bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recombinant Human-Soluble Thrombomodulin Contributes to Reduced Mortality in Sepsis Patients With Severe Respiratory Failure: A Retrospective Observational Study Using a Multicenter Dataset
Authors: Yoshihiro Shodai , Sakuraya Masaaki , Hayakawa Mineji , Ono Kota , Hirata Akira , Takaba Akihiro , Kawamura Natsuki , Tsutsui Toru , Yoshida Kenichi , Hashimoto Yoshihiro 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Background:
Recombinant human-soluble thrombomodulin (rhTM) is a novel class therapeutic agent for managing disseminated intravascular coagulation. The progression of severe respiratory failure may be related to intra-alveolar coagulation/fibrinolytic disorders. We aimed to determine the efficacy of rhTM in treating sepsis patients with severe respiratory failure.

Methods:
We performed a retrospective observational study using an existing dataset collected from 42 intensive care units (ICUs) in Japan. Of 3,195 patients with severe sepsis or septic shock from the dataset, we selected sepsis patients with severe respiratory failure, and compared patient outcomes based on the administration of rhTM (rhTM group and no rhTM group). Propensity score analysis was performed between the two groups. Outcomes of interest were ICU mortality, hospital mortality, and ventilator-free days (VFDs).

Results:
In this study, 1,180 patients (rhTM, n = 356; no rhTM, n = 824) were analyzed. After adjusting for baseline imbalances with propensity score matching, the survival-time analysis revealed a significant difference between the two groups (hazard ratio, 0.654; 95% confidence interval, 0.439–0.974, P = 0.03). ICU mortality was lower in the rhTM group (rhTM: 22.1% [33/149] vs. no rhTM: 36.2% [54/149], P = 0.01). Hospital mortality was also lower in the rhTM group (35.6% [53/149] vs. 49.7% [74/149], P = 0.02). VFDs trended to be higher in the rhTM group than the no rhTM group (12.8 ± 10.1 days vs. 10.6 ± 10.6 days, P = 0.09).

Conclusions:
Administration of rhTM was positively correlated with a reduction in mortality in sepsis patients with severe respiratory failure.
Technical Performance as a Predictor of Clinical Outcomes in Laparoscopic Gastric Cancer Surgery
Authors: Fecso Andras B. , Bhatti Junaid A. , Stotland Peter K. , Quereshy Fayez A. , Grantcharov Teodor P. 
Published: March 2018

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between technical performance and patient outcomes in laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery.

Background:
Laparoscopic gastrectomy for cancer is an advanced procedure with high rate of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Many variables including patient, disease, and perioperative management factors have been shown to impact postoperative outcomes; however, the role of surgical performance is insufficiently investigated.

Methods:
A retrospective review was performed for all patients who had undergone laparoscopic gastrectomy for cancer at 3 teaching institutions between 2009 and 2015. Patients with available, unedited video-recording of their procedure were included in the study. Video files were rated for technical performance, using Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills (OSATS) and Generic Error Rating Tool instruments. The main outcome variable was major short-term complications. The effect of technical performance on patient outcomes was assessed using logistic regression analysis with backward selection strategy.

Results:
Sixty-one patients with available video recordings were included in the study. The overall complication rate was 29.5%. The mean Charlson comorbidity index, type of procedure, and the global OSATS score were included in the final predictive model. Lower performance score (OSATS ≤29) remained an independent predictor for major short-term outcomes (odds ratio 6.49), while adjusting for comorbidities and type of procedure.

Conclusions:
Intraoperative technical performance predicts major short-term outcomes in laparoscopic gastrectomy for cancer. Ongoing assessment and enhancement of surgical skills using modern, evidence-based strategies might improve short-term patient outcomes. Future work should focus on developing and studying the effectiveness of such interventions in laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery.
Multiple Solid Organ Transplantation in Telomeropathy: Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Lebeer Marnix , Wuyts Wim A. , Cassiman David , Laleman Wim , Nevens Frederik , Pirenne Jacques , Monbaliu Diethard , Roskams Tania , Verbeken Eric K. , Neyrinck Arne P. , Van Raemdonck Dirk E. , Verleden Geert M. , Vos Robin 
Published: March 2018

Background
Solid organ transplantation is a valid treatment option for selected patients with organ failure due to an underlying telomeropathy; however, the feasibility of multiple-organ transplantation if several organs are compromised is unclear.

Methods
We describe 2 patients with telomeropathy due to heterozygous telomerase RNA component or telomerase reverse transcriptase mutation, who successfully underwent serial or combined liver and lung transplantation for concurrent liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and pulmonary fibrosis.

Results
Despite a challenging posttransplant course, long-term outcomes were favorable, with both patients doing fine now, respectively, 12/20 and 24 months after multiple-organ transplantation.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first report of multiple solid organ transplantation in documented telomeropathy. These cases highlight current difficulties of timely diagnosis, therapeutic approach, and postoperative complications in telomeropathy patients in whom several organs are affected.
Alzheimer Disease Biomarkers and Driving in Clinically Normal Older Adults
Authors: Allison Samantha , Babulal Ganesh M. , Stout Sarah H. , Barco Peggy P. , Carr David B. , Fagan Anne M. , Morris John C. , Roe Catherine M. , Head Denise 
Published: March 2018

Purpose:
Older adults experience impaired driving performance, and modify their driving habits, including limiting amount and spatial extent of travel. Alzheimer disease (AD)-related pathology, as well as spatial navigation difficulties, may influence driving performance and driving behaviors in clinically normal older adults. We examined whether AD biomarkers [cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of Aβ42, tau, and ptau181] were associated with lower self-reported spatial navigation abilities, and whether navigation abilities mediated the relationship of AD biomarkers with driving performance and extent.

Methods:
Clinically normal older adults (n=112; aged 65+) completed an on-road driving test, the Santa Barbara Sense of Direction scale (self-report measure of spatial navigation ability), and the Driving Habits Questionnaire for an estimate of driving extent (composite of driving exposure and driving space). All participants had a lumbar puncture to obtain CSF.

Results:
CSF Aβ42, but not tau or ptau181, was associated with self-reported navigation ability. Lower self-reported navigation was associated with reduced driving extent, but not driving errors. Self-reported navigation mediated the relationship between CSF Aβ42 and driving extent.

Conclusions:
Findings suggest that cerebral amyloid deposition is associated with lower perceived ability to navigate the environment, which may lead older adults with AD pathology to limit their driving extent.
Episodic syndromes of childhood associated with migraine
Authors: Gelfand Amy A. 
Published: March 2018

Purpose of review
This review covers recent advances in our understanding of episodic syndromes that may be associated with migraine in children and adolescents, as well as what is known about the treatment of these disorders.

Recent findings
The episodic syndromes include benign paroxysmal torticollis, benign paroxysmal vertigo, abdominal migraine, and cyclic vomiting syndrome. Infant colic, or excessive crying in an otherwise healthy and well fed infant, may also fit into this category and is included in the appendix section of the most recent edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders.

Summary
Episodic syndromes are considered to be early life expressions of migraine in the developing brain. Additional research is needed to determine, which acute and preventive treatments are the most effective in managing these disorders.
Y chromosomal noncoding RNAs regulate autosomal gene expression via piRNAs in mouse testis
Authors: Reddy Hemakumar M. , Bhattacharya Rupa , Jehan Zeenath , Mishra Kankadeb , Annapurna Pranatharthi , Tiwari Shrish , Praveena Nissankararao Mary , Alex Jomini Liza , Dhople Vishnu M , Singh Lalji , Sivaramakrishnan Mahadevan , Chaturvedi Anurag , Rangaraj Nandini , Shiju Thomas Michael , Sridevi Badanapuram , Kumar Sachin , Dereddi Ram Reddy , Rayabandla Sunayana M , Jesudasan Rachel A. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTMajority of the genes expressed during spermatogenesis are autosomal. Mice with different deletions of Yq show sub-fertility, sterility and sperm abnormalities. The connection between Yq deletion and autosomal gene regulation is not well understood. We describe a novel mouse Yq-derived long noncoding RNA,Pirmy, which shows unprecedented number of splice variants in testis. Further,Pirmytranscript variants act as templates for several piRNAs. We identified ten differentially expressed autosome-encoded sperm proteins in mutant mice.Pirmytranscript variants have homology to 5’/3’UTRs of these deregulated autosomal genes. Thus, subfertility in Y-deleted mice appears to be a polygenic phenomenon that is partially regulated epistatically by the Y-chromosome. Our study provides novel insights into possible role of MSY-derived ncRNAs in male fertility and reproduction. Finally, sperm phenotypes from the Y-deleted mice seem to be similar to that reported in inter-specific male-sterile hybrids. Taken together, this study provides novel insights into possible role of Y-derived ncRNAs in male sterility and speciation.
N-hydroxy-pipecolic acid is a mobile signal that induces systemic disease resistance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chen Yun Chu , Holmes Eric C. , Rajniak Jakub , Kim Jung-Gun , Tang Sandy , Fischer Curt R. , Mudgett Mary Beth , Sattely Elizabeth S. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSystemic acquired resistance (SAR) is a global response in plants induced at the site of infection that leads to long-lasting and broad-spectrum disease resistance at distal, uninfected tissues. Despite the importance of this priming mechanism, the identity of the mobile defense signal that moves systemically throughout plants to initiate SAR has remained elusive. In this paper, we describe a new metabolite, N-hydroxy-pipecolic acid (N-OH-Pip), and provide evidence that this molecule is a mobile signal that plays a central role in initiating SAR signal transduction in Arabidopsis thaliana. We demonstrate that FLAVIN-DEPENDENT MONOOXYGENASE 1 (FMO1), a key regulator of SAR-associated defense priming, can synthesize N-OH-Pip from pipecolic acid in planta, and exogenously applied N-OH-PIP moves systemically in Arabidopsis and can rescue the SAR-deficiency of fmo1 mutants. We also demonstrate that N-OH-Pip treatment causes systemic changes in the expression of pathogenesis-related genes and metabolic pathways throughout the plant, and enhances resistance to a bacterial pathogen. This work provides new insight into the chemical nature of a mobile signal for SAR and also suggests that the N-OH-Pip pathway is a promising target for metabolic engineering to enhance disease resistance.
Elucidating synergistic dependencies in lung adenocarcinoma by proteome-wide signaling-network analysis
Authors: Bansal Mukesh , He Jing , Peyton Michael , Kaustagi Manjunath , Iyer Archana , Comb Michael , White Michael , Minna John , Califano Andrea 
Published: March 2018

SummarySignaling pathway models are largely based on the compilation of literature data from heterogeneous cellular contexts. Indeed, de novo reconstruction of signaling interactions from large-scale molecular profiling is still lagging, compared to similar efforts in transcriptional and protein-protein interaction networks. To address this challenge, we introduce a novel algorithm for the systematic inference of protein kinase pathways, and applied it to published mass spectrometry-based phosphotyrosine profile data from 250 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) samples. The resulting network includes 43 TKs and 415 inferred, LUAD-specific substrates, which were validated at >60% accuracy by SILAC assays, including “novel’ substrates of the EGFR and c-MET TKs, which play a critical oncogenic role in lung cancer. This systematic, data-driven model supported drug response prediction on an individual sample basis, including accurate prediction and validation of synergistic EGFR and c-MET inhibitor activity in cells lacking mutations in either gene, thus contributing to current precision oncology efforts.
Engineering of Primary Human B cells with CRISPR/Cas9 Targeted Nuclease
Authors: Johnson Matthew J. , Laoharawee Kanut , Lahr Walker S. , Webber Beau R. , Moriarity Branden S. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractB cells offer unique opportunities for gene therapy because of their ability to secrete large amounts of protein in the form of antibody and persist for the life of the organism as plasma cells. Here, we report optimized CRISPR/Cas9 based genome engineering of primary human B cells. Our procedure involves enrichment of CD19+ B cells from PBMCs followed by activation, expansion, and electroporation of CRISPR/Cas9 reagents. We are able expand total B cells in culture 10-fold and outgrow the IgD+IgM+CD27- naïve subset from 35% to over 80% of the culture. B cells are receptive to nucleic acid delivery via electroporation 3 days after stimulation, peaking at Day 7 post stimulation. We tested chemically modified sgRNAs and Alt-R gRNA targeting CD19 with Cas9 mRNA or Cas9 protein. Using this system, we achieved genetic and protein knockout of CD19 at rates over 70%. Finally, we tested sgRNAs targeting the AAVS1 safe harbor site using Cas9 protein in combination with AAV6 to deliver donor template encoding a splice acceptor-EGFP cassette, which yielded site-specific integration frequencies up to 25%. The development of methods for genetically engineered B cells opens the door to a myriad of applications in basic research, antibody production, and cellular therapeutics.
Using the NoiSee workflow to measure signal-to-noise ratios of confocal microscopes
Authors: Ferrand Alexia , Schleicher Kai D. , Ehrenfeuchter Nikolaus , Heusermann Wolf , Biehlmaier Oliver 
Published: March 2018

AbstractConfocal microscopy is used today on a daily basis in life science labs. This “routine” technique contributes to the progress of scientific projects across many fields by revealing structural details and molecular localization, but researchers need to be aware that detection efficiency and emission light path performance is of major influence in the confocal image quality. By design, a large portion of the signal is discarded in confocal imaging, leading to a decreased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) which in turn limits resolution. A well-aligned system and high performance detectors are needed in order to generate an image of best quality. However, a convenient method to address system status and performance on the emission side is still lacking. Here, we present a complete method to assess microscope and emission light path performance in terms of SNR, with a comprehensive protocol alongside NoiSee, an easy-to-use macro for Fiji (available via the corresponding update site). We used this method to compare several confocal systems in our facility on biological samples under typical imaging conditions. Our method reveals differences in microscope performance and highlights the various detector types used (multialkali photomultiplier tube (PMT), gallium arsenide phosphide (GaAsP) PMT, and Hybrid detector). Altogether, our method will provide useful information to research groups and facilities to diagnose their confocal microscopes.
Global supply chain integration, financing restrictions, and green innovation
Authors: Song Malin , Chen Mei , Wang Shuhong 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence that the financial restrictions of Chinese enterprises exert on their green innovation abilities with their increased integration into the global supply chain (GSC).

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses customs, import, and export data for 222,773 Chinese enterprises and examined them by ownership type, capital density, and degree of pollution.

Findings
The results show that the deeper the integration into the GSC, the looser the financing environment would be, and the stronger the green innovation abilities of the enterprises.

Practical implications
The findings suggest that China should step up privatization of state-owned enterprises, increase government subsidies to private enterprises, and loosen their financing restrictions to address the recent economic decline in the country and ensure smooth and fast economic growth.

Originality/value
This paper is one of the first of its kind to develop and empirically analyze the relationship between the GSC and the financing restrictions and their determinant factors in China. It uniquely contributes to help the authors find approaches to constructing China’s green innovation and has far-reaching implications for other developing countries.
Impact of big data and predictive analytics capability on supply chain sustainability
Authors: Jeble Shirish , Dubey Rameshwar , Childe Stephen J. , Papadopoulos Thanos , Roubaud David , Prakash Anand 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical model to explain the impact of big data and predictive analytics (BDPA) on sustainable business development goal of the organization.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have developed the theoretical model using resource-based view logic and contingency theory. The model was further tested using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) following Peng and Lai (2012) arguments. The authors gathered 205 responses using survey-based instrument for PLS-SEM.FindingsThe statistical results suggest that out of four research hypotheses, the authors found support for three hypotheses (H1-H3) and the authors did not find support forH4. Although the authors did not find support forH4(moderating role of supply base complexity (SBC)), however, in future the relationship between BDPA, SBC and sustainable supply chain performance measures remain interesting research questions for further studies.Originality/valueThis study makes some original contribution to the operations and supply chain management literature. The authors provide theory-driven and empirically proven results which extend previous studies which have focused on single performance measures (i.e. economic or environmental). Hence, by studying the impact of BDPA on three performance measures the authors have attempted to answer some of the unresolved questions. The authors also offer numerous guidance to the practitioners and policy makers, based on empirical results.
Understanding the determinants of big data analytics (BDA) adoption in logistics and supply chain management
Authors: Lai Yuanyuan , Sun Huifen , Ren Jifan 
Published: March 2018

PurposeBased on previous literature on big data analytics (BDA) and supply chain (SC) management, the purpose of this paper is to address the factors determining firms’ intention to adopt BDA in their daily operations. Specifically, this study classifies potential factors into four categories: technological, organizational, environmental factors, and SC characteristics.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the innovation diffusion theory, a model consisted of direct technological and organizational factors as well as moderators was proposed. Subsequently, survey data was collected from 210 organizations. Then we used SPSS and SmartPLS to analyze the collected data.FindingsThe empirical results revealed that perceived benefits and top management support can significantly influence the adoption intention. And environmental factors, such as competitors’ adoption, government policy, and SC connectivity, can significantly moderate the direct relationships between driving factors and the adoption intention.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the fact that big data (BD) usage in logistics and SC management is still in the start-up stage, the interpretations toward BDA might vary from different perspectives, thus causing some ambiguity in understanding the meaning and potential BD has. In addition, we collected data through questionnaires completed by IT managers, whose viewpoint may not fully represent that of an organization.Practical implicationsThis paper tests the organizational adoption intention of BDA and extends the literature streams of BD and SC management simultaneously.Social implicationsThis research helps top managers assess the benefits of BDA as well as how to adjust their business strategy along the changes of environment and SC maturity.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature of organizational adoption intention of BDA and extends the literature streams of BD and SC management simultaneously.
“Homeliness, hope and humour” (H3) – ingredients for creating a therapeutic milieu in prisons
Authors: Williams Ian , Winship Gary 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to build a new theoretical framework for inscribing the constituents of therapeutic community (TC) practice in prisons and other secure psychiatric settings looking at three core element: homeliness, hope and humour.

Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on theory building, review of related literature, including research and policy, and synthesis from related funded research projects (Sociology of Health and Illness, Arts Humanities Research Council).

Findings
Home-as-method, and the concept of transitional home, highlights how a well-designed therapeutic environment looks and feels and can act as a base for effective rehabilitation. The TC aspires to offer a corrective new synthesis of home superseding the resident’s prior experience. A through-going definition of hope-as-method is outlined. It is argued that hope is co-constructed on the TC, and that there is a necessary challenge in gauging fluctuations in hope across time. Humour is a much overlooked idea but arguably an integral ingredient of healthy transactions between prisoners and staff. The particularities of humour present a challenge and an opportunity for harnessing the conditions when humour can flourish and conversely, the chain of events when mal humour damages community atmosphere.

Practical implications
H3 provides a new framework for reflecting on current TC practice, and also a model for developing novel ways of seeing, including the development of research and policy guidance. H3 also provides a philosophical base for developing a curriculum for education and training.

Originality/value
The 3Hs offers a rubric for positively narrating the aspirations of a prison milieu. The idea is purposively simple, and so far the authors have found that staff, prisoners and service directors are receptive to the concept, and there are plans for the 3Hs are set to be a narrative descriptor for developing practice in prisons.