bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbohydrate and PepO control bimodality in competence development by Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Underhill Simon A. M. , Shields Robert C. , Burne Robert A. , Hagen Stephen J. 
Published: August 2019

SummaryIn Streptococcus mutans, the alternative sigma factor ComX controls entry into genetic competence. Competence stimulating peptide (CSP) induces bimodal expression of comX, with only a fraction of the population becoming transformable. Curiously, the bimodality of comX is affected by peptides in the growth medium and by carbohydrate source. CSP elicits bimodal expression of comX in media rich in small peptides, but CSP elicits no response in defined media lacking small peptides. In addition, growth on certain sugars increases the proportion of the population that activates comX in response to CSP. By investigating the connection between media and comX bimodality, we find evidence for two mechanisms that modulate transcriptional positive feedback in the ComRS system, where comX bimodality originates. We find that the endopeptidase PepO suppresses the ComRS feedback loop, most likely by degrading the XIP/ComS feedback signal. Deletion of pepO eliminates comX bimodality, leading to a unimodal comX response to CSP in both defined and complex media. We also find that CSP stimulates the ComRS feedback system by upregulating comR in a carbohydrate source‐dependent fashion. Our data provide mechanistic insight into how S. mutans regulates bimodality and explain the puzzle of growth medium effects on competence induction by CSP.
Neuroblastoma rat sarcoma mutated melanoma: That’s what we got so far
Authors: Bertoli Elisa , Giavarra Marco , Vitale Maria Grazia , Minisini Alessandro Marco 
Published: August 2019

AbstractNeuroblastoma rat sarcoma (NRAS) mutation, occurring in about 20%–30% of cutaneous melanomas, leads to activation of RAS‐RAF‐MAPK cascade and represents a clear distinct clinicopathological entity in melanoma. In contrast with BRAF mutant melanoma, no specific target therapies are available outside the setting of clinical trials. In the field of immunoncology, the predictive role of NRAS mutation with respect to checkpoint inhibitors treatment has not clearly established and deserves further investigation. At present, the standard treatment is the same as for BRAF wild type melanoma. Ongoing trials are exploring novel combination strategies among patients with advanced NRAS mutant melanoma.
Body site‐specific genetic effects influence naevus count distribution in women
Authors: Visconti Alessia , Ribero Simone , Sanna Marianna , Spector Tim D. , Bataille Veronique , Falchi Mario 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBody site is highly relevant for melanoma: it affects prognosis and varies according to the patient's sex. The distribution of naevi, a major risk factor for melanoma, at different body sites also varies according to sex in childhood. Using naevus counts at different body sites in 492 unrelated adults from both sexes, we observed that women have an increased number of naevi on the lower limbs compared to men (p = 8.5 × 10−5), showing that a high naevus count on this site persists from childhood throughout life. Then, using data from 3,232 twins, we observed, in women, the lowest naevus count heritability on the trunk (26%), and the highest on the lower limbs (69%). Finally, we showed that, in 2,864 women, six genomic loci previously associated with both naevus count and melanoma risk (IRF4, DOCK8, MTAP, 9q31.2, KITLG and PLA2G6) have an effect on naevus count that is body site‐specific, but whose effect sizes are predominantly stronger on the lower limbs. Sex‐specific genetic influence on naevus count at different sites may explain differences in site‐specific melanoma incidence as well as prognosis between sexes.
Immunologic benefit of maternal donors in pediatric living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Kim Michelle H. , Akbari Omid , Genyk Yuri , Kohli Rohit , Emamaullee Juliet 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPurpose of reviewLong‐term follow‐up has suggested that pediatric LDLT may have superior outcomes compared to deceased donor recipients. In this review, we describe the subset of LDLT recipients with maternal donors that have lower reported rates of rejection and improved allograft survival.Recent findingsPediatric LDLT recipients, particularly those with a primary diagnosis of biliary atresia who receive grafts from their mothers, have been reported to have lower rates of acute cellular rejection post‐transplant and graft failure. Maternal‐fetal microchimerism and the persistence of regulatory T cells may be related to improved outcomes observed in recipients with maternal donors. Further, recent studies have shown that up to 60% of pediatric LDLT recipients can undergo intentional withdrawal of immunosuppression and achieve long‐term operational tolerance. The impact of graft type on operational tolerance has not been thoroughly investigated; however, investigation of tolerant pediatric LDLT patients with maternal donors may provide key insights into the mechanisms of immune tolerance.SummaryWhile excellent outcomes can be achieved in pediatric LDLT, there is still a measurable decrease in graft and patient survival over time post‐transplant. Recipients of maternal donor liver transplants are a subset of patients who may be advantaged toward improved outcomes by means of immune tolerance.
Incidence, risk factors, and outcome of pulmonary invasive fungal disease after respiratory virus infection in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients
Authors: Piñana José Luis , Gómez María Dolores , Montoro Juan , Lorenzo Ignacio , Pérez Ariadna , Giménez Estela , González‐Barberá Eva María , Carretero Carlos , Guerreiro Manuel , Salavert Miguel , Sanz Guillermo , Hernández‐Boluda Juan Carlos , Borrás Rafael , Sanz Jaime , Solano Carlos , Navarro David 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is growing evidence that community‐acquired respiratory virus (CARV) increases the risk of pulmonary invasive fungal disease (IFD) in the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) setting. To date, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the risk factors (RFs), as well as the most critical period for subsequent onset of IFD after CARV infections in allo‐HSCT recipients.MethodsIn this prospective longitudinal observational CARV survey, we analyzed the effect of CARV on subsequent IFD development in 287 adult allo‐HSCT recipients diagnosed with 597 CARV episodes from December 2013 to December 2018. Multiplex PCR panel assays were used to test CARVs in respiratory specimens.FindingsTwenty‐nine out of 287 allo‐HSCT recipients (10%) developed IFD after a CARV episode. The median time of IFD onset was 21 days (range, 0‐158 days) from day of the first CARV detection. Generalized estimating equation model identified 4 risk factors for IFD: ATG‐based conditioning regimen [odds ratio (OR) 2.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05‐5.2, P = .038], CARV lower respiratory tract disease (OR 10.6, 95% CI 3.7‐30.8, P < .0001), CARV infection during the first year after transplant (OR 5.34, 95% CI 1.3‐21.8, P = .014), and corticosteroids during CARV (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1‐6.3, P = .03).ConclusionAllo‐HSCT recipients conditioned with ATG and under corticosteroid therapy at the time of CARV LRTD during the first year after transplant may require close monitoring for subsequent IFD.
Use of perioperative variables to determine the requirement for repeat celiotomy in horses with postoperative reflux after small intestinal surgery
Authors: Jacobs Carrie C. , Stefanovski Darko , Southwood Louise L. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether perioperative variables can be used to differentiate a medical vs a surgical reason for postoperative reflux (POR) after small intestinal (SI) surgery in horses.Study designRetrospective study.Sample populationHorses >1 year of age that recovered from SI surgery and had POR.MethodsMedical records of horses that underwent SI surgery and developed POR from 2009‐2015 were reviewed. Surgical reasons for POR were defined as an anastomosis complication, mechanical obstruction, or nonviable intestine identified at repeat celiotomy/necropsy. A medical reason for POR was presumed when the POR improved with medical treatment or when no surgical reasons were identified at repeat celiotomy/necropsy. Perioperative variables were analyzed and used to develop a logistic regression model.ResultsFifty‐one horses had POR after SI surgery. After initial SI surgery, 14 horses had surgical reasons for POR diagnosed at repeat celiotomy or necropsy. Thirty‐seven horses were considered to have medical reasons for POR because their POR resolved with medical management or functional ileus was diagnosed at repeat celiotomy/necropsy. A greater volume and a greater duration of POR were not associated with a surgical reason for POR. Rather, a postoperative (PO) fever and the timing of colic in the PO period were associated with a surgical reason for POR.ConclusionHorses that developed a fever and colic in the PO period after SI surgery were more likely to have a surgical reason for POR.Clinical significanceThese findings may provide guidance for clinicians when they are making decisions about repeat celiotomy in horses with POR after SI surgery.
Implementing the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale in a respiratory critical care unit: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Su Jui-Yuan , Lockwood Craig , Tsou Yi-Chen , Mu Pei-Fan , Liao Shu-Chen , Chen Wei-Chih 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Adequate sedation can lead to patient-ventilator synchrony, facilitation of treatment, and decreased physical and psychological discomfort for patients with respiratory failure in the intensive care unit (ICU). The Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) is considered to be the most appropriate tool in sedation assessment.

Objectives:
This aim of this project was to implement evidence-based recommendations for sedation assessment using the RASS in mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU.

Methods:
This implementation project was conducted in an ICU at a tertiary medical center in Taiwan. Using the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System software, a baseline audit was conducted in the ICU, followed by an identification of barriers of RASS assessment and an implementation of management of strategies to improve the consistency of sedation assessment.

Results:
Results of the baseline audit showed that four of the six selected criteria had 0% compliance. Following the implementation of the strategies, which included education, visual management and development of a “RASS Reminder Card”, there was an improvement in all the criteria audited, with each criterion achieving 83–100% of compliance.

Conclusion:
The project successfully improved the implementation of RASS assessment in the respiratory ICU. Following the development and implementation of evidence-based resources, a high level of compliance was achieved for nurses using the RASS in the ICU to assess sedation in patients with a ventilator.
Experiences of transgender men in seeking gynecological and reproductive health care: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Sbragia Julia D. , Vottero Beth 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT

Objective:
The purpose of this review is to synthesize the existing qualitative literature examining the experiences of transgender men seeking gynecological and reproductive health in all healthcare settings globally.

Introduction:
Existing literature clearly identifies that fear of mistreatment and discrimination is an ongoing concern among the transgender community. Transgender men face challenges and barriers when seeking health care. When female reproductive organs and genitalia are retained, transgender men will need to access reproductive and gynecological health care and screening examinations. Synthesis of the literature examining those experiences is the focus of this review.

Inclusion criteria:
This review will consider all qualitative studies that include natal females who identify as transgender, genderqueer, non-binary or gender expressive and their experiences when seeking and receiving care related to gynecological or reproductive care. All studies on this type of care in any setting will be included.

Methods:
CINAHL Complete and PubMed will be searched and eligible studies published in English after 1979 will be included. Titles and abstracts will be screened by two independent reviewers for assessment against the inclusion criteria. The full text of articles will be assessed for inclusion and all potential articles will then be appraised for methodological quality using standardized critical appraisal tools. Data will be extracted by two independent reviewers. Findings will be pooled with a meta-aggregation approach to categorize findings. These synthesized findings will be graded to establish confidence in the output.
Operating department practitioners and adult nurses: interprofessional education bedfellows or a bridge too far?
Authors: Taylor Natasha , Horwood Gemma , Kneafsey Rosie 
Published: August 2019

BackgroundInterprofessional education (IPE) is well embedded in undergraduate health curricula. However, scant literature exists on which health and care disciplines, such as adult nurses and operating department practitioners (ODPs), prefer to work within simulated learning events.MethodsThis study took place over a number of simulated interprofessional events, with a range of health and care disciplines students, using a variety of simulation tools. The total number of participants was: adult nurses 16 and ODPs 18.ResultsAn ordinal logistic regression analysis was carried out on survey data collected. The OR of ODPs choosing adult nurses as the discipline they would prefer to work with at these events was 1.994 (95% CI 1.034 to 3.334) times that of adult nurses choosing ODPs as the discipline they would prefer to work with at these events, a statistically significant effect.ConclusionsIt is clear that a statistical difference in preferential choice exists, with ODPs choosing to work with adult nurses almost twice that of adult nurses choosing to work with ODPs. This supports the importance of IPE and the understanding of other professions, to improve team working across health and care organisations.
In Vivo Restoration of Myocardial Conduction With Carbon Nanotube Fibers
Authors: McCauley Mark D. , Vitale Flavia , Yan J. Stephen , Young Colin C. , Greet Brian , Orecchioni Marco , Perike Srikanth , Elgalad Abdelmotagaly , Coco Julia A. , John Mathews , Taylor Doris A. , Sampaio Luiz C. , Delogu Lucia G. , Razavi Mehdi , Pasquali Matteo 
Published: August 2019

Background:
Impaired myocardial conduction is the underlying mechanism for re-entrant arrhythmias. Carbon nanotube fibers (CNTfs) combine the mechanical properties of suture materials with the conductive properties of metals and may form a restorative solution to impaired myocardial conduction.

Methods:
Acute open chest electrophysiology studies were performed in sheep (n=3). Radiofrequency ablation was used to create epicardial conduction delay after which CNTf and then silk suture controls were applied. CNTfs were surgically sewn across the right atrioventricular junction in rodents, and acute (n=3) and chronic (4-week, n=6) electrophysiology studies were performed. Rodent toxicity studies (n=10) were performed. Electrical analysis of the CNTf-myocardial interface was performed.

Results:
In all cases, the large animal studies demonstrated improvement in conduction velocity using CNTf. The acute rodent model demonstrated ventricular preexcitation during sinus rhythm. All chronic cases demonstrated resumption of atrioventricular conduction, but these required atrial pacing. There was no gross or histopathologic evidence of toxicity. Ex vivo studies demonstrated contact impedance significantly lower than platinum iridium.

Conclusions:
Here, we show that in sheep, CNTfs sewn across epicardial scar acutely improve conduction. In addition, CNTf maintain conduction for 1 month after atrioventricular nodal ablation in the absence of inflammatory or toxic responses in rats but only in the paced condition. The CNTf/myocardial interface has such low impedance that CNTf can facilitate local, downstream myocardial activation. CNTf are conductive, biocompatible materials that restore electrical conduction in diseased myocardium, offering potential long-term restorative solutions in pathologies interrupting efficient electrical transduction in electrically excitable tissues.
Two new species of Panaietis (Copepoda: Cyclopoida: Anthessiidae) associated with vetigastropods (Gastropoda) in coastal waters of southern Japan
Authors: UYENO DAISUKE 
Published: August 2019

Two new species of the genus Panaietis (Copepoda: Cyclopoida: Anthessiidae) inhabiting the inside of the mouth cavities of marine snails are described from shallow waters of southern Japan. Panaietis bobocephala sp. nov. collected from the small abalone, Haliotis asinina (Vetigastropoda: Lepetellida: Haliotidae), is mainly characterized by the well-developed posterolateral corners of tergite on first pediger, the pointed spines on legs 1 to 5, the maxilla with two teeth, and the leg armature formula. Panaietis flavellata sp. nov. from Angaria neglecta (Vetigastropoda: Trochida: Angariidae) is characterized by the combination of following: leg 5 is situated on ventral side of the fifth pediger, inner margin of the second segment of antenna greatly protruded, and the leg armature formula.
A Simple Model of Convective Drafts Accounting for the Perturbation Pressure Term
Authors: Leger Julien , Lafore Jean-Philippe , Piriou Jean-Marcel , Guérémy Jean-François 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA simple anelastic two-column model of convective updraft accounting explicitly for the perturbation pressure term is developed. There is no vertical wind shear in the environment, and two geometries (slab or axial) are possible. A shape factor is introduced to account for transport by a nonuniform horizontal profile of the vertical velocity in the updraft and its environment. The perturbation buoyancy profile being prescribed, three parameters must be prescribed: depth and aspect ratio of the updraft and the total cell size. The model is tested for idealized buoyancy profiles and evaluated against a large-eddy simulation of daytime development of deep convection. The model behavior agrees with our understanding of the perturbation pressure within clouds. The simulated updraft quickly responds to the buoyancy field (~5 min), shorter than the convection time scale, so that a steady model could be developed. Below the updraft core, a downward pressure gradient is simulated allowing the updraft to overcome a barrier of convective inhibition. This model is designed to be implemented in a convection scheme to replace classical drag formulations of the updraft model.
Long-term Outcome in 7 Patients With Idiopathic Orbital Myositis
Authors: Matsuo Toshihiko 
Published: August 2019

Purpose: Idiopathic orbital myositis, a rare disease of unknown cause, presents a diagnostic puzzle because the diagnosis is based on the exclusion of other diseases. This study aims at elucidating its long-term outcome to answer a clinical question whether idiopathic orbital myositis would be a distinct clinical entity. Methods: Retrospective review was made on 7 consecutive patients (6 men and 1 woman) with the age at the initial visit ranging from 33 to 69 years (mean, 45.8 years) who were diagnosed with idiopathic orbital myositis and followed for 5 years or more (mean, 9.2 years) at a referral-based hospital. Results: Chief complaint at the initial visit was diplopia in 4 patients, blurred vision in 2 patients, and proptosis in 1 patient. On magnetic resonance imaging, 4 patients showed enlargement of a single extraocular muscle on unilateral side while 3 patients showed enlargement of multiple extraocular muscles on unilateral side or bilateral sides. No patient developed systemic diseases or other orbital lesions in the long-term follow-up. All patients at the last visit were free from symptoms, including diplopia, after tapering of prednisolone at the initial dose of 20 to 60 mg daily. Conclusion: Idiopathic orbital myositis had a favorable long-term outcome with corticosteroid administration and appears to be a distinct clinical entity without systemic involvement.
Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor (lomitapide) efficacy in the treatment of patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Kolovou Genovefa , Diakoumakou Olga , Kolovou Vana , Fountas Epameinondas , Stratakis Stavros , Zacharis Evangelos , Liberopoulos Evangelos N , Matsouka Fedra , Tsoutsinos Alexandros , Mastorakou Irene , Katsikas Theodoros , Mavrogeni Sophie , Hatzigeorgiou Georgios 
Published: August 2019

AimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor (lomitapide) in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia.Methods and resultsIn 12 homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia patients treated with lipid-lowering drugs ± biweekly lipoprotein apheresis sessions (nine patients), daily lomitapide was added. The lipid profile (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) before and after lomitapide treatment was evaluated. The follow-up period with lomitapide treatment was 3–24 months (13.8 ± 7.9). The median baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was 900 mg/dl (348–1070), after lipid-lowering drugs therapy was 383.5 mg/dl (214–866) and after lipid-lowering drugs + time-averaged level was 288 mg/dl (183.7–716.6). The addition of lomitapide lowered low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels further by 56.8% compared to lipid-lowering drugs alone (mean reduction 262, 95% confidence interval (105.5–418.7), p = 0.005) and by 54% (mean reduction 182.9, 95% confidence interval (−342 – −23), p = 0.031) comparing to lipid-lowering drugs + lipoprotein apheresis (time-averaged level). The time-averaged level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in lipid-lowering drugs + lipoprotein apheresis patients compared with lipid-lowering drugs + lomitapide was 54% in favour of lomitapide ( p = 0.031).ConclusionsTreatment with lomitapide in homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia patients has a beneficial effect with a constant decrease of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 57% compared with classical lipid-lowering therapy and by 54% compared with classical lipid-lowering therapy and time-averaged level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.