bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole-genome sequence-based comparison and profiling of virulence-associated genes of Bacillus cereus group isolates from diverse sources in Japan
Authors: Okutani Akiko , Inoue Satoshi , Noguchi Akira , Kaku Yoshihiro , Morikawa Shigeru 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The complete genome sequences of 44 Bacillus cereus group isolates collected from diverse sources in Japan were analyzed to determine their genetic backgrounds and diversity levels in Japan. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and core-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing data from whole-genome sequences were analyzed to determine genetic diversity levels. Virulence-associated gene profiles were also used to evaluate the genetic backgrounds and relationships among the isolates.

Results
The 44 B. cereus group isolates, including soil- and animal-derived isolates and isolates recovered from hospitalized patients and food poisoning cases, were genotyped by MLST and core-genome SNP typing. Genetic variation among the isolates was identified by the MLST and core-genome SNP phylogeny comparison against reference strains from countries outside of Japan. Exploratory principal component analysis and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analyses were used to assess the genetic similarities among the isolates using gene presence and absence information and isolate origins as the metadata. A significant correlation was seen between the principal components and the presence of genes encoding hemolysin BL and emetic genetic determinants in B. cereus, and the capsule proteins in B. anthracis. NMDS showed that the cluster of soil isolates overlapped with the cluster comprising animal-derived and clinical isolates.

Conclusions
Molecular and epidemiological analyses of B. cereus group isolates in Japan suggest that the soil- and animal-derived bacteria from our study are not a significant risk to human health. However, because several of the clinical isolates share close genetic relationships with the environmental isolates, both molecular and epidemiological surveillance studies could be used effectively to estimate virulence in these important pathogens.
Variation in both host defense and prior herbivory can alter plant-vector-virus interactions
Authors: Shi Xiaobin , Preisser Evan L. , Liu Baiming , Pan Huipeng , Xiang Min , Xie Wen , Wang Shaoli , Wu Qingjun , Li Chuanyou , Liu Yong , Zhou Xuguo , Zhang Youjun 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundWhile virus-vector-host interactions have been a major focus of both basic and applied ecological research, little is known about how different levels of plant defense interact with prior herbivory to affect these relationships. We used genetically-modified strains of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) varying in the jasmonic acid (JA) plant defense pathways to explore how plant defense and prior herbivory affects a plant virus (tomato yellow leaf curl virus,‘TYLCV’), its vector (the whiteflyBemisia tabaciMED), and the host.ResultsVirus-free MED preferred low-JA over high-JA plants and had lower fitness on high-JA plants. Viruliferous MED preferred low-JA plants but their survival was unaffected by JA levels. While virus-free MED did not lower plant JA levels, viruliferous MED decreased both JA levels and the expression of JA-related genes. Infestation by viruliferous MED reduced plant JA levels. In preference tests, neither virus-free nor viruliferous MED discriminated among JA-varying plants previously exposed to virus-free MED. However, both virus-free and viruliferous MED preferred low-JA plant genotypes when choosing between plants that had both been previously exposed to viruliferous MED. The enhanced preference for low-JA genotypes appears linked to the volatile compound neophytadiene, which was found only in whitefly-infested plants and at concentrations inversely related to plant JA levels.ConclusionsOur findings illustrate how plant defense can interact with prior herbivory to affect both a plant virus and its whitefly vector, and confirm the induction of neophytadiene by MED. The apparent attraction of MED to neophytadiene may prove useful in pest detection and management.
A randomized trial to evaluate a modified tracheal catheter with upper and lower balloons for anesthetic administration: effect on the cardiovascular, stress response, and comfort in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Zhang Yuenong , Zeng Zhiwen , Xiao Guangwen , Zhang Weiqiang , Lin Weixiong , Deng Jingdan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
We aimed to evaluate a modified endotracheal tube containing upper and lower balloons for anesthetic administration among patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods
Ninety patients scheduled to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated to 3 equal groups: group A (conventional tracheal intubation without endotracheal anesthesia); B (conventional tracheal intubation with endotracheal anesthesia); and C (tracheal intubation using a modified catheter under study). Blood pressure, heart rate, angiotensin II level, blood glucose level, airway pressure before anesthesia (T1) were measured immediately after intubation (T2), 5 min after intubation (T3), and immediately after extubation (T4). The post-extubation pain experienced was evaluated using the Wong-Baker Face Pain scale. Adverse reactions within 30 min after extubation were recorded.

Results
Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, angiotensin II, and blood sugar level in group C at T2, T3 and T4, and heart rate at T2 and T4 were significantly lower than those in group A (P < 0.05); systolic blood pressure and blood sugar at T4, and angiotensin II levels at T2, T3, and T4 were significantly lower than those in group B (P < 0.05). Patients in group C reported the lowest post-extubation pain (P < 0.05 vs. Group A), and the lowest incidence of adverse events such as nausea, vomiting, and sore throat than that in groups A and B (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
The modified endotracheal anesthesia tube under study is effective in reducing cardiovascular and tracheal stress response, and increasing patient comfort, without inducing an increase in airway resistance.

Trial registration
The clinical trial was retrospectively registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with the Registration Number ChiCTR1900020832 at January 20th 2019.
A clinical prediction rule to identify difficult intubation in children with Robin sequence requiring mandibular distraction osteogenesis based on craniofacial CT measures
Authors: Mao Zhe , Zhang Na , Cui Yingqiu 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Airway management is challenging in children with Robin sequence (RS) requiring mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO). We derived and validated a prediction rule to identify difficult intubation before MDO for children with RS based on craniofacial computed tomography (CT) images.

Method
This was a retrospective study of 69 children with RS requiring MDO from November 2016 to June 2018. Multiple CT imaging parameters and baseline characteristic (sex, age, gestational age, body mass index [BMI]) were compared between children with normal and difficult intubation according to Cormack−Lehane classification. A clinical prediction rule was established to identify difficult intubation using group differences in CT parameters (eleven distances, six angles, one section cross-sectional area, and three segment volumes) and clinicodemographic characteristics. Predictive accuracy was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results
The overall incidence of difficult intubation was 56.52%, and there was no significant difference in sex ratio, age, weight, height, BMI, or gestational age between groups. The distance between the root of the tongue and posterior pharyngeal wall was significantly shorter, the bilateral mandibular angle shallower, and the cross-sectional area at the epiglottis tip smaller in the difficult intubation group. A clinical prediction rule based on airway cross-sectional area at the tip of the epiglottis was established. Area > 36.97 mm2 predicted difficult intubation while area < 36.97 mm2 predicted normal intubation with 100% sensitivity, 62.5% specificity, 78.6% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value (area under the ROC curve = 0.8125).

Conclusion
Computed tomography measures can objectively evaluate upper airway morphology in patients with RS for prediction of difficult intubation. If validated in a larger series, the measures identified could be incorporated into airway assessment tools to guide treatment decisions.
This was a retrospective study and was granted permission to access and use these medical records by the ethics committee of Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center.

Trials registration
Registration No. ChiCTR1800018252, NaZhang, Sept 7 2018.
Ice versus lidocaine 5% gel for topical anaesthesia of oral mucosa – a randomized cross-over study
Authors: Hindocha Nishma , Manhem Filip , Bäckryd Emmanuel , Bågesund Mats 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Topical anaesthesia is important to optimize pain control during dental injection. Our aim was to describe a new simple method for topical anaesthesia of oral mucosa and to compare the effectiveness of ice and lidocaine 5% gel for topical anaesthesia of oral mucosa.

Methods
A total of 40 patients aged 10.7–19.5 years were included. The side and method of application were both randomized. Heart rate was recorded, and discomfort and pain were evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS). A paired t-test was used to compare mean values, a chi2 test was used to compare proportions, and a Pearson correlation test was used to examine correlations between variables.

Results
When ice was used, buccal injection VAS pain was rated lower (p = 0.044), and VAS discomfort was rated higher (p = 0.001), in comparison to when lidocaine 5% gel was used. There was no significant difference in relative heart rate change between ice and lidocaine 5% gel at either needle stick or injection. Lidocaine 5% gel produced a relative heart rate reduction after palatal injection (0.99 ± 0.06) while buccal injection produced an increased relative heart rate (1.02 ± 0.08) (p = 0.010). Unpleasant taste was more frequently reported when lidocaine 5% gel was used (p = 0.025). An application time of 1 min was sufficient for both ice and lidocaine 5% gel to achieve pain reduction from needle stick in buccal mucosa.

Conclusion
The cheap and readily available described method using ice for topical anaesthesia of oral mucosa before dental injection is an effective alternative to lidocaine 5% gel.

Trial registration
The European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials Database EudraCT201300530531. Date of registration: February 10th, 2014.
Aortic elasticity after aortic coarctation relief: comparison of surgical and interventional therapy by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Pieper Theresa , Latus Heiner , Schranz Dietmar , Kreuder Joachim , Reich Bettina , Gummel Kerstin , Hudel Helge , Voges Inga 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Patients after aortic coarctation (CoA) repair show impaired aortic bioelasticity and altered left ventricular (LV) mechanics, predisposing diastolic dysfunction. Our purpose was to assess aortic bioelasticity and LV properties in CoA patients who underwent endovascular stenting or surgery using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.

Methods
Fifty CoA patients (20.5 ± 9.5 years) were examined by 3-Tesla CMR. Eighteen patients had previous stent implantation and 32 had surgical repair. We performed volumetric analysis of both ventricles (LV, RV) and left atrium (LA) to measure biventricular volumes, ejection fractions, left atrial (LA) volumes, and functional parameters (LAEFPassive, LAEFContractile, LAEFReservoir). Aortic distensibility and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were assessed. Native T1 mapping was applied to examine LV tissue properties. In twelve patients post-contrast T1 mapping was performed.

Results
LV, RV and LA parameters did not differ between the surgical and stent group. There was also no significant difference for aortic distensibility, PWV and T1 relaxation times. Aortic root distensibility correlated negatively with age, BMI, BSA and weight (p < 0.001). Native T1 values correlated negatively with age, weight, BSA and BMI (p < 0.001). Lower post-contrast T1 values were associated with lower aortic arch distensibility and higher aortic arch PWV (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
CoA patients after surgery or stent implantation did not show significant difference of aortic elasticity. Thus, presumably other factors like intrinsic aortic abnormalities might have a greater impact on aortic elasticity than the approach of repair. Interestingly, our data suggest that native T1 values are influenced by demographic characteristics.
Isolated metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma in the right ventricle
Authors: Zhang Xin-tong , Li Ying , Ren Si-hua , Ren Wei-dong , Song Guang , Xiao Yang-jie , Sun Fei-fei , Sun Lu , Yang Xiang-hong , Tan Xue-ying 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with right ventricle metastasis without inferior vena cava and right atrium involvement is very rare and the prognosis of HCC with RV metastasis is generally poor. The mass in the cardiac chamber may lead to lethal instability of hemodynamics, however, the initial symptom is probably non-specific, which means that diagnosis timely becomes even harder.

Case presentation
We present a 63-year-old male with isolated metastasis of HCC in the right ventricle which caused inflow obstruction. Moreover, we reviewed a series of studies of isolated metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma between 1980 and 2018, and summarized the relative outcomes.

Conclusions
Isolated metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma in the right ventricle is extraordinarily rare. It may damage cardiac structure and broke hemodynamic balance. Multimodality imaging plays an important in accurate pre-operation assessment. Nowadays, palliative treatments could relieve fatal symptoms to some degree, however, standard treatment has not been well established.
The concentration of resistin in perivascular adipose tissue after CABG and postoperative atrial fibrillation
Authors: Rachwalik Maciej , Obremska Marta , Zyśko Dorota , Matusiewicz Małgorzata , Ściborski Krzysztof , Jasiński Marek 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundPostoperative atrial fibrillation occurs in up to 30% of patients after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and its cause is unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether concentration of resistin in surrounding coronary artery perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is related to postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence.MethodsA total number of 46 patients (35 male, 11 female; median age 66.5) were qualified for elective CABG. Medical history, laboratory test results and echocardiographic parameters were noted. Patients were monitored up to 3 days after CABG and then were divided into groups with and without postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence. Fragments of PVAT were collected intra-operatively: near the left anterior descending artery and main left coronary artery. The concentration of resistin was determined by Human Resistin Quantikine ELISA Kit and expressed as ng/g. A multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to find variables related to postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence.ResultsPostoperative atrial fibrillation occurred in 14 (30.4%) patients. The patients with and without postoperative atrial fibrillation were similar in age, gender, epicardial adipose tissue thickness and laboratory parameters. The concentration of resistin in PVAT near the left main coronary artery was significantly higher in patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation than in those without the complication (P = 0.03). In the multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis the concentration of resistin above cut-off point 54 ng/g in PVAT near left main coronary artery was independently related to postoperative atrial fibrillation occurrence (OR: 7.7; 95% CI:1.4–42.2p = 0.02).ConclusionsThe higher concentrations of resistin in PVAT near the left main coronary artery which is located close to the left atrium are associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation.
Thromboembolic risks associated with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation in Asian patients: a report from the Chinese atrial fibrillation registry
Authors: Wang Ying , Ma Chang-Sheng , Du Xin , He Liu , Li Jie , Wang Guo-Hong , Wen Dan , Dong Jian-Zeng , Pan Jian-Hong , Lip Gregory Y. H. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Several studies have reported on atrial fibrillation (AF) outcomes, including thromboembolism in patients with paroxysmal and non-paroxysmal AF; however the findings still remain controversial on whether risks differ between these clinical subtypes and limited data are available in Asian cohorts.

Methods
We compared the risk of thromboembolism between paroxysmal and persistent AF patients, in a large contemporary Chinese cohort study. A total of 8529 non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients from the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry (CAFR) study were enrolled. The study subjects were divided into two groups: paroxysmal AF (PaAF, defined as AF lasting within 7 days, n = 4642) and persistent AF (PeAF, lasting over 7 days, n = 3887) groups.

Results
In non-anticoagulated patients, PeAF group demonstrated a higher risk of stroke, all-cause death, cardiac/ non-cardiac death and composition of stroke/ transient ischemic attack (TIA)/peripheral thromboembolism (PT)/all-cause death, compared to the PaAF group. No significant difference was found in anticoagulated subjects. On multivariate analysis in non-anticoagulated patients, age ≥ 75 years (P = 0.046) and prior stroke/TIA/PT (P = 0.018) but not AF type (P = 0.63) were significantly associated with the risk of stroke/TIA/PT events.

Conclusions
Stroke, all-cause death and cardiac/non-cardiac death in Chinese NVAF population was increased in non-anticoagulated PeAF patients compared with PaAF group, but same between anticoagulated PeAF and PaAF patients. After adjustment, AF type was not an independent predictor of thromboembolism in NVAF patients.

Clinical trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-OCH-13003729. Registered 22 October 2013.
How do Dutch general practitioners detect and diagnose atrial fibrillation? Results of an online case vignette study
Authors: Verbiest - van Gurp N. , van Mil D. , van Kesteren H. A. M. , Knottnerus J. A. , Stoffers H. E. J. H. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Detection and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) are important given the serious health consequences. AF may be silent or paroxysmal and remain undetected. It is unclear whether general practitioners (GPs) have appropriate equipment and optimally utilise it to detect AF. This case vignette study aimed to describe current practice and to explore possible improvements to optimise AF detection.

Methods
Between June and July 2017, we performed an online case vignette study among Dutch GPs. We aimed at obtaining at least 75 responses to the questionnaire. We collected demographics and asked GPs’ opinion on their knowledge and experience in diagnosing AF. GPs could indicate which diagnostic tools they have for AF. In six case vignettes with varying symptom frequency and physical signs, they could make diagnostic choices. The last questions covered screening and actions after diagnosing AF. We compared the answers to the Dutch guideline for GPs on AF.

Results
Seventy-six GPs completed the questionnaire. Seventy-four GPs (97%) thought they have enough knowledge and 72 (95%) enough experience to diagnose AF. Seventy-four GPs (97%) could order or perform ECGs without the interference of a cardiologist. In case of frequent symptoms of AF, 36–40% would choose short-term (i.e. 24–48 h) and 11–19% long-term (i.e. 7 days, 14 days or 1 month) monitoring. In case of non-frequent symptoms, 29–31% would choose short-term and 21–30% long-term monitoring. If opportunistic screening in primary care proves to be effective, 83% (58/70) will support it.

Conclusions
Responding GPs report to have adequate equipment, knowledge, and experience to detect and diagnose AF. Almost all participants can order ECGs. Reported monitoring duration was shorter than recommended by the guideline. AF detection could improve by increasing the monitoring duration.
Evaluation of clinical risk factors for developing pleural empyema secondary to liver abscess
Authors: Yi Eunjue , Kim Tae Hyung , Lee Jun Hee , Chung Jae Ho , Lee Sungho 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical manifestation and predictive risk factors of pleural empyema developing during treatment of the pyogenic liver abscess.

Methods
Medical records of patients with the liver abscess in our institution were reviewed retrospectively. Enrolled patients were classified into four groups; Group 1: patients without pleural effusion, Group 2: patients with pleural effusion and who were treated noninvasively, Group 3: patient with pleural effusion and who were treated with thoracentesis, and Group 4: patients with pleural effusion that developed into empyema. Patient characteristics, clinical manifestation, and possible risk factors in development of empyema were analyzed.

Results
A total of 234 patients was enrolled in this study. The incidence rate of empyema was 4.27% (10 patients). The mean interval for developing pleural effusion was 5.6 ± 6.35 days. In multivariate analysis, risk factors for developing pleural effusion included the location of the liver abscess near the right diaphragm (segment 7 and 8, OR = 2.30, p = 0.048), and larger diameter of the liver abscess (OR = 1.02, p = 0.042). Among patients who developed pleural effusions, presences of mixed microorganisms from culture of liver aspirates (OR = 10.62, p = 0.044), bilateral pleural effusion (OR = 46.72, p = 0.012) and combined biliary tract inflammation (OR = 21.05, p = 0.040) were significantly associated with the need for invasive intervention including surgery on effusion.

Conclusion
The location of the liver abscess as well as pleural effusion, elevated inflammatory markers, and combined biliary tract inflammation may be important markers of developing pleural complication in patients with pyogenic liver abscess.