bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Serum Albumin Levels on Antithrombin Supplementation Outcomes Among Patients With Sepsis-Associated Coagulopathy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ebina Masatomo , Fujino Kazunori , Inoue Akira , Ariyoshi Koichi , Eguchi Yutaka 
Published: June 2019

Background: Severe sepsis is commonly associated with mortality among critically ill patients and is known to cause coagulopathy. While antithrombin is an anticoagulant used in this setting, serum albumin levels are known to influence serum antithrombin levels. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of antithrombin supplementation in patients with sepsis-associated coagulopathy, as well as the relationship between serum albumin levels and the effects of antithrombin supplementation. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated patients who were >18 years of age and had been admitted to either of two intensive care units for sepsis-associated coagulopathy. The groups that did and did not receive antithrombin supplementation were compared for outcomes up to 1 year after admission. Subgroup analyses were performed for patients with serum albumin levels of <2.5 g/dL or ⩾2.5 g/dL. Results: Fifty-one patients received antithrombin supplementation and 163 patients did not. The Cox proportional hazards model revealed that antithrombin supplementation was independently associated with 28-day survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.374, P = 0.025) but not with 1 year survival (HR: 0.915, P = 0.752). In addition, among patients with serum albumin levels of <2.5 g/dL, antithrombin supplementation was associated with a significantly lower 28-day mortality rate (9.4% vs 36.8%, P = .009). Conclusion: Antithrombin supplementation may improve short-term survival, but not long-term survival, among patients with sepsis-associated coagulopathy.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: A Surrogate Marker for Cardiovascular Disease in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Lawal Olutoyin Morenike , Balogun Michael Olabode , Akintomide Anthony Olubunmi , Ayoola Oluwagbemiga Oluwole , Mene-Afejuku Tuoyo Omasan , Ogunlade Oluwadare , Okunola Oluyomi Oluseun , Lawal Adekunle Oyeyemi , Akinsola Adewale 
Published: June 2019

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a measure of atherosclerotic vascular disease and considered a comprehensive picture of all alterations caused by multiple cardiovascular risk factors over time on the arterial walls. We therefore sought to determine the CIMT of the common carotid artery in patients with CKD and to evaluate the clinical pattern and prevalence of CVD in CKD patients. Methods: A case-control study involving 100 subjects made of 50 patients with CKD stages 2 to 4 and 50 age and sex matched apparently normal individuals. Carotid intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery was considered thickened if it measured greater than 0.8 mm. All subjects had laboratory investigations, 12-lead electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiography, and ankle-brachial index. Results: The mean CIMT was higher in CKD population compared with controls ( P < .001). Eighty-four percent of the study population was found to have thickened CIMT compared with 18% of controls ( P < .001). Patients with CKD had significantly higher blood pressure and heart rate than controls. Cardiovascular disease was also more prevalent among patients with CKD as compared with controls. Carotid intima-media thickness positively correlated with age, blood pressure, and random blood sugar. Conclusions: As CIMT was well correlated with many cardiovascular risk factors among CKD patients, it may serve as a surrogate marker for CVD and its early assessment may target patients who may need more aggressive therapy to retard the progression of kidney disease and improve outcome.
Perceptions of Chronic Illnesses and Preventive Behaviors Among Hispanic/Latino men
Authors: Luquis Raffy R. 
Published: June 2019

Introduction: Although Latinos represent the largest minority group, their health needs continue to be poorly understood, especially regarding Latino men. The purpose of this study was to assess perceptions of chronic illnesses and preventing behaviors among Latino men residing in Pennsylvania. Method: Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 men, older than 40 years. Results: Findings from the content analysis were that several factors influenced these men, including their perceptions about the severity of chronic illnesses, their level of concerns, views about health and prevention, and when to go to see a primary care provider. In addition, cultural factors such as family, machismo, lack of preventive culture, religious beliefs, present time orientation, and sympathy and respect influence whether these men engage in preventive behaviors. Most men would like to receive information about chronic illnesses, risk factors, and screenings. Conclusion: The results provide some insight into the perceptions about chronic illnesses, health screening, and preventive behaviors, and could help in the development of a health promotion and disease prevention programs targeting Latino men.
Strength Abilities in Men 50+ as an Effect of Long-Distance Run Training
Authors: Iwańska Dagmara , Mróz Anna , Wójcik Agnieszka , Witek Katarzyna , Czajkowska Anna , Kusztelak Małgorzata 
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long-term running training on muscle strength of men aged 50 and above. The study involved two groups of men aged 50 and above: physically active (E, n = 34) and inactive (NE, n = 20). Body composition was assessed with the electrical bioimpedance method. The isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) was the main measurement. The value of muscle torque achieved by a group of synergists (operating in the given joint) during a short isometric contraction was evaluated. Ten groups of flexor and extensor muscles of the elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, and torso joints were measured. In addition, a 3 s measurement of grip strength of the right (Fr) and left (Fl) hand was taken using a hand dynamometer. The obtained values enabled to calculate the symmetry index (SI). Men who had been running regularly were characterized by a significantly lower strength level ( p < .05). Results in the NE group were determined to a great extent by significantly different body weights ( p < .001) and a significantly higher body fat mass (FAT) content ( p < .001). SI was statistically higher in the reference group ( p < .05). Long-distance run training reduces FAT while maintaining a high level of muscle strength. These studies indirectly confirm the effect of strengthening slow-twitch motor units in men aged 50 (Doherty & Brown 1993; Kanda & Hashizume 1989). In addition, stimulating the body through physical effort helps it also to maintain a high level of strength symmetry, which is a preventive factor in reducing the number of injuries.
Brachial flow-mediated dilation by continuous monitoring of arterial cross-section with ultrasound imaging
Authors: Chen Zhen , Sultan Laith R , Schultz Susan M , Cary Theodore W , Sehgal Chandra M 
Published: June 2019

Objective Impairment of flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery is a marker of endothelial dysfunction and often predisposes atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. In this study, we propose a user-guided automated approach for monitoring arterial cross-section during hyperemic response to improve reproducibility and sensitivity of flow-mediated dilation. Material and methods Ultrasound imaging of the brachial artery was performed in 11 volunteers in cross-sectional and in 5 volunteers in longitudinal view. During each examination, images were recorded continuously before and after inducing ischemia. Time-dilation curves of the brachial lumen cross-section were measured by user-guided automated segmentation of brachial images with the feed-forward active contour (FFAC) algorithm. %FMD was determined by the ratio of peak dilation to the baseline value. Each measurement was repeated twice in two sessions 1 h apart on the same arm to evaluate the reproducibility of the measurements. The intra-subject variation in flow-mediated dilation between two sessions (subject-specific) and inter-group variation in flow-mediated dilation with all the subjects within a session grouped together (group-specific) were measured for FFAC. The FFAC measurements were compared with the conventional diameter measurements made using echo tracking in longitudinal views. Results Flow-mediated dilation values for cross-sectional area were greater than those measured by diameter dilation: 33.1% for cross-sectional area compared to 22.5% for diameter. Group-specific flow-mediated dilation measurements for cross-sectional area were highly reproducible: 33.2% vs. 33.0% ( p > 0.05) with coefficient of variation CV of 0.4%. The group-specific flow-mediated dilations measured by echo tracking for the two sessions were 21.1 vs. 23.9% with CV of 9%. Subject-specific CV for cross-sectional area by FFAC was 10% ± 2% versus 24% ± 10% for the conventional approach. Using correlation as a metric of evaluation also showed better performance for cross-sectional imaging: correlation coefficient, R, between two sessions for cross-sectional area was 0.92 versus 0.72 for the conventional approach based on diameter measurements. Conclusion Peak dilation area measured by continuous automated monitoring of cross-sectional area of the brachial artery provides more reproducible and higher-sensitivity measurement of flow-mediated dilation compared to the conventional approach of using vascular diameter measured using longitudinal imaging.
Non-invasive ventilation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Dorst Johannes , Ludolph Albert C. 
Published: June 2019

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has become an important cornerstone of symptomatic treatment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), improving survival and quality of life. In this review, we summarize the most important recent developments and insights, including evidence of efficacy, indication criteria and time of initiation, ventilation parameters and adaptation strategies, treatment of complicating factors, transition from NIV to invasive ventilation, termination of NIV and end-of-life management. Recent publications have questioned former conventions and guideline recommendations, especially with regard to timing and prognostic factors; therefore, a fresh look and re-evaluation of current evidence is needed.
Inhibition of EZH2 and immune signaling exerts synergistic antitumor effects in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Chartomatsidou Elisavet , Ntoufa Stavroula , Kotta Konstantia , Rovida Alessandra , Akritidou Maria Anna , Belloni Daniela , Ferrero Elisabetta , Trangas Theoni , Stavroyianni Niki , Anagnostopoulos Achilles , Rosenquist Richard , Ghia Paolo , Papakonstantinou Nikos , Stamatopoulos Kostas 
Published: June 2019

Key Points
Microenvironmental stimuli affect EZH2 expression and function in CLL. Combined B-cell signaling and EZH2 inhibition showed synergistic effects on primary CLL cells.
The psychosis risk timeline: can we improve our preventive strategies? Part 1: early life
Authors: Romain Karen , Eriksson Alexandra , Onyon Richard , Kumar Manoj 
Published: June 2019

SUMMARYPsychosis is a complex presentation with a wide range of factors contributing to its development, biological and environmental. Psychosis is a feature present in a variety of psychiatric disorders. It is important for clinicians to keep up to date with evidence regarding current understanding of the reasons psychosis may occur. Furthermore, it is necessary to find clinical utility from this knowledge so that effective primary, secondary and tertiary preventative strategies can be considered. This article is the first of a three-part series that examines contemporary knowledge of risk factors for psychosis and presents an overview of current explanations. The articles focus on the psychosis risk timeline, which gives a structure within which to consider key aspects of risk likely to affect people at different stages of life. In this first article, early life is discussed. It covers elements that contribute in the prenatal and early childhood period and includes genetic, nutritional and infective risk factors.LEARNING OBJECTIVESAfter reading this article you will be able to:
•give an up-to-date overview of psychosis risk factors that can affect early life•describe some important genetic risk factors•understand more about the role of environmental factors such as nutrition and infection.DECLARATION OF INTERESTNone.
Atg7 Knockdown Reduces Chemerin Secretion in Murine Adipocytes
Authors: Heinitz Sascha , Gebhardt Claudia , Piaggi Paolo , Krüger Jacqueline , Heyne Henrike , Weiner Juliane , Heiker John T , Stumvoll Michael , Blüher Matthias , Baier Leslie , Rudich Assaf , Kovacs Peter , Tönjes Anke 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Context
In individuals with obesity, adipocyte endocrine function is affected by altered autophagy. Genetic variants in autophagy-related gene 7 (ATG7) correlated with serum chemerin (RARRES2) concentrations.

Objectives
To investigate a functional interplay between chemerin and ATG7, how it may relate to autophagy-mediated adipocyte dysfunction in obesity, and the relevance of genetic ATG7 variants in chemerin physiology.

Design
Adipose ATG7 mRNA expression and adiposity measures were available in two human study cohorts. The effect of a high-calorie diet on adipose Rarres2 and Atg7 expression was investigated in mice. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, the effect of Atg7 knockdown on chemerin expression and secretion was studied. The influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms on ATG7 transcription and chemerin physiology was investigated using a luciferase assay.

Setting
Mouse model, clinical trials, in vitro studies.

Participants
Native American (n = 83) and white (n = 100) cohorts.

Main outcome measure
Adipocyte chemerin expression and secretion.

Results
In mice fed a high-calorie diet, adipose Atg7 mRNA expression did not parallel an increase in Rarres2 mRNA expression. ATG7 mRNA expression in human subcutaneous adipose tissue correlated with body mass index, fat mass (r &gt; 0.27; P &lt; 0.01), and adipocyte cell size (r &gt; 0.24; P &lt; 0.02). Atg7 knockdown in 3T3-L1 adipocytes decreased chemerin secretion by 22% (P &lt; 0.04). Rs2606729 in ATG7 was predicted to alter ATG7 transcription and induced higher luciferase activity in vitro (P &lt; 0.0001).

Conclusions
Human adipose ATG7 mRNA expression relates to measures of adiposity. Atg7 knockdown reduces chemerin secretion from adipocytes in vitro, supportive of a functional interplay between ATG7 and chemerin in autophagy-mediated adipocyte dysfunction.
Clinical Importance of Free Thyroxine Concentration Decline After Radiotherapy for Pediatric and Adolescent Brain Tumors
Authors: van Iersel Laura , Xu Jiahui , Potter Brian S , Conklin Heather M , Zhang Hui , Chemaitilly Wassim , van Santen Hanneke M , Merchant Thomas E 
Published: June 2019

AbstractContextClinical significance of a decline in free T4 (FT4) concentrations across the reference range in children with brain tumors treated with radiation therapy (RT) is uncertain.ObjectivesTo study trends in FT4 in children after RT and risk factors and health outcomes associated with plasma FT4 concentrations.Design and SettingLongitudinal, single-center retrospective cohort study.PatientsLow-grade glioma or ependymoma patients (n = 267; age ≤25 years) who received RT (50.4 to 59.4 Gy) at a single institution (1996 to 2016) and followed with serial FT4 measurements.Main Outcome MeasureA linear mixed-effects model with a random intercept was used to investigate risk factors for longitudinal changes in FT4 concentrations. A two-stage mixed-effects model examined associations between clinical outcomes and plasma FT4 concentrations.ResultsFT4 concentrations declined over time after RT (P < 0.001). Females (P < 0.001) and younger patients (P < 0.001) demonstrated greater declines in FT4 concentrations over time. The rate of weight gain, but not of height loss, increased with a higher FT4 decline rate (P < 0.001). At last follow-up, patients with lower baseline FT4 concentrations had increased risk of glucose disorder (OR, 19.73; P = 0.002) or dyslipidemia (OR, 19.40; P = 0.003) but not high fat mass (P = 0.18). Lower baseline FT4 concentrations were not associated with impaired scores for intelligence, attention, memory, or psychosocial functioning.ConclusionsFT4 concentrations significantly decline in children with brain tumor after RT. Variation and trends in FT4 concentration are associated with physical health outcomes. Future studies should assess whether continuous FT4 concentrations and trends, rather than population-based cut-off values, can distinguish between euthyroid and hypothyroid states.
Adrenal Insufficiency After Unilateral Adrenalectomy in Primary Aldosteronism: Long-Term Outcome and Clinical Impact
Authors: Heinrich Daniel A , Adolf Christian , Holler Finn , Lechner Benjamin , Schneider Holger , Riester Anna , Nirschl Nina , Sturm Lisa , Wang Xiao , Ladurner Roland , Seidensticker Max , Bidlingmaier Martin , Beuschlein Felix , Reincke Martin 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Context
Primary aldosteronism (PA) represents a secondary form of arterial hypertension that can be cured by surgery. Evidence of adrenal insufficiency (AI) was recently found in patients with PA who had undergone unilateral adrenalectomy (uADX).

Objective
To study the incidence and long-term outcome of postoperative AI after uADX for PA.

Design
Prospective registry study (August 2014 until the end of 2018).

Setting
Tertiary referral center.

Patients
One hundred consecutive patients undergoing uADX for PA were included. All patients underwent postoperative ACTH stimulation testing.

Intervention
Postoperative ACTH stimulation testing to identify patients with AI.

Main Outcome Measures
Incidence of patients with postoperative AI and definition of long-term outcome.

Results
Twenty-seven percent of patients developed postoperative AI. Of these, 48% had postoperative ACTH stimulation serum cortisol levels ≤13.5 µg/dL (severe AI); 52% were classified into the group with moderate AI (stimulated serum cortisol levels: 13.5 to 17 µg/dL). Patients with severe AI required significantly longer hydrocortisone replacement therapy than the moderate group (median [25th, 75th percentiles]: 353 [294, 476] days; 95% CI: 284 to 322 days; vs 74 [32, 293] days; 95% CI: 11 to 137 days; P = 0.016). One patient with severe AI was hospitalized for an acute adrenal crisis. With a cumulative follow-up of 14.5 years, this produced an incidence rate of 6.9 adrenal crises per 100 patient-years.

Conclusion
We suggest performing postoperative ACTH stimulation tests in all patients who undergo uADX for PA.
Compensation, Productivity, and Other Demographics of Academic Divisions of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism
Authors: Ringel Matthew D , Murphy Elizabeth J , Hammes Stephen R 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The landscape for academic endocrinology divisions has continued to evolve rapidly;thus, finding reliable data that can be used as benchmarks has become more difficult. Resources are available for salary and relative value units, with the Association of American Medical Colleges, Medical Group Management Association, and Faculty Practice Solutions Center the most commonly used databases. However, details regarding how these data are collected and what they include are unclear. For example, does the income include bonus and/or incentive payments? How are work relative value units defined (individual rendering vs supervising advanced practitioners or fellows or residents)? How is a clinical full-time equivalent defined? In addition, other important data that would be relevant to running an academic division of endocrinology are not available from these, or any other resources, including support staff numbers and compensation or fellowship funding and training information. Therefore, an unmet need exists for reliable data that divisions can use to help shape their visions and goals. To address this demand, the Association of Endocrine Chiefs and Directors, in collaboration with the Endocrine Society, developed a detailed survey for members to address the financial, productivity, composition, and educational issues that they regularly face. Twenty academic institutions throughout the United States completed in the survey in 2018. In the present report, we have provided the results of the survey and some initial interpretations of the findings. Our hope is that the information presented will prove useful as academic endocrinology divisions continue to evolve.
A SY-Stematic approach towards understanding stem cell biology
Authors: Pilz Gregor-Alexander , Knobloch Marlen 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACT
The 2nd SY-Stem Symposium – a symposium for ‘the next generation of stem cell researchers’ – was held on the 21-23 March 2019 at the Vienna BioCenter in Austria. After the great success of the initial SY-Stem meeting in 2018, this year's event again focused on the work of young scientists. Here, we summarize the impressive amount of new research covering stem cell-related fields that was discussed at the meeting.
Henriette-Rika Benveniste, Λούνα: Δοκίμιο ιστορικής βιογραφίας [Luna: an essay in historical biography]
Authors: Kavala Maria 
Published: June 2019

Review of Henriette-Rika Benveniste. Λούνα: Δοκίμιο ιστορικής βιογραφίας [Luna: an essay in historical biography]. Athens: Polis, 2017. 222 pp.
Neisseria meningitidis has acquired sequences within the capsule locus by horizontal genetic transfer
Authors: Clemence Marianne E. A. , Harrison Odile B. , Maiden Martin C. J. 
Published: June 2019

Background:Expression of a capsule from one of serogroups A, B, C, W, X or Y is usually required forNeisseria meningitidis(Nme) to cause invasive meningococcal disease. The capsule is encoded by the capsule locus,cps, which is proposed to have been acquired by a formerly capsule null organism by horizontal genetic transfer (HGT) from another species. Following identification of putative capsule genes in non-pathogenicNeisseriaspecies, this hypothesis is re-examined.Methods:Whole genome sequence data fromNeisseriaspecies, includingNmegenomes from a diverse range of clonal complexes and capsule genogroups, and non-Neisseriaspecies, were obtained from PubMLST and GenBank. Sequence alignments of genes from the meningococcalcps, and predicted orthologues in other species, were analysed using Neighbor-nets, BOOTSCANing and maximum likelihood phylogenies.Results:The meningococcalcpswas highly mosaic within regions B, C and D. A subset of sequences within regions B and C were phylogenetically nested within homologous sequences belonging toN. subflava, consistent with HGT event in whichN. subflavawas the donor. In thecpsof 23/39 isolates, the two copies of region D were highly divergent, withrfbABC’sequences being more closely related to predicted orthologues in the proposed speciesN. weixii (GenBank accession numberCP023429.1) than the same genes inNmeisolates lacking a capsule. There was also evidence of mosaicism in therfbABC’sequences of the remaining 16 isolates, as well asrfbABCfrom many isolates.Conclusions:Data are consistent with theen blocacquisition ofcpsin meningococci fromN. subflava, followed by further recombination events with otherNeisseriaspecies. Nevertheless, the data cannot refute an alternative model, in which native meningococcal capsule existed prior to undergoing HGT withN. subflavaand other species. Within-genus recombination events may have given rise to the diversity of meningococcal capsule serogroups.