bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asystole episodes and bradycardia in patients with end-stage renal disease
Authors: Rautavaara Joonas , Kerola Tuomas , Kaartinen Kati , Vilpakka Mari , Aitkoski Atte , Anttonen Olli , Ahvonen Jani , Koistinen Juhani , Vääräniemi Kati , Miettinen Marja , Ylitalo Antti , Laine Kaisa , Ojanen Seppo , Nieminen Tuomo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Knowledge of arrhythmias in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is mainly based on ambulatory electrocardiography (ECG) studies and observations during haemodialysis (HD). We used insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs) to define the prevalence of arrhythmias, focusing on bradyarrhythmias, in ESRD patients treated with several dialysis modes including home therapies. Moreover, we assessed whether these arrhythmias were detected in baseline or ambulatory ECG recordings.

Methods
Seventy-one patients with a subcutaneous ICM were followed for up to 3 years. Asystole (≥4.0 s) and bradycardia (heart rate &lt;30 bpm for ≥4 beats) episodes, ventricular tachyarrhythmias and atrial fibrillation (AF) were collected and verified visually. A baseline ECG and a 24- to 48-h ambulatory ECG were recorded at recruitment and once a year thereafter.

Results
At recruitment, 44 patients were treated in in-centre HD, 12 in home HD and 15 in peritoneal dialysis. During a median follow-up of 34.4 months, 18 (25.4%) patients had either an asystolic or a bradycardic episode. The median length of each patient’s longest asystole was 6.6 s and that of a bradycardia 13.5 s. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias were detected in 16 (23%) patients, and AF in 34 (51%) patients. In-centre HD and Type II diabetes were significantly more frequent among those with bradyarrhythmias, whereas no bradyarrhythmias were found in home HD. No bradyarrhythmias were evident in baseline or ambulatory ECG recordings.

Conclusions
Remarkably many patients with ESRD had bradycardia or asystolic episodes, but these arrhythmias were not detected by baseline or ambulatory ECG.
Neuroendocrine cells of the prostate: Histology, biological functions, and molecular mechanisms
Authors: Butler William , Huang Jiaoti 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common cause of cancer-related mortality in men worldwide. Although most men are diagnosed with low grade, indolent tumors that are potentially curable, a significant subset develops advanced disease where hormone therapy is required to target the androgen receptor (AR). Despite its initial effect, hormone therapy eventually fails and the tumor progresses to lethal stages even through continued inhibition of AR. This review article focuses on the role of PCa cellular heterogeneity in therapy resistance and disease progression. Although AR-positive luminal-type cells represent the vast majority of PCa cells, there exists a minor component of AR-negative neuroendocrine (NE) cells that are resistant to hormonal therapy and are enriched by the treatment. In addition, it is now well accepted that a significant subset of hormonally treated tumors recur as small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNC), further highlighting the importance of targeting NE cells in addition to the more abundant luminal-type cancer cells. Although it has been long recognized that NE cells are present in PCa, their underlying function in benign prostate and molecular mechanisms contributing to PCa progression remains poorly understood. In this article, we review the morphology and function of NE cells in benign prostate and PCa as well as underlying molecular mechanisms. In addition, we review the major reported mechanisms for transformation from common adenocarcinoma histology to the highly lethal SCNC, a significant clinical challenge in the management of advanced PCa.
A Thermodynamic Model for the Subsolidus Evolution and Melting of Peridotite
Authors: Tomlinson Emma L , Holland Tim J B 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
We present a structural update to the thermodynamic model for calculating peridotite phase relations and melt compositions at 0·01 to 60 kbar and from 600 °C to the peridotite liquidus in the system K2O–Na2O–CaO–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–TiO2–Fe2O3–Cr2O3 (KNCFMASTOCr), based on the model of Holland et al., 2018 [Melting of Peridotites through to Granites: A Simple Thermodynamic Model in the System KNCFMASHTOCr. Journal of Petrology 59, 881–900]. The new model is better able to predict the phase relations and melting of ultramafic rocks, in particular the abundance of orthopyroxene in the residue and the concentration of silica in the melt. In addition, improvements in modelling Cr-spinels mean that the model is now able to reproduce Cr-content of garnet and spinel above and below the solidus without modification to the knorringite free energy. Model calculations indicate that, for peridotite composition KR4003, the spinel to garnet transition intersects the solidus at 22·1–24·8 kbar and orthopyroxene disappears from the solidus at 29·1 kbar. Below the solidus, the model is able to reproduce the abundances and compositions of phases in experimental studies and natural samples spanning a range of compositions, allowing it to be used for investigating subsolidus equilibration during mantle cooling and pressurisation/decompression. The liquid model provides a good fit to experimental data and is able to replicate the position of the solidus and the composition of both melt and residue at and above the solidus for a range of peridotite compositions. The model may, therefore, be used to investigate fractional mantle melting and basalt generation in modern geodynamic regimes, and also to explore equilibrium mantle melting in the early Earth. The model can also be used to explore liquid and residue compositions for melting of non-pyrolitic mantle, for which there is a paucity of experimental data. We demonstrate the scope of the model using two case studies investigating the subsolidus evolution and melting of a silica-rich cratonic peridotite from the Kaapvaal craton.
DYNAMIN-RELATED PROTEIN DRP1A functions with DRP2B in plant growth, flg22-immune responses, and endocytosis
Authors: Ekanayake Gayani , Smith John M , Jones Kody B , Stiers Hayley M , Robinson Samuel J , LaMontagne Erica D , Kostos Paxton H , Cornish Peter V , Bednarek Sebastian Y , Heese Antje 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Ligand-induced endocytosis of the immune receptor FLAGELLIN SENSING2 (FLS2) is critical for maintaining its proper abundance in the plasma membrane (PM) to initiate and subsequently down regulate cellular immune responses to bacterial flagellin or flg22-peptide. The molecular components governing PM abundance of FLS2, however, remain mostly unknown. Here, we identified Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) DYNAMIN-RELATED PROTEIN1A (DRP1A), a member of a plant-specific family of large dynamin GTPases, as a critical contributor to ligand-induced endocytosis of FLS2 and its physiological roles in flg22-signaling and immunity against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 bacteria in leaves. Notably, drp1a single mutants displayed similar flg22-defects as those previously reported for mutants in another dynamin-related protein, DRP2B, that was previously shown to colocalize with DRP1A. Our study also uncovered synergistic roles of DRP1A and DRP2B in plant growth and development as drp1a drp2b double mutants exhibited severely stunted roots and cotyledons, as well as defective cell shape, cytokinesis, and seedling lethality. Furthermore, drp1a drp2b double mutants hyperaccumulated FLS2 in the PM prior to flg22-treatment and exhibited a block in ligand-induced endocytosis of FLS2, indicating combinatorial roles for DRP1A and DRP1B in governing PM abundance of FLS2. However, the increased steady-state PM accumulation of FLS2 in drp1a drp2b double mutants did not result in increased flg22 responses. We propose that DRP1A and DRP2B are important for the regulation of PM-associated levels of FLS2 necessary to attain signaling competency to initiate distinct flg22 responses, potentially through modulating the lipid environment in defined PM domains.
‘Bating Filipino’: contactless greeting during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gopez Jose Ma W , Capulong Harvey Gain M , Galang Joseph Renus F , Gozum Ivan Efreaim A 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In a recent correspondence, it was explained that cultural values and beliefs must be taken into consideration in flattening the COVID-19 pandemic curve. With this, cultural awareness is suggested as a guide in coming up with more effective health strategies and policies. For this reason, we discussed the intervention made by the Philippine government and how people can make this gesture as a model for other countries in mitigating the spread of the coronavirus.
Sex differences in response to allopurinol and benzbromarone in gout: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Veenstra Frouwke , Wanten Sophie A C , Verhoef Lise M , ter Stal Minke , Kwok Wing-Yee , van den Hoogen Frank H J , Flendrie Marcel , van Herwaarden Noortje 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objective
Owing to lower mean uric acid excretion in women compared with men, uricosuric agents might be preferred in women over xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors. We therefore investigated the differences in response to two urate-lowering therapies (ULTs) with different modes of action within and between sexes.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study included patients with a clinical diagnosis of gout who started allopurinol and/or benzbromarone. The successful response to ULT, defined as reaching a serum uric acid (sUA) target of &lt;0.36 mmol/l within 6 months after commencing ULT, was compared between allopurinol and benzbromarone in women and men. Effect modification by sex on differences in response was evaluated.

Results
Allopurinol was started in 255 women and 1045 men, and benzbromarone in 60 women and 205 men. After 6 months, the proportions of women reaching the sUA target were 58.4% and 66.7% for allopurinol and benzbromarone, respectively (difference, −8%; 95% CI: −22%, 5%). The respective proportions in men were 61.0% and 75.6%, respectively (difference, −15%; 95% CI: −21%, −8%). Corrected for confounding, the odds ratio (OR) of reaching the target on benzbromarone vs allopurinol within women was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.47, 1.75), and within men 1.55 (95% CI: 1.04, 2.32). Corrected for confounding, sex was not an effect modifier of the difference in allopurinol and benzbromarone response (OR, 0.59; 95% CI: 0.28, 1.24).

Conclusion
This study did not demonstrate between-sex differences regarding the response to either a uricosuric agent or an XO inhibitor, negating different treatment choices by sex.
Utility of the HandScan in monitoring disease activity and prediction of clinical response in rheumatoid arthritis patients: an explorative study
Authors: Verhoeven Maxime M A , Tekstra Janneke , Marijnissen Anne C A , Meier Anna J L , Westgeest Antonius A A , Lafeber Floris P J G , Jacobs Johannes W G , van Laar Jacob M , Welsing Paco M J 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe aims were to determine the ability of the HandScan [assessing inflammation in hand and wrist joints using optical spectral transmission (OST)] to measure RA disease activity longitudinally, compared with DAS28, and to determine whether short-term (i.e. 1 month) changes in the OST score can predict treatment response at 3 or 6 months.MethodsParticipants visited the outpatient clinic before the start of (additional) RA medication and 1, 3 and 6 months thereafter. Disease activity was monitored at each visit with the HandScan and DAS28 in parallel. A mixed effects model with DAS28 as the outcome variable with a random intercept at patient level, visit month and DAS28 one visit earlier was used to evaluate whether changes in the OST score are related to changes in DAS28. Binary logistic regression was used to test the predictive value of short-term changes in the OST score together with the baseline OST score for achievement of treatment response (EULAR or ACR criteria). All models were adjusted for RA stage (early or established).ResultsIn total, 64 RA patients were included. One unit change in OST score was found to be related to an average DAS28 change of 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.06, P = 0.03). When adding OST score as a variable in the longitudinal model, the ability of the model to estimate DAS28 (i.e. explained variance) increased by 2%, to 59%. Neither baseline OST score nor short-term change in OST score was predictive for treatment response at 3 or 6 months.ConclusionA longitudinal association of OST score with DAS28 exists, although explained variance is low. The predictive ability of short-term changes in HandScan for treatment response is limited.
Plasticity of the xylem vulnerability to embolism in Populus tremula x alba relies on pit quantity properties rather than on pit structure
Authors: Lemaire Cédric , Quilichini Yann , Brunel-Michac Nicole , Santini Jérémie , Berti Liliane , Cartailler Julien , Conchon Pierre , Badel Éric , Herbette Stéphane 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Knowledge on variations of drought resistance traits are needed to predict the potential of trees to acclimate to coming severe drought events. Xylem vulnerability to embolism is a key parameter related to such droughts, and its phenotypic variability relies mainly on environmental plasticity. We investigated the structural determinants controlling the plasticity of vulnerability to embolism, focusing on the key elements involved in the air bubble entry in vessels, especially the intervessel pits. Poplar saplings (Populus tremula x alba (Aiton) Sm., 1804) grown in contrasted water availability or light exposure exhibited differences in the vulnerability to embolism (P50) in a range of 0.76 MPa. We then characterized the structural changes in features related to pit quantity and pit structure, from the pit ultrastructure to the organization of xylem vessels, using different microscopy techniques (transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy). A multispectral combination of X-ray microtomography and light microscopy analysis allowed measuring the vulnerability of each single vessel and testing some of the relationships between structural traits and vulnerability to embolism inside the xylem. The pit ultrastructure did not change, whereas the vessel dimensions increased with the vulnerability to embolism and the grouping index and fraction of intervessel cell wall both decreased with the vulnerability to embolism. These findings hold when comparing between trees or between the vessels inside the xylem of an individual tree. These results evidenced that plasticity of vulnerability to embolism in hybrid poplar occurs through changes in the pit quantity properties such as pit area and vessel grouping rather than changes on the pit structure.
Is there any association between body mass index and severity of dengue infection?
Authors: Zulkipli Mohd Syis , Rampal Sanjay , Bulgiba Awang , Peramalah Devi , Jamil Nor'Ashikin , See Lucy Lum Chai , Zaki Rafdzah Ahmad , Omar Sharifah Faridah Syed , Dahlui Maznah 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Dengue, an acute infectious disease caused by a flavivirus, is a threat to global health. There is sparse evidence exploring obesity and the development of more severe dengue cases in adults. With increasing prevalence of obesity in areas with a high risk of dengue infection, obesity may increase the burden and mortality related to dengue infection. Our study aimed to determine the association between obesity and the development of more severe dengue infection in primary healthcare settings and whether these associations were modified by dengue fever phase.

Methods
A cohort study was conducted among laboratory-confirmed dengue patients aged &gt;18 y in the central region of Peninsular Malaysia from May 2016 to November 2017. We collected demographic, clinical history, physical examination and laboratory examination information using a standardized form. Dengue severity (DS) was defined as either dengue with warning signs or severe dengue. Participants underwent daily follow-up, during which we recorded their vital signs, warning signs and full blood count results. Incidence of DS was modeled using mixed-effects logistic regression. Changes in platelet count and hematocrit were modeled using mixed-effects linear regression. The final multivariable models were adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity and previous dengue infection.

Results
A total of 173 patients were enrolled and followed up. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 37.4±13.75 kg/m2. The majority of patients were Malay (65.9%), followed by Chinese (17.3%), Indian (12.7%) and other ethnic groups (4.1%). A total of 90 patients (52.0%) were male while 36 patients (20.8%) had a previous history of dengue infection. BMI was significantly associated with DS (adjusted OR=1.17; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.34) and hematocrit (%) (aβ=0.09; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.16), but not with platelet count (x103/µL) (aβ=−0.01; 95% CI −0.84 to 0.81). In the dose response analysis, we found that as BMI increases, the odds of DS, hematocrit levels and platelet levels increase during the first phase of dengue fever.

Conclusion
Higher BMI and higher hematocrit levels were associated with higher odds of DS. Among those with high BMI, the development of DS was observed during phase one of dengue fever instead of during phase two. These novel results could be used by clinicians to help them risk-stratify dengue patients for closer monitoring and subsequent prevention of severe dengue complications.
Efficacy of PRECICE Nail in Treatment of Adult Patients With Posttraumatic Femoral Leg Length Discrepancy
Authors: Brinker Mark R. , Amirian Aslan , O'Connor Daniel P. , Laughlin Mitzi S. 
Published: January 2021

Summary:
Posttraumatic, limb length discrepancy in adults is a challenge to treat, and multiple treatment protocols over the years have shown varying levels of success and complications. Before the introduction of the PRECICE nail in 2011, our preferred method of limb lengthening used an Ilizarov or Taylor Spatial frame. To assess the PRECICE nail, we evaluated the accuracy and complications during treatment in a series of skeletally mature patients with posttraumatic femoral limb length discrepancy. The surgical technique along with a case series of 8 patients are described in detail. On average, the target lengthening for the PRECICE nail was 44 mm, and all patients achieved lengthening within 2 mm and complete bony consolidation. The only observed complication in our series was a broken screw 1 year after the patient started weight-bearing. The PRECICE nail demonstrated promising results and was useful for bone regeneration and consolidation without the need for additional procedures. The rate of complications was low compared with previous methods, making this device an excellent treatment option.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Pelvic Girdle Pain During Pregnancy in Australian Women
Authors: Ceprnja Dragana , Chipchase Lucinda , Fahey Paul , Liamputtong Pranee , Gupta Amitabh 
Published: January 2021

Study Design.
Cross-sectional study conducted between December 2017 and October 2019.

Objective.
To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) in Australia.

Summary of Background Data.
PPGP is a common condition worldwide yet the prevalence and associated risk factors are not known in Australia.

Methods.
A random sample of pregnant women (N = 780) of (mean [SD]) 31 (5) years of age between 14 and 38 weeks gestation attending ante-natal care in a tertiary referral hospital in Sydney, Australia was conducted. The main outcome measure was point-prevalence of PPGP as classified by recommended guidelines including a physical examination. A number of potential risk factors, including socio-demographic characteristics, country of birth, ethnicity, history of low back pain (LBP) and PPGP, family history of PPGP, occupational factors, and physical activity were investigated with logistic regression.

Results.
The point-prevalence of PPGP in a random sample of 780 Australian women was 44% with the odds of having PPGP increasing with each additional week of gestation (odds ratio [OR]) (OR 1.02). Increasing parity (P = 0.03, OR 1.15), country of birth (P = 0.03), and greater duration of time spent standing (P = 0.009, OR 1.06) were associated with PPGP. The strongest predictors of PPGP were previous LBP and/or PPGP both pregnancy (P < 0.001, OR 4.35) and not pregnancy related (P < 0.001, OR 2.24), and a family history of PPGP (P < 0.001, OR 3.76).

Conclusion.
The prevalence of PPGP in Australian women was high with almost half the sample classified with PPGP, matching data reported worldwide. The identified risk factors associated with PPGP can be included in routine ante-natal care to screen women and identify those at risk of this common and disabling condition.

Level of Evidence: 1
Inter-rater Reliability of the Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association Score in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Martin Allan R. , Jentzsch Thorsten , Wilson Jamie R.F. , Moghaddamjou Ali , Jiang Fan , Rienmueller Anna , Badhiwala Jetan H. , Akbar Muhammad A. , Nater Anick , Oitment Colby , Ganau Mario , Massicotte Eric M. , Fehlings Michael G. 
Published: January 2021

Study Design.
Prospective cross-sectional blinded-assessor cohort study.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to determine the inter-rater reliability of the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score in a large cohort of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) patients.

Summary of Background Data.
The mJOA score is widely accepted as the primary outcome measure in DCM; it has been utilized in clinical practice guidelines and directly influences treatment recommendations, but its reliability has not been established.

Methods.
A refined version of the mJOA was administered to DCM patients by two or more blinded clinicians. Inter-rater reliability was measured using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), agreement, and mean difference for mJOA total score and subscores. Data were also analyzed with analysis of variance for differences by mJOA severity (mild: 15–17, moderate: 12–14, severe: <12), assessor, assessment order, previous surgery, age, and sex.

Results.
One hundred fifty-four DCM patients underwent 322 mJOA assessments (183 paired assessments). ICC was 0.88 for total mJOA, 0.79 for upper extremity (UE) motor, 0.84 for lower extremity (LE) motor, 0.63 for UE sensation, and 0.78 for urinary function subscores. Paired assessments were identical across all four subscores in 25%. The mean difference in mJOA was 0.93 points between assessors, and this differed by severity (mild: 0.68, moderate: 1.24, severe: 0.87, P = 0.001). Differences of ≥ 2 points occurred in 19%. Disagreement between mild and moderate severity occurred in 12% of patients. Other variables did not demonstrate significant relationships with mJOA scores.

Conclusion.
The inter-rater reliability of total mJOA and its subscores is good, except for UE sensory function (moderate). However, the vast majority of assessments differed between observers, indicating that this measure should be interpreted carefully, particularly when near the threshold between severity categories, or when a patient is reassessed for deterioration. Further efforts to educate clinicians on administration and to refine the UE sensory subscore may enhance the reliability of this tool.

Level of Evidence: 1