bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occasions for laughter and dementia risk: Findings from a six‐year cohort study
Authors: Wang Yu , Shirai Kokoro , Ohira Tetsuya , Hirosaki Mayumi , Kondo Naoki , Takeuchi Kenji , Yamaguchi Chikae , Tamada Yudai , Kondo Katsunori , Cadar Dorina , Iso Hiroyasu 
Published: March 2022

AimCurrently, there is little evidence on the relationship between laughter and the risk of dementia, and since laughter is mainly a social behavior, we aimed to examine the association between various occasions for laughter and the risk of dementia in Japanese older adults.MethodsWe draw upon 6‐year follow‐up data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study, including 12 165 independent older adults aged 65 years or over. Occasions for laughter were assessed using a questionnaire, while dementia was diagnosed using the standardized dementia scale of the long‐term care insurance system in Japan. Cox proportional hazards models were estimated, yielding hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe multivariable hazard ratio of dementia incidence for all participants in the groups for high versus low variety of occasions for laughter was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.72–0.98, P for trend <0.001). A greater variety of occasions for laughter was associated with a lower risk of dementia 0.78 (95% CI: 0.63–0.96, P for trend <0.001) among women, but was less pronounced for men, with significant associations only for the medium group. Laughing during conversations with friends, communicating with children or grandchildren, and listening to the radio were primarily associated with decreased risk.ConclusionA greater variety of laughter occasions in individual and social settings was associated with a reduced risk of dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 392–398.
Perceptions of recovery and rehabilitation in people with brain injury in Spain. A qualitative study
Authors: Pérez‐de la Cruz Sagrario 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntroductionAcquired brain injury (ABI) is a condition that severely impairs the personal, family, social and professional lives of the individuals who experience it. The aim of this study was to gain insight into ABI patients' perceptions of their condition and rehabilitation process so that physiotherapists can approach their treatment in a more comprehensive, satisfactory manner.MethodsA qualitative study was carried out with individual interviews, and focus group sessions (semi‐structured interviews) were held with 33 individuals from various associations.ResultsFour themes emerged in this study: physiotherapy treatment, changes in lifestyle, patients' feelings about their condition and aspirations for the future. The participants reported that their condition had led to multiple changes in their personal and family lives that were not always positive.ConclusionsThese findings may be useful for identifying ways to increase acceptance of their condition and design a comprehensive rehabilitation programme for these patients and their families. The psychosocial needs of ABI patients could be optimized by providing good physical care through effective communication within the rehabilitation environment where communication between professionals and patients prevails, to meet their real needs and expectations.Patient or Public ContributionThis study was conducted based on interviews with adult ABI patients regarding their experiences concerning their rehabilitation process and daily life.
Dose‐adjusted EPOCH‐R is a safe and well tolerated outpatient treatment regimen in double‐hit lymphoma
Authors: Nelles Ricky , Morris Kirk , Scott Ashleigh , Kennedy Glenn 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundDouble‐hit lymphoma (DHL) is an aggressive subtype of high‐grade B‐cell lymphoma with inferior prognosis using standard dose chemotherapy. Controversy remains whether more intensive chemotherapy regimens such as dose‐adjusted etoposide, prednisolone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and rituximab (DA‐EPOCH‐R) provide better outcomes in this cohort.AimsTo review consecutive cases of DHL treated with DA‐EPOCH‐R at our institution in comparison to available literature.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of 13 consecutive patients with DHL treated with DA‐EPOCH‐R at our institution. Primary endpoints included complete response (CR), event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS).ResultsCR rate with DA‐EPOCH‐R in DHL was 69% in our cohort. Median EFS and OS duration was 61 months (95% CI: 41–86 months) and 64 months (95% CI: 42–86 months) respectively. One patient discontinued DA‐EPOCH‐R due to recurrent febrile neutropenia and there were no treatment or infection‐related deaths during the study.ConclusionsThis study suggests that DA‐EPOCH‐R is a well tolerated outpatient regimen for DHL and should be considered for initial treatment in medically fit patients. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Siglec‐5 is an inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule for human T cells
Authors: Vuchkovska Aleksandra , Glanville David G. , Scurti Gina M. , Nishimura Michael I. , White Paula , Ulijasz Andrew T. , Iwashima Makio 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSialic acid‐binding immunoglobulin‐type lectins (Siglecs) are a family of immunoglobulin‐type lectins that mediate protein‐carbohydrate interactions via sialic acids attached to glycoproteins or glycolipids. Most of the CD33‐related Siglecs (CD33rSiglecs), a major subfamily of rapidly evolving Siglecs, contain a cytoplasmic signaling domain consisting of the immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based inhibitory motif (ITIM) and immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based switch motif (ITSM) and mediate suppressive signals for lymphoid and myeloid cells. While most CD33rSiglecs are expressed by innate immune cells, such as monocytes and neutrophils, to date, the expression of Siglecs in human T cells has not been well appreciated. In this study, we found that Siglec‐5, a member of the CD33rSiglecs, is expressed by most activated T cells upon antigen receptor stimulation. Functionally, Siglec‐5 suppresses T cell activation. In support of these findings, we found that Siglec‐5 overexpression abrogates antigen receptor induced activation of NFAT and AP‐1. Furthermore, we show that GBS β‐protein, a known bacterial ligand of Siglec‐5, reduces the production of cytokines and cytolytic molecules by activated primary T cells in a Siglec‐5 dependent manner. Our data also show that some cancer cell lines express a putative Siglec‐5 ligand(s), and that the presence of soluble Siglec‐5 enhances tumor‐cell specific T cell activation, suggesting that some tumor cells inhibit T cell activation via Siglec‐5. Together, our data demonstrate that Siglec‐5 is a previously unrecognized inhibitory T cell immune checkpoint molecule and suggest that blockade of Siglec‐5 could serve as a new strategy to enhance anti‐tumor T cell functions.
Severe acute respiratory illness surveillance for influenza in Kenya: Patient characteristics and lessons learnt
Authors: Gachari Maryanne N. , Ndegwa Linus , Emukule Gideon O. , Kirui Lily , Kalani Rosalia , Juma Bonventure , Mayieka Lilian , Kinuthia Peter , Widdowson Marc‐Alain , Chaves Sandra S. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundWe describe the epidemiology and clinical features of Kenyan patients hospitalized with laboratory‐confirmed influenza compared with those testing negative and discuss the potential contribution of severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) surveillance in monitoring a broader range of respiratory pathogens.MethodsWe described demographic and clinical characteristics of SARI cases among children (<18 years) and adults, separately. We compared disease severity (clinical features and treatment) of hospitalized influenza positive versus negative cases and explored independent predictors of death among SARI cases using a multivariable logistic regression model.ResultsFrom January 2014 to December 2018, 11,166 persons were hospitalized with SARI and overall positivity for influenza was ~10%. There were 10,742 (96%) children (<18 years)—median age of 1 year, interquartile range (IQR = 6 months, 2 years). Only 424 (4%) of the SARI cases were adults (≥18 years), with median age of 38 years (IQR 28 years, 52 years). There was no difference in disease severity comparing influenza positive and negative cases among children. Children hospitalized with SARI who had an underlying illness had greater odds of in‐hospital death compared with those without (adjusted odds ratio 2.11 95% CI 1.09–4.07). No further analysis was done among adults due to the small sample size.ConclusionKenya's sentinel surveillance for SARI mainly captures data on younger children. Hospital‐based platforms designed to monitor influenza viruses and associated disease burden may be adapted and expanded to other respiratory viruses to inform public health interventions. Efforts should be made to capture adults as part of routine respiratory surveillance.
Dilemmas when implementing conditional cash transfers: Lessons for Ghana and the rest of us
Authors: Danquah Jones Kwame Adom , Øverbye Einar 
Published: March 2022

AbstractUsing the Ghanaian LEAP benefit programme as a case study, we investigate how administrators, service personnel and beneficiaries perceive and respond to implementation dilemmas. The investigation focuses on the LEAP benefit for caregivers of children, which is conditional on children’s school attendance, health check‐ups and vaccinations. An ethical dilemma concerns whether non‐compliance should be sanctioned, since this may push caregivers and their children deeper into poverty. Other dilemmas concern how administrative resources should be allocated for the targeting, monitoring, sanctioning and exiting of beneficiaries; how spending should be allocated between providing cash benefits and securing health and education services of sufficient quality; whether available money should be spread widely but thinly to provide incentives for many caregivers to send children to schools and attend health check‐ups, or be targeted more narrowly to enhance relief for the very poorest; and whether funding would be less forthcoming if the minimum benefit was not a conditional cash transfer (CCT). We discuss whether similar dilemmas are likely to be present in other low‐ and middle‐income countries operating similar CCTs, and whether some of these also apply to “active” minimum benefits implemented in high‐income countries
Process evaluation of the Disability Allowance programme in the Maldives
Authors: Hameed Shaffa , Walsham Matthew , Banks Lena Morgon , Kuper Hannah 
Published: March 2022

AbstractLimited evidence on the design and implementation of social protection programmes for people with disabilities in low‐ and middle‐income countries constrains understanding of how their impacts could be improved. The Disability Allowance programme in the Maldives is a non means‐tested, monthly cash transfer targeting people with disabilities. Using qualitative methods, process evaluation was used to examine the intervention design, implementation, and likelihood of achieving its intended objectives. There were important strengths of the programme, including the broad definition of disability. We find that delivery could be strengthened through providing greater clarity on eligibility criteria and strengthening human resources to widen the programme’s reach. Intervention fidelity was challenged by inconsistent practice among implementers and lack of established protocols. Most importantly, the absence of linkages with the Medical Welfare scheme that provides assistive devices potentially limits the likelihood of the programme achieving intended objectives.
Adapting to extremes: Reconstructing evolution in response to changing climate over time and space in the diverse Australian plant genus Acacia
Authors: Hua Xia , Cardillo Marcel , Bromham Lindell 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimMacroevolutionary analysis is increasingly being used to study biodiversity responses to climate change, for example by using phylogenetic node ages to infer periods of diversification, or phylogenetic reconstruction of traits to infer adaptation to particular stresses. Here we apply a recently developed macroevolutionary method to investigate the responses of a diverse plant genus, Acacia, to increasing aridity and salinity in Australia from the Miocene to the present. We ask whether increase in tolerance of aridity and salinity coincided with periods of aridification, and if it allowed the radiation of Acacia into a wide range of niches.TaxonAcacia.LocationAustralia.MethodsWe applied the Niche Evolution Model (NEMo), which combines environmental (or ecological) niche modelling (ENM) with phylogenetic comparative methods (PCMs) in a single statistical framework, to a large database of Acacia presence‐only records and presence–absence survey sites in order to infer current environmental tolerances of Australia Acacia species and reconstruct the evolution of environmental tolerance to increasing aridity and salinity.ResultsWe find that patterns in evolution of Acacia, over time and across different habitat types, are consistent with the aridification history of Australia and suggests substantial ability to adapt to high aridity and salinity.Main conclusionsOur results suggest that many Acacia lineages have been able to exploit new environments created during the aridification of Australia through evolution of environmental tolerance, resulting in their current dominance of many habitats across the continent. This study demonstrates that phylogenetic studies of the evolution of responses to changing environment can move beyond the application of simple trait‐based models, allowing the underlying processes of speciation, adaptation and dispersal to be explicitly modelled in a macroecological and macroevolutionary context.
Factors affecting glycemic control in diabetes mellitus complicated by autoimmune pancreatitis
Authors: Harai Nozomi , Nishimura Akihiro , Matsumura Kimio , Suzuki Yuya , Kikuno Shota , Kobayashi Tetsuro , Nagasawa Kaoru , Mori Yasumichi 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTAims/IntroductionTo investigate factors influencing glycemic control in diabetes mellitus complicated by autoimmune pancreatitis.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study investigated 33 patients with diabetes mellitus complicated by autoimmune pancreatitis who had received steroid therapy at Toranomon Hospital between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2020. The course of glycemic control at 12 months after starting steroids was classified into three groups: Improved, Unchanged, or Worsened. Factors affecting these groups were investigated. Furthermore, we created two scores: (1) time of diabetes mellitus onset and baseline body mass index; (2) time of diabetes mellitus onset and baseline C‐peptide index. Diabetes mellitus occurring at the same time as autoimmune pancreatitis, body mass index ≥22 kg/m2, and C‐peptide index ≥1.1 were each worth 1 point. Scores were summed and totals of 0–2 were compared between groups.ResultsTen patients were in the Improved group, 10 were in the Unchanged group, and 13 were in the Worsened group. The baseline body mass index and baseline C‐peptide index were lower in the Worsened group than in the Improved group (P < 0.05 each). In addition, the scores were lower in the Worsened group than in the other groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionsPatients with a lower baseline body mass index and a decreased baseline C‐peptide index may experience worse glycemic control on steroid therapy.
Genetic and social contributions to sex differences in lifespan in Drosophila serrata
Authors: Narayan Vikram P. , Wilson Alastair J. , Chenoweth Stephen F. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSex differences in lifespan remain an intriguing puzzle in evolutionary biology. While explanations range from sex differences in selection to sex differences in the expression of recessive lifespan‐altering mutations (via X‐linkage), little consensus has been reached. One unresolved issue is the extent to which genetic influences on lifespan dimorphism are modulated by the environment. For example, studies have shown that sex differences in lifespan can either increase or decrease depending upon the social environment. Here, we took an experimental approach, manipulating multiple axes of the social environment across inbred long‐ and short‐lived genotypes and their reciprocal F1s in the fly Drosophila serrata. Our results reveal strong genetic effects and subtle yet significant genotype‐by‐environment interactions for male and female lifespan, specifically due to both population density and mating status. Further, our data do not support the idea that unconditional expression of deleterious X‐linked recessive alleles in heterogametic males accounts for lower male lifespan.
Medical management of Cushing's disease: When and how?
Authors: Castinetti Frederic 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTranssphenoidal surgery is the first‐line treatment of Cushing's disease. However, medical treatment can be given in a high proportion of patients with this rare condition. This is especially the case in severe hypercortisolism for which medical treatment will be given for a short period of time to prepare the patient for surgery, or on a long‐term basis after failed transsphenoidal surgery, or when waiting for the maximal beneficial effect of radiation techniques. These different situations all require that hypercortisolism be perfectly controlled. Severe hypercortisolism is frequently treated by a block and replace approach during which a substitutive treatment is given after the induction of adrenal insufficiency. Mild hypercortisolism, the most frequent situation, is usually treated with a titration approach with a progressive dose increase. This approach requires certainty of eucortisolism because patients may be treated for a prolonged period. This review details the main situations during which medical treatment should be considered, as well as the way in which to monitor them to avoid the long‐term consequences of mild hypo‐ or hypercortisolism.
Pituitary MRI in Cushing's disease ‐ an update
Authors: Bonneville Jean‐François , Potorac Iulia , Petrossians Patrick , Tshibanda Luaba , Beckers Albert 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPituitary MRI is essential in the diagnosis of ACTH‐dependent Cushing's syndrome, but its results are inconsistent. The demonstration of a sellar image compatible with the diagnosis of corticotropinoma varies from 40% to 90%, depending on the centre where the imaging is performed. In fact, the expertise of the neuroradiologist, use of a Tesla 3.0 MRI and choice of sequences are fundamental. The T2 and 3D gradient echo sequences after gadolinium injection are the most informative and today allow the detection of macro‐ and microadenomas in almost all cases. The diagnosis of numerous picoadenomas (<3–4 mm) is more challenging. The 2D and 3D spin echo or delayed T1 SE or FLAIR sequences after gadolinium can be used as a complement or to confirm a suspicious image. Characterization of corticotropinomas remains problematic. However, the correct assessment of so‐called incidentalomas by recognizing artifacts, anatomical variants and frequent Rathke's cleft cysts eliminates around 90% of the incidentalomas that mimic pituitary adenomas, as repetitively reported in the literature. For the time being, there is reason to believe that hybrid imaging combining PET and MRI such as 11C‐methionine PET coregistered with volumetric MRI will solve the diagnosis of corticotropinomas in the near future.
Public interest in skin lightening across the United States, January 2015–December 2020
Authors: Rosen Theodore , Givens Jayci 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSkin lightening is a popular practice across the world, especially in India, the Philippines and other Asian countries, and some Caribbean nations. It is a dangerous trend, as some of the products used to achieve a lighter skin tone have been shown to often contain unsafe chemicals. In this article, we examine trends in consumer interest in skin lightening using a Google Trends query of 4 search terms: “skin lightening,” “skin brightening,” “skin whitening,” and “skin bleaching,” across the United States from 2015 to 2020, and demonstrated that it is most popular in states with diverse populations, including a high percentage of black and Asian Americans.
Advances in the Omicron variant development
Authors: Vitiello Antonio , Ferrara Francesco , Auti Amogh M. , Di Domenico Marina , Boccellino Mariarosaria 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV)‐2 has spread worldwide, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a pandemic, on 11 March 2020. Variants of concern have appeared at regular intervals—Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and now Omicron. Omicron variant, first identified in Botswana in November 2021, is rapidly becoming the dominant circulating variant. In this review, we provide an overview regarding the molecular profile of the Omicron variant, epidemiology, transmissibility, the impact on vaccines, as well as vaccine escape, and finally, we report the pharmacological agents able to block the endocellular entry of SARS‐CoV‐2 or to inhibit its viral replication. The Omicron has more than 50 mutations, of which the spike protein has 26–35 amino acids different from the original SARS‐CoV‐2 virus or the Delta, some of which are associated with humoral immune escape potential and greater transmissibility. Omicron has a significant growth advantage over Delta, leading to rapid spread with higher incidence levels. The disease so far has been mild compared to the Delta. The two vaccination doses offer little or no protection against Omicron infection while the booster doses provide significant protection against mild illness and likely offer even greater levels of protection against serious illness. Recently, new oral antiviral agents such as molnupiravir and paxlovid have been approved and represent important therapeutic alternatives to antiviral remdesivir. In addition, monoclonal antibodies such as casirivimab/imdevimab bind different epitopes of the spike protein receptor; is this class of drugs effective against the Omicron variant? However, more research is needed to define whether Omicron is indeed more infectious and whether the vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and antivirals currently available are effective.
Understanding topical fluoride hesitancy and refusal behaviors through the extended parallel process model and health belief model
Authors: Leung Esther , Kerr Darragh , Askelson Natoshia , Chi Donald L. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesTopical fluoride helps prevent dental caries. However, many caregivers are hesitant about topical fluoride for their children and may refuse it during clinic visits. In this qualitative study, we assessed the relevance of the extended parallel process model (EPPM) and health belief model (HBM) in caregivers' decision‐making about topical fluoride.MethodsWe interviewed 56 fluoride‐hesitant or fluoride‐refusing caregivers using a semi‐structured interview script that included questions based on select constructs from the EPPM (perceived severity, susceptibility, response efficacy) and HBM (perceived benefits and consequences). Two team members conducted a thematic analysis of the interview data.ResultsMost caregivers acknowledged the severity of cavities but did not believe their child was susceptible. Caregivers also understood the general benefits of fluoride in preventing tooth decay, but reported low response efficacy of fluoride for their children especially compared to the other ways of reducing caries risk like reducing sugar intake and toothbrushing. Many caregivers had concerns about topical fluoride, especially regarding safety, with the potential consequences of fluoride outweighing its benefits.ConclusionOur findings were generally consistent with the EPPM and HBM, which appear to be relevant in understanding fluoride hesitancy behaviors. Additional research is needed on ways to improve provider communications about topical fluoride with caregivers.