bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lower limb alignment characteristics are not associated with running injuries in runners: Prospective cohort study
Authors: Hespanhol Junior Luiz Carlos , de Carvalho Aline Carla Araújo , Costa Leonardo Oliveira Pena , Lopes Alexandre Dias 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThere is conflicting evidence on the association between lower limb alignment characteristics and the incidence of running‐related injury (RRI). Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between lower limb alignment characteristics and the incidence proportion of RRI in a convenience sample of recreational runners. A total of 89 recreational runners were included in this prospective cohort study. These participants had been running for at least six months and were injury‐free at baseline. Lower limb alignment measurements were conducted in order to calculate lower limb discrepancy, Q‐angle, subtalar angle and plantar index. All participants also answered a baseline and biweekly online surveys about their running routine, history of RRI and newly developed RRI over a period of 12 weeks. The prevalence of previous RRI and the 12‐week incidence proportion of new RRI were calculated. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between lower limb length discrepancy, Q‐angle, subtalar angle and plantar ach index with the incidence proportion of RRI. The prevalence of previous RRI was 55.1% (n = 49). The 12‐week incidence proportion of new RRI was 27.0% (n = 24). Muscle injuries and tendinopathies were the main types of RRI identified. The lower leg and the knee were the main anatomical regions affected. We did not find significant associations between lower limb length discrepancy, Q‐angle, subtalar angle and plantar arch index and injury occurrence.
The Impact of Left Ventricular Mass on Diastolic Blood Pressure Targets for Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Rabkin Simon W. , Shiekh Imran Amin , Wood David A. 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Defining the optimal diastolic blood pressure (DBP) for patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD) is an ongoing challenge in part because of the concern that low DBP may have adverse cardiac effects (the J curve hypothesis).

METHODS
Left ventricular mass (LV mass) was measured on the echocardiogram of individuals ( N = 92) with CAD who had coronary blood flow (CBF) in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery estimated from artery diameter and DBP distal to coronary stenosis.

RESULTS
CBF approached 0 in a small but defined proportion of persons at DBP of 70mm Hg. CBF was significantly lower in persons with higher LV mass (above the median of 83g/m 2 ) when DBP was ≥75mm Hg. Higher electrocardiogram QRS voltage (sum of S V1 and R in V6), in the absence of LV hypertrophy (LVH), identified persons with significantly lower CBF at DBP ≥ 80mm Hg. In multivariate analysis, LV mass was a significant CBF determinant after adjusting for DBP and CAD severity. LV mass has a major impact on CBF when DBP is &gt;70mm Hg, while DBP is the primary determinant of CBF when DBP is ≤70mm Hg. Multivariate analysis confirmed a significant interaction between LV mass and DBP.

CONCLUSIONS
DBP ≤ 70mm Hg is associated with a progressively greater proportion in whom CBF in the LAD approaches 0. For DBP &gt; 70mm Hg, persons with higher LV mass, even in the absence of LVH, have lower CBF, suggesting LV mass is an important consideration when DBP is reduced in patients with CAD.
ARGON: fast, whole-genome simulation of the discrete time Wright-fisher process
Authors: Palamara Pier Francesco 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Motivation: Simulation under the coalescent model is ubiquitous in the analysis of genetic data. The rapid growth of real data sets from multiple human populations led to increasing interest in simulating very large sample sizes at whole-chromosome scales. When the sample size is large, the coalescent model becomes an increasingly inaccurate approximation of the discrete time Wright-Fisher model (DTWF). Analytical and computational treatment of the DTWF, however, is generally harder.
Results: We present a simulator (ARGON) for the DTWF process that scales up to hundreds of thousands of samples and whole-chromosome lengths, with a time/memory performance comparable or superior to currently available methods for coalescent simulation. The simulator supports arbitrary demographic history, migration, Newick tree output, variable mutation/recombination rates and gene conversion, and efficiently outputs pairwise identical-by-descent sharing data.
Availability: ARGON (version 0.1) is written in Java, open source, and freely available at https://github.com/pierpal/ARGON.
Contact: ppalama@hsph.harvard.edu
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Fast radio bursts counterparts in the scenario of supergiant pulses
Authors: Popov S. B. , Pshirkov M. S. 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
We discuss identification of possible counterparts and persistent sources related to fast radio bursts (FRBs) in the framework of the model of supergiant pulses from young neutron stars with large spin-down luminosities. In particular, we demonstrate that at least some of the sources of FRBs can be observed as ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs). At the moment no ULXs are known to be coincident with localization areas of FRBs. We searched for a correlation of FRB positions with galaxies in the 2MASS Redshift survey catalogue. Our analysis produced statistically insignificant overabundance (p-value ≈ 4 per cent) of galaxies in error boxes of FRBs. In the very near future with even modestly increased statistics of FRBs and with the help of dedicated X-ray observations and all-sky X-ray surveys it will be possible to decisively prove or falsify the supergiant pulses model.
Prospective Evaluation of Serum β-Glucan Testing in Patients With Probable or Proven Fungal Diseases
Authors: Angebault Cécile , Lanternier Fanny , Dalle Frédéric , Schrimpf Cécile , Roupie Anne-Laure , Dupuis Aurélie , Agathine Aurélie , Scemla Anne , Paubelle Etienne , Caillot Denis , Neven Bénédicte , Frange Pierre , Suarez Felipe , d'Enfert Christophe , Lortholary Olivier , Bougnoux Marie-Elisabeth 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Background.  Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in invasive fungal diseases (IFD). Serum (1-3)-β-d-glucan (BG) is believed to be an early IFD marker, but its diagnostic performance has been ambiguous, with insufficient data regarding sensitivity at the time of IFD diagnosis (TOD) and according to outcome. Whether its clinical utility is equivalent for all types of IFD remains unknown.
Methods.  We included 143 patients with proven or probable IFD (49 invasive candidiasis, 45 invasive aspergillosis [IA], and 49 rare IFD) and analyzed serum BG (Fungitell) at TOD and during treatment.
Results.  (1-3)-β-d-glucan was undetectable at TOD in 36% and 48% of patients with candidemia and IA, respectively; there was no correlation between negative BG results at TOD and patients' characteristics, localization of infection, or prior antifungal use. Nevertheless, patients with candidemia due to Candida albicans were more likely to test positive for BG at TOD (odds ratio = 25.4, P = .01) than patients infected with other Candida species. In 70% of the patients with a follow-up, BG negativation occurred in &gt;1 month for candidemia and &gt;3 months for IA. A slower BG decrease in patients with candidemia was associated with deep-seated localizations (P = .04). Thirty-nine percent of patients with rare IFD had undetectable BG at TOD; nonetheless, all patients with chronic subcutaneous IFD tested positive at TOD.
Conclusions.  Undetectable serum BG does not rule out an early IFD, when the clinical suspicion is high. After IFD diagnostic, kinetics of serum BG are difficult to relate to clinical outcome.
Update on clinical trials in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Narain Sonali , Furie Richard 
Published: June 2016

Purpose of reviewWith advancement in our understanding of pathogenic mechanisms in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), there is tremendous enthusiasm in examining drugs, old and new, to improve outcomes. This review highlights recent trials’ successes and impasses that have come to fore.Recent findingsAmong B-cell therapies, belimumab continues its run of successes with sustained safety and tolerability documented in a long-term extension as well as the likely approval of a subcutaneous formulation in the near future. With greater antibody-dependent cytotoxicity and less immunogenicity, there is hope for obinituzumab to succeed where its anti-CD 20 predecessors have failed. Drugs targeting type I interferons – sifalimumab and anifrolumab – have been efficacious albeit with an increase in incidence of Herpes zoster infections. There is also renewed interest in evaluating the efficacy of calcineurin inhibitors, specifically tacrolimus in the induction and maintenance of lupus nephritis. Introspection into clinical trial designs have highlighted the effects of entry criteria, end points, background medications and geographical differences on study outcomes.SummaryThere are at least 50 drugs and targets being evaluated in SLE. In addition to developing new drugs to treat lupus, future trials have to focus on more effective study designs to improve chances of trial success.
Liberal Glycemic Control in Critically Ill Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Kar Palash , Plummer Mark P. , Bellomo Rinaldo , Jenkins Alicia J. , Januszewski Andrzej S. , Chapman Marianne J. , Jones Karen L. , Horowitz Michael , Deane Adam M. 
Published: June 2016

Objectives:
The optimal blood glucose target in critically ill patients with preexisting diabetes and chronic hyperglycemia is unknown. In such patients, we aimed to determine whether a “ liberal” approach to glycemic control would reduce hypoglycemia and glycemic variability and appear safe.

Design:
Prospective, open-label, sequential-period exploratory study.

Setting:
Medical-surgical ICU.

Patients:
During sequential 6-month periods, we studied 83 patients with preexisting type 2 diabetes and chronic hyperglycemia (glycated hemoglobin, ≥ 7.0% at ICU admission).

Intervention:
During the “standard care” period, 52 patients received insulin to treat blood glucose concentrations greater than 10 mmol/L whereas during the “liberal” period, 31 patients received insulin to treat blood glucose concentrations greater than 14 mmol/L.

Measurements and Main Results:
Time-weighted mean glucose concentrations and the number and duration of moderate (< 4.0 mmol/L) and severe (≤ 2.2 mmol/L) hypoglycemic episodes were recorded, with moderate and severe hypoglycemic episodes grouped together. Glycemic variability was assessed by calculating the coefficient of variability for each patient. Safety was evaluated using clinical outcomes and plasma concentrations of markers of inflammation, glucose-turnover, and oxidative stress. Mean glucose (TWglucoseday 0–7, standard care: 9.3 [1.8] vs liberal: 10.3 [2.1] mmol/L; p = 0.02) and nadir blood glucose (4.4 [1.5] vs 5.5 [1.6] mmol/L; p < 0.01) were increased during the liberal period. There was a signal toward reduced risk of moderate-severe hypoglycemia (relative risk: liberal compared with standard care: 0.47 [95% CI, 0.19–1.13]; p = 0.09). Ten patients (19%) during the standard period and one patient (3%) during the liberal period had recurrent episodes of moderate-severe hypoglycemia. Liberal therapy reduced glycemic variability (coefficient of variability, 33.2% [12.9%] vs 23.8% [7.7%]; p < 0.01). Biomarker data and clinical outcomes were similar.

Conclusions:
In critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic hyperglycaemia, liberal glycemic control appears to attenuate glycemic variability and may reduce the prevalence of moderate-severe hypoglycemia.
Enhanced Visualization of Optimal Cerebral Perfusion Pressure Over Time to Support Clinical Decision Making*
Authors: Aries Marcel J. H. , Wesselink Robin , Elting Jan Willem J. , Donnelly Joseph , Czosnyka Marek , Ercole Ari , Maurits Natasha M. , Smielewski Peter 
Published: June 2016

Objective:
Cerebrovascular reactivity can provide a continuously updated individualized target for management of cerebral perfusion pressure, termed optimal cerebral perfusion pressure. The objective of this project was to find a way of improving the optimal cerebral perfusion pressure methodology by introducing a new visualization method.

Data Sources:
Four severe traumatic brain injury patients with intracranial pressure monitoring.

Data Extraction:
Data were collected and pre-processed using ICM+ software.

Data Synthesis:
Sequential optimal cerebral perfusion pressure curves were used to create a color-coded maps of autoregulation - cerebral perfusion pressure relationship evolution over time.

Conclusions:
The visualization method addresses some of the main drawbacks of the original methodology and might bring the potential for its clinical application closer.
4-Aminopyridine, A Blocker of Voltage-Dependent K+ Channels, Restores Blood Pressure and Improves Survival in the Wistar Rat Model of Anaphylactic Shock
Authors: Bellou Abdelouahab , Al-Hammadi Suleiman , Aburawi Elhadi H. , Dhanasekaran Subramanian , Nemmar Abderrahim , Oulhaj Abderrahim , Shafiuallah Mohamed , Zerrouki Moufida , Yasin Javed , Bellou Leila , Alper Seth L. , Bellou Sirine , Kazzam Elsadig 
Published: June 2016

Objectives:
Anaphylactic shock is associated with severe hypotension. Potassium channel blockers, such as 4-aminopyridine, induce vasoconstriction. The objective of this study was to test the ability of 4-aminopyridine to restore blood pressure and increase survival in anaphylactic shock.

Design:
Experimental study.

Setting:
Physiology laboratory.

Subjects:
Adult male Wistar rats.

Interventions:
Rats were sensitized with ovalbumin (1 mg SC), and anaphylactic shock was induced by IV injection of ovalbumin (1 mg). Experimental groups included non-allergic rats (NA) (n = 6); allergic rats (Controls) (n = 6); allergic rats treated with 4-aminopyridine (4-aminopyridine) (1 mg/kg) (n = 6); and allergic rats treated with epinephrine (EPI) (10 µg/kg) (n = 6). Treatments were administered 1 minute after induction of anaphylactic shock.

Measurements and Main Results:
Mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and survival were measured for 60 minutes. Plasma levels of histamine, leukotriene B4, prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin F2, pH, and Hco
3 were measured. Mean arterial blood pressure was normal in the NA group; severe hypotension and high mortality were observed in controls; normalization of mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and increased survival were observed in 4-aminopyridine and EPI groups. All allergic 4-aminopyridine-treated rats survived after the induction of anaphylactic shock. Histamine level was higher in controls and the 4-aminopyridine group but reduced in the EPI group. Prostaglandin E2 increased in controls and EPI group and decreased in 4-aminopyridine group; prostaglandin F2 increased in controls but decreased in 4-aminopyridine and EPI groups. Leukotriene B4 decreased in 4-aminopyridine and EPI groups. Metabolic acidosis was prevented in the 4-aminopyridine group.

Conclusions:
Our data suggest that voltage-dependent K+ channel inhibition with 4-aminopyridine treatment restores blood pressure and increases survival in the Wistar rat model of anaphylactic shock. 4-aminopyridine or related voltage-dependent K+ channel blockers could be a useful additional therapeutic approach to treatment of refractory anaphylactic shock.
Combining Prognostic and Predictive Enrichment Strategies to Identify Children With Septic Shock Responsive to Corticosteroids*
Authors: Wong Hector R. , Atkinson Sarah J. , Cvijanovich Natalie Z. , Anas Nick , Allen Geoffrey L. , Thomas Neal J. , Bigham Michael T. , Weiss Scott L. , Fitzgerald Julie C. , Checchia Paul A. , Meyer Keith , Quasney Michael , Hall Mark , Gedeit Rainer , Freishtat Robert J. , Nowak Jeffrey , Raj Shekhar S. , Gertz Shira , Lindsell Christopher J. 
Published: June 2016

Objectives:
Prognostic and predictive enrichment strategies are fundamental tools of precision medicine. Identifying children with septic shock who may benefit from corticosteroids remains a challenge. We combined prognostic and predictive strategies to identify a pediatric septic shock subgroup responsive to corticosteroids.

Design:
We conducted a secondary analysis of 288 previously published pediatric subjects with septic shock. For prognostic enrichment, each study subject was assigned a baseline mortality probability using the pediatric sepsis biomarker risk model. For predictive enrichment, each study subject was allocated to one of two septic shock endotypes, based on a 100-gene signature reflecting adaptive immunity and glucocorticoid receptor signaling. The primary study endpoint was complicated course, defined as the persistence of two or more organ failures at day 7 of septic shock or 28-day mortality. We used logistic regression to test for an association between corticosteroids and complicated course within endotype.

Measurements and Main Results:
Among endotype B subjects at intermediate to high pediatric sepsis biomarker risk model-based risk of mortality, corticosteroids were independently associated with more than a 10-fold reduction in the risk of a complicated course (relative risk, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01–0.54; p = 0.007).

Conclusions:
A combination of prognostic and predictive strategies based on serum protein and messenger RNA biomarkers can identify a subgroup of children with septic shock who may be more likely to benefit from corticosteroids. Prospective validation of these strategies and the existence of this subgroup are warranted.
Return to Work After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Nationwide Follow-up Study
Authors: Odgaard Lene , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Pedersen Asger Roer , Nielsen Jørgen Feldbæk 
Published: June 2016

Objective:
To determine return to work (RTW) after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to compare long-term labor market attachment (LMA) with the general population.

Participants:
All persons aged 18 to 64 years who received highly specialized neurorehabilitation after severe TBI between 2004 and 2012 (n = 637) were matched to general population controls on age, sex, preinjury employment status, educational level, and residence (n = 2497).

Design:
Nationwide follow-up study using weekly records on public assistance benefits.

Main Measures:
Both RTW and LMA were defined as having no public assistance benefits except education grants/leave. Stable LMA was defined as weeks with LMA of 75% or more. LMA among persons with severe TBI and controls was compared using multivariable conditional logistic regression.

Results:
RTW mainly occurred within first 2 years after severe TBI, with 30% of the people attempting RTW and 16% achieving stable LMA within 2 years. The prevalence of people with LMA decreased to 11% from 2½ years to 5 years postinjury. Adjusted odds ratios were 0.01 for LMA up to 2 years postinjury and 0.05 for stable LMA for persons with severe TBI compared with the general population.

Conclusion:
Both RTW and long-term LMA after severe TBI were low in Denmark when compared with the general population and other countries.
Nutrition in burn injury: any recent changes?
Authors: Berger Mette M. , Pantet Olivier 
Published: June 2016

Purpose of review
After major progress in the 1980s of burn resuscitation resulting, the last years’ research has focused on modulation of metabolic response and optimization of substrate utilization. The persisting variability of clinical practice is confirmed and results in difficult comparisons between burn centers.

Recent findings
Recent research explores intracellular mechanisms of the massive metabolic turmoil observed after burns: very early alterations at the mitochondrial level largely explain the hypermetabolic response, with a diminished coupling of oxygen consumption and ATP production. The metabolic alterations (elevated protein and glucose turnover) have been shown to be long lasting. Modulating this response by pharmacological tools (insulin, propranolol, and oxandrolone) results in significant clinical benefits. A moderate glucose control proves to be safe in adult burns; data in children remain uncertain as the risk of hypoglycemia seems to be higher. The enteral feeding route is confirmed as an optimal route: some difficulties are now clearly identified, such as the risk of not delivering sufficient energy by this route.

Summary
Major burn patients differ from other critically ill patients by the magnitude and duration of their inflammatory and metabolic responses, their energy and substrate requirements. Pieces of the metabolic puzzle finally seem to fit together.
Secretions of Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus acidophilus Protect Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Function
Authors: Guo Shuangshuang , Gillingham Tyler , Guo Yuming , Meng Di , Zhu Weishu , Walker W. Allen , Ganguli Kriston 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTObjectives:The secreted metabolites of probiotics are cytoprotective to intestinal epithelium and have been shown to attenuate inflammation and reduce gut permeability. The present study was designed to determine the protective effects of probiotic conditioned media (PCM) from Bifidobacterium infantis (BCM) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (LCM) on interleukin (IL)‐1β–induced intestinal barrier compromise.Methods:The epithelial barrier was determined by measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) across a Caco‐2 cell monolayer using a Transwell model. The paracellular permeability was determined by fluorescein isothiocyanate–labeled dextran flux. The expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) p65 were determined using Western blot and the distribution of NF‐κB p65 was determined by immunofluorescence staining.Results:BCM and LCM induced a dose‐dependent increase in Caco‐2 TER after 4 and 24 hours of incubation (P < 0.05). The maximal increase of Caco‐2 TER occurred at 4 hours of treatment with a PCM concentration of 15%. Preincubation with BCM and LCM for 4 hours significantly prevented the decrease of Caco‐2 TER induced by 24 hours of stimulation with 10 ng/mL IL‐1β. BCM and LCM decreased paracellular permeability in both stimulated and unstimulated Caco‐2 monolayers (P < 0.05). IL‐1β stimulation decreased occludin expression and increased claudin‐1 expression in Caco‐2 cells (P < 0.05), which was prevented in cells treated with BCM or LCM. The changes of claudin‐1 expression in H4 cells were similar to Caco‐2 cells in response to PCM treatment and IL‐1β stimulation; however, a similar response in occludin was not demonstrated. The IL‐1β–induced nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65 in Caco‐2 cells was prevented by pretreatment with both PCMs.Conclusions:BCM and LCM protected the intestinal barrier against IL‐1β stimulation by normalizing the protein expression of occludin and claudin‐1 and preventing IL‐1β–induced NF‐κB activation in Caco‐2 cells, which may be partly responsible for the preservation of intestinal permeability.