bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imaging immunological processes from blood to brain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Amor Sandra , Nutma Erik , Marzin Manuel , Puentes Fabiola 
Published: September 2021

AbstractNeuropathology studies of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and animal models of ALS reveal a strong association between aberrant protein accumulation and motor neurone damage, as well as activated microglia and astrocytes. While the role of neuroinflammation in the pathology of ALS is unclear, imaging studies of the central nervous system (CNS) support the idea that innate immune activation occurs early in disease in both humans and rodent models of ALS. In addition, emerging studies also reveal changes in monocytes, macrophages and lymphocytes in peripheral blood as well as at the neuromuscular junction. To more clearly understand the association of neuroinflammation (innate and adaptive) with disease progression, the use of biomarkers and imaging modalities allow monitoring of immune parameters in the disease process. Such approaches are important for patient stratification, selection and inclusion in clinical trials, as well as to provide readouts of response to therapy. Here, we discuss the different imaging modalities, e.g. magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy and positron emission tomography as well as other approaches, including biomarkers of inflammation in ALS, that aid the understanding of the underlying immune mechanisms associated with motor neurone degeneration in ALS.
‘All in all … it begins with love’: The meanings of parental love in the context of child risk and protection among Israeli Ultra‐Orthodox Jewish parents
Authors: Nadan Yochay , Tener Dafna , Gemara Netanel , Keesing Rivka , Katz Carmit , Roer‐Strier Dorit 
Published: September 2021

AbstractParental love is often regarded as central to a child's well‐being, although the culture‐informed and context‐informed scholarship on this topic has been surprisingly limited. The present study was designed to highlight the concept of parental love from the unique perspective of Israeli Ultra‐Orthodox Jewish parents. It is based on a secondary qualitative thematic analysis of 27 interviews with parents that explore the constructions, experiences and meanings they associate with the concept of parental love. The interviews were selected from a study of Ultra‐Orthodox Jewish parents in Israel who were asked about child risk and protection. According to the findings, love was often contrasted to risk; it was viewed as having an immunizing effect and as being core to child well‐being, belonging and faith. Three major themes related to ‘love’ emerged: (1) the responsibility of loving your children, (2) the nature of love (or lack thereof) and (3) the religious and spiritual aspects of love. The study also stresses the importance of cultural and contextual analysis of core constructs such as ‘parental love’ and considers the implications of its findings for interventions with families.
Human urinary kallidinogenase in acute ischemic stroke: A single‐arm, multicenter, phase IV study (RESK study)
Authors: Ni Jun , Yao Ming , Wang Li‐Hua , Yu Ming , Li Run‐Hui , Zhao Li‐Hong , Wang Jia‐Chun , Wang Yin‐Zhou , Wang Xin , Song Hai‐Qing , Luo Ben‐Yan , Wang Jia‐Wei , Huang Yi‐Ning , Cui Li‐Ying ,   for the RESK Investigators
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimsHuman urinary kallidinogenase (HUK) has shown favorable efficacies in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treatment. We sought confirmation of the safety and efficacy of HUK for AIS in a large population.MethodsRESK study enrolled patients with AIS of anterior circulation to receive HUK infusion. The primary endpoint was the incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (AEs). Secondary endpoints assessed neurological and functional improvements and stroke recurrent rate.ResultsOf 1206 eligible patients, 1202 patients received at least one dose of HUK infusion and 983 (81.5%) completed the study. The incidence of treatment‐emergent AEs and serious AEs were 55.99% and 2.41%, respectively. Pre‐specified AEs of special interest occurred in 21.71% of patients, but the majority were mild and unrelated to therapy. Hypertension, age, treatment time, and drug combination were identified to be associated with drug‐related blood pressure reduction. Neurological and functional evaluations revealed favorable outcomes from baseline to post‐treatment assessment. The cumulative recurrence rate of stroke was 2.50% during the 90‐day assessment.ConclusionHUK had an acceptable safety and tolerability profile in AIS patients. Besides, HUK demonstrated the neurological and functional improvements in AIS, further confirming its clinical efficacy in a real‐world large population.
Occupational contact allergy of construction workers in Greece: Trends during 2009–2018
Authors: Gregoriou Stamatios , Anagnostou Periklis , Mastraftsi Styliani , Platsidaki Eftychia , Tsimpidakis Antonis , Chatzidimitriou Eleni , Kontochristopoulos George , Katoulis Alexandros , Nicolaidou Electra , Stratigos Alexandros , Rigopoulos Dimitrios 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundRecent trends in the sensitization of construction workers show a decrease in potassium dichromate and an increase in epoxy resin sensitization.ObjectivesTo present the trends of occupational contact allergy of construction workers in Greece from 2009 to 2018.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the files of patients with eczema patch tested in our Contact Dermatitis Clinic who were construction workers.ResultsA total of 191 construction workers initially reported contact dermatitis. Of these, 138 had occupation‐relevant allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) or irritant contact dermatitis (ICD). All patients were men. After being patch tested, 98 (71.0%) were diagnosed with ACD and 40 with ICD. Median duration of occupation till onset of ACD was 2 years (interquartile range [IQR] 0.8–7). The hands were the most common location for ACD (73.5%), followed by the trunk (39.8%), the legs (38.8%), and the face (11.2%). Of the patients, 74.6% had lesions affecting multiple body sites. Potassium dichromate (67%) was the most frequent allergen, followed by thiuram mix (37.4%) and cobalt chloride (31.8%). Sensitization to epoxy resins was lower (12.1%).ConclusionThe sensitization pattern of Greek construction workers does not follow the trends in Central or Northern Europe, rather sharing attributes with less industrialized countries.
Video education to facilitate patient outreach about living kidney donation: A proof of concept
Authors: Kayler Liise K. , Seibert Rachel E. , Dolph Beth A. , Keller Maria M. , Cadzow Renee B. , Nie Jing , Noyes Katia , Feeley Thomas H. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing living‐donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) requires education of transplant candidates and their social network. This pre‐post study tested the feasibility and acceptability of KidneyTIME, an intervention which leverages LDKT video‐based educational content designed for sharing.MethodsAdult kidney candidates undergoing transplant evaluation/re‐evaluation and their caregivers at a single transplant center viewed different sets of KidneyTIME videos prior to evaluation. Change in LDKT knowledge, self‐efficacy, and concerns was assessed before and immediately after exposure and 3 weeks later. Also assessed were post‐exposure program feedback, online use, and living donor (LD) inquiry.ResultsA total of 82 candidates and 79 caregivers participated. Viewers of KidneyTIME demonstrated increases in mean LDKT knowledge by +71% and communication self‐efficacy by +48%, and reductions in concerns by ‐21%. The intervention was received positively, with over 95% of participants agreeing that the videos were understandable, credible, and engaging. By 3 weeks follow‐up, 58% had viewed it again, 63% of family clusters had shared it, and 100% would recommend the program to a friend. Time to LD inquiry was similar to historic controls.ConclusionKidneyTime improved facilitators of LDKT, was rated as highly acceptable, and was highly shared, but did not impact LD inquiry during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on high‐resolution manometry and peroral endoscopic myotomy for esophageal motility disorder in Japan
Authors: Ominami Masaki , Sato Hiroki , Fujiyoshi Yusuke , Abe Hirofumi , Shiwaku Hironari , Shiota Junya , Sato Chiaki , Sakae Hiroyuki , Hata Yoshitaka , Fukuda Hisashi , Ogawa Ryo , Nakamura Jun , Tatsuta Tetsuya , Ikebuchi Yuichiro , Yokomichi Hiroshi , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Inoue Haruhiro 
Published: September 2021

AimTo elucidate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on the practice of high‐resolution manometry (HRM) and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in Japan.MethodsWe utilized a large‐scale database involving 14 high‐volume centers in Japan to investigate changes in the numbers of HRM and POEM procedures performed and outcomes of POEM between 2019 and 2020. A questionnaire survey was also conducted to analyze pandemic‐associated changes in the HRM and POEM protocols.ResultsCompared to that in 2019, the number of HRM and POEM procedures decreased by 17.2% (1587–1314) and 20.9% (630–498), respectively. These declines were prominent during the state of emergency from April to May 2020, particularly in pandemic areas. HRM and POEM in nonpandemic areas were relatively unaffected. From 2019 to 2020, there was a 0.4% (254–248) decrease in POEM cases within the prefecture, but the number outside the prefecture decreased by 33.6% (372–247). During the pandemic, the safety and efficacy of POEM were maintained. The implementation of personal protective equipment (PPE) measures varied among facilities, and PPE for POEM was relatively insufficient compared to that for HRM.ConclusionThe COVID‐19 pandemic influenced HRM and POEM practices in Japan. It is necessary to establish a sufficient system for HRM and POEM in each hospital as well as countrywide to overcome the effects of the pandemic.
The clinical role of transesophageal echocardiography during transvenous lead extraction
Authors: Wang Lu , Hai Ting , Feng Yi , Han QiaoYu , Li YaRu , Ju Hui , Jiang Yan , Li XueBin , Ze Feng , Liu Gang , Jiang LuYang 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundTransesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is commonly used during cardiothoracic procedures. TEE has also become standard during transvenous lead extraction (TLE) procedures, but its effect and role have not been optimally defined. The goal of this study is to identify how TEE was used during TLE at our institute and review its utility.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed high‐risk patients undergoing TLE, for whom more complications during extraction procedures, from June 2012 to September 2020. The patients were divided into TEE group and non‐TEE group according to real‐time TEE monitoring. We compared the rate of procedural success, complications between two groups and concluded the clinical utility of TEE during TLE.ResultsA total of 195 patients were included (105 in TEE group vs 90 in non‐TEE group), the rate of procedure success (97.8% vs 96.5%, p = 0.41) and complications during extraction (8.6% vs 12.2%, p = 0.40, major complication 5.7% vs 12.2%, p = 0.11, minor complication 2.9% vs 0%, p = 0.30) were comparable. In TEE group, 12 patients (11.4%) received following benefits: altering surgical plans, guiding subsequent therapy strategies, and rapidly diagnosing complications, moreover no complications occurred from TEE.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that real‐time monitoring by TEE cannot change the rate of procedural success and complication during TLE; however, TEE provides valuable information to instruct clinical therapy and improves the safety of TLE.
Complications after transesophageal echocardiogram in pediatric patients with gastrostomy tube and/or Nissen fundoplication
Authors: Jacobs Hannah M. , Aldrich Julie B. , Dutro Marc , Lee Simon , Rowland Daniel G. , Cua Clifford L. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroductionTransesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is frequently used in children with and without congenital heart disease when transthoracic echocardiography is inadequate for visualizing cardiac structures. Recent guidelines state relative contraindications of TEE include post‐gastrostomy tube (GT) or Nissen fundoplication surgery. No data exist documenting the incidence of complications in this population after a TEE. Aim of this study was to document the incidence of abdominal complications after TEE in pediatric patients who previously had a GT or Nissen fundoplication.MethodsSingle institution retrospective study was performed evaluating patients from 2013 through 2020. Patients were included if they had previously undergone a GT or Nissen procedure and subsequently underwent a TEE procedure. Baseline demographics were obtained. Major (esophageal/gastric perforation, oropharyngeal dysphagia, GT displacement, and Nissen breakdown) and minor (abdominal pain, feeding intolerance, and GT leakage) complications were recorded.ResultsTotal of 34 patients underwent 48 TEE procedures. Age was 6.2 ± 6.6 years (median 3.0 years, .4 – 23.0 years) and weight was 18.5 ± 14.8 kgs (median 12.4 kgs, 4.2 – 57.5 kg) at time of TEE. Twenty‐nine patients had congenital heart disease. Five patients had a Nissen fundoplication, 14 patients had a GT, and 15 patients had both procedures prior to the TEE. No patient had a major abdominal complication after the TEE. One patient had abdominal pain (2.1%), one patient had feeding intolerance and leakage around the GT site (2.1%), and two patients had leakage around the GT site (4.2%) after the TEE. Patients that experienced complications were significantly younger (1.7 ± 1.1 years vs. 6.6 ± 6.7 years, P < .01) and weighed less (8.7 ± 3.5 kg vs. 20.1 ± 15.5 kg, P < .01) than those that had no complications. All minor complications resolved with minimal interventions required.ConclusionIn this study, major abdominal complications did not occur after a TEE procedure in pediatric patients that had previous abdominal surgeries. The incidence of minor complications was relatively low and was easily remedied in this patient population. Though a relative contraindication by guidelines, TEE imaging, including transgastric views, can be performed relatively safely in pediatric patients with prior abdominal surgeries if needed.
Think outside the coronary artery: Extremely rare case of STEMI in young man
Authors: Bajoras Vilhelmas , Jagelavičius Žymantas , Balčiūnaitė Giedrė , Wong Ivan , Gruslys Vygantas , Ringaitienė Donata , Davidavičius Giedrius 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAcute myocardial infarction caused by a bronchogenic cyst is a very rare pathology. It occurs as a result of external compression of the coronary artery by the cyst, leading to myocardial ischemia. The present case illustrates that a bronchogenic cyst, which is generally considered to be a chronic disease entity with gradual onset of symptoms, can manifest acutely as a life‐threatening condition. Timely invasive coronary intervention is critical in the acute management of this complication while multimodality imaging assessment is essential in the subsequent management of the underlying etiology.
Comparison of transvalvular flow rate in aortic stenosis subtypes
Authors: Moseley Alex D. , Ahart Zachary C. , Harris David M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectives: Evaluate ET and TVFR in normal patients, PLFLGAS, LGLFAS, and classic pre and post TAVR.Background: Severe aortic stenosis (AS) is defined echocardiographically. Generating a pressure gradient to meet diagnostic criteria is dependent on left ventricular contractility, stroke volume, and ejection time. Abnormalities in these decrease the mean pressure gradient across the valve creating pathology termed low flow, low gradient AS. This occurs in two subtypes, low ejection fraction LFLGAS and paradoxical LFLGAS (PLFLGAS), in which EF is normal but stroke volume is < 35 ml/m2. Paradoxical LFLGAS is difficult to diagnose and does not have a confirmatory echocardiographic parameter. Transvalvular flow rate (TVFR), which is defined as stroke volume divided by the ejection time, provides a direct measure of flow across the aortic valve.Methods: A retrospective study of patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center between 2016 and 2019 was performed. Patients were classified by AS subtype. ET and TVFR were measured pre and post TAVR and statistically compared using SPSS statistics software and ANOVA analysis.Results: Pre TAVR TVFR in the normal population, severe AS population, and LFLGAS were not significantly different. The pre TAVR TVFR in paradoxical LFLGAS patients was significantly lower than other groups. TVFR improved to the greatest degree post TAVR in PLFLGAS but did not meet statistical significance.Conclusions: The significantly lower TVFR demonstrated in PLFLGAS provides a comprehensive, direct measurement of aortic valve hemodynamics and PLFLGAS pathology and can aid in diagnosis.
Abnormal dendritic morphology in the cerebellum of cyclooxygenase‐2− knockin mice
Authors: Kissoondoyal Ashby , Rai‐Bhogal Ravneet , Crawford Dorota A. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractProstaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a bioactive signalling molecule metabolized from the phospholipid membranes by the enzymatic activity of cycloxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). In the developing brain, COX‐2 constitutively regulates the production of PGE2, which is important in neuronal development. However, abnormal COX‐2/PGE2 signalling has been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We have previously demonstrated that COX‐2−‐KI mice show autism‐related behaviours including social deficits, repetitive behaviours and anxious behaviours. COX‐2‐deficient mice also have deficits in pathways involved in synaptic transmission and dendritic spine formation. In this study, we use a Golgi–COX staining method to examine sex‐dependent differences in dendritic and dendritic spine morphology in neurons of COX‐2−‐KI mice cerebellum compared with wild‐type (WT) matched controls at postnatal day 25 (P25). We show that COX‐2−‐KI mice have increased dendritic arborization closer to the cell soma and increased dendritic looping. We also observed a sex‐dependent effect of the COX‐2−‐KI on dendritic thickness, dendritic spine density, dendritic spine morphology, and the expression of β‐actin and the actin‐binding protein spinophilin. Our findings show that changes in COX‐2/PGE2 signalling lead to impaired morphology of dendrites and dendritic spines in a sex‐dependant manner and may contribute the pathology of the cerebellum seen in individuals with ASD. This study provides further evidence that the COX‐2−‐KI mouse model can be used to study a subset of ASD pathologies.
Community‐level prevalence of a forest pathogen, not individual‐level disease risk, declines with tree diversity
Authors: Rosenthal Lisa M. , Simler‐Williamson Allison B. , Rizzo David M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractUnderstanding why diversity sometimes limits disease is essential for managing outbreaks; however, mechanisms underlying this ‘dilution effect’ remain poorly understood. Negative diversity‐disease relationships have previously been detected in plant communities impacted by an emerging forest disease, sudden oak death. We used this focal system to empirically evaluate whether these relationships were driven by dilution mechanisms that reduce transmission risk for individuals or from the fact that disease was averaged across the host community. We integrated laboratory competence measurements with plant community and symptom data from a large forest monitoring network. Richness increased disease risk for bay laurel trees, dismissing possible dilution mechanisms. Nonetheless, richness was negatively associated with community‐level disease prevalence because the disease was aggregated among hosts that vary in disease susceptibility. Aggregating observations (which is surprisingly common in other dilution effect studies) can lead to misinterpretations of dilution mechanisms and bias towards a negative diversity‐disease relationship.
Species richness increases fitness differences, but does not affect niche differences
Authors: Spaak Jurg W. , Carpentier Camille , De Laender Frederik 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA key question in ecology is what limits species richness. Modern coexistence theory presents the persistence of species as a balance between niche differences and fitness differences that favour and hamper coexistence, respectively. With most applications focusing on species pairs, however, we know little about if and how this balance changes with species richness. Here, we apply recently developed definitions of niche and fitness differences, based on invasion analysis, to multispecies communities. We present the first mathematical proof that, for invariant average interaction strengths, the average fitness difference among species increases with richness, while the average niche difference stays constant. Extensive simulations with more complex models and analyses of empirical data confirmed these mathematical results. Combined, our work suggests that, as species accumulate in ecosystems, ever‐increasing fitness differences will at some point exceed constant niche differences, limiting species richness. Our results contribute to a better understanding of coexistence multispecies communities.
Plant input does not exert stronger control on topsoil carbon persistence than climate in alpine grasslands
Authors: Wu Donghai , Xu Xiangtao , Zhang Haicheng 
Published: September 2021

AbstractChen et al. (Ecology Letters, 2021, 24, 1018) concluded that plant input governs topsoil carbon persistence in alpine grasslands. We demonstrated that the excluded direct effect of precipitation on topsoil Δ14C in their analysis was significant and strong. Our results provide an alternative viewpoint on the drivers of soil carbon turnover.