bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized controlled trial comparing the combination of a polymeric membrane dressing plus negative pressure wound therapy against negative pressure wound therapy alone: The WICVAC study
Authors: Skrinjar Edda , Duschek Nikolaus , Bayer Gottfried S. , Assadian Ojan , Koulas Spyridon , Hirsch Kornelia , Basic Jelena , Assadian Afshin 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTNegative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is the treatment of choice for chronic wounds; yet, it is associated with considerable workload. Prompted by its nonadhesive and wound‐healing properties, this study investigated the effect of an additional polymeric membrane interface dressing (PMD; PolyMem WIC) in NPWT. From October 2011 to April 2013, 60 consecutive patients with chronic leg wounds or surgical site infections after revascularization of lower extremities were randomly allocated to either treatment with conventional NPWT (control arm) or NPWT with an additional PMD (intervention arm). The primary outcome was wound healing achieved within 30 days, the secondary endpoints included: number of days between dressing changes, wound‐related pain, cost efficiency, and occurrence of adverse events (ClinTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02399722). Forty‐seven patients completed follow‐up. No difference in wound healing was observed (p > 0.05) between both study arms. The additional PMD allowed significantly longer wearing times (days) between dressing changes (intervention: 8.8 ± 0.5, control: 4.8 ± 0.2; p < 0.001). Pain was slightly higher in patients randomized to NPWT alone (VAS score: 4.8 ± 2.9) compared to NPWT + PMD (VAS score: 3.0 ± 2.9, p = 0.063). No wound infections were observed. Costs were reduced by 34% per patient in the intervention arm. These results suggest that the combination of NPWT and an additional interface PMD is a safe and economic method for the treatment of chronic wounds, which requires significantly fewer dressing changes for a comparable wound healing.
Evaluation of a tissue‐mimicking thermochromic phantom for radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Mikhail Andrew S. , Negussie Ayele H. , Graham Cole , Mathew Manoj , Wood Bradford J. , Partanen Ari 
Published: June 2016

Purpose:This work describes the characterization and evaluation of a tissue‐mimicking thermochromic phantom (TMTCP) for direct visualization and quantitative determination of temperatures during radiofrequency ablation (RFA).Methods:TMTCP material was prepared using polyacrylamide gel and thermochromic ink that permanently changes color from white to magenta when heated. Color vs temperature calibration was generated in matlab by extracting RGB color values from digital photographs of phantom standards heated in a water bath at 25–75 °C. RGB and temperature values were plotted prior to curve fitting in mathematica using logistic functions of form f(t) = a + b/(1 + e(c(t−d))), where a, b, c, and d are coefficients and t denotes temperature. To quantify temperatures based on TMTCP color, phantom samples were heated to temperatures blinded to the investigators, and two methods were evaluated: (1) visual comparison of sample color to the calibration series and (2) in silico analysis using the inverse of the logistic functions to convert sample photograph RGB values to absolute temperatures. For evaluation of TMTCP performance with RFA, temperatures in phantom samples and in a bovine liver were measured radially from an RF electrode during heating using fiber‐optic temperature probes. Heating and cooling rates as well as the area under the temperature vs time curves were compared. Finally, temperature isotherms were generated computationally based on color change in bisected phantoms following RFA and compared to temperature probe measurements.Results:TMTCP heating resulted in incremental, permanent color changes between 40 and 64 °C. Visual and computational temperature estimation methods were accurate to within 1.4 and 1.9 °C between 48 and 67 °C, respectively. Temperature estimates were most accurate between 52 and 62 °C, resulting in differences from actual temperatures of 0.6 and 1.6 °C for visual and computational methods, respectively. Temperature measurements during RFA using fiber‐optic probes matched closely with maximum temperatures predicted by color changes in the TMTCP. Heating rate and cooling rate, as well as the area under the temperature vs time curve were similar for TMTCP and ex vivo liver.Conclusions:The TMTCP formulated for use with RFA can be used to provide quantitative temperature information in mild hyperthermic (40–45 °C), subablative (45–50 °C), and ablative (>50 °C) temperature ranges. Accurate visual or computational estimates of absolute temperatures and ablation zone geometry can be made with high spatial resolution based on TMTCP color. As such, the TMTCP can be used to assess RFA heating characteristics in a controlled, predictable environment.
Complete Genome Sequence of a New Megavirus Family Member Isolated from an Inland Water Lake for the First Time in India
Authors: Chatterjee Anirvan , Ali Farhan , Bange Disha , Kondabagil Kiran 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

We report here the isolation and complete genome sequencing of a large double-stranded DNA virus,
Powai Lake megavirus,
for the first time from India. The isolation of a large DNA virus with genome size >1 Mb from India further attests to the prevalence of
Giant
viruses in different environmental niches.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Strains of Ehrlichia ruminantium, a Tick-Borne Pathogen of Ruminants, Isolated from Zimbabwe, The Gambia, and Ghana
Authors: Nakao Ryo , Jongejan Frans , Sugimoto Chihiro 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

The rickettsial bacterium
Ehrlichia ruminantium
is the causative pathogen of heartwater in ruminants. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of three strains of
E. ruminantium
, namely, the Crystal Springs strain from Zimbabwe, the Kerr Seringe strain from The Gambia, and the Sankat 430 strain from Ghana.
Complete Genome Sequence of Methylobacterium populi P-1M, Isolated from Pink-Pigmented Household Biofilm
Authors: Morohoshi Tomohiro , Ikeda Tsukasa 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

Methylobacterium populi
P-1M is isolated from the pink-pigmented household biofilm. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of P-1M, consisting of one chromosome of 5,705,640 bp and five plasmids of 64,864 bp, 59,879 bp, 42,569 bp, 41,417 bp, and 29,506 bp.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Hafnia alvei HUMV-5920, a Human Isolate
Authors: Lázaro-Díez María , Redondo-Salvo Santiago , Arboleya-Agudo Aroa , Ocejo-Vinyals Javier Gonzalo , Chapartegui-González Itziar , Ocampo-Sosa Alain A. , Acosta Felix , Martínez-Martínez Luis , Ramos-Vivas José 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

A clinical isolate of
Hafnia alvei
(strain HUMV-5920) was obtained from a urine sample from an adult patient. We report here its complete genome assembly using PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing, which resulted in a chromosome with 4.5 Mb and a circular contig of 87 kb. About 4,146 protein-coding genes are predicted from this assembly.
Genome Sequences of Two Tunisian Field Strains of Avian
Mycoplasma
,
M. meleagridis
and
M. gallinarum
Authors: Yacoub Elhem , Sirand-Pugnet Pascal , Barré Aurélien , Blanchard Alain , Hubert Christophe , Maurier Florence , Bouilhol Emmanuel , Ben Abdelmoumen Mardassi Boutheina 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

Mycoplasma meleagridis
and
Mycoplasma gallinarum
are bacteria that affect birds, but little is known about the genetic basis of their interaction with chickens and other poultry. Here, we sequenced the genomes of
M. meleagridis
strain MM_26B8_IPT and
M. gallinarum
strain Mgn_IPT, both isolated from chickens showing respiratory symptoms, poor growth, reduction in hatchability, and loss of production.
Complete Genome Sequence of Biofilm-Forming Strain Staphylococcus haemolyticus S167
Authors: Hong Jisoo , Kim Jonguk , Kim Byung-Yong , Park Jin-Woo , Ryu Jae-Gee , Roh Eunjung 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus haemolyticus
S167 has the ability to produce biofilms in large quantities. Genomic analyses revealed information on the biofilm-related genes of
S. haemolyticus
S167. Detailed studies of biofilm formation at the molecular level could provide a foundation for biofilm control research.
Implementing referral to an electronic alcohol brief advice website in primary healthcare: results from the ODHIN implementation trial
Authors: Bendtsen Preben , Müssener Ulrika , Karlsson Nadine , López-Pelayo Hugo , Palacio-Vieira Jorge , Colom Joan , Gual Antoni , Reynolds Jillian , Wallace Paul , Segura Lidia , Anderson Peter 
Published: June 2016

ObjectivesThe objective of the present study was to explore whether the possibility of offering facilitated access to an alcohol electronic brief intervention (eBI) instead of delivering brief face-to-face advice increased the proportion of consulting adults who were screened and given brief advice.DesignThe study was a 12-week implementation study. Sixty primary healthcare units (PHCUs) in 5 jurisdictions (Catalonia, England, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden) were asked to screen adults who attended the PHCU for risky drinking.SettingA total of 120 primary healthcare centres from 5 jurisdictions in Europe.Participants746 individual providers (general practitioners, nurses or other professionals) participated in the study.Primary outcomeChange in the proportion of patients screened and referred to eBI comparing a baseline 4-week preimplementation period with a 12-week implementation period.ResultsThe possibility of referring patients to the eBI was not found to be associated with any increase in the proportion of patients screened. However, it was associated with an increase in the proportion of screen-positive patients receiving brief advice from 70% to 80% for the screen-positive sample as a whole (p<0.05), mainly driven by a significant increase in brief intervention rates in England from 87% to 96% (p<0.01). The study indicated that staff displayed a low level of engagement in this new technology. Staff continued to offer face-to-face advice to a larger proportion of patients (54%) than referral to eBI (38%). In addition, low engagement was seen among the referred patients; on average, 18% of the patients logged on to the website with a mean log-on rate across the different countries between 0.58% and 36.95%.ConclusionsReferral to eBI takes nearly as much time as brief oral advice and might require more introduction and training before staff are comfortable with referring to eBI.Trial registration numberNCT01501552; Post-results.
Factors and motivations associated with use of e-cigarette among primary care patients in a prospective cohort study:e-TAC study protocol
Authors: Kinouani Shérazade , Castéra Philippe , Laporte Catherine , Pétrègne François , Gay Bernard 
Published: June 2016

IntroductionWhile the relationship between electronic cigarette use and smoking has often been studied, the association between electronic cigarette use and socioeconomic factors has received less attention. This is a study protocol aiming to describe the relationship between the consumption of psychoactive products (in particular: smoking) or some socioeconomic factors and the evolution of the use of electronic cigarette in primary healthcare over 1 year.Methods and analysisElectronic cigarette, Tobacco, Alcohol and Cannabis (e-TAC) is a prospective multisite cohort study, including 473 patients at baseline and carrying out in general practices in the Aquitaine area (France). The volunteer patients participated in the study regardless of their initial reason for consultation. They filled out a self-administered questionnaire at baseline and will also do so after 12 months by phone, email or letter. The study will focus on the factors that explain the experimentation with or the current use of the electronic cigarette, as well as factors associated with their evolutions over time using multivariate logistic regression modelling or Cox regression modelling.Ethics and disseminationThis study received ethical approval from the University of Bordeaux Committee for the protection of persons. It was also approved by the National Commission for Data Processing and Freedoms. Findings will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and we will disseminate them by presentations at national or international conferences.Trial registration numberRCB: 2015-A00778-41; Pre-results.
Efficacy of ketamine in refractory convulsive status epilepticus in children: a protocol for a sequential design, multicentre, randomised, controlled, open-label, non-profit trial (KETASER01)
Authors: Rosati Anna , Ilvento Lucrezia , L'Erario Manuela , De Masi Salvatore , Biggeri Annibale , Fabbro Giancarlo , Bianchi Roberto , Stoppa Francesca , Fusco Lucia , Pulitanò Silvia , Battaglia Domenica , Pettenazzo Andrea , Sartori Stefano , Biban Paolo , Fontana Elena , Cesaroni Elisabetta , Mora Donatella , Costa Paola , Meleleo Rosanna , Vittorini Roberta , Conio Alessandra , Wolfler Andrea , Mastrangelo Massimo , Mondardini Maria Cristina , Franzoni Emilio , McGreevy Kathleen S , Di Simone Lorena , Pugi Alessandra , Mirabile Lorenzo , Vigevano Federico , Guerrini Renzo 
Published: June 2016

IntroductionStatus epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening neurological emergency. SE lasting longer than 120 min and not responding to first-line and second-line antiepileptic drugs is defined as ‘refractory’ (RCSE) and requires intensive care unit treatment. There is currently neither evidence nor consensus to guide either the optimal choice of therapy or treatment goals for RCSE, which is generally treated with coma induction using conventional anaesthetics (high dose midazolam, thiopental and/or propofol). Increasing evidence indicates that ketamine (KE), a strongN-methyl-d-aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist, may be effective in treating RCSE. We hypothesised that intravenous KE is more efficacious and safer than conventional anaesthetics in treating RCSE.Methods and analysisA multicentre, randomised, controlled, open-label, non-profit, sequentially designed study will be conducted to assess the efficacy of KE compared with conventional anaesthetics in the treatment of RCSE in children. 10 Italian centres/hospitals are involved in enrolling 57 patients aged 1 month to 18 years with RCSE. Primary outcome is the resolution of SE up to 24 hours after withdrawal of therapy and is updated for each patient treated according to the sequential method.Ethics and disseminationThe study received ethical approval from the Tuscan Paediatric Ethics Committee (12/2015). The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.Trial registration numberNCT02431663; Pre-results.
Advance care planning in England: Is there an association with place of death? Secondary analysis of data from the National Survey of Bereaved People
Authors: Dixon Josie , King Derek , Knapp Martin 
Published: June 2016

ObjectivesTo explore whether advance care planning is associated with place of death in England, as well as with sufficiency of support to care for a dying person at home, overall quality of care and pain management.MethodsWe undertook secondary analysis of data from the National Survey of Bereaved People, 2013, based on a stratified random sample of 49 607 people selected from 150 111 eligible registered deaths (n=22 661, 46% response rate). The indicator of advance care planning used was having expressed a preference for place of death and this being recorded by healthcare staff. Analysis was conducted using logistic regression models.ResultsDecedents with a recorded preference for place of death had significantly greater odds of dying at home rather than in hospital (OR 6.25; 99% CI 5.56 to 7.14) and in a care home rather than in hospital (OR 2.70; 99% CI 2.33 to 3.13). They also had significantly greater odds of receiving sufficient support to be cared for and to die at home, of receiving ‘outstanding’ or ‘excellent’ care, and of having pain relieved ‘completely, all the time’ while being cared for at home.ConclusionsAdvance care planning was found to be strongly associated with lower rates of hospital death and a range of quality outcomes. These findings provide support for the emphasis on advance care planning in end of life care policy in England, while also suggesting the need for further research to better understand the mechanisms underlying these relationships.
Lifestyle changes at middle age and mortality: a population-based prospective cohort study
Authors: Berstad Paula , Botteri Edoardo , Larsen Inger Kristin , Løberg Magnus , Kalager Mette , Holme Øyvind , Bretthauer Michael , Hoff Geir 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundThe effect of modifying lifestyle at middle age on mortality has been sparsely examined.MethodsMen and women aged 50–54 years randomised to the control group (no intervention) in the population-based Norwegian Colorectal Cancer Prevention trial were asked to fill in lifestyle questionnaires in 2001 and 2004. Lifestyle scores were estimated ranging from 0 (poorest) to 4 (best) based on health recommendations (non-smoking, daily physical activity, body mass index <25.0 kg/m2and healthy diet). Outcomes were all-cause, cancer and cardiovascular mortality before 31 December 2013.ResultsOf the 6886 attainable individuals included in the study, 4211 (61%) responded to the baseline questionnaire in 2001. After a median follow-up of 12.3 years, 226 (5.4%) of the baseline questionnaire responders died; 110 (49%) from cancer and 32 (14%) from cardiovascular disease. For each increment in lifestyle score in 2001, a 21% lower all-cause mortality was observed (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.94, adjusted for age, sex, occupational working hours and chronic disease or pain during 3 years before enrolment). A one-point increase in lifestyle score from 2001 to 2004 was associated with a 38% reduction in all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 0.62, CI 0.45 to 0.84). The group reporting lifestyle change from score 0–1 (unfavourable) in 2001 to score 2–4 (favourable) in 2004 had 4.8 fewer deaths per 1000 person years, compared with the group maintaining an ‘unfavourable’ lifestyle (adjusted HR 0.31, CI 0.13 to 0.70 for all-cause mortality).ConclusionsFavourable lifestyle changes at age 50–60 years may prevent early death.Trial registrationNCT00119912; pre-results.
Influences in fertility decisions among HIV-infected individuals in Lilongwe, Malawi: a qualitative study
Authors: Haddad Lisa B , Hoagland Alexandra B , Andes Karen L , Samala Bernadette , Feldacker Caryl , Chikaphupha Kingsley , Tweya Hannock , Chiwoko Jane , Kachale Fannie , Jamieson Denise J , Phiri Sam 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundThe motivation to have a child may be complex with numerous influencing factors, particularly among individuals living with HIV. This study sought to understand factors influencing fertility decision-making for HIV-infected men and women in Lilongwe, Malawi.MethodsThirteen focus groups were conducted among HIV-infected individuals enrolled in antiretroviral treatment services.ResultsParticipants identified a hierarchy of influences in fertility decisions including the importance of childbearing, patriarchal influence, family influences and concern regarding HIV transmission.ConclusionsAddressing fertility conversations beyond the confines of a relationship may be important, as family plays a significant role in fertility choices. Childbearing remains a fundamental desire among many individuals with HIV; however, concerns regarding transmission risk need to be addressed with efforts made to overcome misconception and assist individuals in balancing what may be competing influences.
Efficacy and safety of warfarin in dialysis patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nochaiwong Surapon , Ruengorn Chidchanok , Awiphan Rattanaporn , Dandecha Phongsak , Noppakun Kajohnsak , Phrommintikul Arintaya 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveTo systematically review and meta-analyse the risk–benefit ratio of warfarin users compared with non-warfarin users in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), who are undergoing dialysis.MethodsWe searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, grey literature, conference proceedings, trial registrations and also did handsearch. Cohort studies without language restrictions were included. Two investigators independently conducted a full abstraction of data, risk of bias and graded evidence. Effect estimates were pooled using random-effect models.Main outcome measureAll-cause mortality, total stroke/thromboembolism and bleeding complications.Results14 studies included 37 349 dialysis patients with AF, of whom 12 529 (33.5%) were warfarin users. For all-cause mortality: adjusted HR=0.99 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.10; p=0.825), unadjusted risk ratio (RR)=1.00 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.04; p=0.847). For stroke/thromboembolism: adjusted HR=1.06 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.36; p=0.676), unadjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR)=1.23 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.61; p=0.133). For ischaemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack, adjusted HR=0.91 (95% CI 0.57 to 1.45; p=0.698), unadjusted IRR=1.16 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.62; p=0.370). For haemorrhagic stroke, adjusted HR=1.60 (95% CI 0.91 to 2.81; p=0.100), unadjusted IRR=1.48 (95% CI 0.92 to 2.36; p=0.102). Major bleeding was increased among warfarin users; adjusted HR=1.35 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.64; p=0.003) and unadjusted IRR=1.22 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.40; p=0.003).ConclusionsAmong dialysis patients with AF, warfarin therapy was not associated with mortality and stroke/thromboembolism, but significantly increased the risk of major bleeding. More rigorous studies are essential to demonstrate the effect of warfarin for stroke prophylaxis in dialysis patients with AF.
Expert System for Ice Hockey Game Prediction: Data Mining with Human Judgment
Authors: Gu Wei , Saaty Thomas L. , Whitaker Rozann 
Published: June 2016

This paper describes an expert system to predict National Hockey League (NHL) game outcome. A new method based on both data and judgments is used to estimate the hockey game performance. There are many facts and judgments that could influence an outcome. We employed the support vector machine to determine the importance of these factors before we incorporate them into the prediction system. Our system combines data and judgments and used them to predict the win–lose outcome of all the 89 post-season games before they took place. The accuracy of our prediction with the combined factors was 77.5%. This is to date the best accuracy reported of hockey games prediction.
Immune Profiling of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: PD-L2 Expression and Associations with Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes
Authors: Sridharan Vishwajith , Gjini Evisa , Liao Xiaoyun , Chau Nicole G. , Haddad Robert I. , Severgnini Mariano , Hammerman Peter , El-Naggar Adel , Freeman Gordon J. , Hodi F. Stephen , Rodig Scott J. , Dranoff Glenn , Schoenfeld Jonathan D. 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is among the most lethal salivary gland tumors, with no treatments for metastatic disease that prolong survival. We examined tissue from 28 primary and metastatic ACC deposits obtained from 21 patients for infiltrating immune cells and PD-L1/PD-L2 expression and determined mRNA profiles of over 1,400 oncogenic and immune-related genes. We also assessed the effect of chemoradiation on immune mediators in a patient who had serial biopsies available. Most tumors expressed PD-L2 but had few infiltrating immune cells. Lack of immune-cell infiltrate was associated with expression of genes in the β-catenin/Wnt and PI3K pathways. Additionally, certain transcripts linked to growth and invasion were differentially expressed among primary and metastatic deposits. Chemoradiation appeared to increase CD8+ effector T cells, decrease regulatory T cells, and promote a systemic humoral response. These data suggest a potential role for PD-L2 inhibition and immune modulation as treatment for patients with ACC. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(8); 679–87. ©2016 AACR.