bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NGF gene polymorphisms are not associated with heroin dependence in a Taiwanese male population
Authors: Tsou Chang‐Chih , Kuo Shin‐Chang , Chen Chun‐Yen , Lu Ru‐Band , Wang Tso‐Jen , Huang San‐Yuan 
Published: August 2018

Background and ObjectivesHeroin dependence (HD) is a chronic relapsing brain illness with substantial heritability. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a crucial modulator in the neurodevelopment, and may be a key mediator of reward processes in HD. The purpose of this genetic study was to investigate whether NGF gene polymorphisms associate with the occurrence of HD and the specific personality traits of patients with HD.MethodsWe selected a homogeneous Han Chinese male population to overcome possible confounding effects of population and gender. For the study, 272 HD patients and 141 controls completed the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire to evaluate their personality traits. In addition, a further sample 303 HD patients and 204 controls was added (with totally 920 participants) for the gene association and genotype‐phenotype interaction studies.ResultsPatients with HD had higher novelty seeking (NS) and harm avoidance (HA) scores than healthy subjects. Nonetheless, NGF gene polymorphisms did not associate with specific personality traits in HD patients and controls. There is no significant difference in NGF gene polymorphisms between patients with HD and controls.Discussion and ConclusionsThe NGF gene may neither contribute to the risk of development of HD, nor mediate the relationship between specific personality traits and HD in Han Chinese male population.Scientific SignificancePatients with HD had higher novelty seeking (NS) and harm avoidance (HA) scores than healthy subjects. However, none of the polymorphisms in the NGF gene affected the NS and HA scores in both patients and healthy subjects. (Am J Addict 2018;27:516–523)
Genetic research and consent: On the crossroads of human and data research
Authors: Pormeister Kärt 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis paper explores the legal and ethical concept of human subject research in order to determine whether genetic research with already available biosamples and data falls within this concept. Although the ethical concept seems to have evolved to recognize research based on data as human research, from a supranational legal perspective this form of research is not considered human subject research. Thus human subject research regulations do not apply and therefore do not invoke the requirement of obtaining consent prior to using an individual’s biosample or genetic data in research. Furthermore, it remains ambiguous in both the legal and ethical realm whether the use of biosamples or genetic data without additional links to the individual would invoke the same safeguards as research involving additional or specific identifiers. Seeing that research based on already available biosamples and genetic data is not governed by rules concerning human subject research, the second part of the paper analyses whether any consent requirements apply for the further use of already available bio‐samples or genetic data in research. Whereas further use of biosamples is subject to considerably lax consent requirements under Article 22 of the Oviedo Convention, under the General Data Protection Regulation further use of genetic data might not be subject to a prior consent requirement at all, unless it is stipulated in national laws. When it comes to clinical trials, however, sponsors will have the possibility under Article 28(2) of Regulation 536/2014 to obtain open consent for further use of data in any kind of future research.
Calcipotriol/betamethasone ointment compared to narrow‐band UVB in plaque psoriasis: first clinical and ultrasonographic study
Authors: Polańska Adriana , Gaura Tomasz , Bowszyc‐Dmochowska Monika , Osmola‐Mańkowska Agnieszka , Olek‐Hrab Karolina , Adamski Zygmunt , Żaba Ryszard , Dańczak‐Pazdrowska Aleksandra 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionA wide range of treatments are available for psoriasis, including pharmaceuticals and phototherapy. Calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate and narrow‐band ultraviolet phototherapy (NB‐UVB) are both effective monotherapies for psoriasis; however, these two therapies have never been directly compared in a prospective clinical study. In this study, we compared the efficacy of combined calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate to NB‐UVB in psoriatic patients with Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 9–10 treated in a routine clinical practice.Patients and methodsThis prospective, observational study included 58 consecutive patients (age range, 19–65 years) diagnosed with recurrent chronic small plaque psoriasis. Patients were offered either topical therapy with a two‐compound ointment containing calcipotriol (50 μm/g) and betamethasone dipropionate (0.5 mg/g) or NB‐UVB (311 nm). Disease severity was assessed at baseline and posttreatment according to PASI and target lesion score (TLS) and by high‐frequency (20 MHz) ultrasonography (HF‐USG).ResultsNo statistically significant difference between the groups was observed in baseline or posttreatment PASI scores. Both treatments resulted in substantial reductions in PASI: 85% and 82%, respectively, for the calcipotriol/betamethasone group and the NB‐UVB group. Both treatments significantly decreased the subepidermal low echogenic band (SLEB) thickness, with no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the percentage reduction in SLEB.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates, for the first time, that NB‐UVB phototherapy and fixed combination calcipotriol/betamethasone ointment are equally effective in treating plaque psoriasis in patients with PASI 9–10 in routine clinical practice. In addition, measurement of SLEB thickness with HF‐USG may be a useful objective parameter to assess skin lesions.
Biblioteca para pacientes del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio: ejemplo de liderazgo estudiantil
Authors: Laserna Estrada Andres Felipe , Barahona Correa Julian Esteban , Figueroa Gutiérrez Laura , Zarate Velasco Ana Maria , Foti Barreto Jose Rodrigo , Mejía Jaramillo Sarita , Rosas Camilo 
Published: August 2018

Fortalecer las habilidades de liderazgo desde el pregrado genera profesionalesmás integrales y propositivos. Participar en investigación desarrolla unamentalidad más independiente y fortalece la confianza en sí mismos [1,2].Este empoderamiento promueve la inquietud intelectual y el pensamiento divergente, lo que genera habilidades de liderazgo [3], comunicación y colaboración [4]. Desde este precepto, el Grupo Científico Estudiantil MAJIIS [5] lideró el proyecto Libros de cabecera, con el apoyo de la Carrera de Ciencias de Información-Bibliotecología, la Biblioteca General y el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio (HUSI). El objetivo es implementaruna biblioteca para pacientes con fines sociales e investigativos.Las actividades estructuradas de lectura han disminuido la ansiedad y ladepresión en pacientes hospitalizados [6-8], posiblemente asociado con el mejoramiento de la estancia hospitalaria y la humanización de los servicios. Sin embargo, sus efectos no han sido estudiados con profundidad. En Colombia, existen pocas instituciones que presten este servicio [9].Libros de cabecera demuestra el potencial de las actividades lideradaspor estudiantes. Inicialmente, funcionará para pacientes hospitalizados,pero se planea alcanzar otros servicios del HUSI (por ejemplo, oncología onefrología). Se busca favorecer la recuperación de los pacientes, mejorar la percepción de estancia hospitalaria, optimizar los hábitos de lectura y apoyarla política de humanización de nuestro Hospital. Se espera aportar a la evidencia de la efectividad de la biblioterapia en el manejo integral de los enfermos y sus familias.
Frecuencia de anemia al diagnóstico en los pacientes pediátricos con cáncer atendidos en el Centro Javeriano de Oncología entre enero de 2008 y enero de 2014
Authors: Atencia Herrera Cindy Margarita , Gómez Neva Maria Elizabeth , Guzmán Cruz Paula Carolina 
Published: August 2018

Introducción: La anemia es un hallazgo común y de etiología variable en la edad pediátrica, sobre todo en países como Colombia, donde se suma la carencia nutricional como principal factor causal de este signo. En los niños con cáncer, la anemia se manifiesta con palidez, en especial relacionada con tumores hematolinfoides. Objetivo: Determinar con qué frecuencia se encontró anemia en la población infantil con diagnóstico de cáncer atendida en el Centro Javeriano de Oncología (CJO). Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo, entre enero de 2008 y enero 2014. Se recolectaron datos como edad, sexo, diagnóstico y hemoglobina. Se excluyeron los registros en los cuales no se encontraban estas variables. La información obtenida seanalizó empleando frecuencias. Los resultados fueron comparados con los reportados en la literatura según la metodología empleada. Resultados: En el CJO, la principal población pediátrica con cáncer fueron niños, en quienes se documentó una mayor proporción de afectados con tumores sólidos en comparación con hematolinfoides. Un 21 % de los pacientes con leucemias o linfomas ingresaron con concentraciones de hemoglobina menores a la media para edad y sexo, frente a 73,9 % de aquellos con tumores sólidos. Conclusión: La anemia fue un hallazgo poco frecuente en niños con tumores hematolinfoides y se observó un marcado incremento cuando se trató de tumores sólidos.La aparición de este signo es variable y los datos pueden modificarse según factores como sexo, edad al diagnóstico de la patología oncológica, así como el tipo y localización del tumor.
Sequences of Zika Virus Genomes from a Pediatric Cohort in Nicaragua
Authors: Oldfield Lauren M. , Fedorova Nadia , Puri Vinita , Shrivastava Susmita , Amedeo Paolo , Durbin Alan , Rocchi Iara , Williams Torrey , Shabman Reed S. , Tan Gene S. , Balmaseda Angel , Kuan Guillermina , Saborio Saira , Gordon Aubree , Harris Eva , Pickett Brett E. 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT
We report here the whole-genome sequence of 11 Zika virus (ZIKV) samples from six pediatric patients in Nicaragua. Serum samples were collected, and ZIKV was isolated in tissue culture. Both serum and virus isolates were sequenced. The consensus ZIKV genomes are greater than 99% identical to each other.
Complete Genome Sequences of Paenibacillus larvae Phages BN12, Dragolir, Kiel007, Leyra, Likha, Pagassa, PBL1c, and Tadhana
Authors: Walker Jamison K. , Merrill Bryan D. , Berg Jordan A. , Dhalai Aziza , Dingman Douglas W. , Fajardo Chris P. , Graves Kiel , Hill Hunter L. , Hilton Jared A. , Imahara Cameron , Knabe Bradley K. , Mangohig James , Monk Josh , Mun Heejin , Payne Ashley M. , Salisbury Alicia , Stamereilers Casey , Velez Kathie , Ward Andy T. , Breakwell Donald P. , Grose Julianne H. , Hope Sandra , Tsourkas Philippos K. 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT

We present here the complete genomes of eight phages that infect
Paenibacillus larvae
, the causative agent of American foulbrood in honeybees. Phage PBL1c was originally isolated in 1984 from a
P. larvae
lysogen, while the remaining phages were isolated in 2014 from bee debris, honeycomb, and lysogens from three states in the USA.
Identification and Characterization of a Phase-Variable Element That Regulates the Autotransporter UpaE in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Battaglioli E. J. , Goh K. G. K. , Atruktsang T. S. , Schwartz K. , Schembri M. A. , Welch R. A. 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTUropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC) is the most common etiologic agent of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI). An important mechanism of gene regulation in UPEC is phase variation that involves inversion of a promoter-containing DNA element via enzymatic activity of tyrosine recombinases, resulting in biphasic, ON or OFF expression of target genes. The UPEC reference strain CFT073 has five tyrosine site-specific recombinases that function at two previously characterized promoter inversion systems,fimSandhyxS. Three of the five recombinases are located proximally to their cognate target elements, which is typical of promoter inversion systems. The genes for the other two recombinases, IpuA and IpuB, are located distal from these sites. Here, we identified and characterized a third phase-variable invertible element in CFT073,ipuS, located proximal toipuAandipuB. The inversion ofipuSis catalyzed by four of the five CFT073 recombinases. Orientation of the element drives transcription of a two-gene operon containingipuR, a predicted LuxR-type regulator, andupaE, a predicted autotransporter. We show that the predicted autotransporter UpaE is surface located and facilitates biofilm formation as well as adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins in a K-12 recombinant background. Consistent with this phenotype, theipuSON condition in CFT073 results in defective swimming motility, increased adherence to human kidney epithelial cells, and a positive competitive kidney colonization advantage in experimental mouse UTIs. Overall, the identification of a third phase switch in UPEC that is regulated by a shared set of recombinases describes a complex phase-variable virulence network in UPEC.IMPORTANCEUropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC) is the most common cause of urinary tract infection (UTI). ON versus OFF phase switching by inversion of small DNA elements at two chromosome sites in UPEC regulates the expression of important virulence factors, including the type 1 fimbria adhesion organelle. In this report, we describe a third invertible element,ipuS, in the UPEC reference strain CFT073. The inversion ofipuScontrols the phase-variable expression ofupaE, an autotransporter gene that encodes a surface protein involved in adherence to extracellular matrix proteins and colonization of the kidneys in a murine model of UTI.
Promoting hygienic weaning food handling practices through a community-based programme: intervention implementation and baseline characteristics for a cluster randomised controlled trial in rural Gambia
Authors: Manjang Buba , Hemming Karla , Bradley Chris , Ensink Jeroen , Martin James T , Sowe Jama , Jarju Abdou , Cairncross Sandy , Manaseki-Holland Semira 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveContamination of weaning food leads to diarrhoea in children under 5 years. Public health interventions to improve practices in low-income and middle-income countries are rare and often not evaluated using a randomised method. We describe an intervention implementation and provide baseline data for such a trial.DesignClustered randomised controlled trial.SettingRural Gambia.Participants15 villages/clusters each with 20 randomly selected mothers with children aged 6–24 months per arm.InterventionTo develop the public health intervention, we used: (A) formative research findings to determine theoretically based critical control point corrective measures and motivational drives for behaviour change of mothers; (B) lessons from a community-based weaning food hygiene programme in Nepal and a handwashing intervention programme in India; and (C) culturally based performing arts, competitions and environmental clues. Four intensive intervention days per village involved the existing health systems and village/cultural structures that enabled per-protocol implementation and engagement of whole villager communities.ResultsBaseline village and mother’s characteristics were balanced between the arms after randomisation. Most villages were farming villages accessing health centres within 10 miles, with no schools but numerous village committees and representing all Gambia’s three main ethnic groups. Mothers were mainly illiterate (60%) and farmers (92%); 24% and 10% of children under 5 years were reported to have diarrhoea and respiratory symptoms, respectively, in the last 7 days (dry season). Intervention process engaged whole village members and provided lessons for future implementation; culturally adapted performing arts were an important element.ConclusionThis research has potential as a new low-cost and broadly available public health programme to reduce infection through weaning food. The theory-based intervention was widely consulted in the Gambia and with experts and was well accepted by the communities. Baseline analysis provides socioeconomic data and confirmation of Unicefs Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) data on the prevalence of diarrhoea and respiratory symptoms in the dry season in the poorest region of Gambia.Trial registration numberPACTR201410000859336; Pre-results.
Which work-related characteristics are most strongly associated with common mental disorders? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Rivière Mathieu , Leroyer Ariane , Ferreira Carreira Lionel , Blanchon Thierry , Plancke Laurent , Melchior Maria , Younès Nadia 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesStudies exploring work-related risk factors of common mental disorders (CMDs), such as major depressive disorder (MDD), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) or alcohol abuse, have generally focused on a limited set of work characteristics. For the first time in a primary care setting, we examine simultaneously multiple work-related risk factors in relation to CMDs.MethodWe use data from a study of working individuals recruited among 2027 patients of 121 general practitioners (GPs) representative of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region in the North of France (April–August 2014). CMDs (MDD; GAD; alcohol abuse) were assessed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Six worked-related factors were examined (work intensity, emotional demands, autonomy, social relations at work, conflict in values and job insecurity). Several covariates were considered (patient, GP and contextual characteristics). To study the association between workplace risk factors and CMDs, we used multilevel Poisson regression models adjusted for covariates.ResultsAmong study participants, 389 (19.1%) met criteria for MDD, 522 (25.8%) for GAD and 196 (9.7%) for alcohol abuse. In multivariable analyses adjusted for covariates, MDD/GAD was significantly associated with work intensity (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.27) (absolute risk=52.8%), emotional demands (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.35) (absolute risk=54.9%) and social relations at work (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.87) (absolute risk=15.0%); alcohol abuse was associated with social relations at work (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.53) (absolute risk=7.6%) and autonomy (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.99) (absolute risk=8.9%).ConclusionsSeveral workplace factors are associated with CMDs among working individuals seen by a GP. These findings confirm the role of organisational characteristics of work as a correlate of psychological difficulties above and beyond other sources of risk.
Resource use of healthcare services 1 year after stroke: a secondary analysis of a cluster-randomised controlled trial of a client-centred activities of daily living intervention
Authors: Tistad Malin , Flink Maria , Ytterberg Charlotte , Eriksson Gunilla , Guidetti Susanne , Tham Kerstin , von Koch Lena 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to compare the total use of healthcare services in the course of the first year after a stroke between participants who, after the acute care, had received occupational therapy as a client-centred activities of daily living (ADL) intervention (CADL) and participants who had received usual ADL intervention (UADL).DesignA secondary analysis of a multicentre cluster-randomised controlled trial (RCT).SettingPrimary and secondary care in Sweden.ParticipantsParticipants were included if they: (1) had received CADL or UADL in the RCT, either as inpatients in geriatric rehabilitation units or in their own homes, and (2) data could be retrieved about their use of healthcare services provided by the county council from computerised registers.InterventionsCADL or UADL.Outcome measuresInpatient and outpatient healthcare in the course of the first year after stroke.ResultsParticipants from 7 of the 16 units included in the RCT met the criteria. Participants in the CADL group (n=26) who received geriatric inpatient rehabilitation had a shorter length of hospital stay (p=0.03) than participants in the UADL group (n=46), and the CADL group with home rehabilitation (n=13) had fewer outpatient contacts (p=0.01) compared with the UADL group (n=25). Multiple regression analyses showed that in four of the models, a higher age was associated with a lower use of healthcare services. The use of healthcare services was also associated (some of the models) with dependence in ADL, stroke severity and type of rehabilitation received, CADL or UADL.ConclusionsThe provision of client-centred occupational therapy after stroke did not appear to increase the use of healthcare services during the first year after stroke.rrrrrTrial registration numberNCT01417585.
Low-value care in Australian public hospitals: prevalence and trends over time
Authors: Badgery-Parker Tim , Pearson Sallie-Anne , Chalmers Kelsey , Brett Jonathan , Scott Ian A , Dunn Susan , Onley Neville , Elshaug Adam G 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveTo examine 27 low-value procedures, as defined by international recommendations, in New South Wales public hospitals.DesignAnalysis of admitted patient data for financial years 2010–2011 to 2016–2017.Main outcome measuresNumber and proportion of episodes identified as low value by two definitions (narrower and broader), associated costs and bed-days, and variation between hospitals in financial year 2016–2017; trends in numbers of low-value episodes from 2010–2011 to 2016–2017.ResultsFor 27 procedures in 2016–2017, we identified 5079 (narrower definition) to 8855 (broader definition) episodes involving low-value care (11.00%–19.18% of all 46 169 episodes involving these services). These episodes were associated with total inpatient costs of $A49.9 million (narrower) to $A99.3 million (broader), which was 7.4% (narrower) to 14.7% (broader) of the total $A674.6 million costs for all episodes involving these procedures in 2016–2017, and involved 14 348 (narrower) to 29 705 (broader) bed-days. Half the procedures accounted for less than 2% of all low-value episodes identified; three of these had no low-value episodes in 2016–2017. The proportion of low-value care varied widely between hospitals. Of the 14 procedures accounting for most low-value care, seven showed decreasing trends from 2010–2011 to 2016–2017, while three (colonoscopy for constipation, endoscopy for dyspepsia, sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma in situ) showed increasing trends.ConclusionsLow-value care in this Australian public hospital setting is not common for most of the measured procedures, but colonoscopy for constipation, endoscopy for dyspepsia and sentinel lymph node biopys for melanoma in situ require further investigation and action to reverse increasing trends. The variation between procedures and hospitals may imply different drivers and potential remedies.