bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal cardiac function, uterine artery hemodynamics and natriuretic peptides at 22‐24 weeks of gestation and subsequent development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Liang Huan , Vårtun Åse , Flo Kari , Widnes Christian , Acharya Ganesh 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionMaternal cardiac dysfunction as well as abnormal uterine artery (UtA) Doppler are associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), but their relation is unclear. We investigated the correlation between maternal cardiac function, UtA hemodynamics and natriuretic peptides, and explored differences between women who subsequently developed HDP and those who did not.Material and methodsThis was a prospective cross‐sectional cohort study of 347 pregnant women at 22‐24 weeks. Maternal cardiac function and systemic hemodynamics were investigated at baseline and after 90 seconds of passive leg raising using impedance cardiography. Preload reserve was defined as percent change (Δ%) in stroke volume and cardiac output from baseline to passive leg raising. UtA hemodynamics was studied using Doppler ultrasonography. UtA blood flow, resistance and pulsatility index were calculated. Fasting venous blood samples were analyzed for natriuretic peptides (pro atrial natriuretic peptide [proANP], N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide [Nt‐proBNP] and C‐type natriuretic peptide [CNP]). The course and outcome of pregnancy were recorded.ResultsAt baseline, ProANP correlated significantly with cardiac output (r = −0.122; P = .023) and left cardiac work index (r = −0.112; P = .037), whereas Nt‐ProBNP correlated significantly with acceleration index (r = .127; P = .018) and velocity index (r = −0.111; P = .039. CNP correlated significantly with UtA blood flow (r = .118; P = .028) and resistance (r = −0.112; P = .037) but not with UtA pulsatility index (r = .034; P = .523). None of the natriuretic peptides correlated with preload reserve. At 22‐24 weeks, women who subsequently developed HDP had lower UtA blood flow (552 vs 692 mL/min; P = .028), higher UtA resistance (0.28 vs .17 mmHg/mL/min; P = .004) and higher mean UtA pulsatility index (1.12 vs .84; P < .001) compared with those who did not; however, the natriuretic peptide levels were similar in the two groups. Women developing HDP had a significantly higher increase in stroke volume and cardiac output and more reduction in systemic vascular resistance following passive leg raising compared with the reference group. Left cardiac work index, acceleration index and velocity index decreased following passive leg raising in the reference group but increased in women who later developed HDP.ConclusionsProANP correlated with cardiac output and cardiac work, Nt‐proBNP with indices of cardiac contractility, and CNP with UtA blood flow and resistance. None of these natriuretic peptides measured at 22‐24 weeks of gestation reflected cardiac preload reserve or predicted development of HDP.
Preventability review of severe maternal morbidity
Authors: Lawton Beverley A. , Jane MacDonald E. , Stanley James , Daniells Karen , Geller Stacie E. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionSevere maternal morbidity (SMM) is rising globally. Assessing SMM is an important quality measure. This study aimed to examine SMM in a national cohort in New Zealand.Material and methodsThis is a national retrospective review of pregnant or postpartum women admitted to an Intensive Care Unit or High Dependency Unit during pregnancy or recent postpartum. Outcomes were rates of SMM and assessment of potential preventability. Preventability was defined as any action on the part of the provider, system or patient that may have contributed to progression to more severe morbidity, and was assessed by a multidisciplinary review team.ResultsSevere maternal morbidity was 6.2 per 1000 deliveries (95% confidence interval 5.7‐6.8) with higher rates for Pacific, Indian and other Asian racial groups. Major blood loss (39.4%), preeclampsia‐associated conditions (23.3%) and severe sepsis (14.1%) were the most common causes of SMM. Potential preventability was highest with sepsis cases (56%) followed by preeclampsia and major blood loss (34.3% and 30.9%). Of these cases, only 36.4% were managed appropriately as determined by multidisciplinary review. Provider factors such as inappropriate diagnosis, delay or failure to recognize high risk were the most common factors associated with potential preventability of SMM. Pacific Island women had over twice the rate of preventable morbidity (relative risk 2.48, 95% confidence interval 1.28–4.79).ConclusionsMultidisciplinary external anonymized review of SMM showed that over a third of cases were potentially preventable, being due to substandard provider care with increased preventability rates for racial/ethnic minority women. Monitoring country rates of SMM and implementing case reviews to assess potential preventability are appropriate quality improvement measures and external review of anonymized cases may reduce racial profiling to inform unbiased appropriate interventions and resource allocation to help prevent these severe events.
Mycobacterium brisbanense lung infection facilitated by steroid induced adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Gynthersen Rosa , Qvist Tavs , Andersen Åse B. , Katzenstein Terese L. 
Published: December 2018

Mycobacterium brisbanense is rapid‐growing nontuberculous mycobacteria. It was first described in 2004 as a human pathogen and only one case report has previously been published. We report a case of M. brisbanense infection in a young man with asthma, recurrent lung infections and secondary adrenal insufficiency induced by inhalation steroids and itraconazole use. The mycobacterial infection was successfully treated with a long‐term multidrug regimen.
The Eurasian Steppe is an important goat propagation route: A phylogeographic analysis using mitochondrial DNA and Y‐chromosome sequences of Kazakhstani goats
Authors: Tabata Risa , Kawaguchi Fuki , Sasazaki Shinji , Yamamoto Yoshio , Bakhtin Meirat , Kazymbet Polat , Meldevekob Alykhan , Suleimenov Maratbek Z. , Nishibori Masahide , Mannen Hideyuki 
Published: December 2018

AbstractGoats (Capra hircus) were domesticated in the Fertile Crescent and propagated all over the world. The Silk Road through the Eurasian Steppe belt is a possible propagation route for domestic goats to Central Asia. Kazakhstan is in close geographical proximity to domestication centers and covers the majority of the Eurasian Steppe belt. In this study, we examined the genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure of Kazakhstani goats. The mtDNA sequences of 141 Kazakhstani goats were categorized into haplogroups A, C, and D, of which haplogroup A was predominant (97%), whereas haplogroups C and D were detected at low frequencies (1.4% each). The Kazakhstani haplotypes C were thzen categorized into Asian mtDNA type. Sequence analysis of the SRY gene on the Y‐chromosome in 67 male Kazakhstani goats revealed two haplotypes: Y1A (64%) and Y2A (36%). Analysis of the distribution of mtDNA haplogroups and SRY haplotypes from Eurasia and Africa demonstrated genetic similarity among animals from Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Northwest China located on the Eurasian Steppe belt. These phylogeographic results suggested that the Eurasian Steppe belt was an important propagation route for goats to Central Asia.
Developing role of B cells in the pathogenesis and treatment of chronic GVHD
Authors: Li Xiaoping , Gao Qiangguo , Feng Yimei , Zhang Xi 
Published: December 2018

SummaryChronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD) is a major complication affecting the long‐term survival of patients after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The mechanism of cGVHD is unclear, and while previous studies have primarily focused on T cells, the role of B cells in the pathogenesis of cGVHD has been less reported. However, current studies on cGVHD are increasingly focused on the important role of B cells. In this review, we will introduce the newest studies and examine the role of B cells in cGVHD in detail with respect to the following aspects: altered B cell subpopulations, aberrant B cell signalling pathways, autoantibodies and T‐B cell interactions. Treatment strategies for the targeting of B cells during cGVHD will also be discussed.
Bronchoalveolar lavage characteristics correlate with HLA tag SNPs in patients with Löfgren’s syndrome and other sarcoidosis
Authors: Karakaya B , Schimmelpennink M C , Kocourkova L , van der Vis J J , Meek B , Grutters J C , Petrek M , van Moorsel C H M 
Published: December 2018

SummaryGenetic susceptibility for sarcoidosis and Löfgren’s syndrome (LS) has been associated with prognosis. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*03 is over-represented in LS, and is associated with a good prognosis, whereas HLA-DRB1*15-positive patients have a more chronic course of sarcoidosis. These HLA-DRB1 types can be easily tagged by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Our aim was to evaluate the association between these tag SNPs and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) characteristics. In 29 patients, both complete HLA-DRB1* locus genotyping and SNP tagging was performed in parallel. HLA-DRB1 type was inferred from the presence of *03 tag rs2040410 allele A and referred to as *03. HLA-DRB1*15 was inferred from the presence of tag SNP rs3135388 allele A and referred to as *15. For BAL analysis, 122 patients with LS and 165 patients with non-LS sarcoidosis were included. BAL lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. The presence of tag SNPs completely corresponded with HLA-DRB1*03/*15 genotypes in all 29 patients in whom both HLA-DRB1* genotyping and SNP tagging was performed. In all patients together, *03+/*15– patients showed a higher CD4+/CD8+ ratio than *03–/*15+ (P = 0·004) and *03–/*15– (P = 0·001). LS patients with *03+/*15– had a lower BAL lymphocyte count compared to *03–/*15+ patients (P = 0·011). Non-LS sarcoidosis patients with *03+/*15– patients showed a decreased CD103+CD4+/CD4+ ratio compared to *03–/*15+ patients (P = 0·045) and *03–/*15– patients (P = 0·018). We found that HLA-DRB1*03 and HLA-DRB1*15 can be approximated by genotyping of tag SNPs and corresponds with the degree of lymphocytosis and cell phenotypes in BAL in both LS and non-LS sarcoidosis patients.
Hepatitis C virus infection is associated with hepatic and adipose tissue insulin resistance that improves after viral cure
Authors: Lim Teegan R. , Hazlehurst Jonathan M. , Oprescu Andrei I. , Armstrong Matthew J. , Abdullah Sewa F. , Davies Nigel P. , Flintham Robert , Balfe Peter , Mutimer David J. , McKeating Jane A. , Tomlinson Jeremy W. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryBackgroundChronic hepatitis C (CHC) is associated with systemic insulin resistance, yet there are limited data on the tissue‐specific contribution in vivo to this adverse metabolic phenotype, and the effect of HCV cure.MethodsWe examined tissue‐specific insulin sensitivity in a cohort study involving 13 patients with CHC compared to 12 BMI‐matched healthy control subjects. All subjects underwent a two‐step clamp incorporating the use of stable isotopes to measure carbohydrate and lipid flux (hepatic and global insulin sensitivity) with concomitant subcutaneous adipose tissue microdialysis and biopsy (subcutaneous adipose tissue insulin sensitivity). Investigations were repeated in seven patients with CHC following antiviral therapy with a documented sustained virological response.ResultsAdipose tissue was more insulin resistant in patients with CHC compared to healthy controls, as evidence by elevated glycerol production rate and impaired insulin‐mediated suppression of both circulating nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and adipose interstitial fluid glycerol release during the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp. Hepatic and muscle insulin sensitivity were similar between patients with CHC and controls. Following viral eradication, hepatic insulin sensitivity improved as demonstrated by a reduction in endogenous glucose production rate. In addition, circulating NEFA decreased with sustained virological response (SVR) and insulin was more effective at suppressing adipose tissue interstitial glycerol release with a parallel increase in the expression of insulin signalling cascade genes in adipose tissue consistent with enhanced adipose tissue insulin sensitivity.ConclusionChronic hepatitis C patients have profound subcutaneous adipose tissue insulin resistance in comparison with BMI‐matched controls. For the first time, we have demonstrated that viral eradication improves global, hepatic and adipose tissue insulin sensitivity.
Research on indocyanine green angiography for predicting postoperative hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Jin Hao , Dong Qichao , He Zhuocheng , Fan Jinrui , Liao Kun , Cui Min 
Published: December 2018

SummaryBackgroundIt may be critical to locate the parathyroid for surgeons during thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy due to the significant function of the parathyroid in calcium balance. According to recent reports, the intrinsic fluorescence of the parathyroid has been found. There is some evidence supporting that new equipment can detect fluorescence via imaging technology. In this study, a newly invented intraoperative fluorescence imaging system and indocyanine green dye were applied to detect the parathyroid glands and evaluate the vascularization of the parathyroid. The report is as follows.MethodsFrom 1 May to 8 August 2018, 26 patients underwent total thyroidectomy in Zhuhai People's Hospital and were recruited into our research. All identified parathyroid glands were scored visually from grade 0 to grade 2 according to the vascularity of the parathyroid before ICG angiography was performed. After ICG angiography, parathyroid glands were scored from score 0 to score 2 according to the FI.ResultsVisual scores were significantly higher than ICG angiography scores. In the 22 patients with at least one parathyroid gland with an ICG score of 2, postoperative PTH levels were in the normal range. In the four patients with no parathyroid gland with an ICG score of 2, two of them developed transient hypoparathyroidism, with recovery on POD 7 for the first patient and after 3 months for the second one.ConclusionThis study has identified that the fluorescence imaging system applied with indocyanine green is a safe, easy and effective method to protect the parathyroid and predict postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Registration number: ChiCTR1800016864.
Solid Geometry Processing on Deconstructed Domains
Authors: Sellán Silvia , Cheng Herng Yi , Ma Yuming , Dembowski Mitchell , Jacobson Alec 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMany tasks in geometry processing are modelled as variational problems solved numerically using the finite element method. For solid shapes, this requires a volumetric discretization, such as a boundary conforming tetrahedral mesh. Unfortunately, tetrahedral meshing remains an open challenge and existing methods either struggle to conform to complex boundary surfaces or require manual intervention to prevent failure. Rather than create a single volumetric mesh for the entire shape, we advocate for solid geometry processing on deconstructed domains, where a large and complex shape is composed of overlapping solid subdomains. As each smaller and simpler part is now easier to tetrahedralize, the question becomes how to account for overlaps during problem modelling and how to couple solutions on each subdomain together algebraically. We explore how and why previous coupling methods fail, and propose a method that couples solid domains only along their boundary surfaces. We demonstrate the superiority of this method through empirical convergence tests and qualitative applications to solid geometry processing on a variety of popular second‐order and fourth‐order partial differential equations.
Prevalence of peri‐implant disease and risk indicators in a Japanese population with at least 3 years in function—A multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Wada Masahiro , Mameno Tomoaki , Onodera Yoshinobu , Matsuda Hirofumi , Daimon Koji , Ikebe Kazunori 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of peri‐implant disease and analyze risk indicators in Japanese subjects with ≥3 years of implant function.Material and methodsFive hundred and forty‐three subjects treated with 1,613 implants were evaluated. Information was collected about the patients’ physical and dental history, as well as implant details. Peri‐implant evaluation included probing depth, bleeding on probing (BoP), suppuration (Sup), and keratinized tissue width. Bone loss was calculated from intra‐oral radiographs taken after 1 year and more than 3 years of function. Implants were classified into three groups: healthy, peri‐implant mucositis (BoP without bone loss), and peri‐implantitis (BoP and/or Sup with bone loss >1 mm). These data were analyzed by multivariable multinomial logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis at the subject level was 23.9% and 15.8%, respectively. An association was found between peri‐implant mucositis and plaque control record (PCR) >20% and keratinized tissue width <2 mm. Peri‐implantitis was associated with PCR >20%, smoking, insertion in the maxilla, and keratinized tissue width <2 mm.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, the prevalence of peri‐implant diseases was elucidated in a Japanese population. Peri‐implant mucositis was associated with poor oral hygiene and less keratinized tissue. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, insertion in the maxilla, and less keratinized tissue were risk indicators for peri‐implantitis.
Newborns in crisis: An outline of neonatal ethical dilemmas in humanitarian medicine
Authors: Schnall Jesse , Hayden Dean , Wilkinson Dominic 
Published: December 2018

AbstractNewborn infants are among those most severely affected by humanitarian crises. Aid organisations increasingly recognise the necessity to provide for the medical needs of newborns, however, this may generate distinctive ethical questions for those providing humanitarian medical care. Medical ethical approaches to neonatal care familiar in other settings may not be appropriate given the diversity and volatility of humanitarian disasters, and the extreme resource limitations commonly faced by humanitarian aid missions.In this paper, we first systematically review existing guidelines relating to the treatment and resuscitation of newborns in humanitarian crises, finding little substantive ethical guidance for those providing humanitarian healthcare. We next draw on paradigm cases and published literature to identify and describe some of the major ethical questions common to these settings. We divide these questions into quality of life considerations, allocation of limited resources, and conflicting cultural norms and values. We finally suggest some preliminary recommendations to guide ethical decision‐making around resuscitation of newborns and withdrawal of treatment in humanitarian settings.
Strontium ions promote in vitro human bone marrow stromal cell proliferation and differentiation in calcium‐lacking media
Authors: Kruppke Benjamin , Heinemann Christiane , Wagner Alena‐Svenja , Farack Jana , Wenisch Sabine , Wiesmann Hans‐Peter , Hanke Thomas 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn order to investigate the influence of calcium and strontium ion concentration on human bone marrow stromal cells and their differentiation to osteoblasts, different cell culture media have been used. Even though this study does not contain a bone substitute material, the reason for this study was the decrease of cation concentration by many biomaterials, due to induced apatite precipitation. As a consequence, the reduced calcium ion concentration is known to affect osteoblastic development. Therefore, the main focus was put on the question, whether an increased strontium concentration (in the range of mM) might be suitable to compensate the lack of calcium ions. The effect of solely strontium ions—with only calcium in the media resulting from fetal calf serum—was investigated. Commercially available calcium‐free medium (modified α‐MEM) was tested in comparison with media with varied calcium ion concentrations (0.9, 1.8, and 3.6 mM), or strontium ion concentration (0.4, 0.9, 1.8, and 3.6 mM). In case of calcium, higher concentrations cause increased proliferation, while differentiation was shifted to earlier points of time. Differentiation was increased by solely strontium ions only at 0.4–0.9 mM, while proliferation was highest for 0.9–1.8 mM. From these results, it can be concluded that strontium is able to compensate a lack of calcium to a certain degree. Thus, in contrast to calcium ion release, a strontium ion release from bone substitute materials might be applicable for stimulation of bone regeneration without influencing the media saturation.
Perinatal exposure to the SSRI paroxetine alters the methylome landscape of the developing dentate gyrus
Authors: Glover Matthew E. , McCoy Chelsea R. , Shupe Elizabeth A. , Unroe Keaton A. , Jackson Nateka L. , Clinton Sarah M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractEvidence in humans and rodents suggests that perinatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants can have serious long‐term consequences in offspring exposed in utero or infancy via breast milk. In spite of this, there is limited knowledge of how perinatal SSRI exposure impacts brain development and adult behaviour. Children exposed to SSRIs in utero exhibit increased internalizing behaviour and abnormal social behaviour between the ages of 3 and 6, and increased risk of depression in adolescence; however, the neurobiological changes underlying this behaviour are poorly understood. In rodents, perinatal SSRI exposure perturbs hippocampal gene expression and alters adult emotional behaviour (including increased depression‐like behaviour). The present study demonstrates that perinatal exposure to the SSRI paroxetine leads to DNA hypomethylation and reduces DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a) mRNA expression in the hippocampus during the second and third weeks of life. Next‐generation sequencing identified numerous differentially methylated genomic regions, including altered methylation and transcription of several dendritogenesis‐related genes. We then tested the hypothesis that transiently decreasing Dnmt3a expression in the early postnatal hippocampus would mimic the behavioural effects of perinatal SSRI exposure. We found that siRNA‐mediated knockdown of Dnmt3a in the dentate gyrus during the second to third week of life produced greater depression‐like behaviour in adult female (but not male) offspring, akin to the behavioural consequences of perinatal SSRI exposure. Overall, these data suggest that perinatal SSRI exposure may increase depression‐like behaviours, at least in part, through reduced Dnmt3a expression in the developing hippocampus.