bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Harnessing the power of microbial nanowires
Authors: Reguera Gemma 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThe reduction of iron oxide minerals and uranium in model metal reducers in the genus Geobacter is mediated by conductive pili composed primarily of a structurally divergent pilin peptide that is otherwise recognized, processed and assembled in the inner membrane by a conserved Type IVa pilus apparatus. Electronic coupling among the peptides is promoted upon assembly, allowing the discharge of respiratory electrons at rates that greatly exceed the rates of cellular respiration. Harnessing the unique properties of these conductive appendages and their peptide building blocks in metal bioremediation will require understanding of how the pilins assemble to form a protein nanowire with specialized sites for metal immobilization. Also important are insights into how cells assemble the pili to make an electroactive matrix and grow on electrodes as biofilms that harvest electrical currents from the oxidation of waste organic substrates. Genetic engineering shows promise to modulate the properties of the peptide building blocks, protein nanowires and current‐harvesting biofilms for various applications. This minireview discusses what is known about the pilus material properties and reactions they catalyse and how this information can be harnessed in nanotechnology, bioremediation and bioenergy applications.
No wisdom in the crowd: genome annotation in the era of big data – current status and future prospects
Authors: Danchin Antoine , Ouzounis Christos , Tokuyasu Taku , Zucker Jean‐Daniel 
Published: May 2018

SummaryScience and engineering rely on the accumulation and dissemination of knowledge to make discoveries and create new designs. Discovery‐driven genome research rests on knowledge passed on via gene annotations. In response to the deluge of sequencing big data, standard annotation practice employs automated procedures that rely on majority rules. We argue this hinders progress through the generation and propagation of errors, leading investigators into blind alleys. More subtly, this inductive process discourages the discovery of novelty, which remains essential in biological research and reflects the nature of biology itself. Annotation systems, rather than being repositories of facts, should be tools that support multiple modes of inference. By combining deduction, induction and abduction, investigators can generate hypotheses when accurate knowledge is extracted from model databases. A key stance is to depart from ‘the sequence tells the structure tells the function’ fallacy, placing function first. We illustrate our approach with examples of critical or unexpected pathways, using MicroScope to demonstrate how tools can be implemented following the principles we advocate. We end with a challenge to the reader.
Is there gender convergence in risky drinking when taking birth cohorts into account? Evidence from an Australian national survey 2001–13
Authors: Livingston Michael , Callinan Sarah , Dietze Paul , Stanesby Oliver , Kuntsche Emmanuel 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground and aimsRecent studies have argued that there has been substantial gender convergence in alcohol consumption. However, many of these rely on comparisons of different cohorts and do not adjust for age differences in male and female drinking patterns. We aimed to examine (1) whether the gender gap in risky drinking in Australia narrowed between 2001 and 2013, (2) if the evidence for gender convergence (or divergence) was consistent across age groups and (3) how a cohort‐focused analysis of gender convergence compared with an age‐focused approach.DesignRepeated cross‐sectional data from five waves of the National Drug Strategy Household Survey (2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013). Interaction terms in logistic and linear regression models were used to test for significantly different trends between men and women.SettingAustralia.ParticipantsAustralians aged 14 years and older (n = 125 215) who provided data on alcohol consumption in the National Drug Strategy Household Survey.MeasurementsPrevalence of long‐term risky drinking (average of 20 g or more per day) and prevalence of risky single occasion drinking (12 or more sessions of 50 g or more).FindingsGender differences were large for all age groups except adolescents (14–17‐year‐olds), with men typically reporting levels of drinking at least twice as high as women across the study period. Overall, there was statistically significant gender convergence in alcohol use measures showing a slight decrease in men's drinking and a slight increase in women's drinking. However, when age‐specific analyses were conducted gender convergence was only observed for 50–69‐year‐olds.ConclusionsIn Australia, gender convergence in risky drinking since 2001 has been evident only in people aged 50–69 years.
The effect of parental drinking on alcohol use in young adults: the mediating role of parental monitoring and peer deviance
Authors: Mahedy Liam , MacArthur Georgina J. , Hammerton Gemma , Edwards Alexis C. , Kendler Kenneth S. , Macleod John , Hickman Matthew , Moore Simon C. , Heron Jon 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground and AimsEvidence demonstrating an association between parental alcohol use and offspring alcohol use from robust prospective studies is lacking. We tested the direct and indirect associations between parental and young adult alcohol use via early alcohol initiation, parental monitoring and associating with deviant peers.DesignProspective birth cohort study. Path analysis was used to assess the possible association between parental alcohol use (assessed at 12 years) and alcohol use in young adults (assessed at 18 years) via potential mediators (assessed at 14 and 15.5 years, respectively).SettingSouth West England.ParticipantsData were available on 3785 adolescents and their parents from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.MeasurementsThe continuous Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score was used as the primary outcome measure. Maternal alcohol use was defined as light (< 4 units on any day), moderate (≥ 4 units on 1–3 days) and high‐risk (≥ 4 units on ≥ 4 days in 1 week). Partner alcohol use was also defined as light, moderate and high risk. Socio‐economic variables were included as covariates.FindingsThere was strong evidence of a total effect from maternal alcohol use to young adult alcohol use [moderate: b = 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.64, 1.49, P < 0.001; high risk: b = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.07, 2.35, P < 0.001]. The majority of this association was explained through early alcohol initiation (moderate: b = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.25, P = 0.01; high risk: b = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.07, 0.40, P < 0.01) and early alcohol initiation/associating with deviant peers (moderate: b = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.02, 0.10, P < 0.01; high risk: b = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.16, P < 0.01). There was strong evidence of a remaining direct effect (moderate: b = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.39, 1.22, P < 0.001; high risk: b = 1.28, 95% CI = 0.65, 1.91, P < 0.001). A similar pattern of results was evident for partner alcohol use.ConclusionsYoung adults whose parents have moderate or high‐risk alcohol consumption are more likely to consume alcohol than those with parents with lower alcohol consumption. This association appears to be partly accounted for by earlier alcohol use initiation and higher prevalence of association with deviant peers.
Evolution of clinical characteristics and outcomes of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist exposure in the United States: analysis of National Poison Data System data from 2010 to 2015
Authors: Cordeiro Samuel K. , Daro Ryan C. , Seung Hyunuk , Klein‐Schwartz Wendy , Kim Hong K. 
Published: May 2018

Background and aimsNew synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are synthesized each year to evade US governmental regulation and sold for recreational use. Our aim was to estimate the changes in the clinical effects and patient disposition associated with SCRA exposure from 2010 to 2015.DesignA retrospective observational cohort study.SettingNational Poison Data System that collects data on reports of poisonings from US poison centers.ParticipantsA total of 19 388 isolated SCRA cases between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2015 were identified. The mean age was 24.6 years and 77.8% were male.MeasurementsPrimary outcome was the change in the trend of patient disposition, i.e. treated and released versus hospitalization (e.g. non‐critical care, critical care unit or psychiatry) between 2010 and 2015. Secondary outcomes included the trends in the clinical effects and their duration, and therapeutic interventions nationally and regionally.FindingsReports of SCRA exposure peaked in 2011 (n = 5305) and 2015 (n = 5475). The majority of patients required supportive care and were treated and released from an emergency department. Hospitalization increased by annual percentage change in the log odds (APCO) of 21.0% (P < 0.0001) during the 6 years, with significant increases in admissions to critical care units and non‐critical care units. Overall, tachycardia (32.1%), agitation/irritation (25.6%) and drowsiness/lethargy (20.4%) were the most frequently reported clinical effects from SCRA exposure. Clinical effects resolved within 2–8 hours in 52.8% of cases, but their duration increased markedly by 2015. Regionally, the largest number of SCRA cases was reported in the South (n = 9374, 48.6%). SCRA cases in the Northeast were hospitalized more frequently (27.4%), with cases in the Midwest being admitted more frequently to critical care units (15.3%). However, there were no significant differences in clinical toxicity or disposition among the regions.ConclusionHospitalization resulting from toxicity from synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists exposure in the United States increased significantly between 2010 and 2015.
Comparison of four LBBB definitions for predicting mortality in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Jastrzębski Marek , Kukla Piotr , Kisiel Roksana , Fijorek Kamil , Moskal Paweł , Czarnecka Danuta 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundLeft bundle branch block (LBBB) is considered an important prognostic parameter in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We aimed to evaluate, in a sizeable cohort of patients with CRT, long‐term mortality, and morbidity according to four different electrocardiographic definitions of LBBB.MethodsThis longitudinal cohort study included consecutive patients who underwent CRT device implantation in our institution in years 2006–2014. Two endpoints were assessed: (a) death from any cause or urgent heart transplantation, and (b) death from any cause or heart failure admission. All preimplantation ECGs were analyzed by three physicians blinded to outcome and categorized as LBBB or non‐LBBB according to four definitions.ResultsA total of 552 CRT patients entered survival analysis. According to the conventional definition, 350 (63.4%) patients had LBBB, and the Marriott, WHO/AHA, and Strauss definitions identified LBBB in 254 (46.0%), 218 (39.5%) and 226 (40.9%) patients, respectively. During the 9 years of observation, 232 patients died, the combined endpoint was met by 292 patients. The Strauss LBBB definition was significantly better to the other definitions in predicting survival (Kaplan–Meier analysis with comparison of C‐statistics). Multivariate Cox regression model showed that LBBB was the major determinant of all‐cause mortality with the Strauss definition having the lowest hazard ratio (0.51) of the four studied definitions.ConclusionsCriteria included in various definitions of LBBB result in a diagnosis of LBBB in divergent groups of patients. Differences in LBBB definitions have clinical consequences, as patients without ‘complete/true’ LBBB probably get no mortality benefit from CRT.
An evaluation by the Norwegian Health Care Supervision Authorities of events involving death or injuries in maternity care
Authors: Johansen Lars Thomas , Braut Geir Sverre , Andresen Jan Fredrik , Øian Pål 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionWe aimed to determine how serious adverse events in obstetrics were assessed by supervision authorities.Material and methodsWe selected cases investigated by supervision authorities during 2009‐2013. We analyzed information about who reported the event, the outcomes of the mother and infant, and whether events resulted from errors at the individual or system level. We also assessed whether the injuries could have been avoided.ResultsDuring the study period, there were 303 034 births in Norway, and supervision authorities investigated 338 adverse events in obstetric care. Of these, we studied 207 cases that involved a serious outcome for mother or infant. Five mothers (2.4%) and 88 infants (42.5%) died. Of the 207 events reported to the supervision authorities, patients or relatives reported 65.2%, hospitals reported 39.1%, and others reported 4.3%. In 8.7% of cases, events were reported by more than 1 source. The supervision authority assessments showed that 48.3% of the reported cases involved serious errors in the provision of health care, and a system error was the most common cause. We found that supervision authorities investigated significantly more events in small and medium‐sized maternity units than in large units. Eighteen health personnel received reactions; 15 were given a warning, and 3 had their authority limited. We determined that 45.9% of the events were avoidable.ConclusionsThe supervision authorities investigated 1 in 1000 births, mainly in response to complaints issued from patients or relatives. System errors were the most common cause of deficiencies in maternity care.
Effects of practice change on outcomes of extremely preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus
Authors: Ezenwa B , Pena E , Schlegel A , Bapat R , Shepherd E G , Nelin L D 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimTo determine whether a decrease in patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) treatment or ligation in extremely preterm (EP) infants was associated with changes in rates of mortality and/or morbidities.MethodsObservational study on EP infants admitted from 2008 to 2015. The small baby guidelines do not mandate ligation, however, in late 2010 the guidelines were amended based on new literature suggested that ligation may increase rates of morbidities.ResultsThere were 717 EP infants admitted during the study period. There were no significant changes in gestational age, birthweight or annual admissions during the study period. The annual rate of PDA medical treatment declined significantly (R = 0.83, p = 0.01), while the annual rate of PDA ligation declined substantially (R = 0.88, p = 0.004). The annual mortality rate also declined significantly (R = 0.81, p = 0.014). The annual rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), necrotising enterocolitis and intraventricular haemorrhage did not change significantly.ConclusionIn this cohort of EP patients, the rate of PDA ligation decreased substantially since 2010, with no apparent adverse effects on mortality or rates of BPD. These data are consistent with the concept that ligation does not improve outcomes in EP infants.
Laparoscopic versus open repair of perforated peptic ulcer: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Smith Rohan Stuart , Sundaramurthy Senthilkumar Rajavel , Croagh Daniel 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionPerforated peptic ulcer disease (PPU) is a condition subject to wide geographical variations in incidence. It remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, even in the era of Helicobacter pylori eradication and proton‐pump inhibitor therapy. There is no clear consensus on whether laparoscopic or open approaches are superior, and with most studies in this area originating from Europe and Asia, Australian data addressing this issue are lacking.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included all patients who underwent surgery for PPU within a hospital network in Australia. Baseline variables and primary outcomes, including length of hospital stay, chest and abdominal complications, and mortality, were recorded. Secondary outcomes, including reasons for conversion, were also considered.ResultsIn total, 109 patients underwent operations for PPU between January 2011 and December 2015. There were no significant differences with regard to baseline comorbidities. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of median length of hospital stay or rates of chest and abdominal complications, but the operative time was 28.5 min longer (P = <0.001) in the laparoscopic group than in the open group.ConclusionOpen operations were faster to perform than laparoscopic operations for repair of PPU. Despite increased experience treating many surgical diseases laparoscopically, this study did not find it to be superior in terms of length of hospital stay or complication rates.
Portomesenteric vein thrombosis after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in patient with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Amiki Manabu , Seki Yosuke , Kasama Kazunori , Kitagawa Michiko , Umezawa Akiko , Kurokawa Yoshimochi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become the dominant bariatric procedure because of its reliable weight loss and low complication rate. Portomesenteric vein thrombosis (PMVT) after LSG is an infrequent complication that can lead to serious consequences. Here, we report a patient who presented with abdominal pain 11 days after LSG for the treatment of morbid obesity. Contrast CT of the abdomen revealed PMVT. The patient had liver cirrhosis, which is a major risk factor for PMVT. When LSG is performed on an obese patient with liver cirrhosis, careful attention must be paid to the onset of PMVT.
Trends in rooming‐in practices among hospitals in the United States, 2007‐2015
Authors: Barrera Chloe M. , Nelson Jennifer M. , Boundy Ellen O. , Perrine Cria G. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundRooming‐in, or keeping mothers and infants together throughout the birth hospitalization, increases breastfeeding initiation and duration, and is one of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.MethodsThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) survey is a biennial census of all birth facilities in the United States and its territories. Data from the 2007‐2015 mPINC surveys were used to assess trends in the prevalence of hospitals with most (≥90%) infants rooming‐in more than 23 hours per day (ideal practice). Hospital practices among breastfed infants not rooming‐in at night and reasons why hospitals without ideal rooming‐in practices removed healthy, full‐term, breastfed infants from their mothers’ rooms were also analyzed.ResultsThe percentage of hospitals with ideal practice increased from 27.8% in 2007 to 51.4% in 2015. Most breastfed infants who were not rooming‐in were brought to their mothers at night for feedings (91.8% in 2015). Among hospitals without ideal rooming‐in practices, the percentage removing 50% or more of infants from their mothers’ rooms at any point during the hospitalization decreased for all reasons surveyed during 2007‐2015; however, in 2015, hospitals still reported regularly removing infants for hearing tests (73.2%), heel sticks (65.5%), infant baths (40.2%), pediatric rounds (35.5%), and infant photos (25.4%).ConclusionsHospital implementation of rooming‐in increased 23.6 percentage points during 2007‐2015. Continued efforts are needed to ensure that all mothers who choose to breastfeed receive optimal lactation support during the first days after giving birth.
Thin idealization and causal attributions mediate the association between culture and obesity stereotypes: An examination of Chinese and American adolescents
Authors: Klaczynski Paul A. , Felmban Wejdan S. 
Published: May 2018

Few studies have examined age or cultural differences in the stereotypes adolescents have of persons with obesity. The present research explored the hypotheses that American adolescents have more negative obesity stereotypes than Chinese adolescents and that the effects of culture are mediated by weight attributions and thin idealization. Participants (N = 335; 181 female; M age = 14.83 years, SD = 1.57 years) completed measures of thin idealization and causal attributions and made generalizations from and attributions of stereotypical personality characteristics to obese figures. Not only did stereotypes differ between countries, but generalizations of negative characteristics from obese figures increased with age. In addition, American adolescents more firmly endorsed the ‘thin ideal’ and were more likely to attribute obesity to internal causes that Chinese adolescents. As anticipated, between‐country differences in stereotyping were mediated by thin idealization and causal attributions. Findings are discussed in terms of the ‘doctrine of the mean’, social identity theory, and dual‐process theories.
Statement of ContributionThe development of obesity stereotypes has been the subject of a number of recent studies. Although scarce, research on adolescents’ obesity stereotypes indicates that the strength of these stereotypes increases with age and that these increases are mediated by thin idealization and causal attributions.The current research adds to this growing literature that differences between Chinese adolescents’ and American adolescents’ obesity stereotypes – in terms of the assignment of stereotypical traits to people with obesity and the generalization of negative traits from an individual person with obesity to people with obesity as a group – are mediated by thin idealization and attributions about obesity's causes. The research also indicates that (1) age differences in obesity stereotyping vary as a function of the method used to measure stereotypes, (2) Chinese adolescents are less likely than American adolescents to attribute obesity to characterological flaws, and (3) American adolescents idealize thinness more than Chinese adolescents.
Neonatal leukaemia
Authors: Roberts Irene , Fordham Nicholas J. , Rao Anupama , Bain Barbara J. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryNeonatal leukaemia is defined as occurring within the first 28 days of life and most, if not all, cases are congenital. With the exception of Down syndrome‐associated transient abnormal myelopoiesis, which is not considered here, neonatal leukaemias are rare. In two‐thirds of patients the disease manifests as an acute myeloid leukaemia, frequently with monocytic/monoblastic characteristics. Most other cases are acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, particularly B lineage, but some are mixed phenotype or blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasms. The most frequently observed cytogenetic/molecular abnormality is t(4;11)(q21.3;q23.3)/KMT2A‐AFF1 followed by t(1;22)(p13.3;q13.1)/RBM15‐MKL1 and t(8;16)(p11.2;p13.3)/KAT6A‐CREBBP. Common clinical features include prominent hepatosplenomegaly and a high incidence of skin involvement, sometimes in the absence of bone marrow disease. A distinctive feature is the occurrence of spontaneous remission in some cases, particularly in association with t(8;16). In this review, we summarise current knowledge of the clinical, cytogenetic and molecular features of neonatal leukaemia and discuss clinical management of these cases.