bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tinidazole: Another Therapeutic Option for Syphilis?
Authors: Drago Francesco , Ciccarese Giulia , Rebora Alfredo , Parodi Aurora 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAfter the incidental observation of an almost complete resolution of maculopapular eruption in a patient having simultaneously secondary syphilis and trichomonas vaginalis infection, we extended the treatment with tinidazole (500 mg 4 times daily for 7 days) to 10 other early syphilis patients before the start of the conventional penicillin treatment. All patients showed marked improvement of their lesions in a few days. After the introduction of the conventional penicillin regimen, the lesions further improved and VDRL titers declined at least 4‐fold within 6 months in all patients. Tinidazole is a 5‐nitroimidazole derivative as well as metronidazole but with a longer plasma half‐life. It is activated intracellularly by bacterial/parasitic enzymes to a redox cytotoxic intermediate that damages large protein molecules and inhibits repair and transcription of DNA affecting also the cell wall. With this action, tinidazole might also have a synergic action with penicillin and doxycycline, facilitating the entry of such drugs. It is possible that tinidazole has the same bactericidal action on spirochetes other than Borrelia, such as Treponema pallidum, explaining its rapid therapeutic action on the lesions of early syphilis. Whether this action could be confirmed by studies on larger series of patients, tinidazole might be considered in case of allergy to penicillin or other antibiotics usually prescribed in syphilis.
Sequence variants in three genes underlying leukodystrophy in Pakistani families
Authors: Bibi Farah , Haider Nighat , Din Shahab Ud , Shah Muqadar , Krishin Jai , Qayyum Naila , Raja Ghazala Kaukab , Houlden Henry , Ahmad Wasim , Khaliq Tanwir , Ullah Asmat 
Published: May 2020

AbstractLeukodystrophies (LDs) are a heterogeneous group of rare and progressive genetic diseases that affect brain, spinal cord, and often the peripheral nerves. They are characterized by abnormal development or destruction of the myelin sheath of the brain. This study was aimed to search for the causative variants in three unrelated consanguineous families presented with LD. Detailed clinical investigations were carried out on probands in three unrelated consanguineous families of Pakistani origin. Targeted gene sequencing and Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) were performed for variant identification. Candidate variants were checked for co‐segregation with the phenotype using Sanger sequencing. Public databases including ExAC, gnomAD, dbSNP, and the 1,000 Genome Project were searched to determine frequencies of the alleles. Conservation of the missense variants was ensured by aligning orthologous protein sequences from diverse vertebrate species. Targeted gene sequencing identified a novel homozygous missense mutation [c.2135G > A, p.(Arg712His) in the ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily D Member 1 (ABCD1; OMIM# 300371) in three affected siblings in family A.WES followed by validation by Sanger sequencing revealed previously reported homozygous missense variants [c.162C > A; p.(Asn54Lys)] in ASPA (OMIM# 608034) in family B and [c.361G > C,p.(Gly121Arg)] in ARSA (OMIM# 607574) in family C. Investigation of three families underlies importance of WES as an amazing diagnostic tool for conclusive determination of a specific type of LD. Further, the study would assist in carrier testing and prenatal diagnosis of the affected families. In addition, searching for common variants in the genes causing LD would help in designing low‐cost targeted variation testing in patients.
Confirmation of neurometabolic diagnoses using age‐dependent cerebrospinal fluid metabolomic profiles
Authors: Peters Tessa M. A. , Engelke Udo F. H. , de Boer Siebolt , van der Heeft Ed , Pritsch Cynthia , Kulkarni Purva , Wevers Ron A. , Willemsen Michèl A. A. P. , Verbeek Marcel M. , Coene Karlien L. M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTimely diagnosis is essential for patients with neurometabolic disorders to enable targeted treatment. Next‐Generation Metabolic Screening (NGMS) allows for simultaneous screening of multiple diseases and yields a holistic view of disturbed metabolic pathways. We applied this technique to define a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) reference metabolome and validated our approach with patients with known neurometabolic disorders. Samples were measured using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry followed by (un)targeted analysis. For the reference metabolome, CSF samples from patients with normal general chemistry results and no neurometabolic diagnosis were selected and grouped based on sex and age (0‐2/2‐5/5‐10/10‐15 years). We checked the levels of known biomarkers in CSF from seven patients with five different neurometabolic disorders to confirm the suitability of our method for diagnosis. Untargeted analysis of 87 control CSF samples yielded 8036 features for semiquantitative analysis. No sex differences were found, but 1782 features (22%) were different between age groups (q < 0.05). We identified 206 diagnostic metabolites in targeted analysis. In a subset of 20 high‐intensity metabolites and 10 biomarkers, 17 (57%) were age‐dependent. For each neurometabolic patient, ≥1 specific biomarker(s) could be identified in CSF, thus confirming the diagnosis. In two cases, age‐matching was essential for correct interpretation of the metabolomic profile. In conclusion, NGMS in CSF is a powerful tool in defining a diagnosis for neurometabolic disorders. Using our database with many (age‐dependent) features in CSF, our untargeted approach will facilitate biomarker discovery and further understanding of mechanisms of neurometabolic disorders.
A potential vorticity perspective on cyclogenesis over centre‐eastern South America
Authors: Crespo Natália Machado , da Rocha Rosmeri Porfírio , Sprenger Michael , Wernli Heini 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis study investigates the influence of upper‐level potential vorticity (PV) structures on surface cyclogenesis in central‐eastern South America using 1979–2017 ERA‐Interim reanalysis data. Surface cyclones are identified in three regions (Argentina, Uruguay and SEBrazil) and it is quantified how often PV streamers and PV cutoffs co‐occur with cyclogenesis events. There are interesting regional and seasonal differences: in Argentina PV streamers occur mainly with cyclogenesis in summer, and in Uruguay and SEBrazil in both summer and winter. In the three regions, PV streamers associated with cyclogenesis occur most frequently at 320 K, except for summer in SEBrazil, where they predominate at 340 K. PV cutoffs occur with lower frequencies than PV streamers during cyclogenesis, and they occur more often in summer than in winter in all three regions. The dynamics of cyclogenesis differs among the three regions in some important aspects. In Argentina, the environment is slightly more baroclinic in summer and genesis occurs beneath the equatorial entrance of a jet streak. In this season, the anomalous PV associated with a PV streamer is important to favour ascent in the baroclinic environment contributing to surface cyclogenesis. Similar patterns occur for cyclogenesis in summer and winter in Uruguay, and in winter in SEBrazil. In Argentina during winter, cyclogenesis is located beneath the poleward exit of a jet streak, with a weaker PV streamer upstream. In SEBrazil during summer, the jet stream is far displaced from the genesis region and cyclogenesis occurs in a more barotropic environment.
Maximum July–September temperatures derived from tree‐ring densities on the western Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Song Huiming , Mei Ruochen , Liu Yu , Nievergelt Daniel , Verstege Anne , Cherubini Paolo , Liu Ruoshi , Sun Changfeng , Li Qiang , Chen Ling , Zeng Xueli , Guo Junqin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTree‐ring densitometric studies conducted in semi‐arid regions are exceedingly rare. In this study, we evaluate a new maximum latewood density chronology from a collection of Picea purpurea trees growing in semi‐arid northwestern China for climatic reconstruction purposes. We find statistically significant correlations between annual maximum density variations and July–September maximum temperatures over the 1957–2014 calibration period. Using a linear model to transfer the density variations to temperature estimates, we then reconstruct maximum summer temperatures from 1840 to 2014. Statistical analyses and verification tests demonstrate that the resulting transfer function is both reliable and stable. The reconstructed temperature series shows strong inter‐annual and decadal variability. Several extremely cool and warm years are apparent on an inter‐annual scale, while three extended cool periods and a warm period are observed on a decadal scale. In addition, the reconstructed temperature series exhibits a pattern synchronous with that of the Indian monsoon index, as well as a moderate relationship to volcanic eruptions. This densitometric study reveals typical climatic variation characteristics and provides useful data for deepening our understanding of climate history in the semi‐arid regions of China.
Acute colonic pseudo‐obstruction leading to perforation: a case‐control study investigating associations to tapentadol
Authors: Scott Matthew , Konstantatos Alex H. , Bui Thuy , Carne Peter , O'Donohoe Rory , Dearaugo Stephanie , Donovan Sarah 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundAcute colonic pseudo‐obstruction (ACPO) is an uncommon syndrome where the large bowel dilates in the absence of mechanical obstruction and may progress to perforation. A recent increase in the incidence of ACPO complicated by colonic perforation had been noted at the Alfred Hospital, coinciding with the introduction of the analgesic tapentadol. This led to an investigation of potential associations between complicated ACPO and tapentadol, together with other identifiable factors.MethodsThis was a retrospective case‐control study. Eight cases were identified and confirmed radiologically. Four matched controls were identified for each case based on age, sex and comparable diagnosis at the time of presentation.ResultsThirty‐five male and five female patients of similar age and comorbid disease were reviewed. Tapentadol use (p = 0.42) and duration (p = 0.81) and mean tapentadol dose (p = 0.07) did not differ between groups. Other associations included alcohol use of greater than three standard drinks per day (p = 0.031) and ondansetron use (p = 0.039) among cases. Mean (± SD) duration of opioid use was significantly longer in the cases than controls (7.6 ± 1.6 vs 5.0 ± 3.1 days respectively; p = 0.023; odds ratio 2.57, 95% confidence interval 1.1–5.8). Mean opioid dose (p = 0.68) did not differ between groups.ConclusionPseudo‐obstruction causing colonic perforation was associated with alcohol use of greater than three standard drinks per day, longer in‐hospital opioid use and ondansetron use, but not with the use, duration or mean dose of tapentadol. Data should be combined with data from other sites to strengthen associations.
Using UAV‐based remote sensing to assess grapevine canopy damage due to fire smoke
Authors: Brunori Elena , Maesano Mauro , Moresi Federico V , Antolini Adriano , Bellincontro Andrea , Forniti Roberto , Biasi Rita , Mencarelli Fabio 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDBushfires are becoming an increasing issue for the wine sector due to grape and vine losses and smoke taint in wine. Smoke affects vine physiology and the smoke's volatile phenols are absorbed by plants and berries, contaminating the wine. Our hypothesis was that, for the first time, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐based visible images can be used to study the physiology of smoke‐affected vines and to assess compromised vines.RESULTSProcanico vines were exposed to two smoke treatments, a week apart. Gas exchanges and leaf biochemical traits were measured in the short term (30 min after smoke exposure) and in the long term (24 h after smoke exposure). Canopy damage was assessed with conventional vegetation indices (VIs) and by an innovative index derived by UAV‐based visible images, the Canopy Area Health Index (CAHI). Gas exchange showed a reduction after the first smoke exposure, but the vines recovered within 24 h. The second smoke exposure led to an irreversible reduction in functional parameters. The VIs exhibited significant differences and CAHI presented a damage gradient related to bushfire nearby.CONCLUSIONThe vineyard damage assessment by UAV‐based visible images may represent a tool to study the physiological activity of smoke‐affected vines and to quantify the loss of destroyed or damaged vines. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Livers From Pediatric Donation After Circulatory Death Donors Represent a Viable and Underutilized Source of Allograft
Authors: Little Christopher J. , Dick Andre A. S. , Perkins James D. , Hsu Evelyn K. , Reyes Jorge D. 
Published: May 2020

Despite increased numbers of donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors, pediatric DCD livers are underused. To investigate possible reasons for this discrepancy, we conducted a retrospective cohort study using 2 data sets from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network for all deceased liver donors and for all recipients of DCD liver transplants from March 8, 1993, to June 30, 2018. Pediatric (0‐12 years) and adolescent (13‐17 years) DCD donors were compared with those aged 18‐40 years. We found that pediatric DCD allografts are recovered at a significantly lower rate than from 18‐to‐40‐year‐old donors (27.3% versus 56.3%; P < 0.001). However, once recovered, these organs are transplanted at a similar rate to those from the 18‐to‐40‐year‐old donor cohort (74.7% versus 74.2%). Significantly more pediatric DCD livers (odds ratio [OR], 3.75; confidence interval [CI], 3.14‐4.47) were not recovered compared with adult organs, which were most commonly not recovered due to organ quality (10.2% versus 7.1%; P < 0.001). The 10‐year relative risks (RRs) for graft failure and patient death were similar between pediatric and adult DCD donors, with adolescent DCD livers demonstrating improved outcomes. DCD livers transplanted into pediatric donors were protective against graft failure (RR, 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.21‐0.99) and patient death (RR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.04‐0.69). In conclusion, despite lower rates of recovery, pediatric DCD livers represent a viable organ source for certain adults and children.
CT metal artifact reduction algorithms: Toward a framework for objective performance assessment
Authors: Vaishnav J. Y. , Ghammraoui B. , Leifer M. , Zeng R. , Jiang L. , Myers K. J. 
Published: May 2020

PurposeAlthough several metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithms for computed tomography (CT) scanning are commercially available, no quantitative, rigorous, and reproducible method exists for assessing their performance. The lack of assessment methods poses a challenge to regulators, consumers, and industry. We explored a phantom‐based framework for assessing an important aspect of MAR performance: how applying MAR in the presence of metal affects model observer performance at a low‐contrast detectability (LCD) task This work is, to our knowledge, the first model observer–based framework for the evaluation of MAR algorithms in the published literature.MethodsWe designed a numerical head phantom with metal implants. In order to incorporate an element of randomness, the phantom included a rotatable inset with an inhomogeneous background. We generated simulated projection data for the phantom. We applied two variants of a simple MAR algorithm, sinogram inpainting, to the projection data, that we reconstructed using filtered backprojection. To assess how MAR affected observer performance, we examined the detectability of a signal at the center of a region of interest (ROI) by a channelized Hotelling observer (CHO). As a figure of merit, we used the area under the ROC curve (AUC).ResultsWe used simulation to test our framework on two variants of the MAR technique of sinogram inpainting. We found that our method was able to resolve the difference in two different MAR algorithms’ effect on LCD task performance, as well as the difference in task performances when MAR was applied, vs not.ConclusionWe laid out a phantom‐based framework for objective assessment of how MAR impacts low‐contrast detectability, that we tested on two MAR algorithms. Our results demonstrate the importance of testing MAR performance over a range of object and imaging parameters, since applying MAR does not always improve the quality of an image for a given diagnostic task. Our framework is an initial step toward developing a more comprehensive objective assessment method for MAR, which would require developing additional phantoms and methods specific to various clinical applications of MAR, and increasing study efficiency.
Improved velocity‐selective‐inversion arterial spin labeling for cerebral blood flow mapping with 3D acquisition
Authors: Liu Dapeng , Xu Feng , Li Wenbo , van Zijl Peter C. , Lin Doris D. , Qin Qin 
Published: May 2020

PurposeTo further optimize the velocity‐selective arterial spin labeling (VSASL) sequence utilizing a Fourier‐transform based velocity‐selective inversion (FT‐VSI) pulse train, and to evaluate its utility for 3D mapping of cerebral blood flow (CBF) with a gradient‐ and spin‐echo (GRASE) readout.MethodsFirst, numerical simulations and phantom experiments were done to test the susceptibility to eddy currents and B1 field inhomogeneities for FT‐VSI pulse trains with block and composite refocusing pulses. Second, the choices of the post‐labeling delay (PLD) for FT‐VSI prepared 3D VSASL were evaluated for the sensitivity to perfusion signal. The study was conducted among a young‐age and a middle‐age group at 3T.Both signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and CBF were quantitatively compared with pseudo‐continuous ASL (PCASL). The optimized 3D VSI‐ASL was also qualitatively compared with PCASL in a whole‐brain coverage among two healthy volunteers and a brain tumor patient.ResultsThe simulations and phantom test showed that composite refocusing pulses are more robust to both eddy‐currents and B1 field inhomogeneities than block pulses. 3D VSASL images with FT‐VSI preparation were acquired over a range of PLDs and PLD = 1.2 s was selected for its higher perfusion signal. FT‐VSI labeling produced quantitative CBF maps with 27% higher SNR in gray matter compared to PCASL. 3D whole‐brain CBF mapping using VSI‐ASL were comparable to the corresponding PCASL results.ConclusionFT‐VSI with 3D‐GRASE readout was successfully implemented and showed higher sensitivity to perfusion signal than PCASL for both young and middle‐aged healthy volunteers.
Urethral bulking with Bulkamid: An analysis of efficacy, safety profile, and predictors of functional outcomes in a single‐center cohort
Authors: Giammò Alessandro , Geretto Paolo , Ammirati Enrico , Manassero Alberto , Squintone Luisella , Vercelli Dario , Carone Roberto 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimsThe aim of the present work is to analyze the safety profile, effectiveness, and favorable and unfavorable predictors of clinical outcome in urethral bulking with Bulkamid, and to better identify the ideal candidate for the procedure.MethodsWe included all consecutive female patients treated with urethral bulking with Bulkamid at our institution within 2 years. Patients were affected by stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or mixed incontinence. Incontinence severity was classified as “mild” (urinary leakage <50 g/die), “moderate” (50‐200 g/die), or “severe” (>200 g/die) at 24‐hours pad test. Clinical success was defined as “dry” (no pads); clinical failure included “partial improvement” (>50% 24‐hours pad test reduction) and “no benefit” (<50% 24‐hours pad test reduction). The χ2 and Mann‐Whitney tests were performed to assess the predictors of clinical outcome.ResultsThe success rate was 36.1% (n = 35). Forty‐three patients (44.3%) reported continence improvement. Complications included eight urinary retention cases (8.2%). Statistically significant correlation was observed between incontinence severity and clinical outcome in thee χ2 test (P = .008). No significant correlation was found between functional outcome and urodynamic incontinence features, postoperative urinary retention, previous pelvic surgery, age, and other physiological, pathological, and urodynamics characteristics. Urinary retention following the surgical procedure appeared to be related to clinical success with nonsignificant P value (P = .10).ConclusionsBulkamid procedure could be proposed with good results in elderly patients or in patients requiring a low‐invasive procedure with low risk of complications, affected either by SUI or mixed incontinence and with mild to moderate incontinence. Previous training to clean intermittent self‐catheterization maneuver should be performed.
Methods of Estimating Nasogastric Tube Length: All, Including “NEX,” Are Unsafe
Authors: Taylor Stephen J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundPredominance of blind feeding tube placement makes esophageal tube misplacement and aspiration risk commonplace. Accurate estimation of nose‐to‐stomach length could reduce this risk. Standards for estimating this length were audited against the length measured from guided tube placement.MethodsThis prospective, single‐center observational study used electromagnet‐guided tube placement to measure the length from nose to gastric body flexure as part of routine care. This measurement was used to audit standard equations used to estimate this length from external measures: xiphisternum‐ear‐nose + 10 cm (XEN+10), nose‐ear‐xiphisternum (NEX), and Hanson_A and Hanson_B.ResultsFrom April 23, 2015, to March 2, 2020, measurements were obtained from 200 primary tube placements. Median length to the gastric body flexure (61 cm) was significantly different from that to the pre‐gastroesophageal junction flexure (48 cm) or lengths predicted by NEX (51 cm) or Hanson_A (50.5 cm) and Hanson_B (56.1 cm) (all P < .00001) but similar to XEN+10 (61 cm). Esophageal placement was a potential risk for all methods (NEX: 96.3%, Hanson_A: 99.5%, Hanson_B: 86.9%, XEN+10: 43.2%) and a definite risk for most (NEX and Hanson_A: 14.9%, Hanson_B: 1%, XEN+10: 0%).ConclusionsNEX and Hanson methods of predicting the length from nose to gastric body flexure are too short and risk esophageal misplacement. XEN+10 reduces but does not eliminate this risk. External measurement predictions are clinically unsafe as a guide blind tube placement. Guided placement is recommended.
Optimal control of district heating networks using a reduced order model
Authors: Rein Markus , Mohring Jan , Damm Tobias , Klar Axel 
Published: May 2020

SummaryWe study the optimal control of district heating networks using a reduced order model based on a system theoretic description close to the underlying Euler equations. In the presented scenarios, the central task is to limit the maximal feed‐in power occurring as a product of control and state variables. The underlying dynamics of heating networks acting as optimization constraints pose the central computational complexity, prohibiting the determination of an optimal control online. The advection of the injected energy density on the network results in an index‐1, quadratic in state differential algebraic equation, challenging to reduce. The suggested reduced model decreases the computation time of the optimization significantly. The effectiveness of the presented approach is demonstrated for an existing, large‐scale heating network including changes of flux directions.