bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution of anti-melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 (MDA5) IgG subclasses in MDA5+ dermatomyositis
Authors: Chen Mengya , Zhao Qian , Diao Licheng , Xue Ke , Ruan Yeping , Xue Feng , Li Jian , Shi Ruofei , Pan Meng , Zheng Jie , Cao Hua 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
The anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody is the main predictor of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in DM and clinically amyopathic DM (CADM). Nevertheless, a subset of MDA5+ patients have a favourable prognosis. We aimed to determine the possibility of using anti-MDA5 antibody isotypes and IgG subclasses for evaluating ILD risk.

Methods
The isotypes (IgG, IgA and IgM) of anti-MDA5 were detected in serum samples of 36 anti-MDA5+ patients with DM/CADM using ELISA. IgG subclasses of anti-MDA5 antibodies were further investigated. Laboratory findings and cumulative survival were analysed based on the isotypes of anti-MDA5 and subclasses of anti-MDA5 IgG.

Results
Among the MDA5+ patients with DM/CADM, the positive rates of anti-MDA5 IgG, IgA and IgM were 100, 97 and 6%, respectively. The positive rates of anti-MDA5 IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 were 72, 25, 0 and 28%, respectively. The incidence of acute interstitial pneumonia, mortality rate and serum ferritin were significantly higher in anti-MDA5 IgG1+ patients than in anti-MDA5 IgG1− patients with DM/CADM (P = 0.0027, 0.015, 0.0011, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity of anti-MDA5 IgG1 for predicting mortality were 100 and 41.7%, respectively. A combination of anti-MDA5 IgG1 and IgG4 for predicting mortality yielded better specificity (87.5%).

Conclusion
IgA and IgG are the primary anti-MDA5 antibody isotypes. Anti-MDA5 IgG1 is the primary component of MDA5 IgG subclasses and anti-MDA5 IgG1 and IgG4 might serve as useful biomarkers for predicting mortality in DM-ILD.
Epidemiology of biopsy-confirmed giant cell arteritis in southern Sweden—an update on incidence and first prevalence estimate
Authors: Stamatis Pavlos , Turkiewicz Aleksandra , Englund Martin , Turesson Carl , Mohammad Aladdin J 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objective
To characterize the epidemiology of temporal artery biopsy-positive (TAB+) GCA, including trends in incidence, seasonal variation and prevalence in Skåne, the southernmost region of Sweden.

Methods
All histopathology reports of TABs from 1997 through 2019 were reviewed to identify patients diagnosed with TAB+ GCA. Incidence rates based on the 23-year period and the point-prevalence at 31 December 2014 were determined. An alternative prevalence calculation included only TAB+ GCA patients living in the study area and receiving immunosuppressant therapy on the point-prevalence date.

Results
One thousand three hundred and sixty patients were diagnosed with TAB+ GCA (71% female). The average annual incidence 1997–2019 was 13.3 (95% CI: 12.6, 14.0) per 100 000 inhabitants aged ≥50 years and was higher in females (17.8; 95% CI: 16.7, 18.9) than in males (8.2; 95% CI: 7.4, 9.0). The age- and sex-standardized incidence declined from 17.3 in 1997 to 8.7 in 2019, with incidence ratio (IR) of 0.98 per year (95% CI: 0.98, 0.99). A seasonal variation was observed with higher incidence during spring than winter [IR = 1.19 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.39)]. The overall point-prevalence of TAB+ GCA was 127.1/100 000 (95% CI: 117, 137.3) and was 75.5 (95% CI: 67.7, 83.3) when including only patients receiving immunosuppressants.

Conclusion
Over the past 2 decades, the incidence of biopsy-confirmed GCA has decreased by ∼2% per year. Still, a high prevalence of GCA on current treatment was observed. More cases are diagnosed during spring and summer than in the winter.
Myocardial involvement characteristics by cardiac MR imaging in patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis
Authors: Feng Changjing , Liu Wangyan , Sun Xiaoxuan , Wang Qiang , Zhu Xiaomei , Zhou Xiaoyue , Xu Yi , Zhu Yinsu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objective
Myocardial involvement is frequently observed in PM and DM but typically remains subclinical. This study aimed to investigate characteristics of myocardial involvement and compare differences between patients with PM and DM by cardiac MR (CMR) imaging.

Methods
From March 2017 to December 2019, a total of 17 PM and 27 DM patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. In all patients, clinical assessment and CMR examination were performed. CMR parameters, including left ventricular (LV) morphologic and functional parameters, and CMR tissue characterization imaging parameters, such as native T1, T2, extracellular volume (ECV) and late gadolinium enhancement, were analysed.

Results
In patients in both PM and DM groups, elevated global native T1 and ECV values were observed. Global ECV values were higher in the PM group when compared with the DM group (33.24 ± 2.97% vs 30.36 ± 4.20%; P = 0.039). Furthermore, patients in the PM and DM groups showed a different positive segment distribution of late gadolinium enhancement, native T1 and ECV, whereas the number of positive segments in PM patients was greater compared with that in DM patients. No significant differences in LV morphological and functional parameters were observed between patients in PM and DM groups, and most were in normal range.

Conclusion
CMR tissue characterization imaging could detect early myocardial involvement in PM and DM patients without overt LV dysfunction. Furthermore, characteristics of myocardial involvement were different between PM and DM patients with more serious myocardial involvement seen in PM patients.
Doppler ultrasound predicts successful discontinuation of biological DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis patients in clinical remission
Authors: Terslev Lene , Brahe Cecilie Heegaard , Hetland Merete Lund , Georgiadis Stylianos , Ellegaard Karen , Juul Lars , Huynh Tuan , Døhn Uffe Møller , Fana Viktoria , Møller Torsten  , Krabbe Simon , Ørnbjerg Lykke Midtbøll , Glinatsi Daniel , Røgind Henrik , Hansen Anette , Nørregaard Jesper , Jacobsen Søren , Jensen Dorte Vendelbo , Manilo Natalia  , Asmussen Karsten , Boesen Mikael , Rastiemadabadi Zoreh , Morsel-Carlsen Lone  , Møller Jakob Møllenbach , Krogh Niels Steen , Østergaard Mikkel  
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objective
To assess the ability of ultrasound to predict successful tapering and successful discontinuation of biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) at the 2-year follow-up in RA patients in sustained remission.

Methods
Patients in sustained remission (DAS28-CRP ≤ 2.6) and with no radiographic progression the previous year tapered bDMARDs according to a standardized regime. A total of 119 of these patients were included in this ultrasound substudy. At baseline, clinical assessment, MRI, X-ray and ultrasound of 24 joints were performed. Ultrasound-detected synovitis was defined and scored 0–3 using the OMERACT scoring system at the joint level for both grey-scale and Doppler activity. Sum scores for each ultrasound modality were calculated for 24 joints at the patient level. The final state of treatment was assessed after 2 years. The predictive value of ultrasound measures for successful tapering and discontinuation at the 2-year follow-up was assessed via logistic regression analyses.

Results
Negative IgM-RF [odds ratio (OR) = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.10–0.85; P = 0.024] and lower Doppler sum score of 24 joints (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.87; P = 0.014) were independent predictors for successful discontinuation of bDMARDs at the 2-year follow-up. The predictive value of the Doppler sum score was independent of MRI findings. Previous numbers of bDMARDs were predictive of successful tapering (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.91; P = 0.018), whereas ultrasound was not. Clinical parameters were not predictive of successful tapering/discontinuation.

Conclusion
Doppler sum score was an independent predictor for successful discontinuation of bDMARDs at the 2-year follow-up—the odds for achieving successful discontinuation decreased by 56% per one-unit increase in Doppler sum score. Ultrasound could not predict successful tapering.
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) as potential cardiovascular risk biomarker in antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Tektonidou Maria G , Papassotiriou Ioannis , Sfikakis Petros P 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objective
An interplay between thrombo-inflammatory and atherogenic mechanisms is recognized in cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathogenesis in APS. Herein, we examine associations of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), a pro-inflammatory cytokine identified as a potent CVD risk biomarker in the general population, with subclinical atherosclerosis in APS.

Methods
We measured plasma GDF-15 levels by an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (cut-off 1200 pg/ml) and we examined carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and the presence of carotid and femoral plaques using vascular ultrasound in 80 patients with APS (44 primary, 36 SLE/APS) and 40 healthy controls. We calculated the adjusted Global APS Score for cardiovascular disease (aGAPSSCVD), a revised adjusted Global APS Score (aGAPSS) for predicting CVD, including lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin and anti-beta2glycoprotein-I antibodies, and hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obesity, diabetes and smoking.

Results
GDF-15 levels were higher in APS patients vs controls, after adjusting for age and gender [absolute difference: 281 (95% CI: 141, 421) pg/ml, P &lt; 0.001]. GDF-15 levels ≥1200 pg/ml were associated with higher mean IMT of the right and left carotid arteries [beta coefficient 0.068 (95% CI: 0.020, 0.116), P = 0.006] compared with GDF-15 levels &lt;1200 pg/ml. GDF-15 was independently associated with mean IMT, after adjusting for gender and aGAPSSCVD [beta coefficient 0.059 (95% CI: 0.008, 0.110), P = 0.024], and additionally for statin (P = 0.025) and HCQ use (P = 0.011). GDF-15 levels ≥1200 pg/ml were associated with 2.4 times higher odds for atherosclerotic plaques (odds ratios = 2.438, 95% CI: 0.906, 6.556, P = 0.078), while this effect was reduced by including more covariates in the model.

Conclusion
GDF-15 is independently associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in APS patients, suggesting its potential role in CVD risk stratification in APS.
Anti-RNPC-3 antibody predicts poor prognosis in patients with interstitial lung disease associated to systemic sclerosis
Authors: Callejas-Moraga Eduardo Luis , Guillén-Del-Castillo Alfredo , Perurena-Prieto Janire , Sanz-Martínez Maria Teresa , Fonollosa-Pla Vicente , Lorite-Gomez Karen , Severino Adriana , Bellocchi Chiara , Beretta Lorenzo , Mahler Michael , Simeón-Aznar Carmen P 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objective
To analyse the prevalence, the clinical characteristics, the overall survival and the event-free survival (EFS) of SSc patients who express anti-U11/U12 RNP (RNPC-3) antibodies.

Methods
A total of 447 SSc patients from Barcelona (n = 286) and Milan (n = 161) were selected. All samples were tested using a particle-based multi-analyte technology. We compared anti-RNPC-3 positive and negative patients. Epidemiological, clinical features and survival were analysed. End-stage lung disease (ESLD) was defined if the patient developed forced vital capacity &lt;50% of predicted, needed oxygen therapy or lung transplantation. EFS was defined as the period of time free of either ESLD or death.

Results
Nineteen of 447 (4.3%) patients had anti-RNPC-3 antibodies and interstitial lung disease (ILD) was more frequent (11, 57.9% vs 144, 33.6%, P =0.030) in individuals with anti-RNPC-3 antibodies. More patients reached ESLD in the positive group (7, 36.8% vs 74, 17.3%, P = 0.006), and a higher use of non-glucocorticoid immunosuppressive drugs was observed (11, 57.9% vs 130, 30.4%, P = 0.012). Anti-RNPC-3 positive patients had lower EFS, both in the total cohort (log-rank P =0.001), as well as in patients with ILD (log-rank P = 0.002). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, diffuse cutaneous subtype, age at onset, the presence of ILD or pulmonary arterial hypertension and the expression of anti-RNPC-3 positivity or anti-topo I were independently associated with worse EFS.

Conclusion
The presence of anti-RNPC-3 was associated with higher frequency of ILD and either ESLD or death. These data suggest anti-RNPC-3 is an independent poor prognosis antibody in SSc, especially if ILD is also present.
Psychopathological Syndromes Across Affective and Psychotic Disorders Correlate With Gray Matter Volumes
Authors: Stein Frederike , Meller Tina , Brosch Katharina , Schmitt Simon , Ringwald Kai , Pfarr Julia Katharina , Meinert Susanne , Thiel Katharina , Lemke Hannah , Waltemate Lena , Grotegerd Dominik , Opel Nils , Jansen Andreas , Nenadić Igor , Dannlowski Udo , Krug Axel , Kircher Tilo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionMore than a century of research on the neurobiological underpinnings of major psychiatric disorders (major depressive disorder [MDD], bipolar disorder [BD], schizophrenia [SZ], and schizoaffective disorder [SZA]) has been unable to identify diagnostic markers. An alternative approach is to study dimensional psychopathological syndromes that cut across categorical diagnoses. The aim of the current study was to identify gray matter volume (GMV) correlates of transdiagnostic symptom dimensions.MethodsWe tested the association of 5 psychopathological factors with GMV using multiple regression models in a sample of N = 1069 patients meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria for MDD (n = 818), BD (n = 132), and SZ/SZA (n = 119). T1-weighted brain images were acquired with 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging and preprocessed with CAT12. Interactions analyses (diagnosis × psychopathological factor) were performed to test whether local GMV associations were driven by DSM-IV diagnosis. We further tested syndrome specific regions of interest (ROIs).ResultsWhole brain analysis showed a significant negative association of the positive formal thought disorder factor with GMV in the right middle frontal gyrus, the paranoid-hallucinatory syndrome in the right fusiform, and the left middle frontal gyri. ROI analyses further showed additional negative associations, including the negative syndrome with bilateral frontal opercula, positive formal thought disorder with the left amygdala-hippocampus complex, and the paranoid-hallucinatory syndrome with the left angular gyrus. None of the GMV associations interacted with DSM-IV diagnosis.ConclusionsWe found associations between psychopathological syndromes and regional GMV independent of diagnosis. Our findings open a new avenue for neurobiological research across disorders, using syndrome-based approaches rather than categorical diagnoses.
Does Perceived Loneliness Matter for Diverse Older Men and Their Prostate-Specific Antigen Testing Behaviors?
Authors: Cadet Tamara , Burke Shanna Lynn , Mitchell Jamie , Conner Kyaien O. , Nedjat-Haiem Frances 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLoneliness is associated with poorer health practices and fewer health-promoting behaviors and may be associated with greater use of the health care system. Given national conversations about aging in context, this investigation explored the relationship between perceptions of loneliness in 2008 and prostate cancer screening participation in 2008 and 2012. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, authors examined the relationship between loneliness and prostate cancer screening in 2008 and 2012 among Black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic White men, ages 50 to 74 years (N = 4,875) using a series of logistic regression models. Findings indicate that White men who indicated being more lonely were less likely to participate in screening in 2008 and 2012. For Black men, there was a reduced likelihood of screening in 2012 with one aspect of decreasing loneliness. Social workers have unique training focusing on the person-in-environment model. Use of the person-in-environment model can help health care providers understand men’s experiences and their feelings or needs related to cancer screening participation. Given the lack of focus on men’s health-promoting behaviors related to loneliness, this study provides formative data to test interventions to increase the well-being of older men.
“I’ve Been Through It”: Assessing Employment Barriers among Unaccompanied Women Experiencing Homelessness
Authors: Groton Danielle , Radey Melissa 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Women represent a growing segment of the homeless population; however, little work has examined employment among an important segment of this population: women unaccompanied by children. This study addressed the following research questions: Which common employment barriers (that is, physical health, mental health, substance abuse, or domestic violence) influence employment of unaccompanied women experiencing homelessness? How do these barriers influence the employment experiences of the women? The authors analyzed a cross-sectional sample of unaccompanied women in one community’s homeless management information system (n = 1,331). Then they completed semistructured interviews (n = 20) with a subsample of these women. Logistic regression analyses indicated that no employment barrier significantly related to current employment status. Interview data indicated that women perceived physical and mental health issues as barriers to full-time employment. Women reported a struggle to maintain housing even when they had employment. Integrated quantitative and qualitative analyses identified how agency data regarding barriers and employment may miss central barriers (for example, stigma, physical presentation) and employment engagement. Study findings provide support for programs that address housing and current barriers before other employment barriers, the importance of improving federal measures, and recommendations to strengthen agency-level data collection to inform program development and community-based research.
Social Work Burnout in the Context of Interprofessional Collaboration
Authors: McCarthy Lauren Pryce 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study builds on the existing research in the field of interprofessional collaboration (IPC) and burnout among social workers. The authors sampled field instructors from a mid-Atlantic school of social work, comparing self-reported burnout scores among social workers on interprofessional teams with those of social workers who do not work on interprofessional teams, and completed a regression analysis of the relationship between burnout and participation in interprofessional teams, perceptions of IPC, and several individual and practice factors. Findings suggest that although members of interprofessional teams reported lower burnout scores, there was no significant relationship between working in an interprofessional team and burnout when controlling for other factors. Although the study provides an interesting first look at burnout among social workers in interprofessional teams, further research with a larger, more representative sample is needed.
Costs of TB care incurred by adult patients with newly diagnosed drug-sensitive TB in Ballabgarh block in northern India
Authors: Chandra Ankit , Kumar Rakesh , Kant Shashi , Krishnan Anand 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
India's National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) provides free diagnosis and treatment services but does not monitor TB-related costs. This study aimed to estimate the direct and indirect costs borne by adult patients with newly diagnosed TB.

Methods
A longitudinal study in Ballabgarh block, Haryana (North India) was conducted. A total of 110 patients were interviewed and data regarding costs were collected at three points of time (after diagnosis, at the end of intensive phase and at the end of the treatment) using a semistructured questionnaire. The total direct (out-of-pocket expenses) and indirect (income lost) costs before and during treatment were calculated for patients who completed the treatment.

Results
We enrolled 110 patients with drug-sensitive TB; 6 patients could not complete the treatment. The TB-related median total cost was US$150 (IQR 65–335). The median prediagnosis and postdiagnosis costs were US$42 (IQR 19–313) and US$63 (IQR 10.2–190), respectively. The median direct and indirect costs were US$75 (IQR 36–148) and US$16 (IQR 0–197), respectively. A catastrophic cost was experienced by 18% (95% CI 12 to 27%) of households.

Conclusion
Despite free diagnosis and treatment services, there is a substantial TB-related cost for TB care under the NTEP. Accelerated efforts are needed to achieve the target of zero catastrophic cost.
Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping for Common Scab Resistance in a Tetraploid Potato Full-Sib Population
Authors: da Silva Pereira Guilherme , Mollinari Marcelo , Qu Xinshun , Thill Christian , Zeng Zhao-Bang , Haynes Kathleen , Yencho G. Craig 
Published: March 2021

Despite the negative impact of common scab (Streptomyces spp.) on the potato industry, little is known about the genetic architecture of resistance to this bacterial disease in the crop. We evaluated a mapping population (∼150 full sibs) derived from a cross between two tetraploid potatoes (‘Atlantic’ × B1829-5) in three environments (MN11, PA11, ME12) under natural common scab pressure. Three measures to common scab reaction, namely percentage of scabby tubers and disease area and lesion indices, were found to be highly correlated (>0.76). Because of the large environmental effect, heritability values were zero for all three traits in MN11, but moderate to high in PA11 and ME12 (∼0.44 to 0.79). We identified a single quantitative trait locus (QTL) for lesion index in PA11, ME12, and joint analyses on linkage group 3, explaining ∼22 to 30% of the total variation. The identification of QTL haplotypes and candidate genes contributing to disease resistance can support genomics-assisted breeding approaches in the crop. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .