bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bile pigment in small-bowel water content may reflect bowel habits: a retrospective analysis of a capsule endoscopy imaging series
Authors: Aoyama Taiki , Fukumoto Akira , Shigita Kenjiro , Asayama Naoki , Mukai Shinichi , Nagata Shinji 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Pigmented bile salts darken the small-bowel lumen and are present with bile acid, which is involved in the development of bowel habits. The small-bowel water content (SBWC) in the ileum could represent the colonic environment, but no studies have focused on this feature. However, measurement of crude SBWC can be challenging because of the technical difficulty of the endoscopic approach without preparation. Our aim was to evaluate optically active bile pigments in the SBWC of patients with abnormal bowel habits using capsule endoscopy (CE) to investigate the impact of bile acid on bowel habits. Methods: The study population included 37 constipated patients, 20 patients with diarrhea, and 77 patients with normal bowel habits who underwent CE between January 2015 and May 2018. Patients with secondary abnormal bowel habits were excluded. In addition to conventional imaging, we used flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (FICE) setting 1 imaging, in which the effects of bile pigments on color are suppressed. Intergroup color differences of SBWC in the ileum (ΔE) were evaluated from conventional and FICE setting 1 images. Color values were assessed using the CIE L*a*b* color space. Differences in SBWC lightness (black to white, range 0–100) were also evaluated. Results: The ΔE values from the comparison of conventional images between patients with constipation and with normal bowel habits and between patients with diarrhea and with normal bowel habits were 12.4 and 11.2, respectively. These values decreased to 4.4 and 3.3, respectively, when FICE setting 1 images were evaluated. Patients with constipation and diarrhea had significantly brighter (34.4 versus 27.6, P < .0001) and darker (19.6 versus 27.6, P < .0001) SBWC lightness, respectively, than patients with normal bowel habits. The FICE setting 1 images did not reveal significant differences in SBWC lightness between those with constipation and with normal bowel habits (44.1 versus 43.5, P = .83) or between those with diarrhea and with normal bowel habits (39.1 versus 43.5, P = .20). Conclusions : Differences in SBWC color and darkness in the ileum appear to be attributable to bile pigments. Therefore, bile pigments in SBWC may reflect bowel habits.
Prediction of late-onset fetal growth restriction using a combined first- and second-trimester screening model in South Chinese infants: a retrospective study
Authors: Zheng Haiqing , Feng Yan , Zhang Jiexin , Li Kuanrong , Liang Huiying , Mei Shanshan , Fang Dajun , He Qiuming , Xu Suting , Zhang Guanglan , Zhong Wei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Prediction models for early and late fetal growth restriction (FGR) have been established in many high-income countries. However, prediction models for late FGR in China are limited. This study aimed to develop a simple combined first- and second-trimester prediction model for screening late-onset FGR in South Chinese infants. Methods: This retrospective study included 2258 women who had singleton pregnancies and received routine ultrasound scans as training dataset. A validation dataset including 565 pregnant women was used to evaluate the model in order to enable an unbiased estimation. Late-onset FGR was defined as a birth weight < the 10th percentile plus abnormal Doppler indices and/or a birth weight below the 3rd percentile after 32 weeks, regardless of the Doppler status. Multivariate logistic regression was used to develop a prediction model. The model included the a priori risk (maternal characteristics), the second-trimester head circumference (HC/AC) / abdomen circumference (HC) ratio and estimated fetal weight (EFW). Results: Ninety-three fetuses were identified as late-onset FGR. The significant predictors for late-onset FGR were maternal age, height, weight, and medical history; the second-trimester HC/ AC ratio; and the EFW. This model achieved a detection rate (DR) of 52.6% for late-onset FGR at a 10% false positive rate (FPR) (area under the curve (AUC): 0.80, 95%CI 0.76-0.85). The AUC of the validation dataset was 0.65 (95%CI 0.54-0.78). Conclusions: A multivariate model combining first- and second-trimester default tests can detect 52.6% of cases of late-onset FGR at a 10% FPR. Further studies with more screening markers are needed to improve the detection rate.
Using Pulse Oximetry Waveforms to Detect Coarctation of the Aorta
Authors: Sorensen Matthew , Sadiq Ismail , Clifford Gari D. , Maher Kevin O. , Oster Matthew E. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Coarctation of the aorta is a common form of critical congenital heart disease that remains challenging to diagnose prior to clinical deterioration. Despite current screening methods infants with coarctation may present with life threatening cardiogenic shock requiring urgent hospitalization and intervention. We sought to improve critical congenital heart disease screening by using a novel pulse oximetry waveform analysis, specifically focused on detection of coarctation of the aorta. Methods and Results Over a 2-year period, we obtained pulse oximetry waveform data on 18 neonates with coarctation of the aorta and 18 age-matched controls hospitalized in the cardiac intensive care unit at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Patients with coarctation were receiving Prostaglandin E1 and had a patent ductus arteriosus. By analyzing discrete features in the waveforms, we identified statistically significant differences in the maximum rate of fall between patients with and without coarctation. This was accentuated when comparing the difference between the upper and lower extremities, with the lower extremities having a shallow slope angle when a coarctation was present (p-value 0.001). Postoperatively, there were still differences in the maximum rate of fall between the repaired coarctation patients and controls; however, these differences normalized when compared with the same individual’s upper vs. lower extremities. Coarctation patients compared to themselves (preoperatively and postoperatively), demonstrated waveform differences between upper and lower extremities that were significantly reduced after successful surgery (p-value 0.028). This screening algorithm had an accuracy of detection of 72% with 0.61 sensitivity and 0.94 specificity. Conclusions We were able to identify specific features in pulse oximetry waveforms that were unique to patients with coarctation and further demonstrated that these changes normalized after surgical repair. Pulse oximetry screening for congenital heart disease in neonates may thus be improved by including waveform analysis, aiming to identify coarctation of the aorta prior to critical illness. Further large-scale testing is required to validate this screening model among patients in a newborn nursery setting who are low risk for having coarctation.
Mortality in free-ranging Eurasian brown bears (Ursus arctos arctos) in Spain “1998-2018”
Authors: Balseiro Ana , Royo Luis José , Gayo Elena , Balsera Ramón , Alarcia Olga , Marín Juan Francisco García 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: This work summarizes the mortality cases of twenty-five free-ranging Eurasian wild brown bears (Ursus arctos arctos) from the Cantabrian mountain range submitted for necropsy in Asturias and Castilla y León (northwestern Spain) from “1998 to 2018”. Results: Causes of death were classified both based on (i) infectious or non infectious etiology and (ii) caused by “human intervention” or “natural causes”. In four cases (16%) it was not possible to determine the cause of death due to the inadequate preservation of collected specimens or insufficient tissue availability. Some bears died from a combination of human activities or natural trauma and secondary bacterial infection (i.e. clostridiosis). Based on infectious or non infectious etiology nine out of the 21 (42.9%) brown bears in which the cause of death could be determined died due to infectious diseases, namely gangrenous myositis, infectious canine hepatitis or septicemia. The remaining twelve (57.1%) animals died due to non infectious causes, which included handling, traumatic lesions such as shooting, snare, fighting or infanticide, strychnine poisoning, mushroom poisoning or neoplasia. Exertional myopathy was additionally observed in the handled animal and in one bear found in a snare. Mortality data was also stratified by deaths caused by “human intervention” or “natural causes”. Seven out of the 21 (33.3%) brown bears died as a consequence of “human intervention” due to illegal hunting (shooting or snare), handling or strychnine poisoning. In contrast, fourteen (66.7%) brown bears died by “natural causes” due to traumatic lesions (fights, traumas, or infanticide), infectious canine hepatitis, neoplasia or mushroom poisoning. In four cases traumatic lesions were complicated with clostridiosis which finally caused the death of those animals. Two additional bears showed septicemia and gangrenous myositis secondary to fighting. Another two animals developed exertional myopathy.Conclusions: In a non-hunted population of Eurasian brown bear from the Cantabrian mountain range, main cause of death is attributed to “natural causes” mostly due to traumatic lesions and infectious diseases (primary or secondary developed) which is in contrast to previously reported data for other bear populations. These data are valuable and may help in the conservation and management of this recovering population.
ADAR expression and copy number variation in patients with advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Behroozi Javad , Shahbazi Shirin , Bakhtiarizadeh Mohammad Reza , Mahmoodzadeh Habibollah 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) is a world health problem and it is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The current practice for prognosis assessment in GC is based on radiological and pathological criteria and they may not result in an accurate prognosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate expression and copy number variation of the ADAR gene in advanced GC and clarify its correlation with survival and histopathological characteristics. Methods Forty two patients with stage III and IV GC were included in this study. ADAR gene expression and copy number variation were measured by real-time PCR and Quantitative multiplex ﬂuorescent-PCR, respectively. Survival analysis performed based on the Kaplan–Meier method and Mantel–Cox test. Results ADAR mRNA was significantly overexpressed in the tumor tissues when compared to the adjacent normal tissues (p <0.01). Also, ADAR expression level in stage IV was higher than stage III. 40% of patients showed amplification in ADAR gene and there was a positive correlation between ADAR copy number and expression. Increased ADAR expression was clearly correlated with poorer survival outcomes and Mantel–Cox test showed statistically significant differences between low and high expression groups (p <0.0001). ADAR overexpression and amplification were significantly associated with metastasis, size and stage of tumor. Conclusions Together, our data indicate that amplification leads to over expression of ADAR and it could be used as a prognostic biomarker for disease progression, especially for the metastatic process in GC.
Health-related quality of life and associated factors in patients with myocardial infarction after returning to work: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Changying , Du Ruofei , Wang Panpan , Wang Tao , Ma Lixia , Larcher Leon 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Return to work following myocardial infarction (MI) represents an important indicator of recovery. However, MI can cause patients to feel pressure, loneliness and inferiority during work and even detachment from employment after returning to work, which may affect their quality of life. The aims of this study were to identify the influencing factors of Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with MI after returning to work and explore the correlations between these factors and HRQoL. Method: This was a cross-sectional study. All participants were recruited from tertiary hospitals in China from October 2017 to March 2018. The general data questionnaire, Short-Form Health Survey-8 (SF-8), Health Promoting Lifestyle ProfileⅡ (HPLPⅡ), Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ) and Social Supporting Rating Scale (SSRS) were used to assess 326 patients with myocardial infarction returned to work after discharge. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to explore factors related to HRQoL in patients with MI after returning to work. Results: The sample consisted of 326 patients. The mean total score of quality of life was 28.03±2.554. According to the multiple linear regression analysis, next factors were associated with better HRQoL: younger age (B=−0.354, P=0.039), higher income (B=0.513, P=0.000), less co-morbidity (B=−0.440, P=0.000), the longer time taken to return to work (B=0.235, P=0.003), fewer stents installed (B=−0.359, P=0.003), participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) (B=−1.777, P=0.000), complete CR (B=−1.409, P=0.000), better health behaviors such as more health responsibility (B=0.172, P=0.000) and exercise (B=0.165, P=0.000), better nutrition (B=0.178, P=0.000) and self-realization (B=0.165, P=0.000), stress response (B=0.172, P=0.000), more social support such as more objective support (B=0.175, P=0.000), subjective support (B=0.167, P=0.000) and better utilization of social support (B=0.189, P=0.028), positive copping strategies such as more coping (B=0.133, P=0.000) and less yield (B=−0.165, P=0.000). Conclusions: HRQoL of MI patients after returning to work is not satisfactory. Health behavior, coping strategies, social support are factors which can affect HRQoL. A comprehensive and targeted guide may be a way to improve HRQoL and to assist patients' successful return to society.
Whole-genome mate-pair sequencing of apparently balanced chromosome rearrangements reveals complex structural variations: two case studies
Authors: Tan Ya-Qi , Tan Yue-Qiu , Cheng De-Hua 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Apparently balanced chromosome rearrangements (ABCRs) in non-affected individuals are well-known to possess high reproductive risks such as infertility, abnormal offspring, and pregnancy loss. However, caution should be exercised in genetic counseling and reproductive intervention because cryptic unbalanced defects and genome structural variations beyond the resolution of routine cytogenetics may not be detected. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we studied two familial cases of ABCRs were recruited in this study. In family 1, the couple suffered two abortions pregnancies and underwent labor induction. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array analysis of the aborted sample from the second pregnancy revealed a 10.8 Mb heterozygous deletion at 10q26.13q26.3 and a 5.5 Mb duplication at 19q13.41-q13.43. The non-affected father was identified as a carrier of three-way complex chromosomal rearrangement [t(6;10;19)(p22;q26;q13)] by karyotyping. Whole-genome mate-pair sequencing revealed a cryptic breakpoint on the derivative chromosome 19 (der19), indicating that the karyotype was a more complex structural rearrangement comprising four breakpoints. Three genes, FAM24B, CACNG8, and KIAA0556, were disrupted without causing any abnormal phenotype in the carrier. In family 2, the couple suffered from a spontaneous miscarriage. This family had an affected child with multiple congenital deformities and an unbalanced karyotype, 46,XY,der(11)t(6;11)(q13;p11.2). The female partner was identified as a balanced translocation carrier with the karyotype 46,XX,t(6;11)(q13;p11.2)dn. Further SNP array and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) indicated a cryptic insertion between chromosome 6 and chromosome 11. Finally, whole-genome mate-pair sequencing revealed an extremely complex genomic structural variation, including a cryptic deletion and 12 breakpoints on chromosome 11, and 1 breakpoint on chromosome 6 .CONCLUSIONS: Our study investigated two rare cases of ABCRs and demonstrated the efficacy of whole-genome mate-pair sequencing in analyzing the genome complex structural variation. In case of ABCRs detected by conventional cytogenetic techniques, whole genome sequencing (WGS) based approaches should be considered for accurate diagnosis, effective genetic counseling, and correct reproductive intervention to avoid recurrence risks.
Altered Gut Microbiota in Infants is Associated with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease Severity
Authors: Harding Jeffrey , Siefker David , Vu Luan , You Dahui , Devincenzo John , Pierre Joseph , Cormier Stephania A 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background :Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the number one cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants. There are still no vaccines or specific antiviral therapies against RSV, mainly due to the inadequate understanding of RSV pathogenesis. Recent data suggest a role for gut microbiota community structure in determining RSV disease severity. Our objective was to determine the gut microbial profile associated with severe RSV patients, which could be used to help identify at-risk patients and develop therapeutically protective microbial assemblages that may stimulate immuno-protection. Results : We enrolled 95 infants from Le Bonheur during the 2012 to 2015 RSV season. Of these, 37 were well-babies and 58 were hospitalized with RSV. Of the RSV infected babies, 53 remained in the pediatric ward (moderate) and 5 were moved to the pediatric intensive care unit at a later date (severe). Stool samples were collected within 72 hours of admission; and the composition of gut microbiota was evaluated via 16S sequencing of fecal DNA. There was a significant enrichment in S24_7, Clostridiales, Odoribacteraceae, Lactobacillaceae, and Actinomyces in RSV (moderate and severe) vs. controls. Patients with severe RSV disease had slightly lower alpha diversity (richness and evenness of the bacterial community) of the gut microbiota compared to patients with moderate RSV and healthy controls. Beta diversity (overall microbial composition) was significantly different between all RSV patients (moderate and severe) compared to controls and had significant microbial composition separating all three groups (control, moderate RSV, and severe RSV). Conclusions : Collectively, these data demonstrate that a unique gut microbial profile is associated with RSV disease and with severe RSV disease with admission to the pediatric intensive care unit. More mechanistic experiments are needed to determine whether the differences observed in gut microbiota are the cause or consequences of severe RSV disease.
Incremental Prognostic Value of Echocardiography of Left Ventricular Remodeling and Diastolic Function in STICH Trial
Authors: Kim Kyung-Hee , She Lilin , Dabrowski Rafal , Grayburn Paul A. , Rajda Miroslaw , Prior David L. , Desvigne-Nickens Patrice , Zoghbi William A. , Senni Michele , Stefanelli Guglielmo , Beghi Cesare , Huynh Thao , Velazquez Eric J. , Oh Jae K. , Lin Grace 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Aims: We sought to determine which echocardiographic markers of left ventricular (LV) remodeling and diastolic dysfunction can contribute as incremental and independent prognostic information in addition to current clinical risk markers of ischemic LV systolic dysfunction in the Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH) trial.Methods and Results: The cohort consisted of 1511 of 2136 patients in STICH for whom baseline transmitral Doppler (E/A ratio) could be measured by an echocardiographic core laboratory blinded to treatment and outcomes, and prognostic value of echocardiographic variables was determined by a Cox regression model. E/A ratio was the most significant predictor of mortality amongst diastolic variables with lowest mortality for E/A closest 0.8, although mortality was consistently low for E/A 0.6 to 1.0. Mortality increased for E/A <0.6 and > 1.0 up to approximately 2.3, beyond which there was no further increase in risk. Larger LV end-systolic volume index (LVESVI) and E/A <0.6 and >1.0 had incremental negative effects on mortality when added to a clinical multivariable model, where creatinine, LVESVI, age, and E/A ratio accounted for 74% of the prognostic information for predicting risk. LVESVI and E/A ratio were stronger predictors of prognosis than New York Heart Association functional class, anemia, diabetes, history of atrial fibrillation, and stroke.Conclusions: Echocardiographic markers of advanced LV remodeling and diastolic dysfunction added incremental prognostic value to current clinical risk markers. LVESVI and E/A ratio outperformed other markers and should be considered as standard in assessing risks in ischemic heart failure. E/A closest to 0.8 was the most optimal filling pattern.
Formaldehyde formation in the glycine cleavage system and its use for an aldolase-based biosynthesis of 1,3-prodanediol
Authors: Xu Yingying , Meng Hao , Ren Jie , Zeng An-Ping 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Glycine cleavage system (GCS) occupies a key position in one-carbon (C1) metabolic pathway and receives great attention for the use of C1 carbons like formate and CO2 via synthetic biology. In this work, we demonstrate that formaldehyde exists as a substantial byproduct of the GCS reaction cycle. Three causes are identified for its formation. First, the principal one is the decomposition of N5,N10-methylene-tetrahydrofolate (5,10-CH2-THF) to form formaldehyde and THF. Increasing the rate of glycine cleavage promotes the formation of 5,10-CH2-THF, thereby increasing the formaldehyde release rate. Next, formaldehyde can be produced in the GCS even in the absence of THF. The reason is that T-protein of the GCS can degrade methylamine-loaded H-protein (Hint) to formaldehyde and ammonia, accompanied with the formation of dihydrolipoyl H-protein (Hred), but the reaction rate is less than 0.16% of that in the presence of THF. Increasing T-protein concentration can speed up the release rate of formaldehyde by Hint. Finally, a certain amount of formaldehyde can be formed in the GCS due to oxidative degradation of THF. Based on a formaldehyde-dependent aldolase, we elaborated a glycine-based one carbon metabolic pathway for the biosynthesis of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) in vitro. This work provides quantitative data and mechanistic understanding of formaldehyde formation in the GCS and a new biosynthetic pathway of 1,3-PDO.