bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systolic cardiac function assessment by feature tracking echocardiography in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Mantovani M. M. , Muzzi R. A. L. , Pereira G. G. , Yamato R. J. , Silva A. C. , Reis G. F. , Muzzi L. A. L. , Guimarães E. C. 
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate endomyocardial and epimyocardial left ventricular circumferential and longitudinal peak systolic strain and strain rate in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease using two‐dimensional feature tracking imaging echocardiography.MATERIALS AND METHODSEpimyocardial and endomyocardial global and regional myocardial peak systolic strain and strain rate using two‐dimensional feature tracking imaging were evaluated in healthy dogs and those in stages B1, B2 and C of myxomatous mitral valve disease. Strain and strain rate in circumferential and longitudinal aspect were evaluated in 48 small‐ and medium‐sized dogs.RESULTSGlobal endomyocardial circumferential strain and global epimyocardial circumferential strain systolic peak were lower in stage C than in stage B2 (P = 0 · 04 and P = 0 · 02) and similar to healthy dogs. Endomyocardial circumferential strain rate in septal and inferior segments were lower in stage C compared to B2 (P = 0 · 0007 and P = 0 · 0056), but not different from healthy dogs. There were no statistical differences in the epimyocardial circumferential strain rate, longitudinal strain and strain rate between healthy and affected dogs.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCETwo‐dimensional feature tracking imaging determination of myocardial deformation in epimyocardial and endomyocardial layers allows detection of increased compensatory circumferential left ventricular myocardial systolic performance due to volume overload and absence of this response as disease advances to congestive heart failure.
Studies into Computational Intelligence and Evolutionary Approaches for Model‐Free Identification of Hysteretic Systems
Authors: Bolourchi Ali , Masri Sami F. , Aldraihem Osama J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis article introduces a robust hybrid computational method for the data‐driven model‐free identification of nonlinear systems that exhibit hysteretic behavior. The proposed approach combines Genetic Programming, which incorporates discontinuous basis functions, for discovering the structure of the governing differential equations, Genetic Algorithms for optimizing the parameters of the differential equations, and Computer Algebra for simplifying mathematical expressions symbolically, and consequently, controlling bloat through condensing dependent terms. A similar technique has been previously proposed by the authors for the identification of nonhysteretic Single Degree of Freedom (SDOF) systems. That technique is extended in this article and is utilized to provide parsimonious differential equations that represent the Bouc–Wen model and the bilinear hysteretic oscillator—both exhibit abrupt change in their memory‐dependent response. The representative models are subjected to validation excitations that are substantially different from the probing signals to confirm the generalizability of the models for different dynamical phenomena. The results verify the effectiveness of the approach and the accuracy of the subsequent differential operators that characterize the behavior of the studied hysteretic systems even under new dynamical conditions. Beside the presented application of this approach, the introduced methodology is more general and can be employed across different disciplines, specifically in data analytics for mathematical modeling of various complex systems.
Distinct contribution of Toxoplasma gondii rhomboid proteases 4 and 5 to micronemal protein protease 1 activity during invasion
Authors: Rugarabamu George , Marq Jean‐Baptiste , Guérin Amandine , Lebrun Maryse , Soldati‐Favre Dominique 
Published: April 2015

SummaryHost cell entry by the Apicomplexa is associated with the sequential secretion of invasion factors from specialized apical organelles. Secretion of micronemal proteins (MICs) complexes by Toxoplasma gondii facilitates parasite gliding motility, host cell attachment and entry, as well as egress from infected cells. The shedding of MICs during these steps is mediated by micronemal protein proteases MPP1, MPP2 and MPP3. The constitutive activity of MPP1 leads to the cleavage of transmembrane MICs and is linked to the surface rhomboid protease 4 (ROM4) and possibly to rhomboid protease 5 (ROM5). To determine their importance and respective contribution to MPP1 activity, in this study ROM4 and ROM5 genes were abrogated using Cre‐recombinase and CRISPR‐Cas9 nuclease, respectively, and shown to be dispensable for parasite survival. Parasites lacking ROM4 predominantly engage in twirling motility and exhibit enhanced attachment and impaired invasion, whereas intracellular growth and egress is not affected. The substrates MIC2 and MIC6 are not cleaved in rom4‐ko parasites, in contrast, intramembrane cleavage of AMA1 is reduced but not completely abolished. Shedding of MICs and invasion are not altered in the absence of ROM5; however, this protease responsible for the residual cleavage of AMA1 is able to cleave other AMA family members and exhibits a detectable contribution to invasion in the absence of ROM4.
Social communities and spatiotemporal dynamics of association patterns in estuarine bottlenose dolphins
Authors: Titcomb Elizabeth Murdoch , O'Corry‐Crowe Greg , Hartel Elizabeth F. , Mazzoil Marilyn S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractNetwork analysis has recently been used to delve into the dynamics of cetacean sociality. Few studies, however, have addressed how habitat shape influences sociality, specifically how linear water bodies constrain the space where individuals might interact. We utilized network and spatiotemporal analyses to investigate association patterns and community structure in a bottlenose dolphin population in a linear estuarine system, the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida. Using sighting histories from a multiyear photo‐identification study we examined association patterns for 185 individuals collected over a 6.5 yr period (2002–2008). The population was highly differentiated (S = 0.723) and organized into six distinct social communities (Q = 0.544), spread in an overlapping pattern along the linear system. Social organization differed between communities, with some displaying highly interconnected networks and others comprising loosely affiliated individuals with more ephemeral associations. Temporal patterns indicated short‐term associations were a significant feature of the fission‐fusion dynamics of this population. Spatial analyses revealed that social structure was shaped by an individual's ranging patterns and by social processes including preference and avoidance behavior. Finally, we found that habitat “narrowness” may be a major driving force behind the sociality observed.
Childhood asthma and spirometric indices are associated with polymorphic markers of two vitamin D 25‐hydroxylase genes
Authors: Leung Ting Fan , Wang Susan Shuxin , Tang Man Fung , Kong Alice Pik‐shan , Sy Hing Yee , Hon Kam Lun , Chan Juliana Chung‐ngor , Wong Gary Wing‐kin 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundPolymorphic markers of vitamin D pathway genes have been associated with asthma traits in different White populations. This study investigated the relationship between asthma phenotypes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of vitamin D receptor (VDR), vitamin D binding protein (GC), two 25‐hydroxylases (CYP2R1 and CYP27A1), and 1α‐hydroxylase (CYP27B1) in Hong Kong Chinese children.Methods23 SNPs of the five vitamin D pathway genes were successfully genotyped in 914 asthmatic children and 1231 non‐allergic controls. Genotypic and haplotypic associations with asthma phenotypes (diagnosis, spirometric indices, total IgE, and eosinophil percentage) were analyzed by multivariate regression. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction was used to detect epistatic interactions between SNPs for asthma phenotypes.ResultsSeveral SNPs of CYP27A1, CYP27B1, GC, and CYP2R1 were associated with asthma or spirometric indices, although only the association between FEV1 and CYP2R1 rs7935792 passed Bonferroni correction (p = 2.73 × 10−4). Patients with CC genotype of rs7935792 had higher FEV1 than those with the other two genotypes. Asthma was also associated with TT haplotype of CYP27A1 and AGGATA haplotype of CYP2R1 (p = 0.021 and 0.024, respectively). Besides, strong association was found between FEV1 and GATAG of CYP2R1 (β = 13.37, p = 4.83 × 10−4). GMDR failed to identify any 2‐locus to 4‐locus interaction that modulated asthma or spirometric indices.ConclusionsSeveral SNPs and haplotypes of CYP2R1 are associated with asthma diagnosis and FEV1 in children. Asthma is also modestly associated with a CYP27A1 haplotype. These two 25‐hydroxylase genes may be genetic determinants for asthma phenotypes in children.
Analysing Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance Data by Using Spatially and Temporally Varying Coefficient Models
Authors: Assaf Shireen , Campostrini Stefano , Xu Fang , Gotway Crawford Carol 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe study of temporal and spatial trends in large databases, such as behavioural risk factor surveillance data, can be a great challenge, especially when the intent is to study the time-related effects of multiple independent variables; this is an issue which is not usually addressed in trend analysis in epidemiological studies. This study demonstrates the use of varying coefficient models using non-parametric techniques, which can show how coefficients vary in time or space; it is a useful statistical tool that is applied for the first time to health surveillance data. Using the US ‘Behavioral risk factor surveillance system’, a varying coefficient model is constructed using obesity as an outcome measure. Odds ratio plots and probability maps illustrate the temporal or spatial changes in coefficients of the independent variables; these results can be used to identify changes in at-risk subgroups of the population for the odds of obesity.
Radiofrequency ablation changes the quality of life of children with supraventricular tachycardias
Authors: Abo-Haded Hany Mahmoud 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) has rapidly become the first-line therapy for children with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Recently, more attention has been given to the measurement of health-related quality of life (QoL) in children. The primary aim of this study was to determine if there is a change in the QoL in children with SVT pre and post RFA procedure using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) cardiac inventory. In addition, the study discusses the impact of age, gender and variety of SVT mechanisms on the QoL.Design, setting and patientsAll consecutive children with SVT referred for RFA at Mansoura University Children's Hospital were enrolled in this study. The PedsQL cardiac module questionnaire was given to the children/parents to be filled out before and 1 month following RFA procedure. Evaluated areas were physical, emotional, social, school and psychosocial function. The paired t test was used to test the difference between pre-time and post-time points for the study groups. Demographic and clinical data were collected.ResultsThe study sample consisted of 38 patients who underwent a successful ablation. The mean age of the patients at the time of RFA procedure was 12.4±5.3 years. There was a statistically significant improvement in all measured areas 1 month post successful RFA as compared with pre ablation. Post ablation, the greatest score improvement was in physical functioning. Older children (>12 years) showed the greatest benefit, but gender and type of SVT did not influence outcome.ConclusionsRFA therapy is useful in improving QoL and perceptions in children with recurrent SVT.
Hospital costs of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients treated in intensive care; a single centre evaluation using the national tariff-based system
Authors: Petrie J , Easton S , Naik V , Lockie C , Brett S J , Stümpfle R 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesThere is a scarcity of literature reporting hospital costs for treating out of hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA) survivors, especially within the UK. This is essential for assessment of cost-effectiveness of interventions necessary to allow just allocation of resources within the National Health Service. We set out primarily to calculate costs stratified against hospital survival and neurological outcomes. Secondarily, we estimated cost effectiveness based on estimates of survival and utility from previous studies to calculate costs per quality adjusted life year (QALY).SettingWe performed a single centre (London) retrospective review of in-hospital costs of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after OOHCA over 18 months from January 2011 (following widespread introduction of targeted temperature management and primary percutaneous intervention).ParticipantsOf 69 successive patients admitted over an 18-month period, survival and cerebral performance category (CPC) outcomes were obtained from review of databases and clinical notes. The Trust finance department supplied ICU and hospital costs using the Payment by Results UK system.ResultsOf those patients with ROSC admitted to ICU, survival to hospital discharge (any CPC) was 33/69 (48%) with 26/33 survivors in CPC 1–2 at hospital discharge. Cost per survivor to hospital discharge (including total cost of survivors and non-survivors) was £50 000, cost per CPC 1–2 survivor was £65 000. Cost and length of stay of CPC 1–2 patients was considerably lower than CPC 3–4 patients. The majority of the costs (69%) related to intensive care. Estimated cost per CPC 1–2 survivor per QALY was £16 000.ConclusionsThe costs of in-hospital patient care for ICU admissions following ROSC after OOHCA are considerable but within a reasonable threshold when assessed from a QALY perspective.
Antibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein in idiopathic optic neuritis
Authors: Nakajima Hideki , Motomura Masakatsu , Tanaka Keiko , Fujikawa Azusa , Nakata Ruka , Maeda Yasuhiro , Shima Tomoaki , Mukaino Akihiro , Yoshimura Shunsuke , Miyazaki Teiichiro , Shiraishi Hirokazu , Kawakami Atsushi , Tsujino Akira 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesTo investigate the differences of clinical features, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), MRI findings and response to steroid therapies between patients with optic neuritis (ON) who have myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies and those who have seronegative ON.SettingWe recruited participants in the department of neurology and ophthalmology in our hospital in Japan.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated the clinical features and response to steroid therapies of patients with ON. Sera from patients were tested for antibodies to MOG and aquaporin-4 (AQP4) with a cell-based assay.ParticipantsBetween April 2009 and March 2014, we enrolled serial 57 patients with ON (27 males, 30 females; age range 16–84 years) who ophthalmologists had diagnosed as having or suspected to have ON with acute visual impairment and declined critical flicker frequency, abnormal findings of brain MRI, optical coherence tomography and fluorescein fundus angiography at their onset or recurrence. We excluded those patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of neuromyelitis optica (NMO)/NMO spectrum disorders (NMOSD), MS McDonald's criteria, and so on. Finally we defined 29 patients with idiopathic ON (14 males, 15 females, age range 16–84 years).Results27.6% (8/29) were positive for MOG antibodies and 3.4% (1/29) were positive for AQP4. Among the eight patients with MOG antibodies, five had optic pain (p=0.001) and three had prodromal infection (p=0.179). Three of the eight MOG-positive patients showed significantly high CSF levels of myelin basic protein (p=0.021) and none were positive for oligoclonal band in CSF. On MRIs, seven MOG-positive patients showed high signal intensity on optic nerve, three had a cerebral lesion and one had a spinal cord lesion. Seven of the eight MOG-positive patients had a good response to steroid therapy.ConclusionsAlthough not proving primary pathogenicity of anti-MOG antibodies, the present results indicate that the measurement of MOG antibodies is useful in diagnosing and treating ON.
Improving the Quality of Assessment and Management of Hypoglycaemia in Hospitalised Patients with Diabetes Mellitus by Introducing 'Hypo Boxes' to General Medical Wards with a Specialist Interest in Diabetes
Authors: Livingstone Rachel , Boyle James 
Published: April 2015

AbstractDiabetes is becoming more prevalent in the UK and this is represented in the in-patient cohort, such that 1 in 6 hospital patients have diabetes (1). The UK National Diabetes In-Patient Audit in 2012 estimated that 30% of patients experience one episode of hypoglycaemia during admission. Hypoglycaemia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and longer length of hospital stay.It is therefore important that hypoglycaemia is managed promptly and effectively to reduce associated morbidity. The Joint British Diabetes Society recommends that all wards should have access to ‘Hypo Boxes’ (2).We assessed all episodes of hypoglycaemia (<4.0 mmol/l) in the diabetes wards in over a 4 week period. ‘Hypo Boxes’ were installed to the wards and the appropriateness of treatment and time to correction of hypoglycaemia was re-assessed.Assessment of hypoglycaemia pre-intervention revealed 45 episodes of hypoglycaemia in 14 patients, and 42% (n=19) of episodes were deemed to have been treated appropriately. Only 17.8% of episodes were corrected within 30 minutes, and 33.3% were corrected within 60 minutes. A third of patients (35%) did not have a further blood glucose checked.Following intervention, there was a marked improvement in management. The proportion of appropriately managed episodes increased to 82% (n=35) and management of episodes of severe hypoglycaemia (<3.0 mmol/l) increased to 94%. The time to correction increased with 40% of episodes corrected to >4.0 mmol/l within 30 minutes, and a further 54% between 30-60 minutes.In conclusion, the introduction of ‘Hypo Boxes’ improved the assessment and management of hypoglycaemia.
Antibiotic-Resistant Vibrios in Farmed Shrimp
Authors: Albuquerque Costa Renata , Araújo Rayza Lima , Souza Oscarina Viana , Vieira Regine Helena Silva dos Fernandes 
Published: March 2015

Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern was determined in 100 strains ofVibrioisolated from theLitopenaeus vannameishrimp and identified phenotypically. A high antibiotic-resistance index (75%) was observed, with the following phenotypic profiles: monoresistance (n=42), cross-resistance toβ-lactams (n=20) and multiple resistance (n=13). Plasmid resistance was characterized for penicillin (n=11), penicillin + ampicillin (n = 1), penicillin + aztreonam (n = 1), and ampicillin (n = 1). Resistance to antimicrobial drugs by the other strains (n=86) was possibly mediated by chromosomal genes. The findings of this study support the conclusion that the cultured shrimps can be vehicles of vibrios resistant toβ-lactam and tetracycline.
Pharmacological Inhibition of KIT Activates MET Signaling in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Cohen Noah A. , Zeng Shan , Seifert Adrian M. , Kim Teresa S. , Sorenson Eric C. , Greer Jonathan B. , Beckman Michael J. , Santamaria-Barria Juan A. , Crawley Megan H. , Green Benjamin L. , Rossi Ferdinand , Besmer Peter , Antonescu Cristina R. , DeMatteo Ronald P. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common adult sarcomas and the oncogenic driver is usually a KIT or PDGFRA mutation. Although GISTs are often initially sensitive to imatinib or other tyrosine kinase inhibitors, resistance generally develops, necessitating backup strategies for therapy. In this study, we determined that a subset of human GIST specimens that acquired imatinib resistance acquired expression of activated forms of the MET oncogene. MET activation also developed after imatinib therapy in a mouse model of GIST (KitV558del/+ mice), where it was associated with increased tumor hypoxia. MET activation also occurred in imatinib-sensitive human GIST cell lines after imatinib treatment in vitro. MET inhibition by crizotinib or RNA interference was cytotoxic to an imatinib-resistant human GIST cell population. Moreover, combining crizotinib and imatinib was more effective than imatinib alone in imatinib-sensitive GIST models. Finally, cabozantinib, a dual MET and KIT small-molecule inhibitor, was markedly more effective than imatinib in multiple preclinical models of imatinib-sensitive and imatinib-resistant GIST. Collectively, our findings showed that activation of compensatory MET signaling by KIT inhibition may contribute to tumor resistance. Furthermore, our work offered a preclinical proof of concept for MET inhibition by cabozantinib as an effective strategy for GIST treatment. Cancer Res; 75(10); 2061–70. ©2015 AACR.
Risk Analysis of Prostate Cancer in PRACTICAL, a Multinational Consortium, Using 25 Known Prostate Cancer Susceptibility Loci
Authors: Amin Al Olama Ali , Benlloch Sara , Antoniou Antonis C. , Giles Graham G. , Severi Gianluca , Neal David E. , Hamdy Freddie C. , Donovan Jenny L. , Muir Kenneth , Schleutker Johanna , Henderson Brian E. , Haiman Christopher A. , Schumacher Fredrick R. , Pashayan Nora , Pharoah Paul D.P. , Ostrander Elaine A. , Stanford Janet L. , Batra Jyotsna , Clements Judith A. , Chambers Suzanne K. , Weischer Maren , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Ingles Sue A. , Sorensen Karina D. , Orntoft Torben F. , Park Jong Y. , Cybulski Cezary , Maier Christiane , Doerk Thilo , Dickinson Joanne L. , Cannon-Albright Lisa , Brenner Hermann , Rebbeck Timothy R. , Zeigler-Johnson Charnita , Habuchi Tomonori , Thibodeau Stephen N. , Cooney Kathleen A. , Chappuis Pierre O. , Hutter Pierre , Kaneva Radka P. , Foulkes William D. , Zeegers Maurice P. , Lu Yong-Jie , Zhang Hong-Wei , Stephenson Robert , Cox Angela , Southey Melissa C. , Spurdle Amanda B. , FitzGerald Liesel , Leongamornlert Daniel , Saunders Edward , Tymrakiewicz Malgorzata , Guy Michelle , Dadaev Tokhir , Little Sarah J. , Govindasami Koveela , Sawyer Emma , Wilkinson Rosemary , Herkommer Kathleen , Hopper John L. , Lophatonanon Aritaya , Rinckleb Antje E. , Kote-Jarai Zsofia , Eeles Rosalind A. , Easton Douglas F. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground: Genome-wide association studies have identified multiple genetic variants associated with prostate cancer risk which explain a substantial proportion of familial relative risk. These variants can be used to stratify individuals by their risk of prostate cancer.Methods: We genotyped 25 prostate cancer susceptibility loci in 40,414 individuals and derived a polygenic risk score (PRS). We estimated empirical odds ratios (OR) for prostate cancer associated with different risk strata defined by PRS and derived age-specific absolute risks of developing prostate cancer by PRS stratum and family history.Results: The prostate cancer risk for men in the top 1% of the PRS distribution was 30.6 (95% CI, 16.4–57.3) fold compared with men in the bottom 1%, and 4.2 (95% CI, 3.2–5.5) fold compared with the median risk. The absolute risk of prostate cancer by age of 85 years was 65.8% for a man with family history in the top 1% of the PRS distribution, compared with 3.7% for a man in the bottom 1%. The PRS was only weakly correlated with serum PSA level (correlation = 0.09).Conclusions: Risk profiling can identify men at substantially increased or reduced risk of prostate cancer. The effect size, measured by OR per unit PRS, was higher in men at younger ages and in men with family history of prostate cancer. Incorporating additional newly identified loci into a PRS should improve the predictive value of risk profiles.Impact: We demonstrate that the risk profiling based on SNPs can identify men at substantially increased or reduced risk that could have useful implications for targeted prevention and screening programs. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(7); 1121–9. ©2015 AACR.