bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pretransplant serum procalcitonin level for prediction of early post‐transplant sepsis in living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Hara Takanobu , Soyama Akihiko , Hidaka Masaaki , Natsuda Koji , Adachi Tomohiko , Ono Shinichiro , Okada Satomi , Hamada Takashi , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Eguchi Susumu 
Published: December 2017

AimInfection is a frequent cause of in‐hospital mortality after liver transplantation (LT). Elimination of possible risks in the pretransplant period, early diagnosis of post‐transplant sepsis, and prompt treatment with antimicrobial agents are important. The objectives of this study were to analyze the impact of early post‐transplant sepsis on outcomes and to clarify the value of predictive factors for early post‐transplant sepsis.MethodsThe study included 136 patients who underwent initial living donor LT (LDLT) at our institute between April 2009 and December 2016. Sepsis was defined using the third international consensus criteria. The results of biochemical tests at the introduction of anesthesia before LDLT were collected for pretransplant evaluation.ResultsPost‐transplant sepsis was found in 37 patients (27.2%). More patients had a pre‐transplant serum procalcitonin (PCT) level >0.5 ng/mL in the sepsis group than in the non‐sepsis group (11 [29.7%] vs 10 [10.1%]; P = 0.007). The 1‐year survival rate in the sepsis group was significantly lower than in the non‐sepsis group (53.8% vs 87.2%; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified pretransplant serum PCT >0.5 ng/mL (odds ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–10.9; P = 0.01) as the only independent risk factor for post‐transplant sepsis.ConclusionsSurvival of patients with early post‐transplant sepsis was poor and the incidence of sepsis was associated with the pretransplant serum PCT level. Re‐evaluation of the general condition and rescheduling of LT should be considered in a patient with pretransplant serum PCT >0.5 ng/mL.
Full blood count as an ancillary test to support the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis
Authors: Oh Lawrence J. , Wong Eugene , Andrici Juliana , McCluskey Peter , Smith James E. H. , Gill Anthony J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundTemporal artery biopsy is considered the investigation of choice to diagnose definitively giant cell arteritis (GCA) in patients with compatible symptoms. However it is invasive and not completely sensitive. Serum markers, particularly erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), can be supportive, but are not definitive in individual cases.AimsTo investigate whether indices derived from the full blood count, including neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were associated with a positive biopsy in patients with suspected GCA.MethodsThe clinical and pathological details of 537 patients undergoing temporal artery biopsy at our institution from 1992 to 2015 were reviewed.ResultsIn univariate analysis high platelets (odds ratio (OR) 4.44, P < 0.001), NLR (OR 1.81, P = 0.02), PLR (OR 3.25, P < 0.001), C‐reactive protein (CRP) (OR 3.00, P < 0.001), ESR (OR 3.62, P < 0.001) and increased age (OR 1.03, P = 0.006) were strongly associated with a positive biopsy. In multivariate modelling only high platelets (P < 0.001) and ESR (P = 0.049) maintained significance.ConclusionsWe conclude that the presence of thrombocytosis and high NLR, PLR, ESR and CRP can all be used clinically to support the diagnosis of GCA prior to biopsy. Of particular note, in multivariate modelling the presence of thrombocytosis is a stronger predictor of a positive temporal artery biopsy than ESR. Therefore, careful consideration of the findings in a full blood count can be used to predict the likelihood of a positive temporal artery biopsy in patients with suspected GCA.
Management of actinic keratosis at specific body sites in patients at high risk of carcinoma lesions: expert consensus from the AKTeam™ of expert clinicians
Authors: Richard M. A. , Amici J. M. , Basset‐Seguin N. , Claudel J.P. , Cribier B. , Dreno B. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractActinic keratoses (AK) arise on sun‐exposed regions of the skin. If left untreated, AK may progress to invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), although the rate of progression is low. A practical treatment algorithm for the treatment of AK in standard situations has been published by the AKTeam™ expert panel. However, management of particular situations of AK with increasing/higher carcinoma risk or AK progressing into carcinomas with increased aggressiveness due to their anatomical location (risky areas), or in patients with an increased risk of SCC requires further discussion. These include AK on the dorsal hands, forearms, legs, periorbital region, eyelids, ears, or lips, and organ transplant recipients, patients undergoing treatment with carcinogenic agents and patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. The main objective was to propose therapeutic strategies for the treatment of AK located in risky areas and in patients with more invasive/aggressive lesions and a higher risk of progression to SCC. A systematic review of the literature was initially performed, and results were discussed by the experts to propose best management practices in specific situations. Finally, adapted management strategies for AK occurring in risky areas and in high‐risk patients are presented, taking into account the experts’ own clinical experience and current guidelines. In most of these ‘at‐risk’ situations, patients can be treated according to the AKTeam™ treatment algorithm. Difficult‐to‐treat lesions should be treated more aggressively due to their higher risk of transformation. For patients with skin that is highly susceptible to actinic damage, monitoring and sun protection strategies are mandatory, and patients should undergo more regular follow‐up. Further assessment of newer therapies in clinical trials is necessary to determine optimal treatment conditions. This expert consensus provides guidance for the management of AK in risky body sites and in patients with an increasing/higher risk for SCCs.
Distinctive cutaneous and systemic features associated with specific antimyositis antibodies in adults with dermatomyositis: a prospective multicentric study of 117 patients
Authors: Best M. , Jachiet M. , Molinari N. , Manna F. , Girard C. , Pallure V. , Cosnes A. , Lipsker D. , Hubiche T. , Schmutz J.‐L. , Le Corre Y. , Cordel N. , Dandurand M. , Dereure O. , Guillot B. , Du‐Thanh A. , Bulai Livideanu C. , Chasset F. , Bouaziz J.‐D. , Francès C. , Bengoufa D. , Vincent T. , Bessis D. ,   the Study Group of Systemic Diseases in Dermatology (EMSED: Étude des Maladies Systémiques en Dermatologie
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundIdentification of myositis‐specific autoantibodies (MSAs) for dermatomyositis (DM) could allow the characterization of an antibody‐associated clinical phenotype.ObjectiveWe sought to define the clinical phenotype of DM and the risk of cancer, interstitial lung disease (ILD) and calcinosis based on MSA.MethodsA 3.5‐year multicentre prospective study of adult DM patients was conducted to determine the clinical phenotype associated with MSAs and the presence of cancer, ILD and calcinosis.ResultsMSAs were detected in 47.1% of 117 included patients. Patients with antimelanoma differentiation‐associated protein‐5 antibodies (13.7%) had significantly more palmar violaceous macules/papules [odds ratio (OR) 9.9], mechanic's hands (OR 8), cutaneous necrosis (OR 3.2), articular involvement (OR 15.2) and a higher risk of ILD (OR 25.3). Patients with antitranscriptional intermediary factor‐1 antibodies (11.1%), antinuclear matrix protein‐2 antibodies (6.8%) and antiaminoacyl‐transfer RNA synthetase (5.1%) had, respectively, significantly more poikiloderma (OR 5.9), calcinosis (OR 9.8) and articular involvement (OR 15.2). Cutaneous necrosis was the only clinical manifestation significantly associated with cancer (OR 3.1).ConclusionRecognition of the adult DM phenotype associated with MSAs would allow more accurate appraisal of the risk of cancer, ILD and calcinosis.
Big Data and medicine: a big deal?
Authors: Mayer‐Schönberger V. , Ingelsson E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBig Data promises huge benefits for medical research. Looking beyond superficial increases in the amount of data collected, we identify three key areas where Big Data differs from conventional analyses of data samples: (i) data are captured more comprehensively relative to the phenomenon under study; this reduces some bias but surfaces important trade‐offs, such as between data quantity and data quality; (ii) data are often analysed using machine learning tools, such as neural networks rather than conventional statistical methods resulting in systems that over time capture insights implicit in data, but remain black boxes, rarely revealing causal connections; and (iii) the purpose of the analyses of data is no longer simply answering existing questions, but hinting at novel ones and generating promising new hypotheses. As a consequence, when performed right, Big Data analyses can accelerate research. Because Big Data approaches differ so fundamentally from small data ones, research structures, processes and mindsets need to adjust. The latent value of data is being reaped through repeated reuse of data, which runs counter to existing practices not only regarding data privacy, but data management more generally. Consequently, we suggest a number of adjustments such as boards reviewing responsible data use, and incentives to facilitate comprehensive data sharing. As data's role changes to a resource of insight, we also need to acknowledge the importance of collecting and making data available as a crucial part of our research endeavours, and reassess our formal processes from career advancement to treatment approval.
Roles of elusive translational GTPases come to light and inform on the process of ribosome biogenesis in bacteria
Authors: Gibbs Michelle R. , Fredrick Kurt 
Published: December 2017

SummaryProtein synthesis relies on several translational GTPases (trGTPases), related proteins that couple the hydrolysis of GTP to specific molecular events on the ribosome. Most bacterial trGTPases, including IF2, EF‐Tu, EF‐G and RF3, play well‐known roles in translation. The cellular functions of LepA (also termed EF4) and BipA (also termed TypA), conversely, have remained enigmatic. Recent studies provide compelling in vivo evidence that LepA and BipA function in biogenesis of the 30S and 50S subunit respectively. These findings have important implications for ribosome biogenesis in bacteria. Because the GTPase activity of each of these proteins depends on interactions with both ribosomal subunits, some portion of 30S and 50S assembly must occur in the context of the 70S ribosome. In this review, we introduce the trGTPases of bacteria, describe the new functional data on LepA and BipA, and discuss the how these findings shape our current view of ribosome biogenesis in bacteria.
Profile of advanced nursing practice in Spain: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sevilla Guerra Sonia , Miranda Salmerón Josep , Zabalegui Adelaida 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn this study, we described the profile of advanced nursing practice in Spain. A cross‐sectional study design was used to explore the extent and patterns of advanced nursing practice activity within the domains of expert care planning, integrated care, interprofessional collaboration, education, research, evidence‐based practice, and professional leadership. Data were collected in 2015/2016. Purposive sampling yielded a sample of 165 specialist and expert nurses employed by a dual tertiary and community hospital in an urban setting. The study included specialist and expert nurses who had a higher practice profile than registered general nurses. The performance of activities according to age, current position, years of experience, nursing grade, and education was compared. Practice domains were more strongly influenced by the predictors of nursing position and professional career ladder. Age and experience predictors were found to be weak predictors of advanced practice domains. This study offers essential information of the nursing workforce, and clarifies both the advanced nursing practice profile and nomenclature in the context of study.
The Golden Code of the Bird‐Men: Iconographic and Social Interpretation of the Moñes I Diadem‐Belt (Asturias, North‐west Iberian Peninsula, First Century BC)
Authors: Alonso Fernando 
Published: December 2017

SummaryIf there is one piece of the Castro culture goldwork that stands out above the rest, it is the set of figurative gold diadem‐belt fragments from Moñes (Piloña, Asturias, Spain). Its uniqueness lies in its combination of local technological tradition with exogenous practices, like figurative representation. The figures that appear are armed characters, occasionally on horseback, and sometimes zoomorphic in appearance (especially as bird‐men), together with different kinds of animals, especially those from an aquatic environment. This iconography has been interpreted as emphasizing the warlike character of Celtic symbolism as expressed through an aquatic funerary ritual. My argument here, however, provides an alternative interpretation based on a context of dramatic social change, which warranted the reformulation of creation mythology such as that depicted on the diadem‐belt. This context must be viewed in relation to different social responses which developed during the first century BC, both before and immediately after the Roman conquest.
Physical activity level among children recovering from severe acute malnutrition
Authors: Babirekere‐Iriso Esther , Rytter Maren Johanne Heilskov , Namusoke Hanifa , Mupere Ezekiel , Michaelsen Kim F. , Stark Ken D. , Lauritzen Lotte , Briend André , Friis Henrik , Brage Søren , Faurholt‐Jepsen Daniel 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the level and predictors of physical activity at discharge among children recovering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM).MethodsWe conducted a prospective study among 69 children 6–59 months of age admitted with SAM for nutritional rehabilitation at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda. Using hip‐mounted triaxial accelerometers, we measured physical activity expressed as counts per minute (cpm) during the last three days of hospital treatment. As potential predictors, we assessed clinical and background characteristics, duration to transition phase and duration of hospitalisation, serum C‐reactive protein and whole‐blood docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify predictors of physical activity.ResultsThe median (IQR) age was 15.5 (12.6; 20.5) months. At discharge, the mean (SD) movement was 285 (126) cpm. Physical activity was 43 (19; 67) cpm higher for each unit increase in weight‐for‐height z‐score (WHZ) and 72 (36; 108) cpm higher for each centimetre increase in MUAC. Whole‐blood DHA on admission was also a positive predictor of physical activity, whereas duration to transition phase and duration of hospitalisation were both negative predictors.ConclusionThe level of physical activity at discharge among children treated for SAM was low. WHZ, MUAC and DHA on admission were positive predictors of physical activity, whereas duration of stabilisation and hospitalisation was negative predictors of physical activity. These results suggest that assessment of physical activity may be used as a marker of recovery.
Draft Genome Sequence of the First NDM-4-Producing Escherichia coli Strain (AK1), Isolated from Sewage Water of a North Indian Hospital
Authors: Khan Asad U. , Beg Ayesha Z. , Verma Praveen K. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT

We report here the draft genome sequence of the first isolated NDM-4-producing
Escherichia coli
strain, isolated from sewage water at a North Indian hospital. The genome has an assembly size of 5,076,053 bp, arranged in 129 contigs, with 5,271 genes and a G+C content of 50.47%.
Complete Genome Sequence of Hyperthermophilic Archaeon
Thermococcus
sp. EXT12c, Isolated from the East Pacific Rise 9°N
Authors: Courtine Damien , Alain Karine , Georges Myriam , Bienvenu Nadège , Morrison Hilary G. , Eren A. Murat , Maignien Loïs 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT

We report the genome sequence of
Thermococcus
sp. EXT12c isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent at the East Pacific Rise 9°N. Microbes in the genus
Thermococcus
are able to grow anaerobically at high temperature, around neutral pH, and some of them under high hydrostatic pressure.
Human Norovirus NS3 Has RNA Helicase and Chaperoning Activities
Authors: Li Teng-Feng , Hosmillo Myra , Schwanke Hella , Shu Ting , Wang Zhaowei , Yin Lei , Curry Stephen , Goodfellow Ian G. , Zhou Xi 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT

RNA-remodeling proteins, including RNA helicases and chaperones, act to remodel RNA structures and/or protein-RNA interactions and are required for all processes involving RNAs. Although many viruses encode RNA helicases and chaperones, their
in vitro
activities and their roles in infected cells largely remain elusive. Noroviruses are a diverse group of positive-strand RNA viruses in the family
Caliciviridae
and constitute a significant and potentially fatal threat to human health. Here, we report that the protein NS3 encoded by human norovirus has both ATP-dependent RNA helicase activity that unwinds RNA helices and ATP-independent RNA-chaperoning activity that can remodel structured RNAs and facilitate strand annealing. Moreover, NS3 can facilitate viral RNA synthesis
in vitro
by norovirus polymerase. NS3 may therefore play an important role in norovirus RNA replication. Lastly, we demonstrate that the RNA-remodeling activity of NS3 is inhibited by guanidine hydrochloride, an FDA-approved compound, and, more importantly, that it reduces the replication of the norovirus replicon in cultured human cells. Altogether, these findings are the first to demonstrate the presence of RNA-remodeling activities encoded by
Caliciviridae
and highlight the functional significance of NS3 in the noroviral life cycle.

IMPORTANCE
Noroviruses are a diverse group of positive-strand RNA viruses, which annually cause hundreds of millions of human infections and over 200,000 deaths worldwide. For RNA viruses, cellular or virus-encoded RNA helicases and/or chaperones have long been considered to play pivotal roles in viral life cycles. However, neither RNA helicase nor chaperoning activity has been demonstrated to be associated with any norovirus-encoded proteins, and it is also unknown whether norovirus replication requires the participation of any viral or cellular RNA helicases/chaperones. We found that a norovirus protein, NS3, not only has ATP-dependent helicase activity, but also acts as an ATP-independent RNA chaperone. Also, NS3 can facilitate
in vitro
viral RNA synthesis, suggesting the important role of NS3 in norovirus replication. Moreover, NS3 activities can be inhibited by an FDA-approved compound, which also suppresses norovirus replicon replication in human cells, raising the possibility that NS3 could be a target for antinoroviral drug development.
Do psychological harms result from being labelled with an unexpected diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm or prostate cancer through screening? A systematic review
Authors: Cotter Anne R , Vuong Kim , Mustelin Linda L , Yang Yi , Rakhmankulova Malika , Barclay Colleen J , Harris Russell P 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveA potential psychological harm of screening is unexpected diagnosis—labelling. We need to know the frequency and severity of this harm to make informed decisions about screening. We asked whether current evidence allows an estimate of any psychological harm of labelling. As case studies, we used two conditions for which screening is common: prostate cancer (PCa) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).DesignSystematic review with narrative synthesis.Data sources and eligibility criteriaWe searched the English language literature in PubMed, PsychINFO and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) for research of any design published between 1 January 2002 and 23 January 2017 that provided valid data about the psychological state of people recently diagnosed with early stage PCa or AAA. Two authors independently used explicit criteria to review and critically appraise all studies for bias, applicability and the extent to which it provided evidence about the frequency and severity of harm from labelling.Results35 quantitative studies (30 of PCa and 5 of AAA) met our criteria, 17 (48.6%) of which showed possible or definite psychological harm from labelling. None of these studies, however, had either appropriate measures or relevant comparisons to estimate the frequency and severity of psychological harm. Four PCa and three AAA qualitative studies all showed clear evidence of at least moderate psychological harm from labelling. Seven population-based studies found increased suicide in patients recently diagnosed with PCa.ConclusionsAlthough qualitative and population-based studies show that at least moderate psychological harm due to screening for PCa and AAA does occur, the current quantitative evidence is insufficient to allow a more precise estimation of frequency and severity. More sensitive measures and improved research designs are needed to fully characterise this harm. In the meantime, clinicians and recommendation panels should be aware of the occurrence of this harm.
Technical Advances for the Clinical Genomic Evaluation of Sudden Cardiac Death
Authors: Baudhuin Linnea M. , Leduc Charles , Train Laura J. , Avula Rajeswari , Kluge Michelle L. , Kotzer Katrina E. , Lin Peter T. , Ackerman Michael J. , Maleszewski Joseph J. 
Published: December 2017

Background—
Postmortem genetic testing for heritable cardiovascular (CV) disorders is often lacking because ideal specimens (ie, whole blood) are not retained routinely at autopsy. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPET) is ubiquitously collected at autopsy, but DNA quality hampers its use with traditional sequencing methods. Targeted next-generation sequencing may offer the ability to circumvent such limitations, but a method has not been previously described. The primary aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the use of FFPET for heritable CV disorders via next-generation sequencing.

Methods and Results—
Nineteen FFPET (heart) and blood (whole blood or dried blood spot) specimens underwent targeted next-generation sequencing using a custom panel of 101 CV-associated genes. Nucleic acid yield and quality metrics were evaluated in relation to FFPET specimen age (6 months to 15 years; n=14) and specimen type (FFPET versus whole blood and dried blood spot; n=12). Four FFPET cases with a clinical phenotype of heritable CV disorder were analyzed. Accuracy and precision were 100% concordant between all sample types, with read depths >100× for most regions tested. Lower read depth, as low as 40×, was occasionally observed with FFPET and dried blood spot. High-quality DNA was obtained from FFPET samples as old as 15 years. Genomic analysis of FFPET from the 4 phenotype-positive/genotype unknown cases all revealed putative disease-causing variants.

Conclusions—
Similar performance characteristics were observed for next-generation sequencing of FFPET, whole blood, and dried blood spot in the evaluation of inherited CV disorders. Although blood is preferable for genetic analyses, this study offers an alternative when only FFPET is available.