bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of quercetin supplementation on plasma lipid profiles, blood pressure, and glucose levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Haohai , Liao Dan , Dong Yong , Pu Rong 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Context
Clinical trials examining the cardiovascular protective effects of quercetin in humans have reported conflicting results.

Objective
The aim of this systematic review was to summarize evidence of the effects of quercetin supplementation on plasma lipid profiles, blood pressure (BP), and glucose levels in humans by performing a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Data Sources
MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched electronically from their inception to July 2018 to identify randomized controlled trials that assessed the impact of quercetin on lipid profiles, BP, and glucose levels.

Study Selection
Randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of quercetin or a standardized quercetin-enriched extract on plasma lipid profiles, BP, and glucose levels in humans were eligible for inclusion.

Data Extraction
A random-effects model was used for data analysis. Continuous variables were expressed as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95%CIs. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore possible influences of study characteristics. Sensitivity analyses were also performed, as were analyses of publication bias.

Results
Seventeen trials (n = 896 participants total) were included in the overall analysis. Pooled results showed that quercetin significantly lowered both systolic BP (WMD, −3.09 mmHg; 95%CI, −4.59 to −1.59; P = 0.0001) and diastolic BP (WMD, −2.86 mmHg; 95%CI, −5.09 to −0.63; P = 0.01). Neither lipid profiles nor glucose concentrations changed significantly. In subgroup analyses, significant changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were observed in trials with a parallel design and in which participants consumed quercetin for 8 weeks or more.

Conclusion
Quercetin intake resulted in significantly decreased BP in humans. Moreover, participants who consumed quercetin for 8 weeks or more showed significantly changed levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides in trials with a parallel design.
Strigolactone-Based Node-to-Bud Signaling May Restrain Shoot Branching in Hybrid Aspen
Authors: Katyayini Niveditha Umesh , Rinne P�ivi L H , van der Schoot Christiaan 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe biosynthesis and roles of strigolactones (SLs) have been investigated in herbaceous plants, but so far, their role in trees has received little attention. In this study, we analyzed the presence, spatial/temporal expression and role of SL pathway genes in Populus tremula � Populus tremuloides. In this proleptic species, axillary buds (AXBs) become para-dormant at the bud maturation point, providing an unambiguous starting point to study AXB activation. We identified previously undescribed Populus homologs of DWARF27 (D27), LATERAL BRANCHING OXIDOREDUCTASE (LBO) and DWARF53-like (D53-like) and analyzed the relative expression of all SL pathway genes in root tips and shoot tissues. We found that, although AXBs expressed MORE AXILLARY GROWTH1 (MAX1) and LBO, they did not express MAX3 and MAX4, whereas nodal bark expressed high levels of all SL biosynthesis genes. By contrast, expression of the SL perception and signaling genes MAX2, D14 and D53 was high in AXBs relative to nodal bark and roots. This suggests that AXBs are reliant on the associated nodes for the import of SLs and SL precursors. Activation of AXBs was initiated by decapitation and single-node isolation. This rapidly downregulated SL pathway genes downstream of MAX4, although later these genes were upregulated coincidently with primordia formation. GR24-feeding counteracted all activation-related changes in SL gene expression but did not prevent AXB outgrowth showing that SL is ineffective once AXBs are activated. The results indicate that nodes rather than roots supply SLs and its precursors to AXBs, and that SLs may restrain embryonic shoot elongation during AXB formation and para-dormancy in intact plants.
Dietary Inflammatory Index Scores Are Associated with Pressure Pain Hypersensitivity in Women with Fibromyalgia
Authors: Correa-Rodríguez María , Casas-Barragán Antonio , González-Jiménez Emilio , Schmidt-RioValle Jacqueline , Molina Francisco , Aguilar-Ferrándiz María Encarnación 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectivePain hypersensitivity has been described as one of the most disabling symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Here we analyzed the relationship between an anti-inflammatory diet profile and the pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) of tender point sites and other fibromyalgia-related symptoms in patients with FMS.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 95 women diagnosed with FMS and 98 menopause-status matched controls. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) was calculated by conducting a 24-hour diet recall interview. The PPTs of tender point sites and self-reported global pain levels were evaluated by algometry and the visual analog scale, respectively. Disease severity, fatigue, sleep anxiety, and central sensitization were also evaluated.ResultsLinear regression analysis revealed that the PPTs of tender point sites including the occiput (β = 0.234, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.016–0.452, P = 0.036), trapezius (β = 0.299, 95% CI = 0.083–0.515, P = 0.007), zygapophyseal joint (β = 0.291, 95% CI = 0.022–0.559, P = 0.035), second rib (β = 0.204, 95% CI = 0.060–0.348, P = 0.006), gluteus (β = 0.591, 95% CI = 0.110–1.072, P = 0.017), greater trochanter (β = 0.379, 95% CI = 0.016–0.742, P = 0.041), and knee (β = 0.482, 95% CI = 0.117–0.850, P = 0.011) were associated with DII score after adjustments for the age, menopausal status, and global energy levels reported by the patients with FMS. No significant differences were found for the cases or controls between the DII score and the remaining clinical symptoms. Analyses of covariance showed that the PPTs of the aforementioned tender point sites were also significantly associated (P &lt; 0.05) with the DII score quartiles in patients with FMS, but no significant differences were found between these quartiles and the other clinical symptoms.ConclusionsA pro-inflammatory diet was associated with pain hypersensitivity in patients with FMS.
Derivation of an angiographically based classification system in Takayasu’s arteritis: an observational study from India and North America
Authors: Goel Ruchika , Gribbons K Bates , Carette Simon , Cuthbertson David , Hoffman Gary S , Joseph George , Khalidi Nader A , Koening Curry L , Kumar Sathish , Langford Carol , Maksimowicz-McKinnon Kathleen , McAlear Carol A , Monach Paul A , Moreland Larry W , Nair Aswin , Pagnoux Christian , Quinn Kaitlin A , Ravindran Raheesh , Seo Philip , Sreih Antoine G , Warrington Kenneth J , Ytterberg Steven R , Merkel Peter A , Danda Debashish , Grayson Peter C 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objectives
To develop and replicate, using data-driven methods, a novel classification system in Takayasu’s arteritis based on distribution of arterial lesions.

Methods
Patients were included from four international cohorts at major academic centres: India (Christian Medical College Vellore); North America (National Institutes of Health, Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium and Cleveland Clinic Foundation). All patients underwent whole-body angiography of the aorta and branch vessels, with categorization of arterial damage (stenosis, occlusion or aneurysm) in 13 territories. K-means cluster analysis was performed to identify subgroups of patients based on pattern of angiographic involvement. Cluster groups were identified in the Indian cohort and independently replicated in the North American cohorts.

Results
A total of 806 patients with Takayasu’s arteritis from India (n = 581) and North America (n = 225) were included. Three distinct clusters defined by arterial damage were identified in the Indian cohort and replicated in each of the North American cohorts. Patients in cluster one had significantly more disease in the abdominal aorta, renal and mesenteric arteries (P &lt; 0.01). Patients in cluster two had significantly more bilateral disease in the carotid and subclavian arteries (P &lt; 0.01). Compared with clusters one and two, patients in cluster three had asymmetric disease with fewer involved territories (P &lt; 0.01). Demographics, clinical symptoms and clinical outcomes differed by cluster.

Conclusion
This large study in Takayasu’s arteritis identified and replicated three novel subsets of patients based on patterns of arterial damage. Angiographic-based disease classification requires validation by demonstrating potential aetiological or prognostic implications.
Prevalence and predictors of flare after immunosuppressant discontinuation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in remission
Authors: Zen Margherita , Saccon Francesca , Gatto Mariele , Montesso Giulia , Larosa Maddalena , Benvenuti Francesco , Iaccarino Luca , Doria Andrea 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Patients with SLE are often exposed to prolonged immunosuppression since few data on flare recurrence in remitted patients who discontinued immunosuppressants are available. We aimed to assess the rate and predictors of flare after immunosuppressant withdrawal in SLE patients in remission.

Methods
SLE patients diagnosed between 1990 and 2018 (according to the ACR criteria), ever treated with immunosuppressants and currently in follow-up were considered. Immunosuppressant discontinuation was defined as complete withdrawal of any immunosuppressive drug. Reasons for discontinuation were remission, defined as clinical SLEDAI-2K = 0 on a stable immunosuppressive and/or antimalarial therapy and/or on prednisone ⩽5 mg/day, or poor adherence/intolerance. Flares were defined according to the SLEDAI Flare Index. Predictors of a subsequent flare were analysed by multivariate logistic regression.

Results
There were 319 eligible patients out of 456 (69.9%). Of the 319 patients, 139 (43.5%) discontinued immunosuppressants, 105 (75.5%) due to remission, 34 (24.5%) due to poor adherence/intolerance. The mean (s.d.) follow-up time after immunosuppressant withdrawal was 91 (71) months (range 6–372). Among the patients who discontinued immunosuppressants, 26/105 remitted (24.7%) and 23/34 unremitted patients (67.6%) experienced a flare (P &lt; 0.001) after a median (range) follow-up of 57 (6–264) and 8 months (1–72), respectively (P = 0.009). In patients who discontinued immunosuppressants due to remission, maintenance therapy with antimalarials (OR 0.243, 95% CI 0.070, 0.842) and the duration of remission at immunosuppressant discontinuation (OR 0.870, 0.824–0.996) were independent protective factors against disease flare.

Conclusion
SLE flares are not uncommon after immunosuppressant discontinuation, even in remitted patients; however, antimalarial therapy and durable remission can significantly reduce the risk of flare.
Couple Interventions for Chronic Pain
Authors: Smith Shannon M. , Li Rui , Wolfe Hannah , Swanger-Gagne Michelle S. , Bonham Adrienne D. , Kreher Donna A. , Poleshuck Ellen L. 
Published: August 2019

Objective:
Couple interventions for chronic pain have been shown to more effectively reduce pain intensity for individuals with chronic pain (ICPs) than individual behavioral interventions or usual care. This systematic review identified randomized controlled trials of couple interventions to highlight strategies that could be incorporated into psychotherapy with ICPs and their romantic partners.

Methods:
The authors identified articles reporting randomized controlled trials of couple interventions for chronic pain. Three databases were searched (ie, PubMed, Embase, and PsycInfo), resulting in 18 studies and 22 articles.

Results:
Couple interventions resulted in statistically significant improvements in pain intensity compared with other conditions in 8% to 40% of the studies depending on the comparator group (i.e., control, individual intervention, another couple intervention), and in statistically significant improvements on a pain-related outcome compared with other conditions in 31% to 50% of the studies depending on the comparator group (ie, control, individual intervention, another couple intervention). Educating couples about pain was the most common strategy (83%). Jointly administered relaxation or meditation skills were included in nearly half of the interventions (48%). Many interventions taught cognitive-behavioral skills jointly to couples (39%) or to the ICP with partner encouragement (30%). Teaching couples how to request and provide assistance (30%), and encouraging partners to avoid reinforcing pain behaviors (39%), occurred frequently. ICPs and their partners were often asked to set goals (30%).

Discussion:
This review outlined strategies included in couple interventions for chronic pain that are derived from the cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and operant behavioral traditions, but delivered relationally. Therapists working with ICPs and their partners may integrate these strategies into their practice to help couples who are managing chronic pain.
A Distorted Body Schema and Susceptibility to Experiencing Anomalous Somatosensory Sensations in Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Authors: Martínez Endika , Guillen Virginia , Buesa Itsaso , Azkue Jon J. 
Published: August 2019

Objective:Evidence suggests that there is an association between chronic pain and disruption of the body schema. We tested the hypothesis in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).Materials and Methods:We investigated distinct perceptual aspects of the body schema both in a sample of patients with FMS and in pain-free controls. Performances on the left/right judgment task were measured; tactile acuity was assessed by using the 2-point discrimination test. Furthermore, we evaluated sensations evoked by tactile stimulation with von Frey filaments to body parts that were experiencing pain. Anomalous sensations elicited by sensory-motor conflict (SMC) were also investigated.Results:Patients with FMS showed inferior performance on the right/left judgment task, both in terms of correct matches (75.38% vs. 89.67%, respectively;P<0.05) and response time (2.58 s vs. 1.89 s, respectively;P<0.05). Effect sizes were large and very large, respectively. Two-point discrimination thresholds were significantly higher (P<0.05) in participants from the FMS sample (mean of 49.71 mm, SD: 12.09 mm) relative to controls (mean of 37.36 mm, SD: 7.81 mm). Nine of 14 participants with FMS, but no control participants, reported referred sensations upon tactile stimulation, including tingling, pins and needles, weight, and cramps. Referral sites included regions both adjacent and remote to stimulated sites. Patients with FMS scored across all items within the administered questionnaire addressing anomalous sensations on the mirror setup (Cohend=1.04 to 2.42 across all items), and FMS patients perceived pain during the SMC (the required statistical power for it to be statistically significant was 96% and for it to be recognized as a difference of means in pain item).Conclusion:Our present findings suggest a disrupted body schema and propensity to experiencing anomalous somatosensory sensations during SMC in people with FMS.
Cognitive and Personality Factors Implicated in Pain Experience in Women With Endometriosis
Authors: Zarbo Cristina , Brugnera Agostino , Dessì Valentina , Barbetta Pietro , Candeloro Ilario , Secomandi Rita , Betto Enrico , Malandrino Chiara , Bellia Adriano , Trezzi Gaetano , Rabboni Massimo , Compare Angelo , Frigerio Luigi 
Published: August 2019

Objective:
The impact of pain on quality of life and mental health of women with endometriosis is well known. However, the role that personality traits and coping strategies might have in influencing pain experience is still poorly understood and was the chief purpose of this study.

Materials and Methods:
We conducted a mixed-method sequential explanatory study, composed of a quantitative survey followed by qualitative interviews. The first quantitative phase included 162 women with endometriosis who completed a battery of validated questionnaires. After statistical analysis, a semistructured qualitative interview has been developed and conducted with 6 of them, in order to help explain findings obtained in the first phase. Thereafter, both analyses were combined in a metamatrix.

Results:
From the metamatrix, it emerged that acute pain experience, fear of its occurrence, its unpredictability, and control difficulties are the main concerns of women with endometriosis. Worry trait characteristics (ie, the need for control, anticipatory anxiety, intrusive worry thoughts) and maladaptive thoughts such as coping strategies (ie, self-blame, rumination, catastrophizing) were common in this sample and seem to indirectly affect pain experience. Indeed, the unsuccessful struggle in controlling pain reinforces negative thoughts/beliefs and feelings of powerlessness, leading, in turn, to psychological distress and higher pain experience.

Discussion:
From the study emerged a model of onset and maintenance of acute pain in women with endometriosis. Findings have clinical implications for the medical team and psychologists.
The Impact of the ACA Medicaid Expansions on Dental Visits by Dental Coverage Generosity and Dentist Supply
Authors: Wehby George L. , Lyu Wei , Shane Dan M. 
Published: August 2019

Background:
Low-income adults in the United States have historically had limited access to dental coverage and poor dental health outcomes.

Objective:
We examined the effects of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansions on dental visits among low-income adults focusing on the generosity of dental coverage and heterogeneity in effects by dentist supply.

Research Design:
We used data from 2012, 2014, and 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys. The main analytical sample included nearly 117,000 individuals <138% federal poverty level. We employed a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences design to identify the impact of the state Medicaid expansions on having a dental visit in the past 12 months by the generosity of dental coverage and dentist supply.

Results:
Medicaid expansions were associated with a nearly 6 percentage-point increase in the likelihood of any dental visits in 2016 (over 10% increase from preexpansion rate) for individuals in Medicaid expanding states with extensive dental benefits. This increase, however, was concentrated in states with high dentist supply with no evidence of improvement in utilization in states with limited dental coverage or low dentist supply.

Conclusions:
Expanding Medicaid with generous dental coverage improved dental care use only in areas with high dentist supply with no evidence of benefits with low dentist supply or less generous coverage. Improving access to dental care may require both generous coverage and supply-side interventions to increase dentist availability.
Measuring stroke outcomes using linked administrative data: Population-based estimates and validation of “home-time” as a surrogate measure of functional status
Authors: Gattellari Melina , Goumas Chris , Jalaludin Bin , Worthington John 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundAdministrative data offer cost-effective, whole-of-population stroke surveillance yet the lack of validated outcomes is a short-coming. The number of days spent living at home after stroke (“home-time”) is a patient-centred outcome that can be objectively ascertained from administrative data. Population-based validation against both severity and outcome measures and for all subtypes is lacking.MethodsStroke hospitalisations from a state-wide census in New South Wales, Australia, from July 1, 2005 to March 31, 2014 were linked to pre-hospital data, post-stroke admissions and deaths. We calculated correlations between 90-day home-time and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, measured upon a patient’s initial contact with paramedics, and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores, measured upon entry to rehabilitation after the acute hospital stroke admission. Negative binomial regression models were used to identify predictors of home-time.ResultsPatients with stroke (N=74,501) spent a median of 53 days living at home after the event. Median home-time was 60 days after ischaemic stroke, 49 days after subarachnoid haemorrhage and 0 days after intracerebral haemorrhage. GCS and FIM scores significantly correlated with home-time (p-values<0.001). Female sex predicted less home-time in ischaemic stroke, while being married increased home time after ischaemic stroke and subarachnoid haemorrhage.ConclusionsHome-time measured using administrative data is a robust, replicable and valid patient-centred outcome enabling inexpensive population-based surveillance.
The state of discovery-driven neuroscience research and experimental organism usage in the United States
Authors: Farris Sarah M. 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTPurely discovery-driven biological research “…performed without thought of practical ends…” establishes fundamental conceptual frameworks for technological and medical breakthroughs that often occur many years later. Despite the critical importance of discovery-driven research for scientific progress, there is increasing concern that it is increasingly less favored by funding agencies than research with explicit goals of application and innovation, resulting in a decline in discovery-driven research output. This in turn appears to promote the use of genetically modified organisms (those with advanced molecular toolkits for gene manipulation and visualization) for which genetic models of human disease can be studied at molecular and cellular resolution using state of the art methodology, and to discourage use of other experimental organisms that provide necessary evolutionary context. This field of neuroscience encompasses both applied and discovery-driven research, providing an opportunity to empirically determine whether funding and publication rates for the latter have indeed declined. Additionally, the diversity of experimental organisms traditionally employed in neuroscience research provides a means to quantify changes in use of study organisms that lack genetic tools over time. In particular, the basic research field of neuroethology is characterized by its distinct approach to selection of study organisms based on their adaptive behaviors, evolutionary history, and suitability for answering the question of interest, providing a stronger basis for the assumption that findings reflect fundamental concepts of nervous system function and behavior. A 30-year analysis of National Science Foundation (NSF) funding of neuroethology research finds that the agency has funded progressively fewer researchers with smaller average award amounts, with a decline in awards for research on non-genetically modified organisms. Neuroscience funding by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows the same trend but also increasing support for genetically modified organisms. The same pattern is observed in the neuroscience literature but occurs prior to changes in funding, suggesting that the shift to genetically modified organisms was likely initiated by researchers but may potentially have been later reinforced by funding agency and journal publisher preferences.