bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management and outcomes in mitral valve prolapse with ventricular arrhythmias undergoing ablation and/or implantation of ICDs
Authors: Bumgarner Joseph M. , Patel Divyang , Kumar Anirudh , Clevenger Joshua R. , Trulock Kevin M. , Popović Zoran , Griffin Brian P. , Wazni Oussama M. , Menon Venu , Desai Milind Y. , Kanj Mohamed H. , Kalahasti Vidyasagar 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundWhile there is an association between isolated mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the baseline characteristics and outcomes of patients with isolated MVP who experience ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and then subsequently undergo catheter ablation and/or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation are unknown.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of all patients at the Cleveland Clinic with isolated MVP between 1997 and 2016 who underwent VA catheter ablation or secondary prevention ICD implantation.ResultsOf 617 screened patients, we identified 43 patients with isolated MVP and significant VA who underwent ICD placement (n = 13, 30%) or catheter ablation (n = 30, 70%). Both leaflets were most commonly involved (n = 22, 52%) with posterior MVP being next most common (n = 15, 36%). The most common foci of VA origin was the left ventricular papillary muscle (n = 9, 27%). Ablation was successful in the majority of cases (n = 20, 65%). At a mean follow‐up of 2.5 years, 11 patients (26%) had recurrent VT.ConclusionsPatients with isolated MVP and VA were more likely to have bileaflet prolapse and at least moderate mitral regurgitation. VA originated more commonly from left‐sided foci. While ablation was acutely successful in the majority of cases, there was still a moderate rate of VA recurrence. There is still more study needed on factors that will predict malignant VAs and management of these VAs in the MVP population.
Comparison of the Medtronic SelectSecure and conventional pacing leads: Long‐term follow‐up in a multicenter pediatric and congenital cohort
Authors: Moak Jeffrey P. , Law Ian H. , LaPage Martin J. , Fish Frank , Shatty Ira , Dubin Anne M. , Patel Akash , Fishbach Peter , Cain Nicole , Johnsrude Christopher , Berul Charles I. , Bangoura Aminata , Hanumanthaiah Sridhar , McCarter Robert 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe Medtronic SelectSecure™ (Minneapolis, MN, USA) pacing lead (SS) has theoretical advantages compared to conventional (C) transvenous pacing leads (PLs). The study purpose was to determine whether differences in electrical function and lead survival exist between these PLs in a large data set of pediatric and congenital patients.MethodsA multicenter historical longitudinal cohort study was performed comparing SS and CPL performance over a 72‐month follow‐up (FU). Ten centers provided data for both SS and CPL, matched for age, implanted pacing chamber, time period of implantation, and presence of heart disease.ResultsThe cohort consisted of 141 subjects in each group. No statistical differences were observed in age, gender, presence of heart disease, or pacing indication. Atrial and ventricular capture thresholds were stable throughout FU and higher in the SS group (atrial: 0.75 ± 0.02 vs 0.5 ± 0.04 V, ventricular: 1.0 ± 0.04 vs 0.75 ± 0.04 V), P < 0.001. Group PL sensing thresholds did not differ. The SS group required greater energy to pace (atrial: 0.57 ± 0.05 vs 0.32 ± 0.02 mJ, ventricular: 0.83 ± 0.05 vs 0.56 ± 0.06 mJ), P = 0.001. Early lead dislodgement and phrenic nerve stimulation were greater in the SS group (P = 0.03). Long‐term lead survival was high and similar between the two groups, P = 0.35.ConclusionsLong‐term survival of both PL was high with a low fracture rate. The SS had excellent electrical function but did show higher capture thresholds and increased energy to pace; these differences are offset by other advantages of the SS PL.
Differentially methylated DNA regions in early childhood wheezing: An epigenome‐wide study using saliva
Authors: Popovic Maja , Fiano Valentina , Fasanelli Francesca , Trevisan Morena , Grasso Chiara , Assumma Manuela Bianca , Gillio‐Tos Anna , Polidoro Silvia , De Marco Laura , Rusconi Franca , Merletti Franco , Zugna Daniela , Richiardi Lorenzo 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundEpigenetics may play a role in wheezing and asthma development. We aimed to examine infant saliva DNA methylation in association with early childhood wheezing.MethodsA case‐control study was nested within the NINFEA birth cohort with 68 cases matched to 68 controls by sex, age (between 6 and 18 months, median: 10.3 months) and season at saliva sampling. Using a bumphunting region–based approach, we examined associations between saliva methylome measured using Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450k array and wheezing between 6 and 18 months of age. We tested our main findings in independent publicly available data sets of childhood respiratory allergy and atopic asthma, with DNA methylation measured in different tissues and at different ages.ResultsWe identified one wheezing‐associated differentially methylated region (DMR) spanning ten sequential CpG sites in the promoter‐regulatory region of PM20D1 gene (family‐wise error rate < 0.05). The observed associations were enhanced in children born to atopic mothers. In the publicly available data sets, hypermethylation in the same region of PM20D1 was consistently found at different ages and in all analysed tissues (cord blood, blood, saliva and nasal epithelia) of children with respiratory allergy/atopic asthma compared with controls.ConclusionThis study suggests that PM20D1 hypermethylation is associated with early childhood wheezing. Directionally consistent epigenetic alteration observed in cord blood and other tissues at older ages in children with respiratory allergy and atopic asthma provides suggestive evidence that a long‐term epigenetic modification, likely operating from birth, may be involved in childhood atopic phenotypes.
Allergy screening in a schoolchildren‐based population
Authors: Sacchetti Marta , Regine Vincenza , Mantelli Flavio , Chini Loredana , Moschese Viviana , Bonini Matteo , Pugliese Lucia , Suligoi Barbara , Lambiase Alessandro 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundSchoolchildren screening for allergic diseases may improve early identification and management of atopic children. The aim of this study was to perform a schoolchildren screening program for identification of children with allergic diseases.MethodsAll parents of children attending to 13 primary schools in the city of Rome were requested to fill in a demographic data form and the ChAt questionnaire. Allergological evaluation was performed in the children with suspect of allergy (ChAt score > 2). Ocular examination was performed to identify signs of allergic conjunctivitis. The presence of allergic symptoms was related to demographic and environmental variables.ResultsA total of 2667 children (mean age: 7.1 ± 1 years) were included, and 2489 (93.3%) parents completed the ChAt questionnaire. Results of ChAt questionnaire showed a previous diagnosis of allergic disease in 637 (25.6%) children and the potential presence of an allergic disease (ChAt score > 2) in 35.1%. Multivariate analysis showed that older age, male gender, and having less than two siblings were associated with higher risk of allergic disease. Visual screening showed the presence of clinical signs of allergic conjunctivitis in 2% of children. Allergologic evaluation in 334 children confirmed the diagnosis of allergic disease in 324 (97%) cases. Among them, 97 (29.9%) did not refer to a previous formal diagnosis of allergic condition.ConclusionsThis study confirmed that schoolchildren screening using ChAt questionnaire could represent a useful tool for early identification of yet undiagnosed atopic children.
Genome‐wide analysis of MADS‐box family genes during flower development in lettuce
Authors: Ning Kang , Han Yingyan , Chen Zijing , Luo Chen , Wang Shenglin , Zhang Wenjing , Li Ling , Zhang Xiaolan , Fan Shuangxi , Wang Qian 
Published: January 2019

AbstractLettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is an important leafy vegetable consumed worldwide. Heat‐induced bolting and flowering greatly limit lettuce production during the summer. Additionally, MADS‐box transcription factors are important for various aspects of plant development and architecture (e.g., flowering and floral patterning). However, there has been no comprehensive study of lettuce MADS‐box family genes. In this study, we identified 82 MADS‐box family genes in lettuce, including 23 type I genes and 59 type II genes. Transcriptome profiling revealed that LsMADS gene expression patterns differ among the various floral stages and organs. Moreover, heat‐responsive cis‐elements were detected in the promoter regions of many LsMADS genes. An in situ hybridization assay of 10 homologs of flower‐patterning genes and a yeast two‐hybrid assay of the encoded proteins revealed that the ABC model is conserved in lettuce. Specifically, the APETALA1 (AP1) homolog in lettuce, LsMADS55, is responsive to heat and is specifically expressed in the inflorescence meristem and pappus bristles. The overexpression of LsMADS55 results in early flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana. Furthermore, we observed that the heat shock factor LsHSFB2A‐1 can bind to the LsMADS55 promoter in lettuce. Therefore, a model was proposed for the LsMADS‐regulated floral organ specification and heat‐induced flowering in lettuce.
Cryptic species and population genetic structure of Plasmopara viticola in São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Camargo M. P. , Hong C. F. , Amorim L. , Scherm H. 
Published: January 2019

Downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) is one of the most important diseases in grape‐growing areas worldwide, including Brazil. To examine pathogen population biology and structure, P. viticola was sampled during the 2015/16 growing season from 516 lesions on nine grape cultivars in 11 locations in subtropical areas of São Paulo State, Brazil. For identification of cryptic species, a subsample of 130 isolates was subjected to cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) analysis, and for 91 of these isolates the ITS1 region was sequenced. These analyses suggest that the population of P. viticola in São Paulo State consists of a single cryptic species, P. viticola clade aestivalis. Seven microsatellite markers were used to determine the genetic structure of all 516 P. viticola isolates, identifying 23 alleles and 55 multilocus genotypes (MLGs). Among these MLGs, 34.5% were clonal and represented 93% of the isolates sampled. Four dominant genotypes were present in at least five different locations, corresponding to 65.7% of the isolates sampled. Genotypic diversity (Ĝ = 0.21–0.89) and clonal fraction (0.58–0.96) varied among locations (populations). Most populations showed significant deviation from Hardy–Weinberg expectations; in addition, excess of heterozygosity was verified for many loci. However, principal coordinate analysis revealed no clusters among locations and no significant isolation by distance was found, suggesting high levels of migration. The results indicate that downy mildew epidemics result from multiple clonal infections caused by a few genotypes of P. viticola, and reproduction of P. viticola in São Paulo State is predominantly asexual.
Hair and saliva analysis fails to accurately identify atopic dogs or differentiate real and fake samples
Authors: Bernstein Joseph A , Tater Kathy , Bicalho Rodrigo C , Rishniw Mark 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundThe availability of direct‐to‐consumer medical testing for human and veterinary health conditions has increased in recent years. For allergies, several companies market proprietary hair and saliva tests directly to pet owners. These tests have not been validated and there is limited regulatory oversight for such tests in veterinary medicine.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo examine the accuracy and reproducibility of a commercial direct‐to‐consumer hair and saliva allergen test.AnimalsSeven healthy animals (six dogs, one cat); six animals (five dogs, one cat) with atopic dermatitis; 11 samples of synthetic fur and sterile saline.Methods and materialsDuplicate animal hair and saliva, and 11 synthetic fur and saline samples were collected (total samples 35) and submitted to the company for analysis, yielding 12,075 outcomes for statistical analysis.ResultsPositive test results were provided by the direct‐to‐consumer pet allergy for all submitted samples, including synthetic fur and saline. The test results for healthy and atopic animal samples were no different from each other or from synthetic fur and saline samples. Reproducibility for paired samples was not different from random chance. The results for real animals correlated strongly with results for synthetic fur and saline samples (r = 0.71, P < 0.05).Conclusions and clinical importanceThe direct‐to‐consumer hair and saliva test for pet allergies examined in this study performed no better than chance and the results were not reproducible.
Tibial fracture repair with angle‐stable interlocking nailing in 2 calves
Authors: Marturello Danielle M. , Gazzola Krista M. , Déjardin Loïc M. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo report tibial fracture repairs with I‐Loc angle‐stable interlocking nails (AS‐ILN) in 2 calves.Study designClinical case reports.AnimalsOne 5‐day‐old Holstein calf and one 3‐month‐old beefalo calf.MethodsIn a 50‐kg Holstein calf, a proximal juxtametaphyseal comminuted tibial fracture with tibial tuberosity slab fracture was repaired with an 8–160‐mm I‐Loc nail and 2 cortical lag screws. In an 89‐kg beefalo calf, a long oblique middiaphyseal tibial fracture was repaired with an 8–185‐mm I‐Loc nail and 5 double loop cerclage wires. In each case, an I‐Loc AS‐ILN was selected because unique biomechanical challenges precluded treatment with traditional osteosynthesis methods, such as external coaptation or plate fixation.ResultsNo complications were diagnosed, and clinical union was documented 4 weeks after surgery in both cases. Axial growth continued in both calves, with no evidence of angular limb deformity at 7‐ and 6‐month follow‐up.ConclusionThis is the first report describing the use of the I‐Loc nail in a bovine species. This application led to uncomplicated healing of tibial fractures and continued growth in both young calves described here.Clinical significanceInterlocking nailing may provide an effective and safe alternative for osteosynthesis of tibial fractures in young calves. Insertion of the AS‐ILN across the center of the proximal tibial physis of a rapidly growing calf does not seem to alter its growth potential.
Educational needs and workplace opportunities of allied health assistants: A qualitative pilot
Authors: Mickan Sharon , Golenko Xanthe , Buys Nicholas 
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Healthcare assistants perform a broad range of clinical and administrative tasks across many clinical settings and are supervised by most professional groups. This diversity creates challenges for maintaining a consistent scope of practice and consistent patterns of skill utilisation. It is not clear whether formal education in universities for allied health assistants (AHAs) could better shape the role and opportunities for the AHA workforce. Methods and analysis: An exploratory qualitative study was designed to investigate the perspectives of senior allied health clinicians and academics about the educational needs and workplace opportunities for AHAs. We were interested in whether university education for AHAs could help to shape consistent roles and expectations of AHAs for the future workforce. A convenience sample of participants was invited to exploratory semi-structured interviews, and their responses were thematically analysed and integrated. Results: Twelve participants, representing eight different allied health professions, were interviewed. Three themes emerged. Participants described the diverse roles, capabilities and expectations of the health assistant workforce. Current vocational training was considered inconsistent and insufficient, and participants reported significant local training occurring to meet the expectations of different work environments. Future educational pathways in university were not supported by any participants for many, largely practical, reasons. Conclusion: University-level education does not appear to be a feasible tool to ensure consistent workforce roles and expectations for allied health assistants. Instead, AHAs need integrated educational pathways across vocational training and workplace environments. Continued workforce design is required to align assistant and professional roles and expectations.
Relationship between macular vessel density and central visual field sensitivity at different glaucoma stages
Authors: Shin Joong Won , Lee Jiyun , Kwon Junki , Jo Younhye , Jeong Daun , Shon Gilhwan , Kook Michael S 
Published: January 2019

AimsTo evaluate the relationship between macular vessel density (mVD) and central visual field sensitivity (cVFS) at different stages of glaucoma and to compare this relationship with that between the thickness of the macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPLT) and cVFS.MethodsThe mVD and mGCIPLT were measured by optical coherence tomography angiography in 139 patients with glaucoma. The cVFS was defined as the average of 12 central points on 24-2 visual field (VF) testing. Vasculature–function and structure–function relationships were analysed by comparing mVD and mGCIPLT with cVFS in eyes with early and moderate-to-advanced glaucoma.ResultsGlobal and regional mVD–cVFS associations were statistically significant in eyes with moderate-to-advanced (all p<0.05), but not early stage (all p>0.05) glaucoma. The global association between average mVD and cVFS was significantly stronger than that between average mGCIPLT and cVFS in eyes with moderate-to-advanced glaucoma (p=0.049). Reduced mVD was independently associated with cVFS loss after adjusting for age and mGCIPLT in eyes with moderate-to-advanced glaucoma.ConclusionsThe macular vasculature–function relationship using mVD was stronger than the structure–function relationship using mGCIPLT in eyes with moderate-to-advanced glaucoma. The mVD may be useful in monitoring cVFS in advanced glaucoma.
Utilisation of the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant in NHS Trusts and Clinical Commissioning Groups across England: a freedom of information investigation
Authors: McGill Gill , Wilson Gemma , Hill Michael , Kiernan Matthew D 
Published: January 2019

ObjectivesTo determine the extent to which National Health Service (NHS) service providers appoint a named Armed Forces veteran lead or champion, and to explore the commissioning of veteran-specific services by Clinical Commissioning Groups.DesignA convergent mixed method design was used to improve understanding obtained from the information provided by respondents on their practice. The study comprised two parts: phase 1 involved NHS Trusts, and phase 2 involved Clinical Commissioning Groups.SettingAll NHS Trusts and Clinical Commissioning Groups in England were contacted using a freedom of information request.ParticipantsAll NHS trusts and Clinical Commissioning Groups across England.InterventionsInitially, existing national websites were searched to gather information within the public domain. An audit was carried out, using the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000 to gather further information.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe FOIA 2000 applies to UK Government departments and public authorities, including NHS Trusts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.ResultsResponses from the freedom of information requests illustrate inconsistencies in relation to adopting the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. The inconsistencies extend to the practice of appointing an Armed Forces Veteran Lead or an Armed Forces Veteran Champion. There is also evidence to suggest a lack of commitment to and understanding of policy guidance in relation to Clinical Commissioning Group responsibility for commissioning veteran-specific services.ConclusionsFindings from this study support the case for making improvements to, and improving the consistency of, commissioning practices for veterans.
Features and trends of thyroid cancer in patients with thyroidectomies in Beijing, China between 1994 and 2015: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhao Ling , Pang Ping , Zang Li , Luo Yukun , Wang Fulin , Yang Guoqing , Du Jin , Wang Xianling , Lyu Zhaohui , Dou Jingtao , Mu Yiming 
Published: January 2019

ObjectivesThis study aims to summarise the features and trends of thyroid carcinoma in the past two decades in China.Design, setting and participantsClinical data obtained from 10 798 patients treated by thyroidectomy from 1994 to 2015 at the Department of General Surgery of the People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China were retrospectively analysed.Outcome measuresIncidence and histopathological features of thyroid cancer were compared and the risk factors for local lymph node metastasis analysed.ResultsOur data indicated a significant increase in the detection of thyroid cancer (from 16.8% to 69.8%, p<0.01). Among the 5235 thyroid cancer cases, papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) was the most common histotype, accounting for 95.1% of all malignancies over the 22-year period. Among the 4979 PTCs, micro-PTCs (mPTC) with the largest diameter ≤10 mm has gradually become the dominant form, and its percentage in PTCs has increased from 13.3% in the biennial period of 1994–1995 to 51.2% in 2010–2011. Furthermore, the size of the tumour has decreased significantly from 2.3±1.1 cm in 1994 to 1.2±0.9 cm in the largest diameter (p<0.01), while the average age at diagnosis and female dominance remained unchanged during the period. Logistic regression showed that tumour nodules>1 cm and male gender were the main risk factors for local lymph node metastasis (LNM), whereas patients over 45 years had lower risk.ConclusionsDuring the 22-year period, an increased detection of thyroid cancer, particularly mPTC, was found while the occurrence of LNM decreased. Our results suggest that the current preoperative diagnosis and risk stratification are adequate, supporting the published guidelines for the diagnosis of thyroid cancer.