bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomized clinical trial of an eHealth intervention on anxiety in patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery
Authors: Nilsson O , Stenman M , Letterstål A , Hultgren R 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
The potential benefit of eHealth interventions in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is uncertain. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an eHealth intervention on anxiety in patients with AAA undergoing surgery.

Methods
A single-centre randomized clinical trial of patients with AAA scheduled for surgical repair was undertaken. The intervention group received an eHealth tool and psychosocial support besides standard care. The control group received standard care. The analysis of treatment effects was performed as intention-to-treat and per protocol analysis. The primary outcome measure was anxiety mean score (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Anxiety (HADS)-A). Secondary outcomes measures were HADS Depression and short-form 12-item health survey mean scores.

Results
Some 120 participants were randomized. No effect on anxiety mean scores was found in the intention-to-treat analysis (−1.21 versus −0.54, P = 0.330). Among those randomized to the intervention, only 30 of 60 participants used the eHealth tool (application (app) users). The app users were younger and had a higher educational level. A decrease in anxiety mean scores was noted in those who used the app in the per protocol analysis (−2.00 versus −0.54, P = 0.028). The intervention group stated a lower physical-component health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (−4.32 versus −1.16, P = 0.042) but mental-component HRQoL and depressive symptoms were unchanged.

Conclusions
Delivery of an eHealth intervention in this RCT did not result in an improvement in anxiety scores in patients awaiting AAA surgery. Uptake of the eHealth tool was low, although it resulted in lower anxiety scores in those participants who actually used it.

Clinical Trial Registration number
NCT03157973 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov)
Vicariously Resilient or Traumatised Social Workers: Exploring Some Risk and Protective Factors
Authors: Méndez-Fernández Ana B , Aguiar-Fernández Francisco J , Lombardero-Posada Xoan , Murcia-Álvarez Evelia , González-Fernández Antonio 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Due to the indirect exposure to traumatic realities, social workers may experience emotional responses of vicarious traumatisation or vicarious resilience. Previous research indicated that risk factors (workload and trauma caseload) provoke vicarious traumatisation and that protection factors (recovery experiences and organisational support) can buffer this relationship. However, the empirical testing of these associations was scarce amongst social workers. This cross-sectional study aims to answer two main research questions: (i) can workload and trauma caseload predict vicarious resilience and vicarious trauma? (ii) Can recovery experiences and organisational support mediate the influence of risk factors on emotional responses? A sample of 373 Spanish social workers (87 per cent females) completed a questionnaire online. The structural equation modelling analyses showed that workload and trauma caseload make recovery experiences and organisational support less likely, facilitating the emergence of vicarious trauma. Recovery experiences and organisational support protect people from vicarious trauma and promote vicarious resilience, both directly and by limiting the influence of workload and trauma caseload. These results highlight the need for interventions enhancing recovery experiences and organisational support as a means to promote vicarious resilience and to decrease vicarious trauma. The need to reduce other risk factors, enhancing protective factors, is also noted.
Functionally validated SCN5A variants allow interpretation of pathogenicity and prediction of lethal events in Brugada syndrome
Authors: Ishikawa Taisuke , Kimoto Hiroki , Mishima Hiroyuki , Yamagata Kenichiro , Ogata Soshiro , Aizawa Yoshiyasu , Hayashi Kenshi , Morita Hiroshi , Nakajima Tadashi , Nakano Yukiko , Nagase Satoshi , Murakoshi Nobuyuki , Kowase Shinya , Ohkubo Kimie , Aiba Takeshi , Morimoto Shimpei , Ohno Seiko , Kamakura Shiro , Nogami Akihiko , Takagi Masahiko , Karakachoff Matilde , Dina Christian , Schott Jean-Jacques , Yoshiura Koh-Ichiro , Horie Minoru , Shimizu Wataru , Nishimura Kunihiro , Kusano Kengo , Makita Naomasa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Aims
The prognostic value of genetic variants for predicting lethal arrhythmic events (LAEs) in Brugada syndrome (BrS) remains controversial. We investigated whether the functional curation of SCN5A variations improves prognostic predictability.

Methods and results
Using a heterologous expression system and whole-cell patch clamping, we functionally characterized 22 variants of unknown significance (VUSs) among 55 SCN5A mutations previously curated using in silico prediction algorithms in the Japanese BrS registry (n = 415). According to the loss-of-function (LOF) properties, SCN5A mutation carriers (n = 60) were divided into two groups: LOF-SCN5A mutations and non-LOF SCN5A variations. Functionally proven LOF-SCN5A mutation carriers (n = 45) showed significantly severer electrocardiographic conduction abnormalities and worse prognosis associated with earlier manifestations of LAEs (7.9%/year) than in silico algorithm-predicted SCN5A carriers (5.1%/year) or all BrS probands (2.5%/year). Notably, non-LOF SCN5A variation carriers (n = 15) exhibited no LAEs during the follow-up period. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only LOF-SCN5A mutations and a history of aborted cardiac arrest were significant predictors of LAEs. Gene-based association studies using whole-exome sequencing data on another independent SCN5A mutation-negative BrS cohort (n = 288) showed no significant enrichment of rare variants in 16 985 genes including 22 non-SCN5A BrS-associated genes as compared with controls (n = 372). Furthermore, rare variations of non-SCN5A BrS-associated genes did not affect LAE-free survival curves.

Conclusion
In vitro functional validation is key to classifying the pathogenicity of SCN5A VUSs and for risk stratification of genetic predictors of LAEs. Functionally proven LOF-SCN5A mutations are genetic burdens of sudden death in BrS, but evidence for other BrS-associated genes is elusive.
Fungus–bacterium associations are widespread in fungal cultures isolated from a semi-arid natural grassland in Germany
Authors: Muller L A H , Ballhausen M-B , Andrade-Linares D R , Pinek L , Golubeva P , Rillig M C 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
We report on a study that aimed at establishing a large soil–fungal culture collection spanning a wide taxonomic diversity and systematically screening the collection for bacterial associations. Fungal cultures were isolated from soil samples obtained from a natural grassland in eastern Germany and bacterial associations were assessed by PCR-amplification and sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA. In addition, intraspecies genetic diversities of a subset of the isolated species were estimated by double-digest restriction associated DNA sequencing. A total of 688 fungal cultures, representing at least 106 fungal species from 36 different families, were obtained and even though clonal isolates were identified in almost all fungal species subjected to ddRAD-seq, relatively high genetic diversities could be observed in some of the isolated species. A total of 69% of the fungal isolates in our collection were found to be associated with bacteria and the most commonly identified bacterial genera were Pelomonas, Enterobacter and Burkholderia. Our results indicate that bacterial associations commonly occur in soil fungi, even if antibiotics are being applied during the isolation process, and provide a basis for the use of our culture collection in ecological experiments that want to acknowledge the importance of intraspecies genetic diversity.
Antimicrobial and biofilm-disrupting nanostructured TiO2 coating demonstrating photoactivity and dark activity
Authors: Wasa Alibe , Land Johann G , Gorthy Rukmini , Krumdieck Susan , Bishop Catherine , Godsoe William , Heinemann Jack A 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
Antimicrobial materials are tools used to reduce the transmission of infectious microorganisms. Photo-illuminated titania (TiO2) is a known antimicrobial material. Used as a coating on door handles and similar surfaces, it may reduce viability and colonization by pathogens and limit their spread. We tested the survival of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on a nano-structured TiO2-based thin film, called ‘NsARC’, and on stainless steel under a variety of light wavelengths and intensities. There was significantly less survival (P &lt;0.001) of all the organisms tested on NsARC compared to inert uncoated stainless steel under all conditions. NsARC was active in the dark and possible mechanisms for this are suggested. NsARC inhibited biofilm formation as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. These results suggest that NsARC can be used as a self-cleaning and self-sterilizing antimicrobial surface coating for the prevention and reduction in the spread of potentially infectious microbes.
Specific PIWI-Interacting RNAs and Related Small Noncoding RNAs Are Associated With Ovarian Aging in Ames Dwarf (df/df) Mice
Authors: Dhahbi Joseph M , Chen Joe W , Bhupathy Supriya , Atamna Hani , Cavalcante Marcelo B , Saccon Tatiana D , Nunes Allancer D C , Mason Jeffrey B , Schneider Augusto , Masternak Michal M 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The Ames dwarf (df/df) mouse is a well-established model for delayed aging. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), the most studied small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs), may regulate ovarian aging to maintain a younger ovarian phenotype in df/df mice. In this study, we profile other types of ovarian sncRNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and piRNA-like RNAs (piLRNAs), in young and aged df/df and normal mice. Half of the piRNAs derive from transfer RNA fragments (tRF-piRNAs). Aging and dwarfism alter the ovarian expression of these novel sncRNAs. Specific tRF-piRNAs that increased with age might target and decrease the expression of the breast cancer antiestrogen resistance protein 3 (BCAR3) gene in the ovaries of old df/df mice. A set of piLRNAs that decreased with age and map to D10Wsu102e mRNA may have trans-regulatory functions. Other piLRNAs that decreased with age potentially target and may de-repress transposable elements, leading to a beneficial impact on ovarian aging in df/df mice. These results identify unique responses in ovarian tissues with regard to aging and dwarfism. Overall, our findings highlight the complexity of the aging effects on gene expression and suggest that, in addition to miRNAs, piRNAs, piLRNAs, tRF-piRNAs, and their potential targets can be central players in the maintenance of a younger ovarian phenotype in df/df mice.
Life Course Stressors and Functional Limitations in Later Life Among White, Black, and Hispanic Adults: Deleterious, Hardening, or Benign?
Authors: Sauerteig Madison R , Ferraro Kenneth F , Bauldry Shawn 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesAlthough striking racial and ethnic disparities in health are manifest during later life, they may be rooted in early-life exposures. Drawing from cumulative inequality theory, we investigate whether life course stressors are associated with the risk of later-life functional limitations and whether this relationship differs by race and ethnicity.MethodsWe utilize longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study to test whether child and adult stressors predict trajectories of the occurrence and severity of functional limitations among a diverse sample of older adults.ResultsChild and adult stressors are associated with greater occurrence and severity of functional limitations during later life. Mediation analyses reveal the indirect influence of child stressors via adult stressors on occurrence and severity of functional limitations; however, the indirect effects are slightly stronger for Black and Hispanic adults than their White counterparts.DiscussionChild stressors, in and of themselves, do not increase functional limitations among Black and Hispanic people but are associated with greater adult stress exposure, predisposing them to more functional limitations. Results suggest that childhood stressors are associated with distinct social pathways to functional limitations among White, Black, and Hispanic older adults.
Residual Short-Segment Distal Inflammation Has No Significant Impact on the Major Relapse of Extensive Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Asonuma Kunio , Kobayashi Taku , Nakano Masaru , Sagami Shintaro , Kiyohara Hiroki , Matsubayashi Mao , Morikubo Hiromu , Miyatani Yusuke , Okabayashi Shinji , Yamazaki Hajime , Kuroki Yuichiro , Hibi Toshifumi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundMucosal healing is a treatment target for patients with ulcerative colitis. However, the relevance of proactive treatment for residual inflammation limited to the distal colon is unclear.Materials and MethodsPatients with ulcerative colitis who had extensive colitis in clinical remission and underwent colonoscopy were retrospectively enrolled and followed up for 2 years. Patients with complete endoscopic remission (CER; Mayo endoscopic subscore [MES] of 0) and those with short-segment distal inflammation (SS; active inflammation only in the sigmoid colon and/or rectum with a proximal MES of 0) were compared for the incidence of minor (only symptomatic) and major (need for induction treatments or hospitalization) relapses.ResultsA total of 91 patients with CER and 54 patients with SS were identified and 63 relapses (47 minor and 16 major) were analyzed. Univariate analysis showed that minor relapses were significantly more frequent in the SS group than in the CER group (hazard ratio [HR], 2.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-3.97), but major relapses were not more frequent in the SS group than in the CER group (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 0.65-4.83). Multivariable analysis showed that SS was the only risk factor significantly associated with minor relapse (HR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.31-4.36). When the SS group was stratified by MES of 1 vs 2/3, minor relapses were significantly more frequent in the subgroup with MES of 2/3 than in the CER group, whereas the incidence of major relapse remained similar.ConclusionsResidual short-segment distal inflammation is not a risk factor for major relapses as long as endoscopic remission is achieved in the proximal colon. Therefore, reactive but not proactive treatment may be appropriate for such lesions.
Combination of Vedolizumab With Tacrolimus Is More Efficient Than Vedolizumab Alone in the Treatment of Experimental Colitis
Authors: Manzini Roberto , Schwarzfischer Marlene , Atrott Kirstin , Laimbacher Andrea , Lang Silvia , Wawrzyniak Marcin , Rickenbacher Andreas , Turina Matthias , Hruz Petr , Lissner Donata , Siegmund Britta , Rogler Gerhard , Scharl Michael , Spalinger Marianne R 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Vedolizumab is a widely used and safe therapy in inflammatory bowel disease, particularly in ulcerative colitis (UC), making it a promising candidate for enhanced efficacy by combining it with additional immunomodulatory medications. In this study, we studied the impact of vedolizumab monotreatment vs vedolizumab coadministration with other immunomodulatory drugs on intestinal inflammation and intestinal immune cells in vivo.

Methods
Colon tissue from human patients with UC with active disease or in remission with or without vedolizumab treatment was stained by immunohistochemistry. We reconstituted NOD-SCID-SGM3 mice with human CD34+ cells and treated them with dextran sodium sulfate to induce acute colitis. Mice were treated with vedolizumab alone, or in combination with tacrolimus, ozanimid, or tofacitinib.

Results
Vedolizumab reduced the number of CD3+ T cells and CD68+ monocytes/macrophages in the colon of patients with UC with active disease. Vedolizumab moderately decreased immune cell numbers in acute dextran sodium sulfate–induced colitis. The combination of vedolizumab with tacrolimus further reduced the number of infiltrating CD3+ T cells and CD68+ monocytes/macrophages and was superior in ameliorating intestinal inflammation when compared to vedolizumab monotreatment. In contrast, cotreatment using vedolizumab with ozanimod or tofacitinib had no additive effect.

Conclusions
Our data show that vedolizumab reduces the number of innate and adaptive immune cells in the mucosa of patients with UC. Further, the combination of vedolizumab with tacrolimus was more efficient to reduce immune cell numbers and to increase therapeutic efficacy than vedolizumab monotreatment. This finding indicates that combination treatment using these two drugs may be beneficial for patients who do not respond to vedolizumab monotherapy.
Cytomegalovirus Viral Load Kinetics Predict Cytomegalovirus End-Organ Disease and Mortality After Hematopoietic Cell Transplant
Authors: Stern Anat , Su Yiqi , Dumke Henry , Fang Jiaqi , Tamari Roni , Jakubowski Ann , Cho Christina , Giralt Sergio , Perales Miguel-Angel , Papanicolaou Genovefa A 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
We investigatedthe association between time-averaged area under the curve (AAUC) of cytomegalovirus (CMV) viral load (VL) by day 100 and overall survival (OS) at 1-year after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).

Methods
In a retrospective cohort study, including patients receiving HCT between June 2010 and December 2017 from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, AAUC was calculated for patients with detected VL. Patients were categorized into non-controllers (Q4) and controllers (Q1–Q3) using the highest AAUC quartile as cutoff. Cox models were used to estimate the association between AAUC and OS. Patients with non-detected CMV VL were categorized into elite-controllers (recipient+ [R+] or R−/donor+ [D+]) and R−/D−.

Results
The study (N = 952) included 282 controllers, 93 non-controllers, 275 elite-controllers, and 302 R−/D−. OS was 80.1% and 58.1% for controllers and non-controllers, respectively. In multivariable models, non-controllers had worse OS versus controllers (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 2.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71–4.12). In landmark analyses, controllers had similar OS as elite-controllers (HR = 1.26; 95% CI, .83–1.91) or R−/D− (HR = 0.98; 95% CI, .64–1.5).

Conclusions
Non-controllers had worse OS 1-year post-HCT. Controllers had similar OS as elite-controllers or R−/D−. Future studies are needed to validate our AAUC cutoff across different cohorts and CMV management strategies.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Tryptamines in the Poison of Incilius alvarius (Amphibia: Bufonidae)
Authors: Schwelm Hannes M , Zimmermann Nicole , Scholl Tobias , Penner Johannes , Autret Amy , Auwärter Volker , Neukamm Merja A 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Rising numbers of psychoactive tryptamine derivatives have become available on the drug market over the last decade, making these naturally occurring or synthetically manufactured compounds highly relevant for forensic analyses. One of these compounds is 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), a constituent of the dried poison of Incilius alvarius (Colorado River toad), which has a history of ritual and/or recreational use. Still, comprehensive and validated qualitative as well as quantitative analytical data on the psychoactive components of this poison are scarce. In this study, samples of the poison of Incilius alvarius were collected from live toads in the Sonoran Desert, Arizona (USA), and analyzed with a set of complementary methods. Acetone/water (70/30, v/v) proved to be the solvent of choice for the extraction of tryptamine derivatives. Trace compounds were enriched, and overload with 5-MeO-DMT was prevented by chromatographic separation of 5-MeO-DMT prior to qualitative analyses. The method for quantification was validated. Attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was suitable to identify 5-MeO-DMT as the main tryptamine in samples of the poison. The combined evaluation of analytical data gained from gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight high-resolution MS (HPLC–qToF-HRMS) and HPLC–MS-MS confirmed the presence of 5-MeO-DMT, 5-MeO-N-methyltryptamine, 5-MeO-tryptamine, 5-MeO-tryptophol, 2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-acetic-acid (5-MIAA), 5-HO-N-methyltryptamine, bufotenin, DMT and tryptophan. For the first time, 5-MeO-tryptamine and two positional isomers of hydroxylated MeO-DMT were detected in the poison of Incilius alvarius. The tryptamine present in the highest concentrations was 5-MeO-DMT (mean ± SD: 410,000 ± 30,000 μg/g). Mean concentrations of 5-MeO-tryptamine (490 ± 260 μg/g), 5-HO-N-methyltryptamine (270 ± 120 μg/g), bufotenin (2,800 ± 1,900 μg/g) and DMT (250 ± 80 μg/g) showed a relatively high variability between individual samples. The comprehensive analytical reference data of Incilius alvarius poison presented here might prove useful for forensic chemists.
Atractylodin inhibited the migration and induced autophagy in cholangiocarcinoma cells via PI3K/AKT/mTOR and p38MAPK signalling pathways
Authors: Acharya Bishwanath , Chaijaroenkul Wanna , Na-Bangchang Kesara 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Objectives
The effects of atractylodin (ATD), the bioactive compound from Atractylodes lancea, on migration and autophagy status of cholangiocarcinoma cell line were investigated.

Methods
Cytotoxic activity and effects on cell migration and invasion were evaluated by MTT and trans-well assay, respectively. Autophagy and underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated using flow cytometry and western blot analysis.

Key findings
ATD regulated the activity of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and p38MAPK signalling pathways which contributed to autophagy induction. HuCCT-1 cell growth was inhibited by ATD in a time- and dose-dependent manner. ATD inhibited the migration and invasion of HuCCT1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. It also induced autophagy in HuCCT1 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The SB202190 (autophagy inducer) and 3-MA (autophagy inhibitor) significantly increased and decreased the rate of ATD-induced autophagy, respectively. The 24 h exposure of ATD inhibited the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and increased Beclin-1 expression and LC3 conversion. It also reduced p-AKT/AKT, p-mTOR/mTOR and p-p38MAPK/p38MAPK.

Conclusions
ATD inhibits the proliferation and induces CCA cell autophagy via regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR and p38MAPK signalling pathways.
IgG4-related mastitis requiring differentiation from breast cancer: a case report
Authors: Asano Yuka , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Kawano Yuko , Tanaka Sayaka , Kuwae Yuko , Takashima Tsutomu , Ohsawa Masahiko , Hirakawa Kosei , Ohira Masaichi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Immunoglobulin (Ig) G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a group of chronic relapsing inflammatory conditions. Although IgG4-RD can occur in various organs, it is rarely observed in mammary glands. Here, we report a case of IgG4-related mastitis (IgG4-RM) that needed to be differentiated from breast cancer. A 54-year-old woman was examined for a tumor in her left breast. Mammary ultrasonography revealed an irregular hypoechoic tumor measuring 45.0 × 43.0 × 32.0 mm in size. A core-needle biopsy of the left breast tissue revealed a high degree of mixed T and B lymphocytic and plasma cell infiltration, as well as interstitial fibrosis. IgG4-RD was diagnosed based on hematological examination that revealed an abnormal IgG4 value of 332 mg/dl. All the clinical diagnostic criteria for IgG4 were met, resulting in a definitive diagnosis of IgG4-RM.