bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Derivation and validation of a mortality risk prediction model using global longitudinal strain in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Hwang In-Chang , Cho Goo-Yeong , Choi Hong-Mi , Yoon Yeonyee E , Park Jin Joo , Park Jun-Bean , Park Jae-Hyeong , Lee Seung-Pyo , Kim Hyung-Kwan , Kim Yong-Jin , Sohn Dae-Won 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Aims
To develop a mortality risk prediction model in patients with acute heart failure (AHF), using left ventricular (LV) function parameters with clinical factors.

Methods and results
In total, 4312 patients admitted for AHF were retrospectively identified from three tertiary centres, and echocardiographic parameters including LV ejection fraction (LV-EF) and LV global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) were measured in a core laboratory. The full set of risk factors was available in 3248 patients. Using Cox proportional hazards model, we developed a mortality risk prediction model in 1859 patients from two centres (derivation cohort) and validated the model in 1389 patients from one centre (validation cohort). During 32 (interquartile range 13–54) months of follow-up, 1285 patients (39.6%) died. Significant predictors for mortality were age, diabetes, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, natriuretic peptide, glomerular filtration rate, failure to prescribe beta-blockers, failure to prescribe renin–angiotensin system blockers, and LV-GLS; however, LV-EF was not a significant predictor. Final model including these predictors to estimate individual probabilities of mortality had C-statistics of 0.75 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73–0.78; P &lt; 0.001] in the derivation cohort and 0.78 (95% CI 0.75–0.80; P &lt; 0.001) in the validation cohort. The prediction model had good performance in both heart failure (HF) with reduced EF, HF with mid-range EF, and HF with preserved EF.

Conclusion
We developed a mortality risk prediction model for patients with AHF incorporating LV-GLS as the LV function parameter, and other clinical factors. Our model provides an accurate prediction of mortality and may provide reliable risk stratification in AHF patients.
Minimally invasive surgical strategy for refractory hepatic hydrothorax
Authors: Jung Yochun , Song Sang Yun , Na Kook Joo , Chon Soon-Ho , Jun Chung Hwan , Choi Sung Kyu 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Treatment of refractory hepatic hydrothorax, a complication of liver cirrhosis, is complex. We aimed to investigate the usefulness of the ‘4-step approach’, which is a minimally invasive surgical strategy combining 4 therapeutic modalities: (i) pneumoperitoneum to localize diaphragmatic defects; (ii) thoracoscopic pleurodesis; (iii) postoperative positive-pressure ventilation; and (iv) peritoneal drainage for abdominal decompression.

METHODS
We retrospectively analysed the medical records of 12 patients with hepatic hydrothorax who underwent surgical treatment using the 4-step approach from January 2013 to December 2017. Nine of them (75.0%) were Child C cases; the median model for end-stage liver disease score was 20.5. The diaphragmatic defects localized after forming a pneumoperitoneum were treated with primary closure followed by thoracoscopic pleurodesis, postoperative positive-pressure ventilation and peritoneal drainage.

RESULTS
Diaphragmatic defects were localized in all patients except one. The median postoperative positive-pressure ventilation duration was 20.1 h. Peritoneal drainage was performed for a median duration of 5 days; the peritoneal drains were removed at a median of 8 postoperative days. The median duration of postoperative hospital stay until discharge/transfer was 9.5 days. No operative mortalities occurred. The median duration of follow-up was 10.9 months. Eight deaths (66.7%) occurred during the follow-up period; however, no deaths were surgery-associated. Ipsilateral pleural effusion recurred in 3 patients (25%), among whom reoperation was performed in 1 without recurrence at the 13-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS
The 4-step approach seems to be a safe and effective minimally invasive surgical strategy for treating refractory hepatic hydrothorax.
Deep learning for clustering of multivariate clinical patient trajectories with missing values
Authors: de Jong Johann , Emon Mohammad Asif , Wu Ping , Karki Reagon , Sood Meemansa , Godard Patrice , Ahmad Ashar , Vrooman Henri , Hofmann-Apitius Martin , Fröhlich Holger 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Precision medicine requires a stratification of patients by disease presentation that is sufficiently informative to allow for selecting treatments on a per-patient basis. For many diseases, such as neurological disorders, this stratification problem translates into a complex problem of clustering multivariate and relatively short time series because (i) these diseases are multifactorial and not well described by single clinical outcome variables and (ii) disease progression needs to be monitored over time. Additionally, clinical data often additionally are hindered by the presence of many missing values, further complicating any clustering attempts.

Findings
The problem of clustering multivariate short time series with many missing values is generally not well addressed in the literature. In this work, we propose a deep learning–based method to address this issue, variational deep embedding with recurrence (VaDER). VaDER relies on a Gaussian mixture variational autoencoder framework, which is further extended to (i) model multivariate time series and (ii) directly deal with missing values. We validated VaDER by accurately recovering clusters from simulated and benchmark data with known ground truth clustering, while varying the degree of missingness. We then used VaDER to successfully stratify patients with Alzheimer disease and patients with Parkinson disease into subgroups characterized by clinically divergent disease progression profiles. Additional analyses demonstrated that these clinical differences reflected known underlying aspects of Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease.

Conclusions
We believe our results show that VaDER can be of great value for future efforts in patient stratification, and multivariate time-series clustering in general.
History of the Spanish demersal fishery in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas
Authors: Punzón Antonio , Rueda Lucia , Rodríguez-Basalo Augusto , Hidalgo Manuel , Oliver Pere , Castro José , Gil Juan , Esteban Antonio , Gil de Sola Luis , Massutí Enric 
Published: November 2019

AbstractLong fisheries time series allow the review of baselines and inform our knowledge of past events that have conditioned the recent history of the stocks. In this study, we investigated trends in fisheries landings data for the most representative Atlantic and Mediterranean demersal fisheries off the Spanish Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands (1933–1986). The aim was to analyse the evolution of demersal species exploitation and detect changes in landings and fishing tactics. Ten species were selected, which included teleosts, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Results indicated a decrease in Landings Per Unit of Capacity (LPUC) in six of the species examined. While in the Atlantic the process of substitution or incorporation of new species to the fisheries occurs progressively, in the Mediterranean this incorporation occurs simultaneously for many of the species. Four main fishing tactics (landing pattern obtained from the classification analysis of landings per species) were identified. Geographically nearby and connected regions developed similar fishing tactics to each other, and also changed over time. While the fleets from isolated regions were more specialized, and only carrying out one fishing tactic during the study period. Improvements in LPUC with the implementation of new technology and legislative and management measures were not observed.
Changes in White Matter Microstructure After Electroconvulsive Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Authors: Gryglewski Gregor , Seiger René , Baldinger-Melich Pia , Unterholzner Jakob , Spurny Benjamin , Vanicek Thomas , Hahn Andreas , Kasper Siegfried , Frey Richard , Lanzenberger Rupert 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Treatment-resistant depression is among the most debilitating conditions in psychiatry. Recent studies have associated alterations in white matter microstructure measured with magnetic resonance imaging with poor antidepressant response. Therefore, the extent to which electroconvulsive therapy, the most effective therapeutic option for treatment-resistant depression, affects white matter microstructure warrants investigation.

Methods
A total 13 patients suffering from severe unipolar treatment-resistant depression underwent magnetic resonance imaging with a diffusion tensor imaging sequence before and after undergoing a series of right unilateral electroconvulsive therapy. Diffusivity metrics were compared voxel-wise using tract-based spatial statistics and repeated-measures ANOVA.

Results
A total 12 patients responded to electroconvulsive therapy and 9 were classified as remitters. An increase in axial diffusivity was observed in the posterior limb of the internal capsule of the right hemisphere (PFWE ≤ .05). The increase in this area was higher in the right compared with the left hemisphere (P &lt; .05). No correlation of this effect with treatment response could be found.

Conclusions
The strong lateralization of effects to the hemisphere of electrical stimulation suggests an effect of electroconvulsive therapy on diffusivity metrics which is dependent of electrode placement. Investigation in controlled studies is necessary to reveal to what extent the effects of electroconvulsive therapy on white matter microstructure are related to clinical outcomes and electrode placement.
Sparsified discrete wave problem involving a radiation condition on a prolate spheroidal surface
Authors: Barucq Hélène , Fares M’Barek , Kruse Carola , Tordeux Sébastien 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
We develop and analyse a high-order outgoing radiation boundary condition for solving three-dimensional scattering problems by elongated obstacles. This Dirichlet-to-Neumann condition is constructed using the classical method of separation of variables that allows one to define the scattered field in a truncated domain. It reads as an infinite series that is truncated for numerical purposes. The radiation condition is implemented in a finite element framework represented by a large dense matrix. Fortunately, the dense matrix can be decomposed into a full block matrix that involves the degrees of freedom on the exterior boundary and a sparse finite element matrix. The inversion of the full block is avoided by using a Sherman–Morrison algorithm that reduces the memory usage drastically. Despite being of high order, this method has only a low memory cost.
The Large Genus Asymptotic Expansion of Masur–Veech Volumes
Authors: Sauvaget Adrien 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
We study the asymptotic behavior of Masur–Veech volumes as the genus goes to infinity. We show the existence of a complete asymptotic expansion of these volumes that depends only on the genus and the number of singularities. The computation of the 1st term of this asymptotics expansion was a long-standing problem. This problem was recently solved in [2] using purely combinatorial arguments and then in [3] using algebro-geometric insights. Our proof relies on a combination of both methods.
Journeying Through the Black Hole of Recycling
Authors: Hamilton Johanna 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
UK universities have a rich history of leading groundbreaking projects, spanning Nobel Prize winning discoveries, medicines and inventions. Standing on the shoulders of giants, Dr Alvin Orbaek White, Senior Lecturer and Sêr Cymru II Fellow at the Energy Safety Research Institute at Swansea University, tells Johanna Hamilton AMBCS how his findings could plug a recycling black hole.
Clinical Features and Expression Patterns for Burn Patients Developed Marjolin Ulcer
Authors: Li Dongyu , Hu Chenghao , Yang Xing , Dongye Yuhui , Wu Jiani , Zhang Haibo , Lin Yuxi , Li Huibin 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Marjolin’s ulcer is a type of skin cancer that generated from chronic nonhealing trauma. For years, its pathogenesis mechanisms remain unclear. Regarding this situation, the authors retrospectively analyze the patients admitted to their department from 2005 to 2019 to present several representative cases and examine the expression patterns of survivin and its role in this process. Among these patients, the latent period ranges from 2 to 25 years, with 8.43 years in average. There is no notable relationship between the latent period and age (P = .643 &gt; .05). Therefore, Marjolijn’s ulcer arises from extremities and joints more often compared with other parts (P &lt; .05). The expression ratio of survivin in Marjolin’s ulcer is significantly higher than that in skin ulcer (P &lt; 0.05). And the expression ratio of survivin in patients diagnosed with Marjolin’s ulcer is also correlated with lymphatic metastasis (P &lt; .05). Frequent follow-ups and prompt diagnosis and management are necessary as the prognosis is poor for patients with metastasis. Survivin may be a potential target for future development of target therapy in order to maximize the efficacy and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from Marjolin’s ulcer.
Urbanization and Population Genetic Structure of the Panama City crayfish (Procambarus econfinae)
Authors: Duncan Sarah I , Robertson Ellen P , Fletcher Robert J , Austin James D 
Published: November 2019

AbstractFor species with geographically restricted distributions, the impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation on long-term persistence may be particularly pronounced. We examined the genetic structure of Panama City crayfish (PCC), Procambarus econfinae, whose historical distribution is limited to an area approximately 145 km2, largely within the limits of Panama City and eastern Bay County, FL. Currently, PCC occupy approximately 28% of its historical range, with suitable habitat composed of fragmented patches in the highly urbanized western portion of the range and managed plantations in the more contiguous eastern portion of the range. We used 1640 anonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms to evaluate the effects of anthropogenic habitat modification on the genetic diversity and population structure of 161 PCC sampled from across its known distribution. First, we examined urban habitat patches in the west compared with less-developed habitat patches in the east. Second, we used approximate Bayesian computation to model inferences on the demographic history of eastern and western populations. We found anthropogenic habitat modifications explain the genetic structure of PCC range-wide. Clustering analyses revealed significant genetic structure between and within eastern and western regions. Estimates of divergence between east and west were consistent with urban growth in the mid-20th century. PCC have low genetic diversity and high levels of inbreeding and relatedness, indicating populations are small and isolated. Our results suggest that PCC have been strongly affected by habitat loss and fragmentation and management strategies, including legal protection, translocations, or reintroductions, may be necessary to ensure long-term persistence.
The country of Iceland freezes out the eponymous supermarket: ICELAND trade marks invalidated
Authors: Meale Darren , Walles Nicola 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Others v Iceland Foods Limited, EUIPO Cancellation No 14 030 C (Invalidity), 5 April 2019; Icelandic Trade mark Holding ehf v Iceland Foods Limited, EUIPO Cancellation No. 19 387 C (Invalidity), 27 May 2019
Iceland Foods’ European Union trade marks for ICELAND were held invalid for all goods and services in a duo of recent decisions from the European Union Intellectual Property Office Cancellation Division, after The Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs successfully argued that the exclusive rights conferred on the food and beverage retail giant unfairly monopolized what is, of course, the name of a country in the European Economic Area.
Free to Choose: A Moral Defense of the Right-to-Try Movement
Authors: Brodrick Michael 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe claim that individuals legitimately differ with respect to their values seems to be uncontroversial among bioethicists, yet many bioethicists nevertheless oppose right-to-try laws. This seems to be due in part to a failure to recognize that such laws are intended primarily to be political, not legal, instruments. The right-to-try movement seeks to build political support for increasing access to newly developed drugs outside of clinical trials. Opponents of right-to-try laws claim that increasing access outside of clinical trials would undermine evidence-based medicine. They seek to maximize overall gains to patients by protecting them from adverse drug reactions and ensuring that drugs are more effective on average. In contrast, right-to-try activists have a point that regulatory judgments of drug safety and effectiveness impose one set of trade-offs on all individuals, regardless of their different values. That might be acceptable if determinations of safety and effectiveness were black and white, but that does not seem to be the case. This article argues that judgments of safety and effectiveness are in an important respect normative and reflect the perceived value of those ends relative to others. Such judgments, when universally imposed, harm patients who would readily make do with less knowledge of drug safety and effectiveness in exchange for more time and self-determination. The relevant moral principle is that of respect for individual autonomy. Just as that principle should lead one to substitute collective decisions for individual ones to regulate a natural monopoly, the same principle should lead one to substitute individual decisions for collective ones to avoid a government monopoly on access to newly developed drugs. It is argued that reforms should increase the number of treatment options available to patients outside of clinical trials. The final section of the article discusses ways in which current regulations might be reformed so as to provide more treatment options outside of clinical trials, without undermining evidence-based medicine.
Randomized Phase II Trial of Exercise, Metformin, or Both on Metabolic Biomarkers in Colorectal and Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Meyerhardt Jeffrey A , Irwin Melinda L , Jones Lee W , Zhang Sui , Campbell Nancy , Brown Justin C , Pollak Michael , Sorrentino Alexandra , Cartmel Brenda , Harrigan Maura , Tolaney Sara M , Winer Eric , Ng Kimmie , Abrams Thomas , Fuchs Charles S , Sanft Tara , Douglas Pamela S , Hu Frank , Ligibel Jennifer A 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Observational data support inverse relationships between exercise or metformin use and disease outcomes in colorectal and breast cancer survivors, although the mechanisms underlying these associations are not well understood.

Methods
In a phase II trial, stage I–III colorectal and breast cancer survivors who completed standard therapy were randomly assigned to structured exercise or metformin or both or neither for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was change in fasting insulin levels; secondary outcomes included changes in other blood-based energetic biomarkers and anthropometric measurements. Analyses used linear mixed models.

Results
In total, 139 patients were randomly assigned; 91 (65%) completed follow-up assessments. Fasting insulin levels statistically significantly decreased in all three intervention arms (−2.47 μU/mL combination arm, −0.08 μU/mL exercise only, −1.16 μU/mL metformin only, + 2.79 μU/mL control arm). Compared with the control arm, all groups experienced statistically significant weight loss between baseline and 12 weeks (−1.8% combination arm, −0.22% exercise only, −1.0% metformin only, +1.55% control). The combination arm also experienced statistically significant improvements in the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (−30.6% combination arm, +61.2% control) and leptin (−42.2% combination arm, −0.8% control), compared with the control arm. The interventions did not change insulin-like growth factor–1 or insulin-like growth factor binding protein–3 measurements as compared with the control arm. Tolerance to metformin limited compliance (approximately 50% of the participants took at least 75% of the planned dosages in both treatment arms).

Conclusions
The combination of exercise and metformin statistically significantly improved insulin and associated metabolic markers, as compared to the control arm, with potential greater effect than either exercise or metformin alone though power limited formal synergy testing. Larger efforts are warranted to determine if such a combined modality intervention can improve outcomes in colorectal and breast cancer survivors.
Targeted misexpression of NAC052, acting in H3K4 demethylation, alters leaf morphological and anatomical traits in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: van Rooijen Roxanne , Schulze Stefanie , Petzsch Patrick , Westhoff Peter 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn an effort to identify genetic regulators for the cell ontogeny around the veins in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves, an activation-tagged mutant line with altered leaf morphology and altered bundle sheath anatomy was characterized. This mutant had a small rosette area with wrinkled leaves and chlorotic leaf edges, as well as enhanced chloroplast numbers in the (pre-)bundle sheath tissue. It had a bundle-specific promoter from the gene GLYCINE DECARBOXYLASE SUBUNIT-T from the C4 species Flaveria trinervia (GLDTFt promoter) inserted in the coding region of the transcriptional repressor NAC052, functioning in H3K4 demethylation, in front of an alternative start codon in-frame with the natural start codon. Reconstruction of the mutation event of our activation-tagged line by creating a line expressing an N-terminally truncated sequence of NAC052 under control of the GLDTFt promoter confirmed the involvement of NAC052 in leaf development. Our study not only reveals leaf anatomic and transcriptomic effects of an N-terminally truncated NAC052 under control of the GLDTFt promoter, but also identifies NAC052 as a novel genetic regulator of leaf development.