bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of neuropsychological tests for the diagnosis of dementia: a survey of Italian memory clinics
Authors: Di Pucchio Alessandra , Vanacore Nicola , Marzolini Fabrizio , Lacorte Eleonora , Di Fiandra Teresa , Gasparini Marina 
Published: March 2018

AimProviding an overview of the neuropsychological tests used in Italian memory clinics (defined as Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementias—CCDD in Italy) for the diagnosis of cognitive disorders and dementias.MethodsA total of 501 CCDD, out of all 536 active CCDD, were surveyed between February 2014 and August 2015 to verify the characteristics of the centres who performed a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment (NPA), defined as the administration of at least one test for verbal and visual episodic memory, attention, constructional praxis, verbal fluency and executive functions (minimum core tests—MCTs), as part of the diagnostic process.ResultsA total of 45.7% of Italian CCDD performed a comprehensive MCT as part of the diagnostic process. The logistic regression model showed that the probability of including at least one psychologist in the team was higher in the CCDD that reported using a comprehensive NPA (OR 4.55; 95% CI 2.92 to 7.1), that CCDD in Southern Italy had a lower probability of using an MCT (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.89) and that the use of an MCT was higher in university/Institute for Scientific Research and Healthcare CCDD (OR 10.97; 95% CI 3.85 to 31.25).ConclusionAlmost half of the CCDD administered a set of MCTs; while the remaining centres only performed few tests or screening procedures. The neuropsychological tests used in Italian CCDD were comparable with those used in other European countries. Performing a comprehensive NPA remains the best way to assess and monitor cognitive deficits over time, thus further debate on the current status of NPAs in clinical practice is needed.
Online stroke forum as source of data for qualitative research: insights from a comparison with patients’ interviews
Authors: Jamison James , Sutton Stephen , Mant Jonathan , De Simoni Anna 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveTo determine the appropriateness of an online forum compared with face-to-face interviews as a source of data for qualitative research on adherence to secondary prevention medications after stroke.DesignA comparison of attributes of two data sources, interviews and a forum, using realistic evaluation; a comparison of themes around adherence according to the Perceptions and Practicalities Approach (PAPA) framework.SettingInterviews were conducted in UK GP practices in 2013 and 2014; online posts were written by UK stroke survivors and family members taking part in the online forum of the Stroke Association between 2004 and 2011.Participants42 interview participants: 28 stroke survivors (age range 61–92 years) and 14 caregivers (85% spouses). 84 online forum participants: 49 stroke survivors (age range 32–72 years) and 33 caregivers (60% sons/daughters).Results10 attributes were identified within the two data sources and categorised under three domains (context, mechanisms and outcomes). Participants’ characteristics of forum users were often missing. Most forum participants had experienced a stroke within the previous 12 months, while interviewees had done so 1–5 years previously.All interview themes could be matched with corresponding themes from the forum. The forum yielded three additional themes: influence of bad press on taking statins, criticisms of clinicians’ prescribing practices and caregiver burden in assisting with medications and being advocates for survivors with healthcare professionals.ConclusionsAn online forum is an appropriate source of data for qualitative research on patients’ and caregivers’ issues with adherence to secondary prevention stroke medications and may offer additional insights compared with interviews, which can be attributed to differences in the approach to data collection.
Association between changes in lifestyle and all-cause mortality: the Health and Lifestyle Survey
Authors: White James , Greene Giles , Kivimaki Mika , Batty G David 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundTo examine the combined influence of changes in physical activity, diet, smoking and alcohol consumption on all-cause mortality.MethodsHealth behaviours were assessed in 1984/1985 and 1991/1992 in 8123 adults from the UK (4666 women, median age 41.0 years). An unhealthy lifestyle score was calculated, allocating one point for smoking, fruits and vegetables <3 times a day, physical activity <2 hours a week and >14 units (women) or >21 units of alcohol (men) per week.ResultsThere were 2003 deaths over a median follow-up of 6.6 years (IQR 5.9–7.2) following the resurvey. The modal change in the unhealthy lifestyle score was zero, 41.8% had the same score, 35.5% decreased and 22.7% increased score between surveys. A one unit decrease in the unhealthy lifestyle score was not associated with a beneficial effect on mortality (HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.83 to 1.04). A one unit increase in the unhealthy lifestyle score increased the risk of mortality (adjusted HR 1.09; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.18).ConclusionsIn this general population sample, the adoption of an unhealthy lifestyle was associated with an increased risk of mortality.
Prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of adult obesity: a large representative household survey in a resource-constrained African setting with double burden of undernutrition and overnutrition
Authors: Chigbu Chibuike Ogwuegbu , Parhofer Klaus G , Aniebue Uzochukwu U , Berger Ursula 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundThe obesity epidemic has continued to spread across the globe involving even poor nations of the world.MethodHousehold population survey of adults aged 20–60 years. Multistage stratified cluster randomised sampling involving both urban and rural statewide representative population samples. Anthropometric measurements were taken using standard methods. Prevalences were weighted and multinomial regression analyses were done.ResultsA total of 6628 individuals from 2843 households were surveyed. The weighted overall prevalence for underweight was 9.1% (95% CI 8.1 to 10.1), 65.1% (95% CI 63.6 to 66.6) for normal weight, 19.0% (95% CI 17.8 to 20.3) for overweight and 6.8% (95% CI 6.0 to 7.5) for obese. Men were less likely to be overweight (adjusted OR (AOR) 0.79; 95% CI 0.68 to 0.92) and obese (AOR 0.24; 95% CI 0.19 to 0.31) than women. Urban residents were more likely to be overweight (AOR 1.42; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.71) and obese (AOR 2.09; 95% CI 1.58 to 2.76) than rural residents. Each additional 1-year increase in age increased the risk of overweight by 1.012 (AOR 1.012; 95% CI 1.005 to 1.018) and that of obesity by 1.03 (AOR 1.03; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.04). The low-income class was less likely to be overweight (AOR 0.694; 95% CI 0.507 to 0.951) and obese (AOR 0.44; 95% CI 0.28 to 0.67).ConclusionThe prevalence of obesity and overweight in Enugu Nigeria is high and fast approaching that of underweight. Women, urban dwellers, older adults and high-income earners are at higher risk for obesity and overweight. The study provides robust information for public health policies towards the prevention of obesity in Nigeria.
Chitayat-Hall and Schaaf-Yang syndromes:a common aetiology: expanding the phenotype of MAGEL2-related disorders
Authors: Jobling Rebekah , Stavropoulos Dimitri James , Marshall Christian R , Cytrynbaum Cheryl , Axford Michelle M , Londero Vanessa , Moalem Sharon , Orr Jennifer , Rossignol Francis , Lopes Fatima Daniela , Gauthier Julie , Alos Nathalie , Rupps Rosemarie , McKinnon Margaret , Adam Shelin , Nowaczyk Malgorzata J M , Walker Susan , Scherer Stephen W , Nassif Christina , Hamdan Fadi F , Deal Cheri L , Soucy Jean-François , Weksberg Rosanna , Macleod Patrick , Michaud Jacques L , Chitayat David 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundChitayat-Hall syndrome, initially described in 1990, is a rare condition characterised by distal arthrogryposis, intellectual disability, dysmorphic features and hypopituitarism, in particular growth hormone deficiency. The genetic aetiology has not been identified.Methods and resultsWe identified three unrelated families with a total of six affected patients with the clinical manifestations of Chitayat-Hall syndrome. Through whole exome or whole genome sequencing, pathogenic variants in the MAGEL2 gene were identified in all affected patients. All disease-causing sequence variants detected are predicted to result in a truncated protein, including one complex variant that comprised a deletion and inversion.ConclusionsChitayat-Hall syndrome is caused by pathogenic variants in MAGEL2 and shares a common aetiology with the recently described Schaaf-Yang syndrome. The phenotype of MAGEL2-related disorders is expanded to include growth hormone deficiency as an important and treatable complication.
Embolization through the thyrocervical trunk: vascular anatomy, variants, and a case series
Authors: Pérez-García Carlos , Malfaz Carlos , del Valle Diéguez Mariano , Fortea Gil Fernando , Saura Lorente Javier , Echenagusia Boyra Miguel , González Leyte Manuel , Pérez-Higueras Antonio , Castro-Reyes Enrique 
Published: March 2018

Background and purposeThe thyrocervical trunk (TCT) is the second ascending branch of the subclavian artery. It is considered a ‘border territory’ between interventional vascular radiology and interventional neuroradiology because it gives rise to branches both cervical and to the upper limbs. We describe the TCT branches anatomy, the most frequent variants, and expose eight endovascular procedures performed through the thyrocervical trunk.MethodsA retrospective review of all the interventional radiology procedures carried out through the TCT in our tertiary care center from August 2014 to January 2017 is presented.ResultsA total of eight endovascular procedures through the TCT including six preoperative embolizations: three paragangliomas, a cervical vertebral metastasis, a cervical vertebral aneurysmal bone cyst, and a very rare case of nerve root extradural cervical hemangioblastoma, as well as two emergency embolizations: a patient with a cervical traumatic active bleeding hematoma and a recurrent hemoptysis in a single ventricle patient.ConclusionsA correct knowledge of the vascular anatomy, anatomical variants, and anastomosis (especially with the anterior spinal artery) of the TCT is essential for a safe embolization, both preoperatively and on an emergency basis. In cases of recurrent hemoptysis and severe lower-neck injuries, the TCT should always be reviewed.
Conversion to seronegative status after abatacept treatment in patients with early and poor prognostic rheumatoid arthritis is associated with better radiographic outcomes and sustained remission: post hoc analysis of the AGREE study
Authors: Jansen Diahann T S L , Emery Paul , Smolen Josef S , Westhovens Rene , Le Bars Manuela , Connolly Sean E , Ye June , Toes René E M , Huizinga Tom W J 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of the T-cell costimulation blocker abatacept on anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) and rheumatoid factor (RF) in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and associations between changes in serological status and clinical response.MethodsPost hoc analysis of the phase III AGREE study in methotrexate (MTX)-naïve patients with early RA and poor prognostic factors. Patients were randomised to abatacept (~10 mg/kg intravenously according to weight range) or placebo, plus MTX over 12 months followed by open-label abatacept plus MTX for 12 months. Autoantibody titres were determined by ELISA at baseline and months 6 and 12 (double-blind phase). Conversion to seronegative status and its association with clinical response were assessed at months 6 and 12.ResultsAbatacept plus MTX was associated with a greater decrease in ACPA (but not RF) titres and higher rates of both ACPA and RF conversion to seronegative status versus MTX alone. More patients converting to ACPA seronegative status receiving abatacept plus MTX achieved remission according to Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (C-reactive protein) or Clinical Disease Activity Index than patients who remained ACPA seropositive. Patients who converted to ACPA seronegative status treated with abatacept plus MTX had a greater probability of achieving sustained remission and less radiographic progression than MTX alone or patients who remained ACPA seropositive (either treatment).ConclusionsTreatment with abatacept plus MTX was more likely to induce conversion to ACPA/RF seronegative status in patients with early, erosive RA. Conversion to ACPA seronegative status was associated with better clinical and radiographic outcomes.Trial registration numberNCT00122382
Clinical and sexual risk correlates ofMycoplasma genitaliumin urban pregnant and non-pregnant young women: cross-sectional outcomes using the baseline data from the Women’s BioHealth Study
Authors: Trent Maria , Coleman Jenell S , Hardick Justin , Perin Jamie , Tabacco Lisa , Huettner Steven , Ronda Jocelyn , Felter-Wernsdorfer Rebecca , Gaydos Charlotte A 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveResearch exploring the clinical and sexual risk correlates is essential to define universal standards for screening and management forMycoplasma genitalium(MG). The objective of this study is to determine the baseline prevalence of MG and associated clinical risks using cross-sectional data.MethodsAdolescent and young adult women 13–29 years were recruited during clinical visits during which biological specimens were collected forNeisseriagonorrhoeae(NG) andChlamydia trachomatis(CT) testing to provide vaginal specimens for MG andTrichomonasvaginalis(TV) testing. Demographic, clinical and sexual risk data were collected after obtaining written consent. MG was tested using the Hologic Gen-Probe transcription-mediated amplification–MG analyte-specific reagent assay and TV by the Aptima TV assay. Bivariate analyses were used to evaluate differences in MG prevalence based on pregnancy status, demographic factors, clinical symptoms, concurrent STI and sexual risk behaviour quiz score (maximum score=10).Results483 patients with a mean age of 22.4 years (SD 3.6) were enrolled. Most participants were not pregnant (66%) and asymptomatic (59%). MG was the most common STI (MG 16%, TV 9%, CT 8%, NG 1%). Neither pregnancy nor symptoms were predictive of STI positivity. Thirty-five percent of non-pregnant and 45% of pregnant adolescents ≤19 years were positive for any STI. Participants with MG were 3.4 times more likely to be co-infected with other STIs compared with those with other STIs (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.17 to 10.3, P=0.021). Mean risk quiz scores for STI positive women were six points higher than those who were STI negative (β=0.63, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.90, P<0.001). There were no differences in risk scores for MG-positive participants compared with other STI positivity.ConclusionMG infection was common, associated with STI co-infection and often asymptomatic, and pregnancy status did not confer protection.
Polysomnography versus limited respiratory monitoring and nurse-led titration to optimise non-invasive ventilation set-up: a pilot randomised clinical trial
Authors: Patout Maxime , Arbane Gill , Cuvelier Antoine , Muir Jean Francois , Hart Nicholas , Murphy Patrick Brian 
Published: March 2018

Polysomnography (PSG) is recommended for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) set-up in patients with chronic respiratory failure. In this pilot randomised clinical trial, we compared the physiological effectiveness of NIV set-up guided by PSG to limited respiratory monitoring (LRM) and nurse-led titration in patients with COPD–obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) overlap. The principal outcome of interest was change in daytime arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) at 3 months. Fourteen patients with daytime PaCO2>6 kPa and body mass index >30 kg/m2were recruited. At 3 months, PaCO2was reduced by −0.88 kPa (95% CI −1.52 to −0.24 kPa) in the LRM group and by −0.36 kPa (95% CI −0.96 to 0.24 kPa) in the PSG group. These pilot data provide support to undertake a clinical trial investigating the clinical effectiveness of attended limited respiratory monitoring and PSG to establish NIV in patients with COPD–OSA overlap.Trial numberResults, NCT02444806.
Lung cancer risk to personalise annual and biennial follow-up computed tomography screening
Authors: Schreuder Anton , Schaefer-Prokop Cornelia M , Scholten Ernst T , Jacobs Colin , Prokop Mathias , van Ginneken Bram 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundAll lung cancer CT screening trials used fixed follow-up intervals, which may not be optimal. We developed new lung cancer risk models for personalising screening intervals to 1 year or 2 years, and compared these with existing models.MethodsWe included participants in the CT arm of the National Lung Screening Trial (2002–2010) who underwent a baseline scan and a first annual follow-up scan and were not diagnosed with lung cancer in the first year. True and false positives and the area under the curve of each model were calculated. Internal validation was performed using bootstrapping.ResultsData from 24 542 participants were included in the analysis. The accuracy was 0.785, 0.693, 0.697, 0.666 and 0.727 for the polynomial, patient characteristics, diameter, Patz and PanCan models, respectively. Of the 24 542 participants included, 174 (0.71%) were diagnosed with lung cancer between the first and the second annual follow-ups. Using the polynomial model, 2558 (10.4%, 95% CI 10.0% to 10.8%), 7544 (30.7%, 30.2% to 31.3%), 10 947 (44.6%, 44.0% to 45.2%), 16 710 (68.1%, 67.5% to 68.7%) and 20 023 (81.6%, 81.1% to 92.1%) of the 24 368 participants who did not develop lung cancer in the year following the first follow-up screening round could have safely skipped it, at the expense of delayed diagnosis of 0 (0.0%, 0.0% to 2.7%), 8 (4.6%, 2.2% to 9.2%), 17 (9.8%, 6.0% to 15.4%), 44 (25.3%, 19.2% to 32.5%) and 70 (40.2%, 33.0% to 47.9%) of the 174 lung cancers, respectively.ConclusionsThe polynomial model, using both patient characteristics and baseline scan morphology, was significantly superior in assigning participants to 1-year or 2-year screening intervals. Implementing personalised follow-up intervals would enable hundreds of participants to skip a screening round per lung cancer diagnosis delayed.
Complement Factor D protects mice from ethanol-induced inflammation and liver injury
Authors: McCullough Rebecca L. , McMullen Megan R. , Sheehan Megan M. , Poulsen Kyle L. , Roychowdhury Sanjoy , Chiang Dian J. , Pritchard Michele T. , Caballeria Juan , Nagy Laura E. 
Published: March 2018

Complement plays a crucial role in microbial defense and clearance of apoptotic cells. Emerging evidence suggests complement is an important contributor to alcoholic liver disease. While complement component 1, Q subcomponent (C1q)-dependent complement activation contributes to ethanol-induced liver injury, the role of the alternative pathway in ethanol-induced injury is unknown. Activation of complement via the classical and alternative pathways was detected in alcoholic hepatitis patients. Female C57BL/6J [wild type (WT)], C1q-deficient ( C1qa−/−, lacking classical pathway activation), complement protein 4-deficient ( C4−/−, lacking classical and lectin pathway activation), complement factor D-deficient ( FD−/−, lacking alternative pathway activation), and C1qa/FD−/−(lacking classical and alternative pathway activation) mice were fed an ethanol-containing liquid diet or pair-fed control diet for 4 or 25 days. Following chronic ethanol exposure, liver injury, steatosis, and proinflammatory cytokine expression were increased in WT but not C1qa−/−, C4−/−, or C1qa/FD−/−mice. In contrast, liver injury, steatosis, and proinflammatory mediators were robustly increased in ethanol-fed FD−/−mice compared with WT mice. Complement activation, assessed by hepatic accumulation of C1q and complement protein 3 (C3) cleavage products (C3b/iC3b/C3c), was evident in livers of WT mice in response to both short-term and chronic ethanol. While C1q accumulated in ethanol-fed FD−/−mice (short term and chronic), C3 cleavage products were detected after short-term but not chronic ethanol. Consistent with impaired complement activation, chronic ethanol induced the accumulation of apoptotic cells and fibrogenic responses in the liver of FD−/−mice. These data highlight the protective role of complement factor D (FD) and suggest that FD-dependent amplification of complement is an adaptive response that promotes hepatic healing and recovery in response to chronic ethanol.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Complement, a component of the innate immune system, is an important pathophysiological contributor to ethanol-induced liver injury. We have identified a novel role for factor D, a component of the alternative pathway, in protecting the liver from ethanol-induced inflammation, accumulation of apoptotic hepatocytes, and profibrotic responses. These data indicate a dual role of complement with regard to inflammatory and protective responses and suggest that accumulation of apoptotic cells impairs hepatic healing/recovery during alcoholic liver disease.
A Welcome Presence: The Custodial Activities of Third Order Women Religious in Seventeenth- and Eighteenth-Century Italy
Authors: Lehtsalu Liise 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Third order women religious actively participated in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Italian society. Scholars have argued that the introduction of monastic enclosure for all women religious after the Council of Trent crushed non-enclosed forms of female monasticism in Italy and Europe. The study of third orders reveals, however, that non-enclosed monastic communities survived the Tridentine reforms and met specific social needs in the early modern society. Third order women religious provided education, care, and companionship to women of all ages and socioeconomic ranks. They thus filled a gap left by other monastic and custodial institutions. Ecclesiastical and secular authorities as well as neighbors considered women’s third orders an asset to local communities. Drawing on examples from Bergamo and Bologna, this article examines the social activities of tertiary women and shows activity to be a useful category of analysis for recovering the place of women religious in early modern society.
Moisture and Moist Static Energy Budgets of South Asian Monsoon Low Pressure Systems in GFDL AM4.0
Authors: Adames Ángel F. , Ming Yi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe mechanisms that lead to the propagation of anomalous moisture and moist static energy (MSE) in monsoon low and high pressure systems, collectively referred to as synoptic-scale monsoonal disturbances (SMDs), are investigated using daily output fields from GFDL’s atmospheric general circulation model, version 4.0 (AM4.0). On the basis of linear regression analysis of westward-propagating rainfall anomalies of time scales shorter than 15 days, it is found that SMDs are organized into wave trains of three to four individual cyclones and anticyclones. These events amplify over the Bay of Bengal, reach a maximum amplitude over the eastern coast of India, and dissipate as they approach the Arabian Sea. The structure and propagation of the simulated SMDs resemble those documented in observations. It is found that moisture and MSE anomalies exhibit similar horizontal structures in the simulated SMDs, indicating that moisture is the leading contributor to MSE. Propagation of the moisture anomalies is governed by vertical moisture advection, while the MSE anomalies propagate because of horizontal advection of dry static energy by the anomalous winds. By combining the budgets, we interpret the propagation of the moisture anomalies in terms of lifting that is forced by horizontal dry static energy advection, that is, ascent along sloping isentropes. This process moistens the lower free troposphere, producing an environment that is more favorable to deep convection. Ascent driven by radiative heating is of primary importance to the maintenance of the moisture anomalies.