bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genotyping of groups of cows to improve genomic breeding values of new traits
Authors: Plieschke Laura , Edel Christian , Pimentel Eduardo C. G. , Emmerling Reiner , Bennewitz Jörn , Götz Kay‐Uwe 
Published: July 2018

AbstractGenotyping females and including them into the reference set for genomic predictions in dairy cattle is considered to provide gains in reliabilities of estimated breeding values for selection candidates. This should especially be true for low heritability traits. By the use of simulation, we extended a genomic reference set for an existing trait by including a fixed number of genotyped first‐crop daughters for one or two generations of reference sires. Moreover, we calculated results for the effects of a similar strategy in a situation where for a new trait the recording of phenotypes has recently started. For this case, we compared the effect of two different genotyping strategies: first, to phenotype cows but to genotype their sires only, and second, to collect phenotypes and genotypes on the same cows. We studied the effects on validation reliabilities and unbiasedness of predicted values for selection candidates. We found that by extending the reference set with genotyped daughters it is possible to increase the validation reliability of genomic breeding values. In the case of a new trait, it is always better to collect and use genotypes and phenotypes on the same animals instead of using only sire genotypes. We found that the benefits that can be achieved are sensitive to the sampling strategy used when selecting females for genotyping.
Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator therapy in device recipients who survived a cardiac arrest associated with a reversible cause
Authors: Gupta Aman , Pasupula Deepak Kumar , Bhonsale Aditya , Kancharla Krishna , Wang Norman C. , Adelstein Evan , Jain Sandeep , Saba Samir 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundGuideline recommendations for implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICD) for secondary prevention of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) have excluded patients with reversible causes. We previously demonstrated mortality benefit with the ICD in survivors of SCA associated with reversible causes other than myocardial infarction (MI) or ischemia treated with coronary revascularization. In the current study, we examined the incidence of ICD therapy in patients with SCA related to reversible causes.MethodsData were collected for all patients over the age of 18 years who had survived to hospital discharge after SCA between 2002 and 2012. ICD recipients with reversible causes were divided into 2 groups based on their reversible etiology of SCA: MI + ICD (n = 132) and non‐MI + ICD (n = 75). Delivered ICD therapy was examined.ResultsOver a follow‐up period of 3.8 ± 3.1 years, more patients without MI/ischemia who received an ICD experienced appropriate (adjusted HR, 3.96; 95% CI, 1.32‐11.84) but not inappropriate (adjusted HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.14‐2.97) ICD therapy compared with patients without MI/ischemia. The proportion of patients receiving appropriate (P = 0.012) but not inappropriate (P = 0.80) ICD therapy was also higher in the non‐MI + ICD compared with the MI + ICD group.ConclusionWe show higher rates of appropriate ICD therapy in survivors of SCA associated with reversible causes other than MI/ischemia. This finding, in conjunction with the previously demonstrated lower all‐cause mortality noted in the presence of an ICD in SCA survivors with reversible etiology other than MI/ischemia, further supports consideration of ICD implantation in this population.
Valsartan reduced the vulnerability to atrial fibrillation by preventing action potential prolongation and conduction slowing in castrated male mice
Authors: Sun Yi‐Lin , Li Peng‐Hui , Shi Ling , Su Wan‐Zhen , Li De‐Sheng , Xue Gen‐Long , Zhao Yue , Li Chang‐Zhu , Li Ying , Zhou Yang , Li Shang‐Xuan , Zhang Yang , Lu Yan‐Jie , Pan Zhen‐Wei 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroduction: Deficiency of testosterone was associated with the susceptibility of atrial fibrillation (AF). Angiotensin‐II (AngII) receptor antagonists were shown to reduce AF by improving atrial electrical remodeling. This study investigated the effects and mechanism of valsartan, an AngII receptor antagonist, on the susceptibility to AF with testosterone deficiency.Methods and Results: Five‐week‐old male ICR mice were castrated and valsartan was administered orally (50 mg/kg/d). High‐frequency electrical stimulation method was used to induce atrial arrhythmia. Patch‐clamp technique was used for recording action potential duration (APD), transient outward potassium current (
I
to), sustained outward potassium current (
I
ksus), and late sodium current (
I
Na‐L). Optical mapping technique was used to examine atrial conduction velocity (CV). The expression of connexin40 (Cx40) and Cx43 were detected by Western blot analysis. The occurrence rate of AF was significantly increased in castrated mice and APDs measured at 50% and 90% repolarization were markedly prolonged in castrated mice than controls, which were alleviated by the administration of valsartan. Valsartan suppressed the increase of INa‐L and rescued the reduction of Ito and Iksus in castrated mice. The left atrial CV in castrated mice was decreased and the expression of Cx43 reduced than controls, which were restored after valsartan treatment.Conclusions: Valsartan reduced the susceptibility of AF in castrated mice, which may be related to the inhibition of action potential prolongation and improvement of atrial conduction impairment. This study indicates that valsartan may represent a useful agent for the prevention of AF pathogenesis in elderly male patients.
Successful treatment of pulmonary mucormycosis in two pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients
Authors: Elgarten Caitlin W. , Levy Ellen M. , Mattei Peter , Fisher Brian T. , Olson Timothy S. , Freedman Jason L. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPulmonary mucormycosis diagnosed immediately after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation frequently portends a poor prognosis. However, here we describe two cases in children that were treated successfully to highlight the efficacy of a multidisciplinary approach. Despite diagnosis in the immediate post‐transplant period and requirement for ongoing immunosuppression to prevent or treat GVHD, both are long‐term survivors due to early surgical debridement with transfusion support and prompt initiation of targeted antifungal therapy. In the absence of evidence‐based treatment guidelines, survival of pulmonary mucormycosis is achievable even in high‐risk patients with a multidisciplinary team to guide management.
Using a “child's‐eye view” of social success to understand the importance of school readiness at the transition to formal schooling
Authors: Fink Elian , Browne Wendy V. , Hughes Claire , Gibson Jenny 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRecent research into school readiness has highlighted the importance of not only children's cognitive and socio‐emotional skills, but also the degree to which they have family support in the home. The current study examines the association between social success upon school entry and teacher‐ratings of school readiness as assessed by the Brief Early Skills and Support Index (BESSI), controlling for language ability. Importantly, social success was assessed using a “child's‐eye view” with peer‐reported assessments of both social preference and reciprocated friendships. A total of 244 children (131 boys, Mage = 61 months, SD = 4.78 months) in their first year of formal schooling participated. Child school readiness was found to be important for social preference, with the association being more marked for boys versus girls. Family support was the only independent predictor of children's reciprocated friendships. The use of the BESSI, with its broad scope compared to other measures of school readiness, highlights the importance of focusing both on a child's cognitive and socio‐emotional skills at school entry and their family support when exploring the association of school readiness to children's social success at the transition to formal schooling.
Quality of life of children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Francis Anna , Didsbury Madeleine S , van Zwieten Anita , Chen Kerry , James Laura J , Kim Siah , Howard Kirsten , Williams Gabrielle , Bahat Treidel Omri , McTaggart Steven , Walker Amanda , Mackie Fiona , Kara Tonya , Nassar Natasha , Teixeira-Pinto Armando , Tong Allison , Johnson David , Craig Jonathan C , Wong Germaine 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveThe aim was to compare quality of life (QoL) among children and adolescents with different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and determine factors associated with changes in QoL.DesignCross-sectional.SettingThe Kids with CKD study involved five of eight paediatric nephrology units in Australia and New Zealand.PatientsThere were 375 children and adolescents (aged 6–18 years) with CKD, on dialysis or transplanted, recruited between 2013 and 2016.Main outcome measuresOverall and domain-specific QoL were measured using the Health Utilities Index 3 score, with a scale from −0.36 (worse than dead) to 1 (perfect health). QoL scores were compared between CKD stages using the Mann-Whitney U test. Factors associated with changes in QoL were assessed using multivariable linear and ordinal logistic regression.ResultsQoL for those with CKD stages 1–2 (n=106, median 0.88, IQR 0.63–0.96) was higher than those on dialysis (n=43, median 0.67, IQR 0.39–0.91, p<0.001), and similar to those with kidney transplants (n=135, median 0.83, IQR 0.59–0.97, p=0.4) or CKD stages 3–5 (n=91, 0.85, IQR 0.60–0.98). Reductions were most frequent in the domains of cognition (50%), pain (42%) and emotion (40%). The risk factors associated with decrements in overall QoL were being on dialysis (decrement of 0.13, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.25, p=0.02), lower family income (decrement of 0.10, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.15, p=0.002) and short stature (decrement of 0.09, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.16, p=0.02).ConclusionsThe overall QoL and domains such as pain and emotion are substantially worse in children on dialysis compared with earlier stage CKD and those with kidney transplants.
Vitamin D and its pathway genes in myopia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Shu Min , Lau Tiffany , Rong Shi Song , Yazar Seyhan , Chen Li Jia , Mackey David A , Lucas Robyn M , Pang Chi Pui , Yam Jason C 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association of blood vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D) concentration and vitamin D pathway genes with myopia.MethodsWe searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for studies published up to 29 January 2018. Cross-sectional or cohort studies which evaluated the blood 25(OH)D concentration, blood 25(OH)D3 concentration or vitamin D pathway genes, in relation to risk of myopia or refractive errors were included. Standard mean difference (SMD) of blood 25(OH)D concentrations between the myopia and non-myopia groups was calculated. The associations of blood 25(OH)D concentrations and polymorphisms in vitamin D pathway genes with myopia using summary ORs were evaluated.ResultsWe summarised seven studies involving 25 008 individuals in the meta-analysis. The myopia group had lower 25(OH)D concentration than the non-myopia group (SMD=−0.27 nmol/L, p=0.001). In the full analysis, the risk of myopia was inversely associated with blood 25(OH)D concentration after adjusting for sunlight exposure or time spent outdoors (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.92 per 10 nmol/L, p<0.0001). However, the association was not statistically significant for the <18 years subgroup (AOR=0.91 per 10 nmol/L, p=0.13) and was significant only for 25(OH)D3 (likely to be mainly sunlight derived), but not total 25(OH)D (AOR=0.93 per 10 nmol/L, p=0.00007; AOR=0.91 per 10 nmol/L, p=0.15). We analysed four single nucleotide polymorphisms in the VDR gene from two studies; there was no significant association with myopia.ConclusionsLower 25(OH)D is associated with increased risk of myopia; the lack of a genetic association suggests that 25(OH)D level may be acting as a proxy for time outdoors.
Could listening to music during pregnancy be protective against postnatal depression and poor wellbeing post birth? Longitudinal associations from a preliminary prospective cohort study
Authors: Fancourt Daisy , Perkins Rosie 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesThis study explored whether listening to music during pregnancy is longitudinally associated with lower symptoms of postnatal depression and higher well-being in mothers post birth.DesignProspective cohort study.ParticipantsWe analysed data from 395 new mothers aged over 18 who provided data in the third trimester of pregnancy and 3 and 6 months later (0–3 and 4–6 months post birth).Primary and secondary outcome measuresPostnatal depression was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and well-being was measured using the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. Our exposure was listening to music and was categorised as ‘rarely; a couple of times a week; every day <1 hour; every day 1–2 hours; every day 3–5 hours; every day 5+hrs’. Multivariable linear regression analyses were carried out to explore the effects of listening to music during pregnancy on depression and well-being post birth, adjusted for baseline mental health and potential confounding variables.ResultsListening during pregnancy is associated with higher levels of well-being (β=0.40, SE=0.15, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.70) and reduced symptoms of postnatal depression (β=−0.39, SE=0.19, 95% CI −0.76 to −0.03) in the first 3 months post birth. However, effects disappear by 4–6 months post birth. These results appear to be particularly found among women with lower levels of well-being and high levels of depression at baseline.ConclusionsListening to music could be recommended as a way of supporting mental health and well-being in pregnant women, in particular those who demonstrate low well-being or symptoms of postnatal depression.
GP-OSMOTIC trial protocol: an individually randomised controlled trial to determine the effect of retrospective continuous glucose monitoring (r-CGM) on HbA1c in adults with type 2 diabetes in general practice
Authors: Furler John , O’Neal David Norman , Speight Jane , Blackberry Irene , Manski-Nankervis Jo-Anne , Thuraisingam Sharmala , de La Rue Katie , Ginnivan Louise , Browne Jessica Lea , Holmes-Truscott Elizabeth , Khunti Kamlesh , Dalziel Kim , Chiang Jason , Audehm Ralph , Kennedy Mark , Clark Malcolm , Jenkins Alicia Josephine , Liew Danny , Clarke Philip , Best James 
Published: July 2018

IntroductionOptimal glycaemia can reduce type 2 diabetes (T2D) complications. Observing retrospective continuous glucose monitoring (r-CGM) patterns may prompt therapeutic changes but evidence for r-CGM use in T2D is limited. We describe the protocol for a randomised controlled trial (RCT) examining intermittent r-CGM use (up to 14 days every three months) in T2D in general practice (GP).Methods and analysisGeneral Practice Optimising Structured MOnitoring To achieve Improved Clinical Outcomes is a two-arm RCT asking ‘does intermittent r-CGM in adults with T2D in primary care improve HbA1c?’Primary outcomeAbsolute difference in mean HbA1c at 12 months follow-up between intervention and control arms. Secondary outcomes: (a) r-CGM per cent time in target (4–10 mmol/L) range, at baseline and 12 months; (b) diabetes-specific distress (Problem Areas in Diabetes).EligibilityAged 18–80 years, T2D for ≥1 year, a (past month) HbA1c>5.5 mmol/mol (0.5%) above their individualised target while prescribed at least two non-insulin hypoglycaemic therapies and/or insulin (therapy stable for the last four months). Our general glycaemic target is 53 mmol/mol (7%) (patients with a history of severe hypoglycaemia or a recorded diagnosis of hypoglycaemia unawareness will have a target of 64 mmol/mol (8%)).Our trial compares r-CGM use and usual care. The r-CGM report summarising daily glucose patterns will be reviewed by GP and patient and inform treatment decisions. Participants in both arms are provided with 1 hour education by a specialist diabetes nurse.The sample (n=150/arm) has 80% power to detect a mean HbA1c difference of 5.5 mmol/mol (0.5%) with an SD of 14.2 (1.3%) and alpha of 0.05 (allowing for 10% clinic and 20% patient attrition).Ethics and disseminationUniversity of Melbourne Human Ethics Sub-Committee (ID 1647151.1). Dissemination will be in peer-reviewed journals, conferences and a plain-language summary for participants.Trial registration number>ACTRN12616001372471; Pre-results.
Information management goals and process failures during home visits for middle-aged and older adults receiving skilled home healthcare services after hospital discharge: a multisite, qualitative study
Authors: Arbaje Alicia I , Hughes Ashley , Werner Nicole , Carl Kimberly , Hohl Dawn , Jones Kate , Bowles Kathryn H , Chan Kitty , Leff Bruce , Gurses Ayse P 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundMiddle-aged and older adults requiring skilled home healthcare (‘home health’) services following hospital discharge are at high risk of experiencing suboptimal outcomes. Information management (IM) needed to organise and communicate care plans is critical to ensure safety. Little is known about IM during this transition.Objectives(1) Describe the current IM process (activity goals, subactivities, information required, information sources/targets and modes of communication) from home health providers’ perspectives and (2) Identify IM-related process failures.MethodsMultisite qualitative study. We performed semistructured interviews and direct observations with 33 home health administrative staff, 46 home health providers, 60 middle-aged and older adults, and 40 informal caregivers during the preadmission process and initial home visit. Data were analysed to generate themes and information flow diagrams.ResultsWe identified four IM goals during the preadmission process: prepare referral document and inform agency; verify insurance; contact adult and review case to schedule visit. We identified four IM goals during the initial home visit: assess appropriateness and obtain consent; manage expectations; ensure safety and develop contingency plans. We identified IM-related process failures associated with each goal: home health providers and adults with too much information (information overload); home health providers without complete information (information underload); home health coordinators needing information from many places (information scatter); adults’ and informal caregivers’ mismatched expectations regarding home health services (information conflict) and home health providers encountering inaccurate information (erroneous information).ConclusionsIM for hospital-to-home health transitions is complex, yet key for patient safety. Organisational infrastructure is needed to support IM. Future clinical workflows and health information technology should be designed to mitigate IM-related process failures to facilitate safer hospital-to-home health transitions.
A decade lost: does educational success mitigate the increased risks of premature death among children with experience of out-of-home care?
Authors: Almquist Ylva B , Jackisch Josephine , Forsman Hilma , Gauffin Karl , Vinnerljung Bo , Hjern Anders , Brännström Lars 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundPast research has consistently identified children with out-of-home care (OHC) experience as a high-risk group for premature mortality. While many have argued that educational success is a key factor in reducing these individuals’ excessive death risks, empirical evidence has hitherto been limited. The aim of the current study was therefore to examine the potentially mitigating role of educational success in the association between OHC experience and premature mortality.MethodsDrawing on a Stockholm cohort born in 1953 (n=15 117), we analysed the associations among placement in OHC (ages 0–12), school performance (ages 13, 16 and 19) and premature all-cause mortality (ages 20–56) by means of Cox and Laplace regression analyses.ResultsThe Cox regression models confirmed the increased risk of premature mortality among individuals with OHC experience. Unadjusted Laplace regression models showed that, based on median survival time, these children died more than a decade before their majority population peers. However, among individuals who performed well at school, that is, those who scored above-average marks at the age of 16 (grade 9) and at the age of 19 (grade 12), the risks of premature mortality did not significantly differ between the two groups.ConclusionEducational success seems to mitigate the increased risks of premature death among children with OHC experience.
Inflammatory cytokine biomarkers of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections and vaginal dysbiosis: a multicentre validation study
Authors: Masson Lindi , Barnabas Shaun , Deese Jennifer , Lennard Katie , Dabee Smritee , Gamieldien Hoyam , Jaumdally Shameem Z , Williamson Anna-Lise , Little Francesca , Van Damme Lut , Ahmed Khatija , Crucitti Tania , Abdellati Saïd , Bekker Linda-Gail , Gray Glenda , Dietrich Janan , Jaspan Heather , Passmore Jo-Ann S 
Published: July 2018

Objectives
Vaginal dysbiosis and STIs are important drivers of the HIV epidemic and reproductive complications. These conditions remain prevalent, partly because most cases are asymptomatic. We have shown that inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β and interferon-γ-induced protein (IP)-10 are biomarkers for detecting asymptomatic STIs and vaginal dysbiosis (bacterial vaginosis (BV) or intermediate microbiota). This study aimed to validate the performance of these biomarkers in African women recruited regardless of symptoms.

Methods
IL-1α, IL-1β and IP-10 were measured in menstrual cup secretions, endocervical, lateral vaginal wall and vulvovaginal swabs from 550 women from Pretoria, Soweto and Cape Town, South Africa and Bondo, Kenya using Luminex and ELISA. STIs were assessed by PCR, BV by Nugent scoring and vaginal microbiota by 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results

Across four study populations and four types of genital specimens, the performance of IL-1α, IL-1β and IP-10 for identification of women with STIs, BV or intermediate microbiota was consistent. Of the genital samples assessed, biomarkers measured in lateral vaginal wall swabs performed best, correctly classifying 76%(95% CI 70% to 81%) of women according to STI, BV or intermediate microbiota status (sensitivity 77%, specificity 71%) and were more accurate than clinical symptoms (sensitivity 41%, specificity 57%) (p=0.0003). Women incorrectly classified as STI/BV positive using the biomarkers had more abundant dysbiosis-associated bacteria, including
Prevotella bivia
and
Gardnerella
sp, detected by 16S rRNA sequencing, but not Nugent scoring. Including vaginal pH with the cytokine biomarkers improved the accuracy of the test (82% (95% CI 75% to 88%) correctly classified), although pH alone had poor specificity (61%).

Conclusions
An inexpensive, point-of-care screening test including IL-1α, IL-1β and IP-10 (and potentially pH) could be used in resource-limited settings to identify women with asymptomatic STIs and dysbiosis. These women could then be referred for aetiological testing, followed by specific treatment.