bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abdominal CT evaluation of the liver and spleen for staging mast cell tumors in dogs yields nonspecific results
Authors: Hughes Jonathan R , Szladovits Balazs , Drees Randi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCanine mast cell tumor staging is commonly performed using abdominal ultrasonography and fine‐needle aspiration cytology of masses, lymph nodes, and hepatic and splenic parenchyma. Computed tomography is used for abdominal, thoracic, or whole body imaging in staging mast cell tumors in the authors’ institution enabling evaluation of multiple body areas in one examination. The aim of this study was to compare the CT examinations acquired for staging of mast cell disease to their subsequent liver and spleen cytology findings. Medical records of dogs with primary mast cell tumors that underwent abdominal CT and concurrent liver and spleen aspirates were reviewed. The CT examinations were evaluated for attenuation, size, and margination of the liver and spleen. The relationship between CT findings and cytology results was analyzed. Forty‐nine dogs matched the inclusion criteria: five of forty‐nine dogs with cutaneous mast cell tumors were positive for metastasis from liver and/or spleen aspirates. Of the five dogs with cytological evidence of liver or spleen metastasis, four had normal CT liver attenuation and size, one dog had concurrent primary hepatocellular neoplasia, four dogs had abnormal splenic parenchyma (two nodular and two diffuse heterogeneity), and one dog had a normal attenuation of the spleen. In four dogs, the spleen was subjectively enlarged. Computed tomographic evaluation of the liver showed no consistent pattern associated with mast cell metastasis and did not predict cytology results. Multifocal splenic hypoattenuating lesions more commonly coincided with mast cell metastasis. Sampling of the liver and spleen remains to be considered in the absence of abnormal CT findings for full staging.
Reliability and Validity of the Ladder Agility Test Among Children
Authors: Smits-Engelsman Bouwien , Aertssen Wendy , Bonney Emmanuel 
Published: February 2019

Purpose: This study aimed (1) to evaluate the test–retest reliability of a new agility test among children and (2) to determine the physical performance and anthropometric variables that may influence agility performance in this population. Methods: For aim 1, participants (n = 34) completed the Ladder Agility Test (LAT) twice, with a 2-week interval between the first and second test occasions. For aim 2, participants (n = 125) were assessed on the LAT as well as other measures thought to be necessary for agility such as motor coordination, explosive power of the lower extremity, dynamic balance, age, and body mass index. Results: Intraclass correlation coefficient of the LAT total score was .94 (95% confidence interval, .88–.97). Cronbach alpha of .85 was found between the 4 test items. An R2 of .466 was found to represent the explained variance of the LAT total score by the predicting variables. Dynamic balance (2-legged side jumps) (P < .001), motor coordination (P < .01), and age (P < .06) were found to be the major predictors of the LAT total score. Conclusions: This study shows that the LAT is a reliable and valid field-based test that can be used to evaluate agility performance in children. Factors such as dynamic balance, motor coordination, and age may influence agility performance.
Wisdom of the caregivers: pooling individual subjective reports to diagnose states of consciousness in brain-injured patients, a monocentric prospective study
Authors: Hermann Bertrand , Goudard Gwen , Courcoux Karine , Valente Mélanie , Labat Sébastien , Despois Lucienne , Bourmaleau Julie , Richard-Gilis Louise , Faugeras Frédéric , Demeret Sophie , Sitt Jacobo D , Naccache Lionel , Rohaut Benjamin 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesThe clinical distinction between vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) and minimally conscious state (MCS) is a key step to elaborate a prognosis and formulate an appropriate medical plan for any patient suffering from disorders of consciousness (DoC). However, this assessment is often challenging and may require specialised expertise. In this study, we hypothesised that pooling subjective reports of the level of consciousness of a given patient across several nursing staff members can be used to clinically detect MCS.Setting and participantsPatients referred to consciousness assessment were prospectively screened. MCS (target condition) was defined according to the best Coma Recovery Scale-Revised score (CRS-R) obtained from expert physicians (reference standard). ‘DoC-feeling’ score was defined as the median of individual subjective reports pooled from multiple staff members during a week of hospitalisation (index test). Individual ratings were collected at the end of each shift using a 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale, blinded from the reference standard. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity metrics.Results692 ratings performed by 83 nursing staff members were collected from 47 patients. Twenty patients were diagnosed with UWS and 27 with MCS. DoC-feeling scores obtained by pooling all individual ratings obtained for a given patient were significantly greater in patients with MCS than with UWS (59.2 mm (IQR: 27.3–77.3) vs 7.2 mm (IQR: 2.4–11.4); p<0.001) yielding an AUC of 0.92 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.99).ConclusionsDoC-feeling capitalises on the expertise of nursing staff to evaluate patients’ consciousness. Together with the CRS-R as well as with brain imaging, DoC-feeling might improve diagnostic and prognostic accuracy of patients with DoC.
Adherence to no-cost oral contraceptives among active-duty servicewomen
Authors: Rottenstreich Misgav , Drukker Lior , Reichman Orna , Kedem Ron , Rottenstreich Amihai , Sela Hen Y 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the adherence to no-cost oral contraceptives (OC) among young single women and to identify factors associated with non-adherence.MethodsRetrospective cohort study included all single female soldiers who received free-of-charge OCs from military pharmacies in Israel between 2006 and 2015. Military pharmacies’ dispensing registries were queried to assess the number of OC packages dispensed. Women were included in the study if their service continued for a period of at least 12 months from the time of receiving their first OC pack. Study outcomes were twelve cycles medication possession ratio (MPR), which is defined as the number of OC packs dispensed over a 12-cycle period divided by 12, presented as a percentage, and factors associated with the OC MPR as evaluated by multivariable regression analysis.ResultsDuring the study period, there were 3 05 923 active servicewomen aged 18–24 years. A total of 82 203 (26.9%) women were dispensed at least one pack of OCs. The mean MPR was 51.8% (35.2%). Only 14% of women had good adherence (MPR ≥90%). Multivariate regression models showed that non-adherence (MPR <90%) was more common among servicewomen (adjusted OR (95% CI)): who failed to graduate from high school (1.9 (1.54–2.33)) and with combat or combat-support type of service (1.66 (1.30–2.13)). Other social/ethnic factors, including first-generation immigrant (1.13 (1.05–1.21)), sub-Saharan African origin (1.28 (1.04–1.58)), lower IQ scores (1.28 (1.22–1.34)) and combat-support type of service (1.22 (1.12–1.34)) were associated with non-adherence, but to smaller degrees. Neither income nor health status predicted adherence in this population receiving no-cost OCs.ConclusionsOverall, 12 cycles OC adherence was universally low among active servicewomen. Adherence demonstrated small, but significant, associations with sociodemographic factors, with the lowest levels of adherence predicted by low educational attainment and combat service.
Risk of cardiac and sudden death with and without revascularisation of a coronary chronic total occlusion
Authors: Godino Cosmo , Giannattasio Alessia , Scotti Andrea , Baldetti Luca , Pivato Carlo Andrea , Munafò Andrea , Cappelletti Alberto , Beneduce Alessandro , Melillo Francesco , Chiarito Mauro , Biondi Zoccai Giuseppe , Frati Giacomo , Fragasso Gabriele , Azzalini Lorenzo , Carlino Mauro , Montorfano Matteo , Margonato Alberto , Colombo Antonio 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term risk of cardiac death and sudden cardiac death (SCD) and/or sustained ventricular arrhythmias (SVAs) in patients with coronary chronic total occlusions (CTO) revascularised versus those with CTO not revascularised by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).MethodsFrom a cohort of 1357 CTO-PCI patients, 1162 patients who underwent CTO PCI attempt were included in this long-term analysis: 837 patients were revascularised by PCI (CTO-R group) and 325 were not revascularised (CTO-NR group). Primary adverse endpoint was the incidence of cardiac death; secondary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of SCD/SVAs.ResultsUp to 12-year follow-up (median 6 year), compared with CTO-R patients, those with CTO-NR had significantly higher rate of cardiac death (13%[43/325]vs6%[48/837]; p<0.001) and SCD/SVAs (7.5%[24/325]vs2.5%[20/837]; p<0.001). The risk of cardiac death and SCD/SVAs was mainly driven by the subgroup of infarct-related artery (IRA) CTO patients and was significantly higher only in IRA CTO-NR patients (18%vs7%, p<0.001, 14%vs5%, p=0.001; IRA CTO-NR vs IRA CTO-R, respectively). At multivariable Cox hazards regression analysis, CTO-NR remains one of the strongest independent predictors of higher risk of cardiac death and of SCD/SVAs in the overall population and in IRA CTO patients.ConclusionsAt long-term follow-up, patients with CTO not revascularised by PCI had worse outcomes compared with those with CTO revascularised, with >2-fold risk of cardiac death and threefold risk of SCD/SVAs. The presence of an infarct-related artery (IRA CTO) not revascularised identified the category of patients with the highest rate of adverse events .
Ethical considerations on the complicity of psychologists and scientists in torture
Authors: Evans Nicholas Greig , Sisti D A , Moreno J D 
Published: February 2019

IntroductionThe long-standing debate on medical complicity in torture has overlooked the complicity of cognitive scientists—psychologists, psychiatrists and neuroscientists—in the practice of torture as a distinct phenomenon. In this paper, we identify the risk of the re-emergence of torture as a practice in the USA, and the complicity of cognitive scientists in these practices.MethodsWe review arguments for physician complicity in torture. We argue that these defences fail to defend the complicity of cognitive scientists. We address objections to our account, and then provide recommendations for professional associations in resisting complicity in torture.ResultsArguments for cognitive scientist complicity in torture fail when those actions stem from the same reasons as physician complicity. Cognitive scientist involvement in the torture programme has, from the outset, been focused on the outcomes of interrogation rather than supportive care. Any possibility of a therapeutic relationship between cognitive therapists and detainees is fatally undermined by therapists’ complicity with torture.ConclusionProfessional associations ought to strengthen their commitment to refraining from engaging in any aspect of torture. They should also move to protect whistle-blowers against torture programmes who are members of their association. If the political institutions that are supposed to prevent the practice of torture are not strengthened, cognitive scientists should take collective action to compel intelligence agencies to refrain from torture.
Effects of HIV-1 gp120 and TAT-derived microvesicles on endothelial cell function
Authors: Hijmans Jamie G. , Stockelman Kelly , Levy Ma’ayan , Brewster L. Madden , Bammert Tyler D. , Greiner Jared J. , Connick Elizabeth , DeSouza Christopher A. 
Published: February 2019

The aims of this study were twofold. The first was to determine if human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 glycoprotein (gp) 120 and transactivator of transcription (Tat) stimulate the release of endothelial microvesicles (EMVs). The second was to determine whether viral protein-induced EMVs are deleterious to endothelial cell function (inducing endothelial cell inflammation, oxidative stress, senescence and increasing apoptotic susceptibility). Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were treated with recombinant HIV-1 proteins Bal gp120 (R5), Lav gp120 (X4), or Tat. EMVs released in response to each viral protein were isolated and quantified. Fresh HAECs were treated with EMVs generated under control conditions and from each of the viral protein conditions for 24 h. EMV release was higher ( P < 0.05) in HAECs treated with R5 (141 ± 21 MV/µl),X4 (132 ± 20 MV/µl), and Tat (130 ± 20 MV/µl) compared with control (61 ± 13 MV/µl). Viral protein EMVs induced significantly higher endothelial cell release of proinflammatory cytokines and expression of cell adhesion molecules than control. Reactive oxygen species production was more pronounced ( P < 0.05) in the R5-, X4- and Tat-EMV-treated cells. In addition, viral protein-stimulated EMVs significantly augmented endothelial cell senescence and apoptotic susceptibility. Concomitant with these functional changes, viral protein-stimulated EMVs disrupted cell expression of micro-RNAs 34a, 126, 146a, 181b, 221, and miR-Let-7a ( P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that HIV-1 gp120 and Tat stimulate microvesicle release from endothelial cells, and these microvesicles confer pathological effects on endothelial cells by inducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and senescence as well as enhancing susceptibility to apoptosis. Viral protein-generated EMVs may contribute to the increased risk of vascular disease in patients with HIV-1.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-related proteins glycoprotein (gp) 120 and transactivator of transcription (Tat)-mediated endothelial damage and dysfunction are poorly understood. Endothelial microvesicles (EMVs) serve as indicators and potent mediators of endothelial dysfunction. In the present study we determined if HIV-1 R5- and X4-tropic gp120 and Tat stimulate EMV release in vitro and if viral protein-induced EMVs are deleterious to endothelial cell function. gp120 and Tat induced a marked increase in EMV release. Viral protein-induced EMVs significantly increased endothelial cell inflammation, oxidative stress, senescence, and apoptotic susceptibility in vitro. gp120- and Tat-derived EMVs promote a proinflammatory, pro-oxidative, prosenescent, and proapoptotic endothelial phenotype and may contribute to the endothelial damage and dysfunction associated with gp120 and Tat.
Trends in Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Types 16 and 18 in Cervical Precancers, 2008–2014
Authors: McClung Nancy M. , Gargano Julia W. , Bennett Nancy M. , Niccolai Linda M. , Abdullah Nasreen , Griffin Marie R. , Park Ina U. , Cleveland Angela A. , Querec Troy D. , Unger Elizabeth R. , Markowitz Lauri E. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background:
The impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has been observed in the United States through declining cervical precancer incidence in young women. To further evaluate vaccine impact, we described trends in HPV vaccine types 16/18 in cervical precancers, 2008–2014.

Methods:
We analyzed data from a 5-site, population-based surveillance system. Archived specimens from women age 18–39 years diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2–3 or adenocarcinoma in situ (CIN2+) were tested for 37 HPV types. We described the proportion and estimated number of cases of CIN2+ by HPV-type groups over time. Trends in HPV16/18-positive CIN2+ were examined, overall and by vaccination status, age, histologic grade, and race/ethnicity, using Cochrane–Armitage tests.

Results:
In 10,206 cases, the proportion and estimated number of cases of HPV16/18-positive CIN2+ declined from 52.7% (1,235 cases) in 2008 to 44.1% (819 cases) in 2014 (P &lt; 0.001). Declining trends in the proportion of HPV16/18-positive CIN2+ were observed among vaccinated (55.2%–33.3%, P &lt; 0.001) and unvaccinated (51.0%–47.3%, P = 0.03) women; ages 18–20 (48.7%–18.8%, P = 0.02), 21–24 (53.8%–44.0%, P &lt; 0.001), 25–29 (56.9%–42.4%, P &lt; 0.001), and 30–34 (49.8%–45.8%, P = 0.04) years; CIN2 (40.8%–29.9%, P &lt; 0.001) and CIN2/3 (61.8%–46.2%, P &lt; 0.001); non-Hispanic white (59.5%–47.9%, P &lt; 0.001) and non-Hispanic black (40.7%–26.5%, P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions:
From 2008–2014, the proportion of HPV16/18-positive CIN2+ declined, with the greatest declines in vaccinated women; declines in unvaccinated women suggest herd protection.

Impact:
The declining proportion of HPV16/18-positive CIN2+ provides additional evidence of vaccine impact in the United States.
NT-proBNP (N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide) and the Risk of Stroke
Authors: Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Veronesi Giovanni , Costanzo Simona , Zeller Tanja , Schnabel Renate B. , de Curtis Amalia , Salomaa Veikko , Borchini Rossana , Ferrario Marco , Giampaoli Simona , Kee Frank , Söderberg Stefan , Niiranen Teemu , Kuulasmaa Kari , de Gaetano Giovanni , Donati Maria Benedetta , Blankenberg Stefan , Iacoviello Licia ,   on behalf of the BiomarCaRE Investigators
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose—
NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation and a marker of cardiac function used in the detection of heart failure. Given the link between cardiac dysfunction and stroke, NT-proBNP is a candidate marker of stroke risk. Our aim was to evaluate the association of NT-proBNP with stroke and to determine the predictive value beyond a panel of established risk factors.

Methods—
Based on the Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Europe-Consortium, we analyzed data of 58 173 participants (50% men; mean age 52 y) free of stroke from 6 community-based cohorts. NT-proBNP measurements were performed in the central Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Europe laboratory. The outcomes considered were total stroke and subtypes of stroke (ischemic/hemorrhagic).

Results—

During a median follow-up time of 7.9 years, we observed 1550 stroke events (1176 ischemic). Increasing quarters of the NT-proBNP distribution were associated with increasing risk of stroke (
P
for trend <0.0001; multivariable Cox regression analysis adjusted for risk factors and cardiac diseases). Individuals in the highest NT-proBNP quarter (NT-proBNP >82.2 pg/mL) had 2-fold (95% CI, 75%–151%) greater risk of stroke than individuals in the lowest quarter (NT-proBNP <20.4 pg/mL). The association remained unchanged when adjusted for interim coronary events during follow-up, and though it was somewhat heterogeneous across cohorts, it was highly homogenous according to cardiovascular risk profile or subtypes of stroke. The addition of NT-proBNP to a reference model increased the C-index discrimination measure by 0.006 (
P
=0.0005), yielded a categorical net reclassification improvement of 2.0% in events and 1.4% in nonevents and an integrated discrimination improvement of 0.007.

Conclusions—
In European individuals free of stroke, levels of NT-proBNP are positively associated with risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, independently from several other risk factors and conditions. The addition of NT-proBNP to variables of established risk scores improves prediction of stroke, with a medium effect size.
Impact of Soil Moisture Data Resolution on Soil Moisture and Surface Heat Flux Estimates through Data Assimilation: A Case Study in the Southern Great Plains
Authors: Lu Yang , Dong Jianzhi , Steele-Dunne Susan C. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The spatial heterogeneity and temporal variation of soil moisture and surface heat fluxes are key to many geophysical and environmental studies. It has been demonstrated that they can be mapped by assimilating soil thermal and wetness information into surface energy balance models. The aim of this work is to determine whether enhancing the spatial resolution or temporal sampling frequency of soil moisture data could improve soil moisture or surface heat flux estimates. Two experiments are conducted in an area mainly covered by grassland, and land surface temperature (LST) observations from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) mission are assimilated together with either an enhanced L-band passive soil moisture product (9 km, 2–3 days) from the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission or a merged product (36 km, quasi-daily) from the SMAP and the Soil Moisture Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission. The results suggest that the availability of soil moisture observations is increased by 41% after merging data from the SMAP and the SMOS missions. A comparison with results from a previous study that assimilated a coarser SMAP soil moisture product (36 km, 2–3 days) suggests that enhancing the temporal sampling frequency of soil moisture observations leads to improved soil moisture estimates at both the surface and root zone, and the largest improvement is seen in the bias metric (0.008 and 0.007 m3 m−3 on average at the surface and root zone, respectively). Enhancing the spatial resolution, however, does not significantly improve soil moisture estimates, particularly at the surface. Surface heat flux estimates from assimilating soil moisture data of different spatial or temporal resolutions are very similar.
Validation of a Pictorial Survey Tool to Measure Time Use in an African Urban Setting
Authors: Schwartz Lauren M. , Mutanga Jane , Kakaire Robert , Davis-Olwell Paula , Handel Andreas , Sekandi Juliet , Halloran M. Elizabeth , Kiwanuka Noah , Zalwango Sarah , Whalen Christopher C. 
Published: February 2019

Background: Disease often depends on how a host interacts with his or her environment. This interaction is important for respiratory infectious diseases, where built environments may promote transmission. To learn about time use, or the amount of time people spend in a day doing various activities, in sub-Saharan Africa may be difficult because of low literacy and different cultural perceptions of time. We developed a culturally appropriate survey tool to measure time use called the mweso game. Method: Three cross-sectional studies were performed among adults in Kampala, Uganda, to evaluate criterion and construct validity and to assess reliability of the mweso game. The mweso game was compared to actual elapsed time, a detailed 24-hr recall survey, and between three different recall periods. In all analyses, the mean number of beads, or hours, was calculated; Pearson correlation coefficients and Cronbach’s α were estimated. Results: Criterion validity for the use of beads to measure time was fair; mean values tended to be accurate, but there was variability in estimates of time across participants. When comparing the mweso game to the 24-hr recall survey, construct validity was very good. For most of the settings, the difference between measurements was less than one hour; there was good to excellent correlation for most settings. Reliability and internal consistency were best for time use at home and work. Conclusions: We have developed the mweso game as an instrument to measure time use in the context of low literacy and different cultural perceptions of time. The mweso game was valid and reliable, especially for measuring time use at home and work. With further validation, it may prove useful in measuring time use and in studying its relation to transmission of respiratory infectious diseases.