bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Right Ventricular Strain by Computed Tomography Versus Echocardiography in Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Dudzinski David M. , Hariharan Praveen , Parry Blair A. , Chang Yuchiao , Kabrhel Christopher 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundRight ventricular strain (RVS) identifies patients at risk of hemodynamic deterioration from pulmonary embolism (PE). Our hypothesis was that chest computed tomography (CT) can provide information about RVS analogous to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and that RVS on CT is associated with adverse outcomes after PE.MethodsConsecutive emergency department patients with acute PE were prospectively enrolled and clinical, biomarker, and imaging data were recorded. CTs were overread by two radiologists. We compared diagnoses of RVS on CT (defined as right ventricle:left ventricle ratio ≥ 0.9 or interventricular septal bowing) to echocardiography (defined as right ventricular hypokinesis, right ventricular dilatation, or interventricular septal bowing). We calculated the test characteristics (with 95% confidence interval) of CT and TTE for a composite outcome of severe clinical deterioration, thrombolysis/thrombectomy, or death within 5 days.ResultsA total of 298 patients were enrolled; 274 had CT and 118 had formal TTE. Of the 104 patients who had both CT and TTE, the mean (±SD) age was 58 (±17) years; 50 (48%) were female and 88 (85%) were Caucasian. Forty‐two (40%) had RVS by TTE and 75 (72%) had RVS by CT. CT and TTE agreed on the presence or absence of RVS in 61 (59%) cases (κ = 0.24). Using TTE as criterion standard, the test characteristics of CT for RVS were as follows: sensitivity = 88%, specificity = 39%, positive predictive value = 49%, and negative predictive value = 83%. Fourteen (13%) patients experienced severe clinical deterioration or required hospital‐based intervention within 5 days. This occurred in 30% of patients with RVS on both TTE and CT, 20% of patients with RVS on TTE alone, 3% of patients with RVS on CT alone, and 4% of patients without RVS on either modality.ConclusionsIn acute PE, CT is highly sensitive but only moderately specific for RVS compared to TTE. RVS on both CT and TTE predicts more events than either modality alone. TTE confers additional positive prognostic value compared to CT in predicting post‐PE clinical deterioration.
Recurrence of second trimester miscarriage and extreme preterm delivery at 16–27 weeks of gestation with a focus on cervical insufficiency and prophylactic cerclage
Authors: Sneider Kirstine , Christiansen Ole B. , Sundtoft Iben B. , Langhoff‐Roos Jens 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe objective of this study was to describe recurrence rates of second trimester miscarriage and extreme preterm delivery by phenotype and use of prophylactic cerclage in a register‐based cohort.Material and methodsWe included women with a first second trimester miscarriage or extreme preterm delivery (16+0 to 27+6 gestational weeks) in Denmark in 1997–2012 (n = 9602) by combined use of the Danish Medical Birth Register and the Danish National Patient Register. Eight phenotypes were identified by ICD‐10 codes in a hierarchy with the following sequence: major fetal anomaly, multiple gestation, uterine anomaly, placental insufficiency, antepartum bleeding, cervical insufficiency, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and intrauterine fetal death. Recurrence rate after a second trimester miscarriage/spontaneous delivery in the period was calculated based on the register data. In cervical insufficiency outcome was stratified by prophylactic cerclage applied <16 weeks of gestation.ResultsOverall recurrence rate was 7.3% (n = 452), a rate that differed by phenotype from <5% (fetal anomaly, multiple gestations, intrauterine fetal death) to 21% (cervical insufficiency). In women with cervical insufficiency the recurrence rate was 28% without cerclage; vaginal cerclage was associated with a significant reduction [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.47; 95% CI 0.29–0.76] and abdominal cerclage with an even greater reduction (adjusted OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.03–0.61).ConclusionsThe overall recurrence rate of second trimester miscarriage or extreme preterm delivery was 7%, but it differed significantly by phenotype. The highest rate, 28%, was found in cervical insufficiency, and prophylactic cerclage was associated with a significant reduction in recurrence.
Associations between sarcoidosis clinical course and ANXA11 rs1049550 C/T, BTNL2 rs2076530 G/A, and HLA class I and II alleles
Authors: Morais Antonio , Lima Bruno , Alves Helena , Melo Natalia , Mota Patricia C. , Marques Agostinho , Delgado Luis 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundA genetic background may be responsible for the different clinical courses in sarcoidosis. We analyzed associations between sarcoidosis clinical course and HLA class I/II alleles and susceptibility gene SNPs ANXA11 rs1049550 C/T and BTNL2 rs2076530 G/A in a Portuguese population, investigating possible gene–gene interactions.MethodsWe studied 138 unrelated Caucasian sarcoidosis patients (78 women, 56.5%; mean age, 37.2 ± 12.1 years). Disease that persisted after 2 years was considered chronic. Samples were genotyped for ANXA11 rs1049550 C/T and BTNL2 rs2076530 G/A SNPs using TaqMan Real‐Time PCR Assays. HLA class I/II alleles were typed using PCR sequence‐specific primers.ResultsSixty‐six patients experienced disease resolution and 72 (52%) developed chronic disease. Comparison of rs1049550 and rs2076530 allele frequencies showed no significant differences. Only the HLA DRB1*03 allele was significantly associated with disease resolution (21.2% vs 4.9% for chronic disease; RR = 0.35; P < .01 after Bonferroni correction). In the logistic regression models evaluating the association between HLA alleles and chronic sarcoidosis adjusted for rs1049550 and rs2076530, only DRB1*03 was significantly associated with disease resolution. No significant interactions were found in any of the logistic regression analyses.ConclusionsIn this population of Caucasian patients with sarcoidosis, only DRB1*03 was associated with disease resolution after 2 years’ follow‐up, with no significant interactions found for susceptibility gene SNPs ANXA11 rs1049550 or BTNL2 rs2076530.
Prediction model for mortality in cancer patients with pneumonia: comparison with CURB‐65 and PSI
Authors: Ahn Byung Ki , Lee Yoon‐Seon , Kim Youn‐Jung , Sohn Chang Hwan , Ahn Shin , Seo Dong Woo , Kim Won Young , Lee Jae Ho , Lim Kyung Soo 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIntroduction and ObjectivesWe aimed to develop a new prediction model of mortality in cancer patients with pneumonia and to compare its performance with CURB‐65 and the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI).MethodsActive cancer patients who were diagnosed with pneumonia at the Emergency Department (ED) from 7/1/2014 to 12/31/2014 were consecutively included. Clinical data were collected through a medical chart review. The primary outcome was the 28‐day mortality, and clinical factors were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.ResultsAmong a total of 218 analyzed patients with a median age of 64.0 years (IQR, 56.8‐71.0) and a male proportion of 72%, 42 (19.3%) died within 28 days of ED admission. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, an ECOG performance status (PS) 3 (OR: 8.54, 95% CI: 3.42‐21.33) or 4 (OR: 13.17, 95% CI: 3.19‐54.32), SpO2 <90% (OR: 3.06, 95% CI: 1.17‐8.00), and elevated lactic acid levels (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.12‐1.81) were significantly associated with mortality. With these three variables, a new prediction model with total scores ranged from 0 to 6 was generated. The area under the curve of the new prediction model was 0.840, compared with 0.673 and 0.586 for CURB‐65 and PSI, respectively.ConclusionIn cancer patients with pneumonia, a poor ECOG PS, SpO2 <90%, and lactic acid elevation are independent predictors of mortality. The new prediction model, comprising three predictors, performs better in predicting mortality in cancer patients than CURB‐65 or PSI.
‘Pink rot’: infection of Castanea sativa fruits by Colletotrichum acutatum
Authors: Gaffuri F. , Longa C.M.O. , Turchetti T. , Danti R. , Maresi G. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryPink‐coloured tissues were observed in rotting chestnut nuts collected from soil in different orchards in Italy (Emilia Romagna, Tuscany and Trentino). Morphological and molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Colletotrichum acutatum (J.H. Simmons) in affected fruits, and inoculation tests corroborated the ability of the pathogen to colonize nuts.
Prostaglandin D2 effects and DP1/DP2 receptor distribution in guinea pig urinary bladder out‐flow region
Authors: Guan Na N. , Svennersten Karl , de Verdier Petra J. , Wiklund N. Peter , Gustafsson Lars E. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe proximal urethra and urinary bladder trigone play important roles in continence. We have previously shown that PGD2 is released from guinea pig bladder urothelium/suburothelium and can inhibit detrusor contractile responses. We presently wished to investigate PGD2 actions in guinea pig out‐flow region and the distribution of DP1/DP2 receptors. The effects of PGD2 on urothelium‐intact trigone and proximal urethra contractility were studied in organ bath experiments. Expression of DP1/DP2 receptor proteins was analysed by western blot. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify distribution of DP1/DP2 receptors. PGD2 in a dose‐dependent manner inhibited trigone contractions induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) and inhibited spontaneous contractions of the proximal urethra. PGD2 was equally (trigone) or slightly less potent (urethra) compared with PGE2. Expression of DP1 and DP2 receptors was found in male guinea pig bladder trigone, neck and proximal urethra. In the trigone and proximal urethra, DP1 receptors were found on the membrane of smooth muscle cells and weak immunoreactivty was observed in the urothelium. DP2 receptors were distributed more widespread, weakly and evenly in the urothelium and smooth muscles. Inhibitory effects by PGD2 on motor activity of guinea pig trigone and proximal urethra are consistent with finding DP1 and DP2 receptors located in the urothelium and smooth muscle cells of the trigone and proximal urethra, and PGD2 may therefore be a modulator of the bladder out‐flow region, possibly having a function in regulation of micturition and a role in overactive bladder syndrome.
Role of EhRab7A in phagocytosis of type 1 fimbriated E. coli by Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Verma Kuldeep , Nozaki Tomoyoshi , Datta Sunando 
Published: September 2016

SummaryEntamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of amoebic colitis and liver abscess in human, ingests the intestinal bacteria and variety of host cells. Phagocytosis of bacteria by the amebic trophozoite has been reported to be important for the virulence of the parasite. Here, we set out to characterize different stages of phagocytosis of type 1 E. coli and investigated the role of a set of amoebic Rab GTPases in the process. The localizations of the Rab GTPases during different stages of the phagocytosis were investigated using laser scanning confocal microscopy and their functional relevance were determined using fluorescence activated cell sorter based assay as well as colony forming unit assay. Our results demonstrate that EhRab7A is localized on the phagosomes and involved in both early and late stages of type 1 E. coli phagocytosis. We further showed that the E. coli or RBC containing phagosomes are distinct from the large endocytic vacuoles in the parasite which are exclusively used to transport human holotransferrin and low density lipoprotein. Remarkably, type 1 E. coli uptake was found to be insensitive to cytochalasin D treatment, suggesting that the initial stage of E. coli phagocytosis is independent of the formation of actin filaments.
High‐flow nasal cannula therapy and apnea time in laryngeal surgery
Authors: Riva Thomas , Seiler Stefan , Stucki Franziska , Greif Robert , Theiler Lorenz 
Published: September 2016

SummaryIn small children, high‐flow nasal cannula therapy may prolong apnea time even when an inspiratory oxygen fraction below 100% is used. This will be beneficial in prolonged intubation attempts, but especially during procedures requiring prolonged apnea time, leading to fewer airway manipulations and markedly enhanced surgical conditions.
Pre‐mRNA splicing repression triggers abiotic stress signaling in plants
Authors: Ling Yu , Alshareef Sahar , Butt Haroon , Lozano‐Juste Jorge , Li Lixin , Galal Aya A. , Moustafa Ahmed , Momin Afaque A. , Tashkandi Manal , Richardson Dale N. , Fujii Hiroaki , Arold Stefan , Rodriguez Pedro L. , Duque Paula , Mahfouz Magdy M. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryAlternative splicing (AS) of precursor RNAs enhances transcriptome plasticity and proteome diversity in response to diverse growth and stress cues. Recent work has shown that AS is pervasive across plant species, with more than 60% of intron‐containing genes producing different isoforms. Mammalian cell‐based assays have discovered various inhibitors of AS. Here, we show that the macrolide pladienolide B (PB) inhibits constitutive splicing and AS in plants. Also, our RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) data revealed that PB mimics abiotic stress signals including salt, drought and abscisic acid (ABA). PB activates the abiotic stress‐ and ABA‐responsive reporters RD29A::LUC and MAPKKK18::uidA in Arabidopsis thaliana and mimics the effects of ABA on stomatal aperture. Genome‐wide analysis of AS by RNA‐seq revealed that PB perturbs the splicing machinery and leads to a striking increase in intron retention and a reduction in other forms of AS. Interestingly, PB treatment activates the ABA signaling pathway by inhibiting the splicing of clade A PP2C phosphatases while still maintaining to some extent the splicing of ABA‐activated SnRK2 kinases. Taken together, our data establish PB as an inhibitor and modulator of splicing and a mimic of abiotic stress signals in plants. Thus, PB reveals the molecular underpinnings of the interplay between stress responses, ABA signaling and post‐transcriptional regulation in plants.
Radiological Image Traits Predictive of Cancer Status in Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Liu Ying , Balagurunathan Yoganand , Atwater Thomas , Antic Sanja , Li Qian , Walker Ronald C. , Smith Gary T. , Massion Pierre P. , Schabath Matthew B. , Gillies Robert J. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Purpose: We propose a systematic methodology to quantify incidentally identified pulmonary nodules based on observed radiological traits (semantics) quantified on a point scale and a machine-learning method using these data to predict cancer status.
Experimental Design: We investigated 172 patients who had low-dose CT images, with 102 and 70 patients grouped into training and validation cohorts, respectively. On the images, 24 radiological traits were systematically scored and a linear classifier was built to relate the traits to malignant status. The model was formed both with and without size descriptors to remove bias due to nodule size. The multivariate pairs formed on the training set were tested on an independent validation data set to evaluate their performance.
Results: The best 4-feature set that included a size measurement (set 1), was short axis, contour, concavity, and texture, which had an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.88 (accuracy = 81%, sensitivity = 76.2%, specificity = 91.7%). If size measures were excluded, the four best features (set 2) were location, fissure attachment, lobulation, and spiculation, which had an AUROC of 0.83 (accuracy = 73.2%, sensitivity = 73.8%, specificity = 81.7%) in predicting malignancy in primary nodules. The validation test AUROC was 0.8 (accuracy = 74.3%, sensitivity = 66.7%, specificity = 75.6%) and 0.74 (accuracy = 71.4%, sensitivity = 61.9%, specificity = 75.5%) for sets 1 and 2, respectively.
Conclusions: Radiological image traits are useful in predicting malignancy in lung nodules. These semantic traits can be used in combination with size-based measures to enhance prediction accuracy and reduce false-positives. Clin Cancer Res; 23(6); 1442–9. ©2016 AACR.
Ventricular‐Arterial Function and Coupling in the Adult Fontan Circulation
Authors: Saiki Hirofumi , Eidem Benjamin W. , Ohtani Tomohito , Grogan Martha A. , Redfield Margaret M. 
Published: September 2016

Background

In adult Fontan patients, ventricular or arterial dysfunction may impact homeostasis of the Fontan circulation and predispose to heart failure. We sought to characterize ventricular‐arterial (
VA
) properties in adult Fontan patients.

Methods and Results

Adult Fontan patients (n=170), including those with right (
SRV
, n=57) and left (
SLV
, n=113) dominant ventricular morphology, were compared to age, sex, and body size matched controls (n=170). Arterial function, load‐insensitive measures of contractility,
VA
coupling, diastolic function, and ventricular efficiency were assessed. Compared to controls, Fontan patients had similar arterial (Ea), but lower end‐systolic ventricular (Ees), elastance, preload recruitable stroke work and peak power index, impaired
VA
coupling, eccentric remodeling, reduced ventricular efficiency and increased diastolic stiffness (
P
<0.05 for all). Ventricular efficiency declined steeply with higher heart rate in Fontan, but not control, patients. Among Fontan patients (n=123) and controls (n=162) with preserved cardiac index (
CI
; ≥2.5 L/min per m
2
), Fontan patients had worse contractility than controls, but
CI
was preserved owing to relative tachycardia, lower afterload, and eccentric remodeling. However, 25% of Fontan patients had reduced
CI
and were distinguished from those with preserved
CI
by less‐eccentric remodeling and worse diastolic function, rather than more‐impaired contractility.

Conclusions

Adult Fontan patients have contractile and diastolic dysfunction with normal afterload, impaired
VA
coupling, and reduced ventricular efficiency with heightened sensitivity to heart rate. Maintenance of
CI
is dependent on lower afterload, eccentric remodeling, and relative preservation of diastolic function. These data contribute to our understanding of circulatory physiology in adult Fontan patients.
Assessment of energy and environmental performances of a bioclimatic dwelling in Algeria's North
Authors: Belkacem N , Loukarfi L , Missoum M , Naji H , Khelil A , Braikia M 
Published: September 2016

Bioclimatic architecture strategies and solar active systems contribute strongly to the reduction of building energy demand and achieving thermal comfort for its occupants over the whole year. This paper deals with the study of the energy performance improvement of a pilot bioclimatic house located in Algiers (Algeria). First, a series of experimental measures are conducted during cold period to show the effect of passive and active solar gains on the improvement of the indoor air temperature of the house. Then, a dynamic model of a solar heating system coupled with a bioclimatic house has been developed using TRNSYS software and validated with experimental data. The validated model has been used to establish the energy balance of the pilot bioclimatic house without solar heating system and to compare them to those of a conventional house. Finally, the improvement of the energy balance of the pilot bioclimatic house has been done by passive and active ways. The passive one includes the increase of south facing windows size and the use of night cooling with the use of shading device in summer. The active one consists of the integration of a solar heating system. Furthermore, an environmental study has been performed. The experimental results show that the energy requirements of a pilot bioclimatic house are very low which is suitable for the use of solar heating system in building. The simulation results show that the application of bioclimatic strategies is a better way to provide thermal comfort in summer and decrease the space heating energy demand of the house with 48.70%. The active solar system will cover 67.74% of the energy demand for heating of the house. These energy savings generate a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. Practical application: This work will enable engineers and designers of modern buildings of buildings in a Mediterranean climate to improve building energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by a conjunction of different passive heating and cooling techniques such as insulation, thermal mass, window shades, night ventilation, and the solar heating system. The paper provides designers an effective strategy in terms of energy savings and indoor thermal comfort while reducing CO2 emissions.
Single focus on breast magnetic resonance imaging: diagnosis based on kinetic pattern and patient age
Authors: Machida Youichi , Shimauchi Akiko , Kuroki Yoshifumi , Tozaki Mitsuhiro , Kato Yoshiaki , Hoshi Kazuei , Fukuma Eisuke 
Published: September 2016

Background Because of its small size, a focus in breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) must be evaluated on the basis of characteristics other than morphologic features. Patient-related factors including patient age, in conjunction with lesion-related factors, could be useful for decision-making. Purpose To assess the probability of malignant foci based on both lesion- and patient-related factors, and to propose a relevant decision-making method. Material and Methods Foci in our breast MRI database dating from April 2006 to June 2013 were retrospectively identified and analyzed. A Fisher’s exact test or a Mann–Whitney U test were performed for univariate analyses, and factors that showed a significant association with outcome in the univariate analyses were subjected to multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model. A decision tree was then drawn using the significant predictors confirmed by multivariate analysis. Results In total, 184 foci (168 benign, 16 malignant) in 184 patients were analyzed in our study. The presence of a washout pattern and older age were found to be significant predictors of malignancy ( P < 0.0001; odds ratio [OR], 17.8; P = 0.021; OR, 1.1, respectively). The main decisive node on the decision tree was the presence of a washout pattern, followed by whether the patient’s age was >63 years. Conclusion An enhancing focus showing a washout pattern, especially in older patients, may warrant immediate biopsy rather than short-interval follow-up.
Negative interaction between smoking and EBV in the risk of multiple sclerosis: The EnvIMS study
Authors: Bjørnevik Kjetil , Riise Trond , Bostrom Inger , Casetta Ilaria , Cortese Marianna , Granieri Enrico , Holmøy Trygve , Kampman Margitta T , Landtblom Anne-Marie , Magalhaes Sandra , Pugliatti Maura , Wolfson Christina , Myhr Kjell-Morten 
Published: September 2016

Background: Results from previous studies on a possible interaction between smoking and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) are conflicting. Objectives: To examine the interaction between smoking and infectious mononucleosis (IM) in the risk of MS. Methods: Within the case–control study on Environmental Factors In Multiple Sclerosis (EnvIMS), 1904 MS patients and 3694 population-based frequency-matched healthy controls from Norway, Italy, and Sweden reported on prior exposure to smoking and history of IM. We examined the interaction between the two exposures on the additive and multiplicative scale. Results: Smoking and IM were each found to be associated with an increased MS risk in all three countries, and there was a negative multiplicative interaction between the two exposures in each country separately as well as in the pooled analysis ( p = 0.001). Among those who reported IM, there was no increased risk associated with smoking (odds ratio (OR): 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66–1.37). The direction of the estimated interactions on the additive scale was consistent with a negative interaction in all three countries (relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI): −0.98, 95% CI: −2.05–0.15, p = 0.09). Conclusion: Our findings indicate competing antagonism, where the two exposures compete to affect the outcome.