bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The acute effects of edge‐to‐edge percutaneous mitral valve repair on the shape and size of the mitral annulus and its relation to mitral regurgitation
Authors: Donmez Esra , Salcedo Ernesto E. , Quaife Robert A. , Burke Joseph M. , Gill Edward A. , Carroll John D. 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundThe effects of edge‐to‐edge percutaneous mitral valve repair on the shape and size of the mitral annulus and its relation to mitral regurgitation (MR) have not been well characterized. We evaluated acute changes in mitral annular shape and dimensions, and their effect on MR severity, in patients with functional and degenerative MR following MitraClip®.MethodsPatients that underwent MitraClip® between January 2013 and May 2016 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Exclusions: inadequate images, prior mitral valve repair, and rapid atrial fibrillation. Intra‐procedure TEE 3D images acquired prior to and after implantation of MitraClip® were analyzed using software to model the mitral valve apparatus.ResultsOf seventy‐eight patients that underwent MitraClip® procedure, 60 were eligible. Mean age was 78.3 ± 11 years. Severe MR (4+) was present in 37 patients, moderately/severe MR (3+) in 23. All patients achieved MR reduction to ≤2. 3D annular circumference, bicommissural diameter, and anteroposterior diameter had a significant size reduction after MitraClip®. None of the mitral annular measures had significantly different mean change between the large and small MR change groups at the 0.05 significance level.ConclusionsIn patients with functional or degenerative MR, the MitraClip® significantly affect mitral annular dimensions; however, these changes do not correlate with the immediate MR reduction.
Morphological characterization of vegetation by real‐time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in infective endocarditis: Prognostic impact
Authors: Pérez‐García Carlos Nicolás , Olmos Carmen , Islas Fabián , Marcos‐Alberca Pedro , Pozo Eduardo , Ferrera Carlos , García‐Arribas Daniel , Pérez de Isla Leopoldo , Vilacosta Isidre 
Published: February 2019

PurposeVegetation size is a prognostic predictor in infective endocarditis (IE) and guides surgical management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of real‐time 3‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3DTEE) compared to 2DTEE in the diagnosis and characterization of vegetation, as well as its potential clinical impact.MethodsTwo hundred and three consecutive patients with IE were recruited (2009–2016) and retrospectively analyzed. Vegetation diameters and area from 68 patients were measured by 2DTEE and RT3DTEE at admission. The association between size and systemic embolisms was evaluated with logistic regression models. Differences in the discriminative power for the best dimensions’ cutoff points were assessed by comparing the area under the ROC curves (AUC).ResultsVegetation size and area were larger by RT3DTEE (P < 0.001) than by 2DTEE, and RT3DTEE was especially relevant in the characterization of nonfiliform vegetation, Morphology was strongly associated with friability, being sessile vegetation less likely to embolize, compared to filiform and raceme‐shaped ones (15.4% vs 46% vs 50%). Major diameter by RT3DTEE had better embolic predictive performance than 2DTEE (AUC 0.76 [0.57–0.89] vs 0.71 [0.53–0.86]; P = 0.611). The best cutoff points associated with embolic events during the infection were 17 mm for RT3DTEE and 15 mm for 2DTEE. Based exclusively on vegetation size, the proportion of patients meeting a surgical indication according to current guidelines is higher using RT3DTEE.ConclusionsRT3DTEE allows a better characterization of IE vegetation than 2DTEE, what may have a clinical impact on surgical management and also prognostic due to a more accurate prediction of embolic risk.
Detecting neuroinflammation in the brain following chronic alcohol exposure in rats: A comparison between in vivo and in vitro TSPO radioligand binding
Authors: Tyler Ryan E. , Kim Sung Won , Guo Min , Jang Yeon Joo , Damadzic Ruslan , Stodden Tyler , Vendruscolo Leandro F. , Koob George F. , Wang Gene‐Jack , Wiers Corinde E. , Volkow Nora D. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractExcessive alcohol consumption is associated with neuroinflammation, which likely contributes to alcohol‐related pathology. However, positron emission tomography (PET) studies using radioligands for the 18‐kDa translocator protein (TSPO), which is considered a biomarker of neuroinflammation, reported decreased binding in alcohol use disorder (AUD) participants compared to controls. In contrast, autoradiographic findings in alcohol exposed rats reported increases in TSPO radioligand binding. To assess if these discrepancies reflected differences between in vitro and in vivo methodologies, we compared in vitro autoradiography (using [3H]PBR28 and [3H]PK11195) with in vivo PET (using [11C]PBR28) in male, Wistar rats exposed to chronic alcohol‐vapor (dependent n = 10) and in rats exposed to air‐vapor (nondependent n = 10). PET scans were obtained with [11C]PBR28, after which rats were euthanized and the brains were harvested for autoradiography with [3H]PBR28 and [3H]PK11195 (n = 7 dependent and n = 7 nondependent), and binding quantified in hippocampus, thalamus, and parietal cortex. Autoradiography revealed significantly higher binding in alcohol‐dependent rats for both radioligands in thalamus and hippocampus (trend level for [3H]PBR28) compared to nondependent rats, and these group differences were stronger for [3H]PK11195 than [3H]PBR28. In contrast, PET measures obtained in the same rats showed no group difference in [11C]PBR28 binding. Our in vitro data are consistent with neuroinflammation associated with chronic alcohol exposure. Failure to observe similar increases in [11C]PBR28 binding in vivo suggests the possibility that a mechanism mediated by chronic alcohol exposure interferes with [11C]PBR28 binding to TSPO in vivo. These data question the sensitivity of PBR28 PET as a methodology to assess neuroinflammation in AUD.
Effects of an epilepsy‐specific Internet intervention (Emyna) on depression: Results of the ENCODE randomized controlled trial
Authors: Meyer Björn , Weiss Mario , Holtkamp Martin , Arnold Stephan , Brückner Katja , Schröder Johanna , Scheibe Franziska , Nestoriuc Yvonne 
Published: February 2019

SummaryObjectiveDepression and anxiety are highly prevalent among people with epilepsy (PwE) but often remain unrecognized and treated inadequately. Effective psychosocial treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are rarely available to most PwE, which is one reason electronically delivered CBT (eCBT) is regarded as promising. This study examined an eCBT intervention, termed Emyna, that was tailored to suit the needs of PwE. It includes CBT‐related content on depression, stress and anxiety, seizure triggers and auras, and lifestyle habits. The trial examined the efficacy of Emyna in reducing symptoms of depression (primary outcome) and anxiety as well as improving quality of life.MethodsParticipants (N = 200) with epilepsy, a diagnosis of a depressive disorder, and at least moderate depressive symptoms were randomized to Emyna or care as usual. At baseline and after 3, 6, and 9 months, participants were invited to complete online questionnaires. The primary outcome was improvement of depressive symptoms at 3 months.ResultsRelative to the control group, intervention group participants experienced significantly greater improvements in depression, anxiety, stress, social‐occupational impairment, and epilepsy‐related quality of life, in both intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol analyses. In ITT analyses, effects of medium magnitude were observed, as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 items (Cohen d = 0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.25‐0.82, P < 0.001) and the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (d = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.23‐0.79, P < 0.01). At 3 months, intervention group participants also reported fewer illness‐related days off work and fewer days hospitalized over the preceding months, compared to control group participants (P ≤ 0.05), whereas no such differences were present at baseline (P > 0.30).SignificanceThese findings showed that Emyna, used adjunctively to usual care, could help improve mental health, social‐occupational functioning, and quality of life among PwE. The program provides an additional treatment option that could produce clinically relevant symptom reductions and reduce key cost drivers (ie, hospitalization rates and illness‐related inability to work).
The complex role of mast cells in fungal infections
Authors: Jiao Qingqing , Luo Ying , Scheffel Jörg , Zhao ZuoTao , Maurer Marcus 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn addition to their critical role in allergic disorders, mast cells (MCs) are well recognized for their protective effector functions during bacteria and parasite infections. This review describes recent advancements of our understanding of the complex role ofMCs in fungal infections. Specifically, we outline key features of the contribution ofMCs to infections with six fungal pathogens, namelySporothrix,Paracoccidioides,Aspergillus,Malassezia,CandidaandDermatophytes. Evidence from studies of these pathogens suggests thatMCs can function as positive regulators that detect and contain fungi at the site of infection. However, it appears that the inflammation induced byMCs following fungal infections may not always and only be beneficial to the host.MCresponses during fungal infections may primarily benefit the pathogen by facilitating its spreading and contributing to a greater severity of fungal infections. This review also highlights key drivers ofMCs activation and effector mechanisms that have been identified for the multidimensional function ofMCs in fungal diseases and in allergic diseases combined with fungal infection.
Conformational analysis of apolipoprotein E3/E4 heteromerization
Authors: Tu Kai‐Han , Abhari Devan , Narayanaswami Vasanthy 
Published: February 2019

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a 299 residue, exchangeable apolipoprotein that has essential roles in cholesterol homeostasis and reverse cholesterol transport. It is a two‐domain protein with the C‐terminal (CT) domain mediating protein self‐association via helix‐helix interactions. In humans, the APOE gene is polymorphic with three common alleles, ε2, ε3, and ε4, occurring in frequencies of ~ 5%, 77%, and 18%, respectively. Heterozygotes expressing apoE3 and apoE4 isoforms, which differ in residue at position 112 in the N‐terminal domain (C112 in apoE3 and R112 in apoE4), represent the highest population of ε4 carriers, an allele highly associated with Alzheimer's disease. The objective of this study was to determine if apoE3 and apoE4 have the ability to hybridize to form a heteromer in lipid‐free state. Refolding an equimolar mixture of His‐apoE3 and FLAG‐apoE4 (or vice versa) followed by pull‐down and immunoblotting indicated formation of apoE3/apoE4 heteromers. Förster resonance energy transfer between donor fluorophore on one isoform and acceptor on the other, both located in the respective CT domains, revealed a distance of separation of ~ 46 Å between the donor/acceptor pair. Similarly, a quencher placed on one was able to mediate significant quenching of fluorescence emission on the other, indicative of spatial proximity within collisional distance between the two. ApoE3/apoE4 heteromer association was also noted in lipid‐associated state in reconstituted lipoprotein particles. The possibility of heteromerization of apoE3/apoE4 bears implications in the potential mitigating role of apoE3 on the folding and physiological behavior of apoE4 and its role in maintaining cholesterol homeostasis.
SiberianMiscanthus sacchariflorusaccessions surpass the exceptional chilling tolerance of the most widely cultivated clone ofMiscanthusxgiganteus
Authors: Pignon Charles P. , Spitz Idan , Sacks Erik J. , Jørgensen Uffe , Kørup Kirsten , Long Stephen P. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractChilling temperatures (0–15°C) inhibit photosynthesis in most C4grasses, yet photosynthesis is chilling tolerant in the ‘Illinois’ clone of the C4grassMiscanthusxgiganteus, a candidate cellulosic bioenergy crop.M.xgiganteusis a hybrid betweenMiscanthus sacchariflorusandMiscanthus sinensis; therefore chilling‐tolerant parent lines might produce hybrids superior to the current clone. Recently a collection ofM. sacchariflorusfrom Siberia, the apparent low temperature limit of natural distribution,became available, which may be a source for chilling tolerance. The collection was screened for chilling tolerance of photosynthesis by measuring dark‐adapted maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm) on plants in the field in cool weather. Superior accessions were selected for further phenotyping: plants were grown at 25°C, transferred to 10°C (chilling) for 15 days, and returned to 25°C for 7 days (recovery). Two experiments assessed: (a) light‐saturated net photosynthetic rate (Asat) and operating quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII), (b) response of net leaf CO2uptake (A) to intercellular [CO2] (ci). Three accessions showed superior chilling tolerance: RU2012‐069 and RU2012‐114 achievedAsatup to double that ofM.xgiganteusprior to and during chilling, due to increasedci‐ saturated photosynthesis (Vmax). RU2012‐069 and RU2012‐114 also maintained greater levels of ΦPSIIduring chilling, indicating reduced photodamage. Additionally, accession RU2012‐112 maintained a stableAsatthroughout the 15‐day chilling period, whileAsatcontinuously declined in other accessions; this suggests RU2012‐112 could outperform others in lengthy chilling periods. Plants were returned to 25°C after the chilling period;M.xgiganteusshowed the weakest recovery after 1 day, but a strong recovery after 1 week. This study has therefore identified important genetic resources for the synthesis of improved lines ofM.xgiganteus, which could facilitate the displacement of fossil fuels by cellulosic bioenergy.
Effect of toothpaste containing amine fluoride and stannous chloride on the reduction of dental plaque and gingival inflammation. A randomized controlled 12‐week home‐use study
Authors: Lorenz Katrin , Hoffmann Thomas , Heumann Christian , Noack Barbara 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectivesThis single‐centre, controlled, randomized, double‐blinded clinical study in parallel groups was performed to assess the efficacy of an experimental toothpaste on plaque and gingivitis.MethodsIn adult subjects with gingivitis, amine fluoride/stannous chloride toothpaste (test) and monofluorophosphate toothpaste (control) were applied twice daily by regular toothbrushing at home. Evaluations of plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI) and safety took place at baseline and after 3 and 12 weeks of study product use. After study completion, all subjects received a dental prophylaxis. A descriptive statistical analysis included means and standard deviations. Unpaired t tests compared index reductions between groups at a significance level of 0.05.ResultsIntention‐to‐treat analysis included 240 out of 241 subjects. Baseline mean PI was reduced by 0.87 ± 0.35 in the test group and by 0.65 ± 0.41 in the control group. Within‐group differences and between‐group differences in index reduction were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Mean GI and mSBI were reduced significantly over time (P < 0.001) with no clinically meaningful differences between groups.ConclusionsBoth toothpastes reduced plaque and gingivitis statistically significant and clinically meaningful over 12 weeks. Compared to the control toothpaste, application of the amine fluoride/stannous chloride toothpaste led to a clinically meaningful and more pronounced plaque reduction.
Dental caries lesions in primary teeth without obvious cavitation: Treatment decision‐making process
Authors: Leal Soraya Coelho , Barros Brenda Viana , Cabral Renata Nunes , Ferrari Júnia Carolina Linhares , de Menezes Abreu Danielle Matos , Ribeiro Ana Paula Dias 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundDental caries diagnosis and management have changed over time.AimTo identify the treatment decision‐making process performed by paediatric dentists, after caries detection using CAST instrument (Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment), for enamel (CAST 3) and non‐cavitated dentin caries lesions (CAST 4) before and after analysing radiographic images.DesignSeventy‐four paediatric dentists were invited to participate. Twelve clinical cases were presented online, and treatment decisions before and after the analysis of bitewing radiographs were evaluated.ResultsSixty‐one specialists answered the questionnaire. The necessity for radiographs was significantly associated with the presence and depth of the caries lesion (P < 0.0001). CAST 3 lesions were preferentially monitored before and after the radiographic assessment. For CAST 4 lesions limited to the outer half of dentin, treatments indicated before and after radiographic analysis were sealant (33%) and restoration (40%). For the lesions in the inner half of dentin, restoration was the most cited before (45%) and after (84%) radiographs. The radiographic depth was the only significant independent variable when “change in the treatment option” was analysed by the regression model (P < 0.001).ConclusionsEnamel lesions were treated through less invasive treatments. Radiographs influenced the decision, especially for the lesions that involved the inner half of dentin.
Influenza surveillance in Middle East, North, East and South Africa: Report of the 8th MENA Influenza Stakeholders Network
Authors: Abusrewil Suleiman , Algeer Abdulrahman , Aljifri Alanoud , Al Slail Fatima , Andrew Melissa K. , Awad Tag Eldin Mohamed , Al Awaidy Salah , Ben Alaya Nissaf , Ben Khelil Jalila , Dbaibo Ghassan , Derrar Fawzi , Elahmer Omar , Ghosn Nada , Gabriel Guelsah , Grasso Cindy , Hassan Mohamed , Hirve Siddhivinayak , Mirza Yusuf Kamal , Rateb Yousef Moh'd , Nourlil Jalal , Nunes Marta C. , Omaima Idris , Malande Oliver Ombeva , Saadatian‐Elahi Mitra , Sanchez‐Picot Valentina , Sk. Mamunur Rahman Malik , Tarraf Hesham , Walaza Sibongile 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe Middle‐East and Africa Influenza Surveillance Network (MENA‐ISN), established in 2014, includes 15 countries at present. Country representatives presented their influenza surveillance programmes, vaccine coverage and influenza control actions achieved, and provided a list of country surveillance/control objectives for the upcoming 3 years. This report details the current situation of influenza surveillance and action plans to move forward in MENA‐ISN countries. Data were presented at the 8th MENA‐ISN meeting, organized by the Mérieux Foundation that was held on 10‐11 April 2018 in Cairo, Egypt. The meeting included MENA‐ISN representatives from 12 countries (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Tunisia and United Arab Emirates) and experts from the Canadian Centre for Vaccinology, and the World Health Organization. Meeting participants concluded that influenza remains a significant threat especially in high‐risk groups (children under‐5, elderly, pregnant women and immunosuppressed individuals) in the MENA‐ISN region. Additional funding and planning are required by member countries to contain this threat. Future meetings will need to focus on creative and innovative ways to inform policy and initiatives for vaccination, surveillance and management of influenza‐related morbidity and mortality especially among the most vulnerable groups of the population.
A strong integer linear optimization model to the compartmentalized knapsack problem
Authors: Quiroga‐Orozco John J. , Valério de Carvalho J.M. , V. Hoto Robinson S. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe compartmentalized knapsack problem (CKP) is a relatively new type of problem with a wide application in industrial processes, arising, for instance, in the case of cutting steel coils in two phases in the metallurgical industry.In the literature, there are two mathematical formulations for the CKP: a classical formulation, which is a nonlinear integer programming (IP) model, and a recent (linear) IP formulation, obtained by discretizing the compartments that can be built for each class of items; the latter is an important contribution, because it makes the problem amenable to solution by mixed‐integer linear programming tools. Combinatorial enumeration algorithms and several pseudo‐polynomial decomposition heuristics were also developed for the CKP.This paper presents a new model for the exact solution of the CKP, denoted as the strong integer linear model, derived from the (linear) IP formulation by strengthening data, reducing symmetry, and lifting, and also a new pseudo‐polynomial heuristic, the heuristic of the strong capacities. Computational experiments are presented with a large set of instances that show the advantage of the new approaches. The strong model solves the CKP exactly more than seven times faster, and the new heuristic is more efficient, presenting a good balance in the terms of effectiveness.
Predicting moral attitudes and antisocial behavior in young team sport athletes: A self‐determination theory perspective
Authors: Mallia Luca , Lucidi Fabio , Zelli Arnaldo , Chirico Andrea , Hagger Martin S. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIdentifying the factors associated with prosocial and antisocial behaviors in youth sport may provide evidence to inform interventions aimed at promoting prosocial behaviors and minimizing rule transgressions in young athletes. We investigated relations among social‐contextual factors (e.g., social support), personal motivational factors (e.g., psychological need satisfaction and motivation), young athletes’ attitudes toward prosocial (e.g., keeping winning in proportion) and antisocial (e.g., acceptance of cheating and gamesmanship) behaviors, and their actual rule violations during matches in two samples of athletes. Participants in Sample 1 were young team sport athletes (N = 355) and participants in Sample 2 were young male futsal players (N = 296). Athletes in Sample 1 completed validated self‐report measures of perceived autonomy support, basic need satisfaction, and autonomous and controlled motivation from self‐determination theory, moral attitudes, and past cheating behaviors. Athletes in Sample 2 completed identical measures and two additional behavioral measures: athletes’ self‐reported number of yellow cards received during competition in the last 6 months and the number of yellow cards athletes received from referees in the subsequent 2 months from competition records. We found significant relations between psychological need satisfaction and self‐determined motivation, and athletes’ moral attitudes in both samples. These effects held when statistically controlling for past behavior. Importantly, our prospective analysis of Sample 2 indicated that attitudes toward antisocial behaviors predicted athletes’ rule violations during subsequent tournament matches. Findings indicate that promoting autonomous motivation and need satisfaction through autonomy support may foster attitudes toward prosocial behaviors, and minimize rule transgressions, in young athletes.