bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relation of Body Mass Index With Adverse Outcomes Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta‐Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Zhu Wengen , Wan Rong , Liu Fuwei , Hu Jinzhu , Huang Lin , Li Juxiang , Hong Kui 
Published: September 2016

Background

Several studies have investigated the impact of body mass index (BMI) on the prognosis of atrial fibrillation, but the results remain controversial. We sought to estimate the association of
BMI
with atrial fibrillation–related outcomes.

Methods and Results

We systematically searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Elsevier databases for all studies reporting associations between
BMI
and atrial fibrillation–related outcomes. Relative risks (
RR
s) and 95% CIs were extracted and pooled. Nine studies with 49 364 participants were included. Underweight BMI was associated with an increased risk of stroke or systemic embolism (
RR
1.67, 95% CI 1.12–2.49), all‐cause mortaliity (
RR
2.61, 95% CI 2.21–3.09), and cardiovascular death (
RR
2.49, 95% CI 1.38–4.50). Nevertheless, the pooled
RR
s of overweight and obese patients were lower than those of normal‐weight patients for stroke or systemic embolism (overweight:
RR
0.91, 95% CI 0.80–1.04; obese: RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72–0.98; grade 1 obesity: RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.71–1.11; grade 2 obesity: RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.45–0.91; grade 3 obesity: RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.54–1.25), all‐cause death (overweight:
RR
0.78, 95% CI 0.62–0.96; obese: RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.64–1.10; grade 1 obesity: RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.57–0.73; grade 2 obesity: RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.47–1.03; grade 3 obesity: RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.59–0.88), and cardiovascular death (overweight:
RR
0.79, 95% CI 0.58–1.08; obese: RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.79–1.24).

Conclusions
Underweight BMI is associated with an increased risk of stroke or systemic embolism, cardiovascular death, and all‐cause death in Asian patients with atrial fibrillation, whereas in all atrial fibrillation patients, overweight and obese BMI was not associated with increased risks of these outcomes.
Hysteresis in Mental Workload and Task Performance
Authors: Jansen Reinier J. , Sawyer Ben D. , van Egmond René , de Ridder Huib , Hancock Peter A. 
Published: September 2016

Objective: We examine how transitions in task demand are manifested in mental workload and performance in a dual-task setting. Background: Hysteresis has been defined as the ongoing influence of demand levels prior to a demand transition. Authors of previous studies predominantly examined hysteretic effects in terms of performance. However, little is known about the temporal development of hysteresis in mental workload. Method: A simulated driving task was combined with an auditory memory task. Participants were instructed to prioritize driving or to prioritize both tasks equally. Three experimental conditions with low, high, and low task demands were constructed by manipulating the frequency of lane changing. Multiple measures of subjective mental workload were taken during experimental conditions. Results: Contrary to our prediction, no hysteretic effects were found after the high- to low-demand transition. However, a hysteretic effect in mental workload was found within the high-demand condition, which degraded toward the end of the high condition. Priority instructions were not reflected in performance. Conclusion: Online assessment of both performance and mental workload demonstrates the transient nature of hysteretic effects. An explanation for the observed hysteretic effect in mental workload is offered in terms of effort regulation. Application: An informed arrival at the scene is important in safety operations, but peaks in mental workload should be avoided to prevent buildup of fatigue. Therefore, communication technologies should incorporate the historical profile of task demand.
Long-Lasting Changes in Muscle Twitch Force During Simulated Work While Standing or Walking
Authors: Garcia Maria-Gabriela , Wall Rudolf , Steinhilber Benjamin , Läubli Thomas , Martin Bernard J. 
Published: September 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-lasting effects of prolonged standing work on a hard floor or floor mat and slow-pace walking on muscle twitch force (MTF) elicited by electrical stimulation. Background: Prolonged standing work may alter lower-leg muscle function, which can be quantified by changes in the MTF amplitude and duration related to muscle fatigue. Ergonomic interventions have been proposed to mitigate fatigue and discomfort; however, their influences remain controversial. Method: Ten men and eight women simulated standing work in 320-min experiments with three conditions: standing on a hard floor or an antifatigue mat and walking on a treadmill, each including three seated rest breaks. MTF in the gastrocnemius-soleus muscles was evaluated through changes in signal amplitude and duration. Results: The significant decrease of MTF amplitude and an increase of duration after standing work on a hard floor and on a mat persisted beyond 1 hr postwork. During walking, significant MTF metrics changes appeared 30 min postwork. MTF amplitude decrease was not significant after the first 110 min in any of the conditions; however, MTF duration was significantly higher than baseline in the standing conditions. Conclusion: Similar long-lasting weakening of MTF was induced by standing on a hard floor and on an antifatigue mat. However, walking partially attenuated this phenomenon. Application: Mostly static standing is likely to contribute to alterations of MTF in lower-leg muscles and potentially to musculoskeletal disorders regardless of the flooring characteristics. Occupational activities including slow-pace walking may reduce such deterioration in muscle function.
Long-term effects of parental divorce timing on depression: A population-based longitudinal study
Authors: Chun Sung-Youn , Jang Suk-Yong , Choi Jae-Woo , Shin Jaeyong , Park Eun-Cheol 
Published: September 2016

Background: We examined the long-term effects of parental divorce timing on depression using longitudinal data from the Korean Welfare Panel Study. Methods: Depression symptoms were measured using the 11 items of Center for Epidemiologic Scale for Depression (CES-D-11), and we categorized parental divorce timing into ‘early childhood’, ‘adolescent’ and ‘none’. Results: Although participants who experienced parental divorce during adolescence exhibited a significantly higher CES-D-11 score ( p = .0468), ‘early childhood’ participants displayed the most increased CES-D-11 score compared to the control group ( p = .0007). Conversely, among participants who were unsatisfied with their marriage, those who experienced parental divorce in early childhood showed lower CES-D-11 scores, while ‘adolescent period’ participants exhibited significantly higher CES-D-11 scores ( p = .0131). Conclusion: We concluded that timing of parental divorce exerts substantial yet varied effects on long-term depression symptoms and future marriage satisfaction.
Marijuana Policy Opinions in Washington State Since Legalization
Authors: Subbaraman Meenakshi Sabina , Kerr William C. 
Published: September 2016

Background: In 2012, voters in Washington state approved Initiative 502 (I-502) which legalized recreational marijuana use at the state level. This study examines the relationship between demographics, marijuana and alcohol use, and voting outcomes, as well as how these variables relate to (i) whether voters would still vote the same way (a reflection of satisfaction with the new policy) and (ii) the likelihood of using marijuana purchased from legal retail stores. Methods: The sample consists of 2,007 adult Washington state residents recruited through Random Digit Dial between January and October 2014. Bivariate tests and multivariable regressions were used for analyses. Results: Less than 5% of those who voted for marijuana legalization would change their votes, whereas 14% of those who voted against legalization would change their votes. In multivariable models controlling for demographics, substance use, and marijuana-related opinions, those who voted for legalization had half the odds of changing their votes than those who voted against it. Among past-year nonmarijuana users, almost 10% were somewhat/very likely to use marijuana if they could buy it from a legal store. Past marijuana use, the belief that adults should be allowed to grow marijuana for personal use, and the belief that marijuana is not very risky for health were all related to increased likelihood of using marijuana purchased from legal stores. Conclusion: Since November 2012, support for marijuana legalization in Washington state has increased; accounting for the proportion of voters who would change their votes suggests that I-502 would pass today with even more votes in favor.
Cell Viability in Arthroscopic Versus Open Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Authors: Biant Leela C. , Simons Michiel , Gillespie Trudi , McNicholas Michael J. 
Published: September 2016

Background: Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is an effective method of repair of articular cartilage defects. It is a 2-stage operation, with the second stage most commonly performed via mini-arthrotomy. Arthroscopic ACI is gaining popularity, as it is less invasive and may accelerate early rehabilitation. However, handling and manipulation of the implant have been shown to cause chondrocyte cell death. Purpose: To assess the number and viability of cells delivered via an open versus arthroscopic approach in ACI surgery. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Sixteen ACI surgeries were performed on young cadaveric knees by 2 experienced surgeons: 8 via mini-arthrotomy and 8 arthroscopically. Live and dead cells were stained and counted on implants after surgery. The cell number and viability were assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Surgery was timed from knife to skin until the end of cycling the knee 10 times after implantation of the cell-membrane construct. Results: On receipt of cell membranes after transportation from the laboratory, ≥92% of the cells were viable. There were significantly more remaining cells (8.47E+07 arthroscopic vs 1.41E+08 open; P < .001) and 16 times more viable cells (3.62% arthroscopic vs 37.34% open; P < .001) on the implants when they were inserted via mini-open surgery compared with the arthroscopic technique. Open surgery was of a significantly shorter duration (6 vs 32 minutes; P < .001). Conclusion: In this study, there were significantly more viable cells on the implant when ACI was performed via mini-arthrotomy compared with an arthroscopic technique. Clinical Relevance: The viability of cells delivered for ACI via an arthroscopic approach was 16 times less than via an open approach. The mini-arthrotomy approach is recommended until long-term clinical comparative data are available.
Surgical Release of the Pectoralis Minor Tendon for Scapular Dyskinesia and Shoulder Pain
Authors: Provencher Matthew T. , Kirby Hannah , McDonald Lucas S. , Golijanin Petar , Gross Daniel , Campbell Kevin J. , LeClere Lance , Sanchez George , Anthony Shawn , Romeo Anthony A. 
Published: September 2016

Background: Pectoralis minor (PM) tightness has been linked to pain and dysfunction of the shoulder joint secondary to anterior tilt and internal rotation of the scapula, thus causing secondary impingement of the subacromial space. Purpose: To describe outcomes pertaining to nonoperative and operative treatment via surgical release of the PM tendon for pathologic PM tightness in an active population. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Over a 3-year period, a total of 46 patients were enrolled (mean age, 25.5 years; range, 18-33 years). Inclusion criteria consisted of symptomatic shoulder pain, limited range of overhead motion, inability to participate in overhead lifting activities, and examination findings consistent with scapular dysfunction secondary to a tight PM with tenderness to palpation of the PM tendon. All patients underwent a lengthy physical therapy and stretching program (mean, 11.4 months; range, 3-23 months), which was followed by serial examinations for resolution of symptoms and scapular tilt. Of the 46 patients, 6 (13%) were unable to adequately stretch the PM and underwent isolated mini-open PM release. Outcomes were assessed with scapula protraction measurements and pain scales as well as American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Results: Forty of the 46 patients (87%) resolved the tight PM and scapular-mediated symptoms with a dedicated therapy program (pre- and posttreatment mean outcome scores: 58 and 91 [ASES], 50 and 90 [SANE], 4.9 and 0.8 [VAS]; P < .01 for all), but 6 patients were considered nonresponders (mean score, 48 [ASES], 40 [SANE], 5.9 [VAS]) and elected to have surgical PM release, with improved scores in all domains (mean score, 89 [ASES], 90.4 [SANE], 0.9 [VAS]; P < .01) at final follow-up of 26 months (range, 25-30 months). Additionally, protraction of the scapula improved from 1.2 to 0.3 cm in a mean midline measurement from the chest wall preoperatively to postoperatively ( P < .01), similar to results in nonoperative responders. No surgical complications were reported, and all patients returned to full activities. Conclusion: In most patients, PM tightness can be successfully treated with a nonoperative focused PM stretching program. However, in refractory and pathologically tight PM cases, this series demonstrates predictable return to function with notable improvement in shoulder symptoms after surgical release of the PM. Additional research is necessary to evaluate the long-term efficacy of isolated PM treatment.
Evaluating Child-Custody Recommendations of Israeli Arab Social Workers
Authors: Enosh Guy , Nouman Hani , Anabtawi Rafah 
Published: September 2016

Objectives: To evaluate Israeli Arab social workers’ custody recommendations, given the unique cultural context in which they operate. Methods: The current study used an experimental-design embedded within a survey. Data regarding custody recommendations were collected from 137 Israeli Arab social workers. Results: Israeli Arab social workers tend to adhere to traditional norms and prefer mother’s custody (odds ratio [ OR] = 3.74; effect size [ES] = 0.73) over father’s ( OR = 0.05; ES = −1.65) and joint custody ( OR = 0.19; ES = −0.91). Contrary to the hypothesis, males were not associated with father’s custody, but female gender increased the chances for mother’s custody ( OR = 1.27; ES = 0.13). Parents’ education level increased the chances for joint-custody recommendation ( OR = 1.69; ES = 0.29). Conclusion: Traditional social norms have an impact on the social worker’s decision. The relationships between social workers’ decision-making processes and their perception societal expectations and norms can be viewed from the perspectives of tacit knowledge, worker’s reflexivity, and evidence-based practice. We emphasize the importance of developing and assimilating relevant organizational mechanisms, supervision, and teaching curricula.
Drug exposure and clinical effect of transdermal mirtazapine in healthy young cats: a pilot study
Authors: Benson Kellyi K , Zajic Lara B , Morgan Paula K , Brown Sarah R , Hansen Ryan J , Lunghofer Paul J , Wittenburg Luke A , Gustafson Daniel L , Quimby Jessica M 
Published: September 2016

Objectives The objective of this study was to measure drug exposure and clinical effects after administration of transdermal mirtazapine (TMZ) in healthy cats. Methods Phase I: seven healthy research cats received (1) 3.75 mg and 7.5 mg TMZ once aurally with 48 h serum sampling (serum samples were obtained via the jugular catheter at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 9, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h); (2) 7.5 mg TMZ and placebo daily aurally for 6 days then 48 h serum sampling; (3) 1.88 mg mirtazapine orally once with serum sampling at 1, 4 and 8 h. Phase II: 20 client-owned cats were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-way crossover clinical effect study. Treatments consisted of 6 days of aural 7.5 mg TMZ or placebo gel at home, and 1.88 mg mirtazapine orally once in the clinic. Owners documented appetite, rate of food ingestion, begging activity and vocalization daily at home. On day 6, food consumed, activity and vocalization were documented in hospital, and trough and peak serum mirtazapine levels were obtained. Serum mirtazapine and gel concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Results Phase I: administration of TMZ achieved measureable serum mirtazapine concentrations. Area under the curve0–48 of multidose 7.5 mg TMZ was significantly higher than single-dose 1.88 mg oral mirtazapine (OMZ) ( P = 0.02). Phase II: client-owned cats administered TMZ had a significant increase in appetite ( P = 0.003), rate of food ingestion ( P = 0.002), activity ( P = 0.002), begging ( P = 0.002) and vocalization ( P = 0.002) at home. In hospital there was a significant increase in food ingested with both TMZ and OMZ compared with placebo ( P <0.05). Gel concentrations ranged from 87%–119% of target dose. Conclusions and relevance TMZ 7.5 mg daily achieves measureable serum concentrations and produces significant appetite stimulation despite variance in compounded gel concentrations, but side effects denote a lower dose is indicated.
Novel fMRI working memory paradigm accurately detects cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Nelson Flavia , Akhtar Mohammad A , Zúñiga Edward , Perez Carlos A , Hasan Khader M , Wilken Jeffrey , Wolinsky Jerry S , Narayana Ponnada A , Steinberg Joel L 
Published: September 2016

Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) cannot be diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigms, such as the immediate/delayed memory task (I/DMT), detect varying degrees of working memory (WM). Preliminary findings using I/DMT showed differences in blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) activation between impaired (MSCI, n = 12) and non-impaired (MSNI, n = 9) multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Objectives: The aim of the study was to confirm CI detection based on I/DMT BOLD activation in a larger cohort of MS patients. The role of T2 lesion volume (LV) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in magnitude of BOLD signal was also sought. Methods: A total of 50 patients (EDSS mean ( m) = 3.2, disease duration (DD) m = 12 years, and age m = 40 years) underwent the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis (MACFIMS) and I/DMT. Working memory activation (WMa) represents BOLD signal during DMT minus signal during IMT. CI was based on MACFIMS. Results: A total of 10 MSNI, 30 MSCI, and 4 borderline patients were included in the analyses. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed MSNI had significantly greater WMa than MSCI, in the left prefrontal cortex and left supplementary motor area ( p = 0.032). Regression analysis showed significant inverse correlations between WMa and T2 LV/EDSS in similar areas ( p = 0.005, 0.004, respectively). Conclusion: I/DMT-based BOLD activation detects CI in MS. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Plasma complement biomarkers distinguish multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Hakobyan Svetlana , Luppe Sebastian , Evans David RS , Harding Katharine , Loveless Samantha , Robertson Neil P , Morgan B Paul 
Published: September 2016

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system. Although distinguished by clinicoradiological and demographic features, early manifestations can be similar complicating management. Antibodies against aquaporin-4 support the diagnosis of NMOSD but are negative in some patients. Therefore, there is unmet need for biomarkers that enable early diagnosis and disease-specific intervention. Objective: We investigated whether plasma complement proteins are altered in MS and NMOSD and provide biomarkers that distinguish these diseases. Methods: Plasma from 54 NMOSD, 40 MS and 69 control donors was tested in multiplex assays measuring complement activation products and proteins. Using logistic regression, we tested whether combinations of complement analytes distinguished NMOSD from controls and MS. Results: All activation products were elevated in NMOSD compared to either control or MS. Four complement proteins (C1inh, C1s, C5 and FH) were higher in NMOSD compared to MS or controls. A model comprising C1inh and terminal complement complex (TCC) distinguished NMOSD from MS (area under the curve (AUC): 0.98), while C1inh and C5 distinguished NMOSD from controls (AUC: 0.94). Conclusion: NMOSD is distinguished from MS by plasma complement biomarkers. Selected complement analytes enable differential diagnosis. Findings support trials of anti-complement therapies in NMOSD.
Renin–angiotensin system gene expression and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Goldstein Benjamin , Speth Robert C , Trivedi Malav 
Published: September 2016

Hypothesis: Single nucleotide polymorphisms and altered gene expression of components of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Introduction: Drugs that interact with the RAS have been shown to affect the course of neurodegenerative disease, suggesting that abnormalities in the RAS may contribute to neurodegenerative disease. Materials and methods: A meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies and gene expression data for 14 RAS-related proteins was carried out for five neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, narcolepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis. Results: No single nucleotide polymorphisms in any of the 14 RAS-related protein genes were significantly associated with the five neurodegenerative diseases investigated. There was an inverse association between expression of ATP6AP2, which encodes the (pro)renin receptor, and multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. An association of AGTR, which encodes the AT1 angiotensin II receptor, and Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease was also observed. Conclusions: To date, no single nucleotide polymorphisms in components of the RAS can be definitively linked to the neurodegenerative diseases evaluated in this study. However, altered gene expression of several components of the RAS is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, which may indicate that the RAS contributes to the pathology of these diseases.