bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DNA polymerase activity on synthetic N3′→P5′ phosphoramidate DNA templates
Authors: Lelyveld Victor S , O’Flaherty Derek K , Zhou Lijun , Izgu Enver Cagri , Szostak Jack W 
Published: August 2019

AbstractGenetic polymers that could plausibly govern life in the universe might inhabit a broad swath of chemical space. A subset of these genetic systems can exchange information with RNA and DNA and could therefore form the basis for model protocells in the laboratory. N3′→P5′ phosphoramidate (NP) DNA is defined by a conservative linkage substitution and has shown promise as a protocellular genetic material, but much remains unknown about its functionality and fidelity due to limited enzymatic tools. Conveniently, we find widespread NP-DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity among reverse transcriptases, an observation consistent with structural studies of the RNA-like conformation of NP-DNA duplexes. Here, we analyze the consequences of this unnatural template linkage on the kinetics and fidelity of DNA polymerization activity catalyzed by wild-type and variant reverse transcriptases. Template-associated deficits in kinetics and fidelity suggest that even highly conservative template modifications give rise to error-prone DNA polymerase activity. Enzymatic copying of NP-DNA sequences is nevertheless an important step toward the future study and engineering of this synthetic genetic polymer.
SEDIMENTARY RADIOACTIVITY IN AN UPPER PALEOLITHIC-MIDDLE PALEOLITHIC (MP-UP) TRANSITION SITE: INCREASING ESR TOOTH DATING ACCURACY AT GOLEMA PEšT, NORTH MACEDONIA
Authors: Blackwell Bonnie A B , Šalamanov-Korobar Ljiljana , Huang Clara L C , Zhuo Jialin L , Kitanovski Blagoja , Blickstein Joel I B , Florentin Jonathan A , Vasilevski Sasko 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
ESR (electron spin resonance) can date sites that span the whole Paleolithic, but requires accurate sedimentary dose rates, especially in caves where the internal and cosmic dose rates can approach 0 mGy/yr. This study examines the sedimentary radioactivity in the upper layers at Golema Pešt, North Macedonia. Reaching &gt; 5.5 m deep, &gt; 21 flatly lying, silty-sandy matrix-supported gravel layers with éboulis clasts fill the cave. In Sondage 2, Layers 0–5 contained many hearths and yielded thousands of bones and teeth, many from ungulates. In Layers 2-5a sat thousands of lithics and small tools, many made on tiny quartz crystals. Layers 2c-6 have Mousterian assemblages with denticulates, notched tools, Levallois cores and flakes. To measure the volumetrically averaged sedimentary dose rates for ungulate teeth dated by ESR from Sondage 2, 66 sediment samples were analyzed by NAA. Adding éboulis, calcined bone, and charcoal associated with the hearths lowered the sedimentary dose rates or left them unchanged. In Layer 2 at 198 cm below the cave datum, the Campanian Ignimbrite (CI) cryptotephra occurred, where it caused abnormally high sedimentary U, Th, and K concentrations and dose rates. Since the CI tephra lay 28–30 cm above AT77, a tooth dated from Layer 3, using time- and volumetrically averaging increased AT77’s sedimentary dose rate by 32%, and dropped its calculated age by 25%. Analyzing the sedimentary compositions at every 2 cm in Layers 0–2 yielded a highly detailed stratigraphy that reduced the uncertainty in the sedimentary dose rates and the ESR ages, but more detailed geochemical analyses must be completed within the lower layers in Sondage 2.
XVI American Literature: The Twentieth Century
Authors: Gifford James , Konkol Margaret , Clawson James M , Foltz Mary , Maruéjouls-Koch Sophie , Kidder Orion Ussner , Parker Lindsay 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis chapter has eight sections: 1. Poetry; 2. Fiction 1900–1945; 3. Fiction since 1945; 4. Drama; 5. Comics; 6. African American Writing; 7. Native Writing; 8. Latino/a, Asian American, and General Ethnic Writing. Section 1 is by James Gifford and Margaret Konkol; section 2 is by James M. Clawson; section 3 is by Mary Foltz; section 4 is by Sophie Maruéjouls-Koch; section 5 is by Orion Ussner Kidder; section 6 will resume next year; section 7 is by James Gifford and Lindsay Parker; section 8 will resume next year.
An Evaluation of Risk Factors for Extubation Failure in Surgical Patients in Intensive Care
Authors: Deivert Mary M. , Quatrara Beth , Kane Catherine , Sohn Min-Woong , Childress Melinda Bowles , Turrentine Florence E. 
Published: August 2019

Background
Reintubations following extubation from mechanical ventilation are costly, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. The preparation for and timing of extubation from mechanical ventilation can reduce unplanned reintubations. Few studies have investigated reintubation in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) population.

Objective
To identify risk factors that predict extubation failure in nontrauma surgical postoperative intensive care patients.

Methods
Retrospective analysis utilizing American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data and institutional clinical variables from July 1, 2013, to December 31, 2015, in a sample (N = 93) of surgical patients admitted postoperatively to a SICU with an endotracheal tube in place, requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. Logistic regression analysis was used to model extubation failure as a function of clinical variables in the 24 hours preceding extubation.

Results
Of 93 patients, 70 were successfully extubated, and 23 experienced failure. Increasing respiratory rate in the 24 hours preceding extubation significantly predicted failure (odds ratio, 1.086; 95% confidence interval, 1.006-1.172; P = .034).

Discussion
Elevated respiratory rates during the 24 hours preceding extubation are an underappreciated risk factor for extubation failure. This has direct implications for nurses who are assessing intensive care unit patients' readiness for extubation. Opportunity exists for nurses to better integrate respiratory rate data into extubation planning to improve unplanned reintubation rates in SICU patients.
Postpartum depression screening in the first year: A cross-sectional provider analysis in Oregon
Authors: Docherty Angie , Najjar Rana , Combs Sheryl , Woolley Rachel , Stoyles Sydnee 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT

Background and purpose:
Postpartum depression (PPD) has significant sequelae for mother and child. To aid diagnosis, PPD screening should continue throughout the postpartum year. In primary care, there may be a lack of consistency in how screening is applied. In Oregon, with a reported PPD rate of 18.2%, it is important to determine whether screening is reaching all women. The purpose of this study was to explore primary care provider screening practices in the postpartum year and determine if there are barriers to meeting PPD guidelines.

Methods:
A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted with primary care providers in Oregon. Data were sought on screening practices and timing, as well as potential barriers. To aid comparison, screening was compared against both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (NAPNAP)/US Preventative Services Task Force guidelines. Data were analyzed using R statistical computing and Pearson chi-square tests.

Results:
Of the 55 respondents, 29% followed the AAP recommendations and screened at well-child visits; 64% followed the NAPNAP recommendations and screened at least once in the postpartum year; and 31% did not meet any screening guidelines. The most common screening barriers were limited knowledge and/or availability of referral services. Physicians were more likely to meet any recommended guidelines than nurse practitioners (NPs) (p = .023).

Implications for practice:
A notable number of women may not be receiving PPD screening. It is concerning that most of those not screening were NPs, given the focus of their practice on disease prevention and health management. Further research is warranted to confirm whether women are missing opportunities for early intervention and whether strategies can be established to standardize the approach in primary care.
Using rational-emotive language education to improve communication and social skills of adolescents with autism spectrum disorders in Nigeria
Authors: Nnamani Amuche , Akabogu Josephine , Otu Mkpoikanke Sunday , Uloh-Bethels Annah C. , Ukoha Evelyn , Iyekekpolor Olayinka M. , Omile Jacinta Chinwe , Obiezu Maureen Nnenna , Dike Anastasia E. , Ike Chioma Vivian , Otu Favour Mkpoikanke , Eseadi Chiedu 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Background/Objective:
Studies show the need for improved communication and social skills of adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the effect of using rational-emotive language education (RELE) to pursue this need for adolescents in Nigeria.

Methods:
The design of the study was a group randomized trial, with pretest, post-test, and follow-up. Sixty-eight adolescents with ASDs participated in the study. Autism Communication and Social Skills Scale for Adolescent (ACSSSA) was used for data collection. The method of data analysis in the study was repeated measures ANOVA procedure, with Partial eta squared (

JOURNAL/medi/04.03/00005792-201908020-00017/inline-graphic1/v/2023-09-14T035852Z/r/image-tiff

), adjusted R2, mean, standard deviation, and upper/lower limit.

Results:
The RELE program significantly improved communication and social skills of adolescents with ASDs exposed to the treatment intervention when compared with waitlist control group.

Conclusion:
Exposure to RELE significantly improved communication and social skills of adolescents with ASDs in this study. Therefore, we recommend that language educators, speech pathologists, language therapists, special educators and counsellors, and other professionals involved in the treatment and caring for ASDs patients be trained on the application of the RELE technique so as to enable them to employ the program in their professional practices.
High-intensity focused ultrasound combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radiotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Yue-E. , Zong Jie , Ren Xiao-Cang , Lin Qiang 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Introduction:
Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies, only 10% to 20% of HCC patients are surgically resectable as most of the patients are diagnosed at advanced stages at presentation. The efficiencies of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) in patients with advanced HCC have been clinically confirmed. We here report a patient with HCC accompanied by venous tumor thrombus, who was treated with the combination of these 3 therapies. The patient survived for 16 months with good quality of life.

Patient concerns:
The patient was a 72-year-old male with a primary multicentric HCC accompanied by tumor thrombus in the right hepatic vein. The patient had the symptoms of abdominal distention and liver pain. He refused sorafenib treatment because of personal reason.

Diagnosis:
Primary multicentric HCC stage IIIB cT4N0M0, accompanied by tumor thrombus in the right hepatic vein; chronic viral hepatitis B; and hepatitis B virus-related decompensated liver cirrhosis.

Interventions:
TACE + HIFU + 3D-CRT.

Outcomes:
The patient had an overall survival of 16 months with good quality of life. Compared with monotherapy, the combined therapy significantly prolonged patient survival time with improved clinical benefits.

Conclusion:
The combination of TACE, HIFU, and 3D-CRT is safe and effective in the treatment of advanced HCC, which provides a possible comprehensive treatment strategy for advanced HCC.
Oral ibuprofen is superior to oral paracetamol for patent ductus arteriosus in very low and extremely low birth weight infants
Authors: Lu Jinmiao , Li Qin , Zhu Lin , Chen Chao , Li Zhiping 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) has been proposed as an alternative medication for closing hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). However, the clinical outcomes remain inconclusive in very low birth weight (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.
The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of oral paracetamol and ibuprofen for pharmacological closure of PDA in premature infants from a real-world study.
This retrospective study enrolled 255 preterm infants with birthweights of ≤1.5 kg, and echocardiographically confirmed significant PDA. Subjects were classified into 3 groups: Group I (standard-dose ibuprofen group) received 10 mg/kg oral ibuprofen followed by 5 mg/kg/day for 2 days. Group II (high-dose ibuprofen group) received 10 mg/kg/day oral ibuprofen for 3 days. Group III (paracetamol group) received 15 mg/kg/6 h oral paracetamol for 3 days.
On day 9 after medication start, PDA closure was achieved in 61 (71.7%) patients assigned to the high-dose ibuprofen group, (63.8%) in the standard-dose ibuprofen group, and 33 (37.9%) of those in the oral paracetamol group (P <.001). Oral standard-dose ibuprofen was more effective than oral paracetamol (P = .001). The ductus closed faster in the high-dose ibuprofen group than in the standard-dose group (median closure time 3.9 ± 1.0 versus 4.4 ± 1.0 days, P = .009). Total bilirubin significantly increased in the high-dose ibuprofen group (P = .02). No gastrointestinal, renal, or hematological adverse effects were reported. Subgroup analyses indicated paracetamol was minimally effective in ELBW infants (PDA closure 13%).
This study demonstrated that paracetamol may be a poor medical alternative for PDA management in VLBW and ELBW infants. High dosage ibuprofen was associated with a faster clinical improvement and higher rate of PDA closure.
Head and neck cancer in living donor liver transplant recipients
Authors: Lin Nan-Chin , Chen Yao-Li , Tsai Kuo-Yang 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of head and neck cancer in living donor liver transplant (LDLT) recipients.
This is a retrospective cohort study. A case-matched (1:4) comparison between recipients with and without developed head and neck cancer after LDLT was conducted. The differences between 2 groups were analyzed.
The incidence of head and neck malignancy in our cohort was 9 of 453 (1.98%). Their cumulative survival rate was below 60% at 24 months after the diagnosis of head and neck cancer, and no recipients lived for more than 2 years after being diagnosed with stage IV cancer. In the case–control study, univariate analysis revealed that alcohol consumption (odds ratio [OR] = 8.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.55–49.56) and smoking (OR = 6.71, 95% CI: 1.20– 37.44) were factors associated with the incidence of head and neck cancer after LDLT.
In the conclusion, recipients with head and neck cancer after LDLT may have a rather poor prognosis, especially those who are initially diagnosed with advanced-stage disease. Alcohol consumption and smoking may be the predisposing factors to head and neck cancer in LDLT recipients.
Regulation of calcific vascular and valvular disease by nuclear receptors
Authors: Sallam Tamer , Tintut Yin , Demer Linda L. 
Published: August 2019

Purpose of review
This review addresses recent developments in studies of lipid regulation of calcific disease of arteries and cardiac valves, including the role of nuclear receptors. The role of lipid-soluble signals and their receptors is timely given the recent evidence and concerns that lipid-lowering treatment may increase the rate of progression of coronary artery calcification, which has been long associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Understanding the mechanisms will be important for interpreting such clinical information.

Recent findings
New findings support regulation of calcific vascular and valvular disease by nuclear receptors, including the vitamin D receptor, glucocorticoid receptor, nutrient-sensing nuclear receptors (liver X receptor, farnesoid X receptor, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors), and sex hormone (estrogen and androgen) receptors. There were two major unexpected findings: first, vitamin D supplementation, which was previously believed to prevent or reduce vascular calcification, showed no cardiovascular benefit in large randomized, controlled trials. Second, both epidemiological studies and coronary intravascular ultrasound studies suggest that treatment with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors increases progression of coronary artery calcification, raising a question of whether there are mechanically stable and unstable forms of coronary calcification.

Summary
For clinical practice and research, these new findings offer new fundamental mechanisms for vascular calcification and provide new cautionary insights for therapeutic avenues.
National Analysis of Patients With External Ear Melanoma in the United States
Authors: Oliver Jeremie D. , Boczar Daniel , Sisti Andrea , Huayllani Maria T. , Restrepo David J. , Spaulding Aaron C. , Gabriel Emmanuel , Bagaria Sanjay , Rinker Brian D. , Forte Antonio J. 
Published: August 2019

Background:
External ear melanoma (EEM) is a rare condition with controversies in the literature. We analyzed patients with EEM in the United States compared to other head and neck melanomas (OHNMs).

Methods:
The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was used to select patients with head and neck melanoma from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2015. Mann–Whitney and χ
2 tests were used to estimate statistical significance, and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent associations adjusted for confounders.

Results:
A total of 137,233 patients met the study criteria. Among them, 16,991 (12.4%) had EEM and 120,242 (87.6%) had OHNM. For patients with EEM, the mean (standard deviation) age was 66.26 (15.798) years. Most of the patients with EEM were men (85.5%), insured by Medicare (52.4%), and treated in Academic/Research Programs (47.7%) or Comprehensive Community Cancer Programs (32.3%). Most of the EEM tumors had invasive behavior (68.0%) were Stages 0 (30.3%) or I (40.3%), and were without ulceration (76.9%). Mean time to receive any treatment was 14.1 days for EEM compared with 14.6 days for OHNM (P < 0.001). We noticed a greater proportion of EEM in men (14.8%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.72 [2.605–2.852]; P < 0.001) compared to women (6.22%; reference). EEM was an independent factor for tumor Stage I (14.47%; aOR 1.61 [1.101–1.224], P < 0.001) and invasive behavior (13.86%; aOR 1.268 [1.15–1.389]; P < 0.001) compared to OHNM.

Conclusion:
EEM was associated with higher odds of invasive behavior compared to OHNM. Furthermore, men were found to have a higher likelihood to develop EEM compared to women.
A Psychologic Assessment of the Parents of Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Kumar Kapila , Kumar Sumit , Mehrotra Divya , Gupta Saurabh , Khandpur Sukhanshi , Mishra Raj Kumar 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychologic burden in terms of depression, anxiety, and stress among the parents of children with congenital craniofacial deformity, nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) with early and late diagnosis and/or treatment. In this study, total 240 patients were enrolled, out of which 72 were parents (either mother/father) of CL/P children, below 10 years (group A: before adolescence), 70 were parents of CL/P children, above 10 years of age (group B: after adolescence), and 98 were parents of children with no CL/P or any other genetic disorder (group C). Depression, anxiety, and stress scale-21 was administered in all groups after obtaining the informed consent. Mean ranks of group B revealed a higher score for all the 3 psychologic domains. The CL/P was further divided into only cleft lip, only cleft palate, and both cleft lip and palate groups. A statistically significant difference was observed in group B for all the psychologic domains. Analysis of variance was applied between the groups and a P-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Analysis revealed severe to extremely severe depressed state of mind and moderate to severe levels of stress in maximum parents (above 20%) of group B. However, approximately 50% parents of group B showed extremely severe anxiety. Therefore, psychologic assessment helps in providing a psychiatric or psychologic counseling and treatment to the parents of CL/P children.
Causal SNP regulating FAM13B expression identified for the Chr. 5q31 atrial fibrillation susceptibility locus
Authors: Tchou Gregory , Gore-Panter Shamone , Hsu Jeffrey , Liu Fang , Liu Nana , Moravec Christine S. , Barnard John , Van Wagoner David R. , Chung Mina K. , Smith Jonathan D. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractRationaleOur prior RNA sequencing study found that FAM13B gene expression in human left atrial appendages was strongly associated with an atrial fibrillation (AF) susceptibility-associated variant on chr. 5q31.ObjectiveTo identify the common genetic variant responsible for regulating FAM13B expression and the effect of FAM13B expression on cardiomyocyte gene expression in order to gain insight into the functional mechanism of the chr. 5q31 AF susceptibility locus.Methods and ResultsBy taking advantage of a smaller linkage disequilibrium block in African descent subjects and available chromatin conformation data, we identified the common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs17171731 as a candidate genetic variant controlling FAM13B gene expression in the left atrium. Functional analysis demonstrated that the AF risk allele of rs17171731 had less enhancer activity than the protective allele. Gel mobility shift studies determined that the risk allele bound to an additional protein that may function as a transcriptional repressor. Knockdown of FAM13B expression in stem cell-derived human cardiomyocytes (iCM) altered the expression of >1000 genes and modified the sodium current, consistent with increased susceptibility to atrial fibrillation. Transfection of GFP tagged FAM13B into iCMs demonstrated expression on the plasma membrane and at the Z-disk.ConclusionsThe chr. 5q31 AF risk variant was identified as rs17171731, with the risk allele having less enhancer activity, leading to decreased expression of FAM13B, which resides on the plasma membrane and the Z-disk, and appears to play a role in the regulation of cardiomyocyte gene expression and the late sodium current.
Genome-wide analysis of Corsican population reveals a close affinity with Northern and Central Italy
Authors: Tamm Erika , Cristofaro Julie Di , Mazières Stéphane , Pennarun Erwan , Kushniarevich Alena , Raveane Alessandro , Semino Ornella , Chiaroni Jacques , Pereira Luisa , Metspalu Mait , Montinaro Francesco 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDespite being the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean basin, the genetic variation of Corsica has not been explored as exhaustively as Sardinia, which is situated only 11 km South. However, it is likely that the populations of the two islands shared, at least in part, similar demographic histories. Moreover, the relative small size of the Corsica may have caused genetic isolation, which, in turn, might be relevant under medical and translational perspectives. Here we analysed genome wide data of 16 Corsicans, and integrated with newly (33 individuals) and previously generated samples from West Eurasia and North Africa. Allele frequency, haplotype-based, and ancient genome analyses suggest that although Sardinia and Corsica may have witnessed similar isolation and migration events, the latter is genetically closer to populations from continental Europe, such as Northern and Central Italians.