bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
External Validation of the Two Newly Proposed Criteria for Assessing Coagulopathy in Sepsis
Authors: Yamakawa Kazuma , Yoshimura Jumpei , Ito Takashi , Hayakawa Mineji , Hamasaki Toshimitsu , Fujimi Satoshi 
Published: December 2018

Background Two different criteria for evaluating coagulopathy in sepsis were recently released: sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) and sepsis-associated coagulopathy (SAC). Although both use universal haemostatic markers of platelet count and pro-thrombin time, significance and usefulness of these criteria remain unclear.
Objective This article validates and evaluates the significance of SIC and SAC criteria compared with the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) overt disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and Japanese Association for Acute Medicine (JAAM) DIC criteria.
Methods Clinical characteristics of patients from a nationwide Japanese cohort were classified by SIC, SAC or DIC status and relations between criteria were examined. We evaluated associations between in-hospital mortality and anticoagulant therapy according to the SIC, SAC or DIC status to clarify the significance of criteria for introducing anticoagulants. Intervention effects were analysed by Cox regression analysis adjusted by propensity scoring.
Results Incidences of coagulopathy diagnosed by SIC and JAAM DIC were similar, whereas those of SAC and ISTH overt DIC were about half of the former two (61.4%, 60.8% vs. 45.3%, 29.3%). Severity and mortality of all criteria were almost comparable. For validating initiation of anticoagulation, favourable effects of anticoagulant therapy were observed only in sub-sets with, and not without, coagulopathy diagnosed by all four criteria. Slight non-significant differences between anticoagulant groupings were found in ISTH overt DIC- and SAC-negative populations, suggesting that some patients even ‘without’ these criteria may benefit from anticoagulant therapy.
Conclusion Newly developed SIC diagnostic criteria for coagulopathy may be valuable in detecting appropriate candidates for anticoagulant therapy in sepsis and a useful alternative to conventional DIC scoring systems.
Epidemiology of Pediatric Septic Shock
Authors: Machado Flávia , de Souza Daniela 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSepsis, or dysregulated host response to infection, is considered a worldwide public health problem. It is a major childhood disease both in terms of frequency and severity, and severe sepsis is still considered the main cause of death from infection in childhood. This review provides an overview of the epidemiology of pediatric septic shock. The prevalence of severe sepsis and septic shock among hospitalized children ranges from 1 to 26%. Mortality is high, ranging from 5% in developed countries to up to 35% in developing countries. However, 10 years after the publication of pediatric sepsis definitions, a global perspective on the burden of this disease in childhood is still missing. Major obstacles to a better knowledge of sepsis epidemiology in children are the absence of an adequate disease definition and not having sepsis as a cause of death in the World Health Organization Global Burden of Disease Report, which is one of the most important sources of information for health policies decision-making in the world. Several studies performed in both developed and developing countries have shown that mortality from septic shock is high and is associated with delayed diagnosis, late treatment, and nonadherence to the treatment guidelines. Reducing mortality from sepsis in childhood is a worldwide challenge, especially in developing countries, where the highest number of cases and deaths are recorded and where financial resources are scarce. Many specialists consider that prevention, education, and organization are key to achieve a reduction in the burden of sepsis.
Observational Studies That Seek to Emulate a Randomized Trial of Screening to Reduce the Incidence of Cancer: Do They Address the Question to Which We’d Like to Have an Answer?
Authors: Weiss Noel S 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Some forms of cancer screening have the potential to reduce cancer incidence, if the screening modality can identify not only a malignancy but a treatable premalignant condition (such as a colon polyp) as well. Cohort studies of the efficacy of these forms of screening in reducing the incidence of cancer face many challenges, notably the difficulty in distinguishing whether a test performed in a given individual was screening or diagnostic in nature. Downward bias in the estimated efficacy of screening resulting from misclassification of test indication is a particular problem in cohort studies that seek to gauge cancer incidence beginning at the time of screening (and a corresponding point in time among unscreened persons). The downward bias is accentuated in those cohort studies that have sought to mimic the “intention-to-treat” analytical approach used in randomized trials, in which initially unscreened persons are retained in this category even if later they themselves undergo screening.
Boost-HiC: computational enhancement of long-range contacts in chromosomal contact maps
Authors: Carron L , Morlot J B , Matthys V , Lesne A , Mozziconacci J 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Motivation
Genome-wide chromosomal contact maps are widely used to uncover the 3D organization of genomes. They rely on collecting millions of contacting pairs of genomic loci. Contacts at short range are usually well measured in experiments, while there is a lot of missing information about long-range contacts.

Results
We propose to use the sparse information contained in raw contact maps to infer high-confidence contact counts between all pairs of loci. Our algorithmic procedure, Boost-HiC, enables the detection of Hi-C patterns such as chromosomal compartments at a resolution that would be otherwise only attainable by sequencing a hundred times deeper the experimental Hi-C library. Boost-HiC can also be used to compare contact maps at an improved resolution.

Availability and implementation
Boost-HiC is available at https://github.com/LeopoldC/Boost-HiC.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Viral Suppression After Transition From Having No Healthcare Coverage and Relying on Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Support to Medicaid or Private Health Insurance
Authors: Raifman Julia , Althoff Keri , Rebeiro Peter F , Mathews W Christopher , Cheever Laura W , Hauck Heather , Aberg Judith A , Gebo Kelly A , Moore Richard , Berry Stephen A ,   The HIV Research Network
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Among 1942 persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) without healthcare coverage in 2012–2015, transitioning to Medicaid (adjusted prevalence ratio, 0.95 [0.87, 1.04]) or to private health insurance (1.04 [0.95, 1.13]) was not associated with a change in consistent HIV viral suppression compared to continued reliance on the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.
A Web Browser Fingerprinting Method Based on the Web Audio API
Authors: Queiroz Jordan S , Feitosa Eduardo L 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Web Browser Fingerprinting is a process in which the users are, with high likelihood, uniquely identified by the extracted features from their devices, generating an identifier key (fingerprint). Although it can be used for malicious purposes, especially regarding privacy invasion, Web Browser Fingerprinting can also be used to enhance security (e.g. as a factor in two-factor authentication). This paper investigates the use of Web Audio API as a Web Browser Fingerprinting method capable of identifying the devices. The idea is to prove or not if audio can provide features capable to identify users and devices. Our initial results show that the proposed method is capable of identifying the device’s class, based on features like device’s type, web browser’s version and rendering engine.
Results of surgical management of infective endocarditis associated with Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Suzuki Kota , Yoshioka Daisuke , Toda Koichi , Yokoyama Jun-Ya , Samura Takaaki , Miyagawa Shigeru , Yoshikawa Yasushi , Hata Hiroki , Takano Hiroshi , Matsumiya Goro , Sakaguchi Taichi , Fukuda Hirotsugu ,   Osaka Cardiovascular Research (OSCAR) Study Group, Sawa Yoshiki 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a leading cause of infective endocarditis (IE), and such cases are on the rise. Our objective was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of surgical intervention in patients with SA-associated IE and to identify the factors associated with outcomes.

METHODS
Between 2009 and 2017, 585 patients underwent valve surgery for definitive left-sided IE at 14 affiliated hospitals. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and the preoperative variables and clinical results of patients with (n = 117) or without SA infection (n = 468) were compared.

RESULTS
The SA group had a more critical preoperative condition with higher rates of chronic haemodialysis, preoperative embolic events and preoperative inflammation levels, as well as worse renal function. In-hospital mortality was 20% and 7% in the patients with or without SA infection, respectively. The overall survival rate at 1 year and 5 years was 72% and 62% in the SA group, and 88% and 81% in the non-SA group, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). The Cox hazard analysis revealed that methicillin-resistant SA infection was an independent risk factor for overall mortality in the SA group. The rate of freedom from recurrence of endocarditis at 1 year and 5 years was 95% and 90% in the SA group and 96% and 92% in the non-SA group, respectively (P = 0.43).

CONCLUSIONS
The short- and mid-term outcomes after valve surgery for active IE in patients with SA are still challenging. Methicillin-resistant SA infection is an independent predictor of mid-term mortality.
Open descending aortic replacement after Thoraflex™ hybrid graft implantation
Authors: Fujikawa Takuya , Ho Jacky Y K , Wong Henry M K , Wong Randolph H L 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
The Thoraflex™ device is a composite 4-branched graft with a distal endovascular stent that allows either a one-stage treatment or an endovascular second-stage treatment of multisegment aortic pathologies. Reports on open second-stage treatment after the Thoraflex™ device implantation are sparse especially regarding the technical aspects. We described our surgical procedure of open second-stage descending thoracic aortic replacement after Thoraflex™ implantation with a special focus on the anastomosis technique to a stent graft. We found excellent haemostasis and a good postoperative outcome using our approach of the stent graft to graft anastomosis.
Occupational Physical Activity and Coronary Heart Disease in Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study
Authors: Wang Conglong , De Roos Anneclaire J , Fujishiro Kaori , Allison Matthew A , Wallace Robert , Seguin Rebecca A , Nassir Rami , Michael Yvonne L 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background
Women comprise nearly half of the labor force in our society, but the impact of the occupational psychical activity on women’s heart health in later life was unclear. We conducted a case-cohort study to assess the association of occupational physical activity (OPA), alone and jointly with leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods
We included women enrolled in Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study who provided an occupational history at baseline and were followed until 2013 for the first occurrence of myocardial infarction or death from CHD (mean age ± SD = 63.4 ± 7.2). A total of 5,243 women free of CHD at baseline were randomly selected into a subcohort and 3,421 CHD events were adjudicated during follow-up. Through linkage of Standard Occupational Classification codes to the Occupational Information Network, we assessed cumulative and most recent exposure of OPA. LTPA was assessed through Women’s Health Initiative’s physical activity questionnaire. Weighted Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate CHD risk.

Results
After adjustment for demographic and socioeconomic factors, levels of OPA were not associated with CHD risk. Compared with women with low OPA and high LTPA, women with moderate to high cumulative OPA and low LTPA had relative high CHD risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26, 1.88 for moderate OPA and HR: 1.46. 95% CI: 1.20, 1.78 for high OPA).

Discussion
Results from this study suggest no overall association between lifetime OPA and CHD risk in women, but the impact of OPA varies by LTPA levels.
Universal Influenza Virus Vaccines That Target the Conserved Hemagglutinin Stalk and Conserved Sites in the Head Domain
Authors: Krammer Florian , Palese Peter 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Due to limitations of current influenza virus vaccines, new vaccines that mediate broad protection and show high efficacy against seasonal and pandemic viruses are urgently needed. The conserved stalk of the viral hemagglutinin has been identified as potential target antigen for this new generation of vaccines. A vaccination strategy based on chimeric hemagglutinin (cHA), which refocuses the immune response toward the stalk domain and the conserved neuraminidase, is currently being tested in clinical trials. Here we discuss how to improve the cHA antigens to generate vaccine candidates that both induce a broad antistalk response and target conserved immunosubdominant epitopes in the head domain of the hemagglutinin. These novel constructs, termed mosaic hemagglutinins, should provide enhanced protection and should be tested in clinical trials to assess their improved potential as universal influenza virus vaccine candidates.
Gastroscopy Should Come Before Colonoscopy Using CO2 Insufflation in Same Day Bidirectional Endoscopies: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jowhari Fahd , Hookey Lawrence 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background and Aims
Same day bidirectional endoscopies (esophagogastroduodenoscopies [EGD]s and colonoscopies) are routinely performed. However, the best sequence of procedures is unknown, as is whether the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) affects the preferred sequence of procedures. This study aims to determine the preferred sequence of procedures and choice of insufflation gas (air or CO2) in patients undergoing same day bidirectional endoscopies.

Methods
Two hundred adults with a clinical indication for same day bidirectional endoscopies were randomized equally into four groups: A1 (EGD first, CO2 as insufflator); A2 (EGD first, air as insufflator); B1 (colonoscopy first, CO2 as insufflator); and B2 (colonoscopy first, air as insufflator). All procedures were performed with conscious sedation (Midazolam/Fentanyl). The primary outcome was patients’ overall comfort/satisfaction with the procedures and sedation received, as assessed by questionnaires and validated scoring scales (Nurse-Assessed Patient Comfort Score [NAPCOMS], La Crosse [WI]) collected during the procedures, before discharge, and on day 7 postprocedure.

Results
Two hundred patients were randomized, with data available for 186. Mean Midazolam dose between groups was significantly less in the EGD first groups (P=0.01). During the procedures, no differences were found in patients’ comfort as per the nurse reported NAPCOMS scores (P=0.19) or the Lacrosse (WI) endoscopy scores (P=0.05). On postprocedure days 0 and 7, no differences were found in the patients’ reported Lacrosse (WI) scores, nausea, sore throat, dizziness, satisfaction with sedation or overall level of procedural satisfaction (P&gt;0.05 for each). However, bloating and discomfort were significantly lower in the CO2 arms (P&lt;0.001).

Conclusions
This randomized controlled trial using validated patient comfort scoring assessments for same day bidirectional endoscopies demonstrated that the sequence of procedures affects the sedation used but does not affect overall patient comfort or satisfaction. Lesser sedation is needed in the EGD first group, and less postprocedural abdominal pain/discomfort and bloating is seen with CO2 insufflation.
Targeting IDH1-Mutated Malignancies with NRF2 Blockade
Authors: Liu Yang , Lu Yanxin , Celiku Orieta , Li Aiguo , Wu Qixin , Zhou Yiqiang , Yang Chunzhang 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Background
Neomorphic IDH1 mutations disrupt the redox balance by promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, the mechanism by which IDH1-mutant cells maintain ROS homeostasis remains elusive. It is also not known whether reprogrammed ROS homeostasis establishes targetable vulnerability in IDH1-mutated cancers.

Methods
We investigated ROS homeostasis in wild-type (GSC827, GSC923, GSC627, and GSC711) and IDH1-mutated cells (IDH1R132C- and IDH1R132H-transduced U87, U251; MGG152, and TS603 cells). We analyzed the stability and transcriptional activity of NRF2 in IDH1-mutated cells. The oxidative DNA damage was analyzed using NRF2-targeting small interfering RNA. Moreover, we evaluated the effect of the NRF2 inhibitor brusatol in an IDH1-mutated subcutaneous xenograft nude mouse model (control group, n = 5; brusatol-treated group, n = 6). All statistical tests were two-sided.

Results
We showed that IDH1-mutated cells develop a dependency on the NRF2 antioxidative pathway. Genetic or pharmacologic blockade of NRF2 not only disrupted ROS homeostasis (mean [SD] ROS levels increased by 317 [42.1]%, P = .001, in IDH1R132C and by 286. 5 [48.7]%, P = .003, in IDH1R132H cells) but also enhanced oxidative DNA damage and decreased proliferation of IDH1-mutated cells. Brusatol selectively suppressed IDH1-mutated cancer progression in vivo (mean [SD] final tumor volume was 761.6 [391.6] mm3 in the control and 246.2 [215] mm3 in the brusatol-treated group, P = .02).

Conclusions
IDH1 mutation reprograms ROS homeostasis in cancer cells, which leads to dependency on the NRF2 antioxidant pathway for ROS scavenging. NRF2 blockade might be a novel therapeutic approach to treat malignancies with IDH1 mutation.
Personalized Risk-Stratified Cancer Follow-Up Care: Its Potential for Healthier Survivors, Happier Clinicians, and Lower Costs
Authors: Mayer Deborah K , Alfano Catherine M 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
The growth in the number of cancer survivors in the face of projected health-care workforce shortages will challenge the US health-care system in delivering follow-up care. New methods of delivering follow-up care are needed that address the ongoing needs of survivors without overwhelming already overflowing oncology clinics or shuttling all follow-up patients to primary care providers. One potential solution, proposed for over a decade, lies in adopting a personalized approach to care in which survivors are triaged or risk-stratified to distinct care pathways based on the complexity of their needs and the types of providers their care requires. Although other approaches may emerge, we advocate for development, testing, and implementation of a risk-stratified approach as a means to address this problem. This commentary reviews what is needed to shift to a risk-stratified approach in delivering survivorship care in the United States.
Markers of Immune Activation and Inflammation, and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies
Authors: Makgoeng Solomon B , Bolanos Rachel S , Jeon Christie Y , Weiss Robert E , Arah Onyebuchi A , Breen Elizabeth C , Martínez-Maza Otoniel , Hussain Shehnaz K 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundChronic inflammation and immune activation are reported to play a key role in the etiology of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). We conducted a meta-analysis on the associations between prediagnosis circulating levels of immune stimulatory markers, interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), CXCL13, soluble CD23 (sCD23), sCD27, sCD30, and the risk of NHL.MethodsRelevant studies were identified from PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science up to January 1, 2017. We calculated summary odds ratio (OR) estimates for the association between one natural log increase in concentration of each biomarker and NHL using random-effects models for NHL as a composite outcome and for several histological subtypes of NHL.ResultsSeventeen nested case control studies were included. Elevated levels of several biomarkers were more strongly associated with increased odds of NHL: TNF-α, OR = 1.18 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04 to 1.34); CXCL13, OR = 1.47 (95% CI = 1.03 to 2.08); sCD23, OR = 1.57 (95% CI = 1.21 to 2.05); sCD27, OR = 2.18 (95% CI = 1.20 to 3.98); sCD30, OR = 1.65 (95% CI = 1.22 to 2.22). In stratified analyses, IL-6, TNF-α, sCD27, and sCD30 were more strongly associated with NHL in HIV-infected individuals compared to HIV-uninfected individuals. Between-study heterogeneity was observed across multiple biomarkers for overall NHL and by subtypes.ConclusionThis meta-analysis provides evidence that elevated circulating levels of TNF-α, CXCL13, sCD23, sCD27, and sCD30 are consistently associated with an increased risk of NHL, suggesting the potential utility of these biomarkers in population risk stratification and prediction.
Turnover and transferable skills in a professional service firm
Authors: Olsen Karen M , Egeland Therese , Kalleberg Arne L 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Retaining the most valuable employees is a core priority of professional service firms (PSFs). Our study addresses turnover (quit) among employees in a PSF that hires lawyers, auditors, and management consultants. We examine the extent to which the decision to quit varies by professions, skills, and job satisfaction in a PSF in Norway. The analyses are based on a survey of employees conducted in 2013 (N = 455) combined with information on those who quit after 28 months. We find that the sub-group of non-certified auditors quit more often than all other professional groups. In addition, we find that client-contact and transferability of skills are positively related to quits, when controlling for job satisfaction, suggesting that these skills provide employees with alternative job opportunities and greater bargaining power. These measures of skills are also positively related to job satisfaction. Our study contributes to the literature on turnover and professions by emphasizing the interplay between the skills of professional workers and job satisfaction in employees’ decision to quit. In addition, we add to our understanding of the concepts of general- and firm-specific skills in a multi-profession context.
On the Possibility of Hallucinations
Authors: Masrour Farid 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Many take the possibility of hallucinations to imply that a relationalist account, according to which perceptual experiences are constituted by direct relations to ordinary mind-independent objects, is false. The common reaction among relationalists is to adopt a disjunctivist view that denies that hallucinations have the same nature as perceptual experiences. This paper proposes a non-disjunctivist response to the argument from hallucination by arguing that the alleged empirical and a priori evidence in support of the possibility of hallucinations is inconclusive. A corollary upshot of the article is that whether hallucinations are possible or not is still an open empirical question.