bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aus der Geschichte der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Innere Medizin (DGIM)
Authors: Forsbach Ralf , Hofer Hans-Georg 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAlthough times were difficult in 1947/48 – with war damage, travel restrictions and the East-West conflict – the German Society for Internal Medicine not only managed to re-organise itself but also hosted its first scientific congress in that year. The DGIM members Franz Volhard and Paul Martini, who rather disapproved of the Nazi regime, played a decisive role in this process. However, a critical discussion of the NS medical crimes, which occurred just a few years ago, remained the exception. It is interesting to note that members who were persecuted by the NS regime were nevertheless willing to attend a congress that obviously provided a forum for the protagonists of the Nazi era.This work presents – for the first time – an overview of the specific conditions of the reconstitution of the German Society for Internal Medicine and enriches our knowledge about the actions of the medical societies in the years between the fall of the Nazi regime and the founding of the two German states.
Allometric equations for aboveground biomass estimation ofOlea europaeaL. subsp.cuspidatain Mana Angetu Forest
Authors: Kebede Birhanu , Soromessa Teshome 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction:African wild olive,Olea europaeaL. subsp.cuspidata(Wall. ex G. Don) Cif., L ‘Olivicoltore is widely distributed in dry forest and forest margins, often withJuniperus procera, in east Africa and Ethiopia. It reaches southern Africa, also India and China, ranging from tall trees to stunted shrubs. Does best in good forest soil, but hardy and drought resistant once established, even in poor soils. It is used for firewood, charcoal, poles, posts, timber (furniture, carving, floors, and paneling), medicine (stem, bark, and leaves), bee forage, milk flavoring (smoking wood), toothbrushes (twigs), and walking sticks. Although the species has many economic and ecological functions, its environmental uses like carbon storage and climate change mitigation are less assessed. Therefore, the objective of the study was to develop species-specific allometric equations forO.europaeaL. subsp.cuspidatausing semi-destructive method and evaluate allometric models for estimating the aboveground biomass (AGB).Results and Discussions:After all the necessary biomass calculations were done, seven AGB equations were developed. These regression equations relate AGB with diameter at breast height (DBH), height (H), and density (ρ) individually and in combination. Out of seven, four allometric equations were chosen based on goodness-of-fit statistics and three were rejected. The selected models were tested for accuracy based on observed data. The best models selected have higherR2-adj and lower residual standard error and Akaike information criterion than rejected equations. The relations for all selected models are significant (p < 0.000), which showed strong correlation of AGB with selected dendrometric variables. Accordingly, the AGB was strongly correlated with DBH and was not signiﬁcantly correlated with wood density and height individually inO.europaeaL. subsp.cuspidataallometric equation development. In combination, AGB was strongly correlated with DBH and height; DBH and wood density; and the combination of DBH, height, and wood density. Species-specific equations are used for better carbon assessment than general equations.
INfORM: Inference of NetwOrk Response Modules
Authors: Marwah Veer Singh , Kinaret Pia Anneli Sofia , Serra Angela , Scala Giovanni , Lauerma Antti , Fortino Vittorio , Greco Dario 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Summary
Detecting and interpreting responsive modules from gene expression data by using network-based approaches is a common but laborious task. It often requires the application of several computational methods implemented in different software packages, forcing biologists to compile complex analytical pipelines. Here we introduce INfORM (Inference of NetwOrk Response Modules), an R shiny application that enables non-expert users to detect, evaluate and select gene modules with high statistical and biological significance. INfORM is a comprehensive tool for the identification of biologically meaningful response modules from consensus gene networks inferred by using multiple algorithms. It is accessible through an intuitive graphical user interface allowing for a level of abstraction from the computational steps.

Availability and implementation
INfORM is freely available for academic use at https://github.com/Greco-Lab/INfORM.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
FWER and FDR control when testing multiple mediators
Authors: Sampson Joshua N , Boca Simina M , Moore Steven C , Heller Ruth 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Motivation
The biological pathways linking exposures and disease risk are often poorly understood. To gain insight into these pathways, studies may try to identify biomarkers that mediate the exposure/disease relationship. Such studies often simultaneously test hundreds or thousands of biomarkers.

Results
We consider a set of m biomarkers and a corresponding set of null hypotheses, where the jth null hypothesis states that biomarker j does not mediate the exposure/disease relationship. We propose a Multiple Comparison Procedure (MCP) that rejects a set of null hypotheses or, equivalently, identifies a set of mediators, while asymptotically controlling the Family-Wise Error Rate (FWER) or False Discovery Rate (FDR). We use simulations to show that, compared to currently available methods, our proposed method has higher statistical power to detect true mediators. We then apply our method to a breast cancer study and identify nine metabolites that may mediate the known relationship between an increased BMI and an increased risk of breast cancer.

Availability and implementation
R package MultiMed on https://github.com/SiminaB/MultiMed.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Boxing and substance use rehabilitation: building skills and capacities in disadvantaged communities
Authors: Morton Sarah , O’Brien Karl , O’Reilly Laura 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper considers the role of the boxing training and mentoring in the context of the change processes for participants engaging in a twenty-week community based integrated fitness and education substance use rehabilitation programme. The study took place in an urban community in Dublin, Ireland within the context of neo-liberal systems of regulation and control of community based organizations. Focus group interviews with participants were carried out at midway (n = 17) and on completion (n = 14) of the programme and with practitioners (n = 8) midway and on completion of the programme. Transcripts were coded and themes associated with the participants’ experience of the programme and its interface with the wider community context: building relationships; physical and emotional impact of boxing skills training; boxing skills training and gender; understanding the mentoring role. The positive attributes associated with the ‘boxer’ identity has the potential to provide an alternative to ‘the addict’ identity within socially disadvantaged communities. It is argued that the boxing gym, particularly when nested within a range of educational and emotional supports, can become an empowering setting within a community. The coaching approach has the potential to challenge gendered norms in relation to sport and fitness, while also supporting participants to utilize their physical bodies with intent and focus. The inclusion of programme mentors is an important consideration for substance use rehabilitation programmes, especially within communities characterized by exclusion and isolation.
A Review and Survey of Neurosurgeon–Hospital Relationships: Evolution and Options
Authors: Kim Dong H. , Duco Bernard , Wolterman Daniel , Stokes Charles , Brace Rod , Solomon Robert A. , Barbaro Nicholas , Westmark Richard , MacDougall David , Bean James , O’Leary Joanna , Moayeri Nicole , Dacey Ralph G. , Berger Mitchel S. , Harbaugh Robert 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
As healthcare delivery shifts from fee-for-service, episodic care to pay for performance and population health, both hospitals and physicians are looking for new forms of integration. A number of regulations and restrictions govern physician relationships with hospitals. In this paper, we review the legal basis for such relationships and the options available. We also survey neurosurgeons and hospital executives to gain their perspective on the current situation and likely future. Two series of structured interviews were conducted with 10 neurosurgeons who work in a range of situations in diverse markets, and with Memorial Hermann Healthcare System senior executive leadership. Their responses form the basis for the subsequent discussion. Neurosurgeons can be independent, join a confederation such as an Independent Physician Association or another type of “clinically integrated” network, or be employed by a hospital, medical school, or physician group. With varying levels of integration comes the strength of size, management expertise, negotiating leverage, economies of scale, and possibly financial advantages, but with impact on autonomy and independence. Constructive alignment can lead to a win-win situation for both the individual physician and the organization, but options vary widely due to heterogeneous local conditions. This paper reviews possible relationships, moving along a spectrum from no financial integration to full integration. Concepts such as physician leasing, professional service agreements, “clinical integration,” and employment are presented. This paper offers a practical reference that might be useful to a new graduate, independent neurosurgeon considering integration, or employed physicians considering alternatives.
Engineering DNA nanotubes for resilience in an E. coli TXTL system
Authors: Klocke Melissa A , Garamella Jonathan , Subramanian Hari K K , Noireaux Vincent , Franco Elisa 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) nanotechnology is a growing field with potential intracellular applications. In this work, we use an Escherichia coli cell-free transcription–translation (TXTL) system to assay the robustness of DNA nanotubes in a cytoplasmic environment. TXTL recapitulates physiological conditions as well as strong linear DNA degradation through the RecBCD complex, the major exonuclease in E. coli. We demonstrate that chemical modifications of the tiles making up DNA nanotubes extend their viability in TXTL for more than 24 h, with phosphorothioation of the sticky end backbone being the most effective. Furthermore, we show that a Chi-site double-stranded DNA, an inhibitor of the RecBCD complex, extends DNA nanotube lifetime significantly. These complementary approaches are a first step toward a systematic prototyping of DNA nanostructures in active cell-free cytoplasmic environments and expand the scope of TXTL utilization for bioengineering.
Is Heparin-Binding Protein Inhibition a Mechanism of Albumin’s Efficacy in Human Septic Shock?
Authors: Fisher Jane , Linder Adam , Bentzer Peter , Boyd John , Kong Hyejin Julia , Lee Terry , Walley Keith R. , Russell James A. 
Published: February 2018

Objectives:
Our objectives were to determine first whether albumin prevents heparin-binding protein–induced increased endothelial cell permeability and renal cell inflammation and second, whether a plasma heparin-binding protein-to-albumin ratio predicts risk of acute kidney injury, fluid balance, and plasma cytokine levels in septic shock.

Design:
In vitro human endothelial and renal cell model and observation cohort of septic shock.

Settings:
Research laboratory and multicenter clinical trial (Vasopressin and Septic Shock Trial).

Patients:
Adult septic shock (norepinephrine dose > 5 μg/min for > 6 hr).

Interventions:
In vitro: heparin-binding protein (or thrombin) was added with or without albumin to 1) human endothelial cell monolayers to assess permeability and 2) to human renal tubular epithelial cells to assess inflammation.

Measurements and Main Results:
Transendothelial electrical resistance—a marker of permeability—of human endothelial cells was measured using a voltohmmeter. We measured plasma heparin-binding protein-to-albumin ratio and a panel of cytokines in septic shock patients (n = 330) to define an heparin-binding protein-to-albumin ratio that predicts risk of acute kidney injury. Albumin inhibited heparin-binding protein (and thrombin-induced) increased endothelial cell permeability at a threshold concentration of 20–30 g/L but increased renal tubular cell interleukin-6 release. Patients who developed or had worsened acute kidney injury had significantly higher heparin-binding protein-to-albumin ratio (1.6 vs 0.89; p < 0.001) and heparin-binding protein (38.2 vs 20.8 ng/mL; p < 0.001) than patients without acute kidney injury. The highest heparin-binding protein-to-albumin ratio (> 3.05), heparin-binding protein quartiles (> 69.8), and heparin-binding protein > 30 ng/mL were significantly associated with development or worsening of acute kidney injury (p < 0.001) in unadjusted and adjusted analyses and were robust to sensitivity analyses for death as a competing outcome. Heparin-binding protein and heparin-binding protein-to-albumin ratio were directly associated with positive fluid balance (p < 0.001) and with key inflammatory cytokines. Increasing quartiles of heparin-binding protein-to-albumin ratio and heparin-binding protein (but not albumin) were highly significantly associated with days alive and free of acute kidney injury and renal replacement therapy (p < 0.001), vasopressors (p < 0.001), ventilation (p < 0.001), and with 28-day mortality.

Conclusions:
Albumin inhibits heparin-binding protein–induced increased human endothelial cell permeability and heparin-binding protein greater than 30 ng/mL and heparin-binding protein-to-albumin ratio greater than 3.01—but not serum albumin—identified patients at increased risk for acute kidney injury in septic shock.
Vulvar and vaginal fractional CO2 laser treatments for genitourinary syndrome of menopause
Authors: Streicher Lauren F. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Many healthcare providers are offering women treatment with the fractionated CO2 laser for a myriad of gynecologic issues, including genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Because existing data are limited, providing guidance is challenging. This Practice Pearl addresses what we know and don’t know about the use of the fractionated CO2 laser for the treatment of GSM.
Randomized Multicenter Study Comparing Safety and Efficacy of Daptomycin Versus Standard-of-care in Pediatric Patients With Staphylococcal Bacteremia
Authors: Arrieta Antonio C. , Bradley John S. , Popejoy Myra W. , Bensaci Mekki , Grandhi Anjana , Bokesch Paula , Glasser Chad , Du Lihong , Patino Hernando , Kartsonis Nicholas A. 
Published: February 2018

Background:

Staphylococcus aureus, including community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus, is an important cause of pediatric bacteremia. Daptomycin is a well-established treatment option for Gram-positive bacteremia in adults, but its safety and efficacy in children require confirmation.

Methods:
This was a randomized (2:1), evaluator-blinded, multicenter, phase 4 clinical trial comparing intravenous daptomycin with standard-of-care (SOC) for treatment of S. aureus bacteremia in 1- to 17-year-old patients (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01728376). Total treatment duration (intravenous followed by oral step-down therapy) was 5–42 days. Daptomycin was dosed once daily by patient age: 12–17 years, 7 mg/kg; 7–11 years, 9 mg/kg and 1–6 years, 12 mg/kg. The primary objective was to evaluate daptomycin safety in children who received ≥1 dose; secondary objectives included comparing daptomycin efficacy with SOC (the trial was not designed to confirm noninferiority) and pharmacokinetic analysis.

Results:
Fifty-five children were randomized to daptomycin and 27 to SOC (primarily vancomycin or cefazolin); 90% had S. aureus. In both groups, 15% of patients had drug-related adverse events, primarily diarrhea (4% daptomycin, 8% SOC) and increased creatine phosphokinase (4% daptomycin, 0% SOC). Clinical success (blinded evaluator-assessed complete/partial resolution of bacteremia signs and symptoms 7–14 days after end-of-treatment) rates were similar for daptomycin (88%) and SOC (77%; 95% confidence interval for difference: −9% to 31%). Daptomycin plasma levels across age groups were comparable with those in adults receiving daptomycin at 6 mg/kg.

Conclusions:
Once-daily, age-appropriate daptomycin was well tolerated in children with staphylococcal bacteremia; efficacy was comparable with SOC. Daptomycin in age-adjusted doses is a safe treatment alternative in this setting.
Creating a High-Frequency Electronic Database in the PICU: The Perpetual Patient*
Authors: Brossier David , El Taani Redha , Sauthier Michael , Roumeliotis Nadia , Emeriaud Guillaume , Jouvet Philippe 
Published: February 2018

Objective:
Our objective was to construct a prospective high-quality and high-frequency database combining patient therapeutics and clinical variables in real time, automatically fed by the information system and network architecture available through fully electronic charting in our PICU. The purpose of this article is to describe the data acquisition process from bedside to the research electronic database.

Design:
Descriptive report and analysis of a prospective database.

Setting:
A 24-bed PICU, medical ICU, surgical ICU, and cardiac ICU in a tertiary care free-standing maternal child health center in Canada.

Patients:
All patients less than 18 years old were included at admission to the PICU.

Interventions:
None.

Measurements and Main Results:
Between May 21, 2015, and December 31, 2016, 1,386 consecutive PICU stays from 1,194 patients were recorded in the database. Data were prospectively collected from admission to discharge, every 5 seconds from monitors and every 30 seconds from mechanical ventilators and infusion pumps. These data were linked to the patient’s electronic medical record. The database total volume was 241 GB. The patients’ median age was 2.0 years (interquartile range, 0.0–9.0). Data were available for all mechanically ventilated patients (n = 511; recorded duration, 77,678 hr), and respiratory failure was the most frequent reason for admission (n = 360). The complete pharmacologic profile was synched to database for all PICU stays. Following this implementation, a validation phase is in process and several research projects are ongoing using this high-fidelity database.

Conclusions:
Using the existing bedside information system and network architecture of our PICU, we implemented an ongoing high-fidelity prospectively collected electronic database, preventing the continuous loss of scientific information. This offers the opportunity to develop research on clinical decision support systems and computational models of cardiorespiratory physiology for example.
Progressive Diaphragm Atrophy in Pediatric Acute Respiratory Failure*
Authors: Glau Christie L. , Conlon Thomas W. , Himebauch Adam S. , Yehya Nadir , Weiss Scott L. , Berg Robert A. , Nishisaki Akira 
Published: February 2018

Objectives:
Diaphragm atrophy is associated with delayed weaning from mechanical ventilation and increased mortality in critically ill adults. We sought to test for the presence of diaphragm atrophy in children with acute respiratory failure.

Design:
Prospective, observational study.

Setting:
Single-center tertiary noncardiac PICU in a children’s hospital.

Patients:
Invasively ventilated children with acute respiratory failure.

Measurements and Main Results:
Diaphragm thickness at end-expiration and end-inspiration were serially measured by ultrasound in 56 patients (median age, 17 mo; interquartile range, 5.5–52), first within 36 hours of intubation and last preceding extubation. The median duration of mechanical ventilation was 140 hours (interquartile range, 83–201). At initial measurement, thickness at end-expiration was 2.0 mm (interquartile range, 1.8–2.5) and thickness at end-inspiration was 2.5 mm (interquartile range, 2–2.8). The change in thickness at end-expiration during mechanical ventilation between first and last measurement was –13.8% (interquartile range, –27.4% to 0%), with a –3.4% daily atrophy rate (interquartile range, –5.6 to 0%). Thickening fraction = ([thickness at end-inspiration – thickness at end-expiration]/thickness at end-inspiration) throughout the course of mechanical ventilation was linearly correlated with spontaneous breathing fraction (beta coefficient, 9.4; 95% CI, 4.2–14.7; p = 0.001). For children with a period of spontaneous breathing fraction less than 0.5 during mechanical ventilation, those with exposure to a continuous neuromuscular blockade infusion (n = 15) had a significantly larger decrease in thickness at end-expiration compared with children with low spontaneous breathing fraction who were not exposed to a neuromuscular blockade infusion (n = 18) (–16.4%, [interquartile range, –28.4% to –7.0%] vs –7.3%; [interquartile range, –10.9% to –0%]; p = 0.036).

Conclusions:
Diaphragm atrophy is present in children on mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure. Diaphragm contractility, measured as thickening fraction, is strongly correlated with spontaneous breathing fraction. The combination of exposure to neuromuscular blockade infusion with low overall spontaneous breathing fraction is associated with a greater degree of atrophy.
Quantifying Effect of Onabotulinum Toxin A on Passive Muscle Stiffness in Children with Cerebral Palsy Using Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Brandenburg Joline E. , Eby Sarah F. , Song Pengfei , Bamlet William R. , Sieck Gary C. , An Kai-Nan 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveA pilot study was conducted to longitudinally quantify effect of onabotulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) on passive muscle properties in children with cerebral palsy using ultrasound shear wave elastography.DesignThis was a prospective longitudinal cohort study.ResultsBetween 1 and 3 mos post-BoNT-A, a significant improvement in the shear modulus of the lateral gastrocnemius was found at 10-degrees plantar flexion (PF) (−7.57 [−10.98, −5.07],P= 0.02) and 0-degrees PF (−14.74 [−18.21, −9.38],P= 0.03). There was a notable, but nonsignificant, difference in shear modulus at 20-degrees PF, 10-degrees PF, and 0-degrees PF between pre-BoNT-A and 1 mo post-BoNT-A. Pre-BoNT-A shear modulus was not significantly different from 3 mos post-BoNT-A at all foot positions. No significant differences in ankle passive range of motion or spasticity were found.ConclusionDespite no significant change in ankle range of motion or spasticity, shear wave elastography was able to detect a difference in lateral gastrocnemius passive muscle properties in children with cerebral palsy after BoNT-A injections. The difference in passive muscle properties resolved by 3 mos post-BoNT-A.