bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular genetic characteristics of influenza A virus clinically isolated during 2011‐2016 influenza seasons in Korea
Authors: Lee Han Sol , Noh Ji Yun , Song Joon Young , Cheong Hee Jin , Choi Won Suk , Jeong Hye Won , Wie Seong‐Heon , Kim Woo Joo 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundThe influenza virus is reportedly associated with 3‐5 million cases of severe illness and 250 000‐500 000 deaths annually worldwide.ObjectivesWe investigated the variation of influenza A virus in Korea and examined the association with death.MethodsA total of 13 620 cases were enrolled in the Hospital‐based Influenza Morbidity & Mortality surveillance system in Korea during 2011‐2016. Among these cases, a total of 4725 were diagnosed with influenza using RT‐PCR (influenza A; n = 3696, influenza B; n = 928, co‐infection; n = 101). We used 254 viral sequences from the 3696 influenza A cases for phylogenetic analysis using the BioEdit and MEGA 6.06 programs.ResultsWe found that the sequences of A/H3N2 in the 2011‐2012 season belong to subgroup 3C.1, whereas the sequences in the 2012‐2013 season pertain to subgroup 3C.2. The sequences in the 2013‐2014 and 2014‐2015 seasons involve subgroups 3C.3a and 3C.2a. The A/H1N1pdm09 subtype belongs to subgroup 6 and contains two clusters. In addition, sequence analysis confirmed the several substitutions of internal genes and gene substitutions associated with drug resistance (I222V in NA and S31N in M2) in the fatal cases. While statistical analysis found no significant associations between genetic differences in the viruses and mortality, mortality was associated with certain host factors, such as chronic lung disease.ConclusionsIn conclusion, influenza A virus clade changes occurred in Korea during the 2011‐2016 seasons. These data, along with antigenic analysis, can aid in selecting effective vaccine strains. We confirmed that fatality in influenza A cases was related to underlying patient diseases, such as chronic lung disease, and further studies are needed to confirm associations between mortality and viral genetic substitutions.
Sex differences in insulin and glucagon responses for glucose homeostasis in young healthy Japanese adults
Authors: Horie Ichiro , Abiru Norio , Eto Mami , Sako Ayaka , Akeshima Junya , Nakao Tomoe , Nakashima Yomi , Niri Tetsuro , Ito Ayako , Nozaki Aya , Haraguchi Ai , Akazawa Satoru , Mori Yoshitaka , Ando Takao , Kawakami Atsushi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIt has been reported that glucose responses during the oral glucose tolerance test differ between healthy women and men. However, it remains unknown what factors contribute to these differences between the sexes. The present study analyzed the insulin and glucagon responses during the oral glucose tolerance test in 25 female and 38 male healthy young adults aged 22–30 years. The plasma glucose levels at 120 min were significantly higher in women than men. Insulin secretion was significantly greater at 30, 90 and 120 min from baseline in women than men. Glucagon suppression was greater at 30 and 120 min from baseline in men than women when determined by a sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay glucagon kit. These results suggest that the differences in glucose responses during the oral glucose tolerance test are mediated by the difference between the sexes in bi‐hormonal responses in healthy individuals.
Economic Evaluation of a Catheter‐Associated Urinary Tract Infection Prevention Program in Nursing Homes
Authors: Hutton David W. , Krein Sarah L. , Saint Sanjay , Graves Nicholas , Kolli Ajay , Lynem Raymond , Mody Lona 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo assess the economic effect and cost effectiveness of a targeted catheter‐associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention intervention in the nursing home (NH) setting.DesignRandomized clinical trial.SettingCommunity‐based NHs (N=12).ParticipantsNH residents with indwelling urinary catheters (N=418).InterventionStandard care versus infection prevention program involving barrier precautions, active surveillance, and NH staff education.MeasurementsCosts of the intervention, costs of disease, and health outcomes were used to calculate an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio for the intervention. Data came from intervention results and the literature and outcomes were analyzed over one year.ResultsA 120‐bed NH would have program costs of $20,279/year. The cost of disease treatment would be reduced by $54,316 per year, resulting in a $34,037 net cost savings. Most of this savings would come from fewer CAUTI hospitalizations ($39,180), with $15,136 in savings from CAUTI care within the NH. The intervention also yielded a gain of 0.197 quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs). Taking into account uncertainty in all parameters suggests there is an 85% chance that the intervention is cost‐saving.ConclusionsThe CAUTI prevention program is expected to benefit payers by reducing costs and improving health outcomes. Because the savings accrue to payers and not to NHs, payers such as Medicare and private insurers may want to provide incentives for NHs to implement such programs.Trial Registrationclinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01062841
Time‐dependent changes in bone healing capacity of scaphoid fractures and non‐unions
Authors: Schmidle Gernot , Ebner Hannes Leonhard , Klima Günter , Pfaller Kristian , Fritz Josef , Hoermann Romed , Gabl Markus 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe scaphoid is the most frequently fractured carpal bone and prone to non‐union due to mechanical and biological factors. Whereas the importance of stability is well documented, the evaluation of biological activity is mostly limited to the assessment of vascularity. The purpose of this study was to select histological and immunocytochemical parameters that could be used to assess healing potential after scaphoid fractures and to correlate these findings with time intervals after fracture for the three parts of the scaphoid (distal, gap and proximal). Samples were taken during operative intervention in 33 patients with delayed or non‐union of the scaphoid. Haematoxylin and Eosin (HE), Azan, Toluidine, von Kossa and Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining were used to characterise the samples histologically. We determined distribution of collagen 1 and 2 by immunocytochemistry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the ultrastructure. To analyse the samples, parameters for biological healing status were defined and grouped according to healing capacity in parameters with high, partial and little biological activity. These findings allowed scoring of biological healing capacity, and the ensuing results were correlated with different time intervals after fracture. The results showed reduced healing capacity over time, but not all parts of the scaphoid were affected in the same way. For the distal fragment, regression analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between summarised healing activity scores and time from initial fracture (r = −0.427, P = 0.026) and decreasing healing activity for the gap region (r = −0.339, P = 0.090). In contrast, the analyses of the proximal parts for all patients did not show a correlation (r = 0.008, P = 0.969) or a decrease in healing capacity, with reduced healing capacity already at early stages. The histological and immunocytochemical characterisation of scaphoid non‐unions (SNUs) and the scoring of healing parameters make it possible to analyse the healing capacity of SNUs at certain time points. This information is important as it can assist the surgeon in the selection of the most appropriate SNU treatment.
Valve‐in‐valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation with CoreValve/Evolut R© for degenerated small versus bigger bioprostheses
Authors: Scholtz Smita , Piper Cornelia , Horstkotte Dieter , Gummert Jan , Ensminger Stephan M. , Börgermann Jochen , Scholtz Werner 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesWe present our single center experience with Medtronic CoreValve and Evolut R regarding procedural outcome and 3 years follow‐up in patients with degenerated bioprostheses.MethodsFrom 1645 patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI at our institution between February 2009 and December 2016, 37 patients with degenerated bioprosthesis were treated with Medtronic CoreValve/Evolut R. All data concerning baseline characteristic, procedural outcomes and follow‐up were entered into a dedicated database.ResultsMean age was 83.9 ± 4.4 years and patients showed an average logistic EuroSCORE of 33.2 ± 16.7%. Successful ViV deployment was achieved in all cases, a permanent pacemaker was implanted in 16.2%, no periinterventional stroke and no coronary obstruction occurred. Mortality at 30 days was 2.7%, at 1‐year follow‐up 5.7% and at three years 13.5%. Depending on bioprosthesis size <23 mm versus ≥23 mm echocardiographic mean gradients post implantation were significantly higher in the smaller bioprostheses, 22.8 mmHg ± 9.4 mmHg versus 15.1 ± 7.1, P = 0.013.ConclusionViV‐TAVI with CoreValve/R is demonstrated to be safe and effective in terms of no coronary obstruction and very low mortality up to 3 years despite slightly higher mean transprosthetic gradients especially in very small bioprostheses.
Aspidosperma pyrifolium Mart: neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in a Parkinson's disease model in rats
Authors: de Araújo Dayane P , Nogueira Patrícia C N , Santos Alan Diego C , Costa Roberta de Oliveira , de Lucena Jalles D , Jataí Gadelha-Filho Carlos Vinicius , Lima Francisco Arnaldo V , Neves Kelly Rose T , Leal Luzia Kalyne Almeida M , Silveira Edilberto R , Viana Glauce S B 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Aspidosperma species are used for several diseases, especially for malaria in Brazil. Although the genus is object of pharmacological studies, almost none are found on Aspidosperma pyrifolium. We investigate neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the APSE-Aq fraction (benzoic acid glycosylated derivative) on Parkinson's disease model.

Methods
Male Wistar rats were subjected to a 6-hydroxydopamine injection into the right striatum and treated or not with APSE-Aq (100 or 200 mg/kg, p.o.). The sham-operated group was injected with saline. Two weeks later, animals were subjected to behavioural, neurochemical and immunohistochemical evaluation. The data were analysed by ANOVA and Tukey test.

Key findings
The APSE-Aq-treated group shows a partial recovery of behavioural changes as compared with the untreated-6-hydroxydopamine group. A partial recovery was also observed in nitrite contents and lipid peroxidation. APSE-Aq treatments significantly reversed decreases in striatal dopamine and metabolites in the untreated 6-hydroxydopamine group. Immunostainings for markers as tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter decreased in the untreated 6-hydroxydopamine group and values recovered after APSE-Aq treatments. Similar data were seen for TNF-alpha.

Conclusion
APSE-Aq presents neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Considering that APSE-Aq is chemically related to salicylic acid, it may act on similar targets.
A revised model for the control of fatty acid synthesis by master regulator Spo0A in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Haggett Lindsey , Bhasin Archna , Srivastava Priyanka , Fujita Masaya 
Published: February 2018

SummaryIn starving Bacillus subtilis cells, the accDA operon encoding two subunits of the essential acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) has been proposed to be tightly regulated by direct binding of the master regulator Spo0A to a cis element (0A box) in the promoter region. When the 0A box is mutated, biofilm formation and sporulation have been reported to be impaired. Here, we present evidence that two 0A boxes, one previously known (0A‐1) and another newly discovered (0A‐2) in the accDA promoter region are positively and negatively regulated by Spo0A∼P respectively. Cells with mutated 0A boxes experience slight delays in sporulation, but eventually sporulate with high efficiency. In contrast, cells harboring a single mutated 0A‐2 box are deficient for biofilm formation, while cells harboring either a mutated 0A‐1 box or both mutated 0A boxes form biofilms. We further show that the essential ACC enzyme localizes on or near the cell membrane by directly observing a functional GFP fusion to one of the enzyme's subunits. Collectively, we propose a revised model in which accDA is primarily transcribed by a major σA‐RNA polymerase, while Spo0A∼P plays an additional role in the fine‐tuning of accDA expression upon starvation to support proper biofilm formation and sporulation.
Beyond the Bridge: Transforming Conflict Research, Education, and Practice by Transcending Barriers—Honoring the Contributions of Tricia S. Jones
Authors: Jameson Jessica Katz , Brinkert Ross , Raines Susan S. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this tribute to the 2004 recipient of the International Association for Conflict Management's Jeffrey Z. Rubin Theory‐to‐Practice Award, we honor the work of Tricia S. Jones. Having worked with Trish as grad students, research and practice collaborators, and journal editors, we highlight her unique contributions to conflict resolution education, the role of emotion in conflict, and conflict coaching. We also celebrate her ability to transcend both disciplinary and academic–practitioner barriers as she elevates the importance of communication research.
Allelic variant in the glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor gene associated with greater effect of liraglutide and exenatide on gastric emptying: A pilot pharmacogenetics study
Authors: Chedid V. , Vijayvargiya P. , Carlson P. , Van Malderen K. , Acosta A. , Zinsmeister A. , Camilleri M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundWeight loss in response to the long‐acting GLP‐1 receptor (GLP1R) analog, liraglutide, is correlated with delay in gastric‐emptying (GE). The aim of this pilot study was to assess whether specific genetic variants in GLP1R or TCF7L2 are associated with delayed GE and weight loss in obese patients treated with liraglutide or the short‐acting GLP‐1 agonist, exenatide.MethodsWe evaluated in obese individuals the associations of genetic variations of GLP1R (rs6923761) and TCF7L2 (rs7903146) on GE T1/2 and weight from two trials that evaluated separately exenatide, 5 μg BID for 30 days, or liraglutide, 3 mg daily for 5 weeks. Data were analyzed using the dominant genetic model and intention‐to‐treat analysis.Key ResultsThere was a significant correlation between changes in weight and GE T1/2 (rs = −.382, P = .004). GLP1R rs6923761 minor allele A (AA_AG) carriers who received either exenatide or liraglutide had greater delay in GE T1/2 relative to baseline (117.9 ± 27.5 [SEM] minutes and 128.9 ± 38.32 minutes) compared to GG genotype (95.8 ± 30.4 minutes and 61.4 ± 21.4 minutes, respectively; P = .11). There was a non‐significant difference in weight loss based on GLP1R rs6923761 genotype after 5 weeks of treatment. There were no significant correlations with TCF7L2 (rs7903146) genotype.Conclusions & InferencesThe minor A allele of GLP1R (rs6923761) is associated with greater delay in GE T1/2 in response to liraglutide and exenatide. These studies provide data to plan pharmacogenetics testing of the hypothesis that GLP1R (rs6923761) influences weight loss in response to GLP1R agonists.
Familial papular epidermal nevus with “skyline” basal cell layer and multiple pilomatricomas: A new association?
Authors: Rizzoli Laura , Balestri Riccardo , Rech Giulia , Zorzi Maria Grazia , Speziali Luigi , Pedrolli Annalisa , Girardelli Carlo Renè 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPapular epidermal nevus with “skyline” basal cell layer is a newly described keratinocytic nevus. Recently, papular epidermal nevus with “skyline” basal cell layer has been reported in association with extracutaneous involvement, and the term papular epidermal nevus with “skyline” basal cell layer syndrome is used to indicate a neurocutaneous syndrome characterized by the presence of papular epidermal nevus with “skyline” basal cell layer and different neurologic symptoms that seem to improve during infancy and adolescence. Multiple pilomatricomas have been reported in association with various syndromes. We report herein papular epidermal nevus with “skyline” basal cell layer associated with multiple pilomatricomas in two members of a family with the aim of drawing attention to this peculiar epidermal nevus to improve our knowledge of the syndrome.
Risk of intraocular and other extracutaneous involvement in patients with cutaneous juvenile xanthogranuloma
Authors: Samuelov Liat , Kinori Michael , Chamlin Sarah L. , Wagner Annette , Kenner‐Bell Brandi M. , Paller Amy S. , Kruse Lacey L. , Mancini Anthony J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesCutaneous juvenile xanthogranuloma is an uncommon, usually benign disease affecting infants and young children. Ocular and other systemic involvement have been reported, but their incidence is unclear, and the utility of routine screening is not well established. Our aim was to characterize the risk of ocular and systemic complications in children with cutaneous juvenile xanthogranuloma.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical charts of children with cutaneous juvenile xanthogranuloma seen at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, between January 2000 and December 2015. A comprehensive literature review was also performed.ResultsOf 338 children with cutaneous juvenile xanthogranuloma, 76 (median age 6 months, 51% female) met inclusion criteria. The most frequently involved site was the head and neck region (40%). In 39 patients (51%), there was a single lesion. Multiple lesions (>5) were evident in 20 patients (26%). Most cutaneous juvenile xanthogranulomas were micronodular (77%). None of the patients had ocular involvement. One patient had multiple asymptomatic hepatic nodules on imaging that regressed spontaneously within several months. Literature review of pediatric cutaneous juvenile xanthogranuloma series, including our cohort, revealed that the incidence of ocular manifestations is 0.24% (7/2949) and of systemic manifestations is 0.75% (22/2949).ConclusionCutaneous juvenile xanthogranulomas are generally limited to the skin. Because eye involvement is rare, a routine eye examination is of low yield and probably not warranted in children with no ocular or visual symptoms. New recommendations for systemic screening could not be drawn from this study.
Intraoperative blood transfusion in pediatric patients undergoing renal transplant—Effect of renal graft size
Authors: Odeh Rakan I. , Sidler Martin , Skelton Teresa , Zu’bi Fadi , Naoum Naimet K. , Azzawayed Ibraheem Abu , Alyami Fahad A. , Lorenzo Armando J. , Farhat Walid A. , Koyle Martin A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn pediatric RT, donor allograft size often exceeds the expected recipient norms, especially in younger recipients. An “oversize” graft might not only present a technical‐ and space‐related challenge, but may possibly lead to increased demands in perioperative volume requirements due to the disparity between donor and recipient in renal blood flow. We evaluated transfusion practices at a single tertiary institution with special consideration of kidney graft size, hypothesizing that oversize graft kidneys might lead to a quantifiable increased need of blood transfusion in smaller recipients. Retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent pediatric RT from January 2004 to June 2014 at a tertiary pediatric centre was performed. Variables analyzed included patient age, weight, pre‐ and postoperative Hb concentration, graft size, EBL, amount of intraoperative blood transfusion, and preoperative use of erythropoietin. Based on graft size in relation to patient's age, a SMR and an OvR were identified. A subcohort of age‐matched pairs was used to allow for comparison between groups. We calculated the expected procedure‐ and transfusion‐induced changes in Hb and compared these changes to the observed difference in pre‐ vs postoperative Hb to assess the influence of graft size on transfusion requirements. RT was performed in 188 pediatric recipients during the study period. In the matched cohort, percentage of transfused patients during transplantation in the OvR group was more than double compared with SMR (89% vs 39%, P < .001); similarly, the median number of transfused PRBC units in OvR was 1, while the median of SMR did not receive transfusion (P < .001). The difference between expected (calculated) and observed change in Hb was significantly higher in OvR with a median of 1.9 g/dL compared with SMR with a median of 1.0 g/dL (P = .026). Correspondingly, the calculated median volume taken up by a regular size kidney was significantly higher with 213 mL compared with 313 mL (P = .031) taken up by an oversize graft kidney. Median estimated intraoperative blood loss was significantly higher in OvR than in SMR (6.9 mL/kg, vs 5.3 mL/kg, respectively; P = .04). Median postoperative Hb was similar among groups (10.4 g/dL vs 10.6 g/dL for SMR vs OvR, respectively). Transplantation of an oversized kidney in pediatric RT recipients is associated with a quantifiable higher need for blood transfusion. This may be caused by a higher intraoperative EBL and/or greater blood volume sequestered by the larger renal allograft and requires further evaluation.
‘More of a Cause’: Recent Work on Degrees of Causation and Responsibility
Authors: Kaiserman Alex 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIt is often natural to compare two events by describing one as ‘more of a cause’ of some effect than the other. But what do such comparisons amount to, exactly? This paper aims to provide a guided tour of the recent literature on ‘degrees of causation’. Section2looks at what I call ‘dependence measures’, which arise from thinking of causes asdifference‐makers. Section3looks at what I call ‘production measures’, which arise from thinking of causes asjointly sufficientfor their effects. Finally, section4examines the important question of whether there is any sense in which an agent ismoreresponsible for an outcome in virtue of her action being more of a cause of it. I describe a puzzle that emerges from this question, and explore various strategies for resolving it.
Thoracoscopic pleural biopsy improves yield of Xpert MTB/RIF for diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis
Authors: Christopher Devasahayam J. , Dinakaran Sridevi , Gupta Richa , James Prince , Isaac Barney , Thangakunam Balamugesh 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveExtrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) accounts for ~15% of all TB patients, and TB pleural effusion is the second most common site of EPTB. The diagnosis of pleural TB is challenging due to the pauci‐bacillary nature of the disease. Histopathology of thoracoscopically obtained pleural biopsy provides the highest diagnostic yield. The Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Xpert) is a PCR test that can identify both Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and rifampicin resistance. Currently, there is a lack of clarity regarding the value of Xpert on pleural tissue. We report our experience of using Xpert on thoracoscopic pleural biopsy samples.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent thoracoscopy in our institution over a 1‐year period. Relevant clinical details; indications; and results of tests on pleural tissue and fluid, including histopathology, mycobacterial cultures and Xpert, were extracted.ResultsOf the 156 patients who underwent thoracoscopy, 73 (47%) had TB, 66 (42%) malignancy and 17 (11%) other conditions. Histopathology was diagnostic in all the 73 TB patients (100%). The yields of the microbiological tests against histopathology on thoracoscopic biopsy sample and pleural fluid were: pleural tissue Xpert 45%, pleural tissue culture 39%, pleural fluid culture 17% and pleural fluid Xpert 14%. Pleural tissue provided higher yields than fluid in both Xpert and culture (P < 0.05). Pleural tissue Xpert provided a higher yield than culture and substantially improved yield compared with closed pleural biopsy as we previously reported.ConclusionThoracoscopic pleural biopsy results in increased sensitivity on Xpert testing.