bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Draft genome of the Marco Polo Sheep (Ovis ammon polii)
Authors: Yang Yongzhi , Wang Yutao , Zhao Yue , Zhang Xiuying , Li Ran , Chen Lei , Zhang Guojie , Jiang Yu , Qiu Qiang , Wang Wen , Wei Hong-Jiang , Wang Kun 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Background
The Marco Polo Sheep (Ovis ammon polii), a subspecies of argali (Ovis ammon) that is distributed mainly in the Pamir Mountains, provides a mammalian model to study high altitude adaptation mechanisms. Due to over-hunting and subsistence poaching, as well as competition with livestock and habitat loss, O. ammon has been categorized as an endangered species on several lists. It can have fertile offspring with sheep. Hence, a high-quality reference genome of the Marco Polo Sheep will be very helpful in conservation genetics and even in exploiting useful genes in sheep breeding.

Findings
A total of 1022.43 Gb of raw reads resulting from whole-genome sequencing of a Marco Polo Sheep were generated using an Illumina HiSeq2000 platform. The final genome assembly (2.71 Gb) has an N50 contig size of 30.7 Kb and a scaffold N50 of 5.49 Mb. The repeat sequences identified account for 46.72% of the genome, and 20 336 protein-coding genes were predicted from the masked genome. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close relationship between Marco Polo Sheep and the domesticated sheep, and the time of their divergence was approximately 2.36 million years ago. We identified 271 expanded gene families and 168 putative positively selected genes in the Marco Polo Sheep lineage.

Conclusions
We provide the first genome sequence and gene annotation for the Marco Polo Sheep. The availability of these resources will be of value in the future conservation of this endangered large mammal, for research into high altitude adaptation mechanisms, for reconstructing the evolutionary history of the Caprinae, and for the future conservation of the Marco Polo Sheep.
Early-Season Pests of Soybean in the United States and Factors That Affect Their Risk of Infestation
Authors: Hesler Louis S , Allen K Clint , Luttrell Randall G , Sappington Thomas W , Papiernik Sharon K 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSoybean faces potential economic damage from a wide variety of early-season invertebrate pests. The objective of this article was to determine the extent and intensity of nine early-season soybean insect pests targeted for control by insecticidal seed treatments in the United States and to identify various management options for them: bean leaf beetle (Cerotoma trifurcate Förster, Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae); grape colaspis, Colaspis brunnea (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae); leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Ciccadellidae); seedcorn maggot, Delia platura (Meigen) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae); soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura, Hemiptera: Aphididae); threecornered alfalfa hopper, Spsistilus festinus (Say) (Hemiptera: Membracidae); thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae); white grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae); and wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae). Seedcorn maggot, white grubs, and wireworms have been limited to a relatively small proportion of soybean fields with readily defined factors regarding their risk. However, questions about the pest status of the other six pests were identified. Bean leaf beetle, which vectors Bean pod mottle virus to soybean, has been present across major soybean-production regions, but frequency and proportion of soybean fields that economically impacted is not adequately documented. The impact of threecornered alfalfa hopper and thrips on soybean productivity varied within regions, but specific reasons for the variation were unclear. Early-season management of grape colaspis and leafhoppers has been infrequent, but factors that promoted economic injury and the need for management in specific fields were undetermined. Although early-season management of soybean aphid has not proven feasible for individual fields, questions remain regarding its management in fields near overwintering stands and the possibility for areawide suppression.
Highly reddened Type Ia supernova SN 2004ab: another case of anomalous extinction
Authors: Chakradhari N K , Sahu D K , Anupama G C , Prabhu T P 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
We present optical photometric and spectroscopic data for supernova SN 2004ab, a highly reddened normal Type Ia supernova. The total reddening is estimated as E(B − V) = 1.70 ± 0.05 mag. The intrinsic decline-rate parameter Δm15(B)true is 1.27 ± 0.05, and the B-band absolute magnitude at maximum $M_{B}^{{\rm max}}$ is −19.31 ± 0.25 mag. The host galaxy NGC 5054 is found to exhibit anomalous extinction with a very low value of RV = 1.41 ± 0.06 in the direction of SN 2004ab. The peak bolometric luminosity is derived as $\log L_{\rm bol}^{\rm max}$ = 43.10 ± 0.07 erg s−1. The photospheric velocity measured from the absorption minimum of the Si ii λ6355 line shows a velocity gradient of $\dot{v}$ = 90 km s−1 d−1, indicating that SN 2004ab is a member of the high velocity gradient (HVG) subgroup. The ratio of the strengths of the Si ii λ5972 and λ6355 absorption lines, $\cal R$(Si ii), is estimated as 0.37, while their pseudo-equivalent widths suggest that SN 2004ab belongs to the broad line (BL) type subgroup.
Dose-Dependent Effect of Cotinine-Verified Tobacco Smoking on Serum Immunoglobulin E Levels in Korean Adult Males
Authors: Dong Jae-June , Shen Jay J , Lee Yong-Jae 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundSmoking is one of the risk factors to exacerbate allergic diseases, and it may affect serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. However, few studies have relied on an objective biomarker to examine the effect of tobacco smoking on serum IgE levels.MethodA nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the relationship between urinary cotinine (Ucot) concentrations and IgE levels in 973 males using data from the 2010 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Ucot was classified into four groups based on concentration (ng/mL) as follows: nonsmoker group (Ucot &lt;50 ng/mL) and three tertile groups in smokers (T1 [Ucot: 50.00–921.28 ng/mL]; T2 [Ucot: 921.29–1869.36 ng/mL]; and T3 [Ucot ≥1869.37 ng/mL]). The dose-response relationships between Ucot concentrations and total serum IgE level were estimated using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multiple linear regression analysis after adjusting for confounding variables.ResultsWe found a significant and positive dose-related effect of cigarette smoking as measured by Ucot concentrations on the total serum IgE level. The multivariate adjusted means of total serum IgE levels (SE) were 321.0 (36.3), 404.4 (102.7), 499.2 (79.2), and 534.7 (82.7) IU/mL, after adjusting for age, body mass index, alcohol ingestion, physical exercise, job, and household income. The regression coefficient β for total serum IgE was β = 68.6 with increasing level of Ucot group after adjusting for the same covariables (p = .009).ConclusionThese findings suggest that the amount of smoking may have a dose-dependent effect on total serum IgE levels.ImplicationSmoking is one of the risk factors to exacerbate allergic diseases, and it may affect serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, which is closely related to type 1 mediated allergic diseases. However, few studies have relied on an objective biomarker to examine the effect of tobacco smoking on serum IgE levels. We found that tobacco exposure, as measured by Ucot concentrations, increased the serum IgE levels in a dose-response manner in a representative sample of Korean adult males.
A Nosocomial Outbreak of Human Monkeypox in the Central African Republic
Authors: Nakoune Emmanuel , Lampaert Emmanuel , Ndjapou Séverin Gervais , Janssens Carole , Zuniga Isabel , Van Herp Michel , Fongbia Jean Paul , Koyazegbe Thomas Daquin , Selekon Benjamin , Komoyo Giscard Francis , Garba-Ouangole Sandra Miriella , Manengu Casimir , Manuguerra Jean-Claude , Kazanji Mirdad , Gessain Antoine , Berthet Nicolas 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
An outbreak of familial monkeypox occurred in the Central African Republic in 2015/2016 by 3 transmission modes: familial, health care–related, and transport-related. Ten people (3 children and 7 adults) were infected. Most presented with cutaneous lesions and fever, and 2 children died. The viral strain responsible was a Zaire genotype strain.
Pitfalls Associated With the Use of Molecular Diagnostic Panels in the Diagnosis of Cryptococcal Meningitis
Authors: O’Halloran Jane A , Franklin Alexander , Lainhart William , Burnham Carey-Ann , Powderly William , Dubberke Erik 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
We report the case of a kidney transplantation patient on chronic immunosuppressive therapy presenting with subacute meningitis. The final diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis was delayed due to 2 false-negative cryptococcal results on a molecular diagnostic panel. Caution with such platforms in suspected cryptococcal meningitis is needed.
Audiologist-Guided Internet-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Adults With Tinnitus in the United Kingdom: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Beukes Eldré W. , Baguley David M. , Allen Peter M. , Manchaiah Vinaya , Andersson Gerhard 
Published: November 2017

Objectives:
Specialist tinnitus services are in high demand as a result of the negative effect tinnitus may have on quality of life. Additional clinically and cost-effective tinnitus management routes are needed. One potential route is providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for tinnitus via the Internet (iCBT). This study aimed to determine the efficacy of guided iCBT, using audiological support, on tinnitus distress and tinnitus-related comorbidities, in the United Kingdom. A further aim was to establish the stability of intervention effects 2-months postintervention. The hypothesis was that iCBT for tinnitus would be more effective at reducing tinnitus distress than weekly monitoring.

Design:
A randomized, delayed intervention efficacy trial, with a 2-month follow-up was implemented to evaluate the efficacy of iCBT in the United Kingdom. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 73) or weekly monitoring control group (n = 73) after being stratified for tinnitus severity and age. After the experimental group completed the 8-week long iCBT intervention, the control group undertook the same intervention. Intervention effects were, therefore, evaluated in two independent groups at two time points. The primary outcome was a change in tinnitus distress between the groups as assessed by the Tinnitus Functional Index. Secondary assessment measures were included for insomnia, anxiety, depression, hearing disability, hyperacusis, cognitive failures, and satisfaction with life. These were completed at baseline, postintervention, and at a 2-month postintervention follow-up.

Results:
After undertaking the iCBT intervention, the experimental group had a greater reduction in tinnitus distress when compared with the control group. This reduction was statistically significant (Cohen’s d = 0.7) and was clinically significant for 51% of the experimental group and 5% of the control group. This reduction was evident 4 weeks after commencing the iCBT intervention. Furthermore, the experimental group had a greater reduction in insomnia, depression, hyperacusis, cognitive failures, and a greater improvement in quality of life, as evidenced by the significant differences in these assessment measures postintervention. Results were maintained 2 months postintervention.

Conclusions:
Guided (using audiological support) iCBT for tinnitus resulted in statistically significant reductions in tinnitus distress and comorbidities (insomnia, depression, hyperacusis, cognitive failures) and a significant increase in quality of life. These effects remained stable at 2-months postintervention. Further trials to determine the longer term efficacy of iCBT to investigate predictors of outcome and to compare iCBT with standard clinical care in the United Kingdom are required.
Registered at clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02370810 on 5/03/2015.
Physical Activity Protects Against the Risk of Erosive Esophagitis on the Basis of Body Mass Index
Authors: Pyo Jeung Hui , Kim Ji Won , Kim Tae Jun , Lee Hyuk , Min Yang Won , Min Byung-Hoon , Lee Jun Haeng , Rhee Poong-Lyul , Jung Sin-Ho , Cha Kyeong Min , Kang Mira , Kim Jee Eun , Choi Yoon-Ho , Kim Jae J. 
Published: November 2017

Goal:
To determine whether physical activity lowers the risk for erosive esophagitis on the basis of body mass index (BMI).

Background:
Although previous studies have shown that physical activity is closely associated with erosive esophagitis, these data may be confounded by obesity.

Study:
In this retrospective study, we included 182,409 patients who underwent an upper endoscopy and were diagnosed with erosive esophagitis. The impact of the amount and intensity of physical activity on the risk for erosive esophagitis was analyzed based on BMI groups. Subjects were classified into three BMI groups with equal numbers in each group.

Results:
Overall, 10.3% (n=18,859) of patients were diagnosed with erosive esophagitis. After adjusting for confounding factors, a greater amount of exercise [lower tertile: odd ratio (OR), 0.86; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.77-0.96; middle tertile: OR, 0.91; 95%, CI 0.84-1.00; upper tertile: OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.73-0.85) and increased exercise intensity (lower tertile, moderate: OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.52-0.71; vigorous: OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.44-0.58; middle tertile, moderate: OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.55-0.70; vigorous: OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.51-0.65; upper tertile, moderate: OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.53-0.65; vigorous: OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.53-0.64) was associated with a decreased risk for erosive esophagitis in all 3 BMI groups. In addition, we observed that increased physical activity intensity notably decreased the risk for erosive esophagitis in subjects performing lesser physical activity, but slightly decreased the risk for erosive esophagitis in subjects performing more physical activity.

Conclusion:
Physical activity is inversely associated with erosive esophagitis.
Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial on Value of Domperidone in Functional Abdominal Pain in Children
Authors: Karunanayake Amaranath , Devanarayana Niranga M. , de Silva Asita , Gunawardena Sampath , Rajindrajith Shaman 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTObjectives:The aim of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of domperidone on children with abdominal pain predominant functional gastrointestinal disorders (AP‐FGIDs).Methods:One hundred children (aged 5–12 years) fulfilling Rome III criteria for AP‐FGIDs were randomized into 8 weeks of domperidone or placebo treatment. Primary outcomes defined were cure and patient‐reported general improvement. Secondary outcomes were reduction in the severity of abdominal pain and increase in gastric motility. Patients were followed up for 6 months.Results:Eighty‐nine (42 in placebo group, 47 in domperidone group) completed the trial at 8 weeks. Seventy‐nine completed the 6‐month follow‐up. When primary outcomes were assessed at 8 weeks, 37 (74%) in the domperidone group and 25 (50%) in the placebo group showed patient‐reported general improvement (P = 0.013), whereas no significant difference was observed in cure (22 [44%] vs 14 [28%] P = 0.09). At 6‐month follow‐up 30 (60%) in the domperidone group and 19 (38%) in the placebo group reported cure (P = 0.028), whereas 44 (88%) in the domperidone group and 33 (66%) in the placebo group showed patient‐reported general improvement (P = 0.009). When assessing secondary outcomes at 8 weeks, the domperidone group reported significant reduction in the severity of abdominal pain (54.1% vs 24.7%, P = 0.008) and an increase in the antral motility index (27.5% vs 7.2%, P = 0.029). None of the patients reported intervention‐related adverse effects.Conclusions:Domperidone may be a safe and effective therapeutic modality to achieve a lasting remission of symptoms in children with AP‐FGIDs.
Clear Liquid Versus Low‐fibre Diet in Bowel Cleansing for Colonoscopy in Children
Authors: Mytyk Aleksandra , Lazowska‐Przeorek Izabella , Karolewska‐Bochenek Katarzyna , Kakol Dariusz , Banasiuk Marcin , Walkowiak Jaroslaw , Albrecht Piotr , Banaszkiewicz Aleksandra 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTObjectives:In light of a paucity of data on the role of diet in colonoscopy preparation in paediatric population, the present study was designed to compare the effectiveness of clear liquid and low‐fibre diets for breakfast and lunch on the day preceding colonoscopy in children.Methods:This prospective, randomised trial was conducted at the Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition in Warsaw, Poland. Eligible patients, referred for colonoscopies, were 6 to 18 years old. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: the first received a clear liquid diet and the second a low‐fibre diet on the day before colonoscopy. In the afternoon, all participants were asked to drink polyethylene glycol with electrolytes at a dose of 66 mL/kg to a maximum of 4 L. The effectiveness of bowel cleansing was measured using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS). The preparation tolerance was assessed by parents and children using a visual analogue scale. Adverse effects were reported.Results:In total, 184 patients were enrolled. Of those, 96 received the clear liquid diet and 88—the low‐fibre diet. The mean age of both groups was 15 years. There were no differences between the 2 study groups in age, weight, and sex, as well as in total BBPS score (BBPS ≥ 5 96.6% vs 95.1%, P = 0.5). The frequency of adverse effects was similar in both groups; nausea was the most common (P = 0.8).Conclusions:Clear liquid and low‐fibre diets administered to children the day before colonoscopy demonstrated similar bowel cleansing effectiveness.
Understanding Medication Schedules: Do Pictograms Help?
Authors: Leong Madeline , Tam Vernissia , Xu Timothy , Peters Matthew 
Published: November 2017

Background
Previous studies suggest that pictograms may improve patients' understanding of medication schedules. Understanding a medication schedule is a necessary first step for medication adherence.

Objective
This study aimed to determine if pictograms improved patients' ability to correctly fill a pillbox.

Design
This is a randomized, controlled, crossover pilot study.

Participants
This study involves 30 patients on the medical wards of an urban, tertiary care center.

Main Measures
The PillBox Test required participants to fill a 7-day pillbox with pill-sized colored beads. Participants were randomized to either the control or the experimental condition first. In the control condition, a standard pillbox was used with text instructions on the pill bottles. In the experimental condition, a pictogram pillbox was used with text and pictogram instructions on the pill bottles.

Key Results
There was no significant difference in passing on text or pictogram PillBox Test based on the order of group administration. However, 77% of participants reported that pictograms helped them understand medication instructions, 67% of participants preferred pictograms, and 93% felt pictograms should be used on all medication labels.

Conclusions
In this pilot study, the use of pictograms did not significantly improve participants' ability to correctly fill a pillbox. However, most participants preferred pictograms to text labels. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of pictograms in specific populations.
Outcomes of a Multicenter Training Program in Laparoscopic Pancreatoduodenectomy (LAELAPS-2)
Authors: de Rooij Thijs , van Hilst Jony , Topal Baki , Bosscha Koop , Brinkman David J. , Gerhards Michael F. , de Hingh Ignace H. , Karsten Tom M. , Lips Daan J. , Luyer Misha D. , Marsman Hendrik A. , van Rijssen L. Bengt , Steen M. Willemijn , Busch Olivier R. , Festen Sebastiaan , Besselink Marc G. 
Published: November 2017

Objective:
The aim of the study was to assess feasibility and outcomes of a multicenter training program in laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD).

Background:
Whereas expert centers have reported promising outcomes of LPD, nationwide analyses have raised concerns on its safety, especially during the learning curve. Multicenter, structured LPD training programs reporting outcomes including the first procedures are lacking. No LPD had been performed in the Netherlands before this study.

Methods:
During 2014–2016, 8 surgeons from 4 high-volume centers completed the Longitudinal Assessment and Realization of Laparoscopic Pancreatic Surgery (LAELAPS-2) training program in LPD, including detailed technique description, video training, and proctoring. In all centers, LPD was performed by 2 surgeons with extensive experience in pancreatic and laparoscopic surgery. Outcomes of all LPDs were prospectively collected.

Results:
In total, 114 patients underwent LPD. Median pancreatic duct diameter was 3 mm [interquartile range (IQR = 2–4)] and pancreatic texture was soft in 74% of patients. The conversion rate was 11% (n = 12), median blood loss 350 mL (IQR = 200–700), and operative time 375 minutes (IQR = 320–431). Grade B/C postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 34% of patients, requiring catheter drainage in 22% and re-operation in 2%. A Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III complication occurred in 43% of patients. Median length of hospital stay was 15 days (IQR = 9–25). Overall, 30-day and 90-day mortality were both 3.5%. Outcomes were similar for the first and second part of procedures.

Conclusions:
This LPD training program was feasible and ensured acceptable outcomes during the learning curve in all centers. Future studies should determine whether such a training program is applicable in other settings and assess the added value of LPD.
Implementation of a Blood Management Program at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Gani Faiz , Cerullo Marcelo , Ejaz Aslam , Gupta Pranjal B. , Demario Vincent M. , Johnston Fabian M. , Frank Steven M. , Pawlik Timothy M. 
Published: November 2017

Background:
Patient blood management (PBM) programs represent a perioperative bundle of care that aim to reduce or eliminate unnecessary transfusions.

Objective:
To evaluate the impact of a PBM program on transfusion practices and clinical outcomes at a single surgical department at a tertiary care hospital in the United States.

Methods:
This pre-post, cross-sectional study was performed using data from 17,114 patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery between 2010 and 2013. Multivariable regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of implementing a PBM program on transfusion practices and perioperative clinical outcomes.

Results:
Implementation of the PBM program was associated with a reduction in the proportion of patients receiving packed red blood cell (PRBC) using a liberal trigger hemoglobin concentration (pre-PBM vs post-PBM: trigger ≥8.0 g/dL: 20.2% vs 15.3%, P < 0.001), as well as an increase in the proportion of patients receiving PRBC using a restrictive trigger hemoglobin concentration (trigger <7.0 g/dL: 37.1% vs 46.4%, P < 0.001). The proportion of patients overtransfused to a target hemoglobin concentration of 9.0 g/dL (54.8% vs 43.9%, P < 0.001) or 10.0 g/dL (22.3% vs 15.8%, P < 0.001) also decreased following implementation of the PBM program. On multivariable analysis, implementation of the PBM program was associated with 23% lower odds of receiving PRBC transfusion (odds ratio = 0.77, 95% confidence interval 0.657–0.896, P = 0.001); hospital length-of-stay, postoperative morbidity, and postoperative mortality were unchanged (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions:
Implementation of a PBM program was associated with fewer patients receiving PRBC transfusion using a liberal trigger hemoglobin concentration and fewer patients being “overtransfused,” without any detectable change in length-of-stay, morbidity or mortality. PBM programs can be safely implemented across hospitals and should be used to improve quality and reduce unnecessary transfusions.