bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variations, Exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants and Breast Cancer Risk – A Greenlandic Case–Control Study
Authors: Wielsøe Maria , Eiberg Hans , Ghisari Mandana , Kern Peder , Lind Ole , Bonefeld‐Jørgensen Eva Cecilie 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in xenobiotic and steroid hormone‐metabolizing genes in relation to breast cancer risk and explored possible effect modifications on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and breast cancer associations. The study also assessed effects of Greenlandic BRCA1 founder mutations. Greenlandic Inuit women (77 cases and 84 controls) were included. We determined two founder mutations in BRCA1: Cys39Gly (rs80357164) and 4684delCC, and five SNPs in xenobiotic and oestrogen‐metabolizing genes: CYP17A1 ‐34T>C (rs743572), CYP19A1 *19C>T (rs10046), CYP1A1 Ile462Val (rs1048943), CYP1B Leu432Val (rs1056836) and COMT Val158Met (rs4680). We used chi‐square test for comparison of categorical variables between groups. Odds ratio (OR) estimates with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were obtained using logistic regression models. The variant allele of BRCA1 Cys39Gly increased breast cancer risk (Gly/Cys versus Cys/Cys, OR: 12.2, 95%CI: 1.53; 98.1), and carriers of the variant allele of CYP17A1 ‐34T>C had reduced risk (CT+CC versus TT, OR: 0.44, 95%CI: 0.21; 0.93). CYP17A1 ‐34T>C was an effect modifier on the association between perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and breast cancer risk (∑PFAA, ratio of OR: 0.18, 95%CI: 0.03; 0.97). Non‐significant modifying tendencies were seen for the other SNPs on the effect of polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides and PFAAs. In summary, the BRCA1 Cys39Gly and CYP17A1 ‐34T>C genetic variations were associated with breast cancer risk. Our results indicate that the evaluated genetic variants modify the effects of POP exposure on breast cancer risk; however, further studies are needed to document the data from the relatively small sample size.
Elevated CO2 and water addition enhance nitrogen turnover in grassland plants with implications for temporal stability
Authors: Dijkstra Feike A. , Carrillo Yolima , Blumenthal Dana M. , Mueller Kevin E. , LeCain Dan R. , Morgan Jack A. , Zelikova Tamara J. , Williams David G. , Follett Ronald F. , Pendall Elise 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTemporal variation in soil nitrogen (N) availability affects growth of grassland communities that differ in their use and reuse of N. In a 7‐year‐long climate change experiment in a semi‐arid grassland, the temporal stability of plant biomass production varied with plant N turnover (reliance on externally acquired N relative to internally recycled N). Species with high N turnover were less stable in time compared to species with low N turnover. In contrast, N turnover at the community level was positively associated with asynchrony in biomass production, which in turn increased community temporal stability. Elevated CO2 and summer irrigation, but not warming, enhanced community N turnover and stability, possibly because treatments promoted greater abundance of species with high N turnover. Our study highlights the importance of plant N turnover for determining the temporal stability of individual species and plant communities affected by climate change.
A Multivariable Prediction Model for Mortality in Individuals Admitted for Heart Failure
Authors: Bowen Garrett S. , Diop Michelle S. , Jiang Lan , Wu Wen‐Chih , Rudolph James L. 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesTo derive and validate a 30‐day mortality clinical prediction rule for heart failure based on admission data and prior healthcare usage. A secondary objective was to determine the discriminatory function for mortality at 1 and 2 years.DesignObservational cohort.SettingVeterans Affairs inpatient medical centers (n=124).ParticipantsThe derivation (2010–12; n=36,021) and validation (2013–15; n=30,364) cohorts included randomly selected veterans admitted for HF exacerbation (mean age 71±11; 98% male).MeasurementsThe primary outcome was 30‐day mortality. Secondary outcomes were 1‐ and 2‐year mortality. Candidate variables were drawn from electronic medical records. Discriminatory function was measured as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.ResultsThirteen risk factors were identified: age, ejection fraction, mean arterial pressure, pulse, brain natriuretic peptide, blood urea nitrogen, sodium, potassium, more than 7 inpatient days in the past year, metastatic disease, and prior palliative care. The model stratified participants into low‐ (1%), intermediate‐ (2%), high‐ (5%), and very high‐ (15%) mortality risk groups (C‐statistic=0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.71–0.74). These findings were confirmed in the validation cohort (C‐statistic=0.70, 95% CI=0.68–0.71). Subgroup analysis of age strata confirmed model discrimination.ConclusionThis simple prediction rule allows clinicians to risk‐stratify individuals on admission for HF using characteristics captured in electronic medical record systems. The identification of high‐risk groups allows individuals to be targeted for discussion of goals and treatment.
Use of a draft genome of coffee (Coffea arabica) to identify SNPs associated with caffeine content
Authors: Tran Hue T.M. , Ramaraj Thiruvarangan , Furtado Agnelo , Lee Leonard Slade , Henry Robert J. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryArabica coffee (Coffea arabica) has a small gene pool limiting genetic improvement. Selection for caffeine content within this gene pool would be assisted by identification of the genes controlling this important trait. Sequencing of DNA bulks from 18 genotypes with extreme high‐ or low‐caffeine content from a population of 232 genotypes was used to identify linked polymorphisms. To obtain a reference genome, a whole genome assembly of arabica coffee (variety K7) was achieved by sequencing using short read (Illumina) and long‐read (PacBio) technology. Assembly was performed using a range of assembly tools resulting in 76 409 scaffolds with a scaffold N50 of 54 544 bp and a total scaffold length of 1448 Mb. Validation of the genome assembly using different tools showed high completeness of the genome. More than 99% of transcriptome sequences mapped to the C. arabica draft genome, and 89% of BUSCOs were present. The assembled genome annotated using AUGUSTUS yielded 99 829 gene models. Using the draft arabica genome as reference in mapping and variant calling allowed the detection of 1444 nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with caffeine content. Based on Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes pathway‐based analysis, 65 caffeine‐associated SNPs were discovered, among which 11 SNPs were associated with genes encoding enzymes involved in the conversion of substrates, which participate in the caffeine biosynthesis pathways. This analysis demonstrated the complex genetic control of this key trait in coffee.
Classification of facial vitiligo: A cluster analysis of 473 patients
Authors: Bae Jung Min , Jung Yu Seok , Jung Han Mi , Park Ji Hun , Hann Seung‐Kyung 
Published: March 2018

SummaryVitiligo has a substantial negative impact on quality of life in affected patients, especially those with the involvement of the face. However, the current system can barely distinguish between specific patterns of facial involvement except for the segmental type when focusing only on facial lesions. We classified facial vitiligo into three distinct subtypes using cluster analysis based on facial topography (n = 473): centrofacial vitiligo (72.9%), panfacial vitiligo (18.0%), and hairline vitiligo (9.1%). Centrofacial vitiligo was the most common type and is thought to comprise the typical facial involvement of generalized vitiligo. Panfacial vitiligo was a distinct subtype with onset in old age and less involvement of other body parts. Hairline vitiligo was another distinct subtype with onset in old age and a poor response to conventional phototherapy. A relevant classification system could help us to explore the causes, anticipate the prognosis, and manage the condition in patients with vitiligo.
Is there an established hemoglobin target range for patients undergoing chronic dialysis?
Authors: Shah Hitesh H. , Fishbane Steven 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAnemia is a common complication of advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Treatment with erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs) remains a common approach in managing anemia of CKD. The 2012 Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Clinical Practice Guideline for Anemia in CKD suggests avoiding ESA therapy use to maintain Hb level above 11.5 g/dL. However, optimal Hb target range in adult patients undergoing chronic dialysis remains unknown. Clinical studies suggest risks associated with normalization of Hb levels in adult patients with CKD. In this article, we briefly review some of these studies and the concerns associated with higher Hb targets in this patient population. We also suggest a target Hb range for adult chronic dialysis patients receiving ESAs. It is currently undetermined if this target Hb range would apply to newer agents that are being studied for anemia management in this population.
Does patients’ opinion of remission in rheumatoid arthritis overlap ultrasound “true” remission? – a pilot study
Authors: Vlad Violeta , Berghea Florian , Iorgoveanu Vasilia , Popescu Mihaela , Predeteanu Denisa , Ionescu Ruxandra 
Published: March 2018

Aim: Patients describe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remission as the absence of any symptoms or return to normality. Residual ultrasound (US) synovitis was frequently described in remission cohorts in previous studies. US tenosynovitis evaluation and scoring seems to better follow clinical remission scores compared with synovitis in RA. Our objective was to verify the presence of US findings suggestive of persistent inflammation in a cohort of patients in remission according to their own opinion.Materials and methods: Forty-three RA patients were prospectively enrolled in this pilot study between 2015-2017 according to their positive answer to the question “Are you feeling free of symptoms, just like before your RA symptomsstarted?”. Clinical evaluation of tender and swollen joints was performed in the same day with US evaluation of 24 joints and 26 tendon sites and lab C-reactive protein (CRP) evaluation. DAS28-CRP and SDAI were calculated. Results: A total of 72.9% (35 of 43) of patients were in remission per DAS28 criteria. Except for CRP value, no other variables were significantly different in the 35 of 43. PD scoring in tenosynovitis of the ankle and feet was 100% overlapping remission felt by patients. PD tenosynovitis in both upper and lower limbs was found in less than 10% of patients, and only grade 1 (minimal).Conclusion: A combination of patients’ opinion and PDUS evaluation could be a starting point for RA treatment tapering.
The value of global longitudinal strain and galectin-3 for predicting cardiovascular events in patients with severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Agoston-Coldea Lucia , Bheecarry Kunal , Petra Cristian , Strambu Lelia , Ober Camelia , Revnic Radu , Lupu Silvia , Mocan Teodora , Fodor Daniela 
Published: March 2018

Aims: Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) was shown to predict outcomes after valve replacement in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). In the current study, we aimed to test the combined use of GLS and a marker of fibrosis – Galectin-3 – for predicting major cardiovascular adverse events (MACEs) in patients with severe AS.Materials and methods: We conducted a prospective study on 42 patients with severe AS and 42 volunteers. Patient evaluation included biochemistry tests, electrocardiogram, 24-hour Holter monitoring, the 6-minute walk test, and echocardiography. Outcomes of AS patients were defined as the composite of MACEs – sudden cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, sustained ventricular arrhythmias,atrial arrhythmias, and hospitalization for heart failure.Results: Patients with severe AS had lower GLS, and increased levels of both biomarkers compared to the control group. Both biomarkers correlated to echocardiographic parameters such as left ventricular (LV) mass index, relative wall thickness, GLS, as well as with the 6-minute walk test distance, and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). GLS and NT-proBNP predicted MACEs reasonably well, while Galectin-3 did not, after adjustments for confounding factors. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the probability of freedom from MACEs was significant in patients who exhibited lower GLS [HR 2.73 (95% CI 1.01-7.53), p<0.05] and higher levels of NT-proBNP [HR 5.22 (95% CI 1.85- 14.51), p=0.001].Conclusions: Among tested parameters, GLS and NT-proBNP were the most reliable predictors of MACEs in patients with severe AS, while Galectin-3 performed more poorly.
Heavy Metal Resistance Genes Are Associated with
bla
NDM-1
- and
bla
CTX-M-15
-Carrying Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Yang Qiu E. , Agouri Siham Rajab , Tyrrell Jonathan Mark , Walsh Timothy Rutland 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

The occurrence of heavy metal resistance genes in multiresistant
Enterobacteriaceae
possessing
bla
NDM-1
or
bla
CTX-M-15
genes was examined by PCR and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis with S1 nuclease. Compared with clinical susceptible isolates (10.0% to 30.0%), the
pcoA
,
merA
,
silC
, and
arsA
genes occurred with higher frequencies in
bla
NDM-1
-positive (48.8% to 71.8%) and
bla
CTX-M-15
-positive (19.4% to 52.8%) isolates, and they were mostly located on plasmids. Given the high association of metal resistance genes with multidrug-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
, increased vigilance needs to be taken with the use of heavy metals in hospitals and the environment.
Chemotaxis Allows Bacteria To Overcome Host-Generated Reactive Oxygen Species That Constrain Gland Colonization
Authors: Collins Kieran D. , Hu Shuai , Grasberger Helmut , Kao John Y. , Ottemann Karen M. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

The epithelial layer of the gastrointestinal tract contains invaginations, called glands or crypts, which are colonized by symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms and may function as designated niches for certain species. Factors that control gland colonization are poorly understood, but bacterial chemotaxis aids occupation of these sites. We report here that a
Helicobacter pylori
cytoplasmic chemoreceptor, TlpD, is required for gland colonization in the stomach.
tlpD
mutants demonstrate gland colonization defects characterized by a reduction in the percentage of glands colonized but not in the number of bacteria per gland. Consistent with TlpD's reported role in reactive oxygen species (ROS) avoidance,
tlpD
mutants showed hallmarks of exposure to high ROS. To assess the role of host-generated ROS in TlpD-dependent gland colonization, we utilized mice that lack either the ability to generate epithelial hydrogen peroxide or immune cell superoxide.
tlpD
gland colonization defects were rescued to wild-type
H. pylori
levels in both of these mutants. These results suggest that multiple types of innate immune-generated ROS production limit gland colonization and that bacteria have evolved specific mechanisms to sense and direct their motility in response to this signal and thus spread throughout tissue.
Iron and Zinc Regulate Expression of a Putative ABC Metal Transporter in Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Authors: Peng Eric D. , Oram Diana M. , Battistel Marcos D. , Lyman Lindsey R. , Freedberg Darón I. , Schmitt Michael P. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Corynebacterium diphtheriae
, a Gram-positive, aerobic bacterium, is the causative agent of diphtheria and cutaneous infections. While mechanisms required for heme iron acquisition are well known in
C. diphtheriae
, systems involved in the acquisition of other metals such as zinc and manganese remain poorly characterized. In this study, we identified a genetic region that encodes an ABC-type transporter (
iutBCD
) and that is flanked by two genes (
iutA
and
iutE
) encoding putative substrate binding proteins of the cluster 9 family, a related group of transporters associated primarily with the import of Mn and Zn. We showed that IutA and IutE are both membrane proteins with comparable Mn and Zn binding abilities. We demonstrated that the
iutABCD
genes are cotranscribed and repressed in response to iron by the iron-responsive repressor DtxR. Transcription of
iutE
was positively regulated in response to iron availability in a DtxR-dependent manner and was repressed in response to Zn by the Zn-dependent repressor Zur. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that DtxR does not bind to the
iutE
upstream region, which indicates that DtxR regulation of
iutE
is indirect and that other regulatory factors controlled by DtxR are likely responsible for the iron-responsive regulation. Analysis of the
iutE
promoter region identified a 50-bp sequence at the 3′ end of the
iutD
gene that is required for the DtxR-dependent and iron-responsive activation of the
iutE
gene. These findings indicate that transcription of
iutE
is controlled by a complex mechanism that involves multiple regulatory factors whose activity is impacted by both Zn and Fe.

IMPORTANCE
Vaccination against diphtheria prevents toxin-related symptoms but does not inhibit bacterial colonization of the human host by the bacterium. Thus,
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
remains an important human pathogen that poses a significant health risk to unvaccinated individuals. The ability to acquire iron, zinc, and manganese is critical to the pathogenesis of many disease-causing organisms. Here, we describe a gene cluster in
C. diphtheriae
that encodes a metal importer that is homologous to broadly distributed metal transport systems, some with important roles in virulence in other bacterial pathogens. Two metal binding components of the gene cluster encode surface exposed proteins, and studies of such proteins may guide the development of second-generation vaccines for
C. diphtheriae
.
Visual Impairment Screening Assessment (VISA) tool: pilot validation
Authors: Rowe Fiona J , Hepworth Lauren R , Hanna Kerry L , Howard Claire 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveTo report and evaluate a new Vision Impairment Screening Assessment (VISA) tool intended for use by the stroke team to improve identification of visual impairment in stroke survivors.DesignProspective case cohort comparative study.SettingStroke units at two secondary care hospitals and one tertiary centre.Participants116 stroke survivors were screened, 62 by naïve and 54 by non-naïve screeners.Main outcome measuresBoth the VISA screening tool and the comprehensive specialist vision assessment measured case history, visual acuity, eye alignment, eye movements, visual field and visual inattention.ResultsFull completion of VISA tool and specialist vision assessment was achieved for 89 stroke survivors. Missing data for one or more sections typically related to patient’s inability to complete the assessment. Sensitivity and specificity of the VISA screening tool were 90.24% and 85.29%, respectively; the positive and negative predictive values were 93.67% and 78.36%, respectively. Overall agreement was significant; k=0.736. Lowest agreement was found for screening of eye movement and visual inattention deficits.ConclusionsThis early validation of the VISA screening tool shows promise in improving detection accuracy for clinicians involved in stroke care who are not specialists in vision problems and lack formal eye training, with potential to lead to more prompt referral with fewer false positives and negatives. Pilot validation indicates acceptability of the VISA tool for screening of visual impairment in stroke survivors. Sensitivity and specificity were high indicating the potential accuracy of the VISA tool for screening purposes. Results of this study have guided the revision of the VISA screening tool ahead of full clinical validation.
The ConCom Safety Management Scale: developing and testing a measurement instrument for control-based and commitment-based safety management approaches in hospitals
Authors: Alingh Carien W , Strating Mathilde M H , van Wijngaarden Jeroen D H , Paauwe Jaap , Huijsman Robbert 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundNursing management is considered important for patient safety. Prior research has predominantly focused on charismatic leadership styles, although it is questionable whether these best characterise the role of nurse managers. Managerial control is also relevant. Therefore, we aimed to develop and test a measurement instrument for control-based and commitment-based safety management of nurse managers in clinical hospital departments.MethodsA cross-sectional survey design was used to test the newly developed questionnaire in a sample of 2378 nurses working in clinical departments. The nurses were asked about their perceptions of the leadership behaviour and management practices of their direct supervisors. Psychometric properties were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis and reliability estimates.ResultsThe final 33-item questionnaire showed acceptable goodness-of-fit indices and internal consistency (Cronbach’s α of the subscales range: 0.59–0.90). The factor structure revealed three subdimensions for control-based safety management: (1) stressing the importance of safety rules and regulations; (2) monitoring compliance; and (3) providing employees with feedback. Commitment-based management consisted of four subdimensions: (1) showing role modelling behaviour; (2) creating safety awareness; (3) showing safety commitment; and (4) encouraging participation. Construct validity of the scale was supported by high factor loadings and provided preliminary evidence that control-based and commitment-based safety management are two distinct yet related constructs. The findings were reconfirmed in a cross-validation procedure.ConclusionThe results provide initial support for the construct validity and reliability of our ConCom Safety Management Scale. Both management approaches were found to be relevant for managing patient safety in clinical hospital departments. The scale can be used to deepen our understanding of the influence of patient safety management on healthcare professionals’ safety behaviour as well as patient safety outcomes.