bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in ultrasound uterine morphology and endometrial thickness during ovarian aging and possible associated factors: findings from a prospective study
Authors: Li Jiayi , Wang Yaping , Tang Ruiyi , Peng Yajing , Wang Yuchen , Liu Bing , Jiang Ying , Liu Gaifen , Lin Shouqing , Chen Rong 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjective:The aim of the study was to provide reference values for sonographic measurements of uterine morphology, quantify changes in uterine morphology across the menopausal transition, and identify possible factors associated with sonographic findings in uterine morphology.Methods:This is a longitudinal cohort study conducted in middle-aged Chinese women. Using transvaginal ultrasound, we measured morphologic parameters of the uterus (volume and endometrial thickness) under standardized conditions every year for over a decade.Results:Uterine volume begins to decrease before the final menstrual period and declines rapidly thereafter. Compared with a baseline measurement taken in the year of the final menstrual period, uterine volume decreased by 20% and 35% at the first year and second year of postmenopause, respectively. The rate of decrease was slower in the third year. Compared with endometrial thickness in the year of the final menstrual period, the figures for 2 and 3 years before the final menstrual period were 5% and 10% higher, while they decreased by 9% and 18% at the first and second year after the final menstrual period. Similarly, the endometrial thickness became relatively stable 3 years after the final menstrual cycle. These observations were fairly consistent across all women without uterine fibroids. Endometrial thickness was significantly positively associated with body mass index (P= 0.049) after adjusting for time and menopausal stage.Conclusions:The figures for uterine volume and endometrial thickness decrease around menopause using ultrasound measurments with large reductions in the first and second year after the final menstrual period. A higher body mass index is associated with increased endometrial thickness.
May measurement month 2017: Latin America
Authors: Barbosa Eduardo C.D. , Ramirez Agustin , Beaney Thomas , Kobeissi Elsa , Lopez-Jaramillo Patricio , Hernánez-Hernández Rafael , Eibel Bruna , Lanas Fernando , Penaherrera Ernesto , Marin Marcos , Boggia José , Ortellado Jose , Gomez Enrique , Sánchez Enrique , Bryce Alfonso , Valdez Osiris , Beistline Holly , Nwokocha Chukwuemeka , Connell Kenneth , Barrientos Ana , Wyss Fernando , Kenerson John , Poulter Neil R. 
Published: March 2020

Objectives:
To raise awareness of blood pressure, measured by number of countries involved, number of people screened, and number of people who have untreated or inadequately treated hypertension.

Methods:
An opportunistic cross-sectional survey of volunteers aged at least 18 years was carried out in May 2017. Blood pressure measurement, the definition of hypertension and statistical analysis followed the standard May measurement month protocol. Eighteen countries in Latin America and the Caribbean participated in the campaign, providing us with a wide sample for characterization.

Results:
During May measurement month 2017 in Latin America and the Caribbean, 105 246 individuals were screened. Participants who had cardiovascular disease, 2245 (2.3%) had a prior myocardial infarction, and 1711 (1.6%) a previous stroke, additionally 6760 (6.4%) individuals were diabetic, 7014 (6.7%) current smokers and 9262 (8.8%) reported alcohol intake once or more per week. Mean SBP was 122.7 mmHg and DBP was 75.6 mmHg. After imputation, 42 328 participants (40,4%) were found to be hypertensive.

Conclusion:
The high numbers of participants detected with hypertension and the relatively large proportion of participants on antihypertensive treatment but with uncontrolled hypertension reinforces the importance of this annual event in our continent, to raise awareness of the prevention of cardiovascular events.
Parameterization of the mid-trimester drop in blood pressure trajectory during pregnancy and its utility for predicting preeclampsia
Authors: Mi Baibing , Wen Xiaozhong , Li Shanshan , Liu Danmeng , Lei Fangliang , Liu Xin , Wang Duolao , Li Xuelan , Shittu Abdal Aziz T. , Dang Shaonong , Yan Hong 
Published: March 2020

Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to parameterize mid-trimester drop in blood pressure (BP) trajectory during pregnancy and to evaluate its utility for predicting preeclampsia.

Methods:
To develop parametric models for BP trajectory during pregnancy, we used data from 7923 Chinese pregnant women with 24 810 routine antenatal care visits. Then, we evaluated the utility of BP trajectory parameters for predicting clinician-diagnosed preeclampsia in a separate sample of 3524 pregnant women from a randomized controlled trial of prenatal vitamin supplementation conducted in the same area. We focused on parameters related to the mid-trimester BP drop, including the gestational age and BP value at the nadir (lowest point), change in BP, velocity, and area under curve during two periods (from 12 weeks of gestation to the nadir and from the nadir to 33 weeks of gestation).

Results:
All participants in our analysis had a mid-pregnancy drop in their SBP, DBP, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) trajectories. There were high correlations (|r| > 0.90) among trajectory parameters of the same BP measure. The final prediction model included selective parameters of SBP, DBP, and MAP trajectories, prepregnancy BMI and gestational age at the first antenatal care visit. The area under the receiver-operating curve for predicting preeclampsia was 0.886 (95% confidence interval 0.846--0.926) in the training dataset and 0.802 (0.708--0.895) in the validation dataset.

Conclusion:
Our novel BP trajectory parameters are informative and can predict preeclampsia at a clinically acceptable level.
Alcohol-aggravated episodic pain in humans with SCN11A mutation and ALDH2 polymorphism
Authors: Yang Luyao , Li Lulu , Tang Haiyan , Ma Tingbin , Li Yulei , Zhang Xianwei , Shi Xiaoliu , Liu Jing Yu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Mutations in Nav1.9 encoded by SCN11A have been associated with episodic pain, small-fiber neuropathy, and congenital insensitivity to pain. In this study, we collected and characterized one Chinese family with episodic pain. The SCN11A mutation (c.664C>A/p.Arg222Ser) was identified and cosegregated with the episodic pain phenotype. In addition, we found that alcohol intake triggered intense pain attacks and detected the ALDH2 polymorphism (c.1510G>A/p.Glu504Lys) in 3 patients with episodic pain. The alcohol-aggravated pain symptom and this ALDH2 polymorphism were also reconfirmed in our previously reported episodic pain patient with the Nav1.9 mutation (p.Ala808Gly, patient III-2 in HBBJ family). To assess the pathogenicity of the Nav1.9 mutation and the new trigger, we introduced a mutation (p.Ala796Gly) into the mouse (orthologous mutation in human is p.Ala808Gly). The alteration hyperpolarized channel activation, increased the residual current through noninactivating channels, and induced hyperexcitability of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in Scn11a
A796G/A796G mice. The Scn11a
A796G/A796G mice showed increased sensitivity to mechanical, heat, and cold stimuli, and hypersensitivity to acetaldehyde and formalin, which could account for the alcohol intake-induced pain phenotype in patients. Moreover, acetaldehyde increased the mutant mNav1.9 channel current and excitability of Scn11a
A796G/A796G mouse DRG neurons. Parecoxib (an anti-inflammatory medication) relieved the heat hypersensitivity in Scn11a
A796G/A796G mice not receiving inflammatory stimuli and significantly decreased the hyperexcitability of DRG neurons in Scn11a
A796G/A796G mice. These results indicated that Scn11a
A796G/A796G mice recapitulated many clinical features of patients and suggested that Nav1.9 channel contributes significantly to the inflammatory pain state.
Coagulation testing and management in liver disease patients
Authors: Stotts Matthew J. , Davis Jessica P.E. , Shah Neeral L. 
Published: March 2020

Purpose of review
The present article aims to provide clinicians with an overview of coagulation testing in individuals with liver disease, to discuss available procoagulants and the rationale for their use, and to provide management strategies in a variety of common clinical scenarios.

Recent findings
Clinicians and researchers are gaining an increased understanding of the shortfalls of assessing bleeding risk using traditional tests of coagulation. The use of global tests of clot formation, including viscoelastic testing and thrombin generation analysis, continues to evolve and guide the management of these patients.

Summary
Abnormal coagulation testing in individuals with cirrhosis leads to a variety of difficult clinical scenarios that can be challenging for practitioners. With advanced liver disease, changes in the traditional tests of hemostasis such as the international normalized ratio reflect decreased synthesis of procoagulant factors but do not capture concomitant decreases in anticoagulant factors. In this setting, transfusion thresholds targeting platelet and fibrinogen goals may provide an effective strategy to optimize clot formation. Global tests of clot formation provide practical information to clinicians and can help guide decision making, although optimal target levels have not been validated.
The Endothelial Glycocalyx: A Fundamental Determinant of Vascular Permeability in Sepsis
Authors: Fernández-Sarmiento Jaime , Salazar-Peláez Lina María , Carcillo Joseph A. 
Published: March 2020

Objectives:
Sepsis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Children with sepsis often have alterations in microcirculation and vascular permeability. Our objective is current evidence regarding the role of the endothelial glycocalyx as a determinant of capillary leakage in these patients.

Data Sources:
We reviewed PubMed, EMBASE, and Google scholar using MeSH terms “glycocalyx”, “fluids”, “syndecan”, “endothelium”, “vascular permeability”, “edema”, “sepsis”, “septic shock”, “children”.

Study Selection:
Articles in all languages were included. We include all studies in animals and humans related to glycocalyx and vascular permeability.

Data Extraction:
Studies in children and adults, as well as animal studies, were included.

Data Synthesis:
One of the fundamental components of the endothelial barrier structure is the glycocalyx. It is a variable thickness layer distributed throughout the whole body, which fulfills a very important function for life: the regulation of blood vessel permeability to water and solutes, favoring vascular protection, modulation, and hemostasis. In the last few years, there has been a special interest in glycocalyx disorders and their relationship to increased vascular permeability, especially in patients with sepsis in whom the alterations that occur in the glycocalyx are unknown when they are subjected to different water resuscitation strategies, vasopressors, etc. This review describes the structural and functional characteristics of the glycocalyx, alterations in patients with sepsis, with regard to its importance in vascular permeability conservation and the possible impact of strategies to prevent and/or treat the injury of this fundamental structure.

Conclusions:
The endothelial glycocalyx is a fundamental component of the endothelium and an important determinant of the mechanotransduction and vascular permeability in patients with sepsis. Studies are needed to evaluate the role of the different types of solutions used in fluid bolus, vasoactive support, and other interventions described in pediatric sepsis on microcirculation, particularly on endothelial integrity and the glycocalyx.
Palliative Care in Children With Heart Disease Treated in an ICU
Authors: Delgado-Corcoran Claudia , Wawrzynski Sarah E. , Bennett Erin E. , Green Danielle , Bodily Stephanie , Moore Dominic , Cook Lawrence J. , Olson Lenora M. 
Published: March 2020

Objectives:
Describe pediatric palliative care consult in children with heart disease; retrospectively apply Center to Advance Palliative Care criteria for pediatric palliative care consults; determine the impact of pediatric palliative care on end of life.

Design:
A retrospective single-center study.

Setting:
A 16-bed cardiac ICU in a university-affiliated tertiary care children’s hospital.

Patients:
Children (0–21 yr old) with heart disease admitted to the cardiac ICU from January 2014 to June 2017.

Measurements and Main Results:
Over 1,000 patients (n = 1, 389) were admitted to the cardiac ICU with 112 (8%) receiving a pediatric palliative care consultation. Patients who received a consult were different from those who did not. Patients who received pediatric palliative care were younger at first hospital admission (median 63 vs 239 d; p = 0.003), had a higher median number of complex chronic conditions at the end of first hospitalization (3 vs 1; p < 0.001), longer cumulative length of stay in the cardiac ICU (11 vs 2 d; p < 0.001) and hospital (60 vs 7 d; p < 0.001), and higher mortality rates (38% vs 3%; p < 0.001). When comparing location and modes of death, patients who received pediatric palliative care were more likely to die at home (24% vs 2%; p = 0.02) and had more comfort care at the end of life (36% vs 2%; p = 0.002) compared to those who did not. The Center to Advance Palliative Care guidelines identified 158 patients who were eligible for pediatric palliative care consultation; however, only 30 patients (19%) in our sample received a consult.

Conclusions:
Pediatric palliative care consult rarely occurred in the cardiac ICU. Patients who received a consult were medically complex and experienced high mortality. Comfort care at the end of life and death at home was more common when pediatric palliative care was consulted. Missed referrals were apparent when Center to Advance Palliative Care criteria were retrospectively applied.
Framework for improving outcome prediction for acute to chronic low back pain transitions
Authors: George Steven Z. , Lentz Trevor A. , Beneciuk Jason M. , Bhavsar Nrupen A. , Mundt Jennifer M. , Boissoneault Jeff 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Clinical practice guidelines and the Federal Pain Research Strategy (United States) have recently highlighted research priorities to lessen the public health impact of low back pain (LBP). It may be necessary to improve existing predictive approaches to meet these research priorities for the transition from acute to chronic LBP. In this article, we first present a mapping review of previous studies investigating this transition and, from the characterization of the mapping review, present a predictive framework that accounts for limitations in the identified studies. Potential advantages of implementing this predictive framework are further considered. These advantages include (1) leveraging routinely collected health care data to improve prediction of the development of chronic LBP and (2) facilitating use of advanced analytical approaches that may improve prediction accuracy. Furthermore, successful implementation of this predictive framework in the electronic health record would allow for widespread testing of accuracy resulting in validated clinical decision aids for predicting chronic LBP development.
Multisite Study of Women Living With HIV's Perceived Barriers to, and Interest in, Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Philbin Morgan M. , Parish Carrigan L. , Kinnard Elizabeth N. , Reed Sarah E. , Kerrigan Deanna , Alcaide Maria L. , Cohen Mardge H. , Sosanya Oluwakemi , Sheth Anandi N. , Adimora Adaora A. , Cocohoba Jennifer , Goparaju Lakshmi , Golub Elizabeth T. , Fischl Margaret , Metsch Lisa R. 
Published: March 2020

Background:
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is imperative for viral suppression and reducing HIV transmission, but many people living with HIV report difficultly sustaining long-term adherence. Long-acting injectable (LAI) ART has the potential to transform HIV treatment and prevention. However, little LAI ART–related behavioral research has occurred among women, particularly outside of clinical trials.

Setting:
Six Women's Interagency HIV Study sites: New York, Chicago, Washington DC, Atlanta, Chapel Hill, and San Francisco.

Methods:
We conducted 59 in-depth interviews with women living with HIV across 6 Women's Interagency HIV Study sites (10 per site; 9 at Washington DC). We interviewed women who were not included in LAI ART clinical trials but who receive care at university settings that will administer LAI ART once it is approved. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Results:
Most women enthusiastically endorsed monthly LAI ART and would prefer it over pills. The following 3 reasons emerged for this preference: (1) convenience and confidentiality, (2) avoiding daily reminders about living with HIV, and (3) believing that shots are more effective than pills. Challenges remain, however, specifically around (1) medical mistrust, (2) concerns about safety and effectiveness, (3) pill burden for HIV and other conditions, and (4) barriers to additional medical visits.

Conclusions:
Most women preferred LAI ART over daily pills given its benefits, including convenience, privacy, and perceived effectiveness. Future research should incorporate more women into LAI ART trials to better understand and align development with user concerns and preferences to enhance uptake.
Acute Sixth Nerve Palsy and Retinal Hemorrhages as the Presenting Features of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Alrobaian Malek A. , Vizcaino Maria Adelita , Henderson Amanda D. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract:
A 36-year-old apparently healthy man presented with acute onset of diplopia. Examination demonstrated left sixth nerve palsy with 3 retinal hemorrhages noted in one eye. Gadolinium-enhanced high-resolution skull base MRI revealed left sixth nerve enhancement involving the cisternal segment. Complete blood count, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, bone marrow biopsy, and flow cytometry confirmed acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia with central nervous system involvement. This case demonstrates the value of high-resolution MRI in the evaluation of cranial nerve palsy in young adults and also emphasizes the importance of systemic work up in these cases, particularly when retinal findings are present.
Cortical Excitability, Synaptic Plasticity, and Cognition in Benign Epilepsy With Centrotemporal Spikes: A Pilot TMS-EMG-EEG Study
Authors: Baumer Fiona M. , Pfeifer Kristina , Fogarty Adam , Pena-Solorzano Dalia , Rolle Camarin E. , Wallace Joanna L. , Rotenberg Alexander , Fisher Robert S. 
Published: March 2020

Purpose:
Children with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes have rare seizures emerging from the motor cortex, which they outgrow in adolescence, and additionally may have language deficits of unclear etiology. We piloted the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation paired with EMG and EEG (TMS-EMG, TMS-EEG) to test the hypotheses that net cortical excitability decreases with age and that use-dependent plasticity predicts learning.

Methods:
We assessed language and motor learning in 14 right-handed children with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes. We quantified two TMS metrics of left motor cortex excitability: the resting motor threshold (measure of neuronal membrane excitability) and amplitude of the N100-evoked potential (an EEG measure of GABAergic tone). To test plasticity, we applied 1 Hz repetitive TMS to the motor cortex to induce long-term depression-like changes in EMG- and EEG-evoked potentials.

Results:
Children with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes tolerate TMS; no seizures were provoked. Resting motor threshold decreases with age but is elevated above maximal stimulator output for half the group. N100 amplitude decreases with age after controlling for resting motor threshold. Motor cortex plasticity correlates significantly with language learning and at a trend level with motor learning.

Conclusions:
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is safe and feasible for children with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes, and TMS-EEG provides more reliable outcome measures than TMS-EMG in this group because many children have unmeasurably high resting motor thresholds. Net cortical excitability decreases with age, and motor cortex plasticity predicts not only motor learning but also language learning, suggesting a mechanism by which motor cortex seizures may interact with language development.
Dental care as a risk factor for transfusion transmissible infections in blood donors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Borra Vere , Darius Augusta , Dockx Kim , Compernolle Veerle , Lambrechts Paul , Vandekerckhove Philippe , De Buck Emmy 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT

Background and objectives:
The deferral policy for blood donation after dental care is based on the precautionary principle. The aim of this systematic review is to give an overview of the scientific evidence concerning the risk of transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs) after dental care.

Materials and methods:
Four databases were searched: Medline, the Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science. Screening was independently performed by two reviewers. The quality of evidence was evaluated using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation principle. A meta-analysis was performed to assess the association between dental treatment and TTI markers.

Results:
A total of 22 studies were included. Meta-analysis of 16 studies showed an increased association of TTIs with dental treatment, however with large heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis revealed a significant increased association of hepatitis B virus (HBV) with dental treatment [odds ratio 1.79, 95% confidence interval (1.48; 2.18)]. There was conflicting evidence concerning the risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV). One study could not demonstrate a statistically significant increased association of human T-lymphotropic virus type I with dental treatment. Three studies showed a significant increased association of HCV with tooth extraction [odds ratio 1.48, 95% confidence interval (1.11; 1.97)]. Finally, there is conflicting evidence concerning the risk of HBV or HCV after dental cleaning. One study could not demonstrate an association between HIV and dental cleaning. All evidence is of very low certainty and results cannot be considered precise.

Conclusion:
Studies of high quality concerning the risk of TTI after dental care in blood donors are scarce. An association of HBV after dental treatment and HCV after tooth extraction was demonstrated but evidence is of very low certainty. The currently identified studies are of too low certainty to make any suggestions regarding the value of deferral or deferral times.