bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Late relapse of hepatitis C virus in patients with sustained virological response after daclatasvir and asunaprevir therapy
Authors: Hayashi Kazuhiko , Ishigami Masatoshi , Ishizu Yoji , Kuzuya Teiji , Honda Takashi , Hirooka Yoshiki , Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Hattori Masashi , Katano Yoshiaki , Goto Hidemi 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThe optimal term of follow‐up for patients who achieve sustained virological responses (SVR) is an important topic because of the widespread use of direct‐acting antivirals (DAA), which achieve a high SVR rate. Investigations of long‐term follow‐up among patients with SVR after interferon (IFN) therapy have reported that approximately 80%‐100% of patients maintained SVR. However, the long‐term durability of SVR to DAA treatment is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of late relapse in patients who achieved SVR with daclatasvir (DCV) and asunaprevir (ASV). Four hundred and thirteen patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b who completed ASV and DCV treatment and achieved SVR were selected. Patients who were persistently negative for serum HCV RNA at 24 weeks after withdrawal of DCV and ASV were considered to have SVR24. Mean follow‐up period was 21.5 months (range, 4.8‐30.3 months) after SVR24. Four patients redeveloped HCV RNA in serum at 6, 12, 12 and 26 months, respectively, after achieving SVR24. Results of molecular analysis by phylogenetic tree of HCV nonstructural protein 3 and 5A regions from late relapse indicated that the same strain was present at pretreatment and late relapse. In conclusion, late relapse by the original HCV strain was confirmed by direct sequencing in 4 of 413 patients with SVR to ASV and DCV. Although a few patients may develop late relapse, SVR achieved with all oral DAA therapy is as durable as that with IFN therapy.
Tree, sex and size: Ecological determinants of male vs. female fecundity in threeFagus sylvaticastands
Authors: Oddou‐Muratorio Sylvie , Gauzere Julie , Bontemps Aurore , Rey Jean‐François , Klein Etienne K. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractInterindividual variation in fecundities has major consequences on population evolutionary potential, through genetic drift and selection. Using two spatially explicit mating models that analyse the genotypes of seeds and seedlings, we investigated the variation of male and female fecundities within and among three European beech (Fagus sylvatica) stands situated along an altitudinal gradient. Female and male individual fecundity distributions were both skewed in this monoecious species, and we found a higher variance in female as compared to male fecundities. Both female and male fecundities increased with tree size and decreased with density and competition in the neighbourhood, the details of these effects suggesting sex‐specific strategies to deal with the impact of limited resource on fecundity. The studied populations were functionally male‐biased. Among‐individual variations in functional gender were not driven by tree size but by density and competition in the neighbourhood. Femaleness decreased under limited resource availability, an expected consequence of the higher cost of female reproduction. Considering the variation of gene flow and genetic drift across elevation, our results suggest that the adaptive potential could be enhanced by low genetic drift at low elevation, and by high pollen‐mediated gene flow at high elevation. Finally, this study predicts a more efficient response to selection for traits related to male vs. female fitness, for a given selection intensity.
Biosynthesis of the yellow xanthomonadin pigments involves an ATP‐dependent 3‐hydroxybenzoic acid: acyl carrier protein ligase and an unusual type II polyketide synthase pathway
Authors: Cao, Xue‐Qiang , Wang, Jia‐Yuan , Zhou Lian , Chen, Bo , Jin, Yu , He Ya‐Wen 
Published: July 2018

SummaryXanthomonadins are yellow pigments that are produced by the phytopathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc). A pig cluster is responsible for xanthomonadin biosynthesis. Previously, Xcc4014 of the cluster was characterized as a bifunctional chorismatase that produces 3‐hydroxybenzoic acid (3‐HBA) and 4‐HBA. In this study, genetic analysis identified 11 genes within the pig cluster to be essential for xanthomonadin biosynthesis. Biochemical and bioinformatics analysis suggest that xanthomonadins are synthesized via an unusual type II polyketide synthase pathway. Heterologous expression of the pig cluster in non‐xanthomonadin‐producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain resulted in the synthesis of chlorinated xanthomonadin‐like pigments. Further analysis showed that xanC encodes an acyl carrier protein (ACP) while xanA2 encodes a ATP‐dependent 3‐HBA:ACP ligase. Both of them act together to catalyse the formation of 3‐HBA‐S‐ACP from 3‐HBA to initiate xanthomonadin biosynthesis. Finally, we showed that xanH encodes a FabG‐like enzyme and xanK encodes a novel glycosyltransferase. Both xanH and xanK are not only required for xanthomonadin biosynthesis, but also required for the balanced biosynthesis of extracellular polysaccharides and DSF‐family quorum sensing signals. These findings provide us with a better understanding of xanthomonadin biosynthetic mechanisms and directly demonstrate the presence of extensive cross‐talk among xanthomonadin biosynthetic pathways and other metabolic pathways.
Genome‐wide association studies and expression‐based quantitative trait loci analyses reveal roles of HCT2 in caffeoylquinic acid biosynthesis and its regulation by defense‐responsive transcription factors in Populus
Authors: Zhang Jin , Yang Yongil , Zheng Kaijie , Xie Meng , Feng Kai , Jawdy Sara S. , Gunter Lee E. , Ranjan Priya , Singan Vasanth R. , Engle Nancy , Lindquist Erika , Barry Kerrie , Schmutz Jeremy , Zhao Nan , Tschaplinski Timothy J. , LeBoldus Jared , Tuskan Gerald A. , Chen Jin‐Gui , Muchero Wellington 
Published: July 2018

Summary

3‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid, also known as chlorogenic acid (CGA), functions as an intermediate in lignin biosynthesis in the phenylpropanoid pathway. It is widely distributed among numerous plant species and acts as an antioxidant in both plants and animals.

Using GC‐MS, we discovered consistent and extreme variation in CGA content across a population of 739 4‐yr‐old Populus trichocarpa accessions. We performed genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) from 917 P. trichocarpa accessions and expression‐based quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analyses to identify key regulators.

The GWAS and eQTL analyses resolved an overlapped interval encompassing a hydroxycinnamoyl‐CoA:shikimate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase 2 (PtHCT2) that was significantly associated with CGA and partially characterized metabolite abundances. PtHCT2 leaf expression was significantly correlated with CGA abundance and it was regulated by cis‐eQTLs containing W‐box for WRKY binding. Among all nine PtHCT homologs, PtHCT2 is the only one that responds to infection by the fungal pathogen Sphaerulina musiva (a Populus pathogen). Validation using protoplast‐based transient expression system suggests that PtHCT2 is regulated by the defense‐responsive WRKY.

These results are consistent with reports of CGA functioning as an antioxidant in response to biotic stress. This study provides insights into data‐driven and omics‐based inference of gene function in woody species.
Leaf anatomical traits determine the 18O enrichment of leaf water in coastal halophytes
Authors: Liang Jie , Wright Jonathan S. , Cui Xiaowei , Sternberg Leonel , Gan Weixiu , Lin Guanghui 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAnatomical adaptations to high‐salinity environments in mangrove leaves may be recorded in leaf water isotopes. Recent studies observed lower 18O enrichment (ΔL) of leaf water with respect to source water in three mangrove species relative to adjacent freshwater trees, but the factors that govern this phenomenon remain unclear. To resolve this issue, we investigated leaf traits and ΔL in 15 species of true mangrove plants, 14 species of adjacent freshwater trees, and 4 species of semi‐mangrove plants at five study sites along south‐eastern coast of China. Our results confirm that ΔL was generally 3–4‰ lower for mangrove species than for adjacent freshwater or semi‐mangrove species. We hypothesized that higher leaf water content (LWC) and lower leaf stomatal density (LS) both played important roles in reducing ΔL in mangroves relative to nearby freshwater plants. Both differences acted to elongate effective leaf mixing length (L) in mangroves by about 200% and lower stomatal conductance by about 30%. Péclet models based on both LWC and LS could accurately predict ΔL. Our findings highlight the potential species‐specific anatomical determinants of ΔL (or L), which has important implications for the interpretation of environmental information from metabolites produced by leaf water isotopes in palaeoclimate research.
The impact of donor/recipient age difference and HLA mismatch on graft outcome in pediatric kidney transplantation
Authors: Trnka Peter , McTaggart Steven J. , Francis Anna 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundUnderstanding the relationship between the factors that influence long‐term kidney transplant survival remains a key priority for pediatric nephrologists. We assessed the relative impact of donor/recipient age difference and HLA matching on long‐term graft outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of pediatric and adolescent recipients who received a primary kidney transplant in Australia and New Zealand between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2015. The primary outcome was graft survival analyzed by Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsDuring the 26‐year period, 1134 primary (395 DD and 739 LD) kidney transplants were performed in recipients less than 20 years of age. The median follow‐up time was 10.2 years. Overall, 405 patients (35.7%) lost their transplant with graft survival 93.8% at 1 year, 82.5% at 5 years, 65.8% at 10 years, and 49.9% at 15 years post‐transplant. There was consistently higher graft loss of DD kidneys as compared to LD kidneys at each time point. Both increasing donor/recipient age difference (aHR 1.11 per 10 years; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.20; P = 0.009) and increasing HLA mismatch (aHR 1.20 per mismatch; 95% CI, 1.10‐1.30; P < 0.001) were associated with decreased graft survival.ConclusionsDonor/recipient age difference and HLA matching are important factors influencing long‐term graft outcomes in pediatric kidney transplantation. HLA mismatch remains a strong predictor of graft loss. For patients without the option of a LD, we suggest that the degree of HLA mismatch should not be discounted as part of the decision‐making process of organ allocation.
Continuous positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnoea does not improve asthma control
Authors: Ng Susanna S.S. , Chan Tat‐On , To Kin‐Wang , Chan Ken K.P. , Ngai Jenny , Yip Wing‐Ho , Lo Rachel L.P. , Ko Fanny W.S. , Hui David S.C. 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveUnrecognized obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) may lead to poor asthma control despite optimal therapy. We assessed asthma control, airway responsiveness, daytime sleepiness and health status at baseline and 3 months after continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment among asthma patients with nocturnal symptoms and OSAS.MethodsPatients with nocturnal asthma symptoms despite receiving at least moderate‐dose inhaled corticosteroid and long‐acting bronchodilators underwent a home sleep study using ‘Embletta’ portable diagnostic system. Patients with significant OSAS (apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) ≥10/h) were randomized to receive either CPAP or conservative treatment for 3 months.ResultsAmong 145 patients recruited, 122 underwent sleep study with 41 (33.6%) having AHI ≥10/h. Patients with significant OSAS had higher BMI (27.4 (5.1) vs 25.1 (4.5) kg/m2, P = 0.016), bigger neck circumference (36.6 (3.1) vs 34.8 (3.6) cm, P = 0.006) and lower minimum SaO2 (80.7 (6.6) vs 87.2 (3.9) %, P < 0.001). Using intention‐to‐treat analysis among 37 patients with AHI ≥10/h (CPAP group (n = 17) vs control group (n = 20)), there was no significant difference in Asthma Control Test score (CPAP 3.2 (2.7) vs control 2.4 (5.7), P = 0.568) but the CPAP group had a greater improvement in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (−3.0 (4.5) vs 0.5(3.8), P = 0.014), Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (0.6 (0.8) vs 0.02 (0.7), P = 0.022) and vitality domain in the SF‐36 questionnaire (14.7 (16.8) vs 0.3 (16.2), P = 0.012) after 3 months. Data are presented as mean (SD) unless otherwise stated.ConclusionA high prevalence of OSAS was found among patients with asthma and snoring. CPAP therapy for 3 months did not enhance asthma control but improved daytime sleepiness, quality of life and vitality.
Effectiveness of simulation in psychiatry for initial and continuing training of healthcare professionals: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Piot Marie-Aude , Dechartres Agnès , Guerrier Gilles , Lemogne Cédric , Layat-Burn Carine , Falissard Bruno , Tesniere Antoine 
Published: July 2018

IntroductionAlthough most healthcare professionals must deal with patients with mental illness, many are not prepared for the various situations that can ensue. Simulation may be a powerful pedagogical tool for simultaneously teaching knowledge, skills and attitudes. We aim to assess the effectiveness of simulation for initial and continuous training in psychiatry for healthcare professionals.Methods and analysisA comprehensive search for randomised and non-randomised controlled studies and single-group pretest/post-test reports will be conducted in electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, PsychINFO, ERIC, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and the Web of Science (Science and Social Sciences Citation Index), with a detailed query. The reference lists of selected studies, key journals and trial registers will also be searched for additional studies. Two independent reviewers, following predefined inclusion criteria, will screen titles and abstracts first and then the full texts of the remaining articles. A third author will evaluate discrepancies to reach a consensus. It will include randomised controlled trial (RCT), non-RCT, pre-test/post-test design studies, post-test design for satisfaction evaluation and qualitative studies. Risk of bias will be assessed by using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool for assessing risk of bias in RCTs. Meta-analyses will be performed if we find sufficient studies that assess predefined outcomes and if their characteristics are not too different. The quality of evidence will be assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. A narrative synthesis will be performed for qualitative studies and when meta-analyses are deemed not possible.Ethics and disseminationEthics permission is not required. Dissemination will be through publication in peer-reviewed journals, national and international conferences, and the lead author’s doctoral dissertation.Trial registration numberCRD42017078779.
Performance of a Framingham cardiovascular risk model among Indians and Europeans in New Zealand and the role of body mass index and social deprivation
Authors: Rabanal Kjersti Stormark , Meyer Haakon Eduard , Pylypchuk Romana , Mehta Suneela , Selmer Randi Marie , Jackson Rodney T 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesTo evaluate a Framingham 5-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk score in Indians and Europeans in New Zealand, and determine whether body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic deprivation were independent predictors of CVD risk.MethodsWe included Indians and Europeans, aged 30–74 years without prior CVD undergoing risk assessment in New Zealand primary care during 2002–2015 (n=256 446). Risk profiles included standard Framingham predictors (age, sex, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio, smoking and diabetes) and were linked with national CVD hospitalisations and mortality datasets. Discrimination was measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) and calibration examined graphically. We used Cox regression to study the impact of BMI and deprivation on the risk of CVD with and without adjustment for the Framingham score.ResultsDuring follow-up, 8105 and 1156 CVD events occurred in Europeans and Indians, respectively. Higher AUCs of 0.76 were found in Indian men (95% CI 0.74 to 0.78) and women (95% CI 0.73 to 0.78) compared with 0.74 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.74) in European men and 0.72 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.73) in European women. Framingham was best calibrated in Indian men, and overestimated risk in Indian women and in Europeans. BMI and deprivation were positively associated with CVD, also after adjustment for the Framingham risk score, although the BMI association was attenuated.ConclusionsThe Framingham risk model performed reasonably well in Indian men, but overestimated risk in Indian women and in Europeans. BMI and socioeconomic deprivation could be useful predictors in addition to a Framingham score.
“Ruin and Death Suddenly Came to Our Homes”
Authors: Sterkhov Dmitry 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
The article concentrates on a collection of sermons delivered by the Prussian preacher Ludwig Borowski during Prussia’s wars against Napoleon (1806–1816). The author makes an attempt to retrace the evolution of the concept of war devised by Borowski in his sermons. After Prussia’s defeat in the war of 1806 Ludwig Borowski interpreted the war as God’s punishment on the Prussian people. God is represented in Borowski’s sermons as a wise father who wants to get his children to behave. The further evolution of the concept can be seen in 1813 when Prussia reopened hostilities against France. In the sermons of 1813–1816 the war will be conceptualized by Borowski as a means of salvation, a holy crusade for liberty and independence. Borowski never preaches national hatred. The aim of the war is peace that is considered to be a gift from heaven to humanity.
Comparison of 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate Topical Skin Adhesive and Simple Interrupted Nylon Sutures for Wound Closure in Ankle Fracture Surgery
Authors: Park Young Hwan , Song Jong Hyub , Choi Gi Won , Kim Hak Jun 
Published: July 2018

Background: Multiple options are available for closure of incisions in ankle fracture surgery. The aim of our study was to compare postoperative outcomes between conventional simple interrupted nylon sutures and 2-octyl cyanoacrylate as a topical skin adhesive to close the incision after ankle fracture surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 367 consecutive patients (174 simple interrupted nylon suture patients and 193 topical skin adhesive patients) who underwent operative treatment for ankle fracture between 2010 and 2015. Development of wound complications, operative time, Olerud–Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), and patient satisfaction with the wound were compared. The demographics between the 2 groups were not different. Results: There were no differences in complication rates ( P = .861), OMAS at 3 months or 12 months following surgery ( P = .897 and .646, respectively) between the 2 types of wound closure. Operative time was 9 minutes shorter when topical skin adhesive was used compared to nylon sutures ( P = .003). Patient satisfaction with their wound was significantly higher in the topical skin adhesive group than the nylon skin suture group ( P = .012). Conclusions: The use of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate topical skin adhesive for wound closure following ankle fracture surgery was effective, safe, and showed higher patient satisfaction compared to simple interrupted nylon sutures. Although caution should be taken because of the insufficient statistical power of complications, this method was an additional safe option for wound closure in ankle fracture surgery. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease and prior coronary artery disease: Insights from the EUCLID trial
Authors: Berger Jeffrey S , Abramson Beth L , Lopes Renato D , Heizer Gretchen , Rockhold Frank W , Baumgartner Iris , Fowkes F Gerry R , Held Peter , Katona Brian G , Norgren Lars , Jones W Schuyler , Millegård Marcus , Blomster Juuso , Reist Craig , Hiatt William R , Patel Manesh R , Mahaffey Kenneth W 
Published: July 2018

Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are at heightened risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We sought to evaluate the risk of concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with symptomatic PAD versus PAD without diagnosed CAD, and whether ticagrelor was superior to clopidogrel in reducing that risk. The EUCLID trial randomized 13,885 patients with PAD to antithrombotic monotherapy with ticagrelor or clopidogrel. CAD was defined as prior myocardial infarction (MI), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Median follow-up was 30 months. Among 4032 (29%) patients with PAD and CAD, 63% had prior MI, 54% prior PCI, and 38% prior CABG. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, patients with PAD and CAD had significantly higher rates of the primary endpoint (cardiovascular death/MI/stroke, 15.3% vs 8.9%, hazard ratio (HR) 1.50, 95% CI: 1.13–1.99; p=0.005), but no statistically significant increase in acute limb ischemia (HR 1.28, 95% CI: 0.57–2.85; p=0.55) or major bleeding (HR 1.10, 95% CI: 0.49–2.48; p=0.81) versus PAD without CAD. Among patients with PAD and CAD, there was no differential treatment effect between ticagrelor versus clopidogrel for the primary efficacy endpoint (HR 1.02, 95% CI: 0.87–1.19; p=0.84), acute limb ischemia (HR 1.03, 95% CI: 0.63–1.69; p=0.89), or major bleeding (HR 1.06, 95% CI: 0.66–1.69; p=0.81). There was a statistically significant interaction between prior coronary stent placement and study treatment ( p=0.03) with a numerical reduction in the primary efficacy endpoint with ticagrelor versus clopidogrel (13.8% vs 16.8%, HR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.65–1.03; p=0.09). Patients with PAD and prior CAD had higher composite rates of cardiovascular death, MI, and ischemic stroke versus PAD without diagnosed CAD. There were no significant differences between ticagrelor and clopidogrel in cardiovascular events or major bleeding. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01732822
Associations between dietary scores with asthma symptoms and asthma control in adults
Authors: Andrianasolo Roland M. , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle , Adjibade Moufidath , Hercberg Serge , Galan Pilar , Varraso Raphaëlle 
Published: July 2018

Associations between asthma and the nutritional quality of diet remain poorly understood. We investigated the associations between overall quality of diet evaluated by three dietary scores (the Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI-2010), the literature-based adherence score to Mediterranean diet (MEDI-LITE) and the modified Programme National Nutrition Santé Guideline Score (mPNNS-GS)) and the asthma symptom score and asthma control.In 2017, 34 766 participants from the NutriNet-Santé cohort answered a detailed respiratory questionnaire. Asthma was defined by the asthma symptom score (as the sum of five questions) and asthma control by the asthma control test (ACT).Roughly 25% of participants reported at least one asthma symptom and for the three dietary scores we observed a statistically significant negative association between a healthier diet and the asthma symptom score (for AHEI-2010, the adjusted OR was 0.79 (95% CI 0.75–0.84) for women and 0.67 (95% CI 0.60–0.75) for men). Among participants with asthma (n=2609) we also observed a negative association between a healthier diet and poorly controlled asthma. This was significant in men (OR 0.39 (95% CI 0.18–0.84) for the AHEI-2010) and borderline significant in women (OR 0.73 (95% CI 0.53–1.01) for the AHEI-2010; p=0.06 for trend).Healthier diet behaviours were associated with fewer asthma symptoms and greater asthma control.