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.69–0.99), but not post-traumatic stress disorder (ratio of means = 0.91; 95% CI, 0.80–1.04) or distress (ratio of means = 1.01; 95% CI, 0.95–1.07) among informal caregivers randomized to mental health interventions compared with controls within 3 months post-ICU discharge. Increased humanity (ratio of means = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.07–1.15), transcendence (ratio of means = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.07–1.15), and caregiver burden (ratio of means = 1.08; 95% CI, 1.05–1.12) were observed. No significant effects of mental health interventions observed after 3 months postdischarge.

CONCLUSIONS:
Mental health interventions for caregivers of critically ill patients improved short-term anxiety, depression, humanity, and transcendence while increasing burden. Clinicians should consider short-term prescriptions of mental health interventions to informal caregivers of critically ill patients with capacity to manage interventions.