bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic idiopathic erythroderma of elderly men is an independent entity that has a distinct TARC/IgE profile from adult atopic dermatitis
Authors: Ohga Yasunori , Bayaraa Bolortuya , Imafuku Shinichi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundAlthough there are several diseases that cause erythroderma, patients are often encountered with erythroderma of unknown cause which persists for a long time. The aim of this study was to characterize this chronic idiopathic erythroderma (CIE).MethodsAdult patients with CIE, atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriatic erythroderma (PsE), or generalized drug eruption (DE), who visited Fukuoka University Hospital Dermatology Department from 2010 to 2015, were enrolled. Their clinical and laboratory data were extracted from the patient database. CIE was defined as erythroderma without any apparent cause and lasting more than 3 months.ResultsTwenty‐three CIE, 82 AD, 39 psoriatic erythroderma, and 99 drug eruption cases were enrolled. The mean age of CIE patients was 74.7 ± 8.8, and the male : female ratio was 21 : 2. Laboratory data for CIE and AD were similar, but serum levels of thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC), a T‐helper (Th) 2 cytokine, in the CIE group were significantly more elevated than in the AD group. Conversely, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels were significantly lower in CIE patients compared with the atopic dermatitis group, and the ROC curve of the TARC/IgE ratio (7.24) provided efficient differentiation of the CIE group from AD patients. About PsE and DE, significant elevation of C‐reactive protein was observed. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were also elevated in DE.ConclusionsChronic idiopathic erythroderma is an independent condition which is likely to occur in elderly men. Immunity is shifted to the Th2 type in CIE; however, the mechanism may differ from that of atopic dermatitis.
Energy stored during deformation of crystallizing TPU foams
Authors: Lachhab A. , Robin E. , Le Cam J.‐B. , Mortier F. , Tirel Y. , Canevet F. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe hysteresis loop observed in the mechanical response of elastomers is classically assumed to be due to viscosity. In this study, a complete energy balance is carried out during cyclic deformation of compact and foamed crystallizing thermoplastic polyurethanes. Results show that viscosity is not the only phenomenon involved in the hysteresis loop formation: A significant part of the mechanical energy brought is not dissipated into heat and is stored by the material when the material changes its microstructure, typically when it is crystallizing. Some of this energy is released during unloading, when melting occurs, but with a different rate, which contributes to the hysteresis loop. The part of the mechanical energy stored by the material has been quantified through the γse ratio (Loukil et al. (2018) European Polymer Journal, 98, 448–455) to investigate the effects of the loading rate and the void volume fraction on the energetic response of thermoplastic polyurethane.
Colocation of the Polymyxin Resistance Gene
mcr-1
and a Variant of
mcr-3
on a Plasmid in an Escherichia coli Isolate from a Chicken Farm
Authors: Xiang Rong , Liu Bi-Hui , Zhang An-Yun , Lei Chang-Wei , Ye Xiao-Lan , Yang Yan-Xian , Chen Yan-Peng , Wang Hong-Ning 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

A colistin-resistant
Escherichia coli
isolate from a commercial poultry farm in China carried two colistin resistance genes,
mcr-1
and variant of
mcr-3
, in an IncP plasmid. The variant of the
mcr-3
gene, named
mcr-3.11
, encoded two amino acid substitutions compared with the
mcr-3
gene. A novel genetic structure, IS
Kpn40-mcr-3-dgkA
-IS
Kpn40
, might be the key element mediating the translocation of
mcr-3
through the formation of a circular form. The
mcr-1
and
mcr-3
genes, which are colocated on a plasmid, might pose a huge threat to public health.
An Antibiotic Stewardship Program Blueprint for Optimizing Verigene BC-GN within an Institution: a Tale of Two Cities
Authors: Pogue Jason M. , Heil Emily L. , Lephart Paul , Johnson J. Kristie , Mynatt Ryan P. , Salimnia Hossein , Claeys Kimberly C. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have revolutionized the management of Gram-negative bacteremia by allowing antimicrobial stewardship teams the ability to escalate therapy and improve patient outcomes through timely organism identification and detection of certain resistance determinants. However, given the complex nature of Gram-negative resistance, stewardship teams are left without clear direction for how to respond when resistance determinants are absent, as the safety of de-escalation in this setting is unknown. The primary purpose of this analysis was to determine the negative predictive values (NPVs) of resistance marker absence for predicting susceptibility in target bug-drug scenarios at two geographically distinct institutions. A total of 1,046 Gram-negative bloodstream isolates that were analyzed with the Verigene BC-GN platform were assessed. Except for
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, the absence of resistance determinants as reported by the RDT largely predicted susceptibility to target antibiotics at both institutions. NPVs for ceftriaxone susceptibility in
Escherichia coli
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
in the absence of either CTX-M or a carbapenemase gene were 98% and 93 to 94%, respectively. Similar results were seen with other target bug-drug scenarios, with NPVs of 94 to 100% demonstrated at both institutions, with the exception of
P. aeruginosa
, for which NPVs were poor, likely due to the more complex nature of resistance in this pathogen. The results of this study show that clinicians at both institutions should have confidence in de-escalation in the absence of resistance determinant detection by Verigene BC-GN testing, and the methodology described within this article can serve as a blueprint for other stewardship programs to employ at their institutions to optimize management of Gram-negative bacteremia.
MEDI3902 Correlates of Protection against Severe Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pneumonia in a Rabbit Acute Pneumonia Model
Authors: Le Hoan N. , Quetz Josiane Silva , Tran Vuvi G. , Le Vien T. M. , Aguiar-Alves Fábio , Pinheiro Marcos G. , Cheng Lily , Yu Li , Sellman Bret R. , Stover Charles K. , DiGiandomenico Antonio , Diep Binh An 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is among the most formidable antibiotic-resistant pathogens and is a leading cause of hospital-associated infections. With dwindling options for antibiotic-resistant infections, a new paradigm for treatment and disease resolution is required. MEDI3902, a bispecific antibody targeting the
P. aeruginosa
type III secretion (T3S) protein PcrV and Psl exopolysaccharide, was previously shown to mediate potent protective activity in murine infection models. With the current challenges associated with the clinical development of narrow-spectrum agents, robust preclinical efficacy data in multiple animal species are desirable. Here, we sought to develop a rabbit
P. aeruginosa
acute pneumonia model to further evaluate the activity of MEDI3902 intervention. In the rabbit model of acute pneumonia, prophylaxis with MEDI3902 exhibited potent dose-dependent protection, whereas those receiving control IgG developed fatal hemorrhagic necrotizing pneumonia between 12 and 54 h after infection. Blood biomarkers (e.g., partial pressure of oxygen [pO
2
], partial pressure of carbon dioxide [pCO
2
], base excess, lactate, and creatinine) were grossly deranged for the vast majority of control IgG-treated animals but remained within normal limits for MEDI3902-treated animals. In addition, MEDI3902-treated animals exhibited a profound reduction in
P. aeruginosa
organ burden and a marked reduction in the expression of proinflammatory mediators from lung tissue, which correlated with reduced lung histopathology. These results confirm that targeting PcrV and Psl via MEDI3902 is a promising candidate for immunotherapy against
P. aeruginosa
pneumonia.
The Combination of Daptomycin and Fosfomycin Has Synergistic, Potent, and Rapid Bactericidal Activity against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Rabbit Model of Experimental Endocarditis
Authors: García-de-la-Mària Cristina , Gasch Oriol , García-Gonzalez Javier , Soy Dolors , Shaw Evelyn , Ambrosioni Juan , Almela Manel , Pericàs Juan M. , Tellez Adrián , Falces Carlos , Hernandez-Meneses Marta , Sandoval Elena , Quintana Eduard , Vidal Barbara , Tolosana Jose M. , Fuster David , Llopis Jaume , Pujol Miquel , Moreno Asuncion , Marco Francesc , Miró Jose M. , Miró Jose M. , Ambrosioni Juan , Téllez Adrian , Pericàs Juan M. , Hernández-Meneses Marta , Moreno Asuncion , García de la Mària Cristina , Armero Yolanda , García-González Javier , Almela Manel , Casals Climent , Marco Francesc , Vila Jordi , Quintana Eduard , Sandoval Elena , Paré Juan C. , Falces Carlos , Pereda Daniel , Cartañá Ramon , Ninot Salvador , Azqueta Manel , Sitges Marta , Vidal Barbara , Pomar José L. , Castella Manuel , Tolosana José M. , Ortiz José , Fita Guillermina , Rovira Irene , Fuster David , Ramírez Jose , Brunet Mercè , Soy Dolors , Castro Pedro , Llopis Jaume 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

We investigated whether the addition of fosfomycin or cloxacillin to daptomycin provides better outcomes in the treatment of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) experimental aortic endocarditis in rabbits. Five MRSA strains were used to perform
in vitro
time-kill studies using standard (10
6
) and high (10
8
) inocula. Combined therapy was compared to daptomycin monotherapy treatment in the MRSA experimental endocarditis model. A human-like pharmacokinetics model was applied, and the equivalents of cloxacillin at 2 g/4 h, fosfomycin at 2 g/6 h, and daptomycin at 6 to 10 mg/kg/day were administered intravenously. A combination of daptomycin and either fosfomycin or cloxacillin was synergistic in the five strains tested at both inocula. A bactericidal effect was detected in four of five strains tested with both combinations. The MRSA-277 strain (vancomycin MIC, 2 μg/ml) was used for the experimental endocarditis model. Daptomycin plus fosfomycin significantly improved the efficacy of daptomycin monotherapy at 6 mg/kg/day in terms of both the proportion of sterile vegetations (100% versus 72%,
P
= 0.046) and the decrease in the density of bacteria within the vegetations (
P
= 0.025). Daptomycin plus fosfomycin was as effective as daptomycin monotherapy at 10 mg/kg/day (100% versus 93%,
P
= 1.00) and had activity similar to that of daptomycin plus cloxacillin when daptomycin was administered at 6 mg/kg/day (100% versus 88%,
P
= 0.48). Daptomycin nonsusceptibility was not detected in any of the isolates recovered from vegetations. In conclusion, for the treatment of MRSA experimental endocarditis, the combination of daptomycin plus fosfomycin showed synergistic and bactericidal activity.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Epidemic OXA-48-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Strains Isolated during a Large Outbreak in Spain
Authors: Gato E. , Álvarez-Fraga L. , Vallejo J. A. , Rumbo-Feal S. , Martínez-Guitián M. , Beceiro A. , Poza M. , Bou G. , Pérez A. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

We report here the draft genome sequences of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strains Kp1803 and Kp3380 isolated during a large outbreak at A Coruña Hospital in Spain. The final genome assemblies for Kp1803 and Kp3380 comprise approximately 6.6 and 6.1 Mb, respectively, and both strains have G+C contents of 57.2%.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus paralicheniformis F47, Isolated from an Algerian Salty Lake
Authors: Daas Mohamed Seghir , Rosana Albert Remus R. , Acedo Jeella Z. , Douzane Malika , Nateche Farida , Kebbouche-Gana Salima , Vederas John C. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Bacillus paralicheniformis
F47 was isolated from a salty lake in Ain Baida-Ouargla, southern Algeria. The genome contains genes for the production of several bioactive secondary metabolites, including the siderophore bacillibactin, the lipopeptides fengycin, surfactin, and lichenysin, the antibiotics bacitracin and kanosamine, and a putative circular bacteriocin.
Randomised controlled trial of rhinothermy for treatment of the common cold: a feasibility study
Authors: Hei Susanne van de , McKinstry Steven , Bardsley George , Weatherall Mark , Beasley Richard , Fingleton James 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveTo determine the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of rhinothermy for the common cold.DesignOpen label, randomised, controlled feasibility study.SettingSingle-centre research institute in New Zealand recruiting participants from the community.Participants30 adult participants with symptoms of a common cold, presenting within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.InterventionsParticipants were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive either 35 L/min of 100% humidified air at 41°C via high flow nasal cannulae, 2 hours per day for up to 5 days (rhinothermy), or vitamin C 250 mg daily for 5 days (control).Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the proportion of screened candidates who were randomised. Secondary outcomes included: proportion of randomised participants who completed the study; modified Jackson scores from randomisation to 10 days after initiation of randomised regimen; time until feeling ‘a lot better’ compared with study entry; time until resolution of symptoms or symptom score at 10 days postrandomisation; proportion of organisms identified by PCR analysis of nasal swabs taken at baseline; the patterns of use of the rhinothermy device; estimated adherence of the control group; and rhinothermy device tolerability.ResultsIn all 30/79 (38%, 95% CI 27% to 50%) of potential participants screened for eligibility were randomised. Rhinothermy was well tolerated, and all randomised participants completed the study (100%, 95% CI 88% to 100%). The reduction from baseline in the modified Jackson score was greater with rhinothermy compared with control at days 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, with the maximum difference at day 4 (−6.4, 95% CI −9.4 to −3.3). The substantial clinical benefit threshold for modified Jackson score was a 5-unit change.ConclusionsThis study shows that an RCT of rhinothermy compared with low-dose vitamin C in the treatment of the common cold is feasible.Trial registration numberACTRN12616000470493; Results.
Selective screening for atrial fibrillation using multivariable risk models
Authors: Linker David T , Murphy Tasha B , Mokdad Ali H 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveAtrial fibrillation can lead to stroke if untreated, and identifying those at higher risk is necessary for cost-effective screening for asymptomatic, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Age has been proposed to identify those at risk, but risk models may provide better discrimination. This study compares atrial fibrillation risk models with age for screening for atrial fibrillation.MethodsNine atrial fibrillation risk models were compared using the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study (11 373 subjects, 60.0±5.7 years old). A new risk model (Screening for Asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation Events—SAAFE) was created using data collected in the Monitoring Disparities in Chronic Conditions study (3790 subjects, 58.9±15.3 years old). The primary measure was the fraction of incident atrial fibrillation subjects who should receive treatment due to a high CHA2DS2-VASc score identified when screening a fixed number equivalent to the age criterion. Secondary measures were the C statistic and net benefit.ResultsFive risk models were significantly better than age. Age identified 71 (61%) of the subjects at risk for stroke who subsequently developed atrial fibrillation, while the best risk model identified 96 (82%). The newly developed SAAFE model identified 95 (81%), primarily based on age, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease.ConclusionsUse of a risk model increases identification of subjects at risk for atrial fibrillation. One of the best performing models (SAAFE) does not require an ECG for its application, so that it could be used instead of age as a screening criterion without adding to the cost.
Aortic elongation part I: the normal aortic ageing process
Authors: Adriaans Bouke P , Heuts Samuel , Gerretsen Suzanne , Cheriex Emile C , Vos Rein , Natour Ehsan , Maessen Jos G , Sardari Nia Peyman , Crijns Harry J G M , Wildberger Joachim E , Schalla Simon 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesDifferentiation between normal and abnormal features of vascular ageing is crucial, as the latter is associated with adverse outcomes. The normal aortic ageing process is accompanied by gradual luminal dilatation and reduction of vessel compliance. However, the influence of age on longitudinal aortic dimensions and geometry has not been well studied. This study aims to describe the normal evolution of aortic length and shape throughout life.MethodsA total of 210 consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled in this cross-sectional single-centre study. All subjects underwent CT on a third-generation dual-source CT scanner. Morphometric measurements, including measurements of segmental length and tortuosity, were performed on three-dimensional models of the thoracic aorta.ResultsThe length of the thoracic aorta was significantly related to age (r=0.54) and increased by 59 mm (males) or 66 mm (females) between the ages of 20 and 80 years. Elongation was most pronounced in the proximal descending aorta, which showed an almost 2.5-fold length increase during life. The lengthening of the thoracic aorta was accompanied by a marked change of its geometry: whereas the aortic apex was located between the branch vessels in younger patients, it shifted to a more distalward position in the elderly.ConclusionsThe normal ageing process is accompanied by gradual aortic elongation and a notable change of aortic geometry. Part II of this two-part article investigates the hypothesis that excessive elongation could play a role in the occurrence of acute aortic dissection.
Entrainment and abrasion of megaclasts during submarine landsliding and their impact on flow behaviour
Authors: Hodgson D. M. , Brooks H. L. , Ortiz-Karpf A. , Spychala Y. , Lee D. R. , Jackson C. A.-L. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Many mass transport complexes (MTCs) contain up to kilometre-scale (mega)clasts encased in a debritic matrix. Although many megaclasts are sourced from the headwall areas, the irregular basal shear surfaces of many MTCs indicate that megaclast entrainment during the passage of flows into the deeper basin is also common. However, the mechanisms responsible for the entrainment of large blocks of substrate, and their influence on the longitudinal behaviour of the associated flows, have not been widely considered. We present examples of megaclasts from exhumed MTCs (the Neuquén Basin, Argentina and the Karoo Basin, South Africa) and MTCs imaged in three-dimensional seismic reflection data (Magdalena Fan, offshore Colombia and Santos Basin, offshore Brazil) to investigate these process–product interactions. We show that highly sheared basal surfaces are well developed in distal locations, sometimes extending beyond their associated deposit. This points to deformation and weakening of the substrate ahead of the flow, suggesting that preconditioning of the substrate by distributed shear ahead of, and to the side of, a mass flow could result in the entrainment of large fragments. An improved understanding of the interactions between flow evolution, seabed topography, and the entrainment and abrasion of megaclasts will help to refine estimates of run-out distances, and therefore the geohazard potential of submarine landslides.
Stanniocalcin Expression as a Predictor of Late Breast Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Brantley Kristen D. , Kjærsgaard Anders , Cronin-Fenton Deirdre , Yacoub Rami , Nielsen Anja S. , Lauridsen Kristina L. , Hamilton-Dutoit Stephen , Lash Timothy L. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Background: Expression of human paracrine hormones stanniocalcin 1 (STC1) and stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) may potentiate late breast cancer recurrence. We tested the hypothesis that expression of STC1 and STC2 in primary breast tumors is more strongly associated with late versus early recurrences.
Methods: A total of 541 estrogen receptor–positive, tamoxifen-treated (ER+/TAM+) and 300 ER-negative, tamoxifen-untreated (ER−/TAM−) breast cancer patients who experienced recurrence within 10 years of primary diagnosis and matched recurrence-free controls were selected from a cohort of 11,251 Danish breast cancer patients diagnosed with stage I, II, or III breast cancer during 1985 to 2001. The association between IHC expression of STC1 and STC2 in primary breast tumor tissue microarrays and breast cancer recurrence was evaluated within median time to recurrence quintiles.
Results: The association between STC1 expression, dichotomized as positive or negative, and recurrence was strongly positive for the final time quintile (6–10 years postdiagnosis) in the ER+/TAM+ group [aOR = 2.70; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–5.98]. Regression of the log ORs relating dichotomous STC1 and STC2 expression to recurrence by median time to recurrence (year) resulted in a relatively large positive effect estimate for STC1 (β = 0.16; 95% CI, −0.03–0.36) and a near-null positive effect estimate for STC2 (β = 0.04; 95% CI, −0.14–0.21).
Conclusions: Our results suggest a stronger association between primary tumor STC1 expression and late recurrence, as opposed to early recurrence, although no clear trend was apparent.
Impact: STC1 expression in the primary tumor may potentiate late recurrences, suggesting dormancy pathways that merit further investigation. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(6); 653–9. ©2018 AACR.
Genome Sequencing and RNA-Motif Analysis Reveal Novel Damaging Noncoding Mutations in Human Tumors
Authors: Singh Babita , Trincado Juan L. , Tatlow PJ , Piccolo Stephen R. , Eyras Eduardo 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
A major challenge in cancer research is to determine the biological and clinical significance of somatic mutations in noncoding regions. This has been studied in terms of recurrence, functional impact, and association to individual regulatory sites, but the combinatorial contribution of mutations to common RNA regulatory motifs has not been explored. Therefore, we developed a new method, MIRA (mutation identification for RNA alterations), to perform an unbiased and comprehensive study of significantly mutated regions (SMR) affecting binding sites for RNA-binding proteins (RBP) in cancer. Extracting signals related to RNA-related selection processes and using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data from the same specimens, we identified alterations in RNA expression and splicing linked to mutations on RBP binding sites. We found SRSF10 and MBNL1 motifs in introns, HNRPLL motifs at 5′ UTRs, as well as 5′ and 3′ splice-site motifs, among others, with specific mutational patterns that disrupt the motif and impact RNA processing. MIRA facilitates the integrative analysis of multiple genome sites that operate collectively through common RBPs and aids in the interpretation of noncoding variants in cancer. MIRA is available at https://github.com/comprna/mira.
Implications: The study of recurrent cancer mutations on potential RBP binding sites reveals new alterations in introns, untranslated regions, and long noncoding RNAs that impact RNA processing and provide a new layer of insight that can aid in the interpretation of noncoding variants in cancer genomes. Mol Cancer Res; 16(7); 1112–24. ©2018 AACR.