bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transfusion practice in the non-bleeding critically ill: an international online survey—the TRACE survey
Authors:   on behalf of the Cardiovascular Dynamics Section and Transfusion Guideline Task Force of the ESICM, de Bruin Sanne , Scheeren Thomas W. L. , Bakker Jan , van Bruggen Robin , Vlaar Alexander P. J. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Over the last decade, multiple large randomized controlled trials have studied alternative transfusion strategies in critically ill patients, demonstrating the safety of restrictive transfusion strategies. Due to the lack of international guidelines specific for the intensive care unit (ICU), we hypothesized that a large heterogeneity in transfusion practice in this patient population exists. The aims of this study were to describe the current transfusion practices and identify the knowledge gaps.

Methods
An online, anonymous, worldwide survey among ICU physicians was performed evaluating red blood cell, platelet and plasma transfusion practices. Furthermore, the presence of a hospital- or ICU-specific transfusion guideline was asked. Only completed surveys were analysed.

Results
Nine hundred forty-seven respondents filled in the survey of which 725 could be analysed. Hospital transfusion protocol available in their ICU was reported by 53% of the respondents. Only 29% of respondents used an ICU-specific transfusion guideline. The reported haemoglobin (Hb) threshold for the general ICU population was 7 g/dL (7–7). The highest reported variation in transfusion threshold was in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or with brain injury (8 g/dL (7.0–9.0)). Platelets were transfused at a median count of 20 × 109 cells/L IQR (10–25) in asymptomatic patients, but at a higher count prior to invasive procedures (p < 0.001). In patients with an international normalized ratio (INR) > 3, 43% and 57% of the respondents would consider plasma transfusion without any upcoming procedures or prior to a planned invasive procedure, respectively. Finally, doctors with base specialty in anaesthesiology transfused critically ill patients more liberally compared to internal medicine physicians.

Conclusion
Red blood cell transfusion practice for the general ICU population is restrictive, while for different subpopulations, higher Hb thresholds are applied. Furthermore, practice in plasma and platelet transfusion is heterogeneous, and local transfusion guidelines are lacking in the majority of the ICUs.
Serum metabolomic alterations in Beagle dogs experimentally infected with Toxocara canis
Authors: Zheng Wen-Bin , Zou Yang , Elsheikha Hany M. , Liu Guo-Hua , Hu Min-Hua , Wang Shui-Lian , Zhu Xing-Quan 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Toxocara canis, a globally distributed roundworm, can cause debilitating disease in dogs and humans; however, little is known about the metabolomic response of the hosts to T. canis infection. There is an increasing need to understand the metabolic mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of T. canis infection in dogs. Here, we examined the metabolomic changes in Beagle dogsʼ serum following T. canis infection using LC-MS/MS.

Results
The metabolic profiles of Beagle dogsʼ serum were determined at 12 h, 24 h, 10 d and 36 d after oral infection with 300 infectious T. canis eggs by LC-MS/MS. We tested whether the T. canis-associated differentially abundant metabolites could distinguish the serum of infected dogs from controls, as measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). The differentially expressed metabolites were further evaluated by principal components analysis and pathway enrichment analysis. A total of 5756 and 5299 ions were detected in ESI+ and ESI− mode, respectively. ROC curve analysis revealed nine and five metabolite markers, at 12 hpi and 24 hpi to 36 dpi, respectively, with potential diagnostic value for toxocariasis. The levels of taurocholate, estradiol, prostaglandins and leukotriene were significantly changed. Primary bile acid biosynthesis pathway, steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids pathway were significantly altered by T. canis infection.

Conclusions
These findings show that T. canis infection can induce several changes in the dog serum metabolome and that the metabolic signature associated with T. canis infection in dogs has potential for toxocariasis diagnosis.
Cartilage endoplasmic reticulum stress may influence the onset but not the progression of experimental osteoarthritis
Authors: Kung Louise H. W. , Mullan Lorna , Soul Jamie , Wang Ping , Mori Kazutoshi , Bateman John F. , Briggs Michael D. , Boot-Handford Raymond P. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Osteoarthritis has been associated with a plethora of pathological factors and one which has recently emerged is chondrocyte endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. ER stress is sensed by key ER-resident stress sensors, one of which is activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). The purpose of this study is to determine whether increased ER stress plays a role in OA.

Methods
OA was induced in male wild-type (+/+), ColIITgcog (c/c) and Atf6α−/− mice by destabilisation of the medial meniscus (DMM). c/c mice have increased ER stress in chondrocytes via the collagen II promoter-driven expression of ER stress-inducing Tgcog. Knee joints were scored histologically for OA severity. RNA-seq was performed on laser-micro-dissected RNA from cartilage of +/+ and c/c DMM-operated mice.

Results
In situ hybridisation demonstrated a correlation between the upregulation of ER stress marker, BiP, and early signs of proteoglycan loss and cartilage damage in DMM-operated +/+ mice. Histological analysis revealed a significant reduction in OA severity in c/c mice compared with +/+ at 2 weeks post-DMM. This chondroprotective effect in c/c mice was associated with a higher ambient level of BiP protein prior to DMM and a delay in chondrocyte apoptosis. RNA-seq analysis suggested Xbp1-regulated networks to be significantly enriched in c/c mice at 2 weeks post-DMM. Compromising the ER through genetically ablating Atf6α, a key ER stress sensor, had no effect on DMM-induced OA severity.

Conclusion
Our studies indicate that an increased capacity to effectively manage increases in ER stress in articular cartilage due either to pre-conditioning as a result of prior exposure to ER stress or to genetic pre-disposition may be beneficial in delaying the onset of OA, but once established, ER stress plays no significant role in disease progression.
Association of dietary pattern with carotid intima media thickness among children with overweight or obesity
Authors: Akbari-Sedigh Assa , Asghari Golaleh , Yuzbashian Emad , Dehghan Pooneh , Imani Hossein , Mirmiran Parvin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundSince there is no evidence demonstrating the relationship between dietary patterns and subclinical atherosclerosis in children and adolescents, we aimed to examine the association between dietary patterns and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity.MethodsData were collected on individuals, aged 6–13 years (n = 339) recruited from primary schools with age- and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) Z-score > 1, based on WHO criteria. Dietary intake was assessed using a valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire and dietary patterns were derived by factor analysis. Measurement of cIMT was performed by means of ultrasonography for the wall of common carotid artery.ResultsThe mean ± SD age, BMI Z-score and cIMT of study participants were 9.3 ± 1.7 years, 2.5 ± 0.7 and 0.403 ± 0.057 mm, respectively. Three dietary patterns were identified, which accounted for 23.0% of the total variance, including the healthy, the traditional, and the unhealthy patterns. After adjusting for age, sex, pubertal status, smoking exposure, physical activity, body fat percentage, and intake of magnesium and energy, a significant inverse association was observed between the healthy dietary pattern and cIMT (β = − 0.131, P = 0.019), whereas none were found between cIMT and the traditional (β = − 0.004, P = 0.932) and the unhealthy dietary (β = 0.004, P = 0.942) patterns.ConclusionsResults of the present study indicate that adherence to healthy dietary pattern could prevent increased cIMT in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity. Further cohort design research is required to elucidate the association between dietary patterns and cIMT in children and adolescents.
Magnitude of enteropathogens and associated factors among apparently healthy food handlers at Wolkite University Student’s Cafeteria, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Bafa Temesgen Abera , Sherif Ebrahim Muktar , Hantalo Admasu Haile , Woldeamanuel Gashaw Garedew 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe study aimed to assess enteropathogens carriage rate and risk factors among apparently healthy food handlers at Wolkite University cafeteria, Southern Ethiopia.ResultsCross-sectional study was conducted among 170 food handlers to collect socio-demographic and related data by using structured questionnaires. Stool samples were collected and subjected to microscopic examination and cultured to determine intestinal parasites. Among the total study participants, 66% of them were found to be carriers of enteropathogens: bacteria (Salmonella typhi,Shigellaspecies), and intestinal parasites (Ascaris lumbricoides,Taenia species, Giardia lamblia,Entameoba histolytica/dispar,Enterobius vermicularis,Hook wormandTrichuris trichiura). AllSalmonellaandShigellaisolates were sensitive to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin. A significant association was found between hand washing practice before food preparation and isolated pathogens [p = 0.013]. A significant proportion of food handlers were found to be carriers of pathogens which require a periodic screening and antibiotic therapy monitoring.
A comparison of ocular trauma scores in a pediatric population
Authors: Awidi Abdelhalim , Kraus Courtney L. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Objective
Pediatric ocular trauma represents a major concern for ophthalmologists. Delays in presentation, incomplete exams, inaccurate visual acuity (VA) results, and amblyopia can limit accurately predicting final visual outcomes in pediatric eye trauma. We performed a retrospective clinical study to describe the demographics and causes of eye trauma. We also compared 2 ocular trauma scoring systems, one specifically designed for pediatric trauma, to classify injuries and determine which better predicted VA outcomes. A retrospective chart review of 3 years of pediatric globe trauma was performed. Analysis was focused on mechanisms of injury and VA outcomes. Complex factors that may worsen outcomes were recorded. Ocular trauma score (OTS) and pediatric ocular trauma score (POTS) were used to assign Groups 1–5 to each case. Group 1 was poorest prognosis, Group 5 best. Association between Group and final VA was examined. Accuracy of the two systems was compared.

Results
23 children met eligibility criteria (13 male). Initial VA averaged 20/200 (range no light perception (NLP)—20/20). Final VA was 20/150 (range no light perception (NLP)—20/20). Objects of injury were sharp metallic household objects (7), miscellaneous (4), toys (3), BB pellets (2), stick/wood (2), pencil/pen (1).
Diagnosis of giant cell arteritis by head-contrast three-dimensional computed tomography angiography: two case reports
Authors: Kawamoto Toshio , Ogasawara Michihiro , Nakano Souichiro , Matsuki−Muramoto Yuko , Matsushita Masakazu , Yamanaka Kenjiro , Yamaji Ken , Tamura Naoto 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Temporal artery biopsy is essential for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. It has been shown that 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography, magnetic resonance angiography, and ultrasonography are useful for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. However, there are only a few reports on the usefulness of three-dimensional computed tomography angiography in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. We describe two cases in which giant cell arteritis was difficult to diagnose using positron emission tomography-computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiography but was diagnosed using three-dimensional computed tomography angiography, thus showing the importance of three-dimensional computed tomography angiography in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis.

Case presentation
Case 1: An 81-year-old Japanese man. Laboratory investigations revealed normocytic anemia and raised inflammatory marker levels. Slight bleeding in the right posterior pole of his eyeball and leukoma of his left cornea were observed on fundus examination. Stenosis and stoppage of the temporal artery were detected on three-dimensional computed tomography angiography. A diagnosis of giant cell arteritis was made, and he was started on orally administered prednisolone. His headache and C-reactive protein levels improved. Four weeks after glucocorticoid steroid treatment, three-dimensional computed tomography angiography revealed improvement in stenosis and stoppage of temporal artery.
Case 2: A 74-year-old Japanese woman. A dose of 20 mg of prednisolone was administered and her polymyalgia and polyarthritis improved; however, her headache and ear occlusion persisted. Although vasculitis was not detected on positron emission tomography-computed tomography, stenosis and stoppage of the temporal artery were detected on computed tomography angiography. She was diagnosed as having giant cell arteritis and started on orally administered prednisolone treatment (60 mg daily). Her headache and C-reactive protein levels improved. Four weeks after glucocorticoid treatment, three-dimensional computed tomography angiography showed improvement in stenosis and stoppage of temporal artery.

Conclusions
In both patients with giant cell arteritis, three-dimensional computed tomography angiography revealed improvement in stenosis and stoppage of temporal artery after glucocorticoid treatment. We conclude that computed tomography angiography along with magnetic resonance angiography, positron emission tomography-computed tomography, and ultrasonography are important for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis.
Solvability for a class of integral inequalities with maxima on the theory of time scales and their applications
Authors: Khan Zareen A. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
This paper is committed to introducing some Bihari type inequalities for scalar functions of one independent variable under an initial condition associated with an arbitrary time scale $\mathbb{T}$
T
. The integrals involve the maximum of an unknown function over a past time interval. We not only solve some new estimated bounds of a specific class of retarded and nonlinear dynamic inequalities but also derive and unify continuous inequalities along with the corresponding discrete analogs of some known results with ‘maxima’ on time scales. We illustrate some applications of the considered inequalities to represent the advantages of our work. The main results will be proved by utilizing some examination procedures and the basic technique of Keller’s chain rule on time scales.
Outer-synchronization of fractional-order neural networks with deviating argument via centralized and decentralized data-sampling approaches
Authors: Cheng Weike , Wu Ailong , Zhang Jin-E , Li Biwen 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
This paper is committed to investigating outer-synchronization of fractional-order neural networks with deviating argument via centralized and decentralized data-sampling approaches. Considering the low cost and high reliability of data-sampling control, we adopt two categories of control strategies with principles of centralized and decentralized data-sampling to synchronize fractional-order neural networks with deviating argument. Several sufficient criteria are proposed to realize outer-synchronization by data-sampling control design in two complex coupled networks. It is noteworthy that, based on centralized and decentralized data-sampling methods, the synchronization theory of fractional systems and differential equation with deviating argument, the sampling time points are very well selected in control systems. An example is performed to illustrate the advantage of the presented theoretical analysis and results.
Evaluation of breast stiffness measured by ultrasound and breast density measured by MRI using a prone-supine deformation model
Authors: Chen Jeon-Hor , Chan Siwa , Zhang Yang , Li Shunshan , Chang Ruey-Feng , Su Min-Ying 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
This study evaluated breast tissue stiffness measured by ultrasound elastography and the percent breast density measured by magnetic resonance imaging to understand their relationship.

Methods
Magnetic resonance imaging and whole breast ultrasound were performed in 20 patients with suspicious lesions. Only the contralateral normal breasts were analyzed. Breast tissue stiffness was measured from the echogenic homogeneous fibroglandular tissues in the central breast area underneath the nipple. An automatic, computer algorithm-based, segmentation method was used to segment the whole breast and fibroglandular tissues on three dimensional magnetic resonanceimaging. A finite element model was applied to deform the prone magnetic resonance imaging to match the supine ultrasound images, by using the inversed gravity loaded transformation. After deformation, the tissue level used in ultrasound elastography measurement could be estimated on the deformed supine magnetic resonance imaging to measure the breast density in the corresponding tissue region.

Results
The mean breast tissue stiffness was 2.3 ± 0.8 m/s. The stiffness was not correlated with age (r = 0.29). Overall, there was no positive correlation between breast stiffness and breast volume (r = − 0.14), or the whole breast percent density (r = − 0.09). There was also no correlation between breast stiffness and the local percent density measured from the corresponding region (r = − 0.12).

Conclusions
The lack of correlation between breast stiffness measured by ultrasound and the whole breast or local percent density measured by magnetic resonance imaging suggests that breast stiffness is not solely related to the amount of fibroglandular tissue. Further studies are needed to investigate whether they are dependent or independent cancer risk factors.
Clinical features and outcomes of infective endocarditis in Egypt: an 11-year experience at a tertiary care facility
Authors: Rizk Hussein Hassan , Elamragy Ahmed Adel , Youssef Ghada Sayed , Meshaal Marwa Sayed , Samir Ahmad , ElSharkawy Ahmed , Said Karim , Kassem Hussien Heshmat , Elanany Mervat Gaber , El-Kholy Amani Ali , Akl Al Sayed , Mahfouz Soheir M. , Sorour Khaled Ali 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Few data are available on the characteristics of infective endocarditis (IE) cases in Egypt. The aim of this work is to describe the characteristics and outcomes of IE patients and evaluate the temporal changes in IE diagnostic and therapeutic aspects over 11 years.

Results
The IE registry included 398 patients referred to the Endocarditis Unit of a tertiary care facility with the diagnosis of possible or definite IE. Patients were recruited over two periods; period 1 (n = 237, 59.5%) from February 2005 to December 2011 and period 2 (n = 161, 40.5%) from January 2012 to September 2016. An electronic database was constructed to include information on patients’ clinical and microbiological characteristics as well as complications and mortality. The median age was 30 years and rheumatic valvular heart disease was the commonest underlying cardiac disease (34.7%). Healthcare-associated IE affected 185 patients (46.5%) and 275 patients (69.1%) had negative blood cultures. The most common complications were heart failure (n = 148, 37.2%), peripheral embolization (n = 133, 33.4%), and severe sepsis (n = 100, 25.1%). In-hospital mortality occurred in 108 patients (27.1%). Period 2 was characterized by a higher prevalence of injection drug use-associated IE (15.5% vs. 7.2%, p = 0.008), a higher staphylococcal IE (50.0% vs. 35.7%, p = 0.038), lower complications (31.1% vs. 45.1%, p = 0.005), and a lower in-hospital mortality (19.9% vs. 32.1%, p = 0.007).

Conclusion
This Egyptian registry showed high rates of culture-negative IE, complications, and in-hospital mortality in a largely young population of patients. Improvements were noted in the rates of complications and mortality in the second half of the reporting period.
The individual course of neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementia: 12-year longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Vik-Mo Audun Osland , Giil Lasse Melvaer , Borda Miguel Germán , Ballard Clive , Aarsland Dag 
Published: September 2019

IntroductionUnderstanding the natural course of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in dementia is important for planning patient care and trial design, but few studies have described the long-term course of NPS in individuals.MethodPrimary inclusion of 223 patients with suspected mild dementia from general practice were followed by annual assessment, including the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), for up to 12 years. Total and item NPI scores were classified as stable, relapsing, single episodic or not present based on 4.96 (s.d. 2.3) observations (98% completeness of longitudinal data) for 113 patients with Alzheimer's disease and 84 patients with LBD (68 dementia with Lewy bodies and 16 Parkinson's disease dementia).ResultsWe found that 80% had stable NPI total ≥1, 50% had stable modest NPI total ≥12 and 25% had stable NPI total ≥24 scores. Very severe NPS (≥48) were mostly single episodes, but 8% of patients with Alzheimer's disease had stable severe NPS. Patients with Alzheimer's disease and the highest 20% NPI total scores had a more stable or relapsing course of four key symptoms: aberrant motor behaviour, aggression/agitation, delusions and irritability (odds ratio 55, P < 0.001). This was not seen in LBD. Finally, 57% of patients with Alzheimer's disease and 84% of patients with LBD had reoccurring psychotic symptoms.ConclusionsWe observed a highly individual course of NPS, with most presenting as a single episode or relapsing; a stable course was less common, especially in LBD. These findings demonstrate the importance of an individualised approach (i.e. personalised medicine) in dementia care.