bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between PR Interval, First‐degree atrioventricular block and major arrhythmic events in patients with Brugada syndrome – Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pranata Raymond , Yonas Emir , Chintya Veresa , Deka Hadrian , Raharjo Sunu Budhi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundRisk stratification in patients with asymptomatic Brugada Syndrome is challenging, and despite recent advances, there is no clear evidence. The first‐degree atrioventricular block was hypothesized to be a predictor of arrhythmic events. Measurement of the PR interval and diagnosing atrioventricular block from surface ECG is easy, noninvasive, and cost‐effective. We aimed to assess the latest evidence on PR interval or first‐degree atrioventricular block and major arrhythmic events related to Brugada Syndrome.MethodsWe performed a comprehensive search in PubMed for “atrioventricular block” OR “PR interval” and “Brugada syndrome.” We included studies that have a component of PR interval and/or first‐degree atrioventricular block and major arrhythmic events related to Brugada Syndrome including syncope/VT/VF/appropriate ICD shocks/ICD implantation.ResultsWe included 1526 subjects from 7 studies. Pooled mean difference of PR interval in 4 studies showed a significant difference [MD 10.77 ms (2.97‐18.57) P = 0.007, moderate‐high heterogeneity I2 = 53% P = 0.08]. On sensitivity analysis by removing a study, it became MD 6.50 ms [1.97‐11.03], P = 0.005, heterogeneity I2 = 0% P = 0.52. Indicating that PR interval was prolonged by small margin. Pooled analysis of the association between a first‐degree atrioventricular block and major arrhythmic events was significant [OR 3.33 (2.02‐5.50) P < 0.001, low heterogeneity I2 = 0% P = 0.57].ConclusionFirst‐degree AV block is associated with more frequent major arrhythmic events in Brugada syndrome patients. PR interval seemed to be prolonged but is yet to be determined whether the PR interval association is still significant if it did not cross the first‐degree AVB threshold.
Autosomal dominant mitochondrial membrane protein‐associated neurodegeneration (MPAN)
Authors: Gregory Allison , Lotia Mitesh , Jeong Suh Young , Fox Rachel , Zhen Dolly , Sanford Lynn , Hamada Jeff , Jahic Amir , Beetz Christian , Freed Alison , Kurian Manju A. , Cullup Thomas , van der Weijden Marlous C. M. , Nguyen Vy , Setthavongsack Naly , Garcia Daphne , Krajbich Victoria , Pham Thao , Woltjer Randy , George Benjamin P. , Minks Kelly Q. , Paciorkowski Alexander R. , Hogarth Penelope , Jankovic Joseph , Hayflick Susan J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundMitochondrial membrane protein‐associated neurodegeneration (MPAN) is caused by pathogenic sequence variants in C19orf12. Autosomal recessive inheritance has been demonstrated. We present evidence of autosomal dominant MPAN and propose a mechanism to explain these cases.MethodsTwo large families with apparently dominant MPAN were investigated; additional singleton cases of MPAN were identified. Gene sequencing and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification were used to characterize the causative sequence variants in C19orf12. Post‐mortem brain from affected subjects was examined.ResultsIn two multi‐generation non‐consanguineous families, we identified different nonsense sequence variations in C19orf12 that segregate with the MPAN phenotype. Brain pathology was similar to that of autosomal recessive MPAN. We additionally identified a preponderance of cases with single heterozygous pathogenic sequence variants, including two with de novo changes.ConclusionsWe present three lines of clinical evidence to demonstrate that MPAN can manifest as a result of only one pathogenic C19orf12 sequence variant. We propose that truncated C19orf12 proteins, resulting from nonsense variants in the final exon in our autosomal dominant cohort, impair function of the normal protein produced from the non‐mutated allele via a dominant negative mechanism and cause loss of function. These findings impact the clinical diagnostic evaluation and counseling.
Robust spatiotemporal fractionation schemes in the presence of patient setup uncertainty
Authors: Gaddy Melissa R. , Unkelbach Jan , Papp Dávid 
Published: May 2019

PurposeSpatiotemporal fractionation schemes for photon radiotherapy have recently arisen as a promising technique for healthy tissue sparing. Because spatiotemporally fractionated treatments have a characteristic pattern of delivering high doses to different parts of the tumor in each fraction, uncertainty in patient positioning is an even more pressing concern than in conventional uniform fractionation. Until now, such concerns in patient setup uncertainty have not been addressed in the context of spatiotemporal fractionation.MethodsA stochastic optimization model is used to incorporate patient setup uncertainty to optimize spatiotemporally fractionated plans using expected penalties for deviations from prescription values. First, a robust uniform reference plan is optimized with a stochastic optimization model. Then, a spatiotemporal plan is optimized with a constrained stochastic optimization model that minimizes a primary clinical objective and constrains the spatiotemporal plan to be at least as good as the uniform reference plan with respect to all other objectives. A discrete probability distribution is defined to characterize the random setup error occurring in each fraction. For the optimization of uniform plans, the expected penalties are computed exactly by exploiting the symmetry of the fractions, and for the spatiotemporal plans, quasi‐Monte Carlo sampling is used to approximate the expectation.ResultsUsing five clinical liver cases, it is demonstrated that spatiotemporally fractionated treatment plans maintain the same robust tumor coverage as a stochastic uniform reference plan and exhibit a reduction in the expected mean BED of the uninvolved liver. This is observed for a spectrum of probability distributions of random setup errors with shifts in the patient position of up to 5 mm from the nominal position. For probability distributions with small variance in the patient position, the spatiotemporal plans exhibit an 8–30% reduction in expected mean BED in the healthy liver tissue for shifts up to 2.5 mm and reductions of 5–25% for shifts up to 5 mm.ConclusionsIn the presence of patient setup uncertainty, spatiotemporally fractionated treatment plans exhibit the same robust tumor coverage as their uniformly fractionated counterparts and still retain the benefit in sparing healthy tissues.
A system‐based approach to the genetic etiologies of non‐immune hydrops fetalis
Authors: Mardy Anne H. , Chetty Shilpa P. , Norton Mary E. , Sparks Teresa N. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA wide spectrum of genetic causes may lead to nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF), and a thorough phenotypic and genetic evaluation are essential to determine the underlying etiology, optimally manage these pregnancies, and inform discussions about anticipated prognosis. In this review, we outline the known genetic etiologies of NIHF by fetal organ system affected, and provide a systematic approach to the evaluation of NIHF. Some of the underlying genetic disorders are associated with characteristic phenotypic features that may be seen on prenatal ultrasound, such as hepatomegaly with lysosomal storage disorders, hyperechoic kidneys with congenital nephrosis, or pulmonary valve stenosis with RASopathies. However, this is not always the case, and the approach to evaluation must include prenatal ultrasound findings as well as genetic testing and many other factors. Genetic testing that has been utilized for NIHF ranges from standard chromosomal microarray or karyotype to gene panels and broad approaches such as whole exome sequencing. Family and obstetric history, as well as pathology examination, can yield additional clues that are helpful in establishing a diagnosis. A systematic approach to evaluation can guide a more targeted approach to genetic evaluation, diagnosis, and management of NIHF.
Fetal cardiac abnormalities: Genetic etiologies to be considered
Authors: Petracchi Florencia , Sisterna Silvina , Igarzabal Laura , Wilkins‐Haug Louise 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCongenital heart diseases are a common prenatal finding. The prenatal identification of an associated genetic syndrome or a major extracardiac anomaly helps to understand the etiopathogenic diagnosis. Besides, it also assesses the prognosis, management, and familial recurrence risk while strongly influences parental decision to choose termination of pregnancy or postnatal care.This review article describes the most common genetic diagnoses associated with a prenatal finding of a congenital heart disease and a suggested diagnostic process.
Dispositional mindfulness, self‐compassion, and compassion from others as moderators between stress and depression in caregivers of patients with lung cancer
Authors: Hsieh Chia‐Chen , Yu Chong‐Jen , Chen Hsiu‐Jung , Chen Yu‐Wen , Chang Nien‐Tzu , Hsiao Fei‐Hsiu 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to identify the most important protective factors predicting caregivers' depressive symptoms among factors of caregivers' dispositional mindfulness, self‐compassion, compassion from others, and patients' dispositional mindfulness and their moderator effects on the relationship between caregiving stress and depressive symptoms.MethodsA total of 72 lung cancer outpatients and their family caregivers participated in this study. Family caregivers completed the Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale, Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Self‐Compassion Scale, and Compassion from Others Scale. Patients completed the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ‐C30), BDI‐II, and FFMQ.ResultsAfter controlling for patients' factors (treatment status, symptom distress, and depressive symptoms) and caregivers' health status, caregivers' stress and dispositional mindfulness, the domain of mindful awareness, and self‐compassionate action were significantly associated with their depressive symptoms. Further analysis indicated that mindful awareness or self‐compassionate action could buffer the effect of caregiving stress on depressive symptoms. When the two moderators, mindful awareness and self‐compassionate action, were tested simultaneously, only self‐compassionate action remained as a significant moderating effect.ConclusionsCaregivers' mindful awareness and self‐compassionate action were protective factors, which mitigate the impact of caregiving stress on their depressive symptoms. Therefore, the future supportive program aims at training the competencies of self‐compassionate action with mindful awareness, which may enhance caregivers' coping resources.
Burden of respiratory illnesses in pediatric intensive care unit and predictors of mortality: Experience from a low resource country
Authors: Divecha Chhaya , Tullu Milind S. , Chaudhary Satish 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIntroduction and ObjectivesAcute respiratory infections (ARI), a major cause of childhood mortality and morbidity, place substantial burden on health services worldwide. Due to scarce data regarding respiratory illnesses requiring Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions (especially in low income/developing countries), we studied the burden of respiratory illnesses in the PICU and the risk factors contributing to mortality.MethodsThis prospective observational study was conducted over 18 months. Children (aged 1 month to 12 years) admitted to the PICU for acute respiratory/cardiorespiratory illnesses were enrolled. Demographic and clinical details of the study population were recorded and tabulated. Risk factors contributing to mortality (severity of illness [PRISM III score], diagnosis/etiology, need for mechanical ventilation, immunocompromised status, malnutrition, and length of stay [LOS]) were analyzed (using the χ2 test or Fischer Exact test).ResultsTwo hundred and ninety‐three children were enrolled (median age: 5 months; range, 1‐132 months; male/female: 181/112). Mean LOS in PICU was 5.25 ± 5.48 days and mean length of hospital stay of 14.82 ± 13.35 days. Mechanical ventilation was required in 62.8% cases. Pneumonia contributed to 66.89% of respiratory admissions and 91% of mortality. Ninety patients (30.7%) died; mortality being higher in cardiorespiratory cases (52.7%). PRISM III score and shock (respiratory cases) and age below 1 year (cardiorespiratory group) were significantly associated with higher mortality (
P < 0.05).ConclusionsRespiratory illnesses are a significant contributor to PICU admissions and are associated with significant mortality risk in presence of high PRISM III score and shock (respiratory group); and age below 1 year (cardiorespiratory group).
An enzyme in the test tube, and a transcription factor in the cell: Moonlighting proteins and cellular factors that affect their behavior
Authors: Jeffery Constance J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn the cell, expression levels, allosteric modulators, post‐translational modifications, sequestration, and other factors can affect the level of protein function. For moonlighting proteins, cellular factors like these can also affect the kind of protein function. This minireview discusses examples of moonlighting proteins that illustrate how a single protein can have different functions in different cell types, in different intracellular locations, or under varying cellular conditions. This variability in the kind of protein activity, added to the variability in the amount of protein activity, contributes to the difficulty in predicting the behavior of proteins in the cell.
Between hesitation and decisiveness—Understanding consumers' ego, altruism, and eagerness to pay for renewable energy
Authors: Venugopal Aparna , Shukla Dhirendra 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn our study, we examined the role of consumers' egoism and social and biospheric altruism in influencing their willingness to adopt renewable energy. Past research has suggested that the social, biospheric, and egoistic values and beliefs of energy consumers influence their cognitive decision‐making mechanisms. However, studies have not compared and contrasted the effects of different altruistic values on specific environmental behaviors. To address this problem, we drew on the theories of value–belief–norm and paradox to propose that social and biospheric altruistic values have diverse effects on renewable energy adoption. We observed that biospheric altruism is positively associated with the adoption of renewable energy and social altruism is negatively associated with the adoption of renewable energy. Contrary to the propositions of the theory of paradox, we observed that egoistic values measured in terms of financial scarcity reduced the paradoxical nature of social and biospheric altruism. In our study, we used partial least squares structural equation modeling to analyze the data. We analyzed 140 responses from the residential energy consumers of New Brunswick, Canada. Our study underscores the claims of value–belief–norm theory. Further, it adds to the theory of paradox. The findings from this study help guide utilities on how to approach different consumers with specific new sustainable and renewable energy products and services. Moreover, the study throws light on how the policy makers should design energy policy‐related messages to specific consumer segments.
Three‐Component Synthesis of Tetrazolo Anthraquinone as a Representation of a New Heterocyclic System
Authors: Aelami Zahra , Maghsoodlou Malek Taher , Heydari Reza 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA new series of (1H‐tetrazole‐1‐yl) anthracene‐9,10‐dione was proposed with the cyclisation amino‐anthraquinones, triethyl orthoformate and sodium azide in the presence of catalytic amount of p‐Toluenesulfonic acid (p‐TSA) in acetic acid at ambient temperature. Desired products were synthesized in good yields. Chemical structures containing the tetrazolo anthraquinone framework were identified using FT‐IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, Mass spectra, elementary analysis, and melting points. Additionally, DNA‐binding activities of these compounds were studied using UV‐Vis electron‐absorption spectra.
Optical Imaging Approaches to Monitor Static and Dynamic Cell‐on‐Chip Platforms: A Tutorial Review
Authors: Arandian Alireza , Bagheri Zeinab , Ehtesabi Hamide , Najafi Nobar Shima , Aminoroaya Neda , Samimi Ashkan , Latifi Hamid 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMiniaturized laboratories on chip platforms play an important role in handling life sciences studies. The platforms may contain static or dynamic biological cells. Examples are a fixed medium of an organ‐on‐a‐chip and individual cells moving in a microfluidic channel, respectively. Due to feasibility of control or investigation and ethical implications of live targets, both static and dynamic cell‐on‐chip platforms promise various applications in biology. To extract necessary information from the experiments, the demand for direct monitoring is rapidly increasing. Among different microscopy methods, optical imaging is a straightforward choice. Considering light interaction with biological agents, imaging signals may be generated as a result of scattering or emission effects from a sample. Thus, optical imaging techniques could be categorized into scattering‐based and emission‐based techniques. In this review, various optical imaging approaches used in monitoring static and dynamic platforms are introduced along with their optical systems, advantages, challenges, and applications. This review may help biologists to find a suitable imaging technique for different cell‐on‐chip studies and might also be useful for the people who are going to develop optical imaging systems in life sciences studies.
Shrinkage behavior influence of strain‐hardening cementitious composites
Authors: Zhang Yongxing , Fang Yong , Lu Weihua , Liu Cheng , Wang Lei , Xie Haibo , Zhang Xuemin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis paper presents an experimental investigation into the shrinkage behavior of strain‐hardening cementitious composite (SHCC), which focuses on the influences of varied ingredients in mix proportions and curing condition. The experimental results confirm that the shrinkage strains of SHCC are obviously influenced by the investigated ingredients of SHCC, in which expansion agent can induce expansion strain for nominally reducing the shrinkage strains of SHCC, the shrinkage strains of SHCC's matrix are decreased with increasing fiber volume content and water‐to‐binder ratio, whereas those are increased with increasing silica‐fume‐to‐binder ratio. Moreover, the curing condition has significant influence for the shrinkage behavior of SHCC, and water curing can significantly reduce the shrinkage strains. This work provides experimental foundations for shrinkage behavior of SHCC.
A Population‐Based Study of Incidence, Presentation, Management and Outcome of Primary Thromboembolic Ischemia in the Upper Extremity
Authors: Vennesland Jørgen B. , Søreide Kjetil , Kvaløy Jan Terje , Reite Andreas , Vetrhus Morten 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the epidemiology of acute upper limb thromboembolism in a well‐defined Norwegian population.MethodsThis study was a retrospective, single‐center, observational population‐based cohort study of acute upper limb thromboembolism. The study included all patients from the hospital's primary catchment area from January 2000 to December 2015. Age‐ and gender‐adjusted incidence rates were calculated using population demographics from Statistics Norway.ResultsA total of 54 patients were identified, of which 49 were included in the analyses: 27 (55%) females (median age 83 years, range 40–96) and 22 (45%) males (median age 70 years, range 42–95) (P = .053). The adjusted incidence rate for the period was 1.6 patients per 100,000 inhabitants per year (95% confidence interval 1.2–2.2) and did not change significantly during the period studied. Atrial fibrillation was detected by electrocardiography in 30 (61%) patients; in this group, 10 patients were on warfarin but only two had an international normalized ratio > 1.9 and the remaining 20 were not anticoagulated. Altogether, 38 (78%) patients underwent surgery, 1 (2%) was treated with thrombolysis, and the remaining patients were treated conservatively; no amputations were performed. Four patients (8%) died within 30 days, and 12 of the surviving 45 patients (27%) had recurrent thromboembolism.ConclusionThe incidence rate was stable during the study period. Patients with upper limb thromboembolism due to atrial fibrillation were inadequately anticoagulated. One in four patients experienced a recurrent thromboembolic event. Lifelong anticoagulation should be considered in all patients with upper limb thromboembolism.
Has Symptom‐Based Admission Replaced Diagnosis in the Emergency Department? An 18‐Year Review of Emergency General Surgical Admissions at Royal Perth Hospital
Authors: Kenner Peter I. , Wee Cecilia C. H. , Weber Dieter G. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundClassical medical teaching has made a clear distinction between signs and symptoms, and diagnosis. However, at the time of ward admission, a diagnosis may remain unclear. We propose administrative pressures during the admission process may have reduced the ability for pathological diagnosis. This may result in increased hospitalisation for investigation of signs and symptoms, rather than for treatment of clear diagnoses. We sought to further clarify this hypothesis and investigate changes in the nature of admissions during the last two decades in an adult emergency general surgery service.MethodsA retrospective analysis of emergency general surgical admissions during four six‐month time periods, between 2000 and 2018, was conducted. The six‐month periods were spaced evenly during the 18‐year study. Demographic information, emergency department length of stay, incidence of a pathological diagnosis on ward admission and accuracy of admission diagnosis were analysed.Results2763 patients were admitted in the four six‐month time periods. A significant reduction in number of patients admitted with a pathological diagnosis was noted between the 2012 and 2018 study periods (p < 0.05), with 21.2% of patients admitted in 2018 for investigation of signs and symptoms. The incidence of an accurate admission diagnosis (as assessed by the discharge diagnosis) ranged from 62.3 to 63.6% and did not differ significantly by year.ConclusionBetween 2012 and 2018, there was a significant increase in the number of emergency general surgical patients admitted for investigation of signs and symptoms. However, accuracy of admission diagnosis was unchanged during the study period.