bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glucose metabolism among obese and non-obese children of mothers with gestational diabetes
Authors: Lu Jun , Gu Yuying , Wang Leishen , Li Weiqin , Zhang Shuang , Liu Huikun , Leng Junhong , Liu Jin , Wang Shuo , Baccarelli Andrea A , Hou Lifang , Hu Gang 
Published: March 2020

ObjectivesAbdominal obesity is more closely associated with diabetes than general obesity in adults, however, it is unknown which kind of obesity is more closely associated with abnormal glucose metabolism in children.Research design and methodsWe recruited 973 children (aged 3.08±1.06) of mothers with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Children’s height, weight, waist circumstance, fasting glucose and insulin were measured using standardized methods. Logistic regression models were used to assess the single and joint associations of general and abdominal obesity with the risks of hyperglycemia (the upper quartile of fasting glucose), insulin resistance (the upper quartile of homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)), and β-cell dysfunction (the lower quartile of HOMA-%β).ResultsCompared with normal weight children, children with general overweight/obesity had higher levels of HOMA-IR and HOMA-%β, higher ORs for hyperglycemia (1.56, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.30) and insulin resistance (3.44, 95% CI 2.32 to 5.09), but a lower OR for β-cell dysfunction (0.65, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.04). Children with abdominal obesity had an increased risk of insulin resistance (2.54, 95% CI 1.71 to 3.76) but not hyperglycemia and β-cell dysfunction compared with children with normal waist circumstance. In the joint analyses, general overweight children with and without abdominal obesity had an increased risk of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance compared with normal weight children.ConclusionsGeneral obesity was more closely associated with abnormal glucose metabolism than abdominal obesity in children of mothers with GDM.
Is dual use of nicotine products and cigarettes associated with smoking reduction and cessation behaviours? A prospective study in England
Authors: Jackson Sarah E , Farrow Emma , Brown Jamie , Shahab Lion 
Published: March 2020

ObjectivesTo investigate associations of dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes with subsequent quitting activity (smoking reduction, quit attempts and use of evidence-based cessation aids). To overcome potential confounding by factors associated with use of pharmacological support, we selected dual use of over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy (OTC NRT) and cigarettes as a behavioural control.DesignProspective cohort study with 6-month follow-up.SettingEngland, 2014–2016.Participants413 current smokers participating in the Smoking Toolkit Study, a representative survey of adults in England, who reported current use of e-cigarettes or OTC NRT and provided data at 6-month follow-up.Main outcome measuresThe exposure was dual use of e-cigarettes or OTC NRT at baseline. Outcomes were change in cigarette consumption, quit attempts and use of evidence-based cessation aids during quit attempts over 6-month follow-up. Relevant sociodemographic and smoking characteristics were included as covariates.ResultsAfter adjustment for covariates, dual e-cigarette users smoked two fewer cigarettes per day at follow-up than at baseline compared with dual OTC NRT users (B=2.01, 95% CI −3.62; −0.39, p=0.015). While dual e-cigarette users had 18% lower odds than dual OTC NRT users to make a quit attempt at follow-up (risk ratio (RR) 0.82, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.00, p=0.049), the groups did not differ in use of cessation aids (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.21, p=0.388).ConclusionsDual use of e-cigarettes is associated with a greater reduction in cigarette consumption than dual use of OTC NRT. It may discourage a small proportion of users from making a quit attempt compared with dual OTC NRT use but it does not appear to undermine use of evidence-based cessation aids.
Variable expression of subclinical phenotypes instead of reduced penetrance in families with mild triphalangeal thumb phenotypes
Authors: Potuijt Jacob W P , Hoogeboom Jeannette , de Graaff Esther , van Nieuwenhoven Christianne A , Galjaard Robert Jan H 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundThe of zone of polarizing activity regulatory sequence (ZRS) is a regulatory element residing in intron 5 of LMBR1 and regulates Sonic Hedgehog expression in the limb bud. Variants in the ZRS are generally fully penetrant and can cause triphalangeal thumb (TPT) and polydactyly in affected families.ObjectiveIn this report, we describe two families with mild phenotypical presentation.MethodsWe performed a field study for clinical evaluation and sequenced the ZRS for variantsusing Sanger sequencing.ResultsIn family I, a novel 165A>G variant in the ZRS (g.156584405A>G, GRCh37/Hg19) was found. In family II, we identified a 295T>C variant in the ZRS (g.156584535T>C, GRCh37/Hg19). Family members of both families who were presumed to be unaffected shared the variant in the ZRS with affected family members, suggesting reduced penetrance of the genotype. However, clinical examination of these unaffected family members revealed minor anomalies like broad thumbs and lack of thumb opposition. As the phenotype in affected patients is remarkably mild, we suggest that these ZRS variants are minimally disruptive for Sonic Hedgehog expression and therefore can result in subclinical phenotypes.ConclusionOur study underlines the importance of accurate clinical examination and appropriate genetic counselling in families with mild cases of TPT.
Germline RET variants underlie a subset of paediatric osteosarcoma
Authors: Kovac Michal , Woolley Connor , Ribi Sebastian , Blattmann Claudia , Roth Eva , Morini Marco , Kovacova Monika , Ameline Baptiste , Kulozik Andreas , Bielack Stefan , Hartmann Wolfgang , Ballinger Mandy L , Thomas David M , Tomlinson Ian , Nathrath Michaela , Heinimann Karl , Baumhoer Daniel 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundAlthough considerable effort has been put into decoding of the osteosarcoma genome, very little is known about germline mutations that underlie this primary malignant tumour of bone.Methods and resultsWe followed here a coincidental finding in a multiple endocrine neoplasia family in which a 32-year-old patient carrying a germline pathogenic RET mutation developed an osteosarcoma 2 years after the resection of a medullary thyroid carcinoma. Sequencing analysis of additional 336 patients with osteosarcoma led to the identification of germline activating mutations in the RET proto-oncogene in three cases and somatic amplifications of the gene locus in five matched tumours (4%, n=5/124 tumours). Functional analysis of the pathogenic variants together with an integrative analysis of osteosarcoma genomes confirmed that the mutant RET proteins couple functional kinase activity to dysfunctional ligand binding. RET mutations further co-operated with alterations in TP53 and RB1, suggesting that osteosarcoma pathogenesis bears reminiscence to the stepwise model of medullary thyroid carcinoma.ConclusionsAfter Li-Fraumeni-predisposing mutations in TP53, RET becomes the second most mutated cancer-predisposing gene in the germline of patients with osteosarcoma. Hence, early identification of RET mutation carriers can help to identify at-risk family members and carry out preventive measures.
Microbiological and scanning electron microscopic evaluation of epidural catheters
Authors: van Samkar Ganapathy , Balraadjsing Payal P S , Hermanns Henning , Hoogendijk Irene V , Hollmann Markus W , Zaat Sebastian A J , Stevens Markus F 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundEpidural catheters are frequently colonized by gram-positive bacteria. Although the incidence of associated epidural infections is low, their consequences can be devastating. We investigated bacterial growth on epidural catheters by quantitative bacterial culture and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in order to explore the patterns of epidural catheter colonization.Methods28 patients undergoing major abdominal surgery with thoracic epidurals (treatment ≥72 hours) were studied. Before the removal of the catheter, the skin surrounding the insertion site was swabbed. The entire catheter was divided into extracorporeal, subcutaneous, and tip segments. Skin swabs and catheter segments were quantitatively cultured, bacterial species were identified, and SEM was performed on four selected catheters.Results27 of 28 catheters were included. The percentages of positive cultures were: skin swab 29.6%, extracorporeal segments 11.1%, subcutaneous segments 14.8%, and tip segments 33.3%. One patient was diagnosed with a catheter-associated infection.Staphylococcus epidermidiswas cultured from the skin and the catheter extracorporeal, subcutaneous, and tip segments. SEM of this catheter showed bacteria-like and intraluminal host cell-like structures. SEM of two other catheters showed intraluminal fibrin networks in their tip segments.ConclusionsWe present the first SEM pictures of an epidural catheter with a bacterial infection. Bacterial growth developed from the skin to the tip of this catheter, indicating the skin as a primary source of infection. By SEM, catheters with low levels of bacterial growth demonstrated an intraluminal fibrous network which possibly plays a role in catheter obstruction.
Assessment of the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) in psoriatic arthritis: association with disease activity and quality of life indices
Authors: Lubrano Ennio , Scriffignano Silvia , Azuaga Ana Belen , Ramirez Julio , Cañete Juan D , Perrotta Fabio Massimo 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the discriminant capability of the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) according to disease activity, remission/low disease activity indices and quality of life indices in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).MethodsConsecutive patients with PsA were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. At each visit, the patients underwent a complete physical examination and their clinical/laboratory data were collected. Disease activity was assessed using the Disease Activity Score for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) and remission/low disease activity using the DAPSA minimal disease activity (MDA) and very low disease activity (VLDA) criteria. The Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease (PsAID) and the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index scores were also collected. Finally, PASS was assessed by asking all patients to answer yes or no to a single question.ResultsPatients who answered yes to PASS showed a significantly better overall mean DAPSA score than those who were not in PASS. Furthermore, patients in PASS showed a significantly lower level of systemic inflammation, lower Leeds Enthesitis Index score, a significantly lower impact of disease (PsAID), lower pain and better function than patients who answered no to PASS. A moderate to good agreement was found between PASS, MDA, DAPSA low disease activity and PsAID score ≤4. Good sensitivity and specificity were found with PASS with respect to DAPSA low disease activity, and although PASS is sensitive in the identification of patients with MDA, DAPSA remission and VLDA it lacks of specificity.DiscussionThis study showed that PASS might be used as an alternative to determine disease activity in patients with PsA in real clinical practice, mainly in patients with low disease activity according to DAPSA criteria.
Thermal chaos of a charged dilaton-AdS black hole in the extended phase space
Authors: Dai Chaoqun , Chen Songbai , Jing Jiliang 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe have studied thermal chaotic behavior in the extended phase space for a charged dilaton-AdS black hole by Melnikov method and present the effect of dilaton parameter on the thermal chaos. Our result show that for the temporal perturbation the thermal chaos in the charged dilaton-AdS black hole occurs only if the perturbation amplitude is larger than certain a critical value, but for the spatially perturbation, the chaos always exists irrespective of perturbation amplitude. These behaviors are similar to those in other AdS black hole, which can be regarded as the common features of the static AdS black holes. Moreover, we also find that the critical temporal perturbation amplitude leading to chaos increases with the dilaton parameter and decreases with the charge. This means that under the temporal perturbation the presence of dilaton parameter makes the onset of chaos more difficult, which differs from that of the charge parameter.
Volumetric Reconstructions of Found Footage:Stressing the Nonidentity of 3D Replicas
Authors: Menotti Gabriel 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis article examines the history and operational underpinnings of forms of volumetric reconstruction based on the capture of visual data, particularly photogrammetry. Photogrammetry is one of the chief techniques currently employed in the production of virtual replicas for heritage conservation and audiovisual production. The computational realism resulting from this process induces the belief that it is possible to recover the totality of an object from its medial traces. The author analyzes how his work, as well as those of other artists, challenges this technological promise by exploring the formal idiosyncrasies of photogrammetric models.
Improving High-Impact Numerical Weather Prediction with Lidar and Drone Observations
Authors: Leuenberger Daniel , Haefele Alexander , Omanovic Nadja , Fengler Martin , Martucci Giovanni , Calpini Bertrand , Fuhrer Oliver , Rossa Andrea 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe current atmospheric observing systems fail to provide a satisfactory amount of spatially and temporally resolved observations of temperature and humidity in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) despite their potential positive impact on numerical weather prediction (NWP). This is particularly critical for humidity, which exhibits a very high variability in space and time or for the vertical distribution of temperature, determining the atmosphere’s stability. Novel ground-based lidar remote sensing technologies and in situ measurements from unmanned aerial vehicles can fill this observational gap, but operational maturity was so far lacking. Only recently, commercial lidar systems for temperature and humidity profiling in the lower troposphere and automated observations on board of drones have become available. Raman lidar can provide profiles of temperature and humidity with high temporal and vertical resolution in the troposphere. Drones can provide high-quality in situ observations of various meteorological variables with high temporal and vertical resolution, but flights are complicated in high-wind situations, icing conditions, and can be restricted by aviation activity. Both observation systems have shown to considerably improve analyses and forecasts of high-impact weather, such as thunderstorms and fog in an operational, convective-scale NWP framework. The results of this study demonstrate the necessity for and the value of additional, high-frequency PBL observations for NWP and how lidar and drone observations can fill the gap in the current operational observing system.
The Formation of Turbidity Maximum Zones by Minor Axis Tidal Straining in Regions of Freshwater Influence
Authors: Flores Raúl P. , Rijnsburger Sabine , Horner-Devine Alexander R. , Kumar Nirnimesh , Souza Alejandro J. , Pietrzak Julie D. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis study investigates the influence of tidal straining in the generation of turbidity maximum zones (TMZ), which are observed to extend for tens of kilometers along some shallow, open coastal seas. Idealized numerical simulations are conducted to reproduce the cross-shore dynamics and tidal straining in regions of freshwater influence (ROFIs), where elliptical current patterns are generated by the interaction between stratification and a tidal Kelvin wave. Model results show that tidal straining leads to cross-shore sediment convergence and the formation of a nearshore TMZ that is detached from the coastline. The subtidal landward sediment fluxes are created by asymmetries in vertical mixing between the stratifying and destratifying phases of the tidal cycle. This process is similar to the tidal straining mechanism that is observed in estuaries, except that in this case the convergence zone and TMZ are parallel to the shoreline and perpendicular to both the direction of the freshwater flux and the major axis of the tidal flow. We introduce the term minor axis tidal straining (MITS) to describe the tidal straining in these systems and to differentiate it from the tidal straining that occurs when the major axis of the tidal ellipse is aligned with the density gradient. The occurrence of tidal straining and the coastal TMZ is predicted in terms of the Simpson (Si) and Stokes (Stk) numbers, and top–bottom tidal ellipticity difference (Δε). Based on our results, we find that SiStk2 > 3 and Δε > 0.5 provide a limiting condition for the required density gradients and latitudes for the occurrence of MITS and the generation of a TMZ.
Same proof, different pudding: comparative views of New Zealand child psychiatrists, child psychologists and child psychotherapists regarding a proposed national child and adolescent research network
Authors: Thabrew Hiran , Moor Stephanie , Eggleston Matthew 
Published: March 2020

Objectives: This study was undertaken to evaluate the views of New Zealand clinicians regarding a proposed national child and adolescent mental health research network. Methods: Child psychiatrists, child psychologists and child psychotherapists were invited to participate in an electronic survey describing their previous experience of research, current interest in research, barriers to undertaking research and interest in a national research network. Results: Responses were received from child psychiatrists ( N = 33), child psychologists ( N = 58) and child psychotherapists ( N = 8), many of whom were clinicians and few of whom were researchers. Although most clinicians were interested in participating in future research, areas of interest differed between clinical groups. Clinician barriers to research included lack of time, lack of confidence and lack of research skills. Researcher barriers included lack of funding, time and administrative support. All groups were supportive of the development of a national research network. Conclusions: Despite some different areas of interest, there appears to be sufficient combined support from New Zealand child psychiatrists, child psychologists and child psychotherapists to pursue the establishment of a national child and adolescent mental health research network.
Family Experience With Pierre Robin Sequence: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Skirko Jonathan R. , Pollard Sarah Hatch , Slager Stacey , Hung Man , Weir Charlene 
Published: March 2020

Objective: To identify concepts and constructs important to parents of children with Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS). Design: Qualitative study. Setting: All children received some care at a tertiary hospital with additional care at outside facilities. Interviews were conducted in nonclinical locations, including remote locations. Participants: Parents of children <5 years old with a diagnosis of PRS. Prior treatments included observation, positioning, nasal trumpet, mandibular distraction osteogenesis, tracheostomy, and gastrostomy. Intervention: Semi-structured interviews with individuals (4) and with groups (focus groups, 4) were conducted using open-ended questions and non-leading prompts. Transcripts were analyzed with iterative open and axial coding. Concepts and constructs were identified and refined into codes and central themes. Interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was achieved. Results: Sixteen parents were interviewed. Their experiences were coded into 5 main themes, which can be summarized as: (1) child’s symptoms/well-being, (2) parents’ grief/isolation, (3) family stress, (4) relationships with providers, and (5) psychological and technical growth. Difficulty with feeding, weight gain, and breathing problems were core physical issues described by participants with associated intense fear. Participants described frustration from not only lack of care coordination, slow diagnoses, and poor communication but also gratitude for providers who served as advocates. Participants described gradual development of knowledge/competencies. Conclusions: Families of children with PRS have experiences that profoundly affect their lives. Child’s physical symptoms/well-being and parents’ psychosocial well-being provide content for a future PRS-specific quality-of-life instrument. Concepts that emerged also provide a framework to improve parents’ experience and enhance their children’s quality of care.
Validation of Automated Screening for Referable Diabetic Retinopathy With an Autonomous Diagnostic Artificial Intelligence System in a Spanish Population
Authors: Shah Abhay , Clarida Warren , Amelon Ryan , Hernaez-Ortega Maria C. , Navea Amparo , Morales-Olivas Jesus , Dolz-Marco Rosa , Verbraak Frank , Jorda Pablo P. , van der Heijden Amber A. , Peris Martinez Cristina 
Published: March 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the diagnostic performance of an autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) system for the diagnosis of referable diabetic retinopathy (RDR) to manual grading by Spanish ophthalmologists. Methods: Subjects with type 1 and 2 diabetes participated in a diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening program in 2011 to 2012 in Valencia (Spain), and two images per eye were collected according to their standard protocol. Mydriatic drops were used in all patients. Retinal images—one disc and one fovea centered—were obtained under the Medical Research Ethics Committee approval and de-identified. Exams were graded by the autonomous AI system (IDx-DR, Coralville, Iowa, United States), and manually by masked ophthalmologists using adjudication. The outputs of the AI system and manual adjudicated grading were compared using sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of both RDR and vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR). Results: A total of 2680 subjects were included in the study. According to manual grading, prevalence of RDR was 111/2680 (4.14%) and of VTDR was 69/2680 (2.57%). Against manual grading, the AI system had a 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 97%-100%) sensitivity and 81.82% (95% CI: 80%-83%) specificity for RDR, and a 100% (95% CI: 95%-100%) sensitivity and 94.64% (95% CI: 94%-95%) specificity for VTDR. Conclusion: Compared to manual grading by ophthalmologists, the autonomous diagnostic AI system had high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (82%) for diagnosing RDR and macular edema in people with diabetes in a screening program. Because of its immediate, point of care diagnosis, autonomous diagnostic AI has the potential to increase the accessibility of RDR screening in primary care settings.