bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and clinical picture of premenstrual syndrome in females from Bulgaria
Authors: Chumpalova Petranka , Iakimova Rossitza , Stoimenova-Popova Maya , Aptalidis Daniil , Pandova Milena , Stoyanova Maria , Fountoulakis Konstantinos N. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its more severe form premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are highly prevalent conditions, but there seems to be ethnic and cultural variances in their distribution.

Aims
To explore the prevalence of PMS/PMDD and their typical clinical features in a Bulgarian population.

Materials and methods
This investigation was designed and executed as a cross-sectional descriptive study. Three hundred and five conveniently recruited females with no psychiatric history filled in a self-evaluation questionnaire based on DSM-IV tapping on different symptoms of PMS. The prevalence of the conditions was calculated.

Results
32.1% (N = 98) of the tested females (mean age 31.04 ± 6.31) suffered from PMS and 3.3% (N = 10) were diagnosed with PMDD. The leading symptoms in the sample were irritability, fatigue and changes in appetite, depressed mood, mood swings, and anxiety, and abdominal bloating, breast tension and tenderness. Most of the symptoms were moderately severe. Mild and moderate cases of PMS were near equally distributed and more frequent than severe ones.

Conclusion
PMS is a common condition which is usually mildly expressed, but severe cases are not an exception. The clinical picture is dominated by almost equally distributed psychological and somatic symptoms.
Spatial and temporal distribution of infectious disease epidemics, disasters and other potential public health emergencies in the World Health Organisation Africa region, 2016–2018
Authors: TALISUNA Ambrose Otau , OKIRO Emelda Aluoch , YAHAYA Ali Ahmed , STEPHEN Mary , BONKOUNGOU Boukare , MUSA Emmanuel Onuche , MINKOULOU Etienne Magloire , OKEIBUNOR Joseph , IMPOUMA Benido , DJINGAREY Haruna Mamoudou , YAO N’da Konan Michel , OKA Sakuya , YOTI Zabulon , FALL Ibrahima Socé 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Emerging and re-emerging diseases with pandemic potential continue to challenge fragile health systems in Africa, creating enormous human and economic toll. To provide evidence for the investment case for public health emergency preparedness, we analysed the spatial and temporal distribution of epidemics, disasters and other potential public health emergencies in the WHO African region between 2016 and 2018.

Methods
We abstracted data from several sources, including: the WHO African Region’s weekly bulletins on epidemics and emergencies, the WHO-Disease Outbreak News (DON) and the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT) of the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED). Other sources were: the Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases (ProMED) and the Global Infectious Disease and Epidemiology Network (GIDEON). We included information on the time and location of the event, the number of cases and deaths and counter-checked the different data sources.

Data analysis
We used bubble plots for temporal analysis and generated graphs and maps showing the frequency and distribution of each event. Based on the frequency of events, we categorised countries into three: Tier 1, 10 or more events, Tier 2, 5–9 events, and Tier 3, less than 5 or no event. Finally, we compared the event frequencies to a summary International Health Regulations (IHR) index generated from the IHR technical area scores of the 2018 annual reports.

Results
Over 260 events were identified between 2016 and 2018. Forty-one countries (87%) had at least one epidemic between 2016 and 2018, and 21 of them (45%) had at least one epidemic annually. Twenty-two countries (47%) had disasters/humanitarian crises. Seven countries (the epicentres) experienced over 10 events and all of them had limited or developing IHR capacities. The top five causes of epidemics were: Cholera, Measles, Viral Haemorrhagic Diseases, Malaria and Meningitis.

Conclusions
The frequent and widespread occurrence of epidemics and disasters in Africa is a clarion call for investing in preparedness. While strengthening preparedness should be guided by global frameworks, it is the responsibility of each government to finance country specific needs. We call upon all African countries to establish governance and predictable financing mechanisms for IHR implementation and to build resilient health systems everywhere.
How to judge pelvic malposition when assessing acetabular index in children? Three simple parameters can determine acceptability
Authors: Yang Yi , Porter Daniel , Zhao Li , Zhao Xiang , Yang Xuan , Chen Suxian 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
The acetabular index (AI) is the most commonly used parameter for diagnosing hip dysplasia. Pelvic malposition can result in misinterpretation of AI measurement especially in younger children. We aimed to investigate the correlation between pelvic orientation and acetabular index (AI) by using digital reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) and identify reliable parameters predictive of pelvic orientation on plain radiographs.

Methods
We retrospectively identified 33 children (52 hips) who received dual source CT examinations. Virtual pelvic models were reconstructed after scanning. After orientating in the standard neutral position, the models were rotated and tilted around corresponding axes. DRRs were generated at every 3° during the process. The acetabular index, the horizontal diameter (Dh) and vertical diameter (Dv) of bilateral obturator foramina, the vertical distance (h) between upper border of pubic symphysis, and Hilgenreiner’s line were measured on each DRR by two independent observers. Rotation index (Rr = right Dh/left Dh), tilt index (Rt = h/Dv), intra-observer error, and inter-observer error of AI were calculated.

Results
For tilt and rotation up to 12.0°, AI increased with anterior tilt and decreased with posterior tilt. And for rotation, it increased on the side toward which the pelvis rotated and decreased on the opposite side. AI varied dramatically if angulation exceeded 6.0°. Malposition below this limit demonstrated the intra- and inter-observer errors were ± 2.0° and ± 3.0° respectively and caused no significant effect on AI measurement.

Conclusions
For children up to age 6 years, an acceptable pelvic plain radiograph can be determined when Rt is approximately between 0.9 and 1.4 and Rr between 0.7 and 1.5. For the first time, we have identified parameters derived from a group of subjects which can predict this degree of malposition. The parameters obturator diameters (Dh), obturator height (Dv), and distance (h) between symphysis and Hilgengreiner’s line can be feasibly measured on X-ray and employed in clinical practice to assess the acceptability of the pediatric pelvic radiograph prior to measurement of the AI.
Correction of marked sagittal deformity with circumferential minimally invasive surgery using oblique lateral interbody fusion in adult spinal deformity
Authors: Park Seung Won , Ko Myeong Jin , Kim Young Baeg , Le Huec Jean Charles 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Spinal surgery performed entirely with minimally invasive surgery is referred to as circumferential MIS (cMIS). However, cMIS still has a limited sagittal correction capability for adult spinal deformity (ASD) with a marked sagittal deformity. We investigated the effectiveness of cMIS using oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) and percutaneous posterior spine fixation in correcting marked sagittal deformity.

Methods
This study retrospectively evaluated 23 patients with ASD with marked sagittal deformity who underwent cMIS using OLIF without osteotomy and were followed-up for at least 24 months (whole group). The whole group was divided into the following two groups according to the type of interbody fusion at L5–S1: the OLIF51 group (n = 13) underwent OLIF at L1–L5 and L5–S1 and the TLIF51 group (n = 10) underwent OLIF at L1–L5 and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) at L5–S1.

Results
Sagittal vertebral axis (SVA; 125.7 vs. 29.5 mm, p < 0.001), lumbar lordosis (LL; 18.2° vs. 51.7°, p < 0.001), and pelvic incidence-LL mismatch (PI-LL, 35.5° vs. 5.3°) significantly improved postoperatively in the whole group. The OLIF51 group showed significantly higher postoperative LL than the TLIF51 group (55.5° vs. 46.9°, p < 0.001). OLIF yielded a significantly greater disc angle at L5–S1 than did TLIF (18.4° vs. 6.9°, p < 0.001). Proximal junctional kyphosis occurred significantly earlier in the OLIF51 group than in the TLIF51 group (8.6 vs. 26.3 months, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Successful sagittal correction in ASD patients with marked sagittal deformity was achieved with cMIS using OLIF. OLIF at L5–S1 showed a synergistic effect in sagittal deformity correction by cMIS.
Cross-cutting view of current challenges in paediatric solid organ and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Europe: the European Reference Network TransplantChild
Authors:   On behalf of ERN TransplantChild, Jara P. , Baker A. , Baumann U. , Borobia A. M. , Branchereu S. , Candusso M. , Carcas A. J. , Chardot C. , Cobas J. , D’Antiga L. , Ferreras C. , Fitzpatrick E. , Frauca E. , Hernández-Oliveros F. , Kaliciński P. , Lindemans C. , Lopes M. F. , López-Granados E. , de Magnée C. , Mota C. , Muñoz J. M. , Ojeda J. J. , Pérez-Martínez A. , Perilongo G. , Rascon J. , Sciveres M. , Stone R. , Tarutis V. , Toporski J. , Torres J. M. , Wennberg L. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe low prevalence of European paediatric transplanted patients and scarcity of resources and expertise led to the need for a multidisciplinary network able to improve the quality of life of paediatric patients and families requiring a solid organ or haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The European Reference Network (ERN) TransplantChild is one of the 24 ERNs established in a European legal framework to improve the care of patients with rare diseases. ERN TransplantChild is the only ERN focused on both solid organ and haematopoietic stem cell paediatric transplantation, based on the understanding of paediatric transplantation as a complex and highly specialised process where specific complications appear regardless the organ involved, thus linking the skills and knowledge of different organ disciplines. Gathering European centres of expertise in paediatric transplantation will give access to a correct and timely diagnosis, share expertise and knowledge and collect a critical mass of patients and data that increases the speed and value of clinical research outcomes. Therefore, the ERN TransplantChild aims for a paediatric Pan-European, Pan-transplant approach.
Delayed expression of activity-dependent gating switch in synaptic AMPARs at a central synapse
Authors: Lesperance Lee Stephen , Yang Yi-Mei , Wang Lu-Yang 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDeveloping central synapses exhibit robust plasticity and undergo experience-dependent remodeling. Evidently, synapses in sensory systems such as auditory brainstem circuits mature rapidly to achieve high-fidelity neurotransmission for sound localization. This depends on a developmental switch in AMPAR composition from slow-gating GluA1-dominant to fast-gating GluA4-dominant, but the mechanisms underlying this switch remain unknown. We hypothesize that patterned stimuli mimicking spontaneous/sound evoked activity in the early postnatal stage drives this gating switch. We examined activity-dependent changes in evoked and miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs and mEPSCs) at the calyx of Held synapse by breaking through the postsynaptic membrane at different time points following 2 min of theta burst stimulation (TBS) to afferents in mouse brainstem slices. We found the decay time course of eEPSCs accelerated, but this change was not apparent until > 30 min after TBS. Histogram analyses of the decay time constants of mEPSCs for naive and tetanized synapses revealed two populations centered around τfast ≈ 0.4 and 0.8 ms, but the relative weight of the τ0.4 population over the τ0.8 population increased significantly only in tetanized synapses. Such changes are blocked by NMDAR or mGluR1/5 antagonists or inhibitors of CaMKII, PKC and protein synthesis, and more importantly precluded in GluA4−/− synapses, suggesting GluA4 is the substrate underlying the acceleration. Our results demonstrate a novel form of plasticity working through NMDAR and mGluR activation to trigger a gating switch of AMPARs with a temporally delayed onset of expression, ultimately enhancing the development of high-fidelity synaptic transmission.
FMF is not always “fever”: from clinical presentation to “treat to target”
Authors: Maggio Maria Cristina , Corsello Giovanni 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFamilial Mediterranean Fever, a monogenic autoinflammatory disease secondary to MEFV gene mutations in the chromosome 16p13, is characterized by recurrent self-limiting attacks of fever, arthritis, aphthous changes in lips and/or oral mucosa, erythema, serositis. It is caused by dysregulation of the inflammasome, a complex intracellular multiprotein structure, commanding the overproduction of interleukin 1. Familial Mediterranean Fever can be associated with other multifactorial autoinflammatory diseases, as vasculitis and Behçet disease.Symptoms frequently start before 20 years of age and are characterized by a more severe phenotype in patients who begin earlier.Attacks consist of fever, serositis, arthritis and high levels of inflammatory reactants: C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum amyloid A associated with leucocytosis and neutrophilia. The symptom-free intervals are of different length.The attacks of Familial Mediterranean Fever can have a trigger, as infections, stress, menses, exposure to cold, fat-rich food, drugs.The diagnosis needs a clinical definition of the disease and a genetic confirmation. An accurate differential diagnosis is mandatory to exclude infective agents, autoimmune diseases, etc.In many patients there is no genetic confirmation of the disease; furthermore, some subjects with the relieve of MEFV mutations, show a phenotype not in line with the diagnosis of Familial Mediterranean Fever. For these reasons, diagnostic criteria were developed, as Tel Hashomer Hospital criteria, the “Turkish FMF Paediatric criteria”, the “clinical classification criteria for autoinflammatory periodic fevers” formulated by PRINTO.The goals of the treatment are: prevention of attacks recurrence, normalization of inflammatory markers, control of subclinical inflammation in attacks-free intervals and prevention of medium and long-term complications, as amyloidosis. Colchicine is the first step in the treatment; biological drugs are effective in non-responder patients.The goal of this paper is to give a wide and broad review to general paediatricians on Familial Mediterranean Fever, with the relative diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic aspects.
p66ShcA functions as a contextual promoter of breast cancer metastasis
Authors: Lewis Kyle , Kiepas Alex , Hudson Jesse , Senecal Julien , Ha Jacqueline R. , Voorand Elena , Annis Matthew G. , Sabourin Valerie , Ahn Ryuhjin , La Selva Rachel , Tabariès Sébastien , Hsu Brian E. , Siegel Matthew J. , Dankner Matthew , Canedo Eduardo Cepeda , Lajoie Mathieu , Watson Ian R. , Brown Claire M. , Siegel Peter M. , Ursini-Siegel Josie 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
The p66ShcA redox protein is the longest isoform of the Shc1 gene and is variably expressed in breast cancers. In response to a variety of stress stimuli, p66ShcA becomes phosphorylated on serine 36, which allows it to translocate from the cytoplasm to the mitochondria where it stimulates the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Conflicting studies suggest both pro- and anti-tumorigenic functions for p66ShcA, which prompted us to examine the contribution of tumor cell-intrinsic functions of p66ShcA during breast cancer metastasis.

Methods
We tested whether p66ShcA impacts the lung-metastatic ability of breast cancer cells. Breast cancer cells characteristic of the ErbB2+/luminal (NIC) or basal (4T1) subtypes were engineered to overexpress p66ShcA. In addition, lung-metastatic 4T1 variants (4T1-537) were engineered to lack endogenous p66ShcA via Crispr/Cas9 genomic editing. p66ShcA null cells were then reconstituted with wild-type p66ShcA or a mutant (S36A) that cannot translocate to the mitochondria, thereby lacking the ability to stimulate mitochondrial-dependent ROS production. These cells were tested for their ability to form spontaneous metastases from the primary site or seed and colonize the lung in experimental (tail vein) metastasis assays. These cells were further characterized with respect to their migration rates, focal adhesion dynamics, and resistance to anoikis in vitro. Finally, their ability to survive in circulation and seed the lungs of mice was assessed in vivo.

Results
We show that p66ShcA increases the lung-metastatic potential of breast cancer cells by augmenting their ability to navigate each stage of the metastatic cascade. A non-phosphorylatable p66ShcA-S36A mutant, which cannot translocate to the mitochondria, still potentiated breast cancer cell migration, lung colonization, and growth of secondary lung metastases. However, breast cancer cell survival in the circulation uniquely required an intact p66ShcA S36 phosphorylation site.

Conclusion
This study provides the first evidence that both mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial p66ShcA pools collaborate in breast cancer cells to promote their maximal metastatic fitness.
Model-based exploration of the impact of glucose metabolism on the estrous cycle dynamics in dairy cows
Authors: Omari Mohamed , Lange Alexander , Plöntzke Julia , Röblitz Susanna 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Nutrition plays a crucial role in regulating reproductive hormones and follicular development in cattle. This is visible particularly during the time of negative energy balance at the onset of milk production after calving. Here, elongated periods of anovulation have been observed, resulting from alterations in luteinizing hormone concentrations, likely caused by lower glucose and insulin concentrations in the blood. The mechanisms that result in a reduced fertility are not completely understood, although a close relationship to the glucose-insulin metabolism is widely supported.

Results
Following this idea, we developed a mathematical model of the hormonal network combining reproductive hormones and hormones that are coupled to the glucose compartments within the body of the cow. The model is built on ordinary differential equations and relies on previously introduced models on the bovine estrous cycle and the glucose-insulin dynamics. Necessary modifications and coupling mechanisms are thoroughly discussed. Depending on the composition and the amount of feed, in particular the glucose content in the dry matter, the model quantifies reproductive hormones and follicular development over time. Simulation results for different nutritional regimes in lactating and non-lactating dairy cows are examined and compared with experimental studies. The simulations describe realistically the effects of nutritional glucose supply on the ovulatory cycle of dairy cattle.

Conclusions
The mathematical model enables the user to explore the relationship between nutrition and reproduction by running simulations and performing parameter studies. Regarding its applicability, this work is an early attempt towards developing in silico feeding strategies and may eventually help to refine and reduce animal experiments.

Reviewers
This article was reviewed by John McNamara and Tin Pang (nominated by Martin Lercher).
CApecitabine plus Radium-223 (Xofigo™) in breast cancer patients with BONe metastases (CARBON): study protocol for a phase IB/IIA randomised controlled trial
Authors: Coleman Rob , Brown Janet , Rathbone Emma , Flanagan Louise , Reid Amber , Kendall Jessica , Howell Sacha , Twelves Chris , Palmieri Carlo , Anand Anjana , MacPherson Iain , Brown Sarah 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
A substantial proportion of breast cancer patients develop metastatic disease, with over 450,000 deaths globally per year. Bone is the most common first site of metastatic disease accounting for 40% of all first recurrence and 70% of patients with advanced disease develop skeletal involvement.
Treatment of bone metastases currently focusses on symptom relief and prevention and treatment of skeletal complications. However, there remains a need for further treatment options for patients with bone metastases. Combining systemic therapy with a bone-targeted agent, such as radium-223, may provide an effective treatment with minimal additional side effects.

Methods/design
CARBON is a UK-based, open-label, multi-centre study which comprises an initial safety phase to establish the feasibility and safety of combining radium-223 given on a 6-weekly schedule in combination with orally administered capecitabine followed by a randomised extension phase to further characterise the safety profile and provide preliminary estimation of efficacy.

Discussion
The CARBON study is important as the results will be the first to assess radium-223 with chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer. If the results find acceptable rates of toxicity with a decrease in bone turnover markers, further work will be necessary in a phase II/III setting to assess the efficacy and clinical benefit.

Trial registration
ISRCTN, ISRCTN92755158, Registered on 17 February 2016.