bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolated auditory neuropathy at birth in congenital cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Natale Fabio , De Curtis Mario , Bizzarri Bianca , Orlando Maria Patrizia , Ralli Massimo , Liuzzi Giuseppina , Caravale Barbara , Franco Francesco , Gaeta Aurelia , Giancotti Antonella , Russo Francesca Yoshie , Turchetta Rosaria 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundCongenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the most frequent non-genetic cause of sensorineural hearing-loss (SNHL) (i.e., hearing loss due to a cochlear and/or auditory nerve damage). It is widely accepted that SNHL at birth, when associated to cCMV symptomatic infection involving the central nervous system, benefits from antiviral therapy started in the neonatal period. Conversely, there is no consensus for antiviral treatment in congenitally infected infants diagnosed with isolated SNHL (i.e., SNHL in an otherwise asymptomatic infant) at birth.Our aim was to assess the frequency and the auditory outcome of isolated SNHL at birth due to auditory neuropathy (AN) (i.e., SNHL in a patient with normal cochlear function and auditory nerve dysfunction) in infants with cCMV infection.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical history of 60 infants, born at term, with cCMV asymptomatic infection, without additional risk factors for SNHL, and exhibiting bilateral “pass” otoacustic emissions (OAE). None of them underwent antiviral therapy.Hearing thresholds were assessed by means of Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR). AN affected children were followed up until possible normalization of the hearing thresholds or definitive diagnosis of AN. Each infant diagnosed with monolateral or bilateral AN was classified according to the worst ear threshold.ResultsIn our population, the first ABR was performed at a mean age of 5.00 ± 2.79 (SD) months and AN was diagnosed in 16/60 (26.67%) infants; in 4 infants the AN was defined as mild (4/4 monolateral), moderate in 11 (5/11 bilateral), and severe in 1 (bilateral). The mean age at first ABR was 3.69 ± 2.80 (SD) months in the 16 babies with AN and 5.48 ± 2.66 (SD) months in the 44 infants with normal hearing (p = 0.007). All AN cases spontaneously recovered a normal auditory threshold over time. The mean length of the audiological follow-up was 32.44 ± 17.58 (SD) months (range 5–60 months).ConclusionA delayed maturation of the auditory pathways should be considered when a mild/moderate isolated AN at birth is detected in cCMV infected infants. Prospective studies conducted on larger populations, and with a longer audiological follow-up, are needed to confirm our findings.
Blood biomarkers as surrogate endpoints of treatment responses to aerobic exercise and cognitive training (ACT) in amnestic mild cognitive impairment: the blood biomarkers study protocol of a randomized controlled trial (the ACT Trial)
Authors: Li Danni , Mielke Michelle M. , Bell W. Robert , Reilly Cavan , Zhang Lin , Lin Feng Vankee , Yu Fang 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an epidemic with tremendous public health impacts because there are currently no disease-modifying therapeutics. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for prevention of AD dementia often use clinical endpoints that take years to manifest (e.g., cognition) or surrogate endpoints that are costly or invasive (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]). Blood biomarkers represent a clinically applicable alternative surrogate endpoint for RCTs that would be both cost-effective and minimally invasive, but little is known about their value as surrogate endpoints for treatment responses in the prevention of AD dementia.

Methods
The objective of this study is to investigate blood neuropathological, neurodegenerative, and neurotrophic biomarkers as surrogate endpoints for treatment responses to three interventions in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI, a prodromal stage of AD): aerobic exercise, cognitive training, and combined aerobic exercise and cognitive training (ACT). We chose these three sets of biomarkers for their unique mechanistic associations with AD pathology, neurodegeneration and neurogenesis. This study is built on the ACT Trial (1R01AG055469), a single-blinded, multi-site, 2 × 2 factorial phase II RCT that examines the synergistic effects of a 6-month ACT intervention on cognition and MRI biomarkers (AD-signature cortical thickness and hippocampal volume) (n = 128). In this ACT Trial blood biomarkers study, we will enroll 120 ACT Trial participants with aMCI and measure blood biomarkers at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. The goals are to (1) determine the effect of interventions on blood biomarkers over 6 months, (2) evaluate blood biomarkers as surrogate endpoints for predicting cognitive responses to interventions over 18 months, and (3, exploratory) examine blood biomarkers as surrogate endpoints for predicting brain MRI biomarker responses to interventions over 18 months.

Discussion
This study aims to identify new blood biomarkers that can track cognitive decline or AD-related brain atrophy among patients with aMCI subjected to a regimen of aerobic exercise and cognitive training. Findings from this study will drive the further use of blood biomarkers in developing effective prevention and treatment strategies for AD dementia.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03313895. Registered on 18 October 2017.
Protocol for a randomized controlled trial examining multilevel prediction of response to behavioral activation and exposure-based therapy for generalized anxiety disorder
Authors: Santiago J. , Akeman E. , Kirlic N. , Clausen A. N. , Cosgrove K. T. , McDermott T. J. , Mathis B. , Paulus M. , Craske M. G. , Abelson J. , Martell C. , Wolitzky-Taylor K. , Bodurka J. , Thompson W. K. , Aupperle Robin L. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundOnly 40–60% of patients with generalized anxiety disorder experience long-lasting improvement with gold standard psychosocial interventions. Identifying neurobehavioral factors that predict treatment success might provide specific targets for more individualized interventions, fostering more optimal outcomes and bringing us closer to the goal of “personalized medicine.” Research suggests that reward and threat processing (approach/avoidance behavior) and cognitive control may be important for understanding anxiety and comorbid depressive disorders and may have relevance to treatment outcomes. This study was designed to determine whether approach-avoidance behaviors and associated neural responses moderate treatment response to exposure-based versus behavioral activation therapy for generalized anxiety disorder.Methods/designWe are conducting a randomized controlled trial involving two 10-week group-based interventions: exposure-based therapy or behavioral activation therapy. These interventions focus on specific and unique aspects of threat and reward processing, respectively. Prior to and after treatment, participants are interviewed and undergo behavioral, biomarker, and neuroimaging assessments, with a focus on approach and avoidance processing and decision-making. Primary analyses will use mixed models to examine whether hypothesized approach, avoidance, and conflict arbitration behaviors and associated neural responses at baseline moderate symptom change with treatment, as assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7 item scale. Exploratory analyses will examine additional potential treatment moderators and use data reduction and machine learning methods.DiscussionThis protocol provides a framework for how studies may be designed to move the field toward neuroscience-informed and personalized psychosocial treatments. The results of this trial will have implications for approach-avoidance processing in generalized anxiety disorder, relationships between levels of analysis (i.e., behavioral, neural), and predictors of behavioral therapy outcome.Trial registrationThe study was retrospectively registered within 21 days of first participant enrollment in accordance with FDAAA 801 with ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT02807480. Registered on June 21, 2016, before results.
Exploring the recruitment, ethical considerations, conduct and information dissemination of an audiology trial: a pretrial qualitative study (q-COACH)
Authors: Francis-Auton Emilie , Warren Chris , Braithwaite Jeffrey , Rapport Frances 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntroductionRandomised controlled trials (RCTs), while still considered the gold standard approach in medical research, can encounter impediments to their successful conduct and the dissemination of results. Pretrial qualitative research can usefully address some of these impediments, including recruitment and retention, ethical conduct, and preferred methods of dissemination. However, pretrial qualitative work is rarely undertaken in audiology. The Comparison of outcomes with hearing aids and cochlear implants in adults with moderately severe-to-profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (COACH) is a proposed RCT aiming to clarify when hearing aids (HAs) or cochlear implants (CIs) are the most suitable for different degrees of hearing loss and for which kinds of patients. q-COACH is a pretrial, qualitative study examining stakeholders’ experiences of HAs and CIs, current clinical practices and stakeholders’ perspectives of the design, conduct and dissemination plans for the proposed COACH study.MethodsTwenty-four participants including general practitioners, audiologists, adult HA users, and adult support networks undertook either semi-structured individual or paired interviews and completed demographic questionnaires. Data were analysed thematically.ResultsFour key themes arose from this study: 1) rethinking sampling and recruitment strategies, 2) ethical considerations, 3) refining trial conduct, and 4) interconnected, appropriate and accessible methods of results dissemination.ConclusionsThis qualitative investigation identified key considerations for the proposed RCT design, conduct and dissemination to help with successful implementation of COACH, and to indicate a plan of action at all RCT stages that would be acceptable to potential participants. By drawing on the perspectives of multiple key stakeholders and including a more general discussion of their experience and opinions of hearing loss, hearing device use and service availability, the study revealed experiential and ethical paradigms in which stakeholders operate. In so doing, q-COACH has exposed the benefits of preliminary qualitative investigations that enable detailed and rich understandings of the phenomenon at stake, forestalling problems and improving the quality of trial design, conduct and dissemination, while informing future RCT development discussions.
Use of mepolizumab in adult patients with cystic fibrosis and an eosinophilic phenotype: case series
Authors: Zhang Lijia , Borish Larry , Smith Anna , Somerville Lindsay , Albon Dana 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by inflammation, progressive lung disease, and respiratory failure. Although the relationship is not well understood, patients with CF are thought to have a higher prevalence of asthma than the general population. CF Foundation (CFF) annual registry data in 2017 reported a prevalence of asthma in CF of 32%. It is difficult to differentiate asthma from CF given similarities in symptoms and reversible obstructive lung function in both diseases. However, a specific asthma phenotype (type 2 inflammatory signature), is often identified in CF patients and this would suggest potential responsiveness to biologics targeting this asthma phenotype. A type 2 inflammatory condition is defined by the presence of an interleukin (IL)-4high, IL-5high, IL-13high state and is suggested by the presence of an elevated total IgE, specific IgE sensitization, or an elevated absolute eosinophil count (AEC). In this manuscript we report the effects of using mepolizumab in patients with CF and type 2 inflammation.

Results
We present three patients with CF (63, 34 and 24 year of age) and personal history of asthma, who displayed significant eosinophilic inflammation and high total serum IgE concentrations (type 2 inflammation) who were treated with mepolizumab. All three patients were colonized with multiple organisms including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus and tested positive for specific IgE to multiple allergens. We examined the effect of mepolizumab on patients’ lung function (FEV1), blood markers of type 2 inflammation, systemic corticosteroid use and frequency of CF exacerbations. One patient had a substantial increase in lung function after starting mepolizumab and all three patients had a substantial benefit in regards to reduced oral CCS use. While none of the patients showed significant changes in the exacerbation rates there was markedly reduced requirements for oral CCS with exacerbations. In addition, mepolizumab had a positive effect on type 2 inflammatory markers, reducing markers of allergic inflammation in all 3 patients.

Conclusions
Mepolizumab appears to have a positive effect on clinical course in patients with CF presenting with a type 2 phenotype characterized by allergic sensitization and hyper-eosinophilia.
Paramedics and Physician Assistants in Israel
Authors: Hooker Roderick S. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIsraeli emergency medicine is undergoing change. The paramedic is experiencing high separation rates because the position is understaffed, overworked, and underpaid. Physician assistants (PAs) were introduced into the emergency department by training paramedics and to date they seem satisfied with this new role. Experience in other countries indicates that PAs can improve access to care, reduce errors, increase efficiency and have satisfying roles in health systems. The Israeli health system will need to determine if additional roles for PAs will be accepted by the public and physicians alike.
Prevention and treatment of acute lung injury with time-controlled adaptive ventilation: physiologically informed modification of airway pressure release ventilation
Authors: Nieman Gary F. , Gatto Louis A. , Andrews Penny , Satalin Joshua , Camporota Luigi , Daxon Benjamin , Blair Sarah J. , Al-khalisy Hassan , Madden Maria , Kollisch-Singule Michaela , Aiash Hani , Habashi Nader M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains unacceptably high at approximately 39%. One of the only treatments is supportive: mechanical ventilation. However, improperly set mechanical ventilation can further increase the risk of death in patients with ARDS. Recent studies suggest that ventilation-induced lung injury (VILI) is caused by exaggerated regional lung strain, particularly in areas of alveolar instability subject to tidal recruitment/derecruitment and stress-multiplication. Thus, it is reasonable to expect that if a ventilation strategy can maintain stable lung inflation and homogeneity, regional dynamic strain would be reduced and VILI attenuated. A time-controlled adaptive ventilation (TCAV) method was developed to minimize dynamic alveolar strain by adjusting the delivered breath according to the mechanical characteristics of the lung. The goal of this review is to describe how the TCAV method impacts pathophysiology and protects lungs with, or at high risk of, acute lung injury. We present work from our group and others that identifies novel mechanisms of VILI in the alveolar microenvironment and demonstrates that the TCAV method can reduce VILI in translational animal ARDS models and mortality in surgical/trauma patients. Our TCAV method utilizes the airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) mode and is based on opening and collapsing time constants, which reflect the viscoelastic properties of the terminal airspaces. Time-controlled adaptive ventilation uses inspiratory and expiratory time to (1) gradually “nudge” alveoli and alveolar ducts open with an extended inspiratory duration and (2) prevent alveolar collapse using a brief (sub-second) expiratory duration that does not allow time for alveolar collapse. The new paradigm in TCAV is configuring each breath guided by the previous one, which achieves real-time titration of ventilator settings and minimizes instability induced tissue damage. This novel methodology changes the current approach to mechanical ventilation, from arbitrary to personalized and adaptive. The outcome of this approach is an open and stable lung with reduced regional strain and greater lung protection.
Mapping evidence on women’s knowledge and practice of breast self-examination in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Udoh Roseline H. , Ansu-Mensah Monica , Tahiru Mohammed , Bawontuo Vitalis , Kuupiel Desmond 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Globally, breast cancer is the most common malignant condition in women. Breast self-examination practice following correct procedure potentially can lead to early detection of breast abnormalities. We propose to systematically chart literature and examine the scope of evidence on women’s knowledge and practice of breast self-examination in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods
Our scoping review methods will be guided by the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley, Levac et al. and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Literature searches will be conducted in the following electronic databases (from 2008 onwards): PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Health Sources. Grey literature will be identified through searching dissertation databases, Google Scholar and governmental databases. Two reviewers will screen all citations and full-text articles We will abstract data, organise them into themes and sub-themes, summarise them and report the results using a narrative synthesis. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using a mixed-method appraisal tool.

Discussion
The findings from the scoping review will contribute to obtain an understanding of the women’s knowledge and practice of breast self-examination in sub-Saharan Africa, and will likely reveal the depth of evidence helping to identify gaps for future research. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Implications for clinical practice and health policy will be discussed.
Measuring women’s experiences of maternity care: protocol for a systematic review of self-report survey instruments
Authors: Beecher Claire , Greene Richard , O’Dwyer Laura , Ryan Ethel , White Mark , Beattie Michelle , Devane Declan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
The use of survey instruments to measure women’s experiences of their maternity care is regarded internationally as an indicator of the quality of care received. To ensure the credibility of the data arising from these instruments, the methodological quality of development must be high. This paper reports the protocol for a systematic review of self-report instruments used to measure women’s experiences of their maternity care.

Methods
Citation databases CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE will be searched from 2002 to 2018 using keywords including women, experience, maternity care, questionnaires, surveys, and self-report. Citations will be screened by two reviewers, in two rounds, for inclusion as per predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction forms will be populated with data, extracted from each study, to evaluate the methodological quality of each survey instrument and the criteria for good measurement properties using quality criteria. Data will also be extracted to categorise the items included in each survey instrument. A combination of a structured narrative synthesis and quantitate summaries in tabular format will allow for recommendations to be made on the use, adaptation and development of future survey instruments.

Discussion
The value of survey instruments that evaluate women’s experiences of their maternity care, as a marker of quality care, has been recognised internationally with many countries employing the use of such instruments to inform policy and practice. The development of these instruments must be methodologically sound and the instrument itself fit for the purpose and context in which it is used. This protocol describes the methods that will be used to complete a systematic review that will serve as a guide for choosing the most appropriate existing instruments to use or adapt so that they are fit for purpose, in addition to informing the development of new instruments.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42018105325
Chlortetracycline inhibits seed germination and seedling growth in Brassica campestris by disrupting H2O2 signaling
Authors: Cheong Mi Sun , Yoon Young-Eun , Kim Jin Wook , Hong Young Kyu , Kim Sung Chul , Lee Yong Bok 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAntibiotics have been identified as a new type of environmental contaminant because of their increased use in farm animal production systems. Those drugs that animals are not absorbed mostly are excreted in the feces and urine and contaminates soils. However, the effects of antibiotics on crop plants are still largely unknown. In this study, we determined the effects of chlortetracycline (CTC), a veterinary drug released into the agricultural field by grazing animals or through manure application, on the growth and physiology of Brassica campestris seedlings. Differently from animals, Brassica campestris seedlings have accumulated 5–10-fold higher CTC during cultivation rather than excretion. Morphologically, CTC delays seed germination and inhibits seedling growth such as shortening primary root length and decreasing chlorophyll level. At the molecular level, CTC accumulation in plants downregulated the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes and decreased the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Since H2O2 is one of the signaling components involved in the regulation of root growth, exogenous application of H2O2 partially restored the growth and physiology of CTC-treated seedlings. These results suggest that application of CTC-containing manure or compost to soil delays seed germination and inhibits plant growth.