bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trajectory classes of cannabis use and heavy drinking among rural African American adolescents: multi‐level predictors of class membership
Authors: Barton Allen W. , Brody Gene H. , Zapolski Tamika C. B. , Goings Trenette C. , Kogan Steven M. , Windle Michael , Yu Tianyi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimsTo inform research on the etiology and prevention of substance use among rural African American youth by (a) identifying developmental trajectory classes of cannabis use and heavy drinking across adolescence and young adulthood and (b) examining associations between trajectory class membership and multi‐level assessments of risk factors.DesignA prospective study spanning 9 years with assessments of cannabis use and heavy drinking, the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine, perceived stress and psychosocial risk factors.SettingRural communities in the southeastern United States.ParticipantsAfrican American youth (n = 518).MeasurementsParticipants were assessed for cannabis use and heavy drinking at seven assessments beginning at 16 years of age and continuing to 25 years of age. At age 19, participants provided overnight urine voids that were assayed for catecholamines, a biological marker of life stress resulting from sympathetic nervous system activation. At ages 16 and 19, participants provided information on malleable psychosocial risk factors.FindingsLatent class growth models revealed three distinct trajectory classes for cannabis use and for heavy drinking. Higher levels of circulating stress hormones and perceived stress were associated with classes reporting greater substance use over time (all Ps < 0.05). A composite of selected risk factors discriminated class membership (all Ps < 0.05). Trajectory classes characterized by rapid usage increases in early adulthood exhibited the greatest increase in deviant peer affiliations between ages 16 and 19 years.ConclusionsRural African American youth's cannabis use and heavy drinking across adolescence and young adulthood demonstrate distinct developmental courses; a small number of risk factors and measures of biological and perceived stress differentiate class membership prognostically. Variability over time in these measures, specifically an increase in deviant peer affiliation, may help to account for steep increases in young adulthood.
Diversity of terrestrial isopod species in the Chambi National Park (Kasserine, Tunisia)
Authors: Khila Mouna , Zaabar Wahiba , Achouri Mohamed Sghaier 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDiversity of terrestrial isopods across habitats and altitude was studied in the National Park of Chambi (central Tunisia). Samples were collected over five years in seven sites (S1–S7), within an altitudinal range from 750 to 1,500 m a.s.l. Twelve species belonging to five families were identified, with one endemic species (Porcellio djahizi) to this area, and three species were present in all sites (P. djahizi, Leptotrichus panzerii and Armadillidium tunisiense). Agnaridae represented by Hemilepistus reaumurii species was the most abundant family (58.77%) and found in only one site. Our results showed differences in species richness between sites. Indeed, S2 and S3 (900 and 1,050 m) showed the highest species richness with 11 species each. This result validates the hypothesis of mid‐elevational richness peak and contradicts the theory of large sampling regimes in determining the relationship between species richness and elevation. Terrestrial isopod species richness in the Chambi Mountain tends to decrease with altitude: 11 species in S2 and S3 to four species in S7. The highest Shannon–Wiener diversity index value was observed in S2 (H′ = 3.21 bits). Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that H. reaumurii was positively correlated with temperature whereas A. tunisiense and P. djahizi were the only species positively correlated with altitude.
Cross‐sectional studies – what are they good for?
Authors: Kesmodel Ulrik S. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCross‐sectional studies serve many purposes, and the cross‐sectional design is the most relevant design when assessing the prevalence of disease, attitudes and knowledge among patients and health personnel, in validation studies comparing, for example, different measurement instruments, and in reliability studies. This paper describes the use of cross‐sectional studies and provides examples within obstetrics and gynecology. Caveats are also described; for example, when cross‐sectional data is used for analytical purposes of associations between an exposure and an outcome, authors and readers should be careful not to make causal inferences, unless the exposure may safely be assumed to be stable over time and not influenced by experiencing the outcome. In such cases, analyses are also subject to selection and information bias as well as confounding.
Impact of postdiagnostic statin use on ovarian cancer mortality: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Li Xia , Zhou Jing 
Published: February 2018

AimsTo comprehensively evaluate the association between postdiagnostic statin use and mortality of ovarian cancer (OC) patients.MethodsUsing a comprehensive strategy, multiple databases (Medline, Embase and Web of Science) were systematically searched to identify observational studies that examined the correlation between statin use and OC mortality up to 31 December 2017. The studies were independently reviewed and selected based on predetermined selection criteria. Data were extracted independently and in duplicate. The risk of bias was evaluated with the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality were summarized with a profile likelihood random effects model.ResultsOf 269 studies, eight cohort studies of 19 904 OC patients met the inclusion criteria. Postdiagnostic statin use was inversely associated with all‐cause mortality/overall survival (summarized HR = 0.74; 95%CI = 0.63–0.87; I2 = 55%; n = 7) and cancer‐specific mortality (summarized HR = 0.87; 95%CI = 0.80–0.95; I2 = 0%; n = 3) of OC patients. These findings were consistent by subgroup analyses stratified by study and patient characteristics as well as adjustments made for potential confounders. A meta‐regression analysis found no effect of modification by these variables. Of note, similar significant inverse effects were also observed when increasing the intensity (highest vs. lowest) of postdiagnostic statin use (summarized HR = 0.84; 95%CI = 0.74–0.96; I2 = 0%; n = 3).ConclusionPostdiagnostic statin use can improve the survival of patients with OC. Further prospective cohort and randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm the therapeutic role of statin use on the outcome of OC.
Trends and predictors of cesarean birth in Singapore, 2005‐2014: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Chi Claudia , Pang Deanette , Aris Izzuddin M. , Teo Wei Ting , Li Sarah Weiling , Biswas Arijit , Yong Eu Leong , Chong Yap Seng , Tan Kelvin , Kramer Michael S. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundRates of cesarean birth have continued to rise in many high‐income countries. We examined the temporal trends and predictors of cesarean birth in Singapore.MethodsLinked hospitalization and Birth Registry data were used to examine all live births to Singaporean citizens and permanent residents between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2014 (n = 342 932 births). We calculated cesarean rates and age‐adjusted average annual percent change (AAPC) in those rates and used sequential multivariable regression modeling to assess the contribution of changes in predictors to the change in cesarean rates over time.ResultsThe overall cesarean rate in Singapore rose from 32.2% in 2005 to 37.4% in 2014. Among singleton, cephalic, term pregnancies, the two major predictions of cesarean were nulliparity and previous cesarean, each accounting for just over one‐third of all cesareans.Higher AAPC was observed in nulliparous women of Indian ethnicity (0.74% [95% confidence interval 0.68‐0.80]) compared with Chinese (0.62% [0.60‐0.65]) or Malay women (0.63% [0.59‐0.68]), and in women who delivered in private hospitals (0.62% [0.60‐0.64]) compared with those delivered under subsidized care in public hospitals (0.58% [0.52‐0.63]). Parity and education had the largest influences on cesarean birth trend (attenuation of AAPC from 0.62% [0.59‐0.66] to 0.39% [0.38‐0.40] after adjustment).ConclusionCesarean birth has continued to rise at a steady rate in Singapore. Strategies to curb this temporal increase include avoidance of medically unnecessary primary cesarean and attempts at trial of labor and vaginal delivery among women with a history of prior cesarean.
Diminished CXCR5 expression in peripheral blood of patients with Sjögren's syndrome may relate to both genotype and salivary gland homing
Authors: Aqrawi L A , Ivanchenko M , Björk A , Ramírez Sepúlveda J I , Imgenberg-Kreuz J , Kvarnström M , Haselmayer P , Jensen J L , Nordmark G , Chemin K , Skarstein K , Wahren-Herlenius M 
Published: February 2018

Summary
Genetic investigations of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) have identified a susceptibility locus at p23.3 of chromosome 11, which contains the CXCR5 gene. C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5) is a chemokine receptor expressed on B and T cell subsets, and binds the chemotactic ligand C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13). In this study we aimed to link the genetic association with functional effects and explore the CXCR5/CXCL13 axis in SS. Expression quantitative trait loci analysis of the 11q23.3 locus was performed using B cell mRNA expression data from genotyped individuals. Lymphocyte surface markers were assessed by flow cytometry, and CXCL13 levels by a proximity extension assay. CXCR5+ and CXCL13+ cells in minor salivary glands were detected using immunohistochemistry. Our results demonstrated that SS-associated genetic polymorphisms affected the expression of CXCR5 (P &lt; 0·01). Notably, a decreased percentage of CXCR5+ cells, with lower CXCR5 expression, was observed for most circulating B and T cell subsets in SS patients, reaching statistical significance in CD19+CD27+immunoglobulin (Ig)D+ marginal zone (P &lt; 0·001), CD19+CD27+IgD– memory (P &lt; 0·05) and CD27-IgD double-negative (P &lt; 0·01) B cells and CD4+CXCR3–CCR6+ Th17 cells (P &lt; 0·05). CXCL13 levels were increased in patient plasma (P &lt; 0·001), and immunohistochemical staining revealed expression of CXCL13 and higher numbers of CXCR5+ cells (P &lt; 0·0001) within focal infiltrates and interstitially in salivary glands of SS patients. In conclusion, we link a genetic susceptibility allele for SS to a functional phenotype in terms of decreased CXCR5 expression. The decrease of CXCR5+ cells in circulation was also related to homing of B and T cells to the autoimmune target organ. Therapeutic drugs targeting the CXCR5/CXCL13 axis may be useful in SS.
Impact of TSH during the first trimester of pregnancy on obstetric and foetal complications: Usefulness of 2.5 mIU/L cut‐off value
Authors: Hernández Marta , López Carolina , Soldevila Berta , Cecenarro Laura , Martínez‐Barahona María , Palomera Elisabet , Rius Ferran , Lecube Albert , Pelegay Maria José , García Jordi , Mauricio Dídac , Puig Domingo Manel 
Published: February 2018

SummaryObjectiveAn association of pregnancy outcomes with subclinical hypothyroidism has been reported; however, there still exists a strong controversy regarding whether subclinical hypothyroidism ought to be dealt with or not. The objective of the study was to evaluate the association of foetal‐maternal complications with first trimester maternal Thyrotropin (TSH) values.DesignA retrospective study in a single tertiary care hospital was performed.PatientsA total of 1981 pregnant women were studied during 2012.MeasurementsThyrotropin (TSH) universal screening was performed between 9 and 12 weeks of gestation. Outcomes included foetal‐maternal complications and newborn health parameters.ResultsMedian TSH was 1.72 (0.99‐2.61) mIU/L. The incidence of perinatal loss, miscarriage and stillbirth was 7.2%, 5.9% and 1.1%, respectively. Median TSH of women with and without miscarriage was 1.97 (1.29‐3.28) vs 1.71 (0.96‐2.58) mIU/L (P = .009). Incidence of pre‐eclampsia was 3.2%; TSH in these women was 2.10 (1.40‐2.74) vs 1.71 (0.98‐2.59) mIU/L in those without (P = .027). TSH in women with dystocia in labour was 1.76 (1.00‐2.53) vs 1.68 (0.94‐2.59) mIU/L in those who gave birth with normal progression (P = .044). Women with TSH 2.5‐5.1 mIU/L had a higher risk of perinatal loss [OR 1.589 (1.085‐2.329)], miscarriage [OR 1.702 (1.126‐2.572)] and premature birth [OR 1.39 (1.013‐1.876)], adjusted by mother's age. There was no association with the other outcomes analysed.ConclusionsThere is a positive association between maternal TSH in the first trimester of pregnancy and the incidence of perinatal loss and miscarriage. The TSH cut‐off value of 2.5 mIU/L identified women with higher adverse pregnancy outcomes.
The association between thyroid function and incidence of metabolic syndrome in euthyroid subjects: Tianjin chronic low‐grade systemic inflammation and health cohort study
Authors: Gu Yeqing , Wang Yanyan , Zhang Qing , Liu Li , Meng Ge , Yao Zhanxin , Wu Hongmei , Xia Yang , Bao Xue , Shi Hongbin , Wang Honglei , Sun Shaomei , Wang Xing , Zhou Ming , Jia Qiyu , Song Kun , Niu Kaijun 
Published: February 2018

SummaryObjectiveThyroid hormones (THs) are primarily responsible for the regulation of energy homeostasis and metabolism. However, few prospective studies have assessed the association between THs and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a general population. We therefore designed a cohort study to examine whether serum TH levels within the reference range are predictive factors for developing MetS in adults.DesignProspective cohort study.ParticipantsA prospective study (n = 6119) was performed in Tianjin, China. Participants without a history of MetS were followed up for 1 to 3 years with a median follow‐up duration of 2 years.MeasurementsSerum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay. MetS was defined in accordance with the criteria of the American Heart Association scientific statements of 2009. THs, TSH levels and MetS were assessed yearly during the follow‐up. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the associations between FT3, FT4 and TSH quintiles and MetS.ResultsThe incidence of MetS was 17.7% (96 per 1000 person‐years). In the final multivariate models, the hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for MetS across serum FT3 quintiles were 1.00 (reference), 1.03 (0.84, 1.25), 1.14 (0.94, 1.38), 1.09 (0.90, 1.32) and 1.33 (1.11, 1.61), respectively (P for trend <.01). However, no significant associations between FT4, TSH and MetS were observed.ConclusionsThis population‐based prospective cohort study suggests that increased serum FT3 level, rather than FT4 and TSH, is an independent predictor for developing MetS in euthyroid subjects.
Clinical and aesthetic outcomes of immediately placed single‐tooth implants with immediate vs. delayed restoration in the anterior maxilla: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Arora Himanshu , Ivanovski Saso 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of the timing of restoration on clinical and aesthetic outcomes following immediate implant placement in the maxillary aesthetic zone.Material and MethodsForty patients (16 males, 24 females) with a mean age of 50.55 ± 12.79 years (range 19–74) who had a single maxillary anterior tooth replaced by an immediate implant were included in this study. Twenty patients had their implant restored immediately with a provisional restoration (Group A), while the other 20 patients had a delayed restoration placed after 3–4 months of non‐submerged healing (Group B). Clinical parameters and hard‐tissue changes were evaluated after a mean follow‐up period of 3 years. Aesthetic evaluation was carried out using the Pink Esthetic Score (PES) and the White Esthetic Score (WES).ResultsNo significant differences were observed in the bone level changes between the two groups: 0.05 ± 0.65 mm mesially and 0.06 ± 0.52 mm distally for the immediate group and 0.30 ± 0.54 mm mesially and 0.21 ± 0.60 mm distally for the delayed group, respectively. The medianPESscores were 11.5 for Group A and 10 for Group B. MeanPESandWESscores did not differ significantly between Groups A and B:PES(11.1 vs. 10.3;p = .16) andWES(8.4 vs. 7.8;p = .16). In terms of individualPESvariables, the distal papillae were significantly better in Group A as compared to Group B (p = .006).ConclusionsWithin the limits of this study, timing of restoration seemed to positively affect the aesthetic outcomes of immediately placed implants as evidenced by higher medianPESvalues for the immediate restoration group when compared to the delayed restoration group. Restoration timing had no impact on the individualPESvariables, except for the distal papillary height which was superior in the immediate restoration group.
Myt1l induced direct reprogramming of pericytes into cholinergic neurons
Authors: Liang Xing‐Guang , Tan Chao , Wang Cheng‐Kun , Tao Rong‐Rong , Huang Yu‐Jie , Ma Kui‐Fen , Fukunaga Kohji , Huang Ming‐Zhu , Han Feng 
Published: February 2018

SummaryObjectiveThe cholinergic deficit is thought to underlie progressed cognitive decline in Alzheimer Disease. The lineage reprogramming of somatic cells into cholinergic neurons may provide strategies toward cell‐based therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.Methods and resultsHere, we found that a combination of neuronal transcription factors, including Ascl1, Myt1l, Brn2, Tlx3, and miR124 (5Fs) were capable of directly converting human brain vascular pericytes (HBVPs) into cholinergic neuronal cells. Intriguingly, the inducible effect screening of reprogramming factors showed that a single reprogramming factor, Myt1l, induced cells to exhibit similarly positive staining for Tuj1, MAP2, ChAT, and VAChT upon lentivirus infection with the 5Fs after 30 days. HBVP‐converted neurons were rarely labeled even after long‐term incubation with BrdU staining, suggesting that induced neurons were directly converted from HBVPs rather than passing through a proliferative state. In addition, the overexpression of Myt1l induced the elevation of Ascl1, Brn2, and Ngn2 levels that contributed to reprogramming.ConclusionsOur findings provided proof of the principle that cholinergic neurons could be produced from HBVPs by reprogramming factor‐mediated fate instruction. Myt1l was a critical mediator of induced neuron cell reprogramming. HBVPs represent another excellent alternative cell resource for cell‐based therapy to treat neurodegenerative disease.
Neurotrophin‐3 restores synaptic plasticity in the striatum of a mouse model of Huntington's disease
Authors: Gómez‐Pineda Victor G. , Torres‐Cruz Francisco M. , Vivar‐Cortés César I. , Hernández‐Echeagaray Elizabeth 
Published: February 2018

SummaryAimsNeurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) is expressed in the mouse striatum; however, it is not clear the NT‐3 role in striatal physiology. The expression levels of mRNAs and immune localization of the NT‐3 protein and its receptor TrkC are altered in the striatum following damage induced by an in vivo treatment with 3‐nitropropionic acid (3‐NP), a mitochondrial toxin used to mimic the histopathological hallmarks of Huntington's disease (HD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of NT‐3 on corticostriatal synaptic transmission and its plasticity in both the control and damaged striatum.MethodsCorticostriatal population spikes were electrophysiologically recorded and striatal synaptic plasticity was induced by high‐frequency stimulation. Further, the phosphorylation status of Trk receptors was tested under conditions that imitated electrophysiological experiments.ResultsNT‐3 modulates both synaptic transmission and plasticity in the striatum; nonetheless, synaptic plasticity was modified by the 3‐NP treatment, where instead of producing striatal long‐term depression (LTD), long‐term potentiation (LTP) was obtained. Moreover, the administration of NT‐3 in the recording bath restored the plasticity observed under control conditions (LTD) in this model of striatal degeneration.ConclusionNT‐3 modulates corticostriatal transmission through TrkB stimulation and restores striatal LTD by signaling through its TrkC receptor.
Cognitive outcomes in children and adolescents born very preterm: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Brydges Christopher R , Landes Jasmin K , Reid Corinne L , Campbell Catherine , French Noel , Anderson Mike 
Published: February 2018

AimTo estimate the association between very preterm birth (<32wks' gestation) and intelligence, executive functioning, and processing speed throughout childhood and adolescence, and to examine the effects of gestational age, birthweight, and age at assessment.MethodStudies were included if children were born at earlier than 32 weeks’ gestation, aged 4 to 17 years, had an age‐matched term control group, and if the studies used standardized measures, were published in an English‐language peer‐reviewed journal, and placed no restrictions on participants based on task performance.ResultsWe evaluated 6163 children born very preterm and 5471 term‐born controls from 60 studies. Children born very preterm scored 0.82 SDs (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74–0.90; p<0.001) lower on intelligence tests, 0.51 SDs (95% CI 0.44–0.58; p<0.001) lower on measures of executive functioning, and 0.49 SDs (95% CI 0.39–0.60; p<0.001) lower on measures of processing speed than term‐born controls. Gestational age and birthweight were associated with study effect size in intelligence and executive functioning of younger children only. Age at assessment was not associated with study effect size.InterpretationChildren born very preterm have medium to large deficits in these cognitive domains.What this paper adds

This meta‐analysis is centred on very preterm birth and three cognitive domains.

The three critical cognitive domains are intelligence, executive functioning, and processing speed.
Bacterial neuraminidase‐mediated erythrocyte desialylation provokes cell surface aminophospholipid exposure
Authors: Qadri Syed M. , Donkor David A. , Nazy Ishac , Branch Donald R. , Sheffield William P. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundSurface desialylation is associated with erythrocyte aging and mediates phagocytic recognition and clearance of senescent erythrocytes. Neuraminidases, a family of glycohydrolytic enzymes, cleave the glycosidic linkages between sialic acid and mucopolysaccharides and have previously been implicated in erythrocyte dysfunction associated with sepsis. Erythrocytes in septic patients further display a phenotype of accelerated eryptosis characterized by membrane phospholipid scrambling resulting in phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization. Herein, we examined the impact of artificial erythrocyte desialylation on eryptosis.MethodsUsing flow cytometry and/or fluorescence microscopy, we analyzed desialylation patterns and eryptotic alterations in erythrocytes exposed to Clostridium perfringens‐derived neuraminidase.ResultsExogenous bacterial neuraminidase significantly augmented membrane PS exposure and cytosolic Ca2+ levels in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Neuraminidase treatment significantly reduced fluorescence‐tagged agglutinin binding, an effect temporally preceding the increase in PS externalization. Neuraminidase‐induced PS exposure was significantly curtailed by pretreatment with the pan‐sialidase inhibitor N‐acetyl‐2,3‐dehydro‐2‐deoxyneuraminic acid. Neuraminidase treatment further induced hemolysis but did not significantly impact erythrocyte volume, ceramide abundance, or the generation of reactive oxygen species.ConclusionCollectively, our data reveal that alteration of erythrocyte sialylation status by bacterial neuraminidase favors eryptotic cell death, an effect potentially contributing to reduced erythrocyte lifespan and anemia in sepsis.