bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibition to prevent progression of calcific aortic stenosis
Authors: Lee Sahmin , Lee Seung-Ah , Choi Bongkun , Kim Ye-Jee , Oh Soo Jin , Choi Hong-Mi , Kim Eun Kyoung , Kim Dae-Hee , Cho Goo-Yeong , Song Jong-Min , Park Seung Woo , Kang Duk-Hyun , Song Jae-Kwan 
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether the use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and their cardiac tissue distribution profile and anticalcification abilities are associated with risk of aortic stenosis (AS) progression.MethodsOut of the five different classes of DPP-4 inhibitors, two had relatively favourable heart to plasma concentration ratios and anticalcification ability in murine and in vitro experiments and were thus categorised as ‘favourable’. We reviewed the medical records of 212 patients (72±8 years, 111 men) with diabetes and mild-to-moderate AS who underwent echocardiographic follow-up and classified them into those who received favourable DPP-4 inhibitors (n=28, 13%), unfavourable DPP-4 inhibitors (n=69, 33%) and those who did not receive DPP-4 inhibitors (n=115, 54%).ResultsMaximal transaortic velocity (Vmax) increased from 2.9±0.3 to 3.5±0.7 m/s during follow-up (median, 3.7 years), and the changes were not different between DPP-4 users as a whole and non-users (p=0.143). However, the favourable group showed significantly lower Vmax increase than the unfavourable or non-user group (p=0.018). Severe AS progression was less frequent in the favourable group (7.1%) than in the unfavourable (29.0%; p=0.03) or the non-user (29.6%; p=0.01) group. In Cox regression analysis after adjusting for age, baseline renal function and AS severity, the favourable group showed a significantly lower risk of severe AS progression (HR 0.116, 95% CI 0.024 to 0.551, p=0.007).ConclusionsDPP-4 inhibitors with favourable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties were associated with lower risk of AS progression. These results should be considered in the preparation of randomised clinical trials on the repositioning of DPP-4 inhibitors.
Role of the consent form in UK veterinary practice
Authors: Gray Carol 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundInformed consent from the client is required before veterinary professionals may administer treatment or perform surgery on an animal patient, except in an emergency. This study investigates the potential role(s) of the consent form in the consent process in the UK.MethodsThematic analysis was carried out on the text contained in 39 blank consent forms sourced from veterinary practices in the UK. Analysis was conducted at the levels of topical survey and thematic summary.ResultsConsent forms were used to authorise procedures, to define proposed treatment, to offer or recommend additional procedures, to convey the risks of treatment and to document the client's financial obligations. None of the forms analysed provided sufficient space to document the accompanying conversation. Notable omissions from the submitted forms included options for treatment and benefits of treatment.ConclusionsThe consent form acts as a record of the procedure to be performed, the associated costs and the status of the person giving consent. However, from this analysis, it often fails to record the detail of the consent discussion, an essential part of the consent process. A proposal for an improved version of a veterinary consent form is provided.
Reliability of a beef cattle locomotion scoring system for use in clinical practice
Authors: Tunstall Jay , Mueller Karin , Sinfield Oscar , Higgins Helen Mary 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundLocomotion (lameness) scoring has been used and studied in the dairy industry; however, to the authors’ knowledge, there are no studies assessing the reliability of locomotion scoring systems when used with beef cattle.MethodsA four‐point scoring system was developed and beef cattle filmed walking on a firm surface. Eight veterinary researchers, eight clinicians and eight veterinary students were shown written descriptors of the scoring system and four video clips for training purposes, before being asked to score 40 video clips in a random order. Participants repeated this task 4 days later.ResultsThe intra‐observer agreement (the same person scoring on different days) was acceptable with weighted mean Kappa values of 0.84, 0.81 and 0.84 respectively for researchers, clinicians and students. The inter‐observer agreement (different people scoring the same animal) was acceptable with weighted Gwet's Agreement Coefficient values of 0.70, 0.69 and 0.64 for researchers, clinicians and students. Most disagreement occurred over scores one (not lame but imperfect locomotion) and two (lame, but not severe).ConclusionThis scoring system has the potential to reliably score lameness in beef cattle and help facilitate lameness treatment and control; however, some disagreements will occur especially over scores one and two.
Risk-based surveillance for bluetongue virus in cattle on the south coast of England in 2017 and 2018
Authors: Grace Katherine Elinor Felicity , Papadopoulou Christina , Floyd Tobias , Avigad Rachelle , Collins Steve , White Elizabeth , Batten Carrie , Flannery John , Gubbins Simon , Carpenter Simon T 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundBluetongue (BT) is a viral disease of ruminants and camelids which can have a significant impact on animal health and welfare and cause severe economic loss. The UK has been officially free of bluetongue virus (BTV) since 2011. In 2015, BTV-8 re-emerged in France and since then BTV has been spreading throughout Europe. In response to this outbreak, risk-based active surveillance was carried out at the end of the vector seasons in 2017 and 2018 to assess the risk of incursion of BTV into Great Britain.MethodAtmospheric dispersion modelling identified counties on the south coast of England at higher risk of an incursion. Blood samples were collected from cattle in five counties based on a sample size designed to detect at least one positive if the prevalence was 5 per cent or greater, with 95 per cent confidence.ResultsNo virus was detected in the 478 samples collected from 32 farms at the end of the 2017 vector season or in the 646 samples collected from 43 farms at the end of the 2018 vector season, when tested by RT-qPCR.ConclusionThe negative results from this risk-based survey provided evidence to support the continuation of the UK’s official BTV-free status.
Early detection of influenza outbreak using time derivative of incidence
Authors: Son Woo-Sik , Park Ji-Eun , Kwon Okyu 
Published: September 2020

AbstractFor mitigation strategies of an influenza outbreak, it can be helpful to understand the characteristics of regional and age-group-specific spread. In South Korea, however, there has been no official statistic related to it. In this study, we extract the time series of influenza incidence from National Health Insurance Service claims database, which consists of all medical and prescription drug-claim records for all South Korean population. The extracted time series contains the number of new patients by region (250 city-county-districts) and age-group (0–4, 5–19, 20–64, 65+) within a week. The number of cases of influenza (2009–2017) is 12,282,356. For computing an onset of influenza outbreak by region and age-group, we propose a novel method for early outbreak detection, in which the onset of outbreak is detected as a sudden change in the time derivative of incidence. The advantage of it over the cumulative sum and the exponentially weighted moving average control charts, which have been widely used for the early outbreak detection of infectious diseases, is that information on the previous non-epidemic periods are not necessary. Then, we show that the metro area and 5–19 age-group are earlier than the rural area and other age-groups for the start of the influenza outbreak. Also, the metro area and 5–19 age-group peak earlier than the rural area and other age-groups. These results would be helpful to design a surveillance system for timely early warning of an influenza outbreak in South Korea.
A conformal array of microfabricated optically-pumped first-order gradiometers for magnetoencephalography
Authors: Nardelli N. V. , Perry A. R. , Krzyzewski S. P. , Knappe S. A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAn array of 21 first-order gradiometers based on zero-field optically-pumped magnetometers is demonstrated for use in magnetoencephalography. Sensors are oriented radially with respect to the head and housed in a helmet with moveable holders which conform to the shape of a scalp. Our axial gradiometers have a baseline of 2 cm and reject laser and vibrational noise as well as common-mode environmental magnetic noise. The median sensitivity of the array is 15.4 fT/Hz1/2, measured in a human-sized magnetic shield. All magnetometers are operated independently with negative feedback to maintain atoms at zero magnetic field. This yields higher signal linearity and operating range than open-loop operation and a measurement system that is less sensitive to systematic and ambient magnetic fields. All of the system electronics and lasers are compacted into one equipment rack which offers a favorable outlook for use in clinical settings.
PLACENTAL HEMODYNAMIC ASSESSMENT IN WOMEN WITH SEVERE PREECLAMPSIA IN SECOND- AND THIRD-TRIMESTER PREGNANCY BY 3D POWER QUANTITATIVE DOPPLER ULTRASOUND
Authors: ZHOU SUFEN , AN PENG , LIAN KAI , GAN LING , FENG WEI , SONG JUAN , WANG YU , LIU XINYI , LI MENGXUE , ZHANG YANTING , ZHANG XIANYA , ZHANG SHUNYU , CHEN YUTING , WAN SHUYA 
Published: September 2020

Objective: The present study analyzed the fetal–placental hemodynamic parameters in women with severe preeclampsia in second- and third-trimester pregnancy with a view to developing effective predictive indicators for preeclampsia and providing support for the prenatal clinical treatment of preeclampsia. Materials and Methods: From January 2015 to January 2019, 160 pregnant women diagnosed with severe preeclampsia at Xiangyang First People’s Hospital were recruited as the study group. The diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia were in accordance with the guidelines of the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (ISSHP). A sample of 160 healthy pregnant women with normal blood pressure were selected as the control group. The GE Voluson E8 and E10 four-dimensional (4D) ultrasonic diagnostic instruments and the three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler in angio-quantitative mode were used to measure the hemodynamic parameters of the placenta, left uterine artery (LUA), right uterine artery (RUA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), umbilical artery (UA), and ductus venosus (DV) in the two groups. The above parameters were analyzed statistically using SPSS 22.0. Results: The systolic/diastolic velocity ratio (S/D), pulsatility index (PI), and resistance index (RI) of the MCA in the study group were lower than those of normal subjects of the same gestational age (P < 0.05). These parameters in the UA were higher in the study group than those in normal subjects (P < 0.05). The ratios between the peak ventricular systolic velocity and the peak atrial systolic velocity (S/A), pulsatility index for the vein (PIV), pre-load index (PLI), and peak velocity index for the vein (PVIV) in the DV were significantly different between the study and normal groups (P < 0.05). The placental vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization flow index (VFI) were lower in the study group than those in normal subjects of the same gestational age (P < 0.05). There were good correlations between VI, VFI and RUA, PI, with correlation coefficients of −0.697 and −0.702, respectively. FI was the indicator that had the highest diagnostic efficacy for severe preeclampsia. The predictive sensitivity of the FI with a cut-off value of 34.92 was 96.3%, and the corresponding specificity was 86.9%. Conclusions: Placental FI had the highest predictive efficacy for severe preeclampsia and provides a reliable quantitative indicator and data support for preeclampsia management. 3D power quantitative Doppler ultrasound provides a novel avenue for the study of severe preeclampsia.
Inflammation Modulation by Vitamin D and Calcium in the Morphologically Normal Colorectal Mucosa of Patients with Colorectal Adenoma in a Clinical Trial
Authors: Gibbs David Corley , Fedirko Veronika , Baron John A. , Barry Elizabeth L. , Flanders W. Dana , McCullough Marjorie L. , Yacoub Rami , Raavi Tapasya , Rutherford Robin E. , Seabrook March E. , Bostick Roberd M. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Increased COX-2 and decreased 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-HPGD) expression promote prostaglandin-mediated inflammation and colorectal carcinogenesis. Experimental studies suggest that vitamin D and calcium may inhibit these pathways, but their effects on colorectal tissue COX-2 and 15-HPGD expression in humans are unknown. We tested the effects of supplemental vitamin D (1,000 IU/day) and/or calcium (1,200 mg/day) on COX-2 and 15-HPGD expression in the morphologically normal rectal mucosa from 62 paients with colorectal adenoma in a placebo-controlled chemoprevention trial. We measured biomarker expression using automated IHC and quantitative image analysis at baseline and 1-year follow-up, and assessed treatment effects using mixed linear models. The primary outcome was the COX-2/15-HPGD expression ratio, because these enzymes function as physiologic antagonists. After 1 year of treatment, the mean COX-2/15-HPGD expression ratio in full-length crypts proportionately decreased 47% in the vitamin D group (P = 0.001), 46% in the calcium group (P = 0.002), and 34% in the calcium + vitamin D group (P = 0.03), relative to the placebo group. Among individuals with the functional vitamin D–binding protein isoform DBP2 (GC rs4588*A), the COX-2/15-HPDG ratio decreased 70% (P = 0.0006), 75% (P = 0.0002), and 60% (P = 0.006) in the vitamin D, calcium, and combined supplementation groups, respectively, relative to placebo. These results show that vitamin D and calcium favorably modulate the balance of expression of COX-2 and 15-HPGD—biomarkers of inflammation that are strongly linked to colorectal carcinogenesis—in the normal-appearing colorectal mucosa of patients with colorectal adenoma (perhaps especially those with the DBP2 isoform).

Prevention Relevance:
Supplemental calcium and vitamin D reduce indicators of cancer-promoting inflammation in normal colorectal tissue in humans, thus furthering our understanding of how they may help prevent colorectal cancer.
Tumor-Derived IL33 Promotes Tissue-Resident CD8+ T Cells and Is Required for Checkpoint Blockade Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Chen Lujun , Sun Runzi , Xu Junchi , Zhai Wensi , Zhang Dachuan , Yang Min , Yue Cuihua , Chen Yichao , Li Song , Turnquist Heth , Jiang Jingting , Lu Binfeng 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment by prolonging overall survival of patients with cancer. Despite advances in the clinical setting, the immune cellular network in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that mediates such therapy is not well understood. IL33 is highly expressed in normal epithelial cells but downregulated in tumor cells in advanced carcinoma. Here, we showed that IL33 was induced in tumor cells after treatment with ICB such as CTL antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death-1 (PD-1) mAbs. ST2 signaling in nontumor cells, particularly CD8+ T cells, was critical for the antitumor efficacy of ICB immunotherapy. We demonstrated that tumor-derived IL33 was crucial for the antitumor efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors. Mechanistically, IL33 increased the accumulation and effector function of tumor-resident CD103+CD8+ T cells, and CD103 expression on CD8+ T cells was required for the antitumor efficacy of IL33. In addition, IL33 also increased the numbers of CD103+ dendritic cells (DC) in the TME and CD103+ DC were required for the antitumor effect of IL33 and accumulation of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Combination of IL33 with CTLA-4 and PD-1 ICB further prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice. Our study established that the “danger signal” IL33 was crucial for mediating ICB cancer therapy by promoting tumor-resident adaptive immune responses.
Uso de estratégias cognitivas diante de queixas subjetivas de memória em idosos saudáveis
Authors: Firmino Rafael Gomes , Lins Isabela Lemos Arteiro Ribeiro , Calvo Bernardino Fernandes 
Published: September 2020

Queixas Subjetivas de Memória (QSM) tem sido alvo de pesquisas, sendo apontadas como corriqueiras no cotidiano de pessoas idosas. O presente estudo teve por objetivo verificar se há correlação entre as Queixas Subjetivas de Memória evidenciadas pelo Questionário de Memória Prospectiva e Retrospectiva (QMPR) e as variáveis: Escolaridade (E), Reserva Cognitiva (RC), Funcionalidade (FAQ) e o uso de Estratégias (MMQ). Trata-se de um estudo correlacional, de abordagem quantitativa com delineamento “ex post facto”. A amostra foi composta por 64 idosos, tendo idade média de 69 anos (DP= 6,45), sendo estes recrutados em espaços de convivência situados nas cidades de João Pessoa e Guarabira, por meio da divulgação de folders e via redes sociais. As coletas foram realizadas nos seguintes locais: Centro de Convivência da Pessoa Idosa (CCI), no bairro Castelo Branco-JP; Centro de Vivência da Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB); Grupo dehidroginástica para terceira idade, salas de aula do departamento de Terapia Ocupacional da UFPB; e no domicílio dos entrevistados, a partir do interesse e dificuldades de deslocamento. Aplicou-se o uso de instrumentos padronizados para avaliação das funções cognitivas, da funcionalidade, das queixas de memória e do uso de estratégias, além do perfil sociodemográfico. Os resultados indicaram correlação positiva entre as variáveis: Escolaridade (E), Reserva cognitiva (RC), Funcionalidade (FAQ) e Queixas de Memória Prospectiva e Retrospectiva (QMPR) com o uso de estratégias de memória (MMQ). Contudo, faz-se necessário destacar a presença evidente de QSM nos idosos, bem como a significativa correlação entre estas e o uso de estratégias cognitivas, sendo as queixas de memória prospectivas mais predominantes que as queixas retrospectivas. Concluímos que idosos que apresentam maior uso de estratégias na vida diária tendem a melhor perceber os relatos de suas queixas. Sugere-se que maiores pesquisas sobre a temática invistam em intervenções para o treino do uso de estratégias de memória em idosos cognitivamente saudáveis que relatem QSM na vida diária, para um melhor bem-estar e qualidade de vida.
Confiabilidade e Validade do World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule para Pessoas com Obesidade Mórbida
Authors: Borges Kátia Ariana , Andrade Luana Foroni , Chagas Leidiane Mota de Oliveira , Borges Maria De Fátima , Castro Shamyr Sulyvan de 
Published: September 2020

Objetivo: Realizar o estudo da confiabilidade e validade do World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) para aferição da funcionalidade em pessoas com obesidade mórbida. Procedimentos metodológicos: Estudo metodológico, com 60 adultos entre 18 e 59 anos de idade, diagnosticados com obesidade mórbida. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: Entrevista Inicial, versão de 36 itens do WHODAS 2.0, Escala Curta de Qualidade de Vida (WHOQOL – BREF), Teste de Caminhada de Seis Minutos (TC6’) e a Lista de identificação de Papéis Ocupacionais. Resultados: A idade média foi de 41,25 anos. Os testes psicométricos mostraram consistência interna com alfa de Cronbach total de 0,93. O teste re-teste apresentou boa e excelente confiabilidade com Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse variando de 0,67 a 0,81. Já a validade de critério convergente e divergente, obteve correlação moderada com a maioria dos domínios do WHOQOL–BREF, relação divergente entre o WHODAS 2.0 e o TC6’ e correlação forte entre o domínio Atividades Escolares e de Trabalho do WHODAS 2.0 com o papel de Trabalhador da Lista de identificação de Papéis Ocupacionais. Conclusão: O Estudo evidenciou que o WHODAS 2.0 apresenta propriedades psicométricas adequadas para o uso em pessoas com obesidade mórbida.
Permanent His Bundle Pacing Implantation Facilitated by Visualization of the Tricuspid Valve Annulus
Authors: Gu Min , Niu Hongxia , Hu Yiran , Liu Xi , Zhang Nixiao , Cai Minsi , Chen Xuhua , Zhou Xiaohong , Gold Michael R. , Hua Wei , Zhang Shu 
Published: September 2020

Background:
His bundle pacing (HBP) is the most physiological pacing modality. However, HBP has longer procedure times with frequent high capture thresholds, which likely contributes to the low adoption of this approach. The aim of this study is to compare HBP implantation with a novel imaging technique versus the standard implantation technique.

Methods:
This study included 50 patients with standard pacing indications randomized to HBP with visualization of the tricuspid valve annulus (N=25, the visualization group) or with the standard method (N=25, the control group). In the visualization group, the tricuspid valve annulus was imaged by contrast injection in the right ventricle during fluoroscopy. The site for HBP was identified in relationship to the tricuspid septal leaflet and interventricular septum.

Results:

Permanent HBP was successful in 92% in the visualization group and 88% in the control group. The fluoroscopic time for HBP lead placement was significantly shorter in the visualization group (7.1±3.3 minutes) compared with the control group (10.1±5.6 minutes,
P
=0.03). Total procedural and fluoroscopic times were also significantly shorter in the visualization group (91.0±15.7 and 9.6±3.8 minutes) than the control group (104.4±17.8 and 12.7±6.2 minutes,
P
=0.01 and 0.04, respectively). There was no significant difference in capture threshold between groups. In the visualization group, there was a quantitative association between the HBP site and the tricuspid valve annulus.

Conclusions:
The visualization technique shortens the procedural and fluoroscopic times for HBP implantation. Moreover, anatomic localization of HBP sites is strongly associated with physiological characteristics of pacing, which can help guide optimal lead placement.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx
. Unique identifier: ChiCTR2000029834.
Long-Lasting Ventricular Fibrillation in Humans ECG Characteristics and Effect of Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Maury Philippe , Duchateau Josselin , Rollin Anne , Hocini Meleze , Voglimacci-Stephanopoli Quentin , Monteil Benjamin , Sacher Frederic , Jaïs Pierre , Bernus Olivier , Mondoly Pierre , Delmas Clément , Haïssaguerre Michel , Dubois Rémi 
Published: September 2020

Background:
Studies of ventricular fibrillation (VF) in humans are limited because of the short available duration. We sought to study surface ECG waveforms and effect of ablation in long-lasting VF in patients with left assist devices.

Methods:
Continuous 12-lead ECG of 5 episodes of long-lasting VF occurring in 3 patients with left ventricular assist device were analyzed. Spectral analysis (dominant frequency) and quantification of waveform amplitude, regularity (Unbiased Regularity Index), and complexity (Nondipolar Index) were performed over a median of 24 minutes of VF. Radiofrequency ablation was performed during VF in 2 patients.

Results:
There was a significant increase in dominant frequency between VF onset and termination but none of the other parameters significantly changed. Some VF parameters varied from patient to patient and from lead to lead. Dominant frequency decreased after radiofrequency ablation in both cases and VF terminated spontaneously shortly after ablation in one case. The previously incessant VFs in these 2 patients did not recur afterward.

Conclusions:
VF rate increases over time in patients with left ventricular assist devices and is lowered by ablation. Long-lasting VF may be modified or even terminated by ablation.