bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fetal dynamic magnetic resonance imaging using Doppler ultrasound gating for the assessment of the aortic isthmus: A feasibility study
Authors: Tavares de Sousa Manuela , Hecher Kurt , Kording Fabian , Yamamura Jin , Lenz Alexander , Adam Gerhard , Bannas Peter , Schoennagel Bjoern P. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionCardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is established in cardiac evaluation in postnatal life, but its application to the fetus has been hampered by technical limitations. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of dynamic MRI of the fetal aortic isthmus using a magnetic resonance‐compatible Doppler ultrasound device for cardiac gating.Material and methodsThis prospective study included 19 fetuses at a median gestational age of 32.3 weeks (range 26‐38 weeks). Imaging of the fetal aortic isthmus was assessed by (a) dynamic steady‐state free precession MRI using a magnetic resonance‐compatible Doppler ultrasound device for cardiac gating and (b) echocardiography. Diameters of the aortic isthmus were compared by two blinded observers. Magnetic resonance image quality was assessed independently by two observers using a four‐point scale (1 = low quality, 4 = high quality). Furthermore, we performed four‐dimensional flow MRI of the fetal aorta in three of these fetuses.ResultsThe Doppler ultrasound device for cardiac gating allowed successful dynamic MRI examinations of the aortic isthmus in 18/19 (95%) fetuses. Evaluation of the fetal aortic isthmus was possible by both MRI (15/18, 83%) and echocardiography (16/18, 89%) (P < .05). Diameters of the aortic isthmus were concordant for MRI (3.8 ± 0.9 mm) and echocardiography (4.0 ± 1.1 mm), with a variability of 10.8% (bias −2.3%, 95% limits of agreement −23.9% to 19.3%). Overall magnetic resonance image quality was good (score 4 in 67% and score 3 in 23%) with good inter‐observer agreement (κ = 0.75; 95% CI 0.5‐1). Fetal four‐dimensional flow MRI allowed visualization of aortic flow dynamics.ConclusionsDoppler ultrasound‐gating allows dynamic MRI of the fetal aorta with the potential to serve as a complementary imaging tool in cases where echocardiography is inconclusive.
Multicentre Spanish study found no incidences of viral transmission in infants born to mothers with COVID‐19
Authors: Marín Gabriel Miguel A. , Cuadrado Irene , Álvarez Fernández Blanca , González Carrasco Ersilia , Alonso Díaz Clara , Llana Martín Isabel , Sánchez Laura , Olivas Cristina , de las Heras Susana , Criado Enrique ,   the Neo‐COVID‐19 Research Group
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimOur aim was to describe the clinical features of mothers infected with COVID‐19 and examine any potential vertical mother to newborn transmission. We also assessed how effective the discharge recommendations were in preventing transmission during the first month of life.MethodsThis multicentre descriptive study involved 16 Spanish hospitals. We reviewed the medical records of 42 pregnant women diagnosed with COVID‐19 from March 13, 2020, to March 29, 2020, when they were in their third trimester of pregnancy. They and their newborn infants were monitored until the infant was 1 month old.ResultsOver half (52.4%) of the women had a vaginal delivery. The initial clinical symptoms were coughing (66.6%) and fever (59.5%), and one mother died due to thrombo‐embolic events. We admitted 37 newborn infants to the neonatal unit (88%), and 28 were then admitted to intermediate care for organisational virus‐related reasons. No infants died, and no vertical transmission was detected during hospitalisation or follow‐up. Only six were exclusively breastfed at discharge.ConclusionThere was no evidence of COVID‐19 transmission in any of the infants born to COVID‐19 mothers, and the post‐discharge advice seemed effective. The measures to avoid transmission appeared to reduce exclusive breastfeeding at discharge.
Ruminal epithelial insulin‐like growth factor‐binding proteins 2, 3, and 6 are associated with epithelial cell proliferation
Authors: Nishihara Koki , Suzuki Yutaka , Roh Sanggun 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to identify factors that regulate ruminal epithelial insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein (IGFBP) expression and determine its role in rumen epithelial cell proliferation. Primary bovine rumen epithelial cells (BREC) were incubated with short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) at pH 7.4 or 5.6, lactate, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I), ‐II (IGF‐II), or recombinant bovine IGFBP2 (rbIGFBP2). The mRNA expression levels of IGFBP in BREC were analyzed using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The proliferation rate of BREC was analyzed using a WST‐1 assay. IGFBP2 gene expression tended to be lower with SCFA treatment (p < .1), and IGFBP6 gene expression was significantly lower with SCFA treatment (p < .05). IGFBP3 and IGFBP6 gene expression tended to be higher with d‐Lactate treatment (p < .1). IGFBP3 gene expression was significantly higher (p < .05) with LPS treatment. BREC treated with IGF‐I grew more rapidly than vehicle control‐treated cells (p < .01); however, recombinant bovine rbIGFBP2 inhibited IGF‐I‐induced proliferation. IGF‐II and/or rbIGFBP2 did not affect BREC proliferation. Taken together, SCFA treatment decreased IGFBP2 and IGFBP6 expression in rumen epithelial cells, and lower expression of these IGFBP might promote rumen epithelial cell proliferation by facilitating IGF‐I.
Calpain activation and proteolysis in postmortem goose muscles
Authors: Chang Ya‐Shiou , Wu Shin‐Yi , Stromer Marvin H. , Chou Rong‐Ghi R. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMeat tenderness is considered as the most important criterion for meat quality by consumers and can be improved by the actions of endogenous proteases, mainly calpains, during postmortem storage at 0–5°C. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine the postmortem calpain activation and proteolysis in breast (BM) and leg and thigh (LM) muscles of White Roman goose. BM and LM were taken from goose carcasses (n = 15) at 0 (10–15 min postmortem), 1, 3, and 7 days of storage at 5°C. The decrease in postmortem pH, calpain‐1 and ‐11 activities, and contents of the calpain‐1 80 kDa subunit and desmin was more rapid (p < .05) in BM than in LM. Our results show that postmortem proteolysis was more extensive in BM than in LM of White Roman goose, not only because the difference in fiber type composition between two muscles, but because the rate and extent of calpain activation were greater in BM as well. These results may provide useful information to optimize meat processing for different muscles in goose industry.
Neuro‐meningeal relapse in anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma: incidence, risk factors and prognosis – a report from the European intergroup for childhood non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Del Baldo Giada , Abbas Rachid , Woessmann Wilhelm , Horibe Keizo , Pillon Marta , Burke Amos , Beishuizen Auke , Rigaud Charlotte , Le Deley Marie‐Cécile , Lamant Laurence , Brugières Laurence 
Published: July 2020

SummaryRelapses involving the central nervous system (CNS) are rare in children and adolescents with ALK+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) treated with regimens including CNS prophylaxis. Early identification of patients at high‐risk for CNS relapse would enable stratification and better adaptation of initial treatment especially in the light of the upcoming targeted therapies with limited CNS penetration. We analyzed clinical and histological data of all ALK+ALCL patients with CNS relapse registered in ALCL99‐database with the aim to describe risk factors and outcome. Characteristics of patients with no relapse, relapse without CNS involvement and CNS relapse were compared. At a median follow‐up of 8 years (0.05–18 years), a CNS involvement was reported at first or subsequent relapse in 26/618 patients. Median interval between initial diagnosis and first CNS relapse was 8 months (IQR 5.55–10.61/range 1.31–130.69). The 5‐year cumulative risk of CNS relapse was 4% (95% CI 2.9–5.5). Bone marrow involvement, peripheral blasts and CNS involvement at diagnosis were more frequent in patients with CNS relapse than in patients with no relapse or with relapse with no CNS involvement. The treatment of CNS relapse was heterogeneous. The median survival after CNS relapse was 23.7 months. Eleven patients were alive at last follow‐up. Three‐year overall survival after CNS relapse was 48.70% (95% CI 30.52–67.23).
Effect of losartan on the recoverability of renal function in anuric and oliguric patients with a solitary obstructed kidney: a double‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Elkappany Sherif , Hashem Abdelwahab , Elkarta Ahmed , Sheashaa Hussein , Osman Yasser , Shokeir Ahmed A. 
Published: July 2020

ObjectivesTo assess the role of the angiotensin receptor blocker losartan on the recoverability of renal function after de‐obstruction in patients with anuria and oliguria.Materials and MethodsThis was a double‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled trial in anuric or oliguric patients with calcular obstruction of solitary kidney. Patients with an anomalous kidney or those with an American Society of Anesthesiology score of >3 were excluded. After relief of obstruction, patients were allocated to receive either losartan potassium 25 mg or placebo for 3 months. Serum creatinine (sCr) and renographic glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured at nadir and after 3 months. Changes in sCr and renographic GFR were calculated by subtracting the values at nadir from those at 3 months. Improvement, stabilization or deterioration of sCr and renographic GFR were defined as percentage increase or decrease from nadir ≥10%, while changes <10% were considered as stabilization.ResultsA total of 76 patients completed 3 months of follow‐up. Demographics and peri‐operative data were comparable in the two groups. The median (range) sCr change was −1.05 (−1.8, 0.4) and −0.5 (−1.3, 0.1) mg/dL in the losartan and placebo, groups, respectively (P = 0.07). In the losartan group, renographic GFR had improved in 26 (59.1%) and deteriorated in six (13.6%) patients, while, in the placebo group, it had improved in eight (25%) and deteriorated in 10 patients (31.3%; P = 0.01). Losartan also enhanced renographic GFR improvement vs placebo by a median (range) of 6.9 (−9, 44) vs 1.4 (−10, 32) mL/min (P = 0.004).ConclusionsIn patients with anuria and oliguria, losartan treatment contributes to renal function recoverability after relief of calcular obstruction of the solitary kidney.
Tectonic inversion assessed by integration of geological and geophysical data: The intracontinental Rio do Peixe Basin, NE Brazil
Authors: Vasconcelos David L. , Marques Fernando O. , Nogueira Francisco C. C. , Perez Yoe A. R. , Bezerra Francisco H. R. , Stohler Rômulo C. , Souza Jorge A. B. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCommon basin models assume that the post‐rift tectonic evolution of most basins is usually associated with tectonic quiescence. However, tectonic inversion during the post‐rift phase has been proposed for several sedimentary basins worldwide, but how and why it happens is still a matter of debate, especially in intracontinental settings where the lithosphere is old and thick. Here, we use geological and geophysical data from the Rio do Peixe Basin in NE Brazil to show evidence that intracontinental sedimentary basins can be tectonically inverted by far‐field compressive stresses acting on pre‐existing weakness zones of lithospheric‐scale where stresses can concentrate and inversion can occur. Geomorphological and field data combined with seismic reflection, gravimetric and borehole data show that: (a) inversion occurred along two main Precambrian lithospheric‐scale shear zones, the Patos (E‐W trending) and Portalegre (NE‐SW trending), which had already been reactivated as basin‐bounding faults during the earlier rift stage; (b) post‐rift reactivation affected (mostly) the original master normal faults with the largest rift displacements, and locally produced new reverse faults; (c) during contraction, deformation was partitioned between fault reactivation and buckling of the incompetent sediment pushed against the hard basement; (d) all these signs of inversion have been observed in the field and can be demonstrated on seismic reflection profiles; and (e) combined gravimetric and seismic data show that the main structures of the basin were followed by an inversion. These data are consistent with the operation of WSW‐ENE horizontal maximum compressive stress as a result of combined pushes of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge (towards the W) and the Andes (towards the E), responsible for the post‐rift oblique inversion of normal faults inherited from the rift phase and formed with vertical maximum compressive stress.
GRAded oral challenge for Drug allergy Evaluation—Delabelling described through families' voices
Authors: Protudjer Jennifer Lisa Penner , Golding Michael , Bouwman Tracy , Ben‐Shoshan Moshe , Abrams Elissa Michele 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundChildren are often diagnosed with an antibiotic allergy, with little investigation to confirm whether it is a true allergy. Recent studies support the use of oral challenges to confirm antibiotic allergy. Yet, little is known about families' perceptions of these challenges, or experiences of living with a misdiagnosis, often for many years.ObjectiveTo describe how families with a child previously labelled as “antibiotic allergic,” but who has subsequently been delabelled, perceive the experience of misdiagnosis and subsequent delabelling.MethodsWe performed semi‐structured interviews with parents whose children had recently completed a graded oral challenge for antibiotic allergy. Interview transcripts were analysed concurrently, but independently, by two investigators, using content analysis.ResultsA total of 15 parents (14 individual interviews; 1 mother‐father dyad) participated. Children were, on average, 5.04 ± 4.5 years and were first diagnosed in infancy (mean age: 1.82 ± 1.48 years) subsequent to a rash (14/14; 100%), and commonly at a walk‐in clinic (6/14; 42.9%). We identified four themes: (1) A red, raised rash results in a quick diagnosis despite a lack of testing, (2) sensitive care allays concerns, (3) delabelling brings relief, but also mystery and calls for proper diagnoses, and (4) quick diagnoses are reckless, but manageable through downward comparisons.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceThese findings underscore the importance of a careful physical examination and clinical history of the patient, but also an ongoing dialogue to support families, both of which would ideally begin at the time of initial investigation.
Renal involvement in voltage‐gated potassium channel complex antibody–associated diseases
Authors: Mulmuley Madhura , Ambwani Varsha , Jha Sanjeev , Pradhan Sunil , Katiyar Shweta , Chaudhary Nandita 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundVoltage‐gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex antibody–associated diseases are characterized by peripheral nerve hyperexcitability, autonomic disturbance, and encephalopathy. We report three patients of this disease with some unusual as well as novel findings.Case presentationCase 1 was a 36‐year‐old male who presented with painful cramps in legs and proximal weakness along with involuntary twitching in calves for a duration of 2 months. He also had associated insomnia, irritability, and hyperhidrosis. Electromyographic (EMG) study revealed features characteristic of VGKC antibody–associated diseases. His serology was positive for the components of VGKC, LGI1, and CASPR2. Case 2 was a 23‐year‐old male and Case 3 was a 26‐year‐old female who also had similar clinical presentations, EMG findings, and serologic status. Both male patients had a history of hydrocele with surgical aspiration and sclerosant injection, nearly 2 months prior to symptom onset. Routine evaluation of all the three patients revealed gross proteinuria. Histology performed in two patients revealed membranous glomerulonephropathy (MGN). Apart from symptomatic pharmacotherapy, all patients were initially given intravenous methylprednisolone to which only Case 3 responded while Cases 1 and 2 required one and two courses of intravenous immunoglobulins, respectively. Drug response included considerable resolution of proteinuria.ConclusionsImmune mechanisms in VGKC antibody associated disease may sometimes cause renal involvement (MGN) with nephrotic‐range proteinuria. As all our patients with renal involvement had antibodies against both components of VGKC; this association needs further exploration.
A rare complication of a rare disease: Pericarditis due to ruptured pericardial cyst
Authors: Lak Hassan , Shah Rohan , Verma Beni R. , Xu Bo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPericardial cysts are considered rare incidental findings, which are generally asymptomatic in nature. Occasionally, patients may represent with chest discomfort, dyspnea, or palpitations. Pericarditis related to a ruptured pericardial cyst has not been previously reported in the literature. Here, we report the case of a 62‐year‐old man who developed acute pericarditis as a result of a ruptured enlarging pericardial cyst.
Predictive value of serum soluble B7‐H4 in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Cheng Zhixiang , Liu Zhengfang , Yuan Yufeng , Liu Zhisu , He Yueming , Jiang Ping 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundStudies reported that soluble B7‐H4 (sB7‐H4) was significantly related to the progression and prognosis of inflammatory diseases, and whether sB7‐H4 is related to the severity and prognosis of acute pancreatitis (AP) timely has not been reported.Materials and methodsClinical database data of 446 AP patients were retrospectively collected, and the correlation between the expression serum levels of sB7‐H4 with inflammatory factors and prognostic scores was analysed in AP patients.ResultsSoluble B7‐H4 was significantly correlated with IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, PCT, CRP levels and WBC count (P < .01), with correlation coefficients of R = .61, .53, .46, .60, .57 and .47, respectively, and AUCs were 0.905, 0.837, 0.797, 0.858, 0.890, 0.841 and 0.855, respectively. In addition, sB7‐H4 was significantly correlated with the Ranson score, APACHE II score and BISAP score (P < .001), with correlation coefficients of R = .58, .63 and .59, respectively. The AUCs of assessing local complications of AP were 0.908, 0.863, 0.785 and 0.844, respectively; assessing organ failure were 0.872, 0.790, 0.796 and 0.857, respectively; and assessing in‐hospital mortality were 0.839, 0.821, 0.796 and 0.823, respectively.ConclusionsSoluble B7‐H4 could be used as a marker for the diagnosis, severity assessment and poor prognosis assessment of AP patients, which may have potential clinical applications.
Weakly correlated activity of pallidal neurons in behaving monkeys
Authors: Wongmassang Woranan , Hasegawa Taku , Chiken Satomi , Nambu Atsushi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe basal ganglia play a crucial role in the control of voluntary movements. Neurons in both the external and internal segments of the globus pallidus, the connecting and output nuclei of the basal ganglia, respectively, change their firing rates in relation to movements. Firing rate changes of movement‐related neurons seem to convey signals for motor control. On the other hand, coincident spikes among neurons, that is, correlated activity, may also contribute to motor control. To address this issue, we first identified multiple pallidal neurons receiving inputs from the forelimb regions of the primary motor cortex and supplementary motor area, recorded neuronal activity of these neurons simultaneously, and analyzed their spike correlations while monkeys performed a hand‐reaching task. Most (79%) pallidal neurons exhibited task‐related firing rate changes, whereas only a small fraction (20%) showed significant but small and short correlated activity during the task performance. These results suggest that motor control signals are conveyed primarily by firing rate changes in the external and internal segments of the globus pallidus and that the contribution of correlated activity may play only a minor role in the healthy state.
Why don't patients seek help for chronic post‐surgical pain after knee replacement? A qualitative investigation
Authors: Moore Andrew J. , Gooberman‐Hill Rachael 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundAlthough many people are satisfied with their outcome after total knee replacement surgery for osteoarthritis, around 20% report chronic post‐surgical pain. People are often disappointed and unsure about whether their pain is normal and what can be done about it. Given the high prevalence of long‐term post‐operative pain after knee replacement, there is potentially a large hidden population with an unaddressed need for care.ObjectiveIn this study, we focus on understanding why some people choose not to consult health care for chronic post‐surgical pain after knee replacement.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with people who had received total knee replacement, at either of two National Health Service hospitals in the United Kingdom, and who had chronic post‐surgical pain (n = 34, age 55‐93 years). Data were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.ResultsWe found an overall sense of futility amongst participants who believed that nothing further could be done for their on‐going pain. People's perception of their pain was often discordant with that of surgeons and physicians. Other factors that contributed to decisions not to seek help included low expectations about effectiveness and the risks involved in further treatment, treatment burden, participants' prioritization of other health conditions and views about candidacy. Many accepted their on‐going pain.ConclusionOur study indicates why some people with chronic pain after knee replacement do not seek further health care. Understanding patients' beliefs and expectations about chronic post‐surgical pain can inform approaches that might enable people to seek help in the future.
MD1 deletion exaggerates cardiomyocyte autophagy induced by heart failure with preserved ejection fraction through ROS/MAPK signalling pathway
Authors: Yang Hong‐Jie , Kong Bin , Shuai Wei , Zhang Jing‐jing , Huang He 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn our previous studies, we reported that myeloid differentiation protein 1 (MD1) serves as a negative regulator in several cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of MD1 in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and the underlying mechanisms of its action remain unclear. Eight‐week‐old MD1‐knockout (MD1‐KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice served as models of HFpEF induced by uninephrectomy, continuous saline or d‐aldosterone infusion and a 1.0% sodium chloride treatment in drinking water for 4 weeks to investigate the effect of MD1 on HFpEF in vivo. H9C2 cells were treated with aldosterone to evaluate the role of MD1 KO in vitro. MD1 expression was down‐regulated in the HFpEF mice; HFpEF significantly increased the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promoted autophagy; and in the MD1‐KO mice, the HFpEF‐induced intracellular ROS and autophagy effects were significantly exacerbated. Moreover, MD1 loss activated the p38‐MAPK pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Aldosterone‐mediated cardiomyocyte autophagy was significantly inhibited in cells pre‐treated with the ROS scavenger N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) or p38 inhibitor SB203580. Furthermore, inhibition with the autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) offset the aggravating effect of aldosterone‐induced autophagy in the MD1‐KO mice and cells both in vivo and in vitro. Our results validate a critical role of MD1 in the pathogenesis of HFpEF. MD1 deletion exaggerates cardiomyocyte autophagy in HFpEF via the activation of the ROS‐mediated MAPK signalling pathway.