bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sleep macroarchitecture but not obstructive sleep apnea is independently associated with cognitive function in only older men of a population‐based cohort
Authors: Parker Jesse L. , Appleton Sarah L. , Melaku Yohannes A. , Stevens David , Wittert Gary A. , Martin Sean , Adams Robert J. , Vakulin Andrew 
Published: April 2021

SummaryEvidence linking obstructive sleep apnea with cognitive dysfunction predominantly comes from clinical or select community samples. We investigated the independent cross‐sectional association of obstructive sleep apnea and sleep macroarchitecture parameters with cognitive function in unselected community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older men. Four hundred and seventy‐seven Florey Adelaide Male Ageing Study participants underwent successful home‐based polysomnography. They also completed cognitive testing, including the inspection time task, Fuld object memory evaluation, trail‐making test A and B, and mini‐mental state examination. Multivariable regression models examined independent cross‐sectional associations of obstructive sleep apnea and sleep macroarchitecture parameters with cognitive function. In univariable analyses, a higher apnea–hypopnea index and percentage of total sleep time with oxygen saturation <90% were associated with worse trail‐making test A performance (both p < .05). A higher apnea–hypopnea index was also associated with worse trail‐making test B performance and slower inspection time (both p < .05). In adjusted analyses, obstructive sleep apnea and sleep macroarchitecture parameters were not associated with cognitive function (all p > .05). In age‐stratified analysis in men ≥65 years, greater stage 1 sleep was independently associated with worse trail‐making test A performance, whereas greater stage 3 sleep was independently associated with better trail‐making test A performance (both p < .05). Our findings suggest that obstructive sleep apnea is not independently associated with cognitive function. In older, but not younger, men, light sleep was associated with worse attention, whereas deep sleep was associated with better attention. Longitudinal population‐based cohort studies are needed to determine if obstructive sleep apnea and disrupted sleep macroarchitecture independently predict prospective cognitive dysfunction and decline.
Thickened liquids for dysphagia management: A call to action in the development of educational and instructional strategies
Authors: Garcia Jane Mertz , Chambers Edgar , Yarrow Katie 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis article is a “call to action” in the service delivery of thickened liquids. We discuss the importance of staff education and further development of educational resources in dysphagia management involving the use of thickened liquids, particularly as related to inadequacies in staff education and training. We discuss the use of contemporary instructional strategies to promote accuracy in preparation and knowledge about the thickening process.
Warming intensifies soil pathogen negative feedback on a temperate tree
Authors: Liu Yu , He Fangliang 
Published: April 2021

Summary

The soil pathogen‐induced Janzen–Connell (JC) effect is considered as a primary mechanism regulating plant biodiversity worldwide. As predicted by the framework of the classic plant disease triangle, severity of plant diseases is often influenced by temperature, yet insufficient understanding of how increasing temperatures affect the JC effect contributes uncertainty in predictions about how global warming affects biodiversity.

We conducted a 3‐yr field warming experiment, combining open‐top chambers with pesticide treatment, to test the effect of elevated temperatures on seedling mortality of a temperate tree species, Prunus padus, from a genus with known susceptibility to soil‐borne pathogens.

Elevated temperature significantly increased the mortality of P. padus seedlings in the immediate vicinity of parent trees, concurrent with increased relative abundance of pathogenic fungi identified to be virulent to Prunus species.

Our study offers experimental evidence suggesting that global warming significantly intensifies the JC effect on a temperate tree species due to increased relative abundance of pathogenic fungi. This work advances our understanding about changes in the JC effect linked to ongoing global warming, which has important implications for predicting tree diversity in a warmer future.
Effects of mentor–mentee discordance on Latinx undergraduates’ intent to pursue graduate school and research productivity
Authors: Morales Danielle X. , Grineski Sara E. , Collins Timothy W. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractOwing to an undergraduate demographic transition in STEM, Latinx students are likely to work with faculty from different backgrounds when participating in undergraduate research experiences (UREs). However, the effects of mentor–mentee demographic discordance on student STEM development are unclear. This paper examines how mentoring discordance affects Latinx students’ intentions to pursue graduate school and research productivity. We collected data from participants in a multiyear, multi‐institutional URE program (n = 171 dyads), which we analyzed using multivariable generalized estimating equations. Results indicate that compared with gender concordance, gender discordance was associated with a 17% increase in intent to pursue graduate school for Latina students. Compared with racial/ethnic concordance, racial/ethnic discordance was associated with a 38% increase in intent to pursue graduate school for Latino students. When paired with gender discordant mentors, Latina students were 70% less likely to present their URE projects at a professional conference. When faculty mentors were culturally competent and interacted with mentees frequently, Latinx students became more interested in pursuing graduate school. Because mentors from different demographic backgrounds contribute to the development of Latinx STEM students in varied ways, URE program directors should integrate opportunities for multiple mentorships.
Efficacy and safety of lurasidone in acutely psychotic patients with schizophrenia: A 6‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Iyo Masaomi , Ishigooka Jun , Nakamura Masatoshi , Sakaguchi Reiko , Okamoto Keisuke , Mao Yongcai , Tsai Joyce , Fitzgerald Alison , Nosaka Tadashi , Higuchi Teruhiko 
Published: April 2021

AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of lurasidone in acute schizophrenia in Japan and other countries.MethodsSubjects (aged 18–74 years) diagnosed with schizophrenia were randomized to lurasidone 40 mg/day or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score at Week 6. Secondary efficacy assessments included the Clinical Global Impression‐Severity Scale (CGI‐S). Safety endpoints included adverse events, and laboratory and electrocardiogram parameters.ResultsA total of 483 subjects were randomized to lurasidone or placebo; 107 subjects were from Japan. Mean changes from baseline at Week 6 endpoint in PANSS total scores were −19.3 in the lurasidone group and −12.7 in the placebo group (treatment difference: P < 0.001, effect size = 0.41). Changes from baseline for Week 6 CGI‐S scores were −1.0 for lurasidone and −0.7 for placebo (treatment difference: P < 0.001, effect size = 0.41). All‐cause discontinuation during the 6‐week, double‐blind period was 19.4% for lurasidone and 25.4% for placebo, and discontinuation rates due to adverse event were 5.7% for lurasidone and 6.4% for placebo. The following common treatment‐emergent adverse events occurred in more than 2% on lurasidone and at a rate at least twice that of the placebo group: akathisia (4.0%), dizziness (2.8%), somnolence (2.8%), abdominal discomfort (2.0%) and asthenia (2.0%). No significant changes in bodyweight or metabolic parameters were observed.ConclusionLurasidone 40 mg once daily dosing demonstrated efficacy in a patient population with acute schizophrenia, including subjects from Japan, and was generally safe and well‐tolerated.
Assessing the benefits of integrated introduced predator management for recovery of native predators
Authors: Jessop Tim S. , Holmes Ben , Sendjojo Arvel , Thorpe Mary O. , Ritchie Euan G. 
Published: April 2021

Increasingly threatened species and their habitats require multiple successful management actions to ensure persistence. Introduced predator exclusion and suppression programs are key conservation actions used to retain or restore Australian ecosystems. Nevertheless, few direct comparisons are made to ascertain the individual and combined efficacy of multiple introduced predator conservation actions to benefit biodiversity. When colocated, both management actions could generate additive conservation benefits that greatly assist the recovery or persistence of threatened native species. Varanid lizards are key functional components in Australian predator guilds and could benefit, via ecological release, when introduced predator management actions are successful. Here we tested the effects of a colocated predator‐exclusion fence and lethal fox baiting on varanid site occupancy in a semiarid protected area. Varanid site occupancy was higher at sites inside (Ψ = 0.90 ± 0.26) compared to sites outside (Ψ = 0.61 ± 0.28) the introduced predator‐proof fenced enclosure. There was only weak evidence of increased varanid site occupancy at fox baited sites (Ψ = 0.037 ± 0.024) compared to nonfox baited (Ψ = 0.00) sites. Overall, colocated introduced predator management actions achieved some additive benefits via possible spillover fencing effects for native mesopredator populations. However, most potential benefits to varanid populations outside of the predator‐proof fenced enclosure were absent due to unsuccessful lethal‐baiting effects on fox populations. The predator‐proof fenced enclosure nevertheless provides important habitat refugia for future source populations for reintroduction once adjacent protected areas become suitable.
Humoral and cellular immune responses in critically ill influenza A/H1N1‐infected patients
Authors: Paramsothy Abira , Lartey Jalloh Sarah , Davies Richard A. , Guttormsen Anne‐Berit , Cox Rebecca J. , Mohn Kristin G.‐I. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThere is limited knowledge of influenza‐specific immune responses and their kinetics in critically ill patients. We investigated humoral and cellular immune responses after critical influenza A/H1N1 infection and hypothesized that dysfunctionality or absence of immune responses could contribute to more severe illness. We followed 12 patients hospitalized with severe influenza infection; the majority admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). Blood samples were collected at days 10 and 19 and at 5 months. Antibody responses to surface glycoproteins haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) of A/H1N1pdm09 were quantified by haemagglutination inhibition (HAI), microneutralization (MN), Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Enzyme‐linked lectin assay (ELLA). Influenza‐specific antibody levels and avidity were measured separately for head and stalk domains of H1. Cytokine secreting CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses to conserved influenza epitopes (M1, NP and PB1) were analysed by FluoroSpot. Overall, the patients retained a high level of functional HA‐ and NA‐specific antibodies over the study period. During the acute phase (up to 3 weeks from symptom onset), antibodies specific to H1 stalk increased earlier and were present in higher amount compared with H1 head‐specific antibodies. The NA‐specific antibodies and the non‐neutralizing HA‐specific antibody response for H1 head and H1 full‐length showed a significant decline from acute to convalescent phase. Despite high total IgG concentrations, avidity to H1 head and H1 full‐length protein remained low at all time points. Similarly, CD8+ T cell responses were continuously measured at low levels. In conclusion, our study found that critically ill patients were characterized by low HA‐specific antibody avidity and CD8+ T cell response.
Noninvasive and real‐time in vivo characterization of Inflammation skin. A feasibility of animal study
Authors: Phan Thien Luan , Hieu Nguyen Van , Li Tzong Shiun , Tsao Ko‐Chang , Ching Congo Tak Shing 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundInflammatory skin diseases were the most common problem in dermatology. This study aimed to develop a circuit by using a simple method for noninvasive, objective, and real‐time skin inflammation screening.Materials and methodsSprague‐Dawley rats were used in this study. The rats were chemically induced to suffer from skin inflammation at the back of their left‐hand side while the right‐hand side of their back remained untreated serving as a control. Impedance (Z) spectrum of the rat's skin was recorded.ResultsTwo characteristic frequencies (4.5 and 48.3 kHz) were found. At the two frequencies, the impedance of inflammatory skin tissue (ZIST) was found to be significantly (P < .05) smaller than that of normal healthy skin tissue (ZNHST). Moreover, the ratio of the impedance measured at 4.5 kHz (Zf = 4.5 kHz) to the impedance measured at 48.3 kHz (Zf = 48.3 kHz), that is, Zf = 4.5 kHz/Zf = 48.3 kHz, was capable of skin inflammation screening. It was observed that the inflammatory skin tissue (IST) had the smaller value of Zf = 4.5 kHz/Zf = 48.3 kHz (value < 8.5) and normal healthy skin tissue (NHST) had the higher value of Zf = 4.5 kHz/Zf = 48.3 kHz (value ≈ 10) which almost remained constant.ConclusionA circuit was developed which was used for measuring the skin impedance accurately at the two characteristic frequencies for skin inflammation screening.
Understanding Home in the Chinese Cultural Context: Insights From Postnatal Women's ‘Doing the Month’
Authors: Lin Yuancheng , Wang Min , Chen Xiaoxin , Chen Canwen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe use several research tools, such as observations, interviews and textual analysis, to assess the experience of ‘doing the month’ in Yuezi Clubs with the aim of deepening understanding of the Chinese ‘home’. Analysis of data from three Yuezi Clubs in Guangzhou reveals that the traditional ‘doing the month’ exacerbates intergenerational and regional customary conflicts in modern Chinese families. However, the emergence of the Yuezi Club was a timely invention that has averted such conflicts. We find that Yuezi Clubs strengthen nuclear family bonds. This paper extends the role of capital in shaping the Chinese home, including the social construction. Our findings uncover specific cultural practices in Chinese homes and expand Marxist theory in furthering understanding of Chinese homes.
CaVβ controls the endocytic turnover of CaV1.2 L‐type calcium channel
Authors: Conrad Rachel , Kortzak Daniel , Guzman Gustavo A. , Miranda‐Laferte Erick , Hidalgo Patricia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMembrane depolarization activates the multisubunit CaV1.2 L‐type calcium channel initiating various excitation coupling responses. Intracellular trafficking into and out of the plasma membrane regulates the channel's surface expression and stability, and thus, the strength of CaV1.2‐mediated Ca2+ signals. The mechanisms regulating the residency time of the channel at the cell membrane are unclear. Here, we coexpressed the channel core complex CaV1.2α1 pore‐forming and auxiliary CaVβ subunits and analyzed their trafficking dynamics from single‐particle‐tracking trajectories. Speed histograms obtained for each subunit were best fitted to a sum of diffusive and directed motion terms. The same mean speed for the highest‐mobility state underlying directed motion was found for all subunits. The frequency of this component increased by covalent linkage of CaVβ to CaV1.2α1 suggesting that high‐speed transport occurs in association with CaVβ. Selective tracking of CaV1.2α1 along the postendocytic pathway failed to show the highly mobile state, implying CaVβ‐independent retrograde transport. Retrograde speeds of CaV1.2α1 are compatible with myosin VI‐mediated backward transport. Moreover, residency time at the cell surface was significantly prolonged when CaV1.2α1 was covalently linked to CaVβ. Thus, CaVβ promotes fast transport speed along anterograde trafficking and acts as a molecular switch controlling the endocytic turnover of L‐type calcium channels.
Advances in our understanding of canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Marsella Rosanna 
Published: April 2021

Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a genetically inherited clinical syndrome that encompasses a diversity of mechanisms and can have a variety of triggers. Development of clinical disease is the result of genetic factors and environmental conditions, which shape the resulting immunological response.Clinical disease becomes evident once a threshold of inflammatory response is achieved. Skin barrier impairment plays a role in promoting cutaneous dysbiosis and increased allergen penetration. Keratinocytes shape the response of dendritic cells and subsequent lymphocytic response. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin is one of the links between the damaged skin barrier and the modulation of a T‐helper (Th)2 response. It is still unclear whether mutations in skin barrier genes exist in atopic dogs, as they do in humans, or whether the observed alterations are purely secondary to inflammation.A dysregulated immune response with increased Th2, Th17 and CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells has been reported. A variety of cytokines [interleukin(IL)‐31, IL‐34, Macrophage migration inhibitory factor] are proposed as potential biomarkers and treatment targets because they are increased in the serum of atopic dogs when compared to controls, although a correlation between serum levels of these factors and severity of disease is not always present.The main issue with many published studies is that atopic dogs are always only compared to normal controls. Thus, it is unclear whether the changes that we find are truly a signature of cAD or merely a manifestation of nonspecific broad inflammatory responses. Studies considering comparison with other inflammatory diseases different from cAD are urgently needed to correctly identify what is specific to this complicated syndrome.
Vimentin regulates the assembly and function of matrix adhesions
Authors: Ostrowska‐Podhorodecka Zofia , McCulloch Christopher A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe intermediate filament protein vimentin is a widely used phenotypic marker for identifying cells of the mesenchymal linkage such as fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, but the full repertoire of vimentin's functional attributes has not been fully explored. Here we consider how vimentin, in addition to its contributions to mechanical stabilization of cell structure, also helps to control the assembly of cell adhesions and migration through collagen matrices. While the assembly and function of matrix adhesions are critical for the differentiation of myofibroblasts and many other types of adherent cells, a potential mechanism that explains how vimentin affects the recruitment and abundance of centrally important proteins in cell adhesions has been elusive. Here we review recent data indicating that vimentin plays a central regulatory role in the assembly of focal adhesions which form in response to the attachment to collagen. We show that in particular, vimentin is a key organizer of the β1 integrin adhesive machinery, which affects cell migration through collagen. This review provides a comprehensive picture of the surprisingly broad array of processes and molecules with which vimentin interacts to affect cell function in the context of fibroblast and myofibroblast adhesion and migration on collagen.
Educación médica basada en competencias: Revisión de enfoque
Authors: Mantilla Gilma , Ariza Katerine , Santamaria Andrea , Moreno Socorro 
Published: April 2021

Resumen
Introducción: El modelo de educación basada en competencias es cada vez más frecuente para la formación de pregrado de medicina. Sin embargo, existe una ausencia de consenso sobre el concepto de competencia que pueden limitar la comprensión y el análisis de los programas curriculares que lo emplean.
Objetivo: Analizar las definiciones y aplicaciones de los términos "currículo basado en competencias" (CBC) y “evaluación basada en competencias” (EBC) en la literatura de educación médica para proponer un marco conceptual en los programas de pregrado de medicina.
Método: Revisión de enfoque con búsquedas en seis bases de datos. Publicaciones en el tema de la evaluación por competencias o currículos basados en competencias en el área médica, específicamente en los programas de pregrado, durante las últimas tres décadas.
Resultados: De 3618 artículos, se preseleccionaron 89 para revisión completa. Se incluyeron 34 artículos. El análisis cualitativo generó cuatro categorías principales y 14 categorías subordinadas.
Conclusiones: Aunque no existe un consenso que defina la competencia, CBC y EBC, la decisión de implementar un CBC en un programa médico de pregrado implica el reconocimiento del contexto social y regulatorio y, un desarrollo progresivo que responda a las necesidades particulares, que pueden estar relacionadas con todos los niveles del aprendizaje.
Kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 convalescent plasma transfusion in patients with severe respiratory failure: an observational case–control study
Authors: Klein Matthew N , Wang Elizabeth Wenqian , Zimand Paul , Beauchamp Heather , Donis Caitlin , Ward Matthew D , Martinez-Hernandez Aidaelis , Tabatabai Ali , Baddley John W , Bloch Evan M , Mullins Kristin E , Fontaine Magali J 
Published: April 2021

AimsWhile the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic may be contained through vaccination, transfusion of convalescent plasma (CCP) from individuals who recovered from COVID-19 (CCP) is considered an alternative treatment. We investigate if CCP transfusion in patients with severe respiratory failure increases plasma titres of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and improves clinical outcomes.MethodsPatients with COVID-19 (n=34) were consented for CCP transfusion and serial blood draws pretransfusion and post-transfusion. Plasma SARS-CoV-2 antireceptor binding domain (RBD) IgG and IgM titres were measured by ELISA serially, and compared with serial plasma titre levels from control patients (n=68). The primary outcome was survival at 30 days, and secondary outcomes were length of ventilator and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, length of stay (LOS) in the hospital and in the intensive care unit (ICU). Outcomes were compared with matched control patients (n=34). Kinetics of antibodies and clinical outcomes were compared using LOess regression and ORs, respectively.ResultsPrior to CCP transfusion, 74% of patients were anti-RBD seropositive for IgG (median 1:3200), and 81% were anti-RBD IgM seropositive (median 1:320), while 16% were seronegative. The kinetics of antibody titres in CCP recipients were similar to controls. CCP recipients presented with similar survival, duration on ventilatory and/or ECMO support, as well as ICU and hospital LOS compared with controls.ConclusionsCCP transfusion did not increase the kinetics of SARS-CoV2 antibodies and did not result in improved clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 with severe respiratory failure, suggesting that CCP may not be indicated in this category of patients.