bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aortic valve replacement among patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Authors: Hollenbeck Brent K. , Dunn Rodney L. , Sukul Devraj , Modi Parth K. , Nallamothu Brahmajee K. , Sen Ananda , Bynum Julie P. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has made palliation from aortic stenosis more broadly available to populations previously thought to be too high risk for surgery, such as those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD); however, its safety and effectiveness in this context are uncertain.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of national Medicare beneficiaries, aged 66 and older with Parts A and B, between 2010 and 2016. Patients undergoing AVR were identified, and follow‐up was available through 2017. Multivariable regression was used to measure the independent association between having a diagnosis of ADRD at the time of AVR, stratified by TAVR and surgery, and outcomes (mortality and Medicare institutional days at 1 year after AVR).ResultsThe average rate of increase in AVR per year was 17.5 cases per 100,000 ADRD and 8.4 per 100,000 non‐ADRD beneficiaries, largely driven by more rapid adoption of TAVR. Adjusted mortality following AVR declined significantly between those treated in 2010 and 2016, from 13.5% (95% CI 10.2%–17.7%) to 6.3% (95% CI 5.2%–7.6%) and from 13.7% (95% CI 12.7%–14.7%) to 6.3% (95% CI 5.8%–6.9%) in those with and without ADRD, respectively. The sharpest decline was noted for patients undergoing TAVR between 2011 and 2016, with adjusted mortality declining from 19.9% (95% CI 11.2%–32.8%) to 5.2% (95% CI 4.1%–6.5%) and from 12.2% (95% CI 9.3%–15.8%) to 5.0% (95% CI 4.4%–5.6%) in patients with and without ADRD, respectively. Similar declines were evident for Medicare institutional days in the year after AVR in both patient groups.ConclusionsRates of AVR in those with ADRD increased during the past decade largely driven by the diffusion of TAVR. The use of TAVR in this vulnerable population did not come at the expense of increasing Medicare institutional days or mortality at 1‐year.
Outcomes using direct‐acting antiviral hepatitis‐C treatment in older versus younger Veterans
Authors: Blanquicett Carmelo J. , Raavi Tapasya , Mirk Anna , Johnson Theodore M. , Jaglal Michael , Cartwright Emily J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundHistorically, older adults have been excluded from trials evaluating hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, in part, due to the adverse effects associated with previous regimens. Veterans are at high risk of HCV infection. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LED/SOF) is a once daily antiviral regimen with demonstrated efficacy and tolerability among the younger population. We examined the tolerability and effectiveness of LED/SOF in Veterans age ≥65 years versus those <65 years who were treated at the Atlanta VA Health Care System (AVAHCS).MethodsUsing the VA Clinical Case Registry, all persons who filled a LED/SOF prescription at the AVAHCS from January 1, 2015, through March 31, 2016, were identified. The electronic medical records were reviewed to identify basic demographic information: comorbidities; polypharmacy; and outcomes. Sustained virologic response (SVR) was defined as an undetectable HCV RNA, at least 12 weeks after completing treatment. Descriptive statistics were employed using SAS v9.2.ResultsWe identified 345 Veterans who filled LED/SOF during the study period; 94 were excluded due to exposure to ribavirin and IFN containing regimens; 97 (38.6%) were ≥65 years. Veterans were predominantly black (57%) and male (97%). Cancer was more prevalent among older Veterans (p = 0.047) as was polypharmacy (p = 0.001). Treatment completion rates between older and younger Veterans were not significantly different (99 vs. 95%, respectively; p = 0.16), but significantly more older Veterans achieved SVR (98 vs. 91%; p = 0.03).ConclusionsLED/SOF was a well‐tolerated and effective regimen in an older Veteran population despite their multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy presence.
Association between angiotensin‐converting enzyme gene insertion deletion polymorphism and androgenetic alopecia susceptibility among Egyptian patients: A preliminary case‐controlled study
Authors: Mustafa Amany Ibrahim , Ibrahim Samah Ezzat , Gohary Yasser Mostafa , Al‐Husseini Naglaa Fathy , Fawzy Eman , El‐Shimi Ola Samir 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundAndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) is a prevalent condition with a complex etiopathogenesis. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene located on the chromosome 17q23 contains an insertion (I) and deletion (D) polymorphism in the intron 16. This gene polymorphism plays a role in multiple inflammatory disorders. However, there are no studies investigating its association with AGA susceptibility.ObjectivesIn this work, we aimed at exploring the association of ACE gene I/D polymorphism in AGA susceptibility in a group of Egyptian patients.MethodsThis study included 100 AGA patients, and 100 apparently healthy controls. The ACE gene I/D polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction.ResultsThe DD, ID genotypes, and D allele showed higher frequent distribution among studied AGA patients than controls (p < 0.05 each). Positive family history and ACE gene I/D polymorphism were considered AGA susceptibility predictors in both uni‐ and multivariable analyses [p < 0.05 each (OR (95% CI)] on applying logistic regression analysis for risk factors prediction.ConclusionsThis study highlights the possible contribution of the suspected genetic polymorphism as a susceptibility indicator for AGA development in the examined group of patients.
Zinc and iron adequacy and relative importance of zinc/iron storage and intakes among breastfed infants
Authors: Dumrongwongsiri Oraporn , Winichagoon Pattanee , Chongviriyaphan Nalinee , Suthutvoravut Umaporn , Grote Veit , Koletzko Berthold 
Published: September 2021

AbstractNeonatal nutrient storage and supplies from breast milk contribute to nutrient status and growth of infants during their early life. This study investigated the adequacy of zinc and iron intakes among breastfed infants during the first 4 months and determined the relative importance of zinc/iron storage versus nutrient intakes with infant's biochemical status and growth. A longitudinal study followed lactating women and their breastfed infants from birth to 4 months postpartum. Cord zinc and ferritin concentrations, as indicators of nutrient storages, were determined. Zinc and iron intakes from breast milk were determined by measurement of breast milk volume together with milk zinc and iron concentrations at 2 and 4 months postpartum. Inadequacy of nutrient intakes was determined using average requirement (AR) which were 1.6 and 0.24 mg/day for zinc and iron respectively. Infant's serum zinc and ferritin were determined at 4 months of age. The data were collected from 64 and 56 participants at 2 months and 4 months postpartum. Inadequate zinc intake was found in 14.5 and 40% of infants at 2 and 4 months old, respectively. The prevalence of biochemical zinc and iron deficiency in infants were 76 and 11%, respectively. Iron endowment was significantly associated with serum ferritin at 4 months. The cumulative zinc intake was positively associated with weight gain and weight‐for‐length Z‐score, but not length. This study provides quantitative data on zinc and iron intakes, and demonstrates the relative importance of nutrient storage versus intakes on biochemical status and growth of breastfed infants.
Integrating Praxis Through the Research Process: Caregivers for Older Americans During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Freidus Andrea , Shenk Dena , Wolf Christin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWhile applied anthropological research is sometimes envisioned as a linear process, we present an alternative view based on our research with frontline workers providing long‐term care (LTC) for older adults during COVID‐19. We completed a rapid qualitative assessment in central North Carolina from May to November 2020. We conducted data analysis as we continued to collect data and implemented activities and interventions along the way. We report emerging findings that included the deleterious effects of isolation on older adults in both congregate and community‐based LTC, the value of creatively using technology as an avenue for communication and engagement, the importance of leadership and flexibility, as well as an abundance of mental health struggles LTC workers faced in caring for older adults during COVID‐19. We present how we were able to address these in a variety of ways during the inductive research process because of iterative analysis that occurred alongside continued data collection.
Strigolactones (SLs) modulate the plastochron by regulating KLUH (KLU) transcript abundance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Cornet Florent , Pillot Jean‐Paul , Le Bris Philippe , Pouvreau Jean‐Bernard , Arnaud Nicolas , de Saint Germain Alexandre , Rameau Catherine 
Published: September 2021

Summary

The timing of leaf emergence at the shoot apical meristem, or plastochron, is highly regulated in plants. Among the genes known to regulate the plastochron in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), KLUH (KLU), orthologous to the rice (Oryza sativa) PLASTOCHRON1, encodes the cytochrome P450 CYP78A5, and is thought to act through generation of a still unknown mobile signal. As klu mutants display not only a short plastochron but also a branching phenotype reminiscent of strigolactone (SL) mutants, we investigated whether KLU/CYP78A5 is involved in SL biosynthesis.

We combined a genetic approach, a parasitic plant seed germination bioassay to test klu root exudates, and analysis of transcript abundances of SL‐biosynthesis genes in the Arabidopsis klu mutants.

We demonstrate that KLU is not involved in the SL‐biosynthesis pathway. Moreover, this work allowed us to uncover a new role for SL during Arabidopsis development in modulating plastochron via a KLU‐dependent pathway.

Globally our data reveal that KLU is required for plastochron‐specific SL responses, a first indication of crosstalk between SL and the KLU‐derived signal.
Extending human healthspan and longevity: a symposium report
Authors: DeVito Loren M. , Barzilai Nir , Cuervo Ana Maria , Niedernhofer Laura J. , Milman Sofiya , Levine Morgan , Promislow Daniel , Ferrucci Luigi , Kuchel George A. , Mannick Joan , Justice Jamie , Gonzales Mitzi M. , Kirkland James L. , Cohen Pinchas , Campisi Judith 
Published: September 2021

AbstractFor many years, it was believed that the aging process was inevitable and that age‐related diseases could not be prevented or reversed. The geroscience hypothesis, however, posits that aging is, in fact, malleable and, by targeting the hallmarks of biological aging, it is indeed possible to alleviate age‐related diseases and dysfunction and extend longevity. This field of geroscience thus aims to prevent the development of multiple disorders with age, thereby extending healthspan, with the reduction of morbidity toward the end of life. Experts in the field have made remarkable advancements in understanding the mechanisms underlying biological aging and identified ways to target aging pathways using both novel agents and repurposed therapies. While geroscience researchers currently face significant barriers in bringing therapies through clinical development, proof‐of‐concept studies, as well as early‐stage clinical trials, are underway to assess the feasibility of drug evaluation and lay a regulatory foundation for future FDA approvals in the future.
Desert and redistribution: Justice as a remedy for, and cause of, economic inequality
Authors: Bower‐Bir Jacob S. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPost‐positivist scholars have shown that justice motivates personal behavior and policymaking, but they have not adequately explained how such normative concerns exert their influence. I argue that justice is the rewarding of desert, and desert is an emergent social institution. As a social institution, community members have built‐in incentives to enforce and perpetuate communal understandings of desert though external sanctions and inculcation. As an evolutionary phenomenon, what constitutes upright, moral behavior will vary across communities and contexts, constraining individuals and policymakers as they address community issues. In an empirical test of my theory, I find that an individual's support for redistributive policies is driven by her (a) belief in desert's reward and (b) definition of economic deservingness. People tolerate grave inequalities if they think those inequalities are deserved. Indeed, if outcomes appear deserved, altering them constitutes an unjust act. Moreover, people who assign a significant role to personal responsibility in their definitions of economic desert oppose large‐scale redistribution policies because government intervention makes it harder for people to (by their definition) deserve their economic station. In short, people must perceive inequality as undeserved to motivate a policy response, and the means of combating inequality must not undermine desert.
Cabinet ministers and the use of agenda‐setting power: Evidence from cabinet ministers in Israel
Authors: Shpaizman Ilana 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCabinet ministers in parliamentary democracies have significant agenda‐setting power. However, not all ministers use it equally. This paper examines what affects the ministers' use of their agenda‐setting power. It explores this question based on the case of Israel, using three measures of agenda change and in‐depth interviews with former ministers. The paper finds that limited agenda capacity constrains the ministers' agenda‐setting power. However, the ministers themselves do not see this as a significant constraint and point at motivation instead. Ministers holding a portfolio that is salient to their party are not likely to change the agenda more. Ministers from small parties change the agenda less, and so do ministers in ministries where a significant proportion of services are provided by street level bureaucrats. Ministers in ministries that are seen as more salient change the agenda more. These findings are consequential for understanding policy responsiveness and proportionality in policy response.
A novel competition ELISA for the rapid quantification of SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibodies in convalescent plasma
Authors: Wouters Elise , Verbrugghe Caro , Devloo Rosalie , Debruyne Isabelle , De Clippel Dorien , Van Heddegem Leen , Van Asch Kristin , Van Gaver Véronique , Vanbrabant Miek , Muylaert An , Compernolle Veerle , Feys Hendrik B. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundCOVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP) ideally contains high titers of (neutralizing) anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies. Several scalable immunoassays for CCP selection have been developed. We designed an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that measures neutralizing antibodies (of all isotypes) in plasma by determining the level of competition between CCP and a mouse neutralizing antibody for binding to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS‐CoV‐2.MethodsPlasma was collected from 72 convalescent individuals and inhibition of viral infection was determined by plaque reduction neutralization (PRNT50). The level of neutralizing antibodies was measured in the novel competition ELISA and in a commercially available ELISA that measures inhibition of recombinant ACE2 binding to immobilized RBD. These results were compared with a high throughput chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA).ResultsThe results from both ELISAs were correlating, in particular for high titer CCP (PRNT50 ≥ 1:160) (Spearman r = .73, p < .001). Moderate correlation was found between the competition ELISA and CMIA (r = .57 for high titer and r = .62 for low titer CCP, p < .001). Receiver operator characteristic analysis showed that the competition ELISA selected CCP with a sensitivity and specificity of 61% and 100%, respectively. However, discrimination between low and high titer CCP had a lower resolution (sensitivity: 34% and specificity: 89%).ConclusionThe competition ELISA screens for neutralizing antibodies in CCP by competition for just a single epitope. It exerts a sensitivity of 61% with no false identifications. These ELISA designs can be used for epitope mapping or for selection of CCP.
Validation of the Intuitive Exercise Scale in Patients With Eating Disorders
Authors: Voelker Dana K. , Galli Nick , Miyairi Maya , Reel Justine J. , James Karley 
Published: September 2021

Unhealthy cognitive–emotional relationships with exercise can hinder positive treatment outcomes when left unaddressed. However, clinicians lack validated tools to monitor this aspect of treatment. This study examined the 14-item Intuitive Exercise Scale with 165 patients in the United States (Mage = 26.48 years) who were receiving treatment for an eating disorder. The original factor structure was inadequate for the current sample, and exploratory factor analysis generated three factors—emotional exercise, body intuition, and exercise variety. The three-factor solution yielded strong internal consistency and partial support for the scale’s validity. Furthermore, patients scored lowest in body intuition, confirming low awareness of bodily cues common in patients with eating disorders. This study informs how clinicians may integrate and monitor patients’ cognitive–emotional relationship with exercise as part of holistic and intuitive eating disorder treatment approaches.
Origin of alkali olivine basalts and hawaiites in the western Mexican arc: Evidence of rapid phenocryst growth and magma mixing during ascent along fractures
Authors: Mesa Juliana , Lange Rebecca A. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
A detailed petrological study is presented to constrain the origin of a suite of alkali olivine basalt and hawaiite (&gt;5 wt% MgO) lavas that were erupted in a rift zone within the western Mexican arc (Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt), adjacent to the Sangangüey andesitic stratovolcano, together with more evolved lavas (mugearites and benmoreites; &lt;5 wt% MgO). As previously documented in the literature, the Sangangüey mafic lavas are devoid of any arc geochemical signature, despite their location within an arc. In this study, a new olivine-melt thermometer/hygrometer, based on the partitioning behavior of Ni2+ and Mg2+, was applied to the Sangangüey basalts (SB). The results show that the high-MgO (&gt;9 wt%) SB crystallized at higher temperatures and lower melt-water contents (0–1.3 wt%) compared to high-MgO arc basalts (≤5.7 wt% H2O) erupted in the west-central Mexican arc. The Sangangüey lavas with 5–8 wt% MgO display evidence of mixing between high-MgO alkali olivine basalts and low-MgO mugearites. It is proposed that the unique composition of the mugearites (i.e., low SiO2 contents and elevated FeO and TiO2 contents) is the result of partial melting of mafic lower crust driven by the influx of high-MgO intraplate basalts under relatively hot, dry, and reduced conditions. On the basis of crystal textures and compositional zoning patterns, it is shown that both phenocryst growth and magma mixing occurred rapidly, most likely during ascent along fractures, and not slowly during prolonged storage in a crustal magma chamber.
Regulatory and clinical consequences of negative confirmatory trials of accelerated approval cancer drugs: retrospective observational study
Authors: Gyawali Bishal , Rome Benjamin N , Kesselheim Aaron S 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate the regulatory handling of cancer drugs that were granted accelerated approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but failed to improve the primary endpoint in post-approval trials and to evaluate the extent to which negative post-approval trials changed the recommendations in treatment guidelines.

Design
Retrospective observational study.

Setting
FDA and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) reports.

Included drugs
Cancer drugs that received accelerated approval from the FDA and had negative post-approval trials.

Main outcome measures
Regulatory outcomes, including withdrawal, conversion to regular approval, and no action.

Results
18 indications for 10 cancer drugs that received accelerated approval but failed to improve the primary endpoint in post-approval trials were identified. Of these, 11 (61%) were voluntarily withdrawn by the manufacturer and one (bevacizumab for breast cancer) was revoked by the FDA. Of the 11 withdrawals, six occurred in 2021 alone. The remaining six (33%) indications remain on the label. The NCCN guidelines provide a high level of endorsement (category 1 endorsement for one and category 2A endorsement for seven) for accelerated approval drugs that have failed post-approval trials, sometimes even after the approval has been withdrawn or revoked.

Conclusion
Cancer drug indications that received accelerated approval often remained on formal FDA approved drug labelling and continued to be recommended in clinical guidelines several years after statutorily required post-approval trials showed no improvement in the primary efficacy endpoint. Clinical guidelines should better align with the results of post-approval trials of cancer drugs that received accelerated approval.
Long-term exposure to particulate air pollution and black carbon in relation to natural and cause-specific mortality: a multicohort study in Sweden
Authors: Nilsson Sommar Johan , Andersson Eva M , Andersson Niklas , Sallsten Gerd , Stockfelt Leonard , Ljungman Petter LS , Segersson David , Eneroth Kristina , Gidhagen Lars , Molnar Peter , Wennberg Patrik , Rosengren Annika , Rizzuto Debora , Leander Karin , Lager Anton , Magnusson Patrik KE , Johansson Christer , Barregard Lars , Bellander Tom , Pershagen Göran , Forsberg Bertil 
Published: September 2021

ObjectivesTo estimate concentration–response relationships for particulate matter (PM) and black carbon (BC) in relation to mortality in cohorts from three Swedish cities with comparatively low pollutant levels.SettingCohorts from Gothenburg, Stockholm and Umeå, Sweden.DesignHigh-resolution dispersion models were used to estimate annual mean concentrations of PM with aerodynamic diameter ≤10 µm (PM10) and ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5), and BC, at individual addresses during each year of follow-up, 1990–2011. Moving averages were calculated for the time windows 1–5 years (lag1–5) and 6–10 years (lag6–10) preceding the outcome. Cause-specific mortality data were obtained from the national cause of death registry. Cohort-specific HRs were estimated using Cox regression models and then meta-analysed including a random effect of cohort.ParticipantsDuring the study period, 7 340 cases of natural mortality, 2 755 cases of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and 817 cases of respiratory and lung cancer mortality were observed among in total 68 679 individuals and 689 813 person-years of follow-up.ResultsBoth PM10 (range: 6.3–41.9 µg/m3) and BC (range: 0.2–6.8 µg/m3) were associated with natural mortality showing 17% (95% CI 6% to 31%) and 9% (95% CI 0% to 18%) increased risks per 10 µg/m3and 1 µg/m3of lag1-5 exposure, respectively. For PM2.5 (range: 4.0–22.4 µg/m3), the estimated increase was 13% per 5 µg/m3, but less precise (95% CI −9% to 40%). Estimates for CVD mortality appeared higher for both PM10 and PM2.5. No association was observed with respiratory mortality.ConclusionThe results support an effect of long-term air pollution on natural mortality and mortality in CVD with high relative risks also at low exposure levels. These findings are relevant for future decisions concerning air quality policies.