bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and validation of an analytical approach for high-throughput metabolomic fingerprinting using direct introduction–high-resolution mass spectrometry: Applicability to classification of urine of scrapie-infected ewes
Authors: Rathahao-Paris Estelle , Alves Sandra , Boussaid Nawel , Picard-Hagen Nicole , Gayrard Véronique , Toutain Pierre-Louis , Tabet Jean-Claude , Rutledge Douglas N , Paris Alain 
Published: October 2018

Direct injection–mass spectrometry can be used to perform high-throughput metabolomic fingerprinting. This work aims to evaluate a global analytical workflow in terms of sample preparation (urine sample dilution), high-resolution detection (quality of generated data based on criteria such as mass measurement accuracy and detection sensitivity) and data analysis using dedicated bioinformatics tools. Investigation was performed on a large number of biological samples collected from sheep infected or not with scrapie. Direct injection–mass spectrometry approach is usually affected by matrix effects, eventually hampering detection of some relevant biomarkers. Reference compounds were spiked in biological samples to help evaluate the quality of direct injection–mass spectrometry data produced by Fourier Transform mass spectrometry. Despite the potential of high-resolution detection, some drawbacks still remain. The most critical is the presence of matrix effects, which could be minimized by optimizing the sample dilution factor. The data quality in terms of mass measurement accuracy and reproducible intensity was evaluated. Good repeatability was obtained for the chosen dilution factor (i.e., 2000). More than 150 analyses were performed in less than 16 hours using the optimized direct injection–mass spectrometry approach. Discrimination of different status of sheeps in relation to scrapie infection (i.e., scrapie-affected, preclinical scrapie or healthy) was obtained from the application of Shrinkage Discriminant Analysis to the direct injection–mass spectrometry data. The most relevant variables related to this discrimination were selected and annotated. This study demonstrated that the choice of appropriated dilution faction is indispensable for producing quality and informative direct injection–mass spectrometry data. Successful application of direct injection–mass spectrometry approach for high throughput analysis of a large number of biological samples constitutes the proof of the concept.
Prevalence of childhood asthma in US military and non-military families: Comparisons by rural–urban residence and geographic region
Authors: McDaniel Justin T , McDermott Robert J , Martinasek Mary P , White Robin M 
Published: October 2018

Objective We sought to determine variables associated with asthma among children from military and non-military families. Methods We performed secondary data analysis on the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Parents with and without military experience ( n = 61,079) were asked whether a child ever had asthma and currently has asthma. We used two multiple logistic regression models to determine the influence of rurality and geographic region on “ever” and “current” asthma in children of military and non-military families, while controlling for socio-demographic and behavioral variables. Results Overall childhood asthma prevalence for children in military families was lower than non-military families (ever, 9.7% vs. 12.9%; currently, 6.2% vs. 8.2%) in 2016. However, multiple logistic regression showed variation in “ever” and “current” asthma among children of military and non-military families by rurality and race. Discussion Developers of public health asthma interventions should consider targeting African-American children of military families living in urban areas. This population is approximately twice as likely to have asthma as Caucasian children of non-military families.
Improving the quality of operation notes with electronic proformas
Authors: Whiting Danielle , Mohamed Mohamed 
Published: October 2018

Introduction Surgeons must ensure operative notes are legible and sufficiently detailed, outlined by 21 criteria in Good Surgical Practice guidelines (2014). Our aim was to introduce an electronic operating proforma to improve quality of operation notes. Methods Two audits were performed six months apart, after an education session and introduction of an electronic operating proforma, assessing adherence to the guidelines. Results were compared and analysed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Results In both audits, notes for 187 operations performed over a two-week period were studied. In the first audit, six of the 21 criteria were recorded in ≥95% of operation notes, improving to nine in the second audit. In the second audit cycle, two subgroups were analysed, non-proforma (n = 30) and proforma (n = 157). In the proforma subgroup, 15 criteria were recorded in ≥95% of operation notes. Conclusion Quality of operation notes can be significantly improved by using a combination of education, electronic proformas and avoiding handwritten notes.
Predictors of LDL-cholesterol target value attainment differ in acute and chronic coronary heart disease patients: Results from DYSIS II Europe
Authors: Ferrieres Jean , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria , Hermans Michel P. , Elisaf Moses , Toth Peter P. , Horack Martin , Brudi Philippe , Lautsch Dominik , Bash Lori D. , Baxter Carl A. , Ashton Veronica , Ambegaonkar Baishali , Gitt Anselm K. 
Published: October 2018

Background Patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and survivors of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are at very high risk for adverse cardiovascular events. Lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) can reduce the risk, with effective lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) readily available; however, dyslipidemia remains prevalent throughout Europe. Design The observational Dyslipidemia International Study II (DYSIS II) aimed to identify unmet treatment needs in adult ACS and CHD patients. Data for the seven participating European countries are presented herein. Methods The study was carried out from December 2012 to November 2014. Use of LLT and attainment of European-guideline-recommended LDL-C targets were assessed. For ACS patients, changes in lipid levels and LLT were evaluated 4 months post-hospitalization. Results Of the 4344 patients enrolled, 2946 were attending a physician visit for the assessment of stable CHD, while 1398 had been hospitalized for an ACS event. In both patient sets, mean LDL-C levels were high (89.5 and 112.5 mg/dl, respectively) and <70 mg/dl target attainment extremely poor. The mean daily statin dosage (normalized to atorvastatin potency) was 27 ± 20 mg for CHD and 22 ± 17 mg for ACS patients. Treatment was intensified slightly for ACS subjects after hospitalization, with the dosage reaching 35 ± 24 mg/day. LDL-C target attainment was higher by the end of the 4-month follow up (30.9% and 41.5% for patients on LLT and without LLT at baseline, respectively; p < 0.05). Conclusion Elevated blood cholesterol levels are highly prevalent across Europe, with low numbers of coronary patients reaching their recommended LDL-C target. While use of LLT is widespread, there is significant scope for intensifying treatment.
Tobacco smoking and the risk of heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Aune Dagfinn , Schlesinger Sabrina , Norat Teresa , Riboli Elio 
Published: October 2018

Background We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the association between smoking and the risk of developing heart failure. Methods PubMed and Embase databases were searched up to 24 July 2018. Prospective studies were included if they reported adjusted relative risk (RR) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of heart failure associated with smoking. Summary RRs and 95% CIs were estimated using a random effects model. Results Twenty-six studies were included. The summary RR was 1.75 (95% CI: 1.54–1.99, I2 = 81%, n = 10) for current smokers, 1.16 (95% CI: 1.08–1.24, I2 = 51%, n = 9) for former smokers, and 1.44 (1.34–1.55, I2 = 83%, n = 10) for ever smokers compared with never smokers. The summary RR was 1.41 (95% CI: 1.01–1.96, I2 = 82%, n = 2) per 10 cigarettes per day, 1.11 (95% CI: 1.04–1.18, I2 = 70%, n = 3) and 1.08 (95% CI: 1.02–1.14, I2 = 34%, n = 2) per 10 pack-years among ever smokers and former smokers, respectively, and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.63–1.00, I2 = 96%, n = 2) per 10 years since quitting smoking. The association between smoking cessation and heart failure reached significance at 15 years of smoking cessation, and at 30 years the summary RR was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.57–0.90), only slightly higher than the summary RR for never smokers (0.64 (95% CI: 0.57–0.72)) when compared with current smokers. Conclusion Smoking is associated with increased risk of heart failure, but the risk decreases with increasing duration since smoking cessation. Any further studies should investigate the association between number of cigarettes per day, duration, pack-years and time since quitting smoking and risk of heart failure.
MRTFA augments megakaryocyte maturation by enhancing the SRF regulatory axis
Authors: Rahman Nur-Taz , Schulz Vincent P. , Wang Lin , Gallagher Patrick G. , Denisenko Oleg , Gualdrini Francesco , Esnault Cyril , Krause Diane S. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Serum response factor (SRF) is a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor that binds DNA at CArG (CC[A/T]6GG) domains in association with myocardin-family proteins (eg, myocardin-related transcription factor A [MRTFA]) or the ternary complex factor family of E26 transformation-specific (ETS) proteins. In primary hematopoietic cells, knockout of either SRF or MRTFA decreases megakaryocyte (Mk) maturation causing thrombocytopenia. The human erythroleukemia (HEL) cell line mimics the effects of MRTFA on Mk maturation, and MRTFA overexpression (MRTFAOE) in HEL cells enhances megakaryopoiesis. To identify the mechanisms underlying these effects, we performed integrated analyses of anti-SRF chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and RNA-sequencing data from noninduced and phorbol ester (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate [TPA])–induced HEL cells, with and without MRTFAOE. We found that 11% of genes were upregulated with TPA induction, which was enhanced by MRTFAOE, resulting in an upregulation of 25% of genes. MRTFAOE increased binding of SRF to genomic sites and enhanced TPA-induced expression of SRF target genes. The TPA-induced genes are predicted to be regulated by SRF and ETS factors, whereas those upregulated by TPA plus MRTFAOE lack ETS binding motifs, and MRTFAOE skews SRF binding to genomic regions with CArG sites in regions relatively lacking in ETS binding motifs. Finally, ChIP–polymerase chain reaction using HEL cells and primary human CD34+ cell–derived subpopulations confirms that both SRF and MRTFA have increased binding during megakaryopoiesis at upregulated target genes (eg, CORO1A). We show for the first time that MRTFA increases both the genomic association and activity of SRF and upregulates genes that enhance primary human megakaryopoiesis.
Risk assessment in medically treated chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients
Authors: Delcroix Marion , Staehler Gerd , Gall Henning , Grünig Ekkehard , Held Matthias , Halank Michael , Klose Hans , Vonk-Noordegraaf Anton , Rosenkranz Stephan , Pepke-Zaba Joanna , Opitz Christian F. , Gibbs J. Simon R. , Lange Tobias J. , Tsangaris Iraklis , Huscher Doerte , Pittrow David , Olsson Karen M. , Hoeper Marius M. 
Published: October 2018

Abbreviated versions of the risk stratification strategy of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) pulmonary hypertension guidelines have been recently validated in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. We aimed to investigate their prognostic value in medically treated chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients from the COMPERA registry, which collects six variables of interest (World Health Organization Functional Class, 6-min walk distance, brain natriuretic peptide, right atrial pressure, cardiac index and mixed venous oxygen saturation).We included patients with at least one follow-up visit, no pulmonary endarterectomy and at least three of the six variables available, and classified the patients into low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups. As a secondary analysis, the number of noninvasive low-risk criteria was counted. The association between risk assessment and survival was evaluated.Data from inclusion and follow-up (median 7 months) visits were available for 561 and 231 patients, respectively. Baseline 1- and 5-year survival estimates were significantly different (p<0.0001) in the baseline low-risk (98.6% and 88.3%, respectively), intermediate-risk (94.9% and 61.8%, respectively) and high-risk (75.5% and 32.9%, respectively) cohorts. Follow-up data were even more discriminative, with 100%, 92% and 69% 1-year survival, respectively. The number of low-risk noninvasive criteria was also associated with survival.These analyses suggest that the ESC/ERS risk assessment may be applicable in patients with medically treated CTEPH.
Fibrinogen and the prediction of residual obstruction manifested after pulmonary embolism treatment
Authors: Planquette Benjamin , Sanchez Olivier , Marsh James J. , Chiles Peter G. , Emmerich Joseph , Le Gal Grégoire , Meyer Guy , Wolfson Tanya , Gamst Anthony C. , Moore Roger E. , Gugiu Gabriel B. , Morris Timothy A. 
Published: October 2018

Residual pulmonary vascular obstruction (RPVO) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are both long-term complications of acute pulmonary embolism, but it is unknown whether RPVO can be predicted by variants of fibrinogen associated with CTEPH.We used the Akaike information criterion to select the best predictive models for RPVO in two prospectively followed cohorts of acute pulmonary embolism patients, using as candidate variables the extent of the initial obstruction, clinical characteristics and fibrinogen-related data. We measured the selected models’ goodness of fit by analysis of deviance and compared models using the Chi-squared test.RPVO occurred in 29 (28.4%) out of 102 subjects in the first cohort and 46 (25.3%) out of 182 subjects in the second. The best-fit predictive model derived in the first cohort (p=0.0002) and validated in the second cohort (p=0.0005) implicated fibrinogen Bβ-chain monosialylation in the development of RPVO. When the derivation procedure excluded clinical characteristics, fibrinogen Bβ-chain monosialylation remained a predictor of RPVO in the best-fit predictive model (p=0.00003). Excluding fibrinogen characteristics worsened the predictive model (p=0.03).Fibrinogen Bβ-chain monosialylation, a common structural attribute of fibrin, helped predict RPVO after acute pulmonary embolism. Fibrin structure may contribute to the risk of developing RPVO.
UMD-MEN1 Database: An Overview of the 370 MEN1 Variants Present in 1676 Patients From the French Population
Authors: Romanet Pauline , Mohamed Amira , Giraud Sophie , Odou Marie-Françoise , North Marie-Odile , Pertuit Morgane , Pasmant Eric , Coppin Lucie , Guien Céline , Calender Alain , Borson-Chazot Françoise , Béroud Christophe , Goudet Pierre , Barlier Anne 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Context
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by mutations in the MEN1 gene characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, of which the most frequent are primary hyperparathyroidism, pituitary adenomas, and neuroendocrine tumors.

Objective
The aim of this work was to facilitate interpretation of variants and improve the genetic counseling and medical care of families of patients with MEN1.

Design, Setting, and Patients
The TENGEN network (Oncogenetics Network of Neuroendocrine Tumors) has interpreted and collected all allelic variants and clinical characteristics of the MEN1-positive patients identified through genetic testing performed in the French population from 1997 to 2015. Patients and their variants were registered in the locus-specific UMD-MEN1 database (www.umd.be/MEN1/).

Main Outcomes
Variant classification, age-related penetrance, and odds ratios.

Results
A total of 370 distinct variants reported in 1676 patients, including 181 unpublished variants, have been registered. This database analysis revealed a low frequency (6.6%) of benign or likely benign missense variants in MEN1. Eight families (1.9%) had members with familial isolated hyperparathyroidism and harbored the same mutations as that found in families with authentic MEN1. An association existed between large rearrangements and an earlier onset of the disease, whereas no difference was observed between truncating and nontruncating variants.

Conclusion
The UMD-MEN1 database provides an exhaustive overview of the MEN1 variants present in the French population. For each variant, a classification is publicly available. Clinical data collections allow the determination of genotype-phenotype correlation and age-related penetrance of lesions in the cohort.
Reduction of Total Brain and Cerebellum Volumes Associated With Neuronal Autoantibodies in Patients With APECED
Authors: Meloni Antonella , Corda Giulia , Saba Luca , Ferri Gian-Luca , Mariotti Stefano , Cocco Cristina 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Context
In autoimmune polyendocrinopathy–candidiasis–ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), autoantibodies (AutoAbs) labeling brain neurons were reported; conversely, brain MRI alterations associated with these AutoAbs were never reported.

Objectives
To describe brain alterations in APECED and to correlate them with AutoAbs against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and 5-tryptophan hydroxylase (5-HT) neurons.

Design and Participants
Fourteen Sardinian patients with APECED and age-matched control subjects were recruited for MRI analysis and blood sampling to detect AutoAbs to GAD, TH, and 5-HT neurons by using rat brain sections. The majority of patients (n = 12) were investigated for AutoAbs a decade earlier, and 7 of 12 were positive for AutoAbs to GAD and TH neurons.

Main Outcomes
Patients with APECED had smaller cerebellum and gray matter volumes, with a ventricular enlargement and a total cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) increase, compared with controls (P &lt; 0.01). In 11 of 14 patients, brain abnormalities were associated with AutoAbs to GAD or TH neurons (titer 1:100 to 15,000) that had persisted for 10 years in 7 of 11 patients. AutoAbs to 5-HT neurons were revealed in all patients with AutoAbs to TH neurons. A decrease in whole brain and cerebellum volumes (P = 0.028) was associated with AutoAbs to GAD neurons, and a CSF increase was associated with AutoAbs to GAD and TH/5-HT neurons (P &lt; 0.05). HLA alleles did not appear to be involved in neuronal autoimmunity.

Conclusions
Brain alterations and neuronal AutoAbs were observed in 78.6% of Sardinian patients with APECED, suggesting a brain autoimmune reaction. Prolonged clinical follow-up must be conducted for the possible appearance of clinical neurologic consequences.
Pieces of Us
Authors: Khayyat Munira , Khayyat Yasmine , Khayyat Rola 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
This article uses a multigenerational lens to address the tangible and intangible embodiments of the US-Saudi oil empire in the lives of the three sister authors. This multisited intimate geography of empire challenges national categories and recognizes that mixing and migrations, forced or desired, shape and define all families. It explores the look, feel, and sounds of lifeworlds in the US imperial outpost of Aramco using an immense archive of family photographs and Fadia Basrawi’s memoir, Brownies and Kalashnikovs: A Saudi Woman’s Memoir of American Arabia and Wartime Beirut (2009). It considers the geopolitics of oil and the worlds it produced in the intimate relations and domestic quarters of the Aramco oil camp in the 1950s and 1960s, in the authors’ childhoods in Beirut during the Lebanese civil war, which also involved US imperialism, and as embodied in their lives at present.
Exercise-induced Changes in Soluble ST2 Concentrations in Marathon Runners
Authors: AENGEVAEREN VINCENT L. , VAN KIMMENADE ROLAND R. J. , HOPMAN MARIA T. E. , VAN ROYEN NIELS , SNIDER JAMES V. , JANUZZI JAMES L. , GEORGE KEITH P. , EIJSVOGELS THIJS M. H. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT

Purpose
Previous studies have suggested that extreme endurance exercise may induce cardiac microdamage that could lead to subsequent myocardial fibrosis. Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) is a cardiac biomarker for assessment of myocardial fibrosis, inflammation, and strain. We evaluated baseline and exercise-induced sST2 concentrations in a heterogeneous cohort of marathon runners to identify predictors for sST2 concentrations.

Methods
Ninety-two runners supplied demographic data, health status, physical activity levels, and marathon experience. Before (baseline) and immediately after (finish) the marathon, blood was collected for analysis of sST2 and cardiac troponin I (cTnI).

Results
Eighty-two participants (45 ± 8 yr, 79% male) finished the race in 227 ± 28 min at 92% (88%–94%) of their predicted maximum heart rate (exercise intensity). sST2 concentrations increased in all runners, from 34 (25–46) ng·mL−1 to 70 (53–87) ng·mL−1 (P < 0.001), and cTnI increased from 9 (5–21) ng·L−1 to 60 (34–102) ng·L−1 (P < 0.001). sST2 concentrations were higher in the fastest marathon runners. Sex and marathon personal best time were associated with baseline sST2 (R
2 = 0.27); baseline sST2, weight loss, and exercise intensity during marathon were associated with finish sST2 (R
2 = 0.54); baseline sST2, height, sex, and weekly training hours were associated with the exercise-induced increase in sST2 (R
2 = 0.47). We observed no association between sST2 and cTnI concentrations.

Conclusion
An exercise-induced increase in sST2 was observed in all marathon runners with sST2 concentrations exceeding cutoff values both at baseline (48%) and finish (94%). Faster runners had higher sST2 concentrations. Our data suggest complex variables determine sST2 concentrations in marathon runners.