bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement of transcutaneous oxygen pressure in patients with post-thrombotic syndrome: Findings and possible clinical applications
Authors: Cuen-Ojeda Cesar , Anaya-Ayala Javier E , Laparra-Escareno Hugo , García-Alva Ramón , Lizola Rene , Arzola Luis H , Luna Lizeth , Hinojosa Carlos A 
Published: October 2019

Objectives Post-thrombotic syndrome is the commonest long-term sequela of deep venous thrombosis. Severe post-thrombotic syndrome reduces importantly the quality of life of patients and tissue hypoxia is associated with ulceration. Transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcPO2) provides information on the delivery of oxygen through the microvascular circulation and measuring tcPO2 might detect values at which patients with post-thrombotic syndrome might ulcerate. The aim of our study is to determine tcPO2 in post-thrombotic syndrome patients and compare the values with a control group. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed. Periflux 5000 monitor (Perimed) was used to measure tcPO2 in patients with mild-moderate, severe post-thrombotic syndrome and control groups. In patients with ulceration, two measurements were obtained, the first around the ulcer and the second 10 cm away from the lesion. Categorical data were analyzed with Fisher’s exact test and a p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Twelve patients with post-thrombotic syndrome and 13 patients (control group) were enrolled. Post-thrombotic syndrome patients’ mean age was 58 years (47–72 years) and eight (67%) patients were males. The overall mean tcPO2 measurement in post-thrombotic syndrome group was 35.5 mm Hg (SD ± 11), while in the severe post-thrombotic syndrome was 23.2 mm Hg (SD ± 9). All severe post-thrombotic syndrome patients had measurements <40 mm Hg, tcPO2 value in control group was >50 mm Hg (SD ± 4) in all patients, with a mean value of 58.2 mm Hg. During comparison of severe post-thrombotic syndrome subgroup versus control group, we found that patients with venous ulcers had <40 mm Hg in tcPO2 measurement and all control group patients had >50 mm Hg ( p < 0.0001). Conclusions Our results demonstrate that severe post-thrombotic syndrome patients have significantly lower TcPO2 values compared to a healthy control group and non-severe post-thrombotic syndrome ( p = 0.0001). Further research is necessary to establish cut-off point values of tcPO2 in this debilitating disease for possible clinical applications and determination of ulcer healing predictors.
A high-volume, low-cost approach to participant screening and enrolment: Experiences from the T4DM diabetes prevention trial
Authors: Bracken Karen , Keech Anthony , Hague Wendy , Allan Carolyn , Conway Ann , Daniel Mark , Gebski Val , Grossmann Mathis , Handelsman David J , Inder Warrick J , Jenkins Alicia , McLachlan Robert , Robledo Kristy P , Stuckey Bronwyn , Yeap Bu B , Wittert Gary 
Published: October 2019

Background/aims: Participant recruitment to diabetes prevention randomised controlled trials is challenging and expensive. The T4DM study, a multicentre, Australia-based, Phase IIIb randomised controlled trial of testosterone to prevent Type 2 diabetes in men aged 50–74 years, faced the challenge of screening a large number of prospective participants at a small number of sites, with few staff, and a limited budget for screening activities. This article evaluates a high-volume, low-cost, semi-automated approach to screen and enrol T4DM study participants. Methods: We developed a sequential multi-step screening process: (1) web-based pre-screening, (2) laboratory screening through a network of third-party pathology centres, and (3) final on-site screening, using online data collection, computer-driven eligibility checking, and automated, email-based communication with prospective participants. Phone- and mail-based data collection and communication options were available to participants at their request. The screening process was administered by the central coordinating centre through a central data management system. Results: Screening activities required staffing of approximately 1.6 full-time equivalents over 4 years. Of 19,022 participants pre-screened, 13,108 attended a third-party pathology collection centre for laboratory screening, 1217 received final, on-site screening, and 1007 were randomised. In total, 95% of the participants opted for online pre-screening over phone-based pre-screening. Screening costs, including both direct and staffing costs, totalled AUD1,420,909 (AUD75 per subject screened and AUD1411 per randomised participant). Conclusion: A multi-step, semi-automated screening process with web-based pre-screening facilitated low-cost, high-volume participant enrolment to this large, multicentre randomised controlled trial. Centralisation and automation of screening activities resulted in substantial savings compared to previous, similar studies. Our screening approach could be adapted to other randomised controlled trial settings to minimise the cost of screening large numbers of participants.
Bias in retrospective analyses of biomarker effect using data from an outcome-adaptive randomized trial
Authors: Ji Lingyun , McShane Lisa M , Krailo Mark , Sposto Richard 
Published: October 2019

Background/Aims Biomarker-stratified outcome-adaptive randomization trials, in which randomization probabilities depend on both biomarker value and outcomes of previously treated patients, are receiving increased attention in oncology research. Data from these trials can also form the basis of investigation of additional biomarkers that may not have been incorporated into the original trial design. In this article, we investigate the validity of a standard analytical method that utilizes data from a biomarker-stratified outcome-adaptive randomization trial to assess the effect of a newly identified biomarker on patient outcomes. Methods In the context of an ancillary biomarker study for a two-arm phase II trial with a response endpoint, we conduct analytic and simulation studies to investigate bias in estimated biomarker effects under outcome-adaptive randomization. Conditions under which bias arises and magnitude of the bias are examined in several settings. We then propose unbiased estimators of biomarker effects with appropriate variance estimators. Results We demonstrate that use of biomarker-stratified outcome-adaptive randomization perturbs the patient population and treatment assignments. Consequently, application of standard analysis methods to data from an outcome-adaptive randomization trial either to estimate prognostic effect of a new biomarker in uniformly treated patients or to estimate effect of treatment in relation to the new biomarker can lead to substantially biased estimates. The proposed adjusted estimators are asymptotically unbiased, and the proposed variance estimators correctly reflect the sample variability in the estimators. Conclusion This article demonstrates existence of bias when standard, naïve statistical methods are utilized to assess biomarker effects using data from a biomarker-stratified outcome-adaptive randomization trial, and hence that results from naïve analyses must be interpreted with great caution. These findings highlight that, in an era where data and specimens are increasingly being shared for biomarker studies, care must be taken to document and understand implications of the study design under which specimens or data have been obtained.
Splenogonadal fusion: A rare paratesticular lesion and how to recognise it on ultrasound
Authors: Seager Matthew John , Alexander Sarah , Muneer Asif , Walkden Miles 
Published: October 2019

Introduction Splenogonadal fusion is a rare developmental disorder that results in a gonadal or paragonadal mass due to the close proximity of the developing spleen and gonad. Case report We describe a case of splenogonadal fusion presenting as a paratesticular mass in a 25-year-old male. This was ultimately diagnosed on surgical biopsy. Discussion Splenogonadal fusion is a rare abnormality but can be managed conservatively. The sonographic features and the differential diagnosis are highlighted. Conclusion Through this case, we highlight the clinical and sonographic features of splenogonadal fusion. Awareness amongst ultrasound practitioners is important, given that it can be managed conservatively, and means of a non-invasive diagnosis are highlighted.
The functional assessment and rehabilitation programme of the UK hand and upper limb transplant service
Authors: Burdon Joanna , Taplin Sarah , Kay Simon P , Wilks Daniel J 
Published: October 2019

Introduction Hand and upper limb transplants are becoming internationally recognised as an effective treatment to improve function and quality of life in carefully selected patients. A comprehensive functional assessment and rehabilitation programme are an essential component of the multi-disciplinary assessment and treatment approach. Although there is an increasing body of published data on the surgical techniques and outcomes following hand transplant, little exists in the literature to guide the hand therapist. Method The pre-transplant functional assessments and rehabilitation programme provided for patients undergoing hand transplantation in the UK are described and critically analysed. The UK programme is based on that provided in Lyon, France, but adapted to suit the resources and structure of the UK National Health Service. Results Twelve patients have received a functional assessment as part of the multi-disciplinary hand transplant assessment process, with the loss of autonomy a key reason for patients seeking hand transplant. Six of these patients have received hand transplants, with patients more than one year post-transplant having achieved good and fair outcomes according to the Hand Transplantation Score System. Conclusions Although hand and upper limb transplant surgery is innovative, the therapy provided is based on the fundamental principles of good communication, accurate assessment and delivery of a bespoke rehabilitation programme; values which are common to all areas of hand therapy practice. A future study reporting the long-term outcomes of patients following hand transplant in the UK is needed to allow the effectiveness of the programme to be evaluated.
Assessment of the “Second Day” Exercise Effect on Glycemic Control, Insulin Requirements, and CHO Intake in Type 1 Diabetes Adults
Authors: Müller-Korbsch Michael , Frühwald Lisa , Heer Michael , Fangmeyer-Binder Maria , Reinhart-Mikocki David , Fasching Peter 
Published: October 2019

Background: Glucose control during consecutive days of aerobic exercise has not been well studied. We assessed glycemia, insulin requirements, and carbohydrate (CHO) needs during two consecutive days of prolonged cycling in type 1 diabetes (T1D) adults using sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy. Methods: Twenty adults with well-controlled T1D and six healthy adults (for comparison) were enrolled. Assessments were made during two consecutive days of cycling activities (30 miles per day). On day 1 (D1), basal rates were reduced 50% and CHO intake was guided by real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) data to maintain a target range (70-180 mg/dL). On day 2 (D2), basal insulin infusion was stopped for the first hour of biking and resumed at a minimal rate during biking. Carbohydrate intake one hour before, during, and ten minutes after biking was recorded. Times within/below target range, glycemic variability, and mean glucose were calculated from rtCGM data. Results: Among 17 T1D participants who completed the study, mean glucose levels at the start of cycling were slightly lower on D2 vs D1: 138 ± 16 mg/dL and 122 ± 16, respectively, P = NS. Type 1 diabetes participants achieved near-normal glucose levels at the end of both cycling events; however, the reduction in glucose was most notable at one hour into the event on D2 vs D1. Carbohydrate intake was notably lower during D2 vs D1 with no difference in time <54 mg/dL (both P = NS). Conclusions: Type 1 diabetes individuals using rtCGM-augmented insulin pump therapy can safely engage in consecutive days of prolonged aerobic exercise by significantly reducing insulin dosages with no increase in CHO intake.
Variables Associated With Culture-Positive Endophthalmitis After Intravitreal Injection of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitors
Authors: Xu Kunyong , Chin Eric K. , Almeida David R.P. 
Published: October 2019

Purpose: This work identifies predictive variables associated with culture-positive cases of acute endophthalmitis after vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor injection. Methods: A retrospective review of cases of endophthalmitis following intravitreal anti-VEGF injection was performed. All patients received a vitreous biopsy or anterior chamber aqueous biopsy (if vitreous biopsy was not successful) that was sent for microbial cultures before initiation of treatment. Results: During a 10-year period, 258 357 anti-VEGF agent injections were performed, of which 40 patients (0.016%) developed presumed endophthalmitis. Sixty percent (n = 24) of the presumed endophthalmitis patients had a positive culture. In multivariable logistic analysis, patients who had a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) worse than 20/400 were 35.3 times (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 95% CI, 2.2-576.1, P = .012) more likely to have a positive culture compared with those who had a BCVA of 20/400 or better. Patients who had pain at initial presentation were 27.0 times (AOR, 95% CI, 1.4-523.9, P = .029) more likely to have a positive culture compared with those who did not have pain at initial presentation. Age, sex, clinical diagnosis, smoking status, anti-VEGF agent injected, duration between last anti-VEGF injection and symptoms of endophthalmitis, duration between endophthalmitis symptoms and initial treatment, intraocular pressure at initial presentation, and presence of hypopyon were not associated with a difference in positive-culture yield. Conclusions: Visual acuity worse than 20/400 and pain at time of initial presentation secondary to endophthalmitis following anti-VEGF injection were strongly associated with a positive culture. Our data support consideration of vitrectomy in cases in which microbe identification is paramount.
The discreditation of oboyerite and a note on the crystal structure of plumbotellurite
Authors: Missen Owen P. , Rumsey Michael S. , Kampf Anthony R. , Mills Stuart J. , Back Malcolm E. , Spratt John 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe mineral ‘oboyerite’, first described in 1979 from the Grand Central mine, Tombstone, Cochise County, Arizona, USA, has been re-examined. The type specimen from the Natural History Museum, London and a specimen from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (traceable to S. A Williams, who first described ‘oboyerite’) were analysed in this study. The discreditation of ‘oboyerite’ as a valid mineral species has been approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association (Proposal 19-D). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, electron probe microanalysis and scanning electron microscopy were all employed to show that ‘oboyerite’ is formed of at least two distinct phases, including the lead–tellurium oxysalt minerals ottoite and plumbotellurite. During the course of the discreditation, plumbotellurite was confirmed to be identical to the synthetic compound α-Pb2+Te4+O3. Previously, in some mineralogical literature plumbotellurite was described as orthorhombic with no known crystal structure.
Butyrogenic bacteria after acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) are associated with the development of steroid-refractory GVHD
Authors: Golob Jonathan L. , DeMeules Martha M. , Loeffelholz Tillie , Quinn Z. Z. , Dame Michael K. , Silvestri Sabrina S. , Wu Michael C. , Schmidt Thomas M. , Fiedler Tina L. , Hoostal Matthew J. , Mielcarek Marco , Spence Jason , Pergam Steven A. , Fredricks David N. 
Published: October 2019

Key Points
The presence of butyrogenic bacteria after the onset of acute GVHD associates with subsequent steroid-refractory GVHD or chronic GVHD. Butyrate inhibits human colonic stem cells from forming an intact epithelial monolayer.
High-level protein production in erythroid cells derived from in vivo transduced hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Wang Hongjie , Liu Zhinan , Li Chang , Gil Sucheol , Papayannopoulou Thalia , Doering Christopher B. , Lieber André 
Published: October 2019

Key Points
An in vivo HSC transduction/selection allows for high-level protein expression from erythroid cells without side effects on erythropoiesis. This approach that did not require ex vivo HSC manipulation and transplantation resulted in phenotypic correction of murine hemophilia A.
Potential vectors of bluetongue virus in high altitude areas of Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Duan Ying Liang , Bellis Glenn , Li Le , Li Hua Chun , Miao Hai Sheng , Kou Mei Ling , Liao De Fang , Wang Zheng , Gao Lin , Li Ji Zhong 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Bluetongue disease of ruminants is a typical insect-borne disease caused by bluetongue virus (BTV) of the genus Orbivirus (family Reoviridae) and transmitted by some species of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Recently, the detection of BTV in yaks in high altitude meadows of the Shangri-La district of Yunnan Province, China, prompted an investigation of the Culicoides fauna as potential vectors of BTV.

Methods
A total of 806 Culicoides midges were collected by light trapping at three sites at altitudes ranging from 1800 to 3300 m. The species were identified based on morphology and the DNA sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1). PCR and quantitative PCR following reverse transcription were used to test for the presence of BTV RNA in Culicoides spp. A phylogenetic analysis was used to analyze the cox1 sequences of some specimens.

Results
Four species dominated these collections and cox1 barcoding revealed that at least two of these appear to belong to species new to science. Culicoides tainanus and a cryptic species morphologically similar to C. tainanus dominated low altitude valley collections while C. nielamensis was the most abundant species in the high-altitude meadow. A species related to C. obsoletus occurred at all altitudes but did not dominate any of the collections. BTV RT-qPCR analysis detected BTV RNA in two specimens of C. tainanus, in one specimen closely related to C. tainanus and in one specimen closely related to C. obsoletus by barcode sequencing.

Conclusions
This study suggests that BTV in high altitude areas of Yunnan is being transmitted by three species of Culicoides, two of which appear to be new to science. This research may be useful in improving understanding of the effects of global warming on arboviral disease epidemiology and further study is important in research into disease control and prevention.
The contribution of dietary and non-dietary factors to socioeconomic inequality in childhood anemia in Ethiopia: a regression-based decomposition analysis
Authors: Mohammed Shimels Hussien , Habtewold Tesfa Dejenie , Muhammad Fatima , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Objective
There is a scarcity of evidence on socioeconomic inequalities of childhood anemia in Ethiopia. We determined the magnitude of socioeconomic inequality in anemia and the contribution of dietary and non-dietary factors to the observed inequality, using a nationally representative data of 2902 children included in the 2016 Ethiopian demographic and health survey. The data were collected following a multistage, stratified cluster sampling strategy. We followed the Blinder–Oaxaca regression-based approach to decompose the inequality and determine the relative contribution (%) of the dietary and non-dietary factors to the observed inequality.

Result
We found a significant pro-poor socioeconomic inequality in childhood anemia in Ethiopia. A third (~ 33%) of the inequality was attributable to compositional differences in the dietary determinants of anemia (dietary diversity, meal frequency, and breastfeeding factors). Non-dietary factors like residence place, maternal education, and birth weight) jointly explained ~ 36% of the inequality. Maternal education was the single most important factor, accounting alone for ~ 28% the inequality, followed by rural residence (~ 17%) and dietary diversity (~ 16%). Efforts to narrow socioeconomic gaps and/or designing equity sensitive interventions by prioritizing the poor in health/nutrition interventions stands worth of consideration to reduce the burden of childhood anemia in Ethiopia and beyond.
Debutant iOS app and gene‐disease complexities in clinical genomics and precision medicine
Authors: Ahmed Zeeshan , Zeeshan Saman , Xiong Ruoyun , Liang Bruce T. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe last decade has seen a dramatic increase in the availability of scientific data, where human‐related biological databases have grown not only in count but also in volume, posing unprecedented challenges in data storage, processing, analysis, exchange, and curation. Next generation sequencing (NGS) advancements have facilitated and accelerated the process of identifying genetic variations. Adopting NGS with Whole‐Genome and RNA sequencing in a diagnostic context has the potential to improve disease‐risk detection in support of precision medicine and drug discovery. Several bioinformatics pipelines have been developed to strengthen variant interpretation by efficiently processing and analyzing sequence data, whereas many published results show how genomics data can be proactively incorporated into medical practices and improve utilization of clinical information. To utilize the wealth of genomics and health, there is a crucial need to generate appropriate gene‐disease annotation repositories accessed through modern technology.ResultsOur focus here is to create a comprehensive database with mobile access to actionable genes and classified diseases, considered the foundation for clinical genomics and precision medicine. We present a publicly available iOS app, PAS‐Gen, which invites global users to freely download it on iPhone and iPad devices, quickly adopt its easy to use interface, and search for genes and related diseases. PAS‐Gen was developed using Swift, XCODE, and PHP scripting that uses Web and MySQL database servers, which includes over 59,000 protein‐coding and non‐coding genes, and over 90,000 classified gene‐disease associations. PAS‐Gen is founded on the clinical and scientific premise that easier healthcare and genomics data sharing will accelerate future medical discoveries.ConclusionsWe present a cutting‐edge gene‐disease database with a smart phone application, integrating information on classified diseases and related genes. The PAS‐Gen app will assist researchers, medical practitioners, and pharmacists by providing a broad and view of genes that may be implicated in the likelihood of developing certain diseases. This tool with accelerate users’ abilities to understand the genetic basis of human complex diseases and by assimilating genomic and phenotypic data will support future work to identify gene‐specific designer drugs, target precise molecular fingerprints for tumors, suggest appropriate drug therapies, predict individual susceptibility to disease, and diagnose and treat rare illnesses.