bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased levels of soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products (RAGE) are associated with a higher risk of mortality in frail older adults
Authors: Butcher Lee , Carnicero Jose A , Gomez Cabrero David , Dartigues Jean-François , Pérès Karine , Garcia-Garcia Francisco Jose , Rodriguez-Mañas Leocadio , Erusalimsky Jorge D ,   FRAILOMIC Consortium
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Objective
to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of the soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products (sRAGE) and mortality in frail and non-frail older adults.

Methods
we studied 691 subjects (141 frail and 550 non-frail) with a median age of 75 years from two population-based cohorts, the Toledo Study of Healthy Aging and the AMI study, who were enrolled to the FRAILOMIC initiative. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were used to assess the relationship between baseline sRAGE and mortality.

Results
during 6 years of follow-up 101 participants died (50 frail and 51 non-frail). Frail individuals who died had significantly higher sRAGE levels than those who survived (median [IQR]: 1563 [1015-2248] vs 1184 [870-1657] pg/ml, P = 0.006), whilst no differences were observed in the non-frail group (1262 [1056-1554] vs 1186 [919-1551] pg/ml, P = 0.19). Among frail individuals higher sRAGE levels were associated with an increased risk of death after adjustment for relevant covariates (HR = 2.72 per unit increment in ln-sRAGE, 95%CI 1.48-4.99, P = 0.001). In contrast, in non-frail individuals sRAGE showed no association with mortality. Survival curves demonstrated that among frail individuals the incidence of death was significantly higher in the top sRAGE quartile compared to the three lower quartiles (P = 0.002). Area under the ROC curve analysis demonstrated that for frail individuals, inclusion of sRAGE in the hazard model increased its predictive accuracy by ~3%.

Conclusions
sRAGE is an independent predictor of mortality among frail individuals. Determination of sRAGE in frail subjects could be useful for prognostic assessment and treatment stratification.
Diagnosing Covariate Balance Across Levels of Right-Censoring Before and After Application of Inverse-Probability-of-Censoring Weights
Authors: Jackson John W 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Covariate balance is a central concept in the potential outcomes literature. With selected populations or missing data, balance across treatment groups can be insufficient for estimating marginal treatment effects. Recently, a framework for using covariate balance to describe measured confounding and selection bias for time-varying and other multivariate exposures in the presence of right-censoring has been proposed. Here, we revisit this framework to consider balance across levels of right-censoring over time in more depth. Specifically, we develop measures of covariate balance that can describe what is known as “dependent censoring” in the literature, along with its associated selection bias, under multiple mechanisms for right censoring. Such measures are interesting because they substantively describe the evolution of dependent censoring mechanisms. Furthermore, we provide weighted versions that can depict how well such dependent censoring has been eliminated when inverse-probability-of-censoring weights are applied. These results provide a conceptually grounded way to inspect covariate balance across levels of right-censoring as a validity check. As a motivating example, we applied these measures to a study of hypothetical “static” and “dynamic” treatment protocols in a sequential multiple-assignment randomized trial of antipsychotics with high dropout rates.
Platelet-Rich Plasma and Stem Cells for Hair Growth: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Semsarzadeh Nina , Khetarpal Shilpi 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The prevalence of hair loss, its psychological consequences, and historically subpar treatments present a unique challenge to the physician. The current Food and Drug Administration–approved treatments for hair loss are plagued by ineffectiveness, noncompliance, and adverse effects. Recent advances in our understanding of hair physiology have fueled the development of more efficacious, minimally invasive, and safer treatment options for hair restoration including plasma-rich protein and stem cell therapy. Platelet-rich plasma, the autologous preparation of concentrated platelets in plasma, when injected into the scalp of patients with both androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and alopecia areata (AA), has been shown to increase hair count and density. The clinical findings have been supported by histologic evaluation of the scalp skin. These findings have been recapitulated in numerous randomized controlled trials. Stem cell therapy, although newer in its application in hair restoration, has also been effective for treating both AGA and AA. The isolation techniques for stem cells are varied, but regardless have shown promising results in early prospective and retrospective studies.
ExpansionHunter: a sequence-graph-based tool to analyze variation in short tandem repeat regions
Authors: Dolzhenko Egor , Deshpande Viraj , Schlesinger Felix , Krusche Peter , Petrovski Roman , Chen Sai , Emig-Agius Dorothea , Gross Andrew , Narzisi Giuseppe , Bowman Brett , Scheffler Konrad , van Vugt Joke J F A , French Courtney , Sanchis-Juan Alba , Ibáñez Kristina , Tucci Arianna , Lajoie Bryan R , Veldink Jan H , Raymond F Lucy , Taft Ryan J , Bentley David R , Eberle Michael A 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Summary
We describe a novel computational method for genotyping repeats using sequence graphs. This method addresses the long-standing need to accurately genotype medically important loci containing repeats adjacent to other variants or imperfect DNA repeats such as polyalanine repeats. Here we introduce a new version of our repeat genotyping software, ExpansionHunter, that uses this method to perform targeted genotyping of a broad class of such loci.

Availability and implementation
ExpansionHunter is implemented in C++ and is available under the Apache License Version 2.0. The source code, documentation, and Linux/macOS binaries are available at https://github.com/Illumina/ExpansionHunter/.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Plasma or serum? A qualitative study on rodents and humans using high-throughput microRNA sequencing for circulating biomarkers
Authors: Dufourd Thibault , Robil Noémie , Mallet David , Carcenac Carole , Boulet Sabrina , Brishoual Sonia , Rabois Emilie , Houeto Jean-Luc , de la Grange Pierre , Carnicella Sebastien 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
microRNAs are small non-coding RNAs gaining interest for their potential roles as reliable biomarkers for the diagnosis and therapeutics of numerous pathologies, ranging from cancer to neurodegenerative or psychiatric disorders. Indeed, microRNAs are present in various accessible biofluids, including peripheral blood, and specific dysregulation of their expression may be associated with these different pathological conditions. microRNAs can be isolated from plasma or serum for sequencing with commercial kits. However, these two biofluids might exhibit some differences in their microRNA contents, due notably to the coagulation process occurring during serum collection. It remains unclear from previous studies and commercial recommendations which blood fraction is preferable. Because of the small amount of circulating microRNAs in a given blood volume, this question appears crucial for qualitative and quantitative optimization of microRNA profiling, especially in animal models used for investigating the pathophysiological relevancy of this approach. We therefore evaluated the efficiency of RNA isolation and microRNA levels from plasma and sera isolated from rats and humans, with a widely used extraction kit (QIAGEN miRNeasy), and assessed microRNA quality and quantity with high-throughput sequencing. Fewer reads with length corresponding to non-miRNAs sequences were observed in plasma than in serum, both from rats and humans. Moreover, rat plasma produced twice as many aligned reads compared to sera, as well as more aligned reads corresponding to microRNAs (84.6% against 38.7%), differences that were not find in human samples. Our results, therefore, clearly indicate that plasma should be preferred for miRNA investigations, particularly for translational studies.
Antiretroviral Therapy Reduces T-cell Activation and Immune Exhaustion Markers in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Controllers
Authors: Li Jonathan Z , Segal Florencia P , Bosch Ronald J , Lalama Christina M , Roberts-Toler Carla , Delagreverie Heloise , Getz Rachel , Garcia-Broncano Pilar , Kinslow Jennifer , Tressler Randall , Van Dam Cornelius N , Keefer Michael , Carrington Mary , Lichterfeld Mathias , Kuritzkes Daniel , Yu Xu G , Landay Alan , Sax Paul E ,   AIDS Clinical Trials Group Study A5308 Team
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background
Despite low plasma human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA, HIV controllers have evidence of viral replication and elevated inflammation. We assessed the effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on HIV suppression, immune activation, and quality of life (QoL).

Methods
A5308 was a prospective, open-label study of rilpivirine/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in ART-naive HIV controllers (N = 35), defined as having HIV RNA &lt;500 copies/mL for ≥12 months. The primary outcome measured change in %CD38+HLA-DR+ CD8+ T cells. Residual plasma viremia was measured using the integrase single-copy assay. QoL was measured using the EQ-5D questionnaire. Outcomes were evaluated using repeated measures general estimating equations models.

Results
Before ART, HIV controllers with undetectable residual viremia &lt;0.6 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL had higher CD4+ counts and lower levels of T-cell activation than those with detectable residual viremia. ART use was effective in further increasing the proportion of individuals with undetectable residual viremia (pre-ART vs after 24–48 weeks of ART: 19% vs 94%, P &lt; .001). Significant declines were observed in the %CD38+HLA-DR+CD8+ T cells at 24–48 (−4.0%, P = .001) and 72–96 (−7.2%, P &lt; .001) weeks after ART initiation. ART use resulted in decreases of several cellular markers of immune exhaustion and in a modest but significant improvement in self-reported QoL. There were no significant changes in CD4+ counts or HIV DNA.

Conclusions
ART in HIV controllers reduces T-cell activation and improves markers of immune exhaustion. These results support the possible clinical benefits of ART in this population.
De-escalation of IBD Therapy: When, Who, and How?
Authors: Waljee Akbar K , Chaisidhivej Natapat , Saini Sameer D , Higgins Peter D R 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
When patients with inflammatory bowel disease reach clinical remission with biologic therapy, a question that often comes up is, “when can I stop my biologic medication?” This is a question fraught with challenges for both physicians and patients. For physicians, there are valid concerns that stepping down from a successful therapy will lead to relapse and disease exacerbation, and that stepping down could lead to anti-biologic antibodies. For patients, the question is often driven by concerns about long-term side effects and costs of biologics. This review provides an overview of the rationale for, and risks of, withdrawal of IBD therapy. Selected studies have shown how to identify subsets of patients in whom de-escalation can be performed with low risk of relapse. Practical guidance on when and how to de-escalate IBD therapy is provided.
Atrial septal defect closure complicated by anomalous inferior vena cava return to the left atrium: a case report of a 5-year-old child
Authors: Tayeh Christelle , El Khoury Maya , Bitar Fadi , Arabi Mariam 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe anatomy of the sinus venosus atrial septal defect (ASD) of the inferior vena caval type is complex. Limited rate of complications during its closure has been described. One of the unusual complications, with few case reports, is the iatrogenic diversion of the inferior vena cava (IVC) to the left atrium (LA).Case summary We report the case of a 5-year-old boy who underwent previous surgical closure of sinus venosus ASD of the inferior vena caval type aged 2 years. Three years after surgery, he was diagnosed as having iatrogenic diversion of the IVC to the LA.Discussion Cardiologists and cardiac surgeons should be aware of this rare but significant complication following routine ASD surgical repair and vigilant follow-up should be performed routinely.
Purpura fulminans manifesting with Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis: a case report
Authors: Kumar Anirudh , Shah Nishant P , Menon Venu , Nissen Steven E 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundPurpura fulminans (PF) is a haematologic emergency that can occur in the setting of severe septic shock. Its pathophysiology is not well-understood; however, some evidence suggests it may be mediated by excessive protein C consumption.Case summaryIn this case report, we describe a patient with PF secondary to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis. She presented with severe septic shock and, despite haemodynamic improvement, developed a significant purpuric rash. Diagnostic work-up was notable for severely decreased serum levels of protein C. This patient was successfully treated with protein C concentrate and surgical valve replacement.DiscussionWhile PF is rarely associated with S. aureus infection, this presentation may be more frequently encountered among clinicians in the current opioid epidemic. Quick recognition is crucial and a multidisciplinary approach, including intravenous infusion of protein C, may be considered.
Impacts of oligodontia on oral health-related quality of life reported by affected children and their parents
Authors: Raziee Leila , Judd Peter , Carmichael Robert , Chen Shiyi , Sidhu Nicole , Suri Sunjay 
Published: May 2019

SummaryBackgroundOligodontia (agenesis of six or more permanent teeth) affects functional, emotional, and social aspects of an individual’s life. Few published studies have evaluated oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children with oligodontia and very limited have compared the child and parental perceptions.MethodsThirty-five 8- to 18-year-old patients with oligodontia (10 M, 25 F; mean age: 12.4 ± 2.9 years; mean number of permanent teeth missing due to agenesis: 8.9 ± 3.2) recruited from The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, and their parents completed the short format of Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ11–14) and the Parent Child Perception Questionnaire, respectively.ResultsChildren reported significantly worse overall CPQ score than their parents. Correlations between children’s and parents’ overall CPQ score, oral symptoms and functional limitations, and social well-being were not statistically significant. However, as children’s emotional well-being score increased, parents’ score also increased. There was no association between child CPQ score and age, gender, number, and location of permanent tooth agenesis in this sample. There was a significant correlation between overall CPQ score and Site-Specific Tooth Absences.ConclusionChildren’s overall CPQ score and domain scores were significantly worse than their parents indicating that children with oligodontia had poorer OHRQoL compared to what was perceived by their parents.
Licks, polemics, and the viola bastarda: unity and defiance in Monteverdi’s Fifth Book
Authors: Coluzzi Seth 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
‘Ahi, lasso!’ cry the five voices in Monteverdi’s Cruda Amarilli (1605). The exclamation has long been a central focus of madrigal scholars’ work on Monteverdi’s Fifth Book, and of the debate with Artusi on account of the Canto’s celebrated yet improper dissonances and the controversy they provoked. Little has been said, however, of the unusual bass runs that precede and follow these dissonances, and what these runs (and their divergences from the basso continuo part) might intimate about the larger role of the bass in the madrigal book as a whole. This article peers between the cracks in the extensive literature on Monteverdi’s compositional language and the Fifth Book to explore several idiosyncrasies of the collection, from the bass’s anomalous display in Cruda Amarilli and the book’s restriction to modes on G and D, to the puzzling change of system only four bars from the end of Ch’io t’ami, e t’ami più de la mia vita. Through this analysis, the Fifth Book becomes a snapshot of Monteverdi’s activities at the Mantuan court around 1600, not only as a composer, but also as an instrumentalist—as a performer on the viola bastarda.
Expert consensus and evidence-based recommendations for the assessment of flow-mediated dilation in humans
Authors: Thijssen Dick H J , Bruno Rosa Maria , van Mil Anke C C M , Holder Sophie M , Faita Francesco , Greyling Arno , Zock Peter L , Taddei Stefano , Deanfield John E , Luscher Thomas , Green Daniel J , Ghiadoni Lorenzo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractEndothelial dysfunction is involved in the development of atherosclerosis, which precedes asymptomatic structural vascular alterations as well as clinical manifestations of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Endothelial function can be assessed non-invasively using the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) technique. Flow-mediated dilation represents an endothelium-dependent, largely nitric oxide (NO)-mediated dilatation of conduit arteries in response to an imposed increase in blood flow and shear stress. Flow-mediated dilation is affected by cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, relates to coronary artery endothelial function, and independently predicts CVD outcome. Accordingly, FMD is a tool for examining the pathophysiology of CVD and possibly identifying subjects at increased risk for future CV events. Moreover, it has merit in examining the acute and long-term impact of physiological and pharmacological interventions in humans. Despite concerns about its reproducibility, the available evidence shows that highly reliable FMD measurements can be achieved when specialized laboratories follow standardized protocols. For this purpose, updated expert consensus guidelines for the performance of FMD are presented, which are based on critical appraisal of novel technical approaches, development of analysis software, and studies exploring the physiological principles underlying the technique. Uniformity in FMD performance will (i) improve comparability between studies, (ii) contribute to construction of reference values, and (iii) offer an easy accessible and early marker of atherosclerosis that could complement clinical symptoms of structural arterial disease and facilitate early diagnosis and prediction of CVD outcomes.
Plasma levels of apolipoprotein E, APOE genotype, and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in 105 949 individuals from a white general population cohort
Authors: Rasmussen Katrine L , Tybjærg-Hansen Anne , Nordestgaard Børge G , Frikke-Schmidt Ruth 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Aims
To determine whether plasma apoE levels and APOE genotype are associated with all-cause and cause-specific mortality.

Methods and results
Using a prospective cohort design with 105 949 white individuals from the general population, we tested the association between plasma apoE at study enrolment and death during follow-up, and whether this was independent of APOE genotype. We confirmed the well-known association between APOE genotypes and mortality. For all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality, high levels of apoE were associated with increased risk, while for dementia-associated mortality low levels were associated with increased risk. For the highest vs. the fifth septile of plasma apoE, hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.20 (95% confidence interval 1.12–1.28) for all-cause mortality, 1.28 (1.13–1.44) for cardiovascular mortality, and 1.18 (1.05–1.32) for cancer mortality. Conversely, for the lowest vs. the fifth septile the HR was 1.44 (1.01–2.05) for dementia-associated mortality. Results were similar in analyses restricted to APOE ɛ33 carriers. Examining genetically determined plasma apoE, a 1 mg/dL increase conferred risk ratios of 0.97 (0.92–1.03) for cardiovascular mortality and 1.01 (0.95–1.06) for cancer mortality, while a 1 mg/dL decrease conferred a risk ratio of 1.70 (1.36–2.12) for dementia-associated mortality.

Conclusion
High plasma levels of apoE were associated with increased all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality, however of a non-causal nature, while low levels were causally associated with increased dementia-associated mortality.
Listeriacontamination in chevon and mutton from retail meat shops and slaughter house environment of Punjab, India
Authors: Alka  , Singh Randhir , Kaur Simranpreet , Bedi Jasbir Singh 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTListeria monocytogenes is recognized as an emerging pathogen, with limited information or statistics on this pathogen. Moreover, poor hygienic practices in the unorganized meat sector favor its growth and survival. Therefore, the present study was carried out in Punjab, India to assess the prevalence of Listeria spp. in chevon and mutton samples, followed by its characterization. The prevalence of Listeria in chevon, mutton and swab samples collected from butchers’ shops and slaughter houses was 1.82%, 3.21% and 6.66%, respectively. The 18 (2.67%) L. monocytogenes strains isolated from 786 samples carried one or more virulence-associated gene. Based on virulence genes, 6/18 isolates were potentially pathogenic. Serovar 4b (44.4%) was predominant, followed by serovars 1/2a (22.2%), 1/2b (22.2%) and 1/2c (11.1%). Detection of L. monocytogenes in meat and environment samples indicated poor hygiene, potential cross-contamination and risk of listeriosis to consumers and occupational workers. The findings of the study were also relevant to the fact that most of the slaughtering in Punjab, India is carried out in unorganized way, and this meat is not stored propery. Moreover, in the absence of a systematic foodborne disease surveillance and monitoring program, a database on foodborne diseases is absent, and needs to be established.
Physical Exercise Training Effect and Mediation Through Cardiorespiratory Fitness on Dual-Task Performances Differ in Younger–Old and Older–Old Adults
Authors: Bherer Louis , Langeard Antoine , Kaushal Navin , Vrinceanu Tudor , Desjardins-Crépeau Laurence , Langlois Francis , Kramer Arthur F 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Objective
It has often been reported that dual-task (DT) performance declines with age. Physical exercise can help improve cognition, but these improvements could depend on cognitive functions and age groups. Moreover, the mechanisms supporting this enhancement are not fully elucidated. This study investigated the impacts of physical exercise on single- and dual-task performance in younger-old (&lt;70) and older-old (70+) adults. The study also assessed whether the training effect on cognition was mediated by improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness.

Methods
One hundred forty-three participants (65–89 years) took part in a physical exercise intervention for 3 months or were assigned to a control group. All participants completed a DT paradigm and an estimated measure of cardiorespiratory fitness. Regression models were used to test the training effect on these outcomes, and mediation analyses were used to determine whether the training-related cognitive changes were mediated by changes in cardiorespiratory fitness.

Results
In 70+, training predicted improved processing speed (βc = −.33) and cardiorespiratory fitness (βa = .26) and the effect of training on processing speed was fully mediated by change in cardiorespiratory fitness (βab = −.12). In &lt;70, training predicted improvement in task-set cost (βc = −.26) and change in cardiorespiratory fitness (βa = .30) but improvement in task-set cost was not entirely mediated by change in cardiorespiratory fitness.

Discussion
Results are discussed in terms of the mechanisms supporting DT performance improvement following physical exercise training in older adults.