bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic variants in miRNA machinery genes associated with clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of gastric cancer patients
Authors: Liao Yuqian , Liao Yulu , Li Jun , Liu Liyan , Li Junyu , Wan Yiye , Peng Lixiang 
Published: April 2018

Background: Polymorphisms in miRNA machinery genes have been proved to be related to risk or survival of several kinds of cancers, but the results are controversial and the role of these polymorphisms in gastric cancer remains uncertain. In our study, we investigated the association between five genetic variants in miRNA machinery genes ( DICER, RAN, XPO5 [name of the gene]) and clinical outcomes in Chinese gastric cancer patients. Methods: A total of 96 patients with stage IB-III gastric cancer treated with radical gastrectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy of oxaliplatin and fluorouracils were analyzed. The MassARRAY MALDI-TOF system was used to determine the genotypes. Results: DICER rs3742330 AG+GG genotype was associated with more advanced T stage compared to AA genotype ( P=0.009). More patients with XPO5 rs2257082 CC genotype had poorly differentiated tumors compared with CT+TT genotype carriers. After adjustment by age, sex, differentiation, T stage, and lymph node status, XPO5 rs2257082 CC genotype carriers were found to have worse disease-free survival than CT+TT genotype carriers (adjusted HR 3.099; 95% CI 1.270, 7.564; P=0.013), carriers of RAN rs14035 CC genotype had higher three-year OS rate than carriers of CT+TT genotype (adjusted HR 3.174; 95% CI 1.010, 9.973; P=0.048). Conclusions: These results indicated that genetic variants in miRNA machinery genes might be associated with the clinicopathological features and prognosis of completely resected gastric cancer patients.
A robust leukocyte recognition method based on multi-scale regional growth and mean-shift clustering
Authors: Lin Liqun , Wang Weixing 
Published: April 2018

Although there are many independent studies on the detection of white blood cell or classification of white blood cell, few papers have taken them into consideration. This study proposed a method for recognizing five types of leukocytes based on multi-scale regional growth and mean-shift clustering. The key idea of the proposed method is to extract texture features of leukocytes in a visual manner. And it is a non-parametric texture features extracting method different from traditional algorithms. Finally, SVM (Support Vector Machine) is used for classification. Some leukocyte images were used and the overall correct recognition rate reached 97.96%, indicating the feasibility and robustness of the proposed method.
Incidence of and Risk Factors for Venous Thromboembolism After Foot and Ankle Surgery
Authors: Huntley Samuel R. , Abyar Eildar , Lehtonen Eva J. , Patel Harshadkumar A. , Naranje Sameer , Shah Ashish 
Published: April 2018

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a rare but potentially lethal complication after orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery. The true incidence of VTE after orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery stratified by specific procedure has yet to be examined. The purpose of this study is to report the incidence of and identify risk factors for VTE in a large sample of patients receiving orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery. Methods: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2006 to 2015 data files. The incidence of VTE was calculated for 30 specific orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeries and for 4 broad types of foot and ankle surgery. Demographic, comorbidity, and complication variables were analyzed to determine associations with development of VTE. Results: The overall incidence of VTE in our sample was 0.6%. The types of procedures with the highest frequency of VTE were ankle fractures (105/15 302 cases, 0.7%), foot pathologies (28/5466, 0.6%), and arthroscopy (2/398, 0.5%). Female gender, increasing age, obesity, inpatient status, and nonelective surgery were all significantly associated with VTE. Conclusion: Although VTE after orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery is a rare occurrence, several high-risk groups and procedures may be especially indicated for chemical thromboprophylaxis. Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective, comparative study
Qualitative exploration of practices to prevent medication errors in neonatal intensive care units: a focus group study
Authors: Rishoej Rikke Mie , Lai Nielsen Henriette , Strzelec Stina Maria , Fritsdal Refer Jane , Allermann Beck Sanne , Gramstrup Hanne Marie , Thybo Christesen Henrik , Juel Kjeldsen Lene , Hallas Jesper , Almarsdóttir Anna Birna 
Published: April 2018

Background: Medication errors (MEs) in neonates are frequent and associated with increased potential for harm compared with adults. The effect of learning from reported MEs is potentially lacking due to underreporting, lack of feedback and missing actions to improve medication safety. A new approach involving positive recognition of current and future strategies may facilitate greater exploration of how to improve medication safety in neonates. We aimed to explore current and potential future practices to prevent MEs in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Methods: Focus group interviews of physicians and nurses were conducted at three Danish NICUs. Participants were included if they had at least 1 month of working experience and provided direct patient care. A semistructured interview guide involving three questions was used: (a) how do you feel about discussing prevention of MEs? (b) how do you currently prevent MEs from occurring? and (c) how can we become better at preventing MEs in the future? Content analysis was used to identify themes in the interviews. Results: Participants commented that MEs still occur and that action must be taken to improve medication safety. Current practices to prevent MEs involved technology, procedures, education, skills and hospital pharmacy services. Potential future practices to prevent MEs included customizing the computerized physician order entry systems to support optimal prescribing, standardizing the double-check process, training of calculation skills and teamwork and increased use of hospital pharmacy services. Conclusions: Several current and potential future practices to reduce MEs in NICUs were identified, highlighting the complexity of MEs. Our findings support an interdisciplinary multifaceted intervention involving both technical and nontechnical elements to improve medication safety in NICUs.
Role of exosomes as a proinflammatory mediator in the development of EBV-associated lymphoma
Authors: Higuchi Hiroshi , Yamakawa Natsuko , Imadome Ken-Ichi , Yahata Takashi , Kotaki Ryutaro , Ogata Jun , Kakizaki Masatoshi , Fujita Koji , Lu Jun , Yokoyama Kazuaki , Okuyama Kazuki , Sato Ai , Takamatsu Masako , Kurosaki Natsumi , Alba Syakira Mohamad , Azhim Azran , Horie Ryouichi , Watanabe Toshiki , Kitamura Toshio , Ando Kiyoshi , Kashiwagi Takao , Matsui Toshimitsu , Okamoto Akinao , Handa Hiroshi , Kuroda Masahiko , Nakamura Naoya , Kotani Ai 
Published: April 2018

Key PointsEBV-coding miRNAs are transferred from infected into noninfected cells by exosome to regulate the function for the tumorigenesis. Production of EBV-coding miRNAs will be an excellent diagnostic marker to separate patients with EBV+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma into 2 groups.
The quality of primary care provided to the elderly in Israel
Authors: Podell Rachel , Kaufman-Shriqui Vered , Sagy Yael Wolff , Manor Orly , Ben-Yehuda Arie 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background
In view of increasing global and local trends in population ageing and the high healthcare utilization rates among the elderly, this study assesses the quality of primary care provided to the elderly population in Israel. It examines changes in quality over time, how quality varies across sub-groups of the elderly, and how quality in Israel compares with other countries. Data originate from the National Program for Quality Indicators in Community Healthcare (QICH), which operates in full collaboration with Israel’s four HMOs.

Methods
The study population included all elderly Israeli residents aged 65 years or older during 2002–2015 (N = 879,671 residents in 2015). Seven elderly-specific quality indicators from within the QICH framework were included: influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations, benzodiazepine overuse, long-acting benzodiazepine use, body weight documentation, weight loss and underweight. In addition, two non-age specific quality indicators relating to diabetes mellitus were included: the rate of HbA1C documentation and uncontrolled diabetes. Data were collected from patient electronic medical records (EMR) in accordance with each HMO, and aggregated by three variables: gender, age, and socio-economic position (SEP).

Results
During the measurement period, vaccination rates significantly increased (Influenza: from 42.0% in 2002 to 63.2% in 2015; and pneumococcal vaccination: from 25.8% in 2005 to 77.0% in 2015). Body weight documentation (in 65–74 year old persons) increased from only 16.3% in 2003 to 80.9% in 2015. The rate of underweight (BMI < 23 kg/m2) and significant weight-loss (10% or more of their body weight) was only measured in 2015. The overall rate of benzodiazepine overuse remained steady from 2011 to 2015 at around 5%, while the rate of long-acting benzodiazepine use decreased from 3.8% in 2011 to 2.4% in 2015.
The rate of HbA1c documentation for elderly diabetics was higher than for non-elderly diabetics in 2015 (92.2% vs 87.9%). The rate of uncontrolled diabetes was lower for the elderly than the non-elderly population in 2015 (6.9% vs. 15.7%).
Gender disparities were observed across all measures, after age stratification, with worse indicator rates among females compared to males. SEP-disparities were not consistent across measures.
In all indicators except benzodiazepine overuse, Israel showed a higher quality of care for the elderly in comparison with the international healthcare community.

Conclusions
Overall, the quality of care received by elderly Israelis has improved substantially since measurements first began; yet, females receive lower quality care than males. Monitoring results of primary care quality indicators can contribute to population’s successful aging; both chronic conditions at earlier ages (e.g. diabetes), and short-term hazardous conditions such as the use of potentially harmful medications and weight loss should be evaluated.
Mentalising skills in generic mental healthcare settings: can we make our day-to-day interactions more therapeutic?
Authors: Welstead H. J. , Patrick J. , Russ T. C. , Cooney G. , Mulvenna C. M. , Maclean C. , Polnay A. 
Published: April 2018

Aims and methodCaring for patients with personality disorder is one of the biggest challenges in psychiatric work. We investigated whether mentalisation-based treatment skills (MBT-S) teaching improves clinicians' understanding of mentalising and attitudes towards personality disorder. Self-report questionnaires (Knowledge and Application of MBT (KAMQ) and Attitudes to Personality Disorder (APDQ)) were completed at baseline and after a 2-day MBT-S workshop.ResultsNinety-two healthcare professionals completed questionnaires before and after training. The mean within-participant increase in scores from baseline to end-of-programme was 11.6 points (95% CI 10.0–13.3) for the KAMQ and 4.0 points (1.8–6.2) for the APDQ.Clinical implicationsMBT-S is a short intervention that is effective in improving clinicians' knowledge of personality disorder and mentalisation. That attitudes to personality disorder improved overall is encouraging in relation to the possibility of deeper learning in staff and, ultimately, improved care for patients with personality disorder.Declaration of interestNone.
Communication About Prognosis With Adolescent and Young Adult Patients With Cancer: Information Needs, Prognostic Awareness, and Outcomes of Disclosure
Authors: Mack Jennifer W. , Fasciano Karen M. , Block Susan D. 
Published: April 2018

Purpose Communication about prognosis affects decisions patients and family members make about cancer care, and most patients say they want to know about their chances of cure. We sought to evaluate experiences with prognosis communication among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. Patients and Methods We surveyed 203 AYAs with cancer age 15 to 29 years (response rate, 74%) treated at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and their oncologists. Patients were approached within 6 weeks of diagnosis and asked to report on their prognosis communication preferences and experiences, their beliefs about likelihood of cure, and psychosocial outcomes of communication, such as trust (using an item from the Trust in Physician Scale), peace of mind (using select items from the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual Well-Being Scale), and anxiety and depression (using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Oncologists were asked to report the patient’s likelihood of cure. Results Most patients (83%, 167 of 203 patients) considered prognostic information to be extremely or very important. Patients who reported having received more extensive prognostic disclosure had higher odds of trust in the oncologist (odds ratio [OR], 1.30; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.67; P = .05), peace of mind (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.29 to 3.51; P = .002), and hope related to physician communication (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.59; P = .04), after adjusting for patient sex, age, race or ethnicity, prognosis, and diagnosis. Disclosure was also associated with lower distress related to knowing about prognosis (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.95; P = .03). However, a majority of patients (62%) reported prognostic estimates that exceeded those reported by physicians (McNemar P < .001). Conclusion Most AYAs with cancer value receiving prognostic information, which is positively associated with aspects of well-being. However, most overestimate chances of cure relative to oncologists, highlighting the importance of efforts to improve communication with this young population.
Practice guideline recommendations summary: Disease-modifying therapies for adults with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rae-Grant Alexander , Day Gregory S. , Marrie Ruth Ann , Rabinstein Alejandro , Cree Bruce A.C. , Gronseth Gary S. , Haboubi Michael , Halper June , Hosey Jonathan P. , Jones David E. , Lisak Robert , Pelletier Daniel , Potrebic Sonja , Sitcov Cynthia , Sommers Rick , Stachowiak Julie , Getchius Thomas S.D. , Merillat Shannon A. , Pringsheim Tamara 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveTo develop recommendations for disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for multiple sclerosis (MS).MethodsA multidisciplinary panel developed DMT recommendations, integrating findings from a systematic review; followed an Institute of Medicine–compliant process to ensure transparency and patient engagement; and developed modified Delphi consensus–based recommendations concerning starting, switching, and stopping DMTs pertinent to people with relapsing-remitting MS, secondary progressive MS, primary progressive MS, and clinically isolated syndromes of demyelination. Recommendations were supported by structured rationales, integrating evidence from one or more sources: systematic review, related evidence (evidence not from the systematic review), principles of care, and inference from evidence.ResultsThirty recommendations were developed: 17 on starting DMTs, including recommendations on who should start them; 10 on switching DMTs if breakthrough disease develops; and 3 on stopping DMTs. Recommendations encompassed patient engagement strategies and individualization of treatment, including adherence monitoring and disease comorbidity assessment. The panel also discussed DMT risks, including counseling about progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy risk in people with MS using natalizumab, fingolimod, rituximab, ocrelizumab, and dimethyl fumarate; and made suggestions for future research to evaluate relative merits of early treatment with higher potency DMTs vs standard stepped-care protocols, DMT comparative effectiveness, optimal switching strategies, long-term effects of DMT use, definitions of highly active MS, and effects of treatment on patient-specified priority outcomes. This guideline reflects the complexity of decision-making for starting, switching, or stopping MS DMTs. The field of MS treatment is rapidly changing; the Academy of Neurology development process includes planning for future updates.
Expansion of DUB functionality generated by alternative isoforms – USP35, a case study
Authors: Leznicki Pawel , Natarajan Jayaprakash , Bader Gerd , Spevak Walter , Schlattl Andreas , Abdul Rehman Syed Arif , Pathak Deepika , Weidlich Simone , Zoephel Andreas , Bordone Marie C. , Barbosa-Morais Nuno L. , Boehmelt Guido , Kulathu Yogesh 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT
Protein ubiquitylation is a dynamic post-translational modification that can be reversed by deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs). It is unclear how the small number (∼100) of DUBs present in mammalian cells regulate the thousands of different ubiquitylation events. Here, we analysed annotated transcripts of human DUBs and found ∼300 ribosome-associated transcripts annotated as protein coding, which thus increases the total number of DUBs. By using USP35, a poorly studied DUB, as a case study, we provide evidence that alternative isoforms contribute to the functional expansion of DUBs. We show that there are two different USP35 isoforms that localise to different intracellular compartments and have distinct functions. Our results reveal that isoform 1 is an anti-apoptotic factor that inhibits staurosporine- and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL; also known as TNFSF10)-induced apoptosis. In contrast, USP35 isoform 2 is an integral membrane protein of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that is also present at lipid droplets. Manipulations of isoform 2 levels cause rapid ER stress, likely through deregulation of lipid homeostasis, and lead to cell death. Our work highlights how alternative isoforms provide functional expansion of DUBs and sets directions for future research.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Short-Term (<8 wk) High-Intensity Interval Training in Diseased Cohorts
Authors: BLACKWELL JAMES E. M. , DOLEMAN BRETT , HERROD PHILIP J. J. , RICKETTS SAMUEL , PHILLIPS BETHAN E. , LUND JONATHAN N. , WILLIAMS JOHN P. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim
Exercise training regimes can lead to improvements in measures of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), improved general health, and reduced morbidity and overall mortality risk. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) offers a time-efficient approach to improve CRF in healthy individuals, but the relative benefits of HIIT compared with traditional training methods are unknown in across different disease cohorts.

Methods
This systematic review and meta-analysis compares CRF gains in randomized controlled trials of short-term (<8 wk) HIIT versus either no exercise control (CON) or moderate continuous training (MCT) within diseased cohorts. Literature searches of the following databases were performed: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, and PubMed (all from inception to December 1, 2017), with further searches of Clinicaltrials.gov and citations via Google Scholar. Primary outcomes were effect on CRF variables: V˙O2peak and anaerobic threshold.

Results
Thirty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. HIIT resulted in a clinically significant increase in V˙O2peak compared with CON (mean difference [MD] = 3.32 mL·kg−1·min−1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.56–2.08). Overall HIIT provided added benefit to V˙O2peak over MCT (MD = 0.79 mL·kg−1·min−1, 95% CI = 0.20–1.39). The benefit of HIIT was most marked in patients with cardiovascular disease when compared with MCT (V˙O2peak: MD = 1.66 mL·kg−1·min−1, 95% CI = 0.60–2.73; anaerobic threshold: MD = 1.61 mL·kg−1·min−1, 95% CI = 0.33–2.90).

Conclusions
HIIT elicits improvements in objective measures of CRF within 8 wk in diseased cohorts compared with no intervention. When compared with MCT, HIIT imparts statistically significant additional improvements in measures of CRF, with clinically important additional improvements in V˙O2peak in cardiovascular patients. Comparative efficacy of HIIT versus MCT combined with an often reduced time commitment may warrant HIIT’s promotion as a viable clinical exercise intervention.
VALIDATE: Exploiting the synergy between complex intracellular pathogens to expedite vaccine research and development for tuberculosis, leishmaniasis, melioidosis and leprosy
Authors: Fletcher Helen A. , Chatterjee Mitali , Cooper Andrea , Hussell Tracy , Kaye Paul M. , Prior Joann , Reljic Rajko , Vermaak Samantha , Vordermeier Martin , Williams Ann , McShane Helen 
Published: April 2018

For several complex intracellular pathogens, we have an urgent need for effective vaccines and yet there are common barriers to vaccine development. These diseases, including tuberculosis, leishmaniasis, leprosy and melioidosis, cause a huge burden of disease and disproportionately affect low and middle income countries. They are therefore often neglected due to the marginalisation of affected populations and the poor predicted commercial return on investment. Barriers to vaccine development include an incomplete understanding of protective immunity and translation from the bench into clinical vaccine trials. The current linear approach to vaccine research and development for these pathogens, which involves basic research, vaccine design, and vaccine evaluation in preclinical challenge models and clinical trials, is inefficient for these complex intracellular pathogens. We have established a Global Challenges Research Fund Network for VAccine deveLopment for complex Intracellular neglecteD pAThogEns, “VALIDATE”, where we aim to adopt a more flexible, integrated cross-pathogen approach to accelerate vaccine research and clinical development for these four pathogens, by cross-pathogen analyses, cross-discipline collaborations, and repeated integration of data from human and animal studies. This network provides a unique opportunity to bring together individuals working on four exemplar complex intracellular neglected pathogens (M.tb, Leishmania spp., B. pseudomallei and M.leprae), which share a common lifestyle as pathogens of macrophages, induce similar end-stage pathologies and alter host immune and metabolic responses. The horizontal collaborations established throughout this network, together with the provision of a protected environment for early data sharing, will exploit these biological synergies. By interrogating mechanisms that lead from infection to disease, we will be able to develop common vaccine development strategies for these and other complex intracellular pathogens.