bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Weight-Based Guide Overestimates Endotracheal Tube Tip Position in Extremely Preterm Infants
Authors: Pereira Sujith S. , Raja Edwin-Amalraj , Satas Saulius 
Published: February 2019

Objective To evaluate the association between endotracheal tube (ETT) tip position and adverse pulmonary outcomes using chest X-ray (CXR) in extremely preterm infants in whom ETT insertion length was estimated using weight + 6 guide (adding 6 cms to the infant’s weight in kg).
Study Design CXRs of 85 infants performed in the first week were reviewed for right-sided atelectasis, air leaks, and uneven lung inflation. The first CXR was later reviewed to document the ETT tip. Regression analysis was performed to find the association between ETT tip position and adverse outcome after adjusting for other confounders.
Results Forty (46%) infants had ETT tip placement between the first and second thoracic vertebrae (optimal position) compared with 45 (53%) who had the ETT tip placement outside this range (suboptimal position). Infants with suboptimal ETT were ventilated for a longer period (6.1 vs. 15.9 days; p = 0.004). The odds of adverse outcomes was 11.6 (95% confidence interval: 3.03, 44.1) times higher among infants who did not have ETT at the optimal position compared with infants who had ETT at the optimal position.
Conclusion Weight + 6 guide is not recommended to estimate ETT insertion length in extremely preterm infants. Gestation-based guide may be more appropriate to estimate ETT insertion length in this group of infants.
Lower Extremity Blood Flow Velocity in Obese versus Nonobese Pregnant Women
Authors: Dutta Eryn H. , Burns Ralph N. , Pacheco Luis D. , Marrs Caroline C. , Koutrouvelis Aristides , Koutrouvelis Gayle L. Olson 
Published: February 2019

Objective Obesity and pregnancy are risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). In nonpregnant individuals, abdominal obesity is associated with venous insufficiency. This study aimed to compare venous Doppler volume flow and velocity in the lower extremities of obese versus nonobese women.
Study Design A prospective cohort study was performed. Duplex ultrasound examined bilateral lower extremity venous flow and velocity (time-averaged mean velocity, TAMV). Flow was analyzed at the superficial femoral (SFV), distal external iliac (DEI), common femoral, profunda femoris, and popliteal veins. Mann–Whitney U-test, Spearman's correlation, and chi-square tests were used, with a significance of p < 0.05.
Results Left SFV TAMV and volume flow were higher in the obese group (5.1 [4.1–5.7] vs. 2.8 [1.7–3.4] cm/second; p < 0.001) and (89 [73–119] vs. 48 [26–62] cm/minute; p = 0.005). Significant differences were noted for right DEI flow (obese 326 [221–833] vs. nonobese 182 [104–355] cm/minute; p = 0.049). The right femoral profunda flow was also higher in obese (49 [40–93] cm/minute) compared with nonobese (31 [22–52] cm/minute; p = 0.041).
Conclusion Volume flow and TAMV in the lower extremities of obese gravidas are higher compared with nonobese ones. Thus, the increased risk of VTE among obese pregnant women may not be caused by venous stasis.
How does Fetal Autopsy after Pregnancy Loss or Termination for Anomalies and other Complications Change Recurrence Risk?
Authors: Cassidy Arianna , Herrick Claire , Norton Mary , Ursell Philip , Vargas Juan , Kerns Jennifer 
Published: February 2019

Objective Historically, fetal autopsy was common after terminations for anomalies. Previous studies report that fetal autopsy confirms ultrasound findings in the majority of cases. This study aims to examine correlation between prenatal and autopsy diagnoses at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and evaluate whether autopsy adds diagnostic information, specifically information that changes risk of recurrence for future pregnancies.
Study Design We conducted a retrospective chart review of all fetal autopsies performed at UCSF between 1994 and 2009. Prenatal diagnosis was compared with autopsy diagnosis; for cases where there was a change in diagnosis, an MFM (maternal-fetal medicine specialist) reviewed the case to assign risk of recurrence before and after autopsy.
Results Overall, there was concordance between prenatal diagnosis and autopsy diagnosis in greater than 91.7% of cases. Autopsy added information that resulted in a change in recurrence risk in 2.3% of cases (n = 9).
Conclusion For the vast majority of cases, there is agreement between prenatal and autopsy diagnosis after pregnancy loss or termination for fetal anomalies. Only a small percentage of autopsies change recurrence risk. This may be useful when counseling women about method of termination and when counseling couples about whether to have an autopsy.
Adrenaline Improves Platelet Reactivity in Ticagrelor-Treated Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Singh Sukhi , Damén Tor , Nygren Andreas , Shams Hakimi Caroline , Ramström Sofia , Dellborg Mikael , Lindahl Tomas , Hesse Camilla , Jeppsson Anders 
Published: February 2019

Background Administration of agents that enhance platelet reactivity may reduce the perioperative bleeding risk in patients treated with the adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-receptor antagonist ticagrelor. Adrenaline potentiates ADP-induced aggregation and activation in blood samples from ticagrelor-treated patients, but it has not previously been evaluated in vivo.
Methods Ten healthy male subjects were included in an interventional study. A loading dose of ticagrelor (180 mg) was administered, followed 2 hours later by a gradually increased intravenous adrenaline infusion (0.01, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 µg/kg/min; 15 minutes at each step). Blood pressure, heart rate, platelet aggregation (impedance aggregometry), platelet activation (flow cytometry), clot formation (rotational thromboelastometry) and adrenaline plasma concentration were determined before and after ticagrelor administration and at the end of each adrenaline step.
Results Infusion of adrenaline increased ADP-induced aggregation at all doses above 0.01 µg/kg/min. The aggregation increased from median 17 (25−75th percentiles: 14−31) to 25 (21−34) aggregation units (p = 0.012) at 0.10 µg/kg/min. Adrenaline infusion also increased ADP-induced fibrinogen receptor activation (from 29 [22–35] to 46 [38−57%]) and P-selectin expression (from 3.7 [3.0−4.3] to 7.7 [4.7−8.6%]), both p = 0.012. Adrenaline infusion reduced clot formation time (97 [89−110] to 83 [76−90] seconds, p = 0.008) and increased maximum clot firmness (59 [57−60] to 62 [61−64] mm, p = 0.007).
Conclusion Infusion of adrenaline at clinically relevant doses improves in vivo platelet reactivity and clot formation in ticagrelor-treated subjects. Adrenaline could thus potentially be used to prevent perioperative bleeding complications in ticagrelor-treated patients. Studies in patients are necessary to determine the clinical importance of our observations.
Trial Registry Number ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03441412.
Inter-strain expression of sequence-diverse HET domain genes severely inhibits growth ofAspergillus oryzae
Authors: Mori Noriko , Katayama Takuya , Saito Ryota , Iwashita Kazuhiro , Maruyama Jun-ichi 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTIn the Pezizomycotina (filamentous ascomycete) species, genes that encode proteins with an HET domain (Pfam: PF06985) are reportedly involved in heterokaryon incompatibility (HI) in which cell death or growth defects are induced after fusion of cells that are genetically incompatible owing to diversities in their nucleotide sequence. HET domain genes are commonly found in Pezizomycotina genomes and are functionally characterized in only a few species. Here, we compared 44 HET domain genes between an incompatible strain pair of Aspergillus oryzae RIB40 and RIB128 and performed inter-strain expression of 37 sequence-diverse genes for mimicking HI. Four HET domain genes were identified to cause severe growth inhibition in a strain- or sequence-specific manner. Furthermore, SNPs responsible for the inhibition of cell growth were identified. This study provides an important insight into the physiological significance of sequence diversity of HET domain genes and their potential functions in HI of A. oryzae.
From DFT to machine learning: recent approaches to materials science–a review
Authors: Schleder Gabriel R , Padilha Antonio C M , Acosta Carlos Mera , Costa Marcio , Fazzio Adalberto 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Recent advances in experimental and computational methods are increasing the quantity and complexity of generated data. This massive amount of raw data needs to be stored and interpreted in order to advance the materials science field. Identifying correlations and patterns from large amounts of complex data is being performed by machine learning algorithms for decades. Recently, the materials science community started to invest in these methodologies to extract knowledge and insights from the accumulated data. This review follows a logical sequence starting from density functional theory as the representative instance of electronic structure methods, to the subsequent high-throughput approach, used to generate large amounts of data. Ultimately, data-driven strategies which include data mining, screening, and machine learning techniques, employ the data generated. We show how these approaches to modern computational materials science are being used to uncover complexities and design novel materials with enhanced properties. Finally, we point to the present research problems, challenges, and potential future perspectives of this new exciting field.
Regulation of present and future development by maternal regulatory signals acting on the embryo during the morula to blastocyst transition – insights from the cow
Authors: Hansen Peter J , Tríbulo Paula 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The preimplantation embryo has a remarkable ability to execute its developmental program using regulatory information inherent within itself. Nonetheless, the uterine environment is rich in cell signaling molecules termed embryokines that act on the embryo during the morula-to-blastocyst transition, promoting blastocyst formation and programming the embryo for subsequent developmental events. Programming can not only affect developmental processes important for continuance of development in utero but also affect characteristics of the offspring during postnatal life. Given the importance of embryokines for regulation of embryonic development, it is likely that some causes of infertility involve aberrant secretion of embryokines by the uterus. Embryokines found to regulate development of the bovine embryo include insulin-like growth factor 1, colony stimulating factor 2 (CSF2), and dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 1. Embryo responses to CSF2 exhibit sexual dimorphism, suggesting that sex-specific programming of postnatal function is caused by maternal signals acting on the embryo during the preimplantation period that regulate male embryos differently than female embryos.
Prefrontal Cortical and Behavioral Adaptations to Surgical Delivery Mediated by Metabolic Principles
Authors: Taylor-Giorlando Melissa , Scheinost Dustin , Ment Laura , Rothman Dough , Horvath Tamas L 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
We previously observed an association between mode of delivery and brain mitochondrial mechanisms in pups. We also showed that mitochondrial processes impact adult behavior. However, no experimental data is available to causally connect mode of delivery with cellular processes of neurons in the cerebral cortex and adult behavior. Here we show that surgical delivery of pups alters mitochondrial dynamics and spine synapses of layer 3 pyramidal neurons of the prefrontal cortex compared to the values of mice delivered vaginally. These alterations in ultrastructure seen in adult mice delivered surgically were associated with the development of behavioral phenotypes resembling those characteristic of animal models of psychiatric illness. This included impaired performance in prepulse inhibition as well as hyperlocomotion in the open field and elevated plus maze tests. Knocking out a mitochondria-related gene, UCP-2, blocked cellular and behavioral adaptations induced by surgical delivery. These results highlight a crucial role for brain mitochondrial adaptations in the process of birth to affect neuronal circuitry in support of normal and altered adult behaviors. Further, these findings were supported with neuroimaging data from human neonates delivered vaginally and surgically, suggesting that the murine findings have human clinical relevance.
Identification of atheroprone shear stress responsive regulatory elements in endothelial cells
Authors: Bondareva Olga , Tsaryk Roman , Bojovic Vesna , Odenthal-Schnittler Maria , Siekmann Arndt F , Schnittler Hans-J 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Aims
Oscillatory shear stress (OSS) is an atheroprone haemodynamic force that occurs in areas of vessel irregularities and is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Changes in signalling and transcriptional programme in response to OSS have been vigorously studied; however, the underlying changes in the chromatin landscape controlling transcription remain to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the changes in the regulatory element (RE) landscape of endothelial cells under atheroprone OSS conditions in an in vitro model.

Methods and results
Analyses of H3K27ac chromatin immunoprecipitation-Seq enrichment and RNA-Seq in primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells 6 h after onset of OSS identified 2806 differential responsive REs and 33 differentially expressed genes compared with control cells kept under static conditions. Furthermore, gene ontology analyses of putative RE-associated genes uncovered enrichment of WNT/HIPPO pathway and cytoskeleton reorganization signatures. Transcription factor (TF) binding motif analysis within RE sequences identified over-representation of ETS, Zinc finger, and activator protein 1 TF families that regulate cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis, implicating them in the development of atherosclerosis. Importantly, we confirmed the activation of EGR1 as well as the YAP/TAZ complex early (6 h) after onset of OSS in both cultured human vein and artery endothelial cells and, by undertaking luciferase assays, functionally verified their role in RE activation in response to OSS.

Conclusions
Based on the identification and verification of specific responsive REs early upon OSS exposure, we propose an expanded mechanism of how OSS might contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Associations between vascular risk factors and brain MRI indices in UK Biobank
Authors: Cox Simon R , Lyall Donald M , Ritchie Stuart J , Bastin Mark E , Harris Mathew A , Buchanan Colin R , Fawns-Ritchie Chloe , Barbu Miruna C , de Nooij Laura , Reus Lianne M , Alloza Clara , Shen Xueyi , Neilson Emma , Alderson Helen L , Hunter Stuart , Liewald David C , Whalley Heather C , McIntosh Andrew M , Lawrie Stephen M , Pell Jill P , Tucker-Drob Elliot M , Wardlaw Joanna M , Gale Catharine R , Deary Ian J 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimsSeveral factors are known to increase risk for cerebrovascular disease and dementia, but there is limited evidence on associations between multiple vascular risk factors (VRFs) and detailed aspects of brain macrostructure and microstructure in large community-dwelling populations across middle and older age.Methods and resultsAssociations between VRFs (smoking, hypertension, pulse pressure, diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia, body mass index, and waist–hip ratio) and brain structural and diffusion MRI markers were examined in UK Biobank (N = 9722, age range 44–79 years). A larger number of VRFs was associated with greater brain atrophy, lower grey matter volume, and poorer white matter health. Effect sizes were small (brain structural R 2 ≤1.8%). Higher aggregate vascular risk was related to multiple regional MRI hallmarks associated with dementia risk: lower frontal and temporal cortical volumes, lower subcortical volumes, higher white matter hyperintensity volumes, and poorer white matter microstructure in association and thalamic pathways. Smoking pack years, hypertension and diabetes showed the most consistent associations across all brain measures. Hypercholesterolaemia was not uniquely associated with any MRI marker.ConclusionHigher levels of VRFs were associated with poorer brain health across grey and white matter macrostructure and microstructure. Effects are mainly additive, converging upon frontal and temporal cortex, subcortical structures, and specific classes of white matter fibres. Though effect sizes were small, these results emphasize the vulnerability of brain health to vascular factors even in relatively healthy middle and older age, and the potential to partly ameliorate cognitive decline by addressing these malleable risk factors.
Learning for Legitimacy: The Gaza Flotilla Case of Meaningful Learning in Foreign-Policy Strategic Planning
Authors: Wajner Daniel F 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMost IR scholars attribute changes in foreign-policy strategic planning to shifts in interests, capabilities, alliances, norms, knowledge, and context. Even those studies focusing on social learning as a driver for policy change mostly underestimate the role of international legitimacy dynamics in influencing learning processes. This paper seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice by building on David Ausubel's theory of meaningful learning to address the Gaza Flotilla crisis as a paradigmatic case of legitimacy learning. This tragic incident, which occurred in May 2010, deepened the diplomatic crisis between Israel and Turkey, until their official reconciliation in June 2016. Likewise, it led to growing delegitimization of Israel among several global audiences. Having internalized the magnitude of the political damage that this incident caused and the need to subordinate operational decisions to legitimation considerations, Israel sought to tackle similar future challenges through reforms in numerous issue-areas relating to foreign-policy strategic planning: diplomatic, military, communications, intelligence, technological, and humanitarian. Drawing on testimonies of Israeli policymakers and the reports published by committees appointed to examine the flotilla events, this phenomenological study describes Israel's meaningful learning process, tracing the subsequent development of delegitimatzia (“delegitimation”) as an advance organizer among Israeli governmental and nongovernmental institutions. These findings can serve scholars in outlining a broader research agenda for analyzing how different actors adapt to the battles for legitimacy that characterize contemporary global politics.
‘Doing more with less’: a qualitative investigation of perceptions of South African health service managers on implementation of health innovations
Authors: Brooke-Sumner Carrie , Petersen-Williams Petal , Kruger James , Mahomed Hassan , Myers Bronwyn 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Building resilience in health systems is an imperative for low- and middle- income countries. Health service managers’ ability to implement health innovations may be a key aspect of resilience in primary healthcare facilities, promoting adaptability and functionality. This study investigated health service managers’ perceptions and experiences of adopting health innovations. We aimed to identify perceptions of constraints to adoption and emergent behaviours in response to these constraints. A convenience sample of 34 facility, clinical service and sub-district level managers was invited to participate. Six did not respond and were not contactable. In-depth individual interviews in a private space at participants’ place of work were conducted with 28 participants. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. NVivo 11 was used to store data and facilitate framework analysis. Study participants described constraints to innovation adoption including: staff lack of understanding of potential benefits; staff personalities, attitudes and behaviours which lead to resistance to change; high workload related to resource constraints and frequent policy changes inducing resistance to change; and suboptimal communication through health system structures. Managers reported employing various strategies to mitigate these constraints. These comprised (1) technical skills including participatory management skills, communication skills, community engagement skills and programme monitoring and evaluation skills, and (2) non-technical skills including role modelling positive attitudes, understanding staff personalities, influencing perceptions of innovations, influencing organizational climate and building trusting relationships. Managers have a vital role in the embedding of service innovations into routine practice. We present a framework of technical and non-technical skills that managers need to facilitate the adoption of health innovations. Future efforts to build managers’ capacity to implement health innovations should target these competencies.
Testing threat-to-efficacy ratios in health communications about cardiovascular disease among an older population
Authors: Moylett Sinéad , Hevey David 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTo test threat-to-efficacy ratios within health communications about cardiovascular disease (CVD) for older individuals. Participants were randomly assigned to one of six messages: (i) ‘standard’ message with 1/1 threat-to-efficacy ratio, (ii) ‘low efficacy’ message with 1/0 threat-to-efficacy ratio, (iii) ‘low threat’ message with 0/1 threat-to-efficacy ratio, (iv) ‘high efficacy’ message with 1/2 threat-to-efficacy ratio; (v) ‘high threat’ message with 2/1 threat-to-efficacy ratio and (vi) ‘overload’ message with 2/2 threat-to-efficacy ratio. Participants had to be of 60 years of age or older (N = 242, Male = 92, Age: M = 68.29, SD = 6.71). Advanced univariate analyses and multiple regression modelling were conducted to examine associations between the message groups, and danger- and fear-control processes, as well as the impact of threat and efficacy appraisals on the relationship between the message groups and behavioural intentions. No differences were found between the message groups for danger-control processes. Those who received the ‘overload’ message did report higher levels of fear, nervousness and anxiety in comparison to the ‘standard’ message group. For physical activity, it was found that efficacy impacted the relationship between the message groups and behavioural intentions, as participants’ levels of efficacy increased and if these individuals received high levels of efficacy information, their behavioural intentions for physical activity increased. Results from this study were dissimilar to those of previous research. However, they highlighted the impact of efficacy and negative emotional reactions when communicating to older individuals about CVD and the associated health behaviours.