bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bicuspid aortic valve area in normal heart
Authors: Katz Moshe , Mazin Israel , Kuperstein Rafael , Beigel Roy , Vaturi Ori , Feinberg Micha S , Raanani Ehud , Ben Zekry Sagit 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIntroductionBicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common congenital valve abnormality. There are no data in the literature regarding the range of aortic valve area (AVA) in normal functioning BAV. We aimed to evaluate the normal range of BAV area and to compare it to subjects with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV).MethodsBicuspid aortic valve subjects were identified from Sheba medical center echocardiographic database and were compared with TAV subjects. Inclusion criteria were normal tissue leaflets appearance and normal functioning valve in the presence of normal echocardiogram. Echocardiographic data, patients hemodynamics, and size were collected. AVA was measured with both planimetry and the continuity equation.ResultsFifty BAV and 50 control subjects were studied (37 men, age 40 ± 13 years). All studies were performed with normal hemodynamics. Fusion between the coronary leaflets was the most common morphology (82%), followed by fusion between the right coronary leaflet with the noncoronary leaflet (18%). The left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) diameter in BAV group was significantly larger (2.3 ± 0.3 cm vs 2.1 ± 0.2; P < .001). The BAV group presented with a larger AVA planimetry (3.8 ± 0.9 vs 3.3 ± 0.6; P < .001). However, measuring AVA using continuity equation has shown no differences between groups. If using the principles of coefficient of contraction, it seems that measuring AVA by planimetry overestimates the real anatomic AVA.ConclusionThis data provide normal values for echocardiographically determined AVA in BAV subjects. This population was characterized by large LVOT diameter and large AVA. The larger AVA measured with the planimetry emphasizes the limitation of this method in BAV population.
Effect of temperature on the walking behaviour of an egg parasitoid: disentangling kinetic response from integrated response
Authors: Augustin Julie , Boivin Guy , Brodeur Jacques , Bourgeois Gaétan 
Published: February 2020

1. This study investigated the effect of temperatures ranging from 10.8 to 34.2 °C on seven walking parameters of an egg parasitoid, Anaphes listronoti. Those responses were compared with a theoretical kinetic model in order to disentangle the kinetic response of the insect from its integrated response.2. Walking speed increased continuously with temperature, but walking distance and duration were maximised between 25 and 30 °C, and decreased at higher and lower temperatures. At the lowest temperature, females unexpectedly walked a greater distance and for a longer duration in comparison with intermediate temperatures.3. The number of walking bouts followed the same polynomial trend as walking distance and duration, with a maximum between 30 and 35 °C. The duration of walking bouts was maximised at 20 °C and decreased at lower and higher temperatures, whereas the duration of resting bouts linearly decreased with increasing temperature. There was no effect of temperature on the turning rate of females.4. For A. listronoti, walking speed and duration of resting bouts followed the kinetic response, but the other behavioural components did not, especially at the lowest and highest temperatures. Walking distance and duration were higher than expected under the kinetic response at 10.8 °C and lower than expected at 34.2 °C. This pattern suggests an integrated response combining behavioural escape from adverse temperature and energy saving.5. This detailed analysis of the walking behaviour of A. listronoti illustrates the complexity of insect behavioural responses to temperature and the difficulty involved in assessing underlying mechanisms.
Development of a model to predict electroencephalographic seizures in critically ill children
Authors: Fung France W. , Jacobwitz Marin , Parikh Darshana S. , Vala Lisa , Donnelly Maureen , Fan Jiaxin , Xiao Rui , Topjian Alexis A. , Abend Nicholas S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveElectroencephalographic seizures (ESs) are common in encephalopathic critically ill children, but ES identification with continuous electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring (CEEG) is resource‐intense. We aimed to develop an ES prediction model that would enable clinicians to stratify patients by ES risk and optimally target limited CEEG resources. We aimed to determine whether incorporating data from a screening EEG yielded better performance characteristics than models using clinical variables alone.MethodsWe performed a prospective observational study of 719 consecutive critically ill children with acute encephalopathy undergoing CEEG in the pediatric intensive care unit of a quaternary care institution between April 2017 and February 2019. We identified clinical and EEG risk factors for ES. We evaluated model performance with area under the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), validated the optimal model with the highest AUC using a fivefold cross‐validation, and calculated test characteristics emphasizing high sensitivity. We applied the optimal operating slope strategy to identify the optimal cutoff to define whether a patient should undergo CEEG.ResultsThe incidence of ES was 26%. Variables associated with increased ES risk included age, acute encephalopathy category, clinical seizures prior to CEEG initiation, EEG background, and epileptiform discharges. Combining clinical and EEG variables yielded better model performance (AUC 0.80) than clinical variables alone (AUC 0.69; P < .01). At a 0.10 cutoff selected to emphasize sensitivity, the optimal model had a sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 37%, positive predictive value of 34%, and negative predictive value of 93%. If applied, the model would limit 29% of patients from undergoing CEEG while failing to identify 8% of patients with ES.SignificanceA model employing readily available clinical and EEG variables could target limited CEEG resources to critically ill children at highest risk for ES, making CEEG‐guided management a more viable neuroprotective strategy.
Measuring the impact of age, gender and dementia on communication‐robot interventions in residential care homes
Authors: Obayashi Kazuko , Kodate Naonori , Masuyama Shigeru 
Published: February 2020

AimThe primary aim of this study was to examine the impact of age, gender and the stage of dementia on the results of an assistive technology intervention that make use of communication robots (com‐robots). The intervention was designed to improve the social participation and interactions of nursing home residents. While our previous study showed that the overall effects of com‐robot intervention were positive, it was unknown what impact age, gender and the stage of dementia of participants had on such an intervention.MethodsThis was a non‐randomized, multicenter quasi‐experimental intervention study conducted in residential care homes in Japan. Two types of com‐robots were introduced for 8 weeks after baseline evaluation. The World Health Organization's ICF was used for evaluating any changes present after the 8‐week intervention. In total, 78 residents (68 women, 10 men, 86.5 ± 7.7 years old) participated in the study. The Degree of Daily Life Independence Score for People with Dementia (DDLIS‐PD) was employed for measuring the stage of dementia.ResultsThe results showed that the older participants aged ≥80 benefited more from the intervention than the younger cohort did (P < 0.05). A greater improvement was shown among those with a more advanced stage of dementia than those at a less advanced stage (P < 0.05), when using DDLIS‐PD.ConclusionsThe overall findings support the use of com‐robots within the context of a care team for older people with moderate dementia, and those who are aged ≥80 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 373–378.
Maternal stress suppresses cell proliferation in the forebrain of zebrafish larvae
Authors: Higuchi Maiko 
Published: February 2020

AbstractExposure to early life stress (ELS) can increase vulnerability to various psychiatric disorders. Although ELS has been shown to alter structure and functions of the hippocampus, amygdala and prefrontal cortex in the adult mammalian brain, it remains largely unclear whether ELS also affects embryonic or early‐stage brain development. In this study, I investigated the effects of a maternal stress (maternal starvation for 4 days) of adult zebrafish on offspring's larval brain development. Although maternal starvation did not largely affect proliferation rate in the midbrain and hindbrain, it significantly decreased that in the forebrain of larvae at 5 days post‐fertilization (dpf). I also found that embryos at 10 hr post‐fertilization (hpf) born from a starved mother showed elevated cortisol levels compared to those born from a control mother. Furthermore, cortisol treatment was sufficient to decrease proliferating cells in the forebrain of 5 dpf larvae. Our findings thus demonstrate for the first time that maternal starvation induces neurodevelopmental changes in the forebrain of zebrafish larvae and points to a possible role of maternal cortisol in mediating this effect of maternal stress to offsprings.
Paediatric obesity treatment during 14 years in Sweden: Lessons from the Swedish Childhood Obesity Treatment Register—BORIS
Authors: Hagman Emilia , Danielsson Pernilla , Lindberg Louise , Marcus Claude ,   the BORIS Steering Committee
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundTreatment of paediatric obesity has been offered customarily and free of charge for more than 15 years in Sweden. The Swedish Childhood Obesity Treatment Register (BORIS) is a prospective register of children and adolescents undergoing obesity treatment.ObjectivesTo investigate how patient characteristics and treatment efficacy has changed over 14 years on a national scale.MethodsAll subjects in BORIS with data from 2004 until 2017 were included, n = 21 499. Outcomes were age and BMI SDS at treatment initiation, dropout rates and treatment outcome up to 3 years after treatment initiation.ResultsAge and BMI SDS at treatment initiation have decreased during the years (both P < .0001). Of the patients who started treatment before 2009, more than 80% had at least 1‐year follow‐up. This number has decreased to about 60% in 2017. Since 2004, no trend in improvement of treatment results was observed when evaluating change in either BMI SDS or proportion of obesity remission. There was no difference between the sexes.ConclusionAlthough children in Sweden receive treatment at an earlier age, which is a major determinant of treatment success, and at a lower degree of obesity at treatment initiation, the effect of childhood obesity treatment on standard anthropometric measures has not improved over the investigated years.
Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury
Authors: Sekido Noritoshi , Igawa Yasuhiko , Kakizaki Hidehiro , Kitta Takeya , Sengoku Atsushi , Takahashi Satoru , Takahashi Ryosuke , Tanaka Katsuyuki , Namima Takashige , Honda Masashi , Mitsui Takahiko , Yamanishi Tomonori , Watanabe Toyohiko 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe present article is an abridged English translation of the Japanese clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury updated as of July 2019. The patients are adult spinal cord injured patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction; special consideration of pediatric and elderly populations is presented separately. The target audience is healthcare providers who are engaged in the medical care of patients with spinal cord injury. The mandatory assessment includes medical history, physical examination, frequency‐volume chart, urinalysis, blood chemistry, transabdominal ultrasonography, measurement of post‐void residual urine, uroflowmetry and video‐urodynamic study. Optional assessments include questionnaires on the quality of life, renal scintigraphy and cystourethroscopy. The presence or absence of risk factors for renal damage and symptomatic urinary tract infection affects urinary management, as well as pharmacological treatments. Further treatment is recommended if the maximum conservative treatment fails to improve or prevent renal damage and symptomatic urinary tract infection. In addition, management of urinary incontinence should be considered individually in patients with risk factors for urinary incontinence and decreased quality of life.
Proteolytic activity, degradation, and dissolution of primary and permanent teeth
Authors: Scheffel Debora Lopes Salles , Cury Jaime Aparecido , Tenuta Livia Maria Andaló , Scheffel Régis Henke , Perez Cristina , Soares Diana Gabriela , Basso Fernanda Gonçalves , Costa Carlos Alberto de Souza , Pashley David Henry , Hebling Josimeri 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundPrimary and permanent teeth composition may influence dissolution and degradation rates.AimTo compare the dissolution and degradation of primary and permanent teeth.DesignEnamel and dentin powders were obtained from primary molars and premolars and incubated within different pH buffers. Calcium and inorganic phosphate release was quantified in the buffers by atomic absorption and light spectrophotometry. A colorimetric assay was used to assess the MMP activity of primary dentin (PrD) and permanent dentin (PeD). Collagen degradation was assessed by dry mass loss, change in elastic modulus (E), and ICTP and CTX release. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's tests (α = 0.05).ResultsSimilar dissolution was found between PrD and PeD after 256 hours. At pH 4.5, enamel released more minerals than dentin whereas at pH 5.5 the inverse result was observed. MMP activity was similar for both substrates. PrD showed higher dry mass loss after 1 week. In general, greater reduction in E was recorded for PrD. Higher quantities of ICTP and CTX were released from PrD after 1 week.ConclusionsPrimary and permanent teeth presented similar demineralization rates. Collagen degradation, however, was faster and more substantial for PrD.
Review of tellurite glasses purification issues for mid‐IR optical fiber applications
Authors: Désévédavy Frédéric , Strutynski Clément , Lemière Arnaud , Mathey Pierre , Gadret Grégory , Jules Jean‐Charles , Kibler Bertrand , Smektala Frédéric 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe reviewed the tellurite glass purification studies performed over the last 20 years, in particular dealing with the mid‐infrared (mid‐IR) transmission performances. Best results are obtained under rich O2 atmosphere with platinum crucibles although Gibbs energy calculations show that other crucibles material are possible such as gold or alumina. From the point of view of the thermodynamics of involved oxidation reactions only, we identified the suitable conditions based on Gibbs energy calculations to be a synthesis temperature set above 900 K and a O2 pressure around 105 Pa. The performances of the different purification techniques were also compared. Finally, we analyzed the tellurite fibers recently optimized for mid‐IR which present low attenuation up to 4 µm allowing supercontinuum generation up to 5 µm.
Sympathy as knowledge of the other in need: An investigation into the roles of need for closure and the moral foundations on sympathy toward immigrants
Authors: Baldner Conrad , Di Santo Daniela , Talamo Alessandra , Pierro Antonio 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAlthough sympathy is a powerful other‐focused motivation, not all individuals will experience sympathy when it is appropriate. Immigrants, as a disadvantaged out‐group, are especially in need of sympathy and, given the tensions of the immigration debate, are at‐risk for low sympathy. Indeed, past research has found that sympathy is less likely to be experienced toward disliked out‐groups. In the current research, we investigated the role of need for closure (NFC), or the general desire for epistemic certainty, on the experience of sympathy toward immigrants in Italy, a nation where the immigration debate is becoming increasingly fractious. Consistent with past research on the roles of NFC and the binding moral foundations (i.e., a concern for the well‐being of groups) on prejudice toward out‐groups, we propose that individuals with a high NFC, and who endorsed the binding moral foundations (i.e., a concern for the well‐being of groups), would be particularly likely to have decreased sympathy toward immigrants in Italy. In line with past research and our hypotheses, in three studies we found that the binding foundations mediated the NFC effect on decreased sympathy toward immigrants in Italy. Conceptually, these individuals can strongly adopt traditional cultural norms as a way to acquire stable knowledge; this can make sympathy toward immigrants less likely, as they both stand outside “traditional” morality, as well can threaten the stability of natives’ knowledge.
Reentrant para‐Hisian ventricular tachycardia eliminated from the noncoronary cusp: Importance of regional anatomy for vantage‐point ablation
Authors: Nishimura Takuro , Kannan Arun , Tung Roderick 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe present a rare case of reentrant ventricular tachycardia proven by entrainment maneuvers that was successfully ablated from the noncoronary cusp. The case highlights regional anatomy, pacing maneuvers with multi‐modality images from fluoroscopy, intracardiac echo, and electroanatomical mapping.
hsa_circ_0000092 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression through up‐regulating HN1 expression by binding to microRNA‐338‐3p
Authors: Pu Jian , Wang Jianchu , Li Wenchuan , Lu Yuan , Wu Xianjian , Long Xidai , Luo Chunying , Wei Huamei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCircular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified in diverse cancers for their role in regulating multiple cellular processes by antagonizing microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs). However, the role of circRNA hsa_circ_0000092 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still remains enigmatic. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the specific mechanism of hsa_circ_0000092 in HCC. Differentially expressed circRNAs associated to HCC were initially analysed. The expression of hsa_circ_0000092, miR‐338‐3p and HN1 in HCC tissues and cell lines was examined. Next, the interaction among hsa_circ_0000092, miR‐338‐3p and HN1 was determined by dual‐luciferase reporter, RNA pull‐down and northern blot assays. Subsequently, a series of mimic, inhibitor or siRNA plasmids were delivered into HCC cells to validate the effects of hsa_circ_0000092, miR‐338‐3p and HN1 in controlling cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis in vitro. Furthermore, the role of hsa_circ_0000092 in tumour growth of HCC in vivo was assessed with hsa_circ_0000092 depleted with siRNA. The hsa_circ_0000092/miR‐338‐3p/HN1 axis was predicted to participate in the development of HCC. hsa_circ_0000092 and HN1 were highly expressed while miR‐338‐3p was poorly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. hsa_circ_0000092 could competitively bind to miR‐338‐3p to up‐regulate HN1 expression. Moreover, depleted hsa_circ_0000092 or elevated miR‐338‐3p was shown to suppress HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis in vitro via down‐regulation of HN1. Furthermore, silencing hsa_circ_0000092 was demonstrated to suppress tumour growth in HCC in vivo. The results of this study suggested that hsa_circ_0000092 impaired miR‐338‐3p‐mediated HN1 inhibition to aggravate the development of HCC, indicating that hsa_circ_0000092 is a potential candidate marker and therapeutic target for HCC.
Chronic nodular prurigo: clinical profile and burden. A European cross‐sectional study
Authors: Pereira M.P. , Hoffmann V. , Weisshaar E. , Wallengren J. , Halvorsen J.A. , Garcovich S. , Misery L. , Brenaut E. , Savk E. , Potekaev N. , Lvov A. , Bobko S. , Szepietowski J.C. , Reich A. , Bozek A. , Legat F.J. , Metz M. , Streit M. , Serra‐Baldrich E. , Gonçalo M. , Storck M. , Greiwe I. , Nau T. , Steinke S. , Dugas M. , Ständer S. , Zeidler C. ,   the EPP Consensus Conference Participants 2017
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundChronic nodular prurigo (CNPG) is a condition characterized by chronic itch, a prolonged scratching behaviour and the presence of pruriginous nodules. A comprehensive understanding of this condition, especially regarding its clinical characteristics and impact on quality of life is still lacking.ObjectivesAim of this pan‐European multicentre cross‐sectional study was to establish the clinical profile of CNPG, including its associated burden.MethodsFifteen centres from 12 European countries recruited CNPG patients presenting at the centre or using the centres' own databases. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire in paper or electronic format. Demography, current co‐morbidities, underlying disease, itch intensity, additional sensory symptoms, quality of life, highest burden and emotional experience of itch were assessed.ResultsA total of 509 patients (210 male, median age: 64 years [52; 72]) were enrolled. Of these, 406 reported itch and CNPG lesions in the previous 7 days and qualified to complete the whole questionnaire. We recorded moderate to severe worst itch intensity scores in the previous 24 h. Scores were higher in patients with lower educational levels and those coming from Eastern or Southern Europe. Most patients experience itch often or always (71%) and report that their everyday life is negatively affected (53%). Itch intensity was considered to be the most burdensome aspect of the disease by 49% of the patients, followed by the visibility of skin lesions (21%) and bleeding of lesions (21%). The majority of patients was unaware of an underlying condition contributing to CNPG (64%), while psychiatric diseases were the conditions most often mentioned in association with CNPG (19%).ConclusionsThis multicentre cross‐sectional study shows that itch is the dominant symptom in CNPG and reveals that the profile of the disease is similar throughout Europe.
Carbon dioxide as a novel indicator for bacterial growth in milk
Authors: Cranz Séverine , Valster Sanne , Vulders Roland , Dellimore Kiran 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHuman milk spoils due to bacterial, yeast, or mold contamination. Current domestic methods of assessing milk spoilage are subjective or rely on time and temperature‐based guidelines. A key unmet food safety need remains the objective assessment of human milk spoilage. Experiments were conducted using a simplified human milk spoilage model based on goat's milk as a human milk surrogate, spiked with a single bacterial strain (Staphylococcus epidermidis), in which pH and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration were measured along with bacteria count over 160 hr. Bacteria count correlated highly with CO2 but not with pH. A 0.21% CO2 concentration threshold could be defined for milk spoilage (correlating to a bacteria count threshold of 105 CFU/ml), with sensitivity and specificity above 84%. These findings suggest that CO2 measurement is a promising method to detect S. epidermidis growth in milk which merits further investigation for the objective and quantitative assessment of milk spoilage.