bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
42 Screening for Atrial Fibrillation in Housebound Individuals: An Evaluation of the Use of the AliveCor Kardia Device
Authors: Bell C , Heitz E 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
The Croydon Rapid Response service is a multidisciplinary team providing admission avoidance support for people at crisis in their own homes or care homes. This population includes many living with frailty, the majority of whom are housebound.

Introduction
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common, and often asymptomatic, and a significant risk factor for developing an ischaemic stroke. There is an ambition across health systems to improve identification of people with AF to better manage their risk of stroke. Screening is often performed using ECG readings typically performed in healthcare settings such as GP surgeries or hospitals.
The Croydon Rapid Response Team were provided with 10 AliveCor Kardia devices as part of a programme funded by the Health Innovation Network, with the aim to screen for AF aiming in traditionally hard-to-reach populations such as those people who are, through ill health or poor mobility, unable to leave their own home.

Methods
Activity use of the AliveCor Kardia devices were collated from centralised activity data based on the device serial numbers. Data collected were reviewed over a 12 month period. After 12 months use a survey was performed of clinician’s views on the devices.

Results
Over a 12 month period (March 2018 – February 2019) 389 recordings were performed across all Kardia devices. One device was lost within 1 month of the roll-out. Of the 389 recordings performed, possible AF was identified in 56 cases (14% of those screened). Survey results were received from 6 clinicians. 1 clinician used the device everyday in their practice. 2 staff members report using it 1-2/week, 3 staff members report using it 1-2/month.100% of respondents described the device as easy to use and helpful in clinical practice.100% of respondents agreed that they were clear how to manage a positive result.None of the respondents described increased workload due to the device and screening programme.

Conclusions
The AliveCor Kardia device is an acceptable and effective tool to aid detection of AF in housebound individuals seen by the Rapid Response team. The scheme should be considered for extension to other community teams, and further diagnostic equipment such as 12 lead ECG should be considered to complete the pathway.
Sox2 induces tumorigenesis and angiogenesis of early-stage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through secretion of Suprabasin
Authors: Takahashi Kiichi , Asano Naoki , Imatani Akira , Kondo Yutaka , Saito Masashi , Takeuchi Akio , Jin Xiaoyi , Saito Masahiro , Hatta Waku , Asanuma Kiyotaka , Uno Kaname , Koike Tomoyuki , Masamune Atsushi 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Early stage of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is known to be accompanied by angiogenesis and morphological changes of microvessels. Transcription factor Sox2 is amplified in various cancers including ESCC, but the role of Sox2 in the carcinogenesis and angiogenesis has not been determined. Hence, we aimed to investigate the role of Sox2 in the early stage of ESCC. We found that the expression of Sox2 was significantly higher in early-stage ESCC tissues than that in their adjacent normal tissues. We then established Sox2-inducible normal human esophageal squamous cell line (HetSox2) to investigate the role of Sox2 in esophageal carcinogenesis and angiogenesis in vitro. Sox2 overexpression led to increased cell proliferation and spheroid formation. The culture supernatant of Sox2-overexpressing HetSox2 induced migration and sprouting of endothelial cell line HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cell). As for the mechanism, we found that the expression of secreted protein Suprabasin was directly induced by Sox2. Suprabasin enhanced proliferation of normal human esophageal squamous cells when added to the culture. Moreover, Suprabasin enhanced migration and sprouting of HUVEC cells, which were observed with the culture supernatant of Sox2-overexpressing HetSox2. This angiogenic effect of Suprabasin was abolished by inhibiting AKT phosphorylation, which suggested its dependence on AKT signaling. Finally, we showed that Suprabasin expression and the density of microvessels were significantly higher in ESCC tissues with high Sox2 expression. Our study suggested that increased Sox2 expression in esophageal squamous cells induced Suprabasin expression, and as a result initiated the carcinogenesis via increased cell proliferation and angiogenesis.
Tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient identifies prognostically relevant worsening renal function in acute heart failure
Authors: Hayasaka Kazuto , Matsue Yuya , Kitai Takeshi , Okumura Takahiro , Kida Keisuke , Oishi Shogo , Akiyama Eiichi , Suzuki Satoshi , Yamamoto Masayoshi , Mizukami Akira , Yoshioka Kenji , Kuroda Shunsuke , Kagiyama Nobuyuki , Yamaguchi Tetsuo , Sasano Tetsuo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Aims
Not all worsening renal function (WRF) during heart failure treatment is associated with a poor prognosis. However, a metric capable providing a prognosis of relevant WRF has not been developed. Our aim was to evaluate if a change in tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (TRPG) could discriminate prognostically relevant and not relevant WRF in patients with acute heart failure (AHF).

Methods and results
We examined 809 consecutive hospitalized patients with heart failure (78 ± 12 years, 54% male). WRF was defined as an increase in creatinine &gt;0.3 mg and ≥25% from admission to discharge. TRPG was measured at admission and before discharge using echocardiography. The primary outcome was all-cause death within 1-year after discharge. Patients were classified as follows for analysis: no WRF and no TRPG increase (n = 523); no WRF and TRPG increase (no WRF with iTRPG, n = 170); WRF and no TRPG increase (WRF without iTRPG, n = 90); and WRF and TRPG increase (WRF with iTRPG, n = 26). A change in TRPG weakly but significantly correlated to a change in haemoglobin and haematocrit, a percent decrease in brain natriuretic peptide, and body weight reduction during the index period of hospitalization. All-cause mortality within 1 year was higher in patients with WRF and iTRPG, compared to the other three groups (P = 0.026). On Cox regression analysis, only WRF with iTRPG was associated with higher mortality (hazard ratio 4.24, P = 0.001), even after adjustment for other confounders.

Conclusion
An increase in TRPG may provide a marker to identify prognostically relevant WRF in patients with AHF.
A meta-analysis of preoperative bronchoscopic marking for pulmonary nodules
Authors: Yanagiya Masahiro , Kawahara Takuya , Ueda Keiko , Yoshida Daisuke , Yamaguchi Hirokazu , Sato Masaaki 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Recent studies have suggested the usefulness of preoperative bronchoscopic marking techniques for the localization of pulmonary nodules in thoracic surgery. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of preoperative bronchoscopic marking.

METHODS
The PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched for clinical studies evaluating preoperative bronchoscopic marking for pulmonary resection. Non-comparative and random effects model-based meta-analyses were conducted to calculate the pooled success and complication rates of bronchoscopic marking.

RESULTS
Twenty-five eligible studies were included. Among these, 15 studies conducted dye marking under electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy, 4 used virtual-assisted lung mapping and 7 used other marking methods. The overall pooled successful marking rate, successful resection rate and complete resection rate were 0.97 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95–0.99], 0.98 (95% CI 0.96–1.00) and 1.00 (95% CI 1.00–1.00), respectively. The overall pooled rates of pleural injury and pulmonary haemorrhage were 0.02 (95% CI 0.01–0.05) and 0.00 (95% CI 0.00–0.00), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis demonstrated that bronchoscopic marking is very safe and effective. Bronchoscopic marking should be considered, especially if there are concerns about the safety of other localization methods.
Utility of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in patients with lung cancer undergoing surgery
Authors: Hino Haruaki , Saito Tomohito , Matsui Hiroshi , Taniguchi Yohei , Murakawa Tomohiro 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) based on serum albumin and body weight helps predict the risk of malnutrition and mortality in hospitalized elderly patients. However, its significance for patients with malignancy is unclear. We analysed the ability of GNRI to assess this risk in patients with lung cancer undergoing surgery.

METHODS
We retrospectively analysed the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of 739 patients with primary lung cancer who underwent surgery from 2006 to 2017 in a single institution.

RESULTS
GNRI values were ≤98 for 112 patients and &gt;98 for 627 patients; 532 patients had pathological stage I disease, 114 patients had stage II disease and 93 patients had stage III disease. Cox proportional hazards models revealed that age, GNRI value ≤98 and stages II and III diseases (all Ps &lt; 0.05) were significant negative prognostic factors for overall survival and that carcinoembryonic antigen level (P = 0.03), GNRI value ≤98 (P = 0.005) and stages II and III diseases (both Ps &lt; 0.001) were significant negative prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival. Rates of overall survival and cancer-specific survival stratified by lower and higher GNRI score were significantly different among patients aged 70 and older (P = 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively) but not among patients aged 69 and younger (P = 0.09 and P = 0.12, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS
GNRI could help in predicting survival after lung cancer surgery, especially in older patients, and perioperative active nutritional support might improve the survival.
Age over 35 years is associated with increased mortality after pulmonary valve replacement in repaired tetralogy of Fallot: results from the UK National Congenital Heart Disease Audit database
Authors: Dorobantu Dan M , Sharabiani Mansour T A , Taliotis Demetris , Parry Andrew J , Tulloh Robert M R , Bentham James R , Caputo Massimo , van Doorn Carin , Stoica Serban C 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOBJECTIVESMany adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot will require a pulmonary valve replacement (PVR), but there is no consensus on the best timing. In this study, we aim to evaluate the impact of age at PVR on outcomes.METHODSThis is a national multicentre retrospective study including all patients &gt;15 years of age with repaired tetralogy of Fallot who underwent their first PVR between 2000 and 2013. The optimal age cut-off was identified using Cox regression and classification and regression tree analysis.RESULTSA total of 707 patients were included, median age 26 (15–72) years. The mortality rate at 10 years after PVR was 4.2%, and the second PVR rate of 6.8%. Age at PVR of 35 years was identified as the optimal cut-off in relation to late mortality. Patients above 35 years of age had a 5.6 fold risk of death at 10 years compared with those with PVR under 35 years (10.4% vs 1.3%, P &lt; 0.001), more concomitant tricuspid valve repair/replacement (15.1% vs 5.7%, P &lt; 0.001) and surgical arrhythmia treatment (18.4% vs 5.9%, P &lt; 0.001). In those under 50 years, there was an 8.7 fold risk of late death compared with the general population, higher for those with PVR after 35 than those with PVR below 35 years (hazard ratio 9.9 vs 7.4).CONCLUSIONSPatients above 35 years of age with repaired tetralogy of Fallot have significantly worse mortality after PVR, compared with younger patients and a higher burden of mortality relative to the general population. This suggests that there are still cases where the timing of initial PVR is not optimal, warranting a re-evaluation of criteria for intervention.
Secondary valve regurgitation in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Bartko Philipp E , Hülsmann Martin , Hung Judy , Pavo Noemi , Levine Robert A , Pibarot Philippe , Vahanian Alec , Stone Gregg W , Goliasch Georg 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Secondary mitral regurgitation and secondary tricuspid regurgitation due to heart failure (HF) remain challenging in almost every aspect: increasing prevalence, poor prognosis, notoriously elusive in diagnosis, and complexity of therapeutic management. Recently, defined HF subgroups according to three ejection fraction (EF) ranges (reduced, mid-range, and preserved) have stimulated a structured understanding of the HF syndrome but the role of secondary valve regurgitation (SVR) across the spectrum of EF remains undefined. This review expands this structured understanding by consolidating the underlying phenotype of myocardial impairment with each type of SVR. Specifically, the current understanding, epidemiological considerations, impact, public health burden, mechanisms, and treatment options of SVR are discussed separately for each lesion across the HF spectrum. Furthermore, this review identifies important gaps in knowledge, future directions for research, and provides potential solutions for diagnosis and treatment. Mastering the challenge of SVR requires a multidisciplinary collaborative effort, both, in clinical practice and scientific approach to optimize patient outcomes.
D-galactose catabolism in archaea: operation of the DeLey–Doudoroff pathway in Haloferax volcanii
Authors: Tästensen Julia-Beate , Johnsen Ulrike , Reinhardt Andreas , Ortjohann Marius , Schönheit Peter 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT
The haloarchaeon Haloferax volcanii was found to grow on D-galactose as carbon and energy source. Here we report a comprehensive analysis of D-galactose catabolism in H. volcanii. Genome analyses indicated a cluster of genes encoding putative enzymes of the DeLey–Doudoroff pathway for D-galactose degradation including galactose dehydrogenase, galactonate dehydratase, 2-keto-3-deoxygalactonate kinase and 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogalactonate (KDPGal) aldolase. The recombinant galactose dehydrogenase and galactonate dehydratase showed high specificity for D-galactose and galactonate, respectively, whereas KDPGal aldolase was promiscuous in utilizing KDPGal and also the C4 epimer 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate as substrates. Growth studies with knock-out mutants indicated the functional involvement of galactose dehydrogenase, galactonate dehydratase and KDPGal aldolase in D-galactose degradation. Further, the transcriptional regulator GacR was identified, which was characterized as an activator of genes of the DeLey–Doudoroff pathway. Finally, genes were identified encoding components of an ABC transporter and a knock-out mutant of the substrate binding protein indicated the functional involvement of this transporter in D-galactose uptake. This is the first report of D-galactose degradation via the DeLey–Doudoroff pathway in the domain of archaea.
Children ‘born of war’: a role for fathers?
Authors: Oliveira Camile , Baines Erin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
In this article, we examine exceptional circumstances in which men who father children born as the result of conflict-related sexual violence assume full or partial responsibility for their child's well-being. Children ‘born of war’ are increasingly recognized as a particular victim group in relevant international policy frameworks. Their social status falls somewhere between the victimization of their mother and perpetration of their father. Given the circumstances of their birth, they often experience social rejection and loss of identity with a long-term impact on their well-being. Previous scholarship has primarily documented the challenges faced by their mothers as caregivers and as victims of wartime sexual violence. A discussion on fathers to children ‘born of war’ is absent, attributable not only to their perpetrator status, but also to the assumption that their identity is unknown or that a relationship between father and child is undesired. The article demonstrates this is not always the case. Based on research in northern Uganda between 2016 and 2019 which included interviews and focus group discussions with former male combatants in the rebel group the Lord's Resistance Army, we explore how some fathers seek to maintain a relationship with children born as the result of ‘forced marriage’ and assume partial or full responsibility for their well-being and care.
A Neurofunctional Domains Approach to Evaluate D1/D5 Dopamine Receptor Partial Agonism on Cognition and Motivation in Healthy Volunteers With Low Working Memory Capacity
Authors: Balice-Gordon Rita , Honey Garry D , Chatham Christopher , Arce Estibaliz , Duvvuri Sridhar , Naylor Melissa Graham , Liu Wenlei , Xie Zhiyong , DeMartinis Nicholas , Harel Brian T , Braley Gabriel H , Kozak Rouba , Park Lovingly , Gray David L 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundDopamine D1 receptor signaling plays key roles in core domains of neural function, including cognition and reward processing; however, many questions remain about the functions of circuits modulated by dopamine D1 receptor, largely because clinically viable, selective agonists have yet to be tested in humans.MethodsUsing a novel, exploratory neurofunctional domains study design, we assessed the safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of PF-06412562, a selective D1/D5R partial agonist, in healthy male volunteers who met prespecified criteria for low working memory capacity. Functional magnetic resonance imaging, electrophysiologic endpoints, and behavioral paradigms were used to assess working memory, executive function, and motivation/reward processing following multiple-dose administration of PF-06412562. A total of 77 patients were assigned PF-06412562 (3 mg twice daily and 15 mg twice daily) or placebo administered for 5 to 7 days. Due to the exploratory nature of the study, it was neither powered for any specific treatment effect nor corrected for multiple comparisons.ResultsNominally significant improvements from baseline in cognitive endpoints were observed in all 3 groups; however, improvements in PF-06412562–treated patients were less than in placebo-treated participants. Motivation/reward processing endpoints were variable. PF-06412562 was safe and well tolerated, with no serious adverse events, severe adverse events, or adverse events leading to dose reduction or temporary discontinuation except for 1 permanent discontinuation due to increased orthostatic heart rate.ConclusionsPF-06412562, in the dose range and patient population explored in this study, did not improve cognitive function or motivation/reward processing more than placebo over the 5- to 7-day treatment period.ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT02306876
Progress towards a coordinated, national paediatric antimicrobial resistance surveillance programme: Staphylococcus aureus, enterococcal and Gram-negative bacteraemia in Australia
Authors: Campbell Anita J , Daley Denise A , Bell Jan M , Pang Stanley , Coombs Geoffrey W , Carapetis Jonathan R , Bowen Asha C , Blyth Christopher C 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
There is increasing knowledge of antimicrobial usage in children yet limited availability of nationally representative paediatric-specific data on antimicrobial resistance.

Objectives
Paediatric data from this national surveillance programme are presented to explore differences between childhood and adult bloodstream infections and antimicrobial resistance surveillance.

Methods
Using information collected from a prospective coordinated antimicrobial resistance surveillance programme, children ≤18 years and adults &gt;18 years with a positive blood culture for Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp. or Gram-negative spp. presenting to one of 34 Australian hospitals during 2013–16 were evaluated. Consistent methodologies for key sepsis pathogens were employed and a comparative analysis between children and adults was conducted.

Results
There are stark contrasts between children and adults in this national antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data set. Notable differences include lower rates of AMR, different clinical and molecular phenotypes and lower mortality amongst children. The burden of Gram-negative resistance is disproportionately experienced in children, with higher odds of death with an ESBL versus non-ESBL bacteraemia in comparison with adults.

Conclusions
These data support that children are not just ‘little adults’ in the AMR era, and analyses by age group are important to detect differences in antibiotic susceptibility, clinical phenotype and genetic virulence factors. Antimicrobial surveillance incorporated into routine laboratory practice is vital to inform an array of wider applications including antimicrobial guidelines, stewardship and direction for prioritization of novel antimicrobial development.
Simultaneous Determination of Piracetam and Vincamine by Spectrophotometric and High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Methods
Authors: El-Saharty Yasser Shaker Ibrahim 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
A mixture of piracetam and vincamine was determined by 3 different methods. The first was the determination of piracetam and vincamine using the ratio-spectra first-derivative (DD1) spectrophotometric technique at 209 and 293 nm in concentration ranges of 1045 and 214 g/mL with mean recoveries of 99.22 0.72 and 99.67 0.79, respectively. The second method was based on the resolution of the 2 components by bivariate calibration depending on a mathematic algorithm that provides simplicity and rapidity. The method depended on quantitative evaluation of the absorbencies at 210 and 225 nm in concentration ranges of 545 and 214 g/mL, with mean recoveries of 100.33 0.54 and 100.44 0.98 for piracetam and vincamine, respectively. The third method was reversed-phase liquid chromatography using 0.05 M potassium dihydrogen phosphatemethanol (50 + 50, v/v) as the mobile phase, with the pH adjusted to 3.5 with phosphoric acid. The eluent was monitored at 215 nm in concentration ranges of 5100 and 2200 g/mL, with mean recoveries of 99.62 0.67 and 99.32 0.85 for piracetam and vincamine, respectively. The suggested procedures were checked using laboratory-prepared mixtures and were successfully applied for the analysis of their pharmaceutical preparation. The methods retained their accuracy and precision when applying the standard addition technique. The results obtained by applying the proposed methods were statistically analyzed and compared with those obtained by the manufacturer's method.