bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obstructive sleep apnoea testing and management in atrial fibrillation patients: a joint survey by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) and the Association of Cardiovascular Nurses and Allied Professions (ACNAP)
Authors: Desteghe Lien , Hendriks Jeroen M L , Heidbuchel Hein , Potpara Tatjana S , Lee Geraldine A , Linz Dominik 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is highly prevalent in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and associated with reduced response to rhythm control strategies. However, there is no practical guidance on testing for OSA in AF patients and for OSA treatment implementation. We sought to evaluate current practices and identify challenges of OSA management in AF. A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed with a content-validated survey to evaluate OSA management in AF by healthcare practitioners. Survey review, editing, and dissemination occurred via the European Heart Rhythm Association and the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions and direct contact with arrhythmia centres. In total, 186 responses were collected. OSA-related symptoms were ranked as the most important reason to test for OSA in AF patients. The majority (67.7%) indicated that cardiologists perform ‘ad-hoc’ referrals. Only 11.3% initiated systematic testing by home sleep test or respiratory polygraphy and in addition, 10.8% had a structured OSA assessment pathway in place at the cardiology department. Only 6.7% of the respondents indicated that they test &gt;70% of their AF patients for OSA as a component of rhythm control therapy. Various barriers were reported: no established collaboration between cardiology and sleep clinic (35.6%); lack in skills and knowledge (23.6%); lack of financial (23.6%) and personnel-related resources (21.3%). Structured testing for OSA occurs in the minority of AF patients. Centres apply varying methods. There is an urgent need for increased awareness and standardized pathways to allow OSA testing and treatment integration in the management of AF.
Association between handgrip strength and mental health in Korean adolescents
Authors: Hwang In Cheol , Ahn Hong Yup , Choi Soo Jung 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Muscle strength is associated with adverse mental health outcomes in adults; however, few studies have examined this association among adolescents. This study investigated the association between handgrip strength and mental health in a nationally representative sample of Korean adolescents.

Methods
We performed a cross-sectional study of 3530 adolescent (12–18 years old) from the 2014–2017 Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey. Handgrip strength was defined as the maximum measurement in kilograms from the dominant hand. Adverse mental health included the presence of perceived stress, depressive mood and suicidal ideation. Logistic regression models were used with adjustment for potential confounders.

Results
The mean age ± SD of the study participants was 14.9 ± 2.0 years. Girls (47.5% of participants) had poorer mental health than boys. For boys, each 1-kg increase in handgrip strength was associated with a 3% decrease in the odds of having perceived stress and depressive moods. For girls, there was a positive association between handgrip strength and perceived stress. The relationship between handgrip strength and perceived stress was dose dependent for both sexes.

Conclusions
Low handgrip strength was associated with poor mental health among boys. Future research is required to validate our findings and to establish whether interventions to increase muscular strength can reduce the prevalence of perceived stress and depressive mood in boys.
The Burden of Invasive Bacterial Disease and the Impact of 10-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Children &lt;5 years hospitalized for Meningitis in Lusaka, Zambia, 2010–2019
Authors: Yamba Kaunda , Mpabalwani Evans , Nakazwe Ruth , Mulendele Evans , Weldegebriel Goitom , Mwenda Jason M , Katsande Reggis , de Gouveia Linda , Chizema-Kawesha Elizabeth , Chanda Raphael , Matapo Belem , Mwansa James C L , Lukwesa-Musyani Chileshe 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Despite the availability of vaccines, invasive bacterial diseases remain a public health concern and cause childhood morbidity and mortality. We investigated the characteristics of etiological agents causing bacterial meningitis in children &lt;5 years in the years pre- (2010–2012) and post- (2014–2019) 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) introduction in Zambia.

Methods
Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), Haemophilus influenzae (Hi), and Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were identified by microbiological culture and/or real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results
During the surveillance period, a total of 3811 children were admitted with suspected meningitis, 16% (598 of 3811) of which were probable cases. Bacterial meningitis was confirmed in 37% (221 of 598) of the probable cases. Spn pneumoniae, Hi, and Nm accounted for 67% (148 of 221), 14% (31 of 221), and 19% (42 of 221) of confirmed cases, respectively. Thirty-six percent of pneumococcal meningitis was caused by 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) serotypes, 16% 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and 39% by nonvaccine serotype (NVS). There was an association between the introduction of PCV10 vaccination and a decrease in both Spn meningitis and the proportion of PVC10 serotypes in the postvaccination period. Antimicrobial susceptibility of 47 Spn isolates revealed 34% (16 of 47) penicillin resistance. The 31 serotyped Hi accounted for 74% type b (Hib) and 10% type a (Hia). All 42 serogrouped Nm belonged to serogroup W.

Conclusions
There was a decline in pneumococcal meningitis and proportion of PCV10 serotypes in the postvaccination period. However, the serotype replacement with non-PCV10 serotypes and penicillin resistance warrant continued surveillance to inform policy.
Pretreatment with metformin protects mice from whole-body irradiation
Authors: Da Fei , Guo Juan , Yao Lin , Gao Qiaohui , Jiao Shengyuan , Miao Xia , Liu Junye 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Metformin, a first-line oral drug for type II diabetes mellitus, not only reduces blood glucose levels, but also has many other biological effects. Recent studies have been conducted to determine the protective effect of metformin in irradiation injuries. However, the results are controversial and mainly focus on the time of metformin administration. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of metformin in BALB/c mice exposed to 6 Gy or 8 Gy of a 60Co source of γ-rays for total body irradiation (TBI). Survival outcomes were assessed following exposure to 8 Gy or 6 Gy TBI, and hematopoietic damage and intestinal injury were assessed after exposure to 6 Gy TBI. Metformin prolonged the survival of mice exposed to 8 Gy TBI and improved the survival rate of mice exposed to 6 Gy TBI only when administered before exposure to irradiation. Moreover, pretreatment with metformin reduced the frequency of micronuclei (MN) in the bone marrow of mice exposed to 6 Gy TBI. Pretreatment of metformin also protected the intestinal morphology of mice, reduced inflammatory response and decreased the number of apoptotic cells in intestine. In conclusion, we demonstrated that pretreatment with metformin could alleviate irradiation injury.
Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis due to lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: So Tetsuya , Yamashita Naoki , Shimokawa Hidehiko , Yamaoka Masatoshi , Kawano Daigo , Yoshimatsu Takashi , Oyama Tsunehiro 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis (PLE) is one of paraneoplastic neurological syndrome (PNS). We herein report a case of PLE due to lung squamous cell carcinoma. A 80-year-old woman visited because of several neurological symptoms. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed hyperintense signals at the splenium of the corpus callosum, suggesting limbic encephalitis. Chest X-ray and computed tomography showed a 17 × 14 mm tumor in the left lung field, suggesting lung cancer. Surgical examination revealed T1bN0M0 lung squamous cell carcinoma. She died 50 days after surgery due to the rapid progression of encephalitis. PLE is an extremely rare disorder, and even a case in the early stage of cancer shows poor prognosis. We should doubt a possibility of PLE, and detailed brain examination should be performed in case of consciousness disorder with rapid progression in the cancer patient.
Effects of water temperature on glochidium viability of Unio crassus and Sinanodonta woodiana: implications for conservation, management and captive breeding
Authors: Benedict Alia , Geist Juergen 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
The global decline of freshwater bivalves (Unionida) has prompted many programmes for their conservation and augmentation, which often include a captive breeding component. One key point to such programmes is the collection, maintenance and use of mussel glochidium larvae, which require attachment to a fish host in a sensitive parasitic stage of their life cycle. Understanding the thermal limits of glochidia can increase knowledge of mussel larval survival and ultimately aid in the development of conservation programmes. Glochidia of the endangered thick-shelled river mussel Unio crassus and the non-native Chinese pond mussel Sinanodonta woodiana were observed for active clamping ability at 5, 15, 17, 20 and 25 °C over the course of a 7-d period. The results from this study confirm that an inverse relationship between water temperature and larval viability can be observed in both species. Additionally, the significantly higher thermal tolerance of S. woodiana indicates that the species exhibits competitive invasive behaviour beginning from the larval stage. These findings also suggest that the collection and transportation of glochidia from genetically important yet distant populations is feasible if the larvae can be maintained at temperatures between 5 and 15 °C.
Measuring nonhomologous end-joining, homologous recombination and alternative end-joining simultaneously at an endogenous locus in any transfectable human cell
Authors: Hussain Suleman S , Majumdar Rahul , Moore Grace M , Narang Himanshi , Buechelmaier Erika S , Bazil Maximilian J , Ravindran Pavithran T , Leeman Jonathan E , Li Yi , Jalan Manisha , Anderson Kyrie S , Farina Andrea , Soni Rekha , Mohibullah Neeman , Hamzic Edin , Rong-Mullins Xiaoqing , Sifuentes Christopher , Damerla Rama R , Viale Agnes , Powell Simon N , Higginson Daniel S 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDouble strand break (DSB) repair primarily occurs through 3 pathways: non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), alternative end-joining (Alt-EJ), and homologous recombination (HR). Typical methods to measure pathway usage include integrated cassette reporter assays or visualization of DNA damage induced nuclear foci. It is now well understood that repair of Cas9-induced breaks also involves NHEJ, Alt-EJ, and HR pathways, providing a new format to measure pathway usage. Here, we have developed a simple Cas9-based system with validated repair outcomes that accurately represent each pathway and then converted it to a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) readout, thus obviating the need for Next Generation Sequencing and bioinformatic analysis with the goal to make Cas9-based system accessible to more laboratories. The assay system has reproduced several important insights. First, absence of the key Alt-EJ factor Pol θ only abrogates ∼50% of total Alt-EJ. Second, single-strand templated repair (SSTR) requires BRCA1 and MRE11 activity, but not BRCA2, establishing that SSTR commonly used in genome editing is not conventional HR. Third, BRCA1 promotes Alt-EJ usage at two-ended DSBs in contrast to BRCA2. This assay can be used in any system, which permits Cas9 delivery and, importantly, allows rapid genotype-to-phenotype correlation in isogenic cell line pairs.
Exenatide Adjunct to Nicotine Patch Facilitates Smoking Cessation and May Reduce Post-Cessation Weight Gain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yammine Luba , Green Charles E , Kosten Thomas R , de Dios Constanza , Suchting Robert , Lane Scott D , Verrico Christopher D , Schmitz Joy M 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIntroductionApproved pharmacological treatments for smoking cessation are modestly effective, underscoring the need for improved pharmacotherapies. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists attenuate the rewarding effects of nicotine in preclinical studies. We examined the efficacy of extended-release exenatide, a GLP-1R agonist, combined with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT, patch) for smoking cessation, craving, and withdrawal symptoms, with post-cessation body weight as a secondary outcome.MethodsEighty-four prediabetic and/or overweight smokers were randomized (1 : 1) to once-weekly placebo or exenatide, 2 mg, subcutaneously. All participants received NRT (21 mg) and brief smoking cessation counseling. Seven-day point prevalence abstinence (expired CO level ≤5 ppm), craving, withdrawal, and post-cessation body weight were assessed following 6 weeks of treatment. A Bayesian approach for analyzing generalized linear models yielded posterior probabilities (PP) to quantify the evidence favoring hypothesized effects of treatment on the study outcomes.ResultsExenatide increased the risk for smoking abstinence compared to placebo (46.3% and 26.8%, respectively), (risk ratio [RR] = 1.70; 95% credible interval = [0.96, 3.27]; PP = 96.5%). Exenatide reduced end-of-treatment craving in the overall sample and withdrawal among abstainers. Post-cessation body weight was 5.6 pounds lower in the exenatide group compared to placebo (PP = 97.4%). Adverse events were reported in 9.5% and 2.3% of participants in the exenatide and placebo groups, respectively.ConclusionsExenatide, in combination with the NRT improved smoking abstinence, reduced craving and withdrawal symptoms, and decreased weight gain among abstainers. Findings suggest that the GLP-1R agonist strategy is worthy of further research in larger, longer duration studies.ImplicationsDespite considerable progress in tobacco control, cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death. In this pilot study, we showed that extended-release exenatide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, added to the nicotine patch, improved abstinence and mitigated post-cessation body weight gain compared to patch alone. Further research is needed to confirm these initial positive results.
How Do Coronavirus Attitudes Fit into Britain’s Ideological Landscape?
Authors: Mellon Jonathan , Bailey Jack , Prosser Christopher 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Coronavirus upended British politics in 2020 but where does it fit into the ideological map of party competition? Recent British elections have seen a shift from economic left–right competition between the major parties to competition on the cultural (liberal–authoritarian) dimension, most notably in terms of the issues of immigration and membership of the European Union. Using British Election Study data from June 2020, we find that coronavirus attitudes fall primarily onto the traditional economic left–right dimension, with left-wing voters more willing to make economic sacrifices of various types to reduce infections. However, more draconian coronavirus measures (such as fining or imprisoning those who violate the coronavirus rules) are most supported by voters who score high on authoritarianism. We show that the structure of coronavirus attitudes puts the Conservative government in a difficult position where many steps it takes to reduce infections risk alienating its core economic right-wing vote.
Vascular and nonvascular transmission of systemic reactive oxygen signals during wounding and heat stress
Authors: Zandalinas Sara I , Mittler Ron 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Sensing of heat, high light (HL), or mechanical injury by a single leaf of a plant results in the activation of different systemic signals that reach systemic tissues within minutes and trigger systemic acquired acclimation (SAA) or systemic wound responses (SWRs), resulting in a heightened state of stress readiness of the entire plant. Among the different signals associated with rapid systemic responses to stress in plants are electric, calcium, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) waves. These signals propagate from the stressed or injured leaf to the rest of the plant through the plant vascular bundles, and trigger SWRs and SAA in systemic tissues. However, whether they can propagate through other cell types, and whether or not they are interlinked, remain open questions. Here we report that in response to wounding or heat stress (HS), but not HL stress, the ROS wave can propagate through mesophyll cells of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Moreover, we show that ROS production by mesophyll cells during these stresses is sufficient to restore SWR and SAA transcript accumulation in systemic leaves, as well as SAA to HS (but not HL). We further show that propagation of the ROS wave through mesophyll cells could contribute to systemic signal integration during HL and HS stress combination. Our findings reveal that the ROS wave can propagate through tissues other than the vascular bundles of plants, and that different stresses can trigger different types of systemic signals that propagate through different cell layers and induce stress-specific systemic responses.
Prevalence and Impact of Dysmenorrhea Among University Students in Ireland
Authors: Durand Hannah , Monahan Katie , McGuire Brian E 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Objective
Primary dysmenorrhea (PD), or painful menstruation, is a common gynecological condition that can cause intense pain and functional disability in women of reproductive age. As a nonmalignant condition, PD is relatively understudied and poorly managed. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and impact of PD among third-level students in Ireland.

Design
A cross-sectional observational design was used.

Methods
Students (n = 892; age range = 18–45 years) completed an online survey on menstrual pain characteristics, pain management strategies, pain interference, and pain catastrophizing.

Results
The prevalence of PD was 91.5% (95% confidence interval = 89.67–93.33). Nonpharmacological management strategies were most popular (95.1%); of these, heat application (79%), rest (60.4%), hot shower/bath (40.9%), and exercise (25.7%) were most common. Perceived effectiveness of these methods varied between participants. Analgesic use was also common (79.5%); of these, paracetamol was most used (60.5%) despite limited perceived effectiveness. Pain catastrophizing was a significant predictor of variance in both pain intensity and pain interference scores such that those with higher pain catastrophizing scores reported more intense pain and greater interference with daily activities and academic demands.

Conclusions
This article presents the first investigation into PD among third-level students in Ireland. Poorly managed menstrual pain may impact functional ability across several domains. Future research should focus on improving menstrual pain management education and support and promoting menstrual health literacy for women affected by PD.
Peripubertal mGluR2/3 Agonist Treatment Prevents Hippocampal Dysfunction and Dopamine System Hyperactivity in Adulthood in MAM Model of Schizophrenia
Authors: Sonnenschein Susan F , Grace Anthony A 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Pomaglumetad methionil (POM), a group 2 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR2/3) agonist, showed promise as a novel antipsychotic in preclinical research but failed to show efficacy in clinical trials, though it has been suggested that it may be effective in certain patient populations, including early in disease patients. We used the methyazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) rat model of schizophrenia to determine whether POM may prevent the development of dopamine (DA) system dysfunction in a model representative of the hyperdopaminergic state thought to underlie psychosis, compared to control (SAL) rats. MAM and SAL rats were administered either POM (3 mg/kg, i.p.), vehicle (1 ml/kg), or no injection during postnatal day (PD) 31–40. In either late adolescence (PD 47–56) or adulthood (PD 83–96), novel object recognition (NOR) was tested, followed by anesthetized in vivo electrophysiological recordings of VTA DA neuron activity or ventral hippocampal (vHPC) pyramidal neuron activity. MAM rats treated with POM demonstrated increased NOR in adulthood compared to no injection MAM rats, but not compared to vehicle-treated MAM rats. POM-treated MAM rats demonstrated normalized DA neuron population activity and vHPC pyramidal neuron activity compared to vehicle and no injection MAM rats in both late adolescence and adulthood. No significant differences were observed across treatment groups in SAL rats. These results suggest that peripubertal mGluR2/3 agonist administration can prevent the emergence of vHPC pyramidal neuron hyperactivity and increased DA neuron population activity in adult MAM rats.
Household Sanitary Inspection, Mosquito Control and Domestic Hygiene in the Gold Coast [Ghana] from the Late-Nineteenth to the Mid-Twentieth Century
Authors: Amoako-Gyampah Akwasi Kwarteng 
Published: April 2021

Summary
Mosquito control was the focus of many public health interventions in the Gold Coast because during the colonial period, malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases remained a leading cause of European and African morbidity and mortality. Tagging along with theories of racial ecology that portrayed Africans and their surroundings as the nidus of infection, and therefore, perceiving African homes as a source of danger, colonial officials targeted the fight against mosquito at African households and surroundings. Sanitary inspectors were deployed to African households to search, prosecute and fine householders whose environment harboured larvae. By examining the connection between household sanitary inspection, mosquito control and domestic hygiene, this article demonstrates how sanitary inspection was not limited to finding larvae. Instead, it became a tool for checking general cleanliness in African households, and therefore, provided the colonial administration, the means to regulate, and manipulate African habits and practices in the domestic sphere.
Admission ultrasonography as a predictive tool for thrombocytopenia and disease severity in dengue infection
Authors: Donaldson Callum D , de Mel Sanjay , Clarice Choong Shi Hui , Thilakawardana Basuru Uvindu , de Mel Primesh , Shalindi Malka , Samarasinghe U , de Mel Chandima , Chandrasena Lal , Wijesinha Rasanga S , Wijesinha A Nirmala I , Yip Christina , Yap Eng-Soo , Seneviratne Suranjith L , Abeysuriya Visula 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Ultrasound (US) is an investigation available in many acute care settings. Thrombocytopenia is a well-described complication of dengue infection and has been shown to correlate with disease severity. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of admission ultrasonography in predicting thrombocytopenia and disease severity in patients infected with dengue virus.

Methods
Data were collected prospectively on 176 patients (male, n=86; female, n=90) admitted to the Nawaloka Hospital, Sri Lanka with dengue infection between December 2016 and August 2018. All patients had an US scan on admission and disease severity was determined using the World Health Organization 2009 classification.

Results
There were 106 (60.2%) cases of dengue with/without warning signs and 70 (39.8%) cases of severe dengue. Patients with an abnormal US on admission were more likely to have severe dengue. Gallbladder wall thickening was the most common US abnormality. Abnormal US findings significantly correlated with more pronounced thrombocytopenia from day 2 of admission.

Conclusions
An abnormal US scan on admission can aid in identification of patients at risk of developing severe dengue and can be used as a novel clinical tool to identify patients at risk of severe thrombocytopenia.