bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogenomics and multigene phylogenies decipher two new cryptic marine algae from California, Gelidium gabrielsonii and G. kathyanniae (Gelidiales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Boo Ga Hun , Hughey Jeffery R. 
Published: October 2018

Molecular surveys are leading to the discovery of many new cryptic species of marine algae. This is particularly true for red algal intertidal species, which exhibit a high degree of morphological convergence. DNA sequencing of recent collections of Gelidium along the coast of California, USA, identified two morphologically similar entities that differed in DNA sequence from existing species. To characterize the two new species of Gelidium and to determine their evolutionary relationships to other known taxa, phylogenomic, multigene analyses, and morphological observations were performed. Three complete mitogenomes and five plastid genomes were deciphered, including those from the new species candidates and the type materials of two closely related congeners. The mitogenomes contained 45 genes and had similar lengths (24,963–24,964 bp). The plastid genomes contained 232 genes and were roughly similar in size (175,499–177,099 bp). The organellar genomes showed a high level of gene synteny. The two Gelidium species are diminutive, turf‐forming, and superficially resemble several long established species from the Pacific Ocean. The phylogenomic analysis, multigene phylogeny, and morphological evidence confirms the recognition and naming of two new species, describe herein as G. gabrielsonii and G. kathyanniae. On the basis of the monophyly of G. coulteri, G. gabrielsonii, G. galapagense, and G. kathyanniae, we suggest that this lineage likely evolved in California. Organellar genomes provide a powerful tool for discovering cryptic intertidal species and they continue to improve our understanding of the evolutionary biology of red algae and the systematics of the Gelidiales.
Genotypic diversity and antifungal susceptibility of Cryptococcus neoformans isolates from paediatric patients in China
Authors: Hong Nan , Chen Min , Xu Nan , Al‐Hatmi Abdullah M. S. , Zhang Chao , Pan Wei H. , Hagen Ferry , Boekhout Teun , Xu Jianping , Zou Xian B. , Liao Wan Q. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCryptococcosis is a life‐threatening mycosis primarily occurring in adult patients particularly those with immunosuppression such as HIV infection/AIDS. The number of reported cases of paediatric cryptococcosis has increased in the last decade around the world, including China. However, current information on the characteristics of cryptococcosis in children, particularly the genotypic diversity and antifungal susceptibility of the isolates, is limited. In the present study, a total of 25 paediatric isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans were genotyped using the ISHAM‐MLST scheme. In vitro susceptibility to antifungal agents of the 22 isolates was tested using the CLSI M27‐A3 method. Our analyses revealed that the genotypic diversity of C. neoformans isolates from Chinese paediatric patients was low, with ST 5 (80%) and ST 31 (12%) being the two major sequence types. Reduced susceptibility to fluconazole (FLU), 5‐flucytosine (5‐FC) and itraconazole (ITR) was observed among C. neoformans isolates from Chinese paediatric patients, particularly among the ST5 isolates, which was similar to observations made on C. neoformans isolates from Chinese adult patients. In addition, the majority of isolates (3/4, 75%) obtained from deceased patients showed decreased antifungal susceptibility, which indicates that further monitoring of antifungal susceptibility of Cryptococcus isolates is warranted in management of paediatric cryptococcosis.
Use of half‐normal saline irrigant with cooled radiofrequency ablation within the great cardiac vein to ablate premature ventricular contractions arising from the left ventricular summit
Authors: Sandhu Amneet , Schuller Joseph L. , Tzou Wendy S. , Tumolo Alexis Z. , Sauer William H. , Nguyen Duy T. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA 62‐year‐old man was referred to our institution for high‐density, symptomatic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) with resultant decrease in left ventricular (LV) function having failed prior ablation attempts. Successful, durable ablation of the patient's mid‐myocardial PVC arising from the LV summit region was achieved through the proximal great cardiac vein with ablation depth augmented by use of half‐normal saline irrigant. Though standard ablation of ventricular arrhythmias using normal saline irrigation from the coronary venous system has been well‐reported, this may be of limited value in addressing mid‐myocardial sites of origin. This novel case describes the safe use of cooled radiofrequency ablation with use of half‐normal saline irrigant from the distal coronary sinus as an option to address complex sites of PVC origin such as the LV summit.
Impact of IgE sensitization and rhinitis on inflammatory biomarkers and lung function in adolescents with and without asthma
Authors: Hallberg Jenny , Ballardini Natalia , Almqvist Catarina , Westman Marit , van Hage Marianne , Lilja Gunnar , Bergström Anna , Kull Inger , Melén Erik 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundBoth allergic and non‐allergic rhinitis are associated with worse asthma control. However, it is unclear how IgE sensitization and/or rhinitis are associated with lung function. We therefore evaluated the effect of rhinitis and sensitization on lung function, including the periphery of the airway system, and inflammatory biomarkers in individuals with and without asthma.MethodsParticipants in the BAMSE longitudinal birth cohort study underwent measures of spirometry, impulse oscillometry, and FeNO at age 16 years. Questionnaires were used to obtain data on asthma and rhinitis. Blood samples were analyzed for eosinophils and allergen‐specific IgE.ResultsGroups based on the combination of asthma, rhinitis, and sensitization were compared to a healthy reference group. Lower FEV1/FVC levels were seen for groups with asthma only (adjusted mean difference −2.8% units (95% CI −4.7; −1.0), P < 0.01), asthma with sensitization (−2.0 (−3.9; −0.2), P < 0.05), and asthma with sensitization and rhinitis (−2.5 (−3.6; −1.4), P < 0.001). The index of peripheral airway resistance R5–20 was higher in groups with asthma and sensitization (adjusted median difference 94.9 Pa L−1 s−1 (95% CI 60.4; 129.3), P < 0.001), as well as asthma with sensitization and rhinitis (36.9(15.0; 58.8), P < 0.01). These groups also had increased FeNO and blood eosinophil levels.ConclusionsWe found signs of peripheral airway obstruction and increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers in the presence of allergic asthma, irrespective of rhinitis status. Despite having a reduced FEV1/FVC, peripheral airway engagement was not seen in non‐sensitized adolescents with asthma. We suggest that small airway disease is a feature related to the eosinophilic inflammation in allergic asthma in adolescence.
Improved contemporary outcomes of liver transplantation for pediatric hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ezekian Brian , Mulvihill Michael S. , Schroder Paul M. , Gilmore Brian F. , Leraas Harold J. , Gulack Brian C. , Jane Commander Sarah , Mavis Alisha M. , Kreissman Susan G. , Knechtle Stuart J. , Tracy Elisabeth T. , Barbas Andrew S. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPurposeImprovement in outcomes of LT for pediatric HB and HCC has been reported in small series. We analyzed national outcomes and changes in donor, recipient, and perioperative factors over time that may contribute to survival differences.MethodsThe UNOS database was queried for patients age <21 years that underwent LT for a primary diagnosis of HB or HCC (1987‐2017). Subjects were divided into historic (transplant before 2010) and contemporary (transplant after 2010) cohorts. Baseline characteristics were compiled and examined. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method and compared using the log‐rank test.ResultsIn total, 599 children with HB received LT (320 historic vs 279 contemporary). Concurrently, 141 children with HCC received LT (92 historic vs 49 contemporary). For both tumors, waitlist time decreased (HB 56.2 days historic vs 33.2 days contemporary, P = 0.017; HCC 189.3 days historic vs 71.7 days contemporary, P = 0.012). In the historic cohorts, patients with HB had a 1‐year and 5‐year OS of 84.6% and 75.1%, respectively. Survival for HCC was 84.4% and 59.9%, respectively. Outcomes improved in the contemporary era to 89.1% and 82.6% for HB, and 94.7% and 80.8% for HCC, respectively (both log‐rank test P < 0.0001).ConclusionOutcomes of LT have improved significantly, with contemporary survival now equivalent between these tumors and exceeding 80% 5‐year OS. Future studies are needed to explore whether offering LT in patients that are resectable is justifiable.
Does regulation drive international research cooperation? Evidence from the pharmaceutical sector
Authors: Bennato Anna Rita , Magazzini Laura 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTo what extent is an increased stringency of the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) system apt to stimulate research cooperation between developed and emerging economies? To address this question, we empirically investigate how international joint research projects in the pharmaceutical sector are affected by the regime of IPR in force in the two countries involved in the collaboration. Looking at the joint signature of both patent documents and scientific papers by researchers located in developed and emerging markets, our investigation indicates two opposite effects: joint publications are fostered by stricter IPR rules, whereas joint patents are discouraged. A recently proposed theory provides a plausible rationale for this apparently contradicting result.
Building caregivers’ emotional, parental and social support skills to prevent violence against adolescent girls: findings from a cluster randomised controlled trial in Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Stark Lindsay , Seff Ilana , Asghar Khudejha , Roth Danielle , Bakamore Theresita , MacRae Mairi , Fanton D’Andon Cecile , Falb Kathryn L 
Published: October 2018

IntroductionParenting programmes are increasingly popular for reducing children’s exposure to interpersonal violence in low/middle-income countries, but there is limited evidence on their effectiveness. We investigated the incremental impact of adding a caregiver component to a life skills programme for adolescent girls, assessing girls’ exposure to violence (sexual and others) and caregivers’ gender attitudes and parenting behaviours.MethodsIn this two-arm, single-blinded, cluster randomised controlled trial, we recruited 869 adolescent girls aged 10–14 and 764 caregivers in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. Following a baseline survey, participants were divided into 35 clusters based on age, language and location. Eighteen clusters were randomised to the treatment arm and 17 clusters to the wait-list control arm. Adolescent girls in both arms received 32 life skills sessions; caregivers in the treatment arm received 13 complementary caregiver sessions. The primary outcome was girls’ self-reported exposure to sexual violence in the last 12 months; secondary outcomes included self-reports of specific forms of sexual violence, physical and emotional violence, transactional sex, child marriage for girls and parenting behaviours for caregivers. Intent-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were conducted.ResultsAt 12 months of follow-up, the intervention showed no impact on sexual violence (adjusted OR=0.95; 95% CI 0.65 to 1.37) or any secondary outcomes for girls. The intervention was associated with improved supportive parenting behaviours. Protocol adherence was also associated with improvements in these outcomes.ConclusionWhile the caregiver curriculum improved some parenting outcomes, additional programmatic adaptations may be needed to reduce adolescent girls’ violence exposure in humanitarian settings.Trial registration numberNCT02384642.
DYRK1A modulates c-MET in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma to drive tumour growth
Authors: Luna Jeroni , Boni Jacopo , Cuatrecasas Miriam , Bofill-De Ros Xavier , Núñez-Manchón Estela , Gironella Meritxell , Vaquero Eva C , Arbones Maria L , de la Luna Susana , Fillat Cristina 
Published: October 2018

Background and aimsPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a very aggressive tumour with a poor prognosis using current treatments. Targeted therapies may offer a new avenue for more effective strategies. Dual-specificity tyrosine regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) is a pleiotropic kinase with contradictory roles in different tumours that is uncharacterised in PDAC. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of DYRK1A in pancreatic tumorigenesis.DesignWe analysed DYRK1A expression in PDAC genetic mouse models and in patient samples. DYRK1A function was assessed with knockdown experiments in pancreatic tumour cell lines and in PDAC mouse models with genetic reduction ofDyrk1adosage. Furthermore, we explored a mechanistic model for DYRK1A activity.ResultsWe showed that DYRK1A was highly expressed in PDAC, and that its protein level positively correlated with that of c-MET. Inhibition of DYRK1A reduced tumour progression by limiting tumour cell proliferation. DYRK1A stabilised the c-MET receptor through SPRY2, leading to prolonged activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase signalling.ConclusionsThese findings reveal that DYRK1A contributes to tumour growth in PDAC, at least through regulation of c-MET accumulation, suggesting that inhibition of DYRK1A could represent a novel therapeutic target for PDAC.
Love Conquers All: The Erfurt Girdle as a Source for Understanding Medieval Jewish Love and Romance
Authors: Noy Ido 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe discovery of pawned objects in treasure troves attributed to Jews enables investigation of the use and understanding of these objects by Jews, especially regarding those of a more secular nature, i.e. objects that have little relationship to Jewish or Christian liturgy and that lack explicit Jewish or Christian religious iconography or inscriptions. One of these pawned objects is a girdle, which was found in a Jewish context in Erfurt. Through examining this girdle in the context of similar imagery in Jewish art, we see that Jews were not only exposed to such girdles but also were well aware of their symbolic meaning in noble love and romance.
Radiation-Associated Chronic Dysphagia Assessment by Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Swallowing-Related Structures and Radiation Dose-Volume Effect
Authors: Ozkaya Akagunduz Ozlem , Eyigor Sibel , Kirakli Esra , Tavlayan Emin , Erdogan Cetin Zeynep , Kara Gulsen , Esassolak Mustafa 
Published: October 2018

Purpose We aimed to restore dose-volume parameters of swallowing-related structures (SRSs) by evaluating long-term swallowing dysfunctions after radiotherapy (RT) in head and neck cancer patients (HNCPs). Materials and Methods Head and neck cancer patients whose pharyngeal region was involved in RT portal and treated with definitive RT/chemoradiotherapy (CRT) were included in the analyses. Patients underwent objective swallowing assessment by flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Volumes of SRSs that received 55 Gy (V55) (mean dose [Dmean]) were evaluated according to the dose-volume histograms of each patient. For every SRS, optimal dose-volume cut-off values were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results Fifty-five patients at a median 20 months (range, 12-26 months) after their treatments were evaluated. There was a strong negative correlation between FEES scores and dose-volume parameters of SRS ( r ⩽ –0.5, P < .0001). According to our results, middle pharyngeal constrictor (MPC) and inferior pharyngeal constrictor (IPC) had a Dmean > 57 Gy, base of tongue (BOT) Dmean > 50 Gy, supraglottic larynx (SGL) and glottic larynx (GL) Dmean > 55 Gy, and cervical esophagus (CE) Dmean > 45 Gy. MPC V55 > 70%, IPC V55 > 50%, BOT V55 > 65%, CE V55 > 40%, and SGL and GL V55 > 50% were significant predictors for dysphagia. Conclusion It was found that dysphagia correlates strongly with dose-volume parameters of SRSs. IPC, SGL, and CE were found to be structures significantly associated with dysphagia.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation simulation-based training: methods, drawbacks and a novel solution
Authors: Al Disi Mohammed , Alsalemi Abdullah , Alhomsi Yahya , Bensaali Fayçal , Amira Abbes , Alinier Guillaume 
Published: October 2018

Introduction: Patients under the error-prone and complication-burdened extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are looked after by a highly trained, multidisciplinary team. Simulation-based training (SBT) affords ECMO centers the opportunity to equip practitioners with the technical dexterity required to manage emergencies. The aim of this article is to review ECMO SBT activities and technology followed by a novel solution to current challenges. ECMO simulation: The commonly-used simulation approach is easy-to-build as it requires a functioning ECMO machine and an altered circuit. Complications are simulated through manual circuit manipulations. However, scenario diversity is limited and often lacks physiological and/or mechanical authenticity. It is also expensive to continuously operate due to the consumption of highly specialized equipment. Technological aid: Commercial extensions can be added to enable remote control and to automate circuit manipulation, but do not improve on the realism or cost-effectiveness. A modular ECMO simulator: To address those drawbacks, we are developing a standalone modular ECMO simulator that employs affordable technology for high-fidelity simulation.
Proximal Interphalangeal Arthrodesis of Lesser Toes Utilizing K-Wires Versus Expanding Implants: Comparative Biomechanical Cadaveric Study
Authors: Rothermel Shane D. , Aydogan Umur , Roush Evan P. , Lewis Gregory S. 
Published: October 2018

Background: Lesser toe proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthrodesis is one of the most common foot and ankle elective procedures often using K-wires for fixation. K-wire associated complications led to development of intramedullary fixation devices. We hypothesized that X Fuse (Stryker) and Smart Toe (Stryker) would provide stronger and stiffer fixation than K-wire fixation. Methods: 12 cadaveric second toe pairs were used. In one group, K-wires stabilized 6 PIP joints, and 6 contralateral PIP joints were fixed with X Fuse. A second group used K-wires to stabilize 6 PIP joints, and 6 contralateral PIP joints were fixed with Smart Toe. Specimens were loaded cyclically with extension bending using 2-N step increases (10 cycles per step). Load to failure and initial stiffness were assessed. Statistical analysis used paired t tests. Results: K-wire average failure force, 91.0 N (SD 28.3), was significantly greater than X Fuse, 63.3 N (SD 12.9) ( P < .01). K-wire average failure force, 102.3 N (SD 17.7), was also significantly greater than Smart Toe, 53.3 N (SD 18.7) ( P < .01). K-wire initial stiffness 21.3 N/mm (SD 5.7) was greater than Smart Toe 14.4 N/mm (SD 9.3) ( P = .02). K-wire failure resulted from bending of K-wire or breaching cortical bone. X Fuse typically failed by implant pullout. Smart Toe failure resulted from breaching cortical bone. Conclusion: K-wires may provide stiffer and stronger constructs in extension bending than the X Fuse or Smart Toe system. This cadaver study assessed stability of the fusion site at time zero after surgery. Clinical Relevance: Our findings provide new data supporting biomechanical stability of K-wires for lesser toe PIP arthrodesis, at least in this clinically relevant mode of cyclic loading.
Generalised arterial calcification in normoalbuminuric patients with type 1 diabetes with and without cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy
Authors: Hjortkjær Henrik Øder , Jensen Tonny , Hilsted Jannik , Mogensen Ulrik Madvig , Rossing Peter , Køber Lars , Kofoed Klaus Fuglsang 
Published: October 2018

Background: Type 1 diabetes is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and the diabetic complication cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in itself entails increased cardiovascular risk by mechanisms not yet fully understood. Arterial calcification is an important predictor of cardiovascular events; the aim of this study was to investigate the level of generalised arterial calcification in patients with long-term, normoalbuminuric type 1 diabetes and the association with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy, as these factors have not been investigated in type 1 diabetes. Methods: Participants were examined for calcification of coronary and carotid arteries through non-contrast multi-detector computed tomography scans. Generalised arterial calcification was defined as the presence of calcium in both the coronary and carotid arteries. Results: A total of 53 patients with type 1 diabetes were included. Coronary and carotid artery calcium scores were correlated ( r = 0.720, p < 0.0001). Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy was associated with increased coronary ( p = 0.002) and carotid ( p = 0.001) artery calcium scores. Seventeen of 20 patients with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (85%) demonstrated generalised arterial calcification compared to 11 (33%) patients without cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy; patients with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy had an odds ratio of 11.3 (95% confidence interval = 2.7–47.1, p < 0.001) for generalised arterial calcification. Conclusion: Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy is associated with increased level of generalised arterial calcification in patients with normoalbuminuric, long-term type 1 diabetes.
Rate of Development of Hallucal Interphalangeal Degenerative Joint Disease After First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis: A Retrospective Radiographic Analysis
Authors: Shah Nisha N. , Richardson Marcus P. , Chu Anson K. , Hyer Christopher F. 
Published: October 2018

The development of hallux interphalangeal joint (IPJ) arthritis after an arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint has been established in the literature. However, the significance has not been well reported. A retrospective, radiographic review of patients who had undergone a first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis was performed. The Coughlin classification for degree of arthritic degeneration, hallux abductus angle, and hallux interphalangeus angle were measured in 107 radiographs of 103 patients preoperatively and postoperatively. Postoperative angles were measured immediately following surgery at approximately 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months. We found that the hallux abductus angle had decreased in the patients postoperatively; however, the hallux abductus interphalangeus angle increased on average after first metatarsophalangeal fusion. The majority of patients started with a Coughlin classification I of the hallux IPJ, which remained unchanged over the postoperative period, with no statistically significant difference in IPJ degeneration in the patients with or without fusion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. In addition, no patients had a symptomatic hallux IPJ postoperatively within our limited study period. Further prospective studies would be beneficial with longer follow-up times to assess IPJ degeneration following first metatarsophalangeal joint fusions. Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective, comparative study