bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary blood volume index as a quantitative biomarker of haemodynamic congestion in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ricci Fabrizio , Aung Nay , Thomson Ross , Boubertakh Redha , Camaioni Claudia , Doimo Sara , Sanghvi Mihir M , Fung Kenneth , Khanji Mohammed Y , Lee Aaron , Malcolmson James , Mantini Cesare , Paiva José , Gallina Sabina , Fedorowski Artur , Mohiddin Saidi A , Aquaro Giovanni Donato , Petersen Steffen E 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Aims
The non-invasive assessment of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function and filling pressure in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is still an open issue. Pulmonary blood volume index (PBVI) by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has been proposed as a quantitative biomarker of haemodynamic congestion. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of PBVI for left atrial pressure (LAP) estimation in patients with HCM.

Methods and results
We retrospectively identified 69 consecutive HCM outpatients (age 58 ± 11 years; 83% men) who underwent both transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and CMR. Guideline-based detection of LV diastolic dysfunction was assessed by TTE, blinded to CMR results. PBVI was calculated as the product of right ventricular stroke volume index and the number of cardiac cycles for a bolus of gadolinium to pass through the pulmonary circulation as assessed by first-pass perfusion imaging. Compared to patients with normal LAP, patients with increased LAP showed significantly larger PBVI (463 ± 127 vs. 310 ± 86 mL/m2, P < 0.001). PBVI increased progressively with worsening New York Heart Association functional class and echocardiographic stages of diastolic dysfunction (P < 0.001 for both). At the best cut-off point of 413 mL/m2, PBVI yielded good diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis of LV diastolic dysfunction with increased LAP [C-statistic = 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.73–0.94]. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, PBVI was an independent predictor of increased LAP (odds ratio per 10% increase: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.06–3.68; P = 0.03).

Conclusion
PBVI is a promising CMR application for assessment of diastolic function and LAP in patients with HCM and may serve as a quantitative marker for detection, grading, and monitoring of haemodynamic congestion.
Cardiovascular risk scoring and magnetic resonance imaging detected subclinical cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Anand Sonia S , Tu Jack V , Desai Dipika , Awadalla Phillip , Robson Paula , Jacquemont Sébastien , Dummer Trevor , Le Nhu , Parker Louise , Poirier Paul , Teo Koon , Lear Scott A , Yusuf Salim , Tardif Jean-Claude , Marcotte Francois , Busseuil David , Després Jean-Pierre , Black Sandra E , Kirpalani Anish , Parraga Grace , Noseworthy Michael D , Dick Alexander , Leipsic Jonathan , Kelton David , Vena Jennifer , Thomas Melissa , Schulze Karleen M , Larose Eric , Moody Alan R , Smith Eric E , Friedrich Matthias G 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Aims
Cardiovascular risk factors are used for risk stratification in primary prevention. We sought to determine if simple cardiac risk scores are associated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected subclinical cerebrovascular disease including carotid wall volume (CWV), carotid intraplaque haemorrhage (IPH), and silent brain infarction (SBI).

Methods and results
A total of 7594 adults with no history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) underwent risk factor assessment and a non-contrast enhanced MRI of the carotid arteries and brain using a standardized protocol in a population-based cohort recruited between 2014 and 2018. The non-lab-based INTERHEART risk score (IHRS) was calculated in all participants; the Framingham Risk Score was calculated in a subset who provided blood samples (n = 3889). The association between these risk scores and MRI measures of CWV, carotid IPH, and SBI was determined. The mean age of the cohort was 58 (8.9) years, 55% were women. Each 5-point increase (∼1 SD) in the IHRS was associated with a 9 mm3 increase in CWV, adjusted for sex (P &lt; 0.0001), a 23% increase in IPH [95% confidence interval (CI) 9–38%], and a 32% (95% CI 20–45%) increase in SBI. These associations were consistent for lacunar and non-lacunar brain infarction. The Framingham Risk Score was also significantly associated with CWV, IPH, and SBI. CWV was additive and independent to the risk scores in its association with IPH and SBI.

Conclusion
Simple cardiovascular risk scores are significantly associated with the presence of MRI-detected subclinical cerebrovascular disease, including CWV, IPH, and SBI in an adult population without known clinical CVD.
Causal association between periodontitis and hypertension: evidence from Mendelian randomization and a randomized controlled trial of non-surgical periodontal therapy
Authors: Czesnikiewicz-Guzik Marta , Osmenda Grzegorz , Siedlinski Mateusz , Nosalski Richard , Pelka Piotr , Nowakowski Daniel , Wilk Grzegorz , Mikolajczyk Tomasz P , Schramm-Luc Agata , Furtak Aneta , Matusik Pawel , Koziol Joanna , Drozdz Miroslaw , Munoz-Aguilera Eva , Tomaszewski Maciej , Evangelou Evangelos , Caulfield Mark , Grodzicki Tomasz , D'Aiuto Francesco , Guzik Tomasz J 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimsInflammation is an important driver of hypertension. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease, which could provide a mechanism for pro-hypertensive immune activation, but evidence of a causal relationship in humans is scarce. We aimed to investigate the nature of the association between periodontitis and hypertension.Methods and resultsWe performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis in the ∼750 000 UK-Biobank/International Consortium of Blood Pressure-Genome-Wide Association Studies participants using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SIGLEC5, DEFA1A3, MTND1P5, and LOC107984137 loci GWAS-linked to periodontitis, to ascertain their effect on blood pressure (BP) estimates. This demonstrated a significant relationship between periodontitis-linked SNPs and BP phenotypes. We then performed a randomized intervention trial on the effects of treatment of periodontitis on BP. One hundred and one hypertensive patients with moderate/severe periodontitis were randomized to intensive periodontal treatment (IPT; sub- and supragingival scaling/chlorhexidine; n = 50) or control periodontal treatment (CPT; supragingival scaling; n = 51) with mean ambulatory 24-h (ABPM) systolic BP (SBP) as primary outcome. Intensive periodontal treatment improved periodontal status at 2 months, compared to CPT. This was accompanied by a substantial reduction in mean SBP in IPT compared to the CPT (mean difference of −11.1 mmHg; 95% CI 6.5–15.8; P &lt; 0.001). Systolic BP reduction was correlated to periodontal status improvement. Diastolic BP and endothelial function (flow-mediated dilatation) were also improved by IPT. These cardiovascular changes were accompanied by reductions in circulating IFN-γ and IL-6 as well as activated (CD38+) and immunosenescent (CD57+CD28null) CD8+T cells, previously implicated in hypertension.ConclusionA causal relationship between periodontitis and BP was observed providing proof of concept for development of clinical trial in a large cohort of hypertensive patients. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02131922.
Differences in US antibiotic prescription use by facility and patient characteristics: evidence from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey
Authors: Depew Rebekka E , Gonzales Gilbert 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundAntibiotic resistance is increasing, largely due to the overuse of antibiotics. Patient demographic characteristics can influence rates of antibiotic prescription, but less research has assessed the role of facility-level characteristics.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of antibiotic prescriptions for viral-like illness, as well as patient and provider factors that influence antibiotic prescription practices.MethodsWe conducted an observational cohort study using data from the 2012 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. We compared the prevalence of antibiotic prescription for all aetiologies and for viral-like illnesses between community health centres, non-community health centre clinics and emergency departments. Then, we used logistic regression models to compare the odds of antibiotic prescription use by facility and patient characteristics.ResultsData came from 630 community health centre visits, 857 non-community health centre outpatient clinic visits and 627 emergency department visits. Compared to patients visiting non-community health centre clinics, patients visiting community health centres and emergency departments for any aetiology were more likely to receive antibiotic prescriptions. Patients with viral-like illnesses were less likely to receive antibiotics at community health centres and exhibited similar odds of receiving antibiotics at emergency departments. Certain patient demographics (age, race/ethnicity and payment source) were associated with variation in overall antibiotic prescription, but these factors were mostly unassociated with antibiotic prescription for viral-like illnesses.ConclusionsThe care setting that patients visit may influence their odds of receiving antibiotics. Initiatives addressing overuse of antibiotics should be mindful of facility- and patient-based characteristics when designing interventions.
Air pollution: the emergence of a major global health risk factor
Authors: Boogaard Hanna , Walker Katherine , Cohen Aaron J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Air pollution is now recognized by governments, international institutions and civil society as a major global public health risk factor. This is the result of the remarkable growth of scientific knowledge enabled by advances in epidemiology and exposure assessment. There is now a broad scientific consensus that exposure to air pollution increases mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular and respiratory disease and lung cancer and shortens life expectancy. Although air pollution has markedly declined in high-income countries, it was still responsible for some 4.9 million deaths in 2017, largely in low- and middle-income countries, where air pollution has increased over the past 25 y. As governments act to reduce air pollution there is a continuing need for research to strengthen the evidence on disease risk at very low and very high levels of air pollution, identify the air pollution sources most responsible for disease burden and assess the public health effectiveness of actions taken to improve air quality.
Evaluation of Palpable Breast Abnormalities
Authors: Dodelzon Katerina , Katzen Janine T 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
A palpable breast abnormality is one of the most common presenting clinical breast complaints. Although the majority of palpable abnormalities are benign, they are among the most common presenting symptoms of breast cancer, and those breast cancers detected symptomatically tend to have poorer prognosis than their screen-detected counterparts. Clinical breast examination is a vital part of the workup of palpable abnormalities. However, as physical exam features of most masses are not reliable for categorization of malignancy, imaging evaluation is necessary. Choice of imaging modality, which includes diagnostic mammography and breast ultrasound, is dependent upon patient age. Ultrasound is the primary imaging modality for evaluation of palpable masses in women younger than 30 years of age because of its high negative predictive value and sensitivity and lack of ionizing radiation. For women aged 30–39 years, ultrasound or mammography can be performed as the initial imaging evaluation, with ultrasound maintaining a high sensitivity in women younger than 40 years old. Mammography, often followed by ultrasound, is the recommended imaging evaluation sequence for women aged 40 and older. Utilization of advanced imaging modalities for evaluation of the palpable area of concern is not supported by evidence.
Trans-generational effects in the clonal invader Alternanthera philoxeroides
Authors: Portela Rubén , Dong Bi-Cheng , Yu Fei-Hai , Barreiro Rodolfo , Roiloa Sergio R , Silva Matos Dalva M 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimsRecent studies have revealed heritable phenotypic plasticity through vegetative generations. In this sense, changes in gene regulation induced by the environment, such as DNA methylation (i.e. epigenetic changes), can result in reversible plastic responses being transferred to the offspring generations. This trans-generational plasticity is expected to be especially relevant in clonal plants, since reduction of sexual reproduction can decrease the potential for adaptation through genetic variation. Many of the most aggressive plant invaders are clonal, and clonality has been suggested as key to explain plant invasiveness. Here we aim to determine whether trans-generational effects occur in the clonal invader Alternanthera philoxeroides, and whether such effects differ between populations from native and non-native ranges.MethodsIn a common garden experiment, parent plants of A. philoxeroides from populations collected in Brazil (native range) and Iberian Peninsula (non-native range) were grown in high and low soil nutrient conditions, and offspring plants were transplanted to control conditions with high nutrients. To test the potential role of DNA methylation on trans-generational plasticity, half of the parent plants were treated with the demethylating agent, 5-azacytidine.Important FindingsTrans-generational effects were observed both in populations from the native and the non-native ranges. Interestingly, trans-generational effects occurred on growth variables (number of ramets, stem mass, root mass and total mass) in the population from the native range, but on biomass partitioning in the population from the non-native range. Trans-generational effects of the population from the native range may be explained by a ‘silver-spoon’ effect, whereas those of the population from the non-native range could be explained by epigenetic transmission due to DNA methylation. Our study highlights the importance of trans-generational effects on the growth of a clonal plant, which could help to understand the mechanisms underlying expansion success of many clonal plants.
Hepatitis C Virus Screening Among Adolescents Attending a Drug Rehabilitation Center
Authors: Fernandes Neil Dominic , Banik Swagata , Abughali Nazha , Sthapit Bonisha , Abdullah Neelab , Fragassi Philip 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has a strong association with intravenous drug use (IVDU). IVDU is a growing public health concern, even in the adolescent population. To our knowledge, there are no published HCV screening studies targeting high-risk adolescents who attend drug rehabilitation centers.
This study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of HCV infection utilizing point-of-care (POC) testing at an adolescent drug rehabilitation center and gain a preliminary understanding of the acceptance rate for HCV screening in this high-risk population.

Methods
This single-center, observational study was conducted at a major drug rehabilitation center in northeast Ohio from July 2016 to June 2017. The consented adolescents who presented at the center were recruited to participate in HCV screening. The participants were administered a survey to assess their demographics and risk behavior profile followed by HCV testing utilizing a POC test.

Results
During the study period, 150 adolescents were admitted to the drug rehabilitation center, of whom 100 were approached and 85 agreed to participate. Forty percent of the participants (34/85) were females, and 78% (66/85) were white. HCV prevalence among participants was 5% (4/85), all of whom were females. History of heroin use was reported by 15% (13/85) and it was associated with HCV seropositivity; 100% (4/4) of all HCV-positive individuals reported the use of heroin vs only 11% (9/81) of HCV-negative individuals (P = .0004).

Conclusions
Our study showed a high prevalence of HCV among adolescents attending a drug rehabilitation center with high acceptance of POC HCV testing.
Mischievous gastric band port: a rare and delayed presentation
Authors: Gosavi Rathin , Balalis George , Packiyanathan Andrew 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Bowel perforation is a rare and unusual complication of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) insertion, which if left undiagnosed can have potentially fatal consequences. We present the first case ever published of a delayed presentation of small-bowel perforation secondary to a laparoscopic port insertion. A young woman presented to Emergency Department with intermittent vague abdominal pain for 5 months, on the background of having a LAGB inserted 4 years prior. She was subsequently found to have a small-bowel perforation with mesenteric adhesions to a laparoscopic port site. The patient underwent a successful small-bowel resection with primary anastomosis and made an uneventful recovery.
Talaromyces atroroseus in HIV and non-HIV patient: A first report from Indonesia
Authors: Surja Sem Samuel , Adawiyah Robiatul , Houbraken Jos , Rozaliyani Anna , Sjam Ridhawati , Yunihastuti Evy , Wahyuningsih Retno 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
We performed morphology, molecular study and antifungal susceptibility test on 10 Talaromyces sp. isolates: eight clinical isolates (human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and non-HIV-patient) and two isolates from rats. All strains produced red soluble pigment and microscopically showed Penicillium-like structure in room temperature and yeast-like structure in 37°C. Based on molecular analysis, nine isolates were identified as Talaromyces atroroseus (including the isolates from rats) and one as T. marneffei. Our susceptibility result of T. marneffei supports the use of amphotericin B, itraconazole for talaromycosis marneffei management. Talaromyces atroroseus showed variable MIC to echinocandin, azole derivatives, 5-flucytosine and amphotericin B.
The propagation of choked jet outflows in power-law external media
Authors: Irwin Christopher M , Nakar Ehud , Piran Tsvi 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT
Observations of both gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and active galactic nuclei (AGNs) point to the idea that some relativistic jets are suffocated by their environment before we observe them. In these ‘choked’ jets, all the jet’s kinetic energy is transferred into a hot and narrow cocoon of near-uniform pressure. We consider the evolution of an elongated, axisymmetric cocoon formed by a choked jet as it expands into a cold power-law ambient medium ρ ∝ R−α, in the case where the shock is decelerating (α < 3). The evolution proceeds in three stages, with two breaks in behaviour: the first occurs once the outflow has doubled its initial width, and the second once it has doubled its initial height. Using the Kompaneets approximation, we derive analytical formulae for the shape of the cocoon shock, and obtain approximate expressions for the height and width of the outflow versus time in each of the three dynamical regimes. The asymptotic behaviour is different for shallow ($\alpha \leq 2$) and steep (2 < α < 3) density profiles. Comparing the analytical model to numerical simulations, we find agreement to within ∼15 per cent out to 45 deg from the axis, but discrepancies of a factor of 2–3 near the equator. The shape of the cocoon shock can be measured directly in AGNs, and is also expected to affect the early light from failed GRB jets. Observational constraints on the shock geometry provide a useful diagnostic of the jet properties, even long after jet activity ceases.
The dichotomy of dark matter fraction and total mass density slope of galaxies over five dex in mass
Authors: Tortora C , Posti L , Koopmans L V E , Napolitano N R 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWe analyse the mass density distribution in the centres of galaxies across five orders of magnitude in mass range. Using high-quality spiral galaxy rotation curves and infrared photometry from SPARC, we conduct a systematic study of their central dark matter (DM) fraction (fDM) and their mass density slope (α), within their effective radius. We show that lower mass spiral galaxies are more DM dominated and have more shallow mass density slopes when compared with more massive galaxies, which have density profiles closer to isothermal. Low-mass (${M_{*}}\lesssim 10^{10}\, {\mathrm{M}_\odot}$) gas-rich spirals span a wide range of fDM values, but systematically lower than in gas-poor systems of similar mass. With increasing galaxy mass, the values of fDM decrease and the density profiles steepen. In the most massive late-type gas-poor galaxies, a possible flattening of these trends is observed. When comparing these results to massive (${M_{*}}\gtrsim 10^{10}\, {\mathrm{M}_\odot}$) elliptical galaxies from SPIDER and to dwarf ellipticals (dEs) from SMACKED, these trends result to be inverted. Hence, the values of both fDM and α, as a function of M*, exhibit a U-shape trend. At a fixed stellar mass, the mass density profiles in dEs are steeper than in spirals. These trends can be understood by stellar feedback from a more prolonged star formation period in spirals, causing a transformation of the initial steep density cusp to a more shallow profile via differential feedback efficiency by supernovae, and by galaxy mergers or AGN feedback in higher mass galaxies.
Novel ribozymes: discovery, catalytic mechanisms, and the quest to understand biological function
Authors: Weinberg Christina E , Weinberg Zasha , Hammann Christian 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSmall endonucleolytic ribozymes promote the self-cleavage of their own phosphodiester backbone at a specific linkage. The structures of and the reactions catalysed by members of individual families have been studied in great detail in the past decades. In recent years, bioinformatics studies have uncovered a considerable number of new examples of known catalytic RNA motifs. Importantly, entirely novel ribozyme classes were also discovered, for most of which both structural and biochemical information became rapidly available. However, for the majority of the new ribozymes, which are found in the genomes of a variety of species, a biological function remains elusive. Here, we concentrate on the different approaches to find catalytic RNA motifs in sequence databases. We summarize the emerging principles of RNA catalysis as observed for small endonucleolytic ribozymes. Finally, we address the biological functions of those ribozymes, where relevant information is available and common themes on their cellular activities are emerging. We conclude by speculating on the possibility that the identification and characterization of proteins that we hypothesize to be endogenously associated with catalytic RNA might help in answering the ever-present question of the biological function of the growing number of genomically encoded, small endonucleolytic ribozymes.