bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide analysis of Homo sapiens, Arabidopsis thaliana, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals novel attributes of tail-anchored membrane proteins
Authors: Brito Glauber Costa , Schormann Wiebke , Gidda Satinder K. , Mullen Robert T. , Andrews David W. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Tail-anchored membrane proteins (TAMPs) differ from other integral membrane proteins, because they contain a single transmembrane domain at the extreme carboxyl-terminus and are therefore obliged to target to membranes post-translationally. Although 3–5% of all transmembrane proteins are predicted to be TAMPs only a small number are well characterized.

Results
To identify novel putative TAMPs across different species, we used TAMPfinder software to identify 859, 657 and 119 putative TAMPs in human (Homo sapiens), plant (Arabidopsis thaliana), and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), respectively. Bioinformatics analyses of these putative TAMP sequences suggest that the list is highly enriched for authentic TAMPs. To experimentally validate the software predictions several human and plant proteins identified by TAMPfinder that were previously uncharacterized were expressed in cells and visualized at subcellular membranes by fluorescence microscopy and further analyzed by carbonate extraction or by bimolecular fluorescence complementation. With the exception of the pro-apoptotic protein harakiri, which is, peripherally bound to the membrane this subset of novel proteins behave like genuine TAMPs. Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of the generated TAMP datasets revealed previously unappreciated common and species-specific features such as the unusual size distribution of and the propensity of TAMP proteins to be part of larger complexes. Additionally, novel features of the amino acid sequences that anchor TAMPs to membranes were also revealed.

Conclusions
The findings in this study more than double the number of predicted annotated TAMPs and provide new insights into the common and species-specific features of TAMPs. Furthermore, the list of TAMPs and annotations provide a resource for further investigation.
Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility and plasmid profiling of Vibrio spp. isolated from cultured groupers in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Amalina Nor Zulkiply , Santha Silvaraj , Zulperi Dzarifah , Amal Mohammad Noor Azmai , Yusof Mohd Termizi , Zamri-Saad Mohd , Ina-Salwany Md Yasin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundNumerous prevalence studies ofVibriospp. infection in fish have been extensively reported worldwide, including Malaysia. Unfortunately, information on the prevalence ofVibriospp. in groupers (Epinephelusspp.) is limited. In this study, groupers obtained from nine farms located at different geographical regions in Malaysia were sampled for the presence of pathogenicVibriospp. and their susceptibility profiles against seven antibiotics.ResultsOut of 270 grouper samples, 195 (72%) were detected with the presence ofVibriospp.Vibrio communisshowed highest prevalence in grouper (28%), followed byV. parahaemolyticus(25%),V. alginolyticus(19%),V. vulnificus(14%),V. rotiferianus(3%),Vibriosp. (3%),V. campbellii(2%), V. mytili(2%), V. furnissii(2%), V. harveyi(1%), V. tubiashii(1%), V. fluvialis(0.3%) andV. diabolicus(0.3%).Assessment on the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of theVibriospp. revealed that majority of the isolates were susceptible to tetracycline, streptomycin, erythromycin and bacitracin, but resistance to ampicillin, penicillin G and vancomycin. The mean MAR index of theVibrioisolates was 0.51, with 85% of the isolates showed MAR index value of higher than 0.2. Results indicate that theVibriospp. were continuously exposed to antibiotics. Furthermore, the plasmid profiles ofVibriospp. showed that 38.7% of the isolates harbored plasmid with molecular weight of more than 10 kb, while 61.3% were without plasmid. During curing process,Vibriospp. lost their plasmid, but remained resistant to ampicillin, penicillin G, bacitracin and vancomycin while a few isolates remained resistant to erythromycin, streptomycin and tetracycline. The results suggested that the resistance to antibiotics in isolatedVibriospp. might be due to chromosomal and plasmid borne.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the prevalence ofVibriospp. in groupers and the distribution of multidrug resistance strains that could be of concern to the farmers in Malaysia. In addition, data from this study can be further used in fish disease management plan.
Hypoxia preconditioning attenuates lung injury after thoracoscopic lobectomy in patients with lung cancer: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Chen Mo , Li Hongbin , Yuan Jia , Li Jingjing , Wu Feixiang , Zhang Yan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Hypoxic preconditioning (HPC) may protect multiple organs from various injuries. We hypothesized that HPC would reduce lung injury in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy.

Methods
In a prospective randomized controlled trial, 70 patients undergoing elective thoracoscopic lobectomy were randomly allocated to the HPC group or the control group. Three cycles of 5-min hypoxia and 3-min ventilation applied to the nondependent lung served as the HPC intervention. The primary outcome was the PaO2/FiO2 ratio. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pulmonary complications, pulmonary function, and duration of hospital stay.

Results
HPC significantly increased the PaO2/FiO2 ratio compared with the control at 30 min after one-lung ventilation and 7 days after operation. Compared with the control, it also significantly improved postoperative pulmonary function and markedly reduced the postoperative hospital stay duration. No significant differences between groups were observed in the incidence of pulmonary complications or overall postoperative morbidity.

Conclusions
HPC improves postoperative oxygenation, enhances the recovery of pulmonary function, and reduces the duration of hospital stay in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy.

Trial registration
This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-IPR-17011249) on April 27, 2017.
Preprocedural ultrasound versus landmark techniques for spinal anesthesia performed by novice residents in elderly: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rizk Marwan S. , Zeeni Carine A. , Bouez Joanna N. , Bteich Nathalie J. , Sayyid Samia K. , Alfahel Waseem S. , Siddik-Sayyid Sahar M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundSpinal anesthesia using the midline approach might be technically difficult in geriatric population. We hypothesized that pre-procedural ultrasound (US)-guided paramedian technique and pre-procedural US-guided midline technique would result in a different spinal anesthesia success rate at first attempt when compared with the conventional landmark-guided midline technique in elderly patients.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, controlled study,one hundred-eighty consenting patients scheduled for elective surgery were randomized into the conventional surface landmark-guided midline technique (group LM), the pre-procedural US-guided paramedian technique (group UP), or the pre-procedural US-guided midline technique (group UM) with 60 patients in each group. All spinal anesthesia were performed by a novice resident.ResultsThe successful dural puncture rate on first attempt (primary outcome) was higher in groups LM and UM (77 and 73% respectively) than in group UP (42%;P < 0.001). The median number of attempts was lower in groups LM and UM (1 [1] and 1 [1–1.75] respectively) than in group UP (2 [1, 2];P < 0.001). The median number of passes was lower in groups LM and UM (2 [0.25–3] and 2 [0–4]; respectively) than in group UP (4 [2–7.75];P < 0.001). The time taken to perform the spinal anesthesia was not different between groups LM and UM (87.24 ± 79.51 s and 116.32 ± 98.12 s, respectively) but shorter than in group UP (154.58 ± 91.51 s;P < 0.001).ConclusionsA pre-procedural US scan did not improve the ease of midline and paramedian spinal anesthesia as compared to the conventional landmark midline technique when performed by junior residents in elderly population.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered at Clinicaltrials.gov, registration numberNCT02658058, date of registration: January 18, 2016.
Investigating the physiology of normothermic ex vivo heart perfusion in an isolated slaughterhouse porcine model used for device testing and training
Authors: Kappler Benjamin , Ledezma Carlos A. , van Tuijl Sjoerd , Meijborg Veronique , Boukens Bastiaan J. , Ergin Bülent , Tan P. J. , Stijnen Marco , Ince Can , Díaz-Zuccarini Vanessa , de Mol Bas A. J. M. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
The PhysioHeart™ is a mature acute platform, based isolated slaughterhouse hearts and able to validate cardiac devices and techniques in working mode. Despite perfusion, myocardial edema and time-dependent function degradation are reported. Therefore, monitoring several variables is necessary to identify which of these should be controlled to preserve the heart function. This study presents biochemical, electrophysiological and hemodynamic changes in the PhysioHeart™ to understand the pitfalls of ex vivo slaughterhouse heart hemoperfusion.

Methods
Seven porcine hearts were harvested, arrested and revived using the PhysioHeart™. Cardiac output, SaO2, glucose and pH were maintained at physiological levels. Blood analyses were performed hourly and unipolar epicardial electrograms (UEG), pressures and flows were recorded to assess the physiological performance.

Results
Normal cardiac performance was attained in terms of mean cardiac output (5.1 ± 1.7 l/min) and pressures but deteriorated over time. Across the experiments, homeostasis was maintained for 171.4 ± 54 min, osmolarity and blood electrolytes increased significantly between 10 and 80%, heart weight increased by 144 ± 41 g, free fatty acids (− 60%), glucose and lactate diminished, ammonia increased by 273 ± 76% and myocardial necrosis and UEG alterations appeared and aggravated. Progressively deteriorating electrophysiological and hemodynamic functions can be explained by reperfusion injury, waste product intoxication (i.e. hyperammonemia), lack of essential nutrients, ion imbalances and cardiac necrosis as a consequence of hepatological and nephrological plasma clearance absence.

Conclusions
The PhysioHeart™ is an acute model, suitable for cardiac device and therapy assessment, which can precede conventional animal studies. However, observations indicate that ex vivo slaughterhouse hearts resemble cardiac physiology of deteriorating hearts in a multi-organ failure situation and signalize the need for plasma clearance during perfusion to attenuate time-dependent function degradation. The presented study therefore provides an in-dept understanding of the sources and reasons causing the cardiac function loss, as a first step for future effort to prolong cardiac perfusion in the PhysioHeart™. These findings could be also of potential interest for other cardiac platforms.
A novel collagen area fraction index to quantitatively assess bowel fibrosis in patients with Crohn’s disease
Authors: Li Xue-hua , Fang Zhuang-nian , Guan Tian-ming , Lin Jin-jiang , Sun Can-hui , Huang Si-yun , Mao Ren , Lu Bao-lan , Cao Qing-hua , Feng Shi-ting , Li Zi-ping 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
A validated histopathological tool to precisely evaluate bowel fibrosis in patients with Crohn’s disease is lacking. We attempted to establish a new index to quantify the severity of bowel fibrosis in patients with Crohn’s disease-associated fibrostenosis.

Methods
We analyzed the histopathological data of 31 patients with Crohn’s disease strictures undergoing surgical resection. The most representative sections of resected strictured segments were stained with Masson trichrome to manifest bowel fibrosis. The collagen area fraction and histological fibrosis score were simultaneously calculated for the same section to evaluate the severity of bowel fibrosis.

Results
Collagen area fraction strongly correlated with histological fibrosis scores (r = 0.733, P < 0.001). It showed a stronger correlation (r = 0.561, P < 0.001) with the degree of bowel strictures than the histological fibrosis score did (r = 0.468, P < 0.001). It was also shown to be more accurate for diagnosing Crohn’s disease strictures (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.815, P < 0.001) compared with the histological fibrosis score (area under the curve = 0.771, P < 0.001). High repeatability was observed for the collagen area fraction, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.915 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
Collagen area fraction is a simple and reliable index to quantify the severity of bowel fibrosis in patients with Crohn’s disease-associated fibrostenosis.
Durability of pneumatic dilation monotherapy in treatment-naive achalasia patients
Authors: Javed Abid T. , Batte Kevin , Khalaf Mohamed , Abdul-Hussein Mustafa , Elias Pooja S. , Castell Donald O. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Pneumatic dilation (PD) is often billed as a “short term” treatment for achalasia but anecdotally can last years. This study sought to explore how long a single pneumatic dilation may induce symptom remission in a treatment-naïve achalasia patient.

Methods
A single center, retrospective chart review of patients with an ICD-9 or − 10 code of achalasia between 2005 and 2017 was performed. Treatment naïve patients with manometric diagnosis of primary achalasia were included. Outcomes (success or failure); single vs multiple PD; age; and estimated duration of effect were evaluated. Each patient underwent a single PD unless re-intervention was required for relapse.

Results
83 patients (52% female, median 51.6 ± 3.6 years) were included. 43% underwent 2 PD and 13% underwent 3 PD. There was no significant relation between age, gender, and number of PDs. After 1 PD, 87.5% of patients reported > 1 year of symptom remission. 80.5% of relapsed patients reported success after a 2nd dilation. 1 PD was more likely to result in success than multiple PDs (p < 0.001). The measured median duration of remission after 1 PD was 4.23 years, and for 2 PDs, 3.71 years. The median estimated remission time after 1 PD was 8.5 years (CI 7.3–9.7, p = 0.03).

Conclusions
PD is a safe, durable treatment for achalasia. A single PD is likely to last years. A second PD, if required, also has a high likelihood of success.
Knowledge of HIV/AIDS among older adults (50 years and above) in a peri-urban setting: a descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Anokye Reindolf , Acheampong Enoch , Budu-Ainooson Amy , Obeng Edmund Isaac , Tetteh Emmanuel , Acheampong Yvonne Sabby , Nettey-Marbell Curtis Edward 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn the absence of vaccine or cure, public knowledge about Human Immune Virus (HIV) is a central tool for curbing HIV epidemic. This study sought to assess the knowledge of HIV among older adults (50 years and above) at the Methodist Faith Healing hospital, Ankaase, Ghana.MethodsUsing a descriptive study design, older adults (50 years and above) who visited the Ankaase Methodist Faith Healing hospital were randomly sampled for the study. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect data which was analyzed quantitatively using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 16.0).ResultsA total of 100 respondents who were aged 50 to 68 (54 ± 2.3) were recruited. Most of the respondents had average knowledge of the mode of HIV transmission (62%) as well as HIV prevention (58%) and signs and symptoms of HIV (60%). HIV status was significantly associated with HIV knowledge among older adults as HIV positive respondents were 2.25 times more knowledgeable in terms of signs and symptoms, mode of transmission and prevention of HIV [AOR (95% CI) 2.25(1.02–8.68)].ConclusionMost older adults (50 years and above) have average knowledge of the mode of transmission, prevention as well as signs and symptoms of HIV. The National Commission for Civic Education should collaborate with various key stakeholders to educate older adults on issues related to HIV/AIDS.
Streptococcus Oralis meningitis from right sphenoid Meningoencephalocele and cerebrospinal fluid leak
Authors: Patel Kishan , Memon Zain , Prince Adam , Park Connie , Sajan Abin , Ilyas Nazish 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Streptococcus oralis belongs to the Streptococcus mitis group and is part of the normal flora of the nasal and oropharynx (Koneman et al., The Gram-positive cocci part II: streptococci, enterococci and the ‘Streptococcus-like’ bacteria. Color atlas and textbook of diagnostic microbiology, 1997). Streptococcus oralis is implicated in meningitis in patients with decreased immune function or from surgical manipulation of the central nervous system. We report a unique case of meningitis by Streptococcus oralis in a 58-year-old patient with cerebral spinal fluid leak due to right sphenoid meningoencephalocele.

Case presentation
A 58-year-old female presented in the emergency department due to altered mental status, fevers, and nuchal rigidity. Blood cultures were positive for Streptococcus oralis. Magnetic resonance stereotactic imaging of head with intravenous gadolinium showed debris in lateral ventricle occipital horn and dural thickening/enhancement consistent with meningitis. There was also a right sphenoidal roof defect, and meningoencephalocele with cerebrospinal fluid leak as a result. The patient was treated with ceftriaxone and had endoscopic endonasal repair of defect. She had complete neurologic recovery 3 months later.

Conclusions
Cerebrospinal fluid leak puts patients at increased risk for meningitis. Our case is unique in highlighting Streptococcus oralis as the organism implicated in meningitis due to cerebrospinal fluid leak.
Contextualizing condoms: a cross-sectional study mapping intersections of locations of sexual contact, partner type, and substance use as contexts for sexual risk behavior among MSM in Peru
Authors: Passaro R. Colby , Castañeda-Huaripata Angelica , Gonzales-Saavedra Williams , Chavez-Gomez Susan , Segura Eddy R. , Lake Jordan E. , Cabello Robinson , Clark Jesse L. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Condomless anal intercourse (CAI) appears to be increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM) globally, and is reported to be as high as 70% in recent studies in Peru. To improve understanding of the evolving context of CAI among MSM in Peru, we studied associations between partner type, substance use, and condomless anal intercourse (CAI) in locations where MSM commonly report having sexual encounters.

Methods
In a 2017 cross-sectional study of rectal STI screening and HIV prevention, a convenience sample of MSM recruited from community venues in Lima completed a survey of demographic characteristics and sexual risk behavior with their three most recent partners. Generalized estimating equations estimated correlations of CAI with location of last sexual contact, participant substance use prior to sex, and negotiation of condom use before or during sex. The network data integration application, Cytoscape, mapped intersections of partner type, sexual orientation, substance use, and CAI by four types of locations where sex occurred: 1) Home, 2) Hotel, 3) Sauna or Internet Cabin, and 4) Public Spaces.

Results
Of 447 MSM (median age 27 years), 76.9% reported CAI with ≥1 of their last three partners. Participants reported sex with casual partners most commonly in homes (64.6%) and hotels (60.4%), and with anonymous partners most often in saunas/Internet cabins (57.5%) and public spaces (52.6%). CAI was less commonly reported in hotels (aPR, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.75–0.97) compared to homes. Participants who used marijuana before sex at home were more likely to report CAI than MSM who did not use marijuana (1.36, 1.01–1.92). Partner alcohol use before sex was associated with CAI in saunas/Internet cabins (3.17, 1.45–6.91) and public spaces (2.65, 1.41–4.98). In the sexual network maps, almost all MSM who used drugs prior to their sexual encounters used drugs with more than one of their last three partners.

Conclusions
CAI was common and associated with different risk factors, like partner type and substance use, based on location where sex occurred. Novel combination HIV, STI, and substance use prevention interventions must consider how the social environments of MSM influence condom use and other sexual risk behaviors.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03010020, January 4, 2017.
Infected aneurysm of the thoracic aorta probably caused by Bacillus cereus: a case report
Authors: Wu Tzu-Chi , Pai Ching-Chou , Huang Pin-Wen , Tung Chun-Bin 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
An infected aneurysm of the thoracic aorta is a rare clinical condition with significant morbidity and mortality. Patients with fast-growing aortic aneurysms show a high incidence of rupture. Gram-positive organisms, such as the Staphylococcus and Enterococcus species, are the most common cause of infection.

Case presentation
A 91-year-old man presented at our facility with high grade fever and tachypnea, which he had experienced for the previous two days. He had a history of end-stage renal disease and had been undergoing regular chest computed tomography (CT) follow-up for a left lower lung nodule. CT imaging with intravenous contrast media showed a thoracic aortic aneurysm with hemothorax. Rupture of the aneurysm was suspected. CT imaging performed a year ago showed a normal aorta. Blood samples showed a Bacillus cereus infection. The patient was successfully treated for a mycotic aortic aneurysm secondary to Bacillus cereus bacteremia.

Conclusions
Here, we report a rare of an infected aneurysm of the thoracic aorta probably caused by Bacillus cereus. Although infected aneurysms have been described well before, an aneurysm infected with Bacillus cereus is rare. Bacillus cereus, a gram-positive spore-building bacterium, can produce biofilms, which attach to catheters. It has recently emerged as a new organism that can cause serious infection.