bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic re‐evaluation of SCN5A variants associated with Brugada syndrome
Authors: Denham Nathan C. , Pearman Charles M. , Ding Wern Yew , Waktare Johan , Gupta Dhiraj , Snowdon Richard , Hall Mark , Cooper Robert , Modi Simon , Todd Derick , Mahida Saagar 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundA large number of SCN5A variants have been reported to underlie Brugada syndrome (BrS). However, the evidence supporting individual variants is highly heterogeneous.ObjectiveWe systematically re‐evaluated all SCN5A variants reported in BrS using the 2015 American college of medical genetics and genomics and the association for molecular pathology (ACMG‐AMP) guidelines.MethodsA PubMed/Embase search was performed to identify all reported SCN5A variants in BrS. Standardized bioinformatic re‐analysis (SIFT, PolyPhen, Mutation Taster, Mutation assessor, FATHMM, GERP, PhyloP, and SiPhy) and re‐evaluation of frequency in the gnomAD database were performed. Fourteen ACMG‐AMP rules were deemed applicable for SCN5A variant analysis.ResultsFour hundred and eighty unique SCN5A variants were identified, the majority of which 425 (88%) were coding variants. One hundred and fifty‐six of 425 (37%) variants were classified as pathogenic/likely pathogenic. Two hundred and fifty‐eight (60%) were classified as variants of uncertain significance, while a further 11 (3%) were classified as benign/likely benign. When considering the subset of variants that were considered “null” variants separately, 95% fulfilled criteria for pathogenicity/likely pathogenicity. In contrast, only 17% of missense variants fulfilled criteria for pathogenicity/likely pathogenicity. Importantly, however, only 25% of missense variants had available functional data, which was a major score driver for pathogenic classification.ConclusionBased on contemporary ACMG‐AMP guidelines, only a minority of SCN5A variants implicated in BrS fulfill the criteria for pathogenicity or likely pathogenicity.
Kidney protective effects of baroreflex activation therapy in patients with resistant hypertension
Authors: Wallbach Manuel , Zürbig Petra , Dihazi Hassan , Müller Gerhard A. , Wachter Rolf , Beige Joachim , Koziolek Michael J. , Mischak Harald 
Published: September 2018

Baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) is approved for the treatment of resistant hypertension. In addition to blood pressure (BP) reduction, pilot studies suggested several organoprotective effects of BAT. Thirty‐two patients with resistant hypertension were prospectively treated with BAT. Besides office BP and 24‐hour ambulatory BP (ABP) measurements, detection of a urinary proteome‐based classifier (CKD273), which has been shown to predict chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, was carried out at baseline and after 6 months of BAT. Office BP significantly decreased from 170 ± 25/90 ± 18 to 149 ± 29/82 ± 18 mm Hg. Analysis of CKD273 score and eGFR with CKD‐EPI equation at baseline revealed strong correlation (r = 0.568, P < 0.001). After 6 months of BAT, there was no significant change in CKD273 score (−0.061 [95% CI: −0.262 to 0.140], P = 0.601). However, by stratification of the data regarding ABP response, there was a statistically significant (P = 0.0113) reduction in the CKD273 score from a mean of 0.161 [95% CI: −0.093 to 0.414] to −0.346 [95% CI: −0.632 to −0.060] after BAT in patients with systolic ABP decrease of ≥5 mm Hg. These data emphasized potential nephroprotective effects of BAT in patients with sufficient BP response.
Preventive parenting intervention during childhood and young black adults’ unhealthful behaviors: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Brody Gene H. , Yu Tianyi , Miller Gregory E. , Ehrlich Katherine B. , Chen Edith 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveLifestyle variables such as drug use and excessive weight gain contribute to adult morbidity and mortality. This study was designed to determine whether participation in a preventive intervention designed to enhance supportive parenting can reduce drug use and body mass index (BMI) in young Black adults from disadvantaged neighborhoods.MethodThis study was conducted in the rural southeastern United States. Black parents and their 11‐year‐old children (517 families) were assigned randomly to the Strong African American Families (SAAF) prevention trial or a control condition. Data assessing neighborhood socioeconomic status and supportive parenting were obtained when the youths were ages 11 and 16. When youths were ages 19–21 and 25, drug use and BMI were measured.ResultsAs hypothesized, significant three‐way interactions were detected among neighborhood disadvantage, prevention condition, and gender for BMI (B = 3.341, p = .009, 95% CI [0.832, 5.849]) and substance use (B = −0.169, p = .049, 95% CI [−0.337, −0.001]). Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood during adolescence was associated with increased drug use among young men in the control group (simple‐slope = 0.215, p < .003) but not among those in the SAAF condition (simple‐slope = 0.030, p = .650). Neighborhood disadvantage was associated with elevated BMI among young women in the control group (simple‐slope = 3.343, p < .001), but not in the SAAF condition (simple‐slope = 0.204, p = .820).ConclusionsThe results suggest that participation during childhood in a preventive intervention to enhance supportive parenting can ameliorate the effects of life in a disadvantaged neighborhood on men's drug use and women's BMI across ages 19–25 years. These findings suggest a possible role for parenting enhancement programs in narrowing health disparities.
Prevalence of and risk factors for dermatoporosis: a prospective observational study of dermatology outpatients in a Finnish tertiary care hospital
Authors: Kluger N. , Impivaara S. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundDermatoporosis describes the cutaneous signs and complications related to chronic cutaneous fragility related to ageing, chronic sun exposure and long‐term use of topical and systemic corticosteroids. Chronic renal failure may be an additional cofactor. The prevalence of dermatoporosis is estimated around 32–37% in France among the elderly.ObjectiveWe evaluated the prevalence of dermatoporosis and its risk factors in outpatients who attended a consultation in the department of dermatology of Helsinki University Central Hospital.MethodsA prospective observational study of 176 consecutive outpatients aged 60 years and older, who attended a consultation in the department of dermatology of Helsinki University Central Hospital. Data collection included age, gender, reason for consultation, local or systemic corticosteroid therapy, antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulant therapy, diabetes and chronic kidney failure (glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/m2). The presence of dermatoporosis, location on the body and staging were collected.Results30.7% presented dermatoporosis. Lesions were mainly located on the upper limbs (94%), and stage I was the most frequent (75.9% of the cases). Multivariate analysis revealed that dermatoporosis was significantly associated with ultrapotent topical corticosteroids (odds ratio (OR) 5.34, 95% CI 1.85–15.43, P = 0.002), oral corticosteroids (OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.18–8.80, P = 0.022), concomitant corticosteroid therapy, anticoagulant and chronic renal failure (OR 4.02, 95% CI 1.34–12.01, P = 0.013) and age (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.10, P = 0.016). Patients with bullous pemphigoid were those with the highest prevalence of dermatoporosis in our cohort (64%).ConclusionAcknowledging the selection bias in our study, the prevalence of dermatoporosis in a dermatology consultation in Finland seems as frequent as in France. These results prompt us to weigh the indications of long‐term corticosteroids use in frail elderly patients.
Propagation Mechanisms for Government Spending Shocks: A Bayesian Comparison
Authors: KORMILITSINA ANNA , ZUBAIRY SARAH 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe inability of a simple real business cycle model to predict a rise in consumption in response to increased government expenditures, observed in many empirical studies, has stimulated the development of alternative theories of government spending shocks. Using the Bayesian approach, we evaluate the quantitative performance of five extant models, and find that neither of the considered transmission mechanisms for government spending helps improve the fit of the baseline model. Moreover, we find that consumption decreases in all estimated models in response to a rise in government spending.
A simultaneous oral and intramuscular prime/sublingual boost with a DNA/Modified Vaccinia Ankara viral vector‐based vaccine induces simian immunodeficiency virus‐specific systemic and mucosal immune responses in juvenile rhesus macaques
Authors: Curtis Alan D. , Jensen Kara , Van Rompay Koen K. A. , Amara Rama R. , Kozlowski Pamela A. , De Paris Kristina 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundA pediatric vaccine to prevent breast milk transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may generate greater immune responses at viral entry sites if given by an oral route.MethodsWe compared immune responses induced in juvenile macaques by prime/boosting with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)‐expressing DNA/modified vaccinia Ankara virus (MVA) by the intramuscular route (IM), the oral (O)/tonsillar routes (T), the O/sublingual (SL) routes, and O+IM/SL routes.ResultsO/T or O/SL immunization generated SIV‐specific T cells in mucosal tissues but failed to induce SIV‐specific IgA in saliva or stool or IgG in plasma. IM/IM or O+IM/SL generated humoral and cellular responses to SIV. IM/IM generated greater frequencies of TFH in spleen, but O+IM/SL animals had higher avidity plasma IgG and more often demonstrated mucosal IgA responses.ConclusionThese results suggest that codelivery of HIV DNA/MVA vaccines by the oral and IM routes might be optimal for generating both systemic and mucosal antibodies.
Anti‐inflammatory and antiradical effects of a 2% diosmin cream in a human skin organ culture as model
Authors: Boisnic Sylvie , Branchet Marie‐Christine , Gouhier‐Kodas Christelle , Verriere François , Jabbour Violaine 
Published: September 2018

SummaryBackgroundDiosmin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, is considered as a vascular‐protective agent and is used orally to treat chronic venous insufficiency. It exhibits anti‐inflammatory and free radical scavenging properties, but, like many other flavonoids, it is poorly absorbed in the small intestine.ObjectiveOur aim was to investigate the skin protective effects of a diosmin‐based cream, using skin organ culture as model.MethodsFragments of human skin explants, cultured ex vivo, were allocated to four treatment groups: no cream, no cream + stress, placebo cream + stress, and 2% diosmin cream + stress. Stress was induced by exposure to either substance P (anti‐inflammatory effects’ assessment) or UVB irradiation (free radical scavenging effects’ assessment). Vascular dilation and the pro‐inflammatory mediator IL‐8 release were determined in the first model, whereas hydrogen peroxide level and the number of cyclobutane pyrimidine‐positive cells were evaluated in the second model.ResultsIn the substance P‐induced inflammation model, 2% diosmin cream exhibited significant vasoconstrictive (proportion of dilated capillaries: −29%, capillary luminal area: −49% vs no cream + stress) and anti‐inflammatory (IL‐8 release: −36% vs no cream + stress) effects. In the UVB irradiation model, 2% diosmin cream significantly reduced hydrogen peroxide production and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer formation (−45% and −36% vs no cream + stress, respectively). These effects were not observed with placebo cream.ConclusionDiosmin administered topically may protect skin against the biological effects of various exogenous or endogenous stresses, such as those involved in chronic venous disease.
Evidence‐based dentistry or meta‐analysis illness? A commentary on current publishing trends in the field of temporomandibular disorders and bruxism
Authors: Manfredini Daniele , Greene Charles S. , Ahlberg Jari , De Laat Antoon , Lobbezoo Frank , Klasser Gary D. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThe field of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and bruxism research has recently witnessed a publishing trend leaning towards an overuse of systematic reviews (SRs) that contribute little or nothing to current knowledge. The majority of these seem to be more methodological exercises than manuscripts prepared to provide clinicians and researchers with up‐to‐date information to advance knowledge. In addition, given the increasing number of researchers who have been reviewing the dental literature on various topics without seemingly having any specific clinical or scientific background in the topic under review, the ultimate value of some SRs is questionable. Some of them end up producing meta‐analyses (MAs) to give “numbers” (eg, risk measures and strength of association) that do not have a biological basis, due to the clinical heterogeneity of the articles being reviewed. Based on the above, the present commentary discusses this ongoing publishing trend that is affecting the TMD and bruxism field, which does not align well with the core principles of evidence‐based dentistry (EBD). Ideally, EBD should be derived from a combination of literary, clinical and patient‐centred information, but relying only on the bibliographic aspects could potentially expose less expert clinicians and other readers who merely browse the literature to incomplete, misdirected or even incorrect conclusions.
Effect of Cardiorespiratory Fitness on Academic Achievement is Stronger in High‐SES Elementary Schools Compared to Low
Authors: Garber Michael D. , Stanhope Kaitlyn K. , Shah Monica P. , Cheung Patricia , Gazmararian Julie A. 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDAcademic achievement is influenced by factors at the student, school, and community levels. We estimated the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness performance on academic performance at the school level in Georgia elementary schools and examined effect modification by sociodemographic factors.METHODSThis study is a repeat cross‐sectional analysis of Georgia elementary schools between 2011 and 2014 (approximately 1138 schools per year). Multivariable beta regression estimated the effect of the proportion of 4th and 5th graders meeting cardiorespiratory fitness standards on the proportion of 5th graders passing standardized tests for Reading, English and Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies and considered potential interaction by school‐level socioeconomic status (SES), racial composition, and urbanity.RESULTSThere was a 0.15 higher estimated odds (OR: 1.15 (1.09, 1.22)) of passing the mathematics standardized test for every 10‐percentage‐point increase in school‐level cardiorespiratory fitness among high‐SES schools and 0.04 higher odds (OR: 1.04 (1.02, 1.05)) for low‐SES schools. This pattern was similar for other academic subjects. No effect modification by racial composition or urbanity was observed for any academic subject.CONCLUSIONSPromoting physical fitness may be effective in improving academic performance among high‐SES schools, but additional strategies may be needed among lower‐SES schools.
Perceived Weight Discrimination and School Connectedness Among Youth: Does Teacher Support Play a Protective Role?
Authors: Golaszewski Natalie M. , Pasch Keryn E. , Fernandez Alejandra , Poulos Natalie S. , Batanova Milena , Loukas Alexandra 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDWeight discrimination has been associated with poor academic performance and decreased school attendance. Little is known about weight discrimination and students' feelings of belonging to their school. This study examined the association between weight discrimination and school connectedness among adolescents. Teacher support was examined as a protective factor.METHODSMiddle school students (N = 639; 57% white; Mean age = 12.16 years) completed a health behaviors survey. Weight discrimination from peers and/or good friends was dichotomized into never versus experienced weight discrimination. The mean of 5 school connectedness items assessed level of school connectedness. Teacher support was measured by taking the mean of 4 teacher support items. Hierarchical linear regression was used to examine the association between weight discrimination and school connectedness. Teacher support was tested as a moderator.RESULTSWeight discrimination was associated with lower levels of school connectedness (p < .05). Teacher support was associated with higher levels of school connectedness (p < .001) but did not moderate the association between weight discrimination and school connectedness.CONCLUSIONThe association between weight discrimination and low levels of school connectedness is important as students spend most of their time at school and should benefit from the positive effects of feeling connected to school.
Functional carbohydrate binding modules identified in evolved dits from siphophages infecting various Gram‐positive bacteria
Authors: Hayes Stephen , Vincentelli Renaud , Mahony Jennifer , Nauta Arjen , Ramond Laurie , Lugli Gabriele A. , Ventura Marco , van Sinderen Douwe , Cambillau Christian 
Published: September 2018

SummaryWith increasing numbers of 3D structures of bacteriophage components, combined with powerful in silico predictive tools, it has become possible to decipher the structural assembly and associated functionality of phage adhesion devices. Recently, decorations have been reported in the tail and neck passage structures of members of the so‐called 936 group of lactococcal siphophages. In the current report, using bioinformatic analysis we identified a conserved carbohydrate binding module (CBM) among many of the virion baseplate Dit components, in addition to the CBM present in the ‘classical’ receptor binding proteins (RBPs). We observed that, within these so‐called ‘evolved’ Dit proteins, the identified CBMs have structurally conserved folds, yet can be grouped into four distinct classes. We expressed such modules in fusion with GFP, and demonstrated their binding capability to their specific host using fluorescent binding assays with confocal microscopy. We detected evolved Dits in several phages infecting various Gram‐positive bacterial species, including mycobacteria. The omnipresence of CBM domains in siphophages indicates their auxiliary role in infection, as they can assist in the specific recognition of and attachment to their host, thus ensuring a highly efficient and specific phage‐host adhesion process as a prelude to DNA injection.
Systemic immune‐inflammation index could estimate the cross‐sectional high activity and the poor outcomes in immunosuppressive drug‐naïve patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis
Authors: Kim Youhyun , Choi Hyeok , Jung Seung Min , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong‐Beom , Lee Sang‐Won 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTObjectivesWe investigated whether systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) at diagnosis can estimate the cross‐sectional high activity and predict the poor outcomes in immunosuppressive drug‐naïve patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis (AAV).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 163 patients with AAV and obtained clinical and laboratory data. We calculated Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS) as well as five‐factor score (FFS) (2009) at diagnosis. SII at diagnosis was calculated by the equation of (SII at diagnosis = platelet count × neutrophil count/lymphocyte count at diagnosis). Severe AAV was defined as BVAS at diagnosis ≥16. The odds ratio was assessed using the multivariable logistic regression analysis and cumulative survival rates were compared by the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.ResultsThe median age at diagnosis was 58.0 years old and 51 patients were men. The median BVAS was 12.0. Fifty‐seven patients had severe AAV. The median SII at diagnosis was 1349.6. In the multivariable analysis, only SII exhibited a significant odds ratio for the cross‐sectional severe AAV (P = 0.043). We obtained the cut‐off of SII at diagnosis for severe AAV as 1573.56. Patients with SII at diagnosis ≥1573.56 exhibited a significantly high relative risk of the cross‐sectional severe AAV compared to those without (relative risk 4.625). Furthermore, patients with SII at diagnosis ≥1573.56 exhibited significantly the lower cumulative relapse free and renal survivals than those without.ConclusionSystemic immune‐inflammation index at diagnosis could estimate the cross‐section severe AAV and predict the poor outcomes in AAV patients.
Quantifying leaf‐trait covariation and its controls across climates and biomes
Authors: Yang Yanzheng , Wang Han , Harrison Sandy P. , Prentice I. Colin , Wright Ian J. , Peng Changhui , Lin Guanghui 
Published: September 2018

Summary

Plant functional ecology requires the quantification of trait variation and its controls. Field measurements on 483 species at 48 sites across China were used to analyse variation in leaf traits, and assess their predictability.

Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to characterize trait variation, redundancy analysis (RDA) to reveal climate effects, and RDA with variance partitioning to estimate separate and overlapping effects of site, climate, life‐form and family membership.

Four orthogonal dimensions of total trait variation were identified: leaf area (LA), internal‐to‐ambient CO2 ratio (χ), leaf economics spectrum traits (specific leaf area (SLA) versus leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and nitrogen per area (Narea)), and photosynthetic capacities (Vcmax, Jmax at 25°C). LA and χ covaried with moisture index. Site, climate, life form and family together explained 70% of trait variance. Families accounted for 17%, and climate and families together 29%. LDMC and SLA showed the largest family effects. Independent life‐form effects were small.

Climate influences trait variation in part by selection for different life forms and families. Trait values derived from climate data via RDA showed substantial predictive power for trait values in the available global data sets. Systematic trait data collection across all climates and biomes is still necessary.
Orbital complications following extraction of mandibular molar teeth: a case report
Authors: French K. , Jagsi A. , Main B.G. , Thomas S.J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSerious sequelae of dental infections are unusual but can be potentially life‐ or sight‐threatening. This case describes the rapid and extensive development of a fascial space infection through an uncommon route, originating in mandibular molar teeth to involve the orbital tissues. Relevant surgical anatomy and pathophysiology are discussed. Also highlighted is the multidisciplinary management of care across three surgical specialities with input from the radiology and microbiology teams.
Paradoxical Internationalization: Regulatory Reforms in the Mexican Health‐Care System through the Lens of European Experience
Authors: Bode Ingo , Culebro M Jorge E. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractOver the recent past, Mexico has been exemplary in having launched regulatory reforms in order to modernize its health‐care system, with major objectives being universal insurance coverage and less infrastructural fragmentation. In this article we argue that these reforms, widely inspired by the global New Public Management movement and its aftermath, take shape in a difficult encounter with both the traditional public administration model in Mexico and tensions endemic to the aforementioned reform movement as attempts to enhance system integration coincide with procedural disorganization. This results in a paradoxical internationalization of the Mexican health‐care system due to which the above objectives may be difficult to achieve. To illustrate our argument, we examine the Mexican case through the lens of experience two European countries (Germany and Norway) in which reforms have affected the health‐care system in a similar way.