bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal changes in substantia nigra neuromelanin content in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Biondetti Emma , Gaurav Rahul , Yahia-Cherif Lydia , Mangone Graziella , Pyatigorskaya Nadya , Valabrègue Romain , Ewenczyk Claire , Hutchison Matthew , François Chantal , Arnulf Isabelle , Corvol Jean-Christophe , Vidailhet Marie , Lehéricy Stéphane 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal changes in neuromelanin-sensitive MRI signal in the substantia nigra and their relation to clinical scores of disease severity in patients with early or progressing Parkinson’s disease and patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (iRBD) exempt of Parkinsonian signs compared to healthy control subjects. Longitudinal T1-weighted anatomical and neuromelanin-sensitive MRI was performed in two cohorts, including patients with iRBD, patients with early or progressing Parkinson’s disease, and control subjects. Based on the aligned substantia nigra segmentations using a study-specific brain anatomical template, parametric maps of the probability of a voxel belonging to the substantia nigra were calculated for patients with various degrees of disease severity and controls. For each voxel in the substantia nigra, probability map of controls, correlations between signal-to-noise ratios on neuromelanin-sensitive MRI in patients with iRBD and Parkinson’s disease and clinical scores of motor disability, cognition and mood/behaviour were calculated. Our results showed that in patients, compared to the healthy control subjects, the volume of the substantia nigra was progressively reduced for increasing disease severity. The neuromelanin signal changes appeared to start in the posterolateral motor areas of the substantia nigra and then progressed to more medial areas of this region. The ratio between the volume of the substantia nigra in patients with Parkinson’s disease relative to the controls was best fitted by a mono-exponential decay. Based on this model, the pre-symptomatic phase of the disease started at 5.3 years before disease diagnosis, and 23.1% of the substantia nigra volume was lost at the time of diagnosis, which was in line with previous findings using post-mortem histology of the human substantia nigra and radiotracer studies of the human striatum. Voxel-wise patterns of correlation between neuromelanin-sensitive MRI signal-to-noise ratio and motor, cognitive and mood/behavioural clinical scores were localized in distinct regions of the substantia nigra. This localization reflected the functional organization of the nigrostriatal system observed in histological and electrophysiological studies in non-human primates (motor, cognitive and mood/behavioural domains). In conclusion, neuromelanin-sensitive MRI enabled us to assess voxel-wise modifications of substantia nigra’s morphology in vivo in humans, including healthy controls, patients with iRBD and patients with Parkinson’s disease, and identify their correlation with nigral function across all motor, cognitive and behavioural domains. This insight could help assess disease progression in drug trials of disease modification.
Clinical Features and Gut Microbiome of Asymptomatic Entamoeba histolytica Infection
Authors: Yanagawa Yasuaki , Nagata Naoyoshi , Yagita Kenji , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Okubo Hidetaka , Kikuchi Yoshimi , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Oka Shinichi , Watanabe Koji 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Entamoeba histolytica infection is a sexually transmitted disease in some developed countries. Asymptomatic infection often occurs and can be a source of transmission; however, limited data are available regarding the pathogenesis of E. histolytica.

Methods
This was a single-center, cross-sectional study. Specimens were prospectively collected from patients with clinically suspected cases. Entamoeba histolytica infection was defined as a case in which the identification of E. histolytica was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of a clinical specimen. Data from asymptomatic cases were compared with those from symptomatic invasive cases.

Results
Sixty-four E. histolytica–infected cases, including 13 asymptomatic cases, were identified during the study period. Microbiological diagnosis was made by endoscopic sampling in 26.6% of these cases (17/64). Endoscopy identified macroscopically visible lesions in all cases; however, the sensitivity of histopathology on biopsy samples was low (45.5%) compared with PCR (94.7%). In asymptomatic cases, infection sites were limited around the proximal colon; moreover, trophozoites were frequently identified at infection sites whereas cystic forms were commonly detected in stools. Gut microbiome analyses showed more uniform composition in asymptomatic cases than in symptomatic invasive cases, which were represented by a relatively high abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Coriobacteriaceae, and Clostridiaceae, and a low abundance of Streptococcaceae.

Conclusions
These results indicate that the encystation and attenuation of E. histolytica are highly affected by the intestinal contents, including the gut microbiome.
Outbreak of Norovirus Gastroenteritis Associated With Ice Cream Contaminated by Frozen Raspberries From China—Minnesota, United States, 2016
Authors: Saupe Amy A , Rounds Joshua , Sorenson Alida , Hedeen Nicole , Bagstad Erica , Reinberg Roee , Wagley A Gail , Cebelinski Elizabeth , Smith Kirk 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Norovirus is the etiology for about 60% of foodborne outbreaks identified in Minnesota. Contamination of food during preparation by food handlers is by far the most common cause of these outbreaks. Norovirus outbreaks due to commercially distributed foods are rarely reported in the United States, and only 2 have been previously identified in Minnesota, both due to oysters.

Methods
In August 2016, we investigated an outbreak of norovirus gastroenteritis in Minnesota that was linked to consumption of commercially distributed ice cream at multiple venues. Sanitarians from local public health agencies visited the facilities involved for follow-up, and case-control studies were conducted. The outbreak was identified by linking multiple independent illness reports to a centralized foodborne illness complaint system and subsequently confirmed though genotyping of stool specimens.

Results
A total of 15 cases from 4 venues were reported. Raspberry chocolate chip ice cream was statistically associated with illness in 2 analytic studies (6 of 7 cases vs 0 of 7 controls; odds ratio, undefined; P = .005). Norovirus GII.17[P17] (GII.17 Kawasaki) strains from case stool specimens matched norovirus found in frozen raspberries imported from China that were used to make the implicated ice cream.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first norovirus outbreak due to commercially distributed frozen berries identified in the United States. To detect norovirus outbreaks associated with commercially distributed food vehicles, investigators should thoroughly investigate all norovirus outbreaks (including stool testing and genotyping), coordinate complaint and response activities across agencies and jurisdictions, and consider testing food for norovirus when appropriate.
The Digital MIQE Guidelines Update: Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Digital PCR Experiments for 2020
Authors:   The dMIQE Group, Whale Alexandra S , De Spiegelaere Ward , Trypsteen Wim , Nour Afif Abdel , Bae Young-Kyung , Benes Vladimir , Burke Daniel , Cleveland Megan , Corbisier Philippe , Devonshire Alison S , Dong Lianhua , Drandi Daniela , Foy Carole A , Garson Jeremy A , He Hua-Jun , Hellemans Jan , Kubista Mikael , Lievens Antoon , Makrigiorgos Mike G , Milavec Mojca , Mueller Reinhold D , Nolan Tania , O’Sullivan Denise M , Pfaffl Michael W , Rödiger Stefan , Romsos Erica L , Shipley Gregory L , Taly Valerie , Untergasser Andreas , Wittwer Carl T , Bustin Stephen A , Vandesompele Jo , Huggett Jim F 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Digital PCR (dPCR) has developed considerably since the publication of the Minimum Information for Publication of Digital PCR Experiments (dMIQE) guidelines in 2013, with advances in instrumentation, software, applications, and our understanding of its technological potential. Yet these developments also have associated challenges; data analysis steps, including threshold setting, can be difficult and preanalytical steps required to purify, concentrate, and modify nucleic acids can lead to measurement error. To assist independent corroboration of conclusions, comprehensive disclosure of all relevant experimental details is required. To support the community and reflect the growing use of dPCR, we present an update to dMIQE, dMIQE2020, including a simplified dMIQE table format to assist researchers in providing key experimental information and understanding of the associated experimental process. Adoption of dMIQE2020 by the scientific community will assist in standardizing experimental protocols, maximize efficient utilization of resources, and further enhance the impact of this powerful technology.
Systematic Review: Gastrointestinal Ultrasound Scoring Indices for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Goodsall Thomas M , Nguyen Tran M , Parker Claire E , Ma Christopher , Andrews Jane M , Jairath Vipul , Bryant Robert V 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background and Aims
Serial measurements of luminal disease activity may facilitate inflammatory bowel disease management. Gastrointestinal ultrasound is an easily performed, non-invasive alternative to other assessment modes. However, its widespread use is limited by concerns regarding validity, reliability, and responsiveness. We systematically identified ultrasound scoring indices used to evaluate inflammatory bowel disease activity and examine their operating characteristics.

Methods
Electronic databases were searched from inception to June 14, 2019 using pre-defined terms. Studies that reported on gastrointestinal ultrasound index operating properties in an inflammatory bowel disease population were eligible for inclusion. Study characteristics, index components, and operating property data [ie, validity, reliability, responsiveness, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value] were extracted. The QUADAS-2 tool was used to examine study-level risk of bias.

Results
Of the 2610 studies identified, 26 studies reporting on 21 ultrasound indices were included. The most common index components included bowel wall thickness, colour Doppler imaging, and bowel wall stratification. The correlation between ultrasound indices and references standards ranged r = 0.62–0.95 and k = 0.40–0.96. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values ranged 39–100%, 63–100%, 73–100%, 57–100%, and 40–100%, respectively. Reliability and responsiveness data were limited. Most [92%, 24/26] studies received at least one unclear or high risk of bias rating.

Conclusions
Several gastrointestinal ultrasound indices for use in inflammatory bowel disease have been developed. Future research should focus on fully validating existing or novel gastrointestinal ultrasound scoring instruments for assessment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Blood pressure and brain injury in cardiac surgery: a secondary analysis of a randomized trial
Authors: Vedel Anne G , Holmgaard Frederik , Danielsen Else R , Langkilde Annika , Paulson Olaf B , Ravn Hanne B , Rasmussen Lars S , Nilsson Jens C 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

Brain dysfunction is a serious complication after cardiac surgery. In the Perfusion Pressure Cerebral Infarcts trial, we allocated cardiac surgery patients to a mean arterial pressure of either 70–80 or 40–50 mmHg during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In this secondary analysis, we compared selected cerebral metabolites using magnetic resonance spectroscopy hypothesizing that a postoperative decrease in occipital grey matter (GM) N-acetylaspartate-to-total-creatine ratio, indicative of ischaemic injury, would be found in the high-target group.

METHODS
Of the 197 patients randomized in the Perfusion Pressure Cerebral Infarcts trial, 55 and 42 patients had complete and useful data from GM and white matter (WM), respectively. Spectroscopies were done preoperatively and on postoperative days 3–6. Cognitive function was assessed prior to surgery, at discharge and at 3 months. We predefined the statistical significance level to be 0.01.

RESULTS
A postoperative decrease was found in GM N-acetylaspartate-to-total-creatine ratio in the high-target group [mean difference −0.09 (95% confidence interval −0.14 to −0.04), P = 0.014]. No significant differences were found in other metabolite ratios investigated in GM or WM. No significant association was found between changes in metabolite ratios and new cerebral infarcts, WM lesion score or cognitive dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS
A higher mean arterial pressure during CPB was associated with signs of impaired cerebral metabolism, though not at the predefined significance level of 0.01. No significant association was found between metabolite ratio changes and neuroradiological pathology or change in cognitive function.

Clinical trial registration number
Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02185885.
Can machine learning improve mortality prediction following cardiac surgery?
Authors: Benedetto Umberto , Sinha Shubhra , Lyon Matt , Dimagli Arnaldo , Gaunt Tom R , Angelini Gianni , Sterne Jonathan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

Interest in the clinical usefulness of machine learning for risk prediction has bloomed recently. Cardiac surgery patients are at high risk of complications and therefore presurgical risk assessment is of crucial relevance. We aimed to compare the performance of machine learning algorithms over traditional logistic regression (LR) model to predict in-hospital mortality following cardiac surgery.

METHODS
A single-centre data set of prospectively collected information from patients undergoing adult cardiac surgery from 1996 to 2017 was split into 70% training set and 30% testing set. Prediction models were developed using neural network, random forest, naive Bayes and retrained LR based on features included in the EuroSCORE. Discrimination was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and calibration analysis was undertaken using the calibration belt method. Model calibration drift was assessed by comparing Goodness of fit χ2 statistics observed in 2 equal bins from the testing sample ordered by procedure date.

RESULTS
A total of 28 761 cardiac procedures were performed during the study period. The in-hospital mortality rate was 2.7%. Retrained LR [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.80; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77–0.83] and random forest model (0.80; 95% CI 0.76–0.83) showed the best discrimination. All models showed significant miscalibration. Retrained LR proved to have the weakest calibration drift.

CONCLUSIONS
Our findings do not support the hypothesis that machine learning methods provide advantage over LR model in predicting operative mortality after cardiac surgery.
Autorité oblige: The Rise and Fall of Hans Kelsen’s Legal Concept of International Institutions
Authors: von Bernstorff Jochen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Hans Kelsen and his Vienna School in International Law developed a highly original legal concept of international institutions. It originated in the Interbellum and aimed at bolstering the new institutional structures created in the League era by promoting egalitarian legal structures and strong judicial controls of both member states and the organs of the institution. Against the background of this new approach to international organization, Kelsen, after World War II, developed a first and particularly harsh critique of the UN Charter.
Helping koalas battle disease – Recent advances inChlamydiaand koala retrovirus (KoRV) disease understanding and treatment in koalas
Authors: Quigley Bonnie L , Timms Peter 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTThe iconic Australian marsupial, the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), has suffered dramatic population declines as a result of habitat loss and fragmentation, disease, vehicle collision mortality, dog attacks, bushfires and climate change. In 2012, koalas were officially declared vulnerable by the Australian government and listed as a threatened species. In response, research into diseases affecting koalas has expanded rapidly. The two major pathogens affecting koalas are Chlamydia pecorum, leading to chlamydial disease and koala retrovirus (KoRV). In the last eight years, these pathogens and their diseases have received focused study regarding their sources, genetics, prevalence, disease presentation and transmission. This has led to vast improvements in pathogen detection and treatment, including the ongoing development of vaccines for each as a management and control strategy. This review will summarize and highlight the important advances made in understanding and combating C. pecorum and KoRV in koalas, since they were declared a threatened species. With complementary advances having also been made from the koala genome sequence and in our understanding of the koala immune system, we are primed to make a significant positive impact on koala health into the future.
Multistage elastic full-waveform inversion for tilted transverse isotropic media
Authors: Oh Ju-Won , Shin Youngjae , Alkhalifah Tariq , Min Dong-Joo 
Published: June 2020

SUMMARYSeismic anisotropy is an important physical phenomenon that significantly affects wave propagation in complex sedimentary basins. When geological structures exhibit steep dips or severe folding, the symmetry axis of the transversely isotropic (TI) representation of the region can be rotated, leading to tilted transversely isotropic (TTI) media. We seek to find the optimal full-waveform inversion (FWI) strategy to estimate both the seismic velocities and the anisotropic parameters, including the tilt angle, in the presence of elastic TTI media. We first formulate the forward and inverse problems for elastic TTI media and analyse the radiation patterns of the model parameters. Based on the analyses of the radiation patterns, we propose two similar multistage FWI strategies that add inversion parameters over three stages, beginning with the isotropic parameters (horizontal P- and vertical S-wave velocity) and moving to the anisotropic parameters; the tilt angle is directly inverted in the last stage. Since diving waves, which are useful for providing long-wavelength updates, are mainly controlled by horizontal motion in anisotropic media, it is reasonable to choose the horizontal P-wave velocity rather than the vertical P-wave velocity. Then, the anisotropic parameters are inverted mainly using the reflected waves based on the isotropic background model built in the first stage. The main difference between the two multistage FWI strategies is whether the anisotropic parameter η is inverted. Comparing the two multistage FWI strategies with the simultaneous inversion strategy for a downsized version of the synthetic BP TTI model, we confirm that the multistage FWI strategies yield better inversion results than the simultaneous inversion strategy. When we compare the two multistage FWI strategies with each other for surface seismic data, ignoring η during the FWI process (focused multistage FWI) yields better inversion results for the tilt angle than those obtained with the inversion of η because η has less influence on the FWI than the other parameters and is not recovered well, which plays a role in degrading the tilt angle. Numerical examples support our conclusions that the focused multistage FWI strategy (neglecting η) is the optimal FWI strategy for TTI media and achieves computational efficiency for surface seismic data.
Universal health coverage under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action’s sanctions: strategic purchasing approach in the Iranian health system
Authors: Bastani Peivand , Hakimzadeh Seyyed Mostafa , Teymourzadeh Ehsan , Nouhi Mojtaba 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Due to the sanctions imposed by the USA government upon the Iranian health system, achieving the UHC might face some financial problems. This study aimed to make the best solution for the Iran health care system to overcome not only the temporary sanctions but also a program to reach the UHC goals through the strategic purchasing approach. This was a qualitative study carried out from 2015 to 2017 containing two phases: a comparative analysis and a three-step Delphi technique. In the first phase, the Garden model was applied to select the countries. In the second phase, 20 experts who specialised in health management, health economics, and health insurance science were asked. Data were analyzed with SPSS (version 20.0) and STATA (version 15.0) In the threat of trade and economic sanctions imposed on the Iranian health care system, the experts identified and emphasized that the vulnerable groups to receive financial assistance can be the retired, fecund women, teenagers and people with lower wages. The experts thought that, in the context of resource constraints, different payment systems are proposed for cities and villages based on the different needs of local population. Considering the difficult situation, this study focused on how Iran can cope well in a dangerous situation and economies the health expenditure applying strategic purchasing as one of the key tools in controlling costs to achieve universal health coverage. Economic evaluation, payment system, and priority population are the linchpins of the UHC. Universal health coverage, if it is to be considered, not only is applicable, but it could also be a solution for future generations. Therefore, the proposed policy proposals can provide both a short-term and long-term basis for the health care system of countries that are facing budget constraints or are basically low-income.
Developing and validating a self-assessment tool for health promotion competencies with training participants in Austria
Authors: Lang Gert 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
A key objective of health promotion capacity building and professional development programmes is to enhance competencies in the workforce or training participants. The goal of this study was to investigate and validate the psychometric properties of a recently developed self-assessment tool, based on ‘The CompHP core competencies framework for health promotion’, to establish whether it is suitable for evaluating training. The tool was employed in 2018 to evaluate two different programmes, with 584 participants submitting their assessment and evaluation of 77 different health promotion training courses in a paper and pencil questionnaire. Longitudinal data were available for 148 participants in the programme for workplace health promotion because they completed an online questionnaire beforehand. The reliability and validity of the assessment tool were tested in several confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation models. Structurally, there was a significant increase in health promotion competencies when comparing measurements before and after training. Furthermore, participants were shown to have different levels of competencies due to their prior knowledge, the format of the course or the professional development programme attended but not based on gender, age or sector. The results justify the creation of an overall scale to assess core health promotion competencies that are suitable for evaluating training courses. However, various methodological issues need to be considered in future applications including decisions about the design of the study (e.g. pre–post test, control groups), type of measurements (e.g. general and specific instrument, background information) and depth of analysis (e.g. confirmatory model and invariance testing).