bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac magnetic resonance predicts ventricular arrhythmias in scleroderma: the Scleroderma Arrhythmia Clinical Utility Study (SAnCtUS)
Authors: Mavrogeni Sophie , Gargani Luna , Pepe Alessia , Monti Lorenzo , Markousis-Mavrogenis George , De Santis Maria , De Marchi Daniele , Koutsogeorgopoulou Loukia , Karabela Georgia , Stavropoulos Efthymios , Katsifis Gikas , Bratis Konstantinos , Bellando-Randone Silvia , Guiducci Serena , Bruni Cosimo , Moggi-Pignone Alberto , Dimitroulas Theodoros , Kolovou Genovefa , Bournia Vasiliki-Kalliopi , Sfikakis Petros P , Matucci-Cerinic Marco 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Cardiac rhythm disturbances constitute the most frequent cardiovascular cause of death in SSc. However, electrocardiographic findings are not a part of risk stratification in SSc. We aimed to translate 24 h Holter findings into a tangible risk prediction score using cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

Methods
The Scleroderma Arrhythmia Clinical Utility Study (SAnCtUS) was a prospective multicentre study including 150 consecutive SSc patients from eight European centres, assessed with 24 h Holter and cardiovascular magnetic resonance, including ventricular function, oedema (T2 ratio) and late gadolinium enhancement (%LGE). Laboratory/clinical parameters were included in multivariable corrections. A combined endpoint of sustained ventricular tachycardia requiring hospitalization and sudden cardiac death at a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 1 (1.0–1.4) year was generated.

Results
Only T2 ratio and %LGE were significant predictors of ventricular rhythm disturbances, but not of supraventricular rhythm disturbances, after multivariable correction and adjustment for multiple comparisons. Using decision-tree analysis, we created the SAnCtUS score, a four-category scoring system based on T2 ratio and %LGE, for identifying SSc patients at high risk of experiencing ventricular rhythm disturbance at baseline. Increasing SAnCtUS scores were associated with a greater disease and arrhythmic burden. All cases of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (n = 7) occurred in patients with the highest SAnCtUS score (=4). Having a score of 4 conveyed a higher risk of reaching the combined endpoint in multivariable Cox regression compared with scores 1/2/3 [hazard ratio (95% CI): 3.86 (1.14, 13.04), P = 0.029] independently of left ventricular ejection fraction and baseline ventricular tachycardia occurrence.

Conclusion
T2 ratio and %LGE had the greatest utility as independent predictors of rhythm disturbances in SSc patients.
Apraxia in children and adults with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Guilleminault Christian , Huang Yu-Shu , Quo Stacey 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Study Objectives
Early in life impairment of orofacial growth leads to sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Normal lingual gnosis and praxis are part of this early development related to the normal sensorimotor development of the tongue and surrounding oral musculature. The aim of this retrospective study was to explore if lingual praxia is impaired in both SDB children and adults and if there is an association to craniofacial morphology.

Methods
The ability to perform simple tongue maneuvers was investigated in 100 prepubertal SDB children and 150 SDB adults (shown with polysomnography). All individuals had a clinical investigation by specialists to assess any orofacial growth impairment and the elements potentially behind this impairment. In a subgroup of individuals both able and unable to perform the maneuvers, we also performed a blind recognition of forms placed in the mouth.

Results
A subgroup of pediatric and adult SDB patients presented evidence not only of orofacial growth impairment, but also apraxia independent of age and severity of OSA.

Conclusions
By 3 years of age, children should be able to perform requested tongue maneuvers and have oral form recognition. Abnormal gnosis–praxis was noted, independent of age in SDB children and adults, demonstrating that an abnormal functioning of the tongue in the oral cavity during early development can be detected. Both children and adults with SDB may present similar absences of normal oral development very early in life and a similar presentation of apraxia, suggesting that the distinction of SDB in children versus adults may not be relevant.
Avoidance of phenylthiocarbamide in mature Targhee and Rambouillet rams
Authors: Henslee Dillan , Yelich Joel , Taylor J Bret , Ellison Melinda 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Shrub encroachment on grasslands is a worldwide issue and sheep are a potential tool for mitigating shrub encroachment. Many shrubs, however, contain bitter-tasting compounds that may deter grazers. Cattle and sheep commonly graze rangelands, but of the two, sheep have a greater tolerance for bitter compounds and would be expected to consume more bitter-tasting vegetation. We hypothesized that sheep could detect (i.e., taste) bitter-tasting compounds and the sensitivity to these compounds would vary from animal to animal. The objective of this study was to determine whether sheep could detect the bitter-tasting compound phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), and if so, what PTC concentration would elicit an avoidance response. Using a crossover study design, mature Rambouillet and Targhee rams (n = 30) were subjected in randomized order to various PTC concentrations mixed in the drinking water (PTC solution). In trials 1 and 2 (n = 15/trial), 0.20, 0.56, 1.57, 4.39, and 12.29 mM and 0.20, 0.43, 0.94, 2.03, and 4.39 mM of PTC were tested, respectively. On test days, PTC solution (trial 1: 1.5 kg; trial 2: 3.0 kg) and water (same amounts) were offered for ad libitum intake in a side-by-side presentation for 1 h in trial 1 and 2 h in trial 2. Each test day was followed by a rest day where PTC solution was replaced with water to limit potential carry over effects into the next test day. Consumption of PTC solution for each PTC concentration was expressed as the percentage of PTC solution intake of total morning fluid intake. There was no effect (P &gt; 0.74) of sequence that rams received PTC solutions on PTC consumption during either trial. As PTC concentration increased, percentage of PTC solution intake decreased (P ≤ 0.01) for both trials. The greatest decrease in percentage of PTC solution intake occurred between 1.57 and 4.39 mM (58%) for trial 1 and 2.03 and 4.39 mM (72%) for trial 2. In trial 2, the least percentage of PTC solution intake was the 4.39 mM PTC concentration, which was different (P ≤ 0.05) from lesser PTC concentrations. All other PTC concentrations did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) from each other in percentage intake. This research suggests rams could taste the PTC, and the concentration at which PTC solution was avoided varied across rams. It may be possible to select sheep, based on demonstrated avoidance of PTC, for targeted grazing applications to manipulate vegetation toward range management goals.
Serum lactoferrin concentration of primiparous sow during gestation and lactation, and comparison between sow-fed and formula-fed piglets1
Authors: Jahan Marefa , Francis Nidhish , Wang Bing 
Published: October 2019

AbstractLactoferrin (LF) is a sialylated iron-binding glycoprotein, occurring in several biological secretions like milk, saliva, and seminal fluids and is a major component of a mammalian innate immune system. It plays multiple protective roles against large group of microorganisms and performs anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. The concentration of serum LF in gilt (primiparous sow) and their piglets remains unknown. We determined serum LF concentration in gilts during gestation and lactation to that of 19-d-old piglets, including sow-fed and formula-fed piglets using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that the concentration of serum LF in gilts varied during gestation (0.77 ± 0.10 µg/mL) and lactation (0.62 ± 0.11 µg/mL). The mean concentration of serum LF in gilts (0.72 ± 0.06 µg/mL) was significantly higher than that of piglets (0.42 ± 0.07 µg/mL, P = 0.004). Additionally, a marginal significant difference (P =0.06) was observed for serum LF concentration in sow-fed piglets (0.42 ± 0.03 µg/mL) at 19 d old compared to that of formula-fed piglets (0.33 ± 0.04 µg/mL) at 37 d old. This study provides noble information regarding the serum LF concentration in the healthy gilts and piglets and thereby the data can be used as a standard reference point for future studies on the role of LF in pig reproduction.
Early Effects of Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, and 5-Fluorouracil on Neuronal Morphology and Hippocampal-Dependent Behavior in a Murine Model
Authors: Anderson Julie E , Trujillo Madison , McElroy Taylor , Groves Thomas , Alexander Tyler , Kiffer Frederico , Allen Antiño R 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women. Fortunately, BC survival rates have increased because the implementation of adjuvant chemotherapy leading to a growing population of survivors. However, chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairments (CICIs) affect up to 75% of BC survivors and may be driven by inflammation and oxidative stress. Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairments can persist 20 years and hinder survivors’ quality of life. To identify early effects of CMF administration in mice, we chose to evaluate adult female mice at 2-week postchemotherapy. Mice received weekly IP administration of CMF (or saline) for 4 weeks, completed behavioral testing, and were sacrificed 2 weeks following their final CMF injection. Behavioral results indicated long-term memory (LTM) impairments postchemotherapy, but did not reveal short-term memory deficits. Dendritic morphology and spine data found increases in overall spine density within CA1 basal and CA3 basal dendrites, but no changes in DG, CA1 apical, or CA3 apical dendrites. Further analysis revealed decreases in arborization across the hippocampus (DG, CA1 apical and basal, CA3 apical and basal). These physiological changes within the hippocampus correlate with our behavioral data indicating LTM impairments following CMF administration in female mice 2-week postchemotherapy. Hippocampal cytokine analysis identified decreases in IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-3, IL-10, and TNF-α levels.
International Anal Neoplasia Society Guidelines for the Practice of Digital Anal Rectal Examination
Authors: Hillman Richard John , Berry-Lawhorn J. Michael , Ong Jason J. , Cuming Tamzin , Nathan Mayura , Goldstone Stephen , Richel Olivier , Barrosso Luis F. , Darragh Teresa M. , Law Carmella , Bouchard Céline , Stier Elizabeth A. , Palefsky Joel M. , Jay Naomi 
Published: October 2019

Objective
The aim of the study was to develop recommended techniques and quality assurance metrics for the practice of Digital Anal Rectal Examination (DARE).

Materials and Methods
The International Anal Neoplasia Society undertook a literature review and, using the AGREE II technique, developed guidelines for performing DARE.

Results
A consensus was formed regarding the optimum conditions and characteristics of DARE. Several Quality Assurance metrics were developed.

Conclusions
Digital Anal Rectal Examination is a cheap and potentially universally available technique, which has the potential to facilitate the early diagnosis of anal cancers, when they are most amenable to treatment. These guidelines provide a basis for teaching the technique and may be used as for evaluation research.
Methodology for tDCS integration with fMRI
Authors: Esmaeilpour Zeinab , Shereen A. Duke , Ghobadi-Azbari Peyman , Datta Abhishek , Woods Adam J. , Ironside Maria , O’Shea Jacinta , Kirk Ulrich , Bikson Marom , Ekhtiari Hamed 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIntegration of tDCS with fMRI holds promise for investigation the underlying mechanism of stimulation effect. There are 118 published tDCS studies (up to 1st Oct 2018) that used fMRI as a proxy measure of neural activation to answer mechanistic, predictive, and localization questions about how brain activity is modulated by tDCS. FMRI can potentially contribute as: a measure of cognitive state-level variance in baseline brain activation before tDCS; inform the design of stimulation montages that aim to target functional networks during specific tasks; and act as an outcome measure of functional response to tDCS. In this systematic review we explore methodological parameter space of tDCS integration with fMRI. Existing tDCS-fMRI literature shows little replication across these permutations; few studies used comparable study designs. Here, we use a case study with both task and resting state fMRI before and after tDCS in a cross-over design to discuss methodological confounds. We further outline how computational models of current flow should be combined with imaging data to understand sources of variability in responsiveness. Through the case study, we demonstrate how modeling and imaging methodology can be integrated for individualized analysis. Finally, we discuss the importance of conducting tDCS-fMRI with stimulation equipment certified as safe to use inside the MR scanner, and of correcting for image artifacts caused by tDCS. tDCS-fMRI can address important questions on the functional mechanisms of tDCS action (e.g. target engagement) and has the potential to support enhancement of behavioral interventions, provided studies are designed rationally.
A method for complete characterization of complex germline rearrangements from long DNA reads
Authors: Mitsuhashi Satomi , Ohori Sachiko , Katoh Kazutaka , Frith Martin C , Matsumoto Naomichi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMany genetic/genomic disorders are caused by genomic rearrangements. Standard methods can often characterize these variations only partly, e.g. copy number changes. We describe full characterization of complex chromosomal rearrangements, based on whole-genome-coverage sequencing of long DNA reads from four patients with chromosomal translocations. We developed a new analysis pipeline, which filters out rearrangements seen in humans without the same disease, reducing the number of loci per patient from a few thousand to a few dozen. For one patient with two reciprocal chromosomal translocations, we find that the translocation points have complex rearrangements of multiple DNA fragments involving 5 chromosomes, which we could order and orient by an automatic algorithm, thereby fully reconstructing the rearrangement. Some important properties of these rearrangements, such as sequence loss, are holistic: they cannot be inferred from any part of the rearrangement, but only from the fully-reconstructed rearrangement. In this patient, the rearrangements were evidently caused by shattering of the chromosomes into multiple fragments, which rejoined in a different order and orientation with loss of some fragments. Our approach promises to fully characterize many congenital germline rearrangements, provided they do not involve poorly-understood loci such as centromeric repeats.
A validation of machine learning-based risk scores in the prehospital setting
Authors: Spangler Douglas , Hermansson Thomas , Smekal David , Blomberg Hans 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe triage of patients in pre-hospital care is a difficult task, and improved risk assessment tools are needed both at the dispatch center and on the ambulance to differentiate between low- and high-risk patients. This study develops and validates a machine learning-based approach to predicting hospital outcomes based on routinely collected prehospital data.MethodsDispatch, ambulance, and hospital data were collected in one Swedish region from 2016 - 2017. Dispatch center and ambulance records were used to develop gradient boosting models predicting hospital admission, critical care (defined as admission to an intensive care unit or in-hospital mortality), and two-day mortality. Model predictions were used to generate composite risk scores which were compared to National Early Warning System (NEWS) scores and actual dispatched priorities in a similar but prospectively gathered dataset from 2018.ResultsA total of 38203 patients were included from 2016-2018. Concordance indexes (or area under the receiver operating characteristics curve) for dispatched priorities ranged from 0.51 – 0.66, while those for NEWS scores ranged from 0.66 - 0.85. Concordance ranged from 0.71 – 0.80 for risk scores based only on dispatch data, and 0.79 – 0.89 for risk scores including ambulance data. Dispatch data-based risk scores consistently outperformed dispatched priorities in predicting hospital outcomes, while models including ambulance data also consistently outperformed NEWS scores. Model performance in the prospective test dataset was similar to that found using cross-validation, and calibration was comparable to that of NEWS scores.ConclusionsMachine learning-based risk scores outperformed a widely-used rule-based triage algorithm and human prioritization decisions in predicting hospital outcomes. Performance was robust in a prospectively gathered dataset, and scores demonstrated adequate calibration. Future research should investigate the generality of these results to prehospital triage in other settings, and establish the impact of triage tools based on these methods by means of randomized trial.
Implementation of a specialist pneumonia intervention nurse service significantly lowers mortality for community acquired pneumonia
Authors: Free Robert C. , Richardson Matthew , Pillay Camilla , Skeemer Julie , Hawkes Kayleigh , Broughton Rebecca , Haldar Pranabashis , Woltmann Gerrit 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectivesEvaluate clinical outcomes associated with implementing a specialist pneumonia intervention nursing (SPIN) service, to improve adherence with BTS guidelines for hospitalised community acquired pneumonia (CAP).DesignRetrospective cohort study, comparing periods before (2011-13) and after (2014-16) SPIN service implementation.SettingSingle NHS trust across two hospital sites in Leicester City, EnglandParticipants13,496 adult (aged ≥16) admissions to hospital with a primary diagnosis of CAPInterventionsThe SPIN service was set up in 2013/2014 to provide clinical review of new CAP admissions; assurance of guidelines adherence; delivery of CAP clinical education and clinical follow up after discharge.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcomes were proportions of CAP cases receiving antibiotic treatment within 4 hours of admission and change in crude in-hospital mortality rate. Secondary outcomes were adjusted mortality rate and length of stay (LOS).ResultsThe SPIN service reviewed 38% of CAP admissions in 2014-16. 82% of these admissions received antibiotic treatment in <4 hours (68.5% in the national audit). Compared with the pre-SPIN period, there was a significant reduction in both 30-day (OR=0.77 [0.70-0.85], p<0.0001) and in-hospital mortality (OR=0.66 [0.60-0.73], p<0.0001) after service implementation, with a review by the service having the largest independent 30-day mortality benefit (HR=0.60 [0.53-0.67], p<0.0001). There was no change in LOS (median 6 days).ConclusionsImplementation of a SPIN service improves adherence with BTS guidelines and achieves significant reductions in CAP associated mortality. This enhanced model of care is low cost, highly effective and readily adoptable in secondary care.Key MessagesWhat is the key question?Does a specialist nurse-led intervention affect BTS guideline adherence and mortality for patients admitted to hospital with community acquired pneumonia (CAP)?What is the bottom line?Implementing specialist nurse teams for CAP delivers improved guideline adherence and survival for patients admitted with the condition.Why read on?This study shows a low-cost specialist nursing service focussed on CAP is associated with a significant improvement in BTS guidelines adherence and patient survival.
PERIPHERAL BLOOD AS TOOL TO DETERMINE GENE EXPRESSION PATTERNS IN PATIENTS WITH PSYCHIATRIC, NEUROLOGICAL AND OTHER COMMON DISORDERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS PROTOCOL
Authors: Panzenhagen Alana Castro , Alves-Teixeira Alexsander , Wissmann Martina Schroeder , Girardi Carolina Saibro , Santos Lucas , Silveira Alexandre Kleber , Gelain Daniel Pens , Moreira José Cláudio Fonseca 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTIntroductionCommon diseases are influenced by a variety of factors that can enhance one person’s susceptibility to developing a specific condition. Complex traits have been investigated in several biological levels. One that reflects the high interconnectivity and interaction of genes, proteins and transcription factors is the transcriptome. In this study, we disclose the protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming at summarizing the available evidence regarding transcriptomic gene expression levels of peripheral blood samples comparing subjects with psychiatric, neurological and other common disorders to healthy controls.Methods and analysisThe investigation of the transcriptomic levels in the peripheral blood enables the unique opportunity to unravel the etiology of common diseases in patients ex-vivo. However, the experimental results should be minimally consistent across studies for them to be considered as the best approximation of the true effect. In order to test this, we will systematically identify all transcriptome studies that compared subjects with common disorders to their respective control samples. We will apply meta-analyses to assess the overall differentially expressed genes throughout the studies of each condition.Ethics and disseminationThe data that will be used to conduct this study are available online and have already been published following their own ethical laws. Therefore this study requires no further ethical approval. The results of this study will be published in leading peer-reviewed journals of the area and also presented at relevant national and international conferences.Strengths and limitations of this study➣We present a new and systematically centered method to assess the overall effect of transcriptomic levels in the blood of subjects with common conditions.➣Meta-analyses are a robust statistical method to assess effect sizes across studies.➣The analysis is limited by the availability of studies, as well as their quality and comprehensiveness.➣Subgroup and meta-regression analyses will be also limited by the amount and quality of sample characterization variables made available by original studies.
A machine learning approach for precision diagnosis of juvenile-onset SLE
Authors: Robinson George A , Peng Junjie , Dönnes Pierre , Coelewij Leda , Radziszewska Anna , Wincup Chris , Peckham Hannah , Isenberg David A , Ioannou Yiannis , Ciurtin Coziana , Pineda-Torra Ines , Jury Elizabeth C 
Published: October 2019

AbstractJuvenile-Onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) is an autoimmune rheumatic disease characterised by systemic inflammation and organ damage, with disease onset often coinciding with puberty. JSLE is associated with more severe disease manifestations and a higher motility rate compared to adult SLE. Due to the heterogeneous clinical and immunological manifestations of JSLE, delayed diagnosis and poor treatment efficacy are major barriers for improving patient outcome. In order to define a unique immunophenotyping profile distinguishing JSLE patients from age matched healthy controls, immune-based machine learning (ML) approaches were applied. Balanced random forest analysis discriminated JSLE patients from healthy controls with an overall 91% prediction accuracy. The top-ranked immunological features were selected from the optimal ML model and were validated by partial least squares discriminant analysis and logistic regression analysis. Patients could be clustered into four distinct groups based on the top hits from the ML model, providing an opportunity for tailored therapy. Moreover, complex correlations between the JSLE immune profile and clinical features of disease were identified. Further immunological association studies are essential for developing data-driven personalised medicine approaches to aid diagnosis of JSLE for targeted therapy and improved patient outcomes.