bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance based texture parameters as potential imaging biomarkers for predicting long‐term survival in locally advanced rectal cancer treated by chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Jalil O. , Afaq A. , Ganeshan B. , Patel U. B. , Boone D. , Endozo R. , Groves A. , Sizer B. , Arulampalam T. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimThe study aimed to investigate whether textural features of rectal cancer on MRI can predict long‐term survival in patients treated with long‐course chemoradiotherapy.MethodTextural analysis (TA) using a filtration−histogram technique of T2‐weighted pre‐ and 6‐week post‐chemoradiotherapy MRI was undertaken using TexRAD, a proprietary software algorithm. Regions of interest enclosing the largest cross‐sectional area of the tumour were manually delineated on the axial images and the filtration step extracted features at different anatomical scales (fine, medium and coarse) followed by quantification of statistical features [mean intensity, standard deviation, entropy, skewness, kurtosis and mean of positive pixels (MPP)] using histogram analysis. Cox multiple regression analysis determined which univariate features including textural, radiological and histological independently predicted overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS).ResultsMPP [fine texture, hazard ratio (HR) 6.9, 95% CI: 2.43–19.55, P < 0.001], mean (medium texture, HR 5.6, 95% CI: 1.4–21.7, P = 0.007) and extramural venous invasion (EMVI) on MRI (HR 2.96, 95% CI: 1.04–8.37, P = 0.041) independently predicted OS while mean (medium texture, HR 4.53, 95% CI: 1.58–12.94, P = 0.003), MPP (fine texture, HR 3.36, 95% CI: 1.36–8.31, P = 0.008) and threatened circumferential resection margin (CRM) on MRI (HR 3.1, 95% CI: 1.01–9.46, P = 0.046) predicted DFS. For OS, EMVI on MRI (HR 4.23, 95% CI: 1.41–12.69, P = 0.01) and for DFS kurtosis (medium texture, HR 3.97, 95% CI: 1.44–10.94, P = 0.007) and CRM involvement on MRI (HR 3.36, 95% CI: 1.21–9.32, P = 0.02) were the independent post‐treatment factors. Only TA independently predicted RFS on pre‐ or post‐treatment analyses.ConclusionMR based TA of rectal cancers can predict outcome before undergoing surgery and could potentially select patients for individualized therapy.
Molecular mechanisms of water table lowering and nitrogen deposition in affecting greenhouse gas emissions from a Tibetan alpine wetland
Authors: Wang Hao , Yu Lingfei , Zhang Zhenhua , Liu Wei , Chen Litong , Cao Guangmin , Yue Haowei , Zhou Jizhong , Yang Yunfeng , Tang Yanhong , He Jin‐Sheng 
Published: August 2016

AbstractRapid climate change and intensified human activities have resulted in water table lowering (WTL) and enhanced nitrogen (N) deposition in Tibetan alpine wetlands. These changes may alter the magnitude and direction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, affecting the climate impact of these fragile ecosystems. We conducted a mesocosm experiment combined with a metagenomics approach (GeoChip 5.0) to elucidate the effects of WTL (−20 cm relative to control) and N deposition (30 kg N ha−1 yr−1) on carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes as well as the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that WTL reduced CH4 emissions by 57.4% averaged over three growing seasons compared with no‐WTL plots, but had no significant effect on net CO2 uptake or N2O flux. N deposition increased net CO2 uptake by 25.2% in comparison with no‐N deposition plots and turned the mesocosms from N2O sinks to N2O sources, but had little influence on CH4 emissions. The interactions between WTL and N deposition were not detected in all GHG emissions. As a result, WTL and N deposition both reduced the global warming potential (GWP) of growing season GHG budgets on a 100‐year time horizon, but via different mechanisms. WTL reduced GWP from 337.3 to −480.1 g CO2‐eq m−2 mostly because of decreased CH4 emissions, while N deposition reduced GWP from 21.0 to −163.8 g CO2‐eq m−2, mainly owing to increased net CO2 uptake. GeoChip analysis revealed that decreased CH4 production potential, rather than increased CH4 oxidation potential, may lead to the reduction in net CH4 emissions, and decreased nitrification potential and increased denitrification potential affected N2O fluxes under WTL conditions. Our study highlights the importance of microbial mechanisms in regulating ecosystem‐scale GHG responses to environmental changes.
Supporting public involvement in interview and other panels: a systematic review
Authors: Baxter Susan , Clowes Mark , Muir Delia , Baird Wendy , Broadway‐Parkinson Andrea , Bennett Carole 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundMembers of the public are increasingly being invited to become members of a variety of different panels and boards.ObjectiveThis study aimed to systematically search the literature to identify studies relating to support or training provided to members of the public who are asked to be members of an interview panel.Search strategyA systematic search for published and unpublished studies was carried out from June to September 2015. The search methods included electronic database searching, reference list screening, citation searching and scrutinizing online sources.Inclusion criteriaWe included studies of any design including published and unpublished documents which outlined preparation or guidance relating to public participants who were members of interview panels or representatives on other types of panels or committees.Data synthesisResults were synthesised via narrative methods.Main resultsThirty‐six documents were included in the review. Scrutiny of this literature highlighted ten areas which require consideration when including members of the public on interview panels: financial resources; clarity of role; role in the interview process; role in evaluation; training; orientation/induction; information needs; terminology; support; and other public representative needs such as timing, accessibility and support with information technology.Discussion and conclusionsThe results of the review emphasize a range of elements that need to be fully considered when planning the involvement of public participants on interview panels. It highlights potential issues relating to the degree of involvement of public representatives in evaluating/grading decisions and the need for preparation and on‐going support.
Ischaemic stroke in HIV‐infected patients: a case–control study
Authors: Silva‐Pinto A , Costa A , Serrão R , Sarmento A , Abreu P 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to provide insights into the contributions of HIV infection stage, antiretroviral therapy (ART) and vascular risk factors to the occurrence of ischaemic stroke in HIV‐infected patients.MethodsWe performed a case–control study of HIV‐infected patients followed in our clinic. We compared patients hospitalized between January 2006 and June 2014 with an ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack to age‐ and gender‐matched controls without stroke.ResultsOf 2146 patients followed in our clinic, we included 23 cases (20 men and three women; mean age 51.3 years) and 23 controls. Eighty‐three per cent of cases had had a stroke and 17% a transient ischaemic attack. According to the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification, small‐vessel occlusion was the most frequent aetiology, followed by large‐artery atherosclerosis and cardioembolism. Compared with controls, stroke was statistically significantly associated with diabetes, smoking and low concentrations of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Illegal drug use, a low CD4 count and a high viral load were also associated with ischaemic cerebral events. There were no statistically significant differences between cases and controls in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HIV stage, CD4 count nadir and HIV infection time‐to‐event. No statistically significant differences were found concerning ART or treatment compliance.ConclusionsIn our single centre study, we found associations of illegal drug use, HIV replication and some traditional vascular risk factors with the occurrence of ischaemic cerebral events. The paradigm of the care of HIV‐infected patients is changing. Concomitant diseases in the ageing patient with HIV infection, including cerebrovascular disease, must also be addressed in view of their impacts on morbidity and mortality. Apart from controlling the HIV infection and immunosuppression with ART, vascular risk factors must also be addressed.
Pre‐restorative crown lengthening surgery outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Pilalas Ioannis , Tsalikis Lazaros , Tatakis Dimitris N. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundPre‐restorative crown lengthening surgery (CLS) is a common periodontal procedure, for which systematic reviews are lacking. This systematic review aimed to assess outcomes of CLS performed for restorative reasons.MethodsDatabases (MEDLINE, Scopus, OpenGrey) were searched up to January 2016 for clinical/animal trials on CLS for restorative reasons with ≥6‐month follow‐up. Primary outcomes investigated were: free gingival margin position, probing depth, clinical attachment level, and plaque/inflammation indices.ResultsFour non‐randomized and one randomized controlled clinical trial and one controlled animal trial were included. Heterogeneity and high risk of bias were identified. CLS resulted in increased crown length (6‐month average: 1.4–3.3 mm). Between immediate postsurgery and follow‐up, gingival margin may rebound, largely during the first three postoperative months. Technical (flap positioning, osseous resection, root preparation) and anatomical (periodontal biotype) factors influence outcomes. The literature lacks studies on tooth mobility, crown–root ratio, patient‐ and referring dentist‐reported outcomes, surgical technique comparisons, and restorative treatment timing.ConclusionsWithin the available data limitations, it is concluded that CLS results in increased crown length and possible gingival margin rebound. Technical aspects (primarily) and anatomical factors (secondarily) influence outcomes. Future research is needed to fill significant voids in our knowledge on several procedural aspects.
Prenatal unhealthy diet, insulin‐like growth factor 2 gene (IGF2) methylation, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in youth with early‐onset conduct problems
Authors: Rijlaarsdam Jolien , Cecil Charlotte A.M. , Walton Esther , Mesirow Maurissa S.C. , Relton Caroline L. , Gaunt Tom R. , McArdle Wendy , Barker Edward D. 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundConduct problems (CP) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often comorbid and have each been linked to ‘unhealthy diet’. Early‐life diet also associates with DNA methylation of the insulin‐like growth factor 2 gene (IGF2), involved in fetal and neural development. We investigated the degree to which prenatal high‐fat and ‐sugar diet might relate to ADHD symptoms via IGF2 DNA methylation for early‐onset persistent (EOP) versus low CP youth.MethodsParticipants were 164 youth with EOP (n = 83) versus low (n = 81) CP drawn from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. We assessed if the interrelationships between high‐fat and ‐sugar diet (prenatal, postnatal), IGF2 methylation (birth and age 7, collected from blood), and ADHD symptoms (age 7–13) differed for EOP versus low CP youth.ResultsPrenatal ‘unhealthy diet’ was positively associated with IGF2 methylation at birth for both the EOP and low CP youth. For EOP only: (a) higher IGF2 methylation predicted ADHD symptoms; and (b) prenatal ‘unhealthy diet’ was associated with higher ADHD symptoms indirectly via higher IGF2 methylation.ConclusionsPreventing ‘unhealthy diet’ in pregnancy might reduce the risk of ADHD symptoms in EOP youth via lower offspring IGF2 methylation.
Risk factors for incident delirium in an acute general medical setting: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Tomlinson Emily Jane , Phillips Nicole M , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Hutchinson Alison M 
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectivesTo determine predisposing and precipitating risk factors for incident delirium in medical patients during an acute hospital admission.BackgroundIncident delirium is the most common complication of hospital admission for older patients. Up to 30% of hospitalised medical patients experience incident delirium. Determining risk factors for delirium is important for identifying patients who are most susceptible to incident delirium.DesignRetrospective case–control study with two controls per case.MethodsAn audit tool was used to review medical records of patients admitted to acute medical units for data regarding potential risk factors for delirium. Data were collected between August 2013 and March 2014 at three hospital sites of a healthcare organisation in Melbourne, Australia. Cases were 161 patients admitted to an acute medical ward and diagnosed with incident delirium between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2013. Controls were 321 patients sampled from the acute medical population admitted within the same time range, stratified for admission location and who did not develop incident delirium during hospitalisation.ResultsIdentified using logistic regression modelling, predisposing risk factors for incident delirium were dementia, cognitive impairment, functional impairment, previous delirium and fracture on admission. Precipitating risk factors for incident delirium were use of an indwelling catheter, adding more than three medications during admission and having an abnormal sodium level during admission.ConclusionsMultiple risk factors for incident delirium exist; patients with a history of delirium, dementia and cognitive impairment are at greatest risk of developing delirium during hospitalisation.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses and other healthcare professionals should be aware of patients who have one or more risk factors for incident delirium. Knowledge of risk factors for delirium has the potential to increase the recognition and understanding of patients who are vulnerable to delirium. Early recognition and prevention of delirium can contribute to improved patients safety and reduction in harm.
Back pain: A puzzle in children
Authors: Nahle Imad S , Hamam Mohamed S , Masrouha Karim Z , Afeiche Nadim E , Abdelnoor Johnny 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBack pain in children is underdiagnosed and increases incidence in adolescence. A systematic approach can diagnose the most common causes: trauma, structural deformities, inflammatory diseases, infection and malignancy.
The Dark Side of the Crisis: Disparities in per Capita income (2000–12) and the Urban‐Rural Gradient in Greece
Authors: Salvati Luca 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe present study investigates changes (2000–12) in the spatial distribution of per capita income in Greece assessing how economic expansion and recession shape regional disparities in a traditionally‐divided country. Descriptive statistics, multivariate techniques and spatial analysis have been carried out to identify clusters of Greek regions with an homogeneous development path. Results outline how the gap between wealthy and disadvantaged regions consolidated with economic expansion (2000–07) strengthening the centrality of medium‐size urban areas, industrial and tourism‐specialised districts. Recession (2008–12) has widened the gap between Athens and the rest of Greece, while mitigating the disparities in per capita income between rich and poor regions. This evidence seem to contrast with literature indicating how dynamic regions came to be less exposed to recession than economically‐disadvantaged regions. The 2008–09 crisis stimulates a rethinking of the geography of socio‐economic disparities in highly‐divided countries, pointing out how expansion and recession differently impact the spatial distribution of wealth.
Monitoring Pump Parameters in Small Modular Reactors Using Electric
Motor Signatures
Authors: Upadhyaya Belle R. , Mehta Chaitanya , Wesley Hines J. , Lollar Victor B. , Bayram Duygu 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) are designed for long-term operation with minimum outages and for possible deployment in remote locations. To achieve this operational goal, the SMRs may require remote and continuous monitoring of performance parameters that contribute to operation and maintenance. This feature is also important in monitoring critical parameters during severe accidents and for postaccident recovery. Small integral light water reactors have in-vessel space constraints, and many of the traditional instrumentation are not practical in these systems. To investigate this issue, analytical and experimental researches were carried out using a flow test loop to characterize the relationship among process variables (flow rate and pressure) and pump motor signatures. The findings of this research are presented, with implications in relating electrical signatures to pump parameters. The relationship between the electrical signatures and the process variables is discussed with reference to the experimental results. The results of this work may be used for monitoring process variables in small modular reactor systems.
Multivalent and Multipathogen Viral Vector Vaccines
Authors: Lauer Katharina B. , Borrow Ray , Blanchard Thomas J. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT
The presentation and delivery of antigens are crucial for inducing immunity and, desirably, lifelong protection. Recombinant viral vectors—proven safe and successful in veterinary vaccine applications—are ideal shuttles to deliver foreign proteins to induce an immune response with protective antibody levels by mimicking natural infection. Some examples of viral vectors are adenoviruses, measles virus, or poxviruses. The required attributes to qualify as a vaccine vector are as follows: stable insertion of coding sequences into the genome, induction of a protective immune response, a proven safety record, and the potential for large-scale production. The need to develop new vaccines for infectious diseases, increase vaccine accessibility, reduce health costs, and simplify overloaded immunization schedules has driven the idea to combine antigens from the same or various pathogens. To protect effectively, some vaccines require multiple antigens of one pathogen or different pathogen serotypes/serogroups in combination (multivalent or polyvalent vaccines). Future multivalent vaccine candidates are likely to be required for complex diseases like malaria and HIV. Other novel strategies propose an antigen combination of different pathogens to protect against several diseases at once (multidisease or multipathogen vaccines).
Complete Genome Sequence of
Brachyspira hyodysenteriae
Type Strain B-78 (ATCC 27164)
Authors: Mirajkar Nandita S. , Johnson Timothy J. , Gebhart Connie J. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Reported herein is the complete genome sequence of the type strain B-78 (ATCC 27164) of
Brachyspira hyodysenteriae
, the etiological agent of swine dysentery. The 3.1-Mb genome consists of a 3.056-Mb chromosome and a 45-kb plasmid, with 2,617 protein-coding genes, 39 RNA genes, and 40 pseudogenes.
Rapid Identification of OXA-48 and OXA-163 Subfamilies in Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli with a Novel Immunochromatographic Lateral Flow Assay
Authors: Pasteran Fernando , Denorme Laurence , Ote Isabelle , Gomez Sonia , De Belder Denise , Glupczynski Youri , Bogaerts Pierre , Ghiglione Barbara , Power Pablo , Mertens Pascal , Corso Alejandra 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT
We assessed a novel immunochromatographic lateral flow assay for direct identification of OXA-48-like carbapenemases and accurate differentiation of allele variants with distinct substrate profiles (OXA-48 or OXA-163 subfamilies). The assay allowed rapid (less than 4 min) and reliable direct confirmation of OXA-163- and/or OXA-48-like enzymes (with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity) from cultured colonies that were recovered from both solid medium and spiked blood culture bottles.
Drone Transport of Microbes in Blood and Sputum Laboratory Specimens
Authors: Amukele Timothy K. , Street Jeff , Carroll Karen , Miller Heather , Zhang Sean X. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) could potentially be used to transport microbiological specimens. To examine the impact of UAVs on microbiological specimens, blood and sputum culture specimens were seeded with usual pathogens and flown in a UAV for 30 ± 2 min. Times to recovery, colony counts, morphologies, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)-based identifications of the flown and stationary specimens were similar for all microbes studied.
Evaluation of the Aptima HIV-1 Quant Dx Assay Using Plasma and Dried Blood Spots
Authors: Sahoo Malaya K. , Varghese Vici , White Elizabeth , Winslow Meg , Katzenstein David A. , Shafer Robert W. , Pinsky Benjamin A. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

HIV-1 RNA quantitation in plasma, or virus load testing, is the primary method by which the response to antiretroviral therapy is monitored. Here we describe evaluation of the Aptima HIV-1 Quant Dx assay (Aptima) performed on the automated Panther system. The clinical performance of Aptima was compared to that of the Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 Test v2.0 (CAP/CTM) using 162 EDTA plasma samples collected from patients undergoing HIV-1 monitoring. Overall agreement was 84.0% (136/162), with a kappa statistic of 0.723 (standard error, 0.047; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.630 to 0.815), indicating substantial agreement. Using the 86 clinical samples quantifiable by both methods, Passing-Bablok regression revealed a regression line of
Y
= (1.069 ×
X
) − 0.346 (95% CI of the slope [1.003 to 1.139] and intercept [−0.666 to −0.074]), and Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated a mean difference (Aptima-CAP/CTM) of −0.075 log
10
copies/ml (95% limits of agreement of −0.624 to 0.475), consistent with negative bias. Comparison of Aptima results for paired dried blood spot (DBS) and plasma specimens archived from participants in the Peninsula AIDS Research Cohort Study (PARC) demonstrated an overall agreement of 94.7% (90/95) when 1,000 copies/ml was used as the threshold. In conclusion, the Aptima HIV-1 Quant Dx assay provides a suitable alternative for HIV-1 monitoring in plasma and DBS.