bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Aphthous Colitis at Diagnosis on Crohn’s Disease Outcomes
Authors: Delattre Charlotte , Lewis Ayanna , Kirchgesner Julien , Nion-Larmurier Isabelle , Bourrier Anne , Landman Cécilia , Le Gall Guillaume , Sokol Harry , Beaugerie Laurent , Seksik Philippe 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The natural history of intestinal lesions in Crohn’s disease [CD] is not fully understood. Although the extent of lesions at diagnosis usually defines the extent of the disease, some lesions seen at diagnosis, particularly aphthous ulcers [AUs], may resolve before follow-up. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of CD patients with colonic AUs seen at diagnosis.

Methods
CD patients with aphthous colitis at diagnosis who had been followed since 2001 were included in a case control study matched with two groups of controls: one without colonic involvement at diagnosis and a second group with colonic lesions more severe than AUs at diagnosis.

Results
Seventy-five patients were included, with a median follow-up of 7.3 years [interquartile range 2.7–9.8]. Seventy-one per cent of those having a second colonoscopy at least 6 months after diagnosis were stable or healed. Medical treatments were similar between the three groups. The AU group’s rate of ileal surgery was similar to those without colitis. In multivariate analysis, the independent factors associated with ileal resection were ileal involvement (odds ratio [OR]: 8.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] [7.68–33.75]; p = 0.002) and the presence of severe colitis (OR = 0.5; 95% CI [0.32–0.79], p = 0.003). The risk of ileal surgery was not influenced by the presence of aphthous colitis (OR: 0.63; 95% CI [0.37–1.1]; p = 0.1).

Conclusion
Aphthous colitis at diagnosis seems to resolve in most patients. This suggests that these lesions are of little clinical significance and may not need to be considered prior to ileal resection in CD or when making other important therapeutic decisions.
Epigenetic, transcriptional and phenotypic responses in two generations of Daphnia magna exposed to the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine
Authors: Lindeman Leif Christopher , Thaulow Jens , Song You , Kamstra Jorke H , Xie Li , Asselman Jana , Aleström Peter , Tollefsen Knut Erik 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The water flea Daphnia magna is a keystone species in freshwater ecosystems and has been widely used as a model organism in environmental ecotoxicology. This aquatic crustacean is sensitive to environmental stressors and displays considerable plasticity in adapting to changing environmental conditions. Part of this plasticity may be due to epigenetic regulation of gene expression, including changes to DNA methylation and histone modifications. Because of the generally hypomethylated genome of this species, we hypothesized that the histone code may have an essential role in the epigenetic control and that histone modifications might be an early marker for stress. This study aims to characterize the epigenetic, transcriptional and phenotypic responses and their causal linkages in directly exposed adult (F0) Daphnia and peritoneal exposed neonates (F1) after a chronic (7-day) exposure to a sublethal concentration (10 mg/l) of 5-azacytidine, a well-studied vertebrate DNA methylation inhibitor. Exposure of the F0 generation significantly reduced the cumulative fecundity, accompanied with differential expression of genes in the one-carbon-cycle metabolic pathway. In the epigenome of the F0 generation, a decrease in global DNA methylation, but no significant changes on H3K4me3 or H3K27me3, were observed. In the F1 offspring generation, changes in gene expression, a significant reduction in global DNA methylation and changes in histone modifications were identified. The results indicate that exposure during adulthood may result in more pronounced effects on early development in the offspring generation, though interpretation of the data should be carefully done since both the exposure regime and developmental period is different in the two generations examined. The obtained results improve our understanding of crustacean epigenetics and the tools developed may promote use of epigenetic markers in hazard assessment of environmental stressors.
Longitudinal patterns of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide, troponin T, and C-reactive protein in relation to the dynamics of echocardiographic parameters in heart failure patients
Authors: Klimczak-Tomaniak Dominika , van den Berg Victor J , Strachinaru Mihai , Akkerhuis K Martijn , Baart Sara , Caliskan Kadir , Manintveld Olivier C , Umans Victor , Geleijnse Marcel , Boersma Eric , van Dalen Bas M , Kardys Isabella 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimsTo further elucidate the nature of the association between N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-TnT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and clinical outcome, we examined the relationship between serial simultaneous measurements of echocardiographic parameters and these biomarkers in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients.Methods and resultsIn 117 CHF patients with ejection fraction ≤50%, NT-proBNP, hs-TnT, and CRP were measured simultaneously with echocardiographic evaluation at 6-month intervals until the end of 30 months follow-up or until an adverse clinical event occurred. Linear mixed effects models were used for data-analysis. Median follow-up was 2.2 years (interquartile range 1.5–2.6). We performed up to six follow-up evaluations with 55% of patients having at least three evaluations performed. A model containing all three biomarkers revealed that doubling of NT-proBNP was associated with a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction by 1.83 (95% confidence interval −2.63 to −1.03)%, P &lt; 0.0001; relative increase in mitral E/e′ ratio by 12 (6–18)%, P &lt; 0.0001; relative increase in mitral E/A ratio by 16 (9–23)%, P &lt; 0.0001; decrease in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion by 0.66 (−1.27 to −0.05) mm, P = 0.03; rise in tricuspid regurgitation peak systolic gradient by 2.74 (1.43–4.05) mmHg, P = 0.001; and increase in left ventricular and atrial dimensions, P &lt; 0.05. Hs-TnT and CRP showed significant associations with some echocardiographic parameters after adjustment for clinical covariates, but after adjustment for the other biomarkers the associations were not significant.ConclusionSerum NT-proBNP independently reflects changes in echocardiographic parameters of systolic function, left ventricular filling pressures, estimated pulmonary pressure, and chamber dimensions. Our results support further studies on NT-proBNP as a surrogate marker for haemodynamic congestion and herewith support its potential value for therapy guidance.
Ocular hypotonia following pulmonary endarterectomy
Authors: Rafiq Muhammad U , Kovzel Maksym , Ali Jason M 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Significant fluid removal and negative fluid balance is typical of the management of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy. In this study, we describe severe ocular hypotonia as an unusual clinical sign in a 72-year-old man immediately following pulmonary endarterectomy. Complete resolution occurred with fluid resuscitation overnight and no residual visual disturbance was reported.
Predictors of return to work after open triple-branched stent graft placement for acute type A aortic dissection
Authors: Lin Yanjuan , Chen Yiping , Zhang Haoruo , Peng Yanchun , Li Sailan , Huang Xizhen , Chen Qiong 
Published: September 2019

AbstractOBJECTIVESTo investigate the rate of returning to work within 12 months after open triple-branched stent graft placement in acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) patients and the reasons why patients did not return to work.METHODSWe conducted this cohort study of AAAD patients who were discharged alive from the hospital at Fujian Cardiac Center during the period 2013–2018. The collected data included the patients’ baseline characteristics, employment status at 12 months after AAAD and variables classifying the potential reasons for those who did not return to work at 12 months. We applied logistic regression to estimate the factors associated with returning to work at 12 months.RESULTSOne year after AAAD hospitalization, of the 326 AAAD patients, 81 (24.8%) returned to work, 231 (70.9%) did not and 14 (4.3%) died. Among the 231 patients who did not return to work, 105 (45.5%) were unable to work because of AAAD and 36 (15.6%) lost job owing to AAAD. After adjustment for other risk factors, age, female sex, type of work, operating time, aortic cross-clamp time and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay were still significantly associated with a lower chance of returning to work.CONCLUSIONSLess than 25% of the previously employed patients returned to work at 12 months after AAAD. Older age, female sex, manual or semi-skilled professional work, a longer operating time, a longer aortic cross-clamp time and a longer length of ICU stay were associated with a lower likelihood of returning to work.
Disease correlation network: a computational package for identifying temporal correlations between disease states from Large-Scale longitudinal medical records
Authors: Lin Huaiying , Rong Ruichen , Gao Xiang , Revanna Kashi , Zhao Michael , Bajic Petar , Jin David , Hu Chengjun , Dong Qunfeng 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo provide an open-source software package for determining temporal correlations between disease states using longitudinal electronic medical records (EMR).Materials and MethodsWe have developed an R-based package, Disease Correlation Network (DCN), which builds retrospective matched cohorts from longitudinal medical records to assess for significant temporal correlations between diseases using two independent methodologies: Cox proportional hazards regression and random forest survival analysis. This optimizable package has the potential to control for relevant confounding factors such as age, gender, and other demographic and medical characteristics. Output is presented as a DCN which may be analyzed using a JavaScript-based interactive visualization tool for users to explore statistically significant correlations between disease states of interest using graph-theory-based network topology.ResultsWe have applied this package to a longitudinal dataset at Loyola University Chicago Medical Center with 654 084 distinct initial diagnoses of 51 conditions in 175 539 patients. Over 90% of disease correlations identified are supported by literature review. DCN is available for download at https://github.com/qunfengdong/DCN.ConclusionsDCN allows screening of EMR data to identify potential relationships between chronic disease states. This data may then be used to formulate novel research hypotheses for further characterization of these relationships.
Quantification and Stereochemical Composition of R-(−) and S-(+)-Clenbuterol Enantiomers in Bovine Urine by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Velasco-Bejarano Benjamín , Bautista Jahir , Rodríguez Martha E , López-Arellano Raquel , Arreguín-Espinosa Roberto , Carrillo Ricardo Velasco 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Clenbuterol (4-amino-α-[(tert-butylamino)methyl]-3,5-dichlorobenzylalcohol) is a β2-adrenergic agonist. The consumption of meat contaminated with clenbuterol can lead to increased heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety, palpitations and skeletal muscle tremors. Several analytical methods have been developed to identify and quantify clenbuterol in different biological matrices. In this report, we have developed a specific and sensitive analytical method for quantifying clenbuterol and performed an in-depth enantiomeric analysis in bovine urine. The method was evaluated in accordance with international guidelines, and we used an isotopically labeled analog as an internal standard. The extraction efficiency for clenbuterol in bovine urine was &gt; 98%, the limit of detection was 0.05 ng/mL and the limit of quantification was 0.10 ng/mL. Our assay showed high specificity, no carryover was observed and the assay was linear in the range 0.10–8.0 ng/mL. Fifteen bovine urine samples were analyzed (containing clenbuterol), and an enantiomeric analysis was performed. The clenbuterol concentration range was 0.10–10.56 ng/mL across these samples. The levorotatory enantiomer was detected at greater concentrations than the dextrorotatory enantiomer, the ratio being 1.7 ± 0.6 (n = 15), and a statistical difference was observed (P &lt; 0.05) using the Wilcoxon test.
Non-orthogonal beam coordinate system wave propagation and reverse time migration
Authors: Zhu Zhaolin , Cao Danping , Wu Bangyu , Yin Xingyao , Wang Ying 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Grid size has a significant influence on the computation efficiency and accuracy of finite-difference seismic modeling and can change the workload of reverse time migration (RTM) remarkably. This paper proposes a non-orthogonal analytical coordinate system, beam coordinate system (BCS), for the solution of seismic wave propagation and RTM. Starting with an optical Gaussian beam width equation, we expand the representation on vertically variable velocity media, which is the most common scenario in seismic exploration. The BCS based on this representation can be used to implement an irregular-grid increment finite-difference that improves the efficiency of RTM. Based on the Laplacian expression in Riemannian space, we derive the wave equation in the BCS. The new coordinate system can generate an irregular grid with increment increasing vertically along depth. Through paraxial ray tracing, it can be extended to non-analytical beam coordinate system (NBCS). Experiments for the RTM on the Marmousi model with the BCS demonstrate that the proposed method improves the efficiency about 52% while maintaining good image quality.
Italian court finds Ferrari GTO 250 supercar to be a copyright artwork
Authors: Giannino Michele 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Court of First Instance of Bologna, Commercial Chamber, Order of 20 June 2019, Case No 3973/2019, Ferrari Spa v Ares Design Modena Srl
In the context of interim proceedings, the Court of First Instance (Tribunale) of Bologna found that the Ferrari GTO 250 supercar is protectable because it meets the statutory conditions of artistic and creative value for copyright to subsist in works of industrial design and, accordingly, awarded the Prancing Horse house an interlocutory injunction blocking the marketing of an imitation.
Isoform-specific involvement of Brpf1 in expansion of adult hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
Authors: He Qiuping , Hong Mengzhi , He Jincan , Chen Weixin , Zhao Meng , Zhao Wei 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Bromodomain-containing proteins are known readers of histone acetylation that regulate chromatin structure and transcription. Although the functions of bromodomain-containing proteins in development, homeostasis, and disease states have been well studied, their role in self-renewal of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) remains poorly understood. Here, we performed a chemical screen using nine bromodomain inhibitors and found that the bromodomain and PHD finger-containing protein 1 (Brpf1) inhibitor OF-1 enhanced the expansion of Lin−Sca-1+c-Kit+ HSPCs ex vivo without skewing their lineage differentiation potential. Importantly, our results also revealed distinct functions of Brpf1 isoforms in HSPCs. Brpf1b promoted the expansion of HSPCs. By contrast, Brpf1a is the most abundant isoform in adult HSPCs but enhanced HSPC quiescence and decreased the HSPC expansion. Furthermore, inhibition of Brpf1a by OF-1 promoted histone acetylation and chromatin accessibility leading to increased expression of self-renewal-related genes (e.g. Mn1). The phenotypes produced by OF-1 treatment can be rescued by suppression of Mn1 in HSPCs. Our findings demonstrate that this novel bromodomain inhibitor OF-1 can promote the clinical application of HSPCs in transplantation.
Perceptual awareness and active inference
Authors: Parr Thomas , Corcoran Andrew W , Friston Karl J , Hohwy Jakob 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Perceptual awareness depends upon the way in which we engage with our sensorium. This notion is central to active inference, a theoretical framework that treats perception and action as inferential processes. This variational perspective on cognition formalizes the notion of perception as hypothesis testing and treats actions as experiments that are designed (in part) to gather evidence for or against alternative hypotheses. The common treatment of perception and action affords a useful interpretation of certain perceptual phenomena whose active component is often not acknowledged. In this article, we start by considering Troxler fading – the dissipation of a peripheral percept during maintenance of fixation, and its recovery during free (saccadic) exploration. This offers an important example of the failure to maintain a percept without actively interrogating a visual scene. We argue that this may be understood in terms of the accumulation of uncertainty about a hypothesized stimulus when free exploration is disrupted by experimental instructions or pathology. Once we take this view, we can generalize the idea of using bodily (oculomotor) action to resolve uncertainty to include the use of mental (attentional) actions for the same purpose. This affords a useful way to think about binocular rivalry paradigms, in which perceptual changes need not be associated with an overt movement.
Whole exome sequencing reveals the maintained polyclonal nature from primary to metastatic malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in two patients with NF1
Authors: Godec Abigail , Jayasinghe Reyka , Chrisinger John S A , Prudner Bethany , Ball Tyler , Wang Yuxi , Srihari Divya , Kaushal Madhurima , Dietz Hilary , Zhang Xiaochun , Pekmezci Melike , Dahiya Sonika , Tao Yu , Luo Jinqin , Van Tine Brian A , Ding Li , Gutmann David H , Hirbe Angela C 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive soft tissue sarcomas with high metastatic rates and poor overall patient survival. There are currently no effective therapies, underscoring the pressing need to define the molecular etiologies that underlie MPNST progression. The aim of this study was to examine clonal progression and identify the molecular events critical for MPNST spread.

Methods
In two patients with temporally and spatially distinct metastatic lesions, we employed whole exome sequencing (WES) to elucidate the genetic events of clonal progression, thus identifying the molecular events critical for MPNST spread.

Results
First, we demonstrated shared clonal origins for the metastatic lesions relative to the primary tumors, which were maintained throughout the course of MPNST progression, supporting the conclusion that cancer cells with metastatic potential already exist in the primary neoplasm. Second, we discovered TRIM23, a member of the Tripartite Motif family of proteins, as a regulator of MPNST lung metastatic spread in vivo.

Conclusions
The ability to track the genomic evolution from primary to metastatic MPNST offers new insights into the sequence of genetic events required for tumor progression and has identified TRIM23 as a novel target for future study in this rare cancer.
Are We Now Well Prepared for Another Major Visceral Leishmaniasis Epidemic in Sudan?
Authors: el Harith Abdallah , Mahamoud Abdelhafeiz , Awad Yousif , Mansour Durria , Abass Elfadil Mustafa , el Agib Atif , Riscala Madi Rubens , Semiao-Santos Saul J , Osman Hussam Ali 
Published: September 2019

AbstractTo minimize the chance for future visceral leishmaniasis (VL) epidemics such as the 1988–1991 epidemic in Sudan, several VL detection tools have been introduced. There are many VL diagnostics with excellent sensitivities, specificities, and ease of use reported. However, additional test characteristics should be considered for use in the detection of future VL epidemics. The potential for local production or uninterrupted availability, low production and application costs, and stability at ≥45°C are of the utmost importance. Of the antibody-, antigen-, or DNA-based methods introduced, only a liquid direct agglutination test (LQ-DAT) remains in routine use. The LQ-DAT test may be the ideal diagnostic for detection of VL epidemics due to its low cost ($0.50/patient), stability under frequent and long-duration electric failures, and high level of reproducibility. The improved reliability for VL detection achieved locally through incorporating autochthonous L. donovani strains in antigen processing and precluding toxicants in test execution provides optimal sensitivity and safety for routine and mass application.
Biportal Endoscopic Excision of Facetal Cyst in the Far Lateral Region of L5S1: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Sharma Sagar B , Lin Guang-Xun , Jabri Hussam , Siddappa Naveen Davangere , Kim Jin-Sung 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) is a recently introduced technique that utilizes 2 portals, one for endoscopy and one as a working portal, in contrast to full endoscopy, which utilizes a single portal. The advantages are a favorable learning curve and free mobility of instruments in the operative field. UBE is successful in addressing cervical and lumbar disc herniations, lumbar stenosis, and foraminal/extraforaminal pathologies, such as herniations and foraminal stenosis. However, there is no report of UBE for a far-lateral L5S1 facet cyst. The patient was an 85-yr-old female with a left lower limb radicular pain with magnetic resonance imaging evidence of the facet cyst compressing the L5 nerve root. Conventional treatment of such a condition would either be an L5S1 fusion procedure or a standalone decompression via the Wiltse paramedian approach. Because the patient had no instability, we decided to do a standalone decompression using the UBE technique. The UBE technique has the advantages of any minimal access procedure, including small incisions, minimal tissue dissection, good magnification, and preservation of anatomic structures. A written informed consent was obtained from the patient before the procedure. The procedure was done under general anesthesia using a 30° endoscope, a radiofrequency probe, and standard lumbar spine surgery instruments. The initial landing point of the endoscope and instruments is via triangulation at the lateral border of the isthmus of L5. The postoperative clinical and radiological outcomes were satisfactory (VAS Back and Leg, 0; Oswestry disability index, 15 at 3 mo).
Characterization of diffuse X-ray emission from IGR J17448–3232: an implication of a line-of-sight merging activity
Authors: Watanabe Shoko , Yamauchi Shigeo , Nobukawa Kumiko K , Akamatsu Hiroki 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The results of spectral analysis for the galaxy cluster IGR J17448$-$3232 are presented. The intracluster medium (ICM) in the central region ($r\lt 300^{\prime \prime }$, $320\:$kpc) has a high electron temperature plasma of $kT_{\rm e} \sim 13$–$15\:$keV, and an ionization temperature estimated from an intensity ratio of Fe xxvi Ly$\alpha /$Fe xxv He$\alpha$ lines is lower than the electron temperature, which suggests that the ICM is in the non-ionization equilibrium (NEI) state. The spectrum in the central region can be also fitted with a two-component model: a two-temperature plasma model in a collisional ionization equilibrium (CIE) with temperatures of $7.9\:$keV and $\gt 34\:$keV, or a CIE$+$power-law model with a temperature of $9.4\:$keV and a photon index of 1.1. The two-component models can represent the intensity ratio of Fe xxvi Ly$\alpha /$Fe xxv He$\alpha$ lines. On the other hand, the spectrum in the outer region ($r\gt 300^{\prime \prime }$) can be explained by a single CIE plasma model with a temperature of 5–$8\:$keV. Based on the spectral feature and its circular structure, we propose that the NEI plasma was produced by merging along the line-of-sight direction.