bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deconstructing ARDS Variability: Platelet Count, an ARDS Intermediate Phenotype and Novel Mediator of Genetic Effects in ARDS
Authors: Tejera Paula , Christiani David 
Published: May 2019

AbstractGenome-wide association studies (GWASs) in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have been hampered by the heterogeneity of the clinical phenotypes and the large sample size requirement. As the limitations of these studies to uncover the complex genetic architecture of ARDS are evident, new approaches intended to reduce data complexity need to be applied. Intermediate phenotypes are mechanism-related manifestations of the disease, located closer to the genetic substrate than to disease phenotype, and therefore able to reflect more directly and more strongly the effect of causal genes. The dissection of complex phenotypes into less complex intermediate phenotypes is a valuable strategy to facilitate the discovery of those genetic variants whose effect is not strong enough to be detected as markers of disease in traditional GWASs. Genetic causal inference methodologies can be then applied to estimate the implication of the intermediate trait in the causal circuit between genes and disease. By following this strategy, platelet count, a relevant intermediate quantitative trait in ARDS, has been recently identified as a novel mediator in the genetic contribution to ARDS risk and mortality. The use of intermediate phenotypes and causal inference are emerging methodological and statistical strategies that can help to overcome the limitations of traditional GWASs in ARDS. Moreover, these approaches can provide evidence for the mechanisms linking genes to ARDS and help to prioritize therapeutic targets for the treatment of this devastating syndrome.
Optimal Ventilator Strategies in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Sklar Michael , Patel Bhakti , Beitler Jeremy , Piraino Thomas , Goligher Ewan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMechanical ventilation practices in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have progressed with a growing understanding of the disease pathophysiology. Paramount to the care of affected patients is the delivery of lung-protective mechanical ventilation which prioritizes tidal volume and plateau pressure limitation. Lung protection can probably be further enhanced by scaling target tidal volumes to the specific respiratory mechanics of individual patients. The best procedure for selecting optimal positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in ARDS remains uncertain; several relevant issues must be considered when selecting PEEP, particularly lung recruitability. Noninvasive ventilation must be used with caution in ARDS as excessively high respiratory drive can further exacerbate lung injury; newer modes of delivery offer promising approaches in hypoxemic respiratory failure. Airway pressure release ventilation offers an alternative approach to maximize lung recruitment and oxygenation, but clinical trials have not demonstrated a survival benefit of this mode over conventional ventilation strategies. Rescue therapy with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation is an important option in refractory hypoxemia. Despite a disappointing lack of benefit (and possible harm) in patients with moderate or severe ARDS, possibly due to lung hyperdistention and right ventricular dysfunction, high-frequency oscillation may improve outcome in patients with very severe hypoxemia.
Gene cloning of the pink-colored protein from Pleurotus salmoneostramineus (PsPCP) and its species-specific chromoprotein are effective for colorization of the fruit body
Authors: Fukuta Yasuhisa , Kamei Kengo , Matsui Aoi , Fuji Yosuke , Onuma Hiroki , Shirasaka Norifumi 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACT
Pleurotus salmoneostramineus is a pink mushroom. This pink color is a protein and forms a complex with 3H-indol-3-one. The gene encoding the pink-colored protein from P. salmoneostramineus (PsPCP) was cloned, and its sequence was elucidated as a 681-bp. The ORF encodes 226 amino acid residues. The amino acid sequence of the protein did not show any significant homology in the DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank databases. Recombinant PsPCP was expressed as the soluble form in E. coli. The reaction mixture of purified recombinant PsPCP and 3H-indol-3-one showed a pink color as the native pigment. A real-time PCR analysis revealed the strong expression of PsPCP in the primordium formation stage of the life cycle of the fungus; however, its expression decreased with the maturation of the fruit body. A comparison of PsPCP gene expression profiles between two strains revealed high levels in the dark-colored strain.
Maltobionic acid enhances intestinal absorption of calcium and magnesium in rats
Authors: Suehiro Daiki , Okada Misato , Fukami Ken , Nakagawa Tomoyuki , Hayakawa Takashi 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACT
In Experiment 1, the effects of calcium maltobionate (MBCa) on calcium and magnesium absorption were examined using male rats. Four diets were designed in which 25%, 50%, and 100% of calcium carbonate (CaCO3, Control) were substituted with MBCa and were designated as MBCa-25, MBCa-50, and MBCa-100, respectively. The cecal concentration of short-chain fatty acids was significantly higher in groups MBCa-50 and MBCa-100; however, pH of cecal contents did not significantly differ among the groups. Retention rates of calcium and magnesium were significantly higher in all MBCa groups as compared to the Control. In Experiment 2, the efficiency of calcium absorption was compared using everted sacs of jejunum and ileum with CaCO3 and MBCa as calcium sources. More calcium from MBCa was absorbed as the concentration of calcium increased in comparison to CaCO3. It was concluded that MBCa is a better calcium source than CaCO3 in terms of both calcium retention and absorption.
Abbreviations: ANOVA: analysis of variance; Ca: Calcium; CaCO3: calcium carbonate; ICP-OES: Inductivity coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer; Mg: magnesium; MBCa: calcium maltobionate; OCPC: o-cresolphthalein complexone; SCFAs: short-chain fatty acids; SE: standard error; TRPM6: transient receptor potential melastatin 6.
High-Expression HBO1 Predicts Poor Prognosis in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wang Yan , Chen Sufang , Tian Wei , Zhang Qing , Jiang Chunyi , Qian Li , Liu Ying 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Our goal was to assess the expression of histone acetyltransferase binding to origin recognition complex 1 (HBO1) in gastric cancer and the effect on prognosis for the patients.

Methods
We used quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and tissue microarray immunohistochemistry to investigate the expressions of HBO1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein in gastric cancer tissues. Online resources, including Oncomine and Kaplan-Meier Plotter, were used to further assess the correlation between HBO1 expression and the prognosis of the patients with gastric cancer.

Results
HBO1 mRNA and protein expressions in gastric cancer tissues were both significantly higher than those in normal tissues. The correlations between high HBO1 expression and differentiation, invasive depth (T), lymph node metastasis (N), distant metastasis (M), TNM staging, and serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels were positive. High HBO1 expression was negatively correlated with survival time in patients with gastric cancer.

Conclusions
HBO1 might be a valuable biomarker to evaluate the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer.
Influences of Age, Gender, and Body Mass Index on the Thickness of the Abdominal Fatty Layers and its Relevance for Abdominal Liposuction and Abdominoplasty
Authors: Frank Konstantin , Hamade Hassan , Casabona Gabriela , Gotkin Robert H , Kaye Kai O , Tiryaki Tunc , Freytag David L , Bialowas Christie , Koban Konstantin C , Cotofana Sebastian 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background
Liposuction and lipoabdominoplasty procedures frequently involve the treatment of the superficial and deep fatty layers of the abdomen.

Objectives
The aim of the present investigation was to provide comprehensive data on the thickness of the abdominal fatty layers in relation to age, gender, and body mass index (BMI).

Methods
The study investigated 150 Caucasian individuals; there was an equal distribution of males and females (each n = 75) and a balanced distribution of age (n = 30 per decade: 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, and 60–69 years) and BMI (n = 50 per group: BMI ≤24.9, 25.0–29.9, and ≥30 kg/m2). Ultrasound-based measurements of the superficial and deep abdominal fatty layers were performed.

Results
An increase in BMI was associated with an increase in total abdominal wall fat thickness. The measured increase was related more to the thickness of the deep fatty layer than to the thickness of the superficial fatty layer (Z = 1.80, P = 0.036). An increase in age was associated with a decrease in thickness of the superficial fatty layer (rp = –0.104, P = 0.071) but with an increase in thickness of the deep fatty layer (rp = 0.197, P = 0.001).

Conclusions
Age and BMI can change the thickness of both the superficial and deep fatty layers of the anterior abdominal wall, thus influencing the plan and conduct of cosmetic surgical procedures. Knowledge of the layered anatomy of the anterior abdominal wall, as well as its associated blood supply, is important for surgeons performing procedures in this area.
CaverDock: a molecular docking-based tool to analyse ligand transport through protein tunnels and channels
Authors: Vavra Ondrej , Filipovic Jiri , Plhak Jan , Bednar David , Marques Sergio M , Brezovsky Jan , Stourac Jan , Matyska Ludek , Damborsky Jiri 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMotivationProtein tunnels and channels are key transport pathways that allow ligands to pass between proteins’ external and internal environments. These functionally important structural features warrant detailed attention. It is difficult to study the ligand binding and unbinding processes experimentally, while molecular dynamics simulations can be time-consuming and computationally demanding.ResultsCaverDock is a new software tool for analysing the ligand passage through the biomolecules. The method uses the optimized docking algorithm of AutoDock Vina for ligand placement docking and implements a parallel heuristic algorithm to search the space of possible trajectories. The duration of the simulations takes from minutes to a few hours. Here we describe the implementation of the method and demonstrate CaverDock’s usability by: (i) comparison of the results with other available tools, (ii) determination of the robustness with large ensembles of ligands and (iii) the analysis and comparison of the ligand trajectories in engineered tunnels. Thorough testing confirms that CaverDock is applicable for the fast analysis of ligand binding and unbinding in fundamental enzymology and protein engineering.Availability and implementationUser guide and binaries for Ubuntu are freely available for non-commercial use at https://loschmidt.chemi.muni.cz/caverdock/. The web implementation is available at https://loschmidt.chemi.muni.cz/caverweb/. The source code is available upon request.Supplementary informationSupplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Design of order-of-addition experiments
Authors: Peng Jiayu , Mukerjee Rahul , Lin Dennis K J 
Published: May 2019

Summary
In an order-of-addition experiment, each treatment is a permutation of $m$ components. It is often unaffordable to test all the $m!$ possible treatments, and thus the design problem arises. We consider a flexible model that incorporates the order of each pair of components and can also account for the distance between the two components in every such pair. Under this model, the optimality of the uniform design measure is established, via the approximate theory, for a broad range of criteria. Coupled with an eigenanalysis, this result serves as a benchmark that paves the way for assessing the efficiency and robustness of any exact design. The closed-form construction of a class of robust optimal fractional designs that can also facilitate model selection is explored and illustrated.
Catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy in a patient with pheochromocytoma and polycystic kidney and liver disease: a case report
Authors: Sedaia Ecaterina , Esanu Andrei , Ivanov Victoria , Dumanschi Carolina , Moiseeva Ana , Abraș Marcel , Eugen Calenici , Tatiana Globa 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background
Clinical manifestations of pheochromocytoma (PCC) frequently are not specific and can be attributed to other pathologies. The most dreaded manifestation is catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy. A prompt diagnosis, sometimes extremely problematic due to associated conditions of the patient, is essential for clinical outcomes, because early resection of PCC may prevent progression to irreversible cardiac remodelling.

Case summary
We present a case of 47-year-old woman with suspected acute coronary syndrome but intact coronary vessels. Electrocardiogram examination showed ST depression suggestive for coronary ischaemia. Echocardiography revealed reduced ejection fraction of left ventricle and global hypokinesis. Abdominal ultrasound examination determined multiple cysts in liver and both kidneys. The patient had unclear transient states of sudden sweating, pale skin, nausea, and vomiting accompanied by hypertensive crisis. Fractioned urinary metanephrines were considerably increased. Contrasted computed tomography of abdominal cavity and pelvis revealed in both liver lobes many cysts; both kidneys showed multiple cysts too; in the right adrenal gland was detected a filling defect. Computed tomography findings have established diagnosis of adrenal PCC of right gland associated with liver and kidney polycystic disease.

Discussion
Phechromocytoma, with primary manifestation as catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy, in patient with polycystic kidney and liver disease could represent a really challenging diagnosis. Clinical manifestations of PCC frequently are not specific and can be explained by associated pathologies. This is the second case of adrenalectomy due to PCC associated with polycystic kidney and liver disease reported in the medical literature.
Alcohol’s harms to others: the self-rated health of those with a heavy drinker in their lives
Authors: Bloomfield Kim , Jensen Heidi A R , Ekholm Ola 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background
Studies have examined the self-rated health (SRH) of the drinker, but only few have examined the health of those affected by a heavy drinker. This Nordic study aimed to examine the association between exposure to heavy drinkers and SRH.

Methods
Data come from surveys from the five Nordic countries that participated in the Reducing Alcohol-Related Harm Standardized European Survey in 2015 (n = 7065 aged 18–64 years). Variables included a five-point Likert-scale question on one’s SRH, a question on whether the respondent knew a heavy drinker in the last 12 months, and covariates. The ‘fair’, ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ response categories were combined and are referred to as poor SRH. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between knowing a heavy drinker and one’s SRH.

Results
Country-pooled adjusted analyses showed a significant relationship between knowing (and being negatively affected by) a heavy drinker and poor SRH [odds ratios (OR) = 1.39, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.02–1.89 for heavy drinker in household; OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.07–1.42 for other known heavy drinker, compared to not knowing a heavy drinker or knowing a heavy drinker, but not being negatively affected]. A graded relationship appeared such that increasing proximity of the known heavy drinker increased likelihood to report poor SRH.

Conclusion
Knowing and being negatively affected by someone close who drinks heavily increases the likelihood of reporting poor SRH. These results have implications for public health messaging regarding the well-being of relatives of heavy drinkers.
How to choose the most appropriate technique for the single-stage treatment of cholecysto-choledocolithiasis?
Authors: Bove Aldo , Panaccio Paolo , di Renzo Raffaella , Palone Gino , Ricciardiello Marco , Ciuffreda Sara , Bongarzoni Giuseppe 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundWe utilized transcystic clearance and intra-operative papillotomy through a rendezvous technique for the treatment of cholecysto-choledocolithiasis. The goal of this study was to evaluate the reliability of pre-operative parameters to address the most suitable surgical procedure.MethodsA total of 180 patients affected by calculi of the gallbladder and bile duct underwent the single-stage treatment. According to several pre-operative parameters, 141 patients had to supposedly undergo transcystic clearance of the bile duct, while 39 patients had to be treated with the rendezvous technique. All patients were treated with the sequential procedure: first, we tried the transcystic procedure and, if there was a failure, we used a rendezvous technique. We prospectively analysed each group based on a series of variables such as sex, age, operative time, success rate of proposed treatment, conversion rate, post-operative complications and hospital stay.ResultsTranscystic clearance was successful in 134 out of 141 patients (95.0%), while 2 patients needed to undergo a laparo-endoscopy procedure (failure). Thirty-five out of 39 patients (89.7%) obtained common bile-duct (CBD) clearance through the rendezvous technique, while 1 patient obtained clean-up through the simple transcystic procedure (failure). Five out of 141 patients with transcystic clearance and 3 out of 39 patients with the rendezvous technique underwent laparotomy CBD clearance with conversion rates of 3.5% and 7.7%, respectively. Post-operative complications showed similar percentages for both procedures. However, the surgical time turned out to be longer for the rendezvous technique.ConclusionsThe one-stage procedure for the treatment of cholecysto-choledocolithiasis was possible in 94% of the cases utilizing a surgical technique selected according to the patient’s case history. The pre-operative parameters, such as jaundice, CBD diameters and stone diameters, have certified their reliability as good predictors of the most suitable procedure to follow.
10-Minute Targeted Geriatric Assessment Predicts Disability and Hospitalization in Fast-Paced Acute Care Settings
Authors: Aliberti Márlon J R , Covinsky Kenneth E , Apolinario Daniel , Smith Alexander K , Lee Sei J , Fortes-Filho Sileno Q , Melo Juliana A , Souza Natalia P S , Avelino-Silva Thiago J , Jacob-Filho Wilson 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background
Limited time and resources hinder the use of comprehensive geriatric assessment in acute contexts. We investigated the predictive value of a 10-minute targeted geriatric assessment (10-TaGA) for adverse outcomes over 6 months among acutely ill older outpatients.

Methods
Prospective study comprising 819 acutely ill outpatients (79.2 ± 8.4 years; 63% women) in need of intensive management (eg, intravenous therapy, laboratory test, radiology) to avoid hospitalization. The 10-TaGA provided a validated measure of cumulative deficits. Previously established 10-TaGA cutoffs defined low (0–0.29), medium (0.30–0.39), and high (0.40–1) risks. To estimate whether 10-TaGA predicts new dependence in activities of daily living and hospitalization over the next 6 months, we used hazard models (considering death as competing risk) adjusted for standard risk factors (sociodemographic factors, Charlson comorbidity index, and physician estimates of risk). Differences among areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) examined whether 10-TaGA improves outcome discrimination when added to standard risk factors.

Results
Medium- and high-risk patients, according to 10-TaGA, presented a higher incidence of new activities of daily living dependence (21% vs 7%, adjusted subhazard ratio [aHR] = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.3–4.5; 40% vs 7%, aHR = 5.0, 95% CI = 2.8–8.7, respectively) and hospitalization (27% vs 13%, aHR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.2–3.3; 37% vs 13%, aHR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.8–4.6, respectively) than low-risk patients. The 10-TaGA remarkably improved the discrimination of models that incorporated standard risk factors to predict new activities of daily living dependence (AUROC = 0.76 vs 0.71, p < .001) and hospitalization (AUROC = 0.71 vs 0.68, p < .001).

Conclusions
The 10-TaGA is a practical and efficient comprehensive geriatric assessment tool that improves the prediction of adverse outcomes among acutely ill older outpatients.
The Five W’s of Falls: Weekly Online Health Survey of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Analysis of 4 Years Prospective Follow-up
Authors: Piau Antoine , Mattek Nora , Duncan Colette , Sharma Nicole , Riley Thomas , Kaye Jeffrey 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background
An in-depth examination of prospectively collected falls details may facilitate more effective falls prevention. Who was involved? What happened? Where did the fall take place? When did it happen? Why did it occur? This study aimed to provide previously unavailable details about the circumstances surrounding fall events and their consequences.

Method
A retrospective analysis of falls prospectively self-reported by older adults via an online weekly health form over 4 years.

Results
We collected 371 falls during the 4 year time period from 120 clinically characterized fallers (74% women, mean age 83.3 years). Most of the 371 falls occurred indoors (62%) and in well-lit areas (81%). Bedrooms were the most common places for in-home falls. Commonly observed precipitating factors included loss of balance, slipping or tripping. Almost one-third (31%) of falls were defined as injurious whereas 22% resulted in a change in the walking ability of which 26% led to the use of a cane or walker. Among falls that did not give rise to any formal health care intervention, 8% resulted in a modification of walking ability.

Conclusions
A relatively high rate of fall-related injuries compared to the existing literature was observed. Online weekly surveys and the richness of details provided through these data capture method allowed us to identify falls that did not result in health care utilization but did result in decreased mobility. This finding suggests why some falls classified in the literature as noninjurious may nevertheless increase the risk of loss of autonomy and undesired outcomes.