bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Life stage and proximity to roads shape the skin microbiota of eastern newts (Notophthalmus viridescens)
Authors: Wuerthner Vanessa P. , Hua Jessica , Hernández‐Gómez Obed 
Published: March 2022

SummaryHost‐associated microbiomes play an essential role in the health of organisms, including immune system activation, metabolism and energy uptake. It is well established that microbial communities differ depending on the life stage and natural history of the organism. However, the effects of life stage and natural history on microbial communities may also be influenced by human activities. We investigated the effects of amphibian life stage (terrestrial eft vs. aquatic adult) and proximity to roadways on newt skin bacterial communities. We found that the eft and adult life stages differed in bacterial community composition; however, the effects of roads on community composition were more evident in the terrestrial eft stage compared to the aquatic adult stage. Terrestrial efts sampled close to roads possessed richer communities than those living further away from the influence of roads. When accounting for amplicon sequence variants with predicted antifungal capabilities, in the adult life stage, we observed a decrease in anti‐fungal bacteria with distance to roads. In contrast, in the eft stage, we found an increase in anti‐fungal bacteria with distance to roads. Our results highlight the need to consider the effects of human activities when evaluating how host‐associated microbiomes differ across life stages of wildlife.
Therapist and supervisor experiences of the application of standard Multisystemic therapy to young people with suspected or diagnosed level 1 autistic Spectrum disorder
Authors: Pattni Sanu , Fox Simone , Glorney Emily 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMultisystemic Therapy (MST) is an intervention offered to young people presenting with antisocial and aggressive behaviour and is currently being adapted for use with the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) population. This qualitative study aimed to provide the first consideration of the experiences of MST therapists and supervisors of delivering standard MST to young people with suspected or diagnosed Level 1 ASD. Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with 11 MST therapists and supervisors with experience of working with the client group. Thematic analysis identified three major themes: (1) nuanced delivery of MST for Level 1 ASD, (2) need for knowledge and resources, and (3) positive experiences with delivering the intervention. Findings suggested the need for an increased focus on understanding the individual needs of a young person in assessment and intervention, the increased importance of structure and consistency, and psychoeducation for all systems around the young person in order to meet the developmental needs of young people with Level 1 ASD.
Associations between vaginal flora, MIP‐1α, IL‐17A, and clinical pregnancy rate in AIH
Authors: Yang Hui , Gao Chengzhen , Wang Xia , Qiu Fenglong , Wei Mian , Xia Fei 
Published: March 2022

AbstractProblemTo investigate how asymptomatic bacterial imbalance affects the clinical pregnancy rate after artificial insemination with the husband's semen (AIH).MethodsThis study included married heterosexual couples who underwent AIH. According to the follow‐up results, participants were divided into the pregnancy and non‐pregnancy groups. Based on the first 10 pair participants in each group with vaginal flora bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing results, six semen samples received bacterial‐sperm mixed test. Moreover, 34 cytokines were detected in the peripheral blood sera of the first three pairs by high‐throughput Luminex, which were verified in vaginal secretions, cervical mucus, and blood sera from the first 200 pairs by ELISA.ResultsThe results of the 16S sequencing of vaginal secretions showed that compared with the pregnant group, the non‐pregnant group had a significantly increased bacterial species diversity, which was mainly manifested by a decrease in Lactobacillus crispatus and an increase in Prevotella bivia. When Prevotella bivia or Lactobacillus crispatus were mixed with sperms, the sperm motility was decreased (p < .05). The vaginal posterior fornix secretions, cervical mucus, and peripheral blood sera of the non‐pregnant group showed decreased levels of MIP‐1α and increased levels of IL‐17A (p < .05).ConclusionThe imbalance of vaginal flora leading to the increase of Prevotella bivia and the decrease of Lactobacillus crispatus may cause an imbalance of immune regulation. Low expression of MIP‐1α and high expression of IL‐17A were associated with reduced clinical pregnancy rate in AIH.
Bochdalek hernias in the adult population: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Katsaros Ioannis , Giannopoulos Spyridon , Katelani Stamatia , Vailas Michail , Sotiropoulou Maria , Papaconstantinou Dimitrios , Giannakodimos Ilias , Kapetanakis Emmanouil I , Tomos Periklis , Schizas Dimitrios 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundBochdalek hernia (BH) is characterized by the protrusion of viscera into thorax through the posterolateral section of the diaphragm. The aim of this study was to systematically review current literature concerning Bochdalek hernias in adults and elucidate their clinical characteristics and preferable treatment approach.MethodsA search of PubMed and Cochrane bibliographical databases for studies regarding BHs was conducted (last search: 31st March 2021).ResultsPredefined inclusion criteria were met by 173 articles and concerned collectively 192 patients (50.5% males) with a mean age of 45.41 ± 20.26 years. Abdominal pain (62.0%) and pulmonary symptoms (41.1%) were the predominant symptomatology of included cases. BHs protruded mainly through the left side of the diaphragm (70.7%), with large intestine (42.7%) and stomach (37.1%) being the most commonly herniated abdominal organs. Most patients (53.8%) underwent an open surgical approach, while abdominal approach was preferred (64.8%). to the thoracic one. Thirty‐day postoperative complication were encountered at 21.5% of patients, while 30‐day mortality reached 4.4%.ConclusionBH is an extremely rare type of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. It rarely concerns adults, and it manifests with vague gastrointestinal or pulmonary symptoms. Surgical approach is the preferred method for their management with open procedures being preferable at emergency cases, while minimal invasive approach necessitates experienced centers. Further research is needed in order to clarify their true incidence and optimal therapeutic strategy.
C1q and mobility score in predicting sarcopenia in an Australian cohort of cancer surgery patients
Authors: Senanayake Tharindu , Loh Eu Jhin , Carroll Rosemary , Chan Virgil , Smith Stephen R. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundSarcopenia has been shown to have significant adverse health outcomes in a range of patient populations. Particularly, sarcopenic patients having cancer surgery are a unique group who demonstrate poorer post‐operative outcomes. Currently, the gold standard in diagnosing sarcopenia is through the use of computed tomography. However, the widespread use of imaging to diagnose patients with sarcopenia is neither cost‐effective nor practical. Identifying a serum biomarker or a simple mobility scoring system as an alternative diagnostic tool may aid in identifying more patients at risk of sarcopenia. C1q, a novel biomarker, has previously been shown to correlate with sarcopenia. Similarly, we sought to explore whether mobility scores may provide a useful surrogate marker for sarcopenia.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of patients who presented for colorectal cancer surgery between the dates of 6/10/2016 and 4/10/2017 at John Hunter Hospital. Computed tomography was utilized to calculate the psoas area at the L3 spinal level. Pre‐operative blood samples were obtained for C1q analysis and de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) was also performed.ResultsA total of 51 patients were included in the study. The median age of the patients were 69 years old. We did not demonstrate a correlation between serum C1q and DEMMI scores with psoas area.ConclusionOur findings suggest that neither C1q nor DEMMI scores are correlated with psoas area in a colorectal cancer population.
Technology landscape of pediatric mechanical circulatory support devices: A systematic review 2010–2021
Authors: Palazzolo Thomas , Hirschhorn Matthew , Garven Ellen , Day Steven , Stevens Randy M. , Rossano Joseph , Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang , Throckmorton Amy L. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundMechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices, such as ventricular assist devices (VADs) and total artificial hearts (TAHs), have become a vital therapeutic option in the treatment of end‐stage heart failure for adult patients. Such therapeutic options continue to be limited for pediatric patients. Clinicians initially adapted or scaled existing adult devices for pediatric patients; however, these adult devices are not designed to support the anatomical structure and varying flow capacities required for this population and are generally operated “off‐design,” which risks complications such as hemolysis and thrombosis. Devices designed specifically for the pediatric population which seek to address these shortcomings are now emerging and gaining FDA approval.MethodsTo analyze the competitive landscape of pediatric MCS devices, we conducted a systematic literature review. Approximately 27 devices were studied in detail: 8 were established or previously approved designs, and 19 were under development (11 VADs, 5 Fontan assist devices, and 3 TAHs).ResultsDespite significant progress, there is still no pediatric pump technology that satisfies the unique and distinct design constraints and requirements to support pediatric patients, including the wide range of patient sizes, increased cardiovascular demand with growth, and anatomic and physiologic heterogeneity of congenital heart disease.ConclusionsForward‐thinking design solutions are required to overcome these challenges and to ensure the translation of new therapeutic MCS devices for pediatric patients.
Response to commentary
Authors: Bahanan Lina , Scott Thayer , Kaye Elizabeth , Sohn Woosung 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis letter is a response to commentary by Dr. Smith on ‘Examining the association between cancer history in early life and dental care utilization’. We provided additional information and clarification regarding our analysis and results in response to Dr. Smith's questions and comments. Despite the limitations and weaknesses of our study, we still believe that it provides important information and further research questions.
Patients with alopecia areata are at risk of endothelial dysfunction: results of a case–control study
Authors: Waśkiel-Burnat Anna , Kotowska Maja , Dorobek Wioleta , Smyk Julia Maria , Gąsecka Aleksandra , Niemczyk Anna , Blicharz Leszek , Filipiak Krzysztof Jerzy , Olszewska Małgorzata , Rudnicka Lidia 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundAlopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune form of hair loss, which may affect any hair-bearing area. It has been suggested that AA is associated with an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities.AimTo evaluate the early predictors of cardiovascular disease [endothelial function (EF) and arterial stiffness (AS)] in patients with AA without prior cardiovascular disease, and compare with healthy controls (HCs).MethodsIn total, 52 patients with AA (38 women and 14 men; mean age 41 years, range 30–52 years) and 34 HCs, matched for age, sex and body mass index, were enrolled in the study. EF, expressed as reactive hyperaemia index (RHI), and AS, identified by augmentation index at 75 beats/min (AI@75) were assessed with the use of the Endo-PAT 2000 device. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) was defined as RHI value ≤1.67.ResultsED was observed in 22 of 52 patients with AA (42%) and in 4 of 34 HCs (12%) (P &lt; 0.01). Moreover, mean RHI was lower in patients with AA compared with HCs (1.90 ± 0.31 vs. 2.11 ± 0.45; P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in AI@75 between patients with AA and HCs.ConclusionsPatients with AA show abnormalities in early predictors of cardiovascular diseases. Regular cardiovascular screening might be appropriate for patients with AA.
Intravitreal dexamethasone versus bevacizumab in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients with diabetic macular oedema: The OASIS study (a randomised control trial)
Authors: Meyer Joos , Fry Carly , Turner Angus , Razavi Hessom 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundFrequent intravitreal anti‐VEGF injections are impractical for many Aboriginal patients with diabetic macular oedema (DMO). The longer acting intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX‐implant) is approved for DMO but has not been assessed in an Aboriginal population.MethodsThis was a prospective, multicentre, randomised, single‐masked, non‐inferiority clinical trial. Aboriginal adults from Western Australia with DMO were randomised to receive 3‐monthly DEX‐implant, or monthly intravitreal bevacizumab. The primary outcome was the change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 12 months.ResultsThe final endpoint was analysed for 24 DEX‐implant and 28 bevacizumab injection eyes. Mean BCVA improved by 4.0 letters (−0.08 LogMAR) in the DEX‐implant group and worsened by 5.5 letters (0.11 LogMAR) in the bevacizumab group. Before adjusting for cataract surgery, the upper bound of the two‐sided 90% CI for the DEX‐implant was 3.5 letters (0.07 LogMAR), which met non‐inferiority criteria. The BCVA of remote participants who received the DEX‐implant improved by 5.5 letters (0.11 LogMAR), compared to an 18.5 letter (0.37 LogMAR) decline for bevacizumab (p = 0.04). The incidence of steroid‐induced ocular hypertension for the DEX‐implant was 33.3%.ConclusionsBefore adjusting for the effect of cataract surgery, the DEX‐implant was non‐inferior to bevacizumab for treating DMO in Aboriginal participants. In remote participants, the DEX‐implant surpassed non‐inferiority to achieve superior outcomes to bevacizumab. The incidence of steroid‐induced hypertension was comparable to that reported in non‐Aboriginal populations. We provide guidelines for the judicious use of DEX‐implant among Aboriginal people, and a framework for performing ophthalmic clinical trials in Aboriginal communities.
Detection of interictal epileptiform discharges in an extended scalp EEG array and high‐density EEG—A prospective multicenter study
Authors: Heers Marcel , Böttcher Sebastian , Kalina Adam , Katletz Stefan , Altenmüller Dirk‐Matthias , Baroumand Amir G. , Strobbe Gregor , van Mierlo Pieter , von Oertzen Tim J. , Marusic Petr , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Beniczky Sándor , Dümpelmann Matthias 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesHigh counts of averaged interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) are key components of accurate interictal electric source imaging (ESI) in patients with focal epilepsy. Automated detections may be time‐efficient, but they need to identify the correct IED types. Thus we compared semiautomated and automated detection of IED types in long‐term video‐EEG (electroencephalography) monitoring (LTM) using an extended scalp EEG array and short‐term high‐density EEG (hdEEG) with visual detection of IED types and the seizure‐onset zone (SOZ).MethodsWe prospectively recruited consecutive patients from four epilepsy centers who underwent both LTM with 40‐electrode scalp EEG and short‐term hdEEG with 256 electrodes. Only patients with a single circumscribed SOZ in LTM were included. In LTM and hdEEG, IED types were identified visually, semiautomatically and automatically. Concordances of semiautomated and automated detections in LTM and hdEEG, as well as visual detections in hdEEG, were compared against visually detected IED types and the SOZ in LTM.ResultsFifty‐two of 62 patients with LTM and hdEEG were included. The most frequent IED types per patient, detected semiautomatically and automatically in LTM and visually in hdEEG, were significantly concordant with the most frequently visually identified IED type in LTM and the SOZ. Semiautomated and automated detections of IED types in hdEEG were significantly concordant with visually identified IED types in LTM, only when IED types with more than 50 detected single IEDs were selected. The threshold of 50 detected IED in hdEEG was reached in half of the patients. For all IED types per patient, agreement between visual and semiautomated detections in LTM was high.SignificanceSemiautomated and automated detections of IED types in LTM show significant agreement with visually detected IED types and the SOZ. In short‐term hdEEG, semiautomated detections of IED types are concordant with visually detected IED types and the SOZ in LTM if high IED counts were detected.
Pharmacological and molecular characterization of the A‐type muscarinic acetylcholine receptor from Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Pilon Alexandre , Goven Delphine , Raymond Valerie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMuscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) which are G protein‐coupled receptors play key roles in insect physiology. Whereas vertebrate mAChRs are important targets for pharmaceutical drugs, insect mAChRs are under‐exploited by the agro‐chemical industry. Moreover, insect mAChRs have been less well studied than their vertebrate counterparts. Their critical functions mean that a better knowledge of the insect mAChRs is crucial for the effort to develop a new molecular‐level strategy for insect pest management. Almost all insects possess three mAChRs named A, B and C which differ according to their coupling effector systems and their pharmacological profile. The aim of this study was to characterize the A‐type mAChR (mAChR‐A) from Anopheles gambiae which is the major vector of malaria in order to develop new strategies in pest management. In this paper, we reported that mAChR‐A is more expressed in adult mosquitoes than in larvae. Furthermore, using calcium imaging recordings, we found that the An. gambiae mAChR‐A expressed in Sf9 cells is activated by specific muscarinic agonists acetylcholine, muscarine and oxotremorine M and blocked by several mAChR antagonists. Moreover, using inhibitors of phosphoinositide pathway such as Gαq/11 protein blocker, we have shown that an increased intracellular calcium concentration elicited by the acetylcholine application was mediated by PLC/IP3R pathway. As a rise in intracellular calcium concentration could lead to an increase in the insecticide target sensitivity, these results suggest that An. gambiae mAChR‐A should not be only considered as a potential target for new molecules but also as a key element to optimize the efficacy of insecticide in vector control.
Cost‐effectiveness of screening for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing echocardiography
Authors: Ramkumar Satish , Kawakami Hiroshi , Wong Edmond , Nolan Mark , Marwick Thomas H. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundScreening for atrial fibrillation is recommended for patients > 65 years on current guidelines. Targeted screening may be more efficient, however the appropriate location for screening programs has not been well defined. Our aim was to compare the cost‐effectiveness of unselected electrocardiographic (ECG) screening for atrial fibrillation (AF), and selective screening based on an abnormal echocardiogram.MethodsTwo strategies of portable ECG screening for AF were compared in the base case of a hypothetical asymptomatic 65‐year‐old man (CHA2DS2‐VASC = 3 based on hypertension and diabetes mellitus) with previous echocardiography but without a cause for AF (e.g. mitral valve disease, left ventricular (LV) dysfunction). With age‐based screening (AgeScreen; 3% AF detection rate) all patients underwent ECG. With imaging‐guided screening (ImagingScreen; 5% detection rate), only patients with left atrial (LA) volume ≥34 mL/m2 and LA reservoir strain <34% or LV global longitudinal strain > −18% underwent ECG screening. A Markov model was informed by published transition probabilities, costs and quality‐adjusted life years (QALY). Costs, effects and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio were assessed for each screening strategy over a 20‐year period. The willingness‐to‐pay threshold was $53 000/QALY.ResultsImagingScreen dominated AgeScreen, with a lower cost ($54 823 vs $57842) and better outcome (11.56 vs 11.52 QALY over 20 years). Monte Carlo simulation demonstrated that 61% of observations were more efficacious with ImagingScreen, with cost below willingness to pay. The main cost determinants were annual costs of stroke or heart failure and AF detection rates. ImagingScreen was more cost‐effective for AF detection rates up to 14%, and more cost‐effective across a range of annual stroke ($24 000–$102 000) and heart failure ($4000–$12 000) costs.ConclusionIn patients with a previous echocardiogram, AF screening of those with baseline clinical and imaging risk parameters is more cost‐effective than age‐based screening.
NEDD4 attenuates phosgene‐induced acute lung injury through the inhibition of Notch1 activation
Authors: Shao Yiru , Jiang Zhifeng , He Daikun , Shen Jie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPhosgene gas leakage can cause life‐threatening acute lung injury (ALI), which is characterized by inflammation, increased vascular permeability, pulmonary oedema and oxidative stress. Although the downregulation of neuronal precursor cell‐expressed developmentally downregulated 4 (NEDD4) is known to be associated with inflammation and oxidative damage, its functions in phosgene‐induced ALI remain unclear. In this study, rats with phosgene‐induced ALI were intravenously injected with NEDD4‐overexpressing lentiviruses to determine the functions of NEDD4 in this inflammatory condition. NEDD4 expression was decreased in the lung parenchyma of phosgene‐exposed control rats, whereas its expression level was high in the NEDD4‐overexpressing rats. Phosgene exposure increased the wet‐to‐dry lung weight ratio, but NEDD4 abrogated this effect. NEDD4 overexpression attenuated phosgene‐induced lung inflammation, lowering the high lung injury score (based on total protein, inflammatory cells and inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) and also reduced phosgene‐induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. Finally, NEDD4 was found to interact with Notch1, enhancing its ubiquitination and thereby its degradation, thus attenuating the inflammatory responses to ALI. Therefore, we demonstrated that NEDD4 plays a protective role in alleviating phosgene‐induced ALI, suggesting that enhancing the effect of NEDD4 may be a new approach for treating phosgene‐induced ALI.