bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automatic display of fetal brain planes and automatic measurements of fetal brain parameters by transabdominal three‐dimensional ultrasound
Authors: Meng Lu , Zhao Dan , Yang Zeyu , Wang Bing 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a three‐dimensional (3D) software tool (smart planes) for displaying fetal brain planes, and the secondary purpose was to evaluate its accuracy in performing automatic measurements.Material and methodsThis prospective study included singleton fetuses with a gestational age (GA) greater than 18 weeks. Transabdominal two‐dimensional ultrasound (2DUS) and 3D smart planes images were respectively used to obtain the basic planes of the fetal brain, with five parameters measured. The images, by either two‐dimensional (2D) manual or 3D automatic operation, were reviewed by two experienced sonographers. The agreements between two measurements were analyzed.ResultsA total of 226 cases were included. The rates of successful detection by automatic display were as high as 80%. There was substantial agreement between the measurements of the biparietal diameter, head circumference and transcerebellar diameter, but poor agreement between the measurements of cisterna magna and lateral ventricle width.ConclusionsSmart Planes might be valuable for the rapid evaluation of fetal brain, because it simplifies the evaluation process. However, the technology requires improvement. In addition, this technology cannot replace the conventional manual US scans; it can only be used as an additional approach.
Insurance coverage does not predict outcomes of genetic testing: The search for meaning in payer decisions for germline cancer tests
Authors: Amendola Laura M. , Hart M. Ragan , Bennett Robin L. , Horike‐Pyne Martha , Dorschner Michael , Shirts Brian , Jarvik Gail P. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn this work, we explore the results of germline cancer genetic tests in individuals whose insurance would not cover this testing. We enrolled 31 patients with a personal history of cancer whose health insurer denied coverage for a clinical germline cancer panel genetic test recommended by a medical genetics provider into a study providing exome sequencing and return of cancer‐related results. Five participants (16%) had a pathogenic variant identified related to increased cancer risk. Three participants (10%) had a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) in a gene related to their cancer history. These rates are not significantly different than the 12% rate of pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants and VUS in 1,462 patients approved by insurance to have a similar clinical germline cancer test (p = .59 for P/LP variants; p = .87 for VUS; Shirts et al., Genet Med, 18:974, 2016). Health insurance guidelines may not meaningfully differentiate between patients with cancer who are likely to benefit from germline cancer genetic testing and those who will not. Failure to identify pathogenic variants in this research cohort would have led to suboptimal care. Strategic evaluation of current germline cancer genetic testing coverage policies is needed to appropriately deliver precision medicine.
Epidemiology and outcomes of marked elevations of alanine aminotransferase >1000 IU/L in an Australian cohort
Authors: Con Danny , Buckle Andrew , Nicoll Amanda J , Lubel John S 
Published: July 2019

Background and AimMarked elevations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are caused by a limited number of underlying pathologies, including hepatic ischemia, drugs/toxins, viral hepatitis, and—rarely—autoimmune hepatitis. The aim of this study was to determine the relative incidence of pathologies resulting in ALT greater than 1000 IU/L and factors predicting clinical outcomes in an Australian cohort.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of all adult patients with ALT levels greater than 1000 IU/L between January 2013 and December 2015 was conducted at a large teaching hospital network in Australia. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of etiology and mortality.ResultsThere were 287 patients identified with ALT levels greater than 1000 IU/L. The most common causes were ischemia (44%), drugs/toxins (19%), biliary obstruction (16%), and viral hepatitis (7%). Independent predictors of a diagnosis of ischemic hepatitis included (adjusted odds ratio; 95% confidence interval): hypotension (29.2; 8.2–104.7), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (20.2; 2.8–145.3), coronary artery disease (12.9; 1.7–98.9), congestive cardiac failure (7.8; 1.2–49.2), diabetes mellitus (7.4; 1.6–33.9), metabolic acidosis (6.2; 2.0–19.4), gamma‐glutamyltransferase < 135 IU/L (5.1; 1.5–17.6), and albumin <34 g/L (3.4; 1.1–11.0). Independent risk factors for all‐cause 28‐day mortality included: septic shock (14.7; 4.3–50.7), metabolic acidosis (7.3; 2.5–21.3), history of COPD (5.4; 1.6–17.8), cardiogenic shock (4.3; 1.6–11.7), prothrombin time ≥ 20 s (3.7; 1.5–9.2), and age ≥ 65 years (3.0; 1.3–7.2).ConclusionsIschemic hepatitis was the most common cause of ALT levels greater than 1000 IU/L and was associated with high mortality.
The adult musculature of two pseudostomid species reveals unique patterns for flatworms (Platyhelminthes, Prolecithophora)
Authors: Grosbusch Alexandra L. , Bertemes Philip , Egger Bernhard 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe analyzed the adult musculature of two prolecithophoran species, Cylindrostoma monotrochum (von Graff, 1882) and Monoophorum striatum (von Graff, 1878) using a phalloidin‐rhodamine technique. As in all rhabdithophoran flatworms, the body‐wall musculature consisted of three muscle layers: on the outer side was a layer of circular muscle fibers and on the inner side was a layer of longitudinal muscle fibers; between them were two different types of diagonally orientated fibers, which is unusual for flatworms. The musculature of the pharynx consisted of a basket‐shaped grid of thin longitudinal and circular fibers. Thick anchoring muscle fibers forming a petal‐like shape connected the proximal parts of the pharynx with the body‐wall musculature. Male genital organs consisted of paired seminal vesicles, a granular vesicle, and an invaginated penis. Peculiar ring‐shaped muscles were only found in M. striatum, predominantly in the anterior body part. In the same species, seminal vesicles and penis only had circular musculature, while in C. monotrochum also longitudinal musculature was found in these organs. Female genital organs were only present in M. striatum, where we characterized a vagina interna, and a bursa seminalis. Transverse, crossover, and dorsoventral muscle fibers were lacking in the middle of the body and greatly varied in number and position in both species.
CD8+ lymphocytes but not B lymphocytes are required for protection against chronic hepatitis E virus infection in chickens
Authors: Rogers Eda , Todd Stephanie Michelle , Pierson Frank William , Kenney Scott P. , Heffron Connie Lynn , Yugo Danielle M. , Matzinger Shannon R. , Mircoff Elena , Ngo Irene , Kirby Charles , Jones Michaela , Siegel Paul , Jobst Peter , Hall Karen , Etches Robert J. , Meng Xiang‐Jin , LeRoith Tanya 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHepatitis E is an important global disease, causing outbreaks of acute hepatitis in many developing countries and sporadic cases in industrialized countries. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection typically causes self‐limiting acute hepatitis but can also progress to chronic disease in immunocompromised individuals. The immune response necessary for the prevention of chronic infection is T cell‐dependent; however, the arm of cellular immunity responsible for this protection is not currently known. To investigate the contribution of humoral immunity in control of HEV infection and prevention of chronicity, we experimentally infected 20 wild‐type (WT) and 18 immunoglobulin knockout (JH‐KO) chickens with a chicken strain of HEV (avian HEV). Four weeks postinfection (wpi) with avian HEV, JH‐KO chickens were unable to elicit anti‐HEV antibody but had statistically significantly lower liver lesion scores than the WT chickens. At 16 wpi, viral RNA in fecal material and liver, and severe liver lesions were undetectable in both groups. To determine the role of cytotoxic lymphocytes in the prevention of chronicity, we infected 20 WT and 20 cyclosporine and CD8+ antibody‐treated chickens with the same strain of avian HEV. The CD8
+ lymphocyte‐depleted, HEV‐infected chickens had higher incidences of prolonged fecal viral shedding and statistically significantly higher liver lesion scores than the untreated, HEV‐infected birds at 16 wpi. The results indicate that CD8
+ lymphocytes are required for viral clearance and reduction of liver lesions in HEV infection while antibodies are not necessary for viral clearance but may contribute to the development of liver lesions in acute HEV infection.
Reconnaissance of the candidate genes involved in the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus and targeted by antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Mozhgani Sayed‐Hamidreza , Zarei Ghobadi Mohadeseh , Behnam Rad Mohammad , Farzanehpour Mahdieh , Behzadian Farida 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe expression levels of many genes change after treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected subjects by antiretroviral drugs. High‐throughput analysis of tremendous datasets led to the discovery of genes that are implicated in the treatment pathways. In this study, we performed a gene‐enrichment analysis after determining the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between untreated HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative subjects and also between treated HIV‐positive subjects with antiretroviral therapy (ART; who receiving nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor–based ART) and untreated HIV‐positive cases in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), adipose, and muscle tissues. In sum, the genes that activate inflammatory, immune response, proliferation, metabolism, and viral involvement pathways have different expression patterns in the untreated HIV‐positive subjects and treated HIV‐positive cases. Moreover, the expression levels of the genes including ACLY, ALDH18A1, HADHA, and YARS in the PBMCs tissue and HBEGF, PKN3, DEGS2, and EDN3 in the fat tissue were found to be different in the HIV‐infected patients, which can be considered as new biomarkers for HIV infection.
Optimizing computing time in the wave iterative method by RLS and SFTF algorithms
Authors: Hafedh Hrizi , Hamdi Noureddine , Sboui Noureddine 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn this research paper, adaptive filtering techniques are used to improve performance of the wave iterative method. This method is used for the modeling and the study of the planar microwave electronic circuits which are the most used today in the new technologies of radio frequency communication. In order to improve the convergence speed of the wave iterative method, we use the recursive least square algorithm and the stabilized fast transversal filter. A significant gain in computation time is obtained with these new techniques with a good accuracy in the found results.
Influence of December snow cover over North America on January surface air temperature over the midlatitude Asia
Authors: Li Jingyi , Li Fei , He Shengping , Wang Huijun , Orsolini Yvan J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe impact of North American (NA) snow cover on the Northern Hemisphere climate has drawn increasing attention in recent years. This study reveals a negative relationship between NA snow cover in December and surface air temperature (SAT) over the midlatitude Asia in the following January. The results show that, in December, the extensive snow cover decreases SAT over NA via local diabatic cooling, which further intensifies the Atlantic jet stream by enlarging the meridional gradient of the 1,000‐ to 300‐hPa layer thickness, especially along 40°N. Meanwhile, we found negative sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over the Western North Atlantic and enhanced transient eddy activity over the Eastern North Atlantic due to anomalous net energy conversion from the mean flow. In January, a zonally oriented dipole of transient eddy anomalies straddles the North Atlantic, with the negative–positive (west–east) anomaly centres attributing to local oceanic cooling and the persistence of the eddy–mean flow interaction, respectively. Such dipole of transient eddy activity in turn favours the downstream development of the Atlantic jet stream. Besides, the changes in surface turbulent heat flux over the North Atlantic trigger a Rossby wave train that propagates across Europe and towards the Far East. Coincident with the strengthened Siberian High and the accelerated East Asian jet stream in January, SAT decreases over the midlatitude Asia. Hence, our analysis indicates that December NA snow cover could potentially be exploited for subseasonal predictability over Asia.
Climatological features of blocking highs from the perspective of air mass and mass transport
Authors: Li Yafei , Ren Rongcai , Cai Ming , Yu Yueyue 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe investigated the spatiotemporal features of the air mass and its transport during the lifetime of the four main blocking highs (the Greenland, Atlantic–Europe, Ural and North Pacific blocking highs) observed in the northern winter using the daily European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Re‐Analysis Interim data set for the time period 1979–2016. The results showed that the positive mass anomalies corresponding to a blocking high only appear in the mid‐troposphere, while negative mass anomalies persist in the lower layer during blocking events. Budget analysis based on the mass continuity equation under isentropic coordinates indicated that adiabatic mass transport is the main contributor to the build‐up of blocking highs and is always convergent in the mid‐troposphere before the peak day of blocking. By contrast, diabatic mass transport always moves the air mass from the mid‐ to lower troposphere and acts to destroy the blocking high. The meridional flow makes the strongest contribution to mass convergence in the Greenland and North Pacific blocking highs in the mid‐troposphere, whereas zonal flow is the main contributor to mass convergence in the Atlantic–Europe blocking high. Both zonal and meridional flows contribute to mass convergence in the Ural blocking high, although meridional flow makes a greater contribution.
Inferior Outcomes of Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction and Comorbid Protein‐Energy Malnutrition
Authors: Adejumo Adeyinka Charles , Adejumo Kelechi Lauretta , Adegbala Oluwole Muyiwa , Enwerem Ngozi , Ofosu Andrew , Akanbi Olalekan , Fijabi Daniel Obadare , Ogundipe Olumuyiwa Akinbolaji , Pani Lydie , Adeboye Adedayo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundProtein‐energy malnutrition (PEM) diminishes amino acid and energy availability, impairing the body's healing capability after injury, such as in myocardial damage following acute myocardial infarction (AMI).AimsWe sought to investigate the influence of PEM on clinical outcomes of AMI.MethodsWe identified records with a primary discharge diagnosis of AMI from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2012–2014), stratified by concomitant PEM. We matched PEM to no‐PEM (1:1) using a greedy algorithm–based propensity methodology and estimated the impact of PEM on health outcomes (SAS 9.4).ResultsOf the 332,644 hospitalizations for AMI, 11,675 had concomitant PEM accounting for roughly $US 1.5 billion and over 119,792 hospital days. PEM was associated with older age (74.43‐ vs. 66.90‐years; P < 0.0001), female sex (49.19% vs. 38.44%; P < 0.0001), black race (12.78% vs. 10.46%; P < 0.0001), and higher comorbidity burden (Deyo > 3: 32.77% vs. 16.69%; P < 0.0001). After propensity matching, PEM was associated with higher mortality (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.59 [1.46–1.73]), cardiogenic shock (AOR: 2.26 [2.08–2.44]), discharge to secondary facilities (AOR: 2.21 [2.10–2.33]), charges ($135,500 [$131,956–139,139] vs. $81,084 [$79,241–82,970]), cardiac artery bypass surgery (AOR:1.81 [1.66–1.97]), intra‐aortic balloon pump placement (AOR: 1.83 [1.65–2.04]) and longer length of stay (10.15‐ vs. 5.52‐days).ConclusionsPEM is a predisposing factor for devastating clinical outcomes among AMI hospitalizations. Higher prevention, identification and management of PEM among high‐risk individuals (older age, female sex, and black race) residing in the community are needed.
Understanding nationwide readmissions after parotidectomy
Authors: Mukdad Laith , Goel Alexander N. , Nasser Hassan B. , St. John Maie A. 
Published: July 2019

ObjectivesTo evaluate the incidence, causes, risk factors, and costs associated with 30‐day readmissions in parotidectomy patients utilizing the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD).Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsWe examined the NRD for patients who underwent parotidectomy between 2010 and 2014. Rates, causes, and costs of 30‐day readmissions were determined. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for readmission.ResultsAmong 15,102 included patients, 594 (3.9%) were readmitted within 30 days. The average cost per readmission was $12,502. Infectious (22.7%) and wound (11.2%) complications were the two most common causes of readmission. After controlling for other covariates, significant predictors of readmission included advanced comorbidity (odds ratio [OR], 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–2.37), a malignant parotid tumor (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.63–3.43), length of stay ≥2 days (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.09–2.18), and nonroutine discharge destinations (home with care [OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.27–2.78] and nursing facility [OR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.55–4.67]).ConclusionIn this nationwide database analysis, we found that nearly 4% of all patients undergoing parotidectomy are readmitted within 30 days. Readmissions are commonly due to infections and wound complications. Quality improvement proposals targeting avoidable readmissions should focus on early recognition and prevention of infection and wound complications. Risk factors contributing to readmission include advanced comorbidity, malignant parotid tumor, prolonged index hospitalization, and nonroutine discharge destinations.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 130:1212–1217, 2020
Core–Shell Polymer Adhesive for Aluminized Coatings: From Improved Barrier Properties to Commercial Formulation
Authors: Rezende Lara Barbara , Ouzineb Keltoum , McKenna Timothy F. L. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe development and formulation of core–shell latex‐based adhesives to improve the adhesion of aluminium to poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films and enhance the permeability of the final laminate to oxygen and water is described. All particles have a soft acrylic component (the shell in core–shell particles) to improve adhesion, and occasionally a hydrophobic core to enhance the permeability. The performance of the different latexes is compared to that of a commercially available reference material. The coatings formed by core–shell nanoparticles present a lower permeability to water than the particles synthesized in the absence of the seed, while the permeability to oxygen is found to be mainly related to the correct deposition of the metallic layer. In terms of the industrial formulation, it is found that a limited amount of a wetting agent (WA) is needed to ensure the correct spreading of the latex onto the PET substrate because of the low levels of surfactant used for the latex production. This compound has a positive effect on the adhesive strength of the coating. A curing agent also improves barrier properties, but the optimal level of this compound is dependent on the degree of crosslinker used in the base latex.
Influence of the Salt Concentration on the Properties of Salt‐Free Polyelectrolyte Complex Membranes
Authors: Saikaew Rateeya , Meesorn Worarin , Zoppe Justin Orazio , Weder Christoph , Dubas Stephan Thierry 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPolyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) prepared by solution mixing of cationic poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and anionic poly(sodium 4‐styrene sulfonate) with various NaCl content are processed into films. Salt‐free (SF‐PEC) membranes are produced by rinsing the PEC in water overnight. The main finding of this paper is that SF‐PEC films have different properties depending on the NaCl concentration used during the processing step. Dynamic mechanical analysis measurement confirms that hydrated SF‐PEC film processed from higher salt content has a higher modulus than when processed without salt and the glass transition temperature appears to shift to higher values. Processing the PECs films in the presence of salt also has an interesting effect on their shape memory characteristics. SF‐PEC films prepared with high‐salt concentration are shown to maintain a programmed temporary shape better than materials prepared with low salt, while recovery is possible within a short period of time when immersed in hot water.
Detection of a rare de novo 18p terminal deletion with inverted duplication in a Chinese pregnant woman
Authors: Zhu Jianjiang , Qi Hong , Cao Sha , Cai Lirong , Wen Xiaohui , Tang Guodong , Wan Qian , Chen Chen , Wang Juan , Zeng Wen , Luo Yao 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe 18p terminal deletion with inverted duplication is an extremely rare chromosome structure abnormality and the common clinical manifestations include intellectual disability and speech delay, etc. Up to now, only three confirmed cases were reported in Europe, and here, for the first time in the Asian population, we report a case of de novo 18p inv‐dup‐del in a Chinese pregnant woman. This structural variation was accidentally discovered by the noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) during her prenatal examination.MethodsNext generation sequencing (NGS) based copy number variations (CNVs) screening and karyotype analysis were performed to verify the type and heredity of the rearrangement, and the fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis was also used to confirm the terminal deletion and inverted duplication.ResultsThe patient has a de novo 18p11.31‐18p11.1 inverted duplication with a 6.2 Mb 18p terminal deletion. This rare chromosome imbalance, most likely caused by the U‐type exchange mechanism, resulted in the aberrant phenotype of mental disability, speech delay, seizure, and strabismus. However, the rearrangement was not inherited by her unborn child.ConclusionThis report added a new type of variation to the spectrum of 18p terminal deletion with inverted duplication, and demonstrated that the maternal chromosome rearrangement discovered in NIPT should not just be consider as an interference factor but also a potential indicator of previously undiscovered pathogenic chromosome structure variations in pregnant women.