bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequence of a Urinary Isolate of Lactobacillus crispatus
Authors: Price Travis K. , Shaheen Majed , Kalesinskas Laurynas , Malki Kema , Hilt Evann E. , Putonti Catherine , Wolfe Alan J. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

While
Lactobacillus crispatus
contributes to the stability of normal vaginal microbiota, its role in urinary health remains unclear. As part of an on-going attempt to characterize the female urinary microbiota, we report the genome sequence of an
L. crispatus
strain isolated from a woman displaying no lower urinary tract symptoms.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Burkholderia mallei Isolate Originating from a Glanderous Horse from the Kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: Elschner Mandy C. , Thomas Prasad , Melzer Falk 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

Burkholderia mallei
is a zoonotic agent causing glanders, a notifiable disease in equines. During the past decades glanders emerged, and the Kingdom of Bahrain reported outbreaks to the World Organization of Animal Health in 2010 and 2011. This paper presents the complete genome sequence of the
Burkholderia mallei
strain 11RR2811 Bahrain1.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacteroides ovatus V975
Authors: Wegmann Udo , Goesmann Alexander , Carding Simon R. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

The complete genome sequence of
Bacteroides ovatus
V975 was determined. The genome consists of a single circular chromosome of 6,475,296 bp containing five rRNA operons, 68 tRNA genes, and 4,959 coding genes.
Advance care planning in patients with incurable cancer: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Johnson Stephanie , Clayton Josephine , Butow Phyllis N , Silvester William , Detering Karen , Hall Jane , Kiely Belinda E , Cebon Jonathon , Clarke Stephen , Bell Melanie L , Stockler Martin , Beale Phillip , Tattersall Martin H N 
Published: December 2016

IntroductionThere is limited evidence documenting the effectiveness of Advance Care Planning (ACP) in cancer care. The present randomised trial is designed to evaluate whether the administration of formal ACP improves compliance with patients' end-of-life (EOL) wishes and patient and family satisfaction with care.Methods and analysisA randomised control trial in eight oncology centres across New South Wales and Victoria, Australia, is designed to assess the efficacy of a formal ACP intervention for patients with cancer. Patients with incurable cancer and an expected survival of 3–12 months, plus a nominated family member or friend will be randomised to receive either standard care or standard care plus a formal ACP intervention. The project sample size is 210 patient–family/friend dyads. The primary outcome measure is family/friend-reported: (1) discussion with the patient about their EOL wishes and (2) perception that the patient's EOL wishes were met. Secondary outcome measures include: documentation of and compliance with patient preferences for medical intervention at the EOL; the family/friend's perception of the quality of the patient's EOL care; the impact of death on surviving family; patient–family and patient–healthcare provider communication about EOL care; patient and family/friend satisfaction with care; quality of life of patient and family/friend subsequent to trial entry, the patient's strength of preferences for quality of life and length of life; the costs of care subsequent to trial entry and place of death.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was received from the Sydney Local Health District (RPA Zone) Human Research Ethical Committee, Australia (Protocol number X13-0064). Study results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.Trial registration numberPre-results;ACTRN12613001288718.
Randomised controlled pilot study to investigate the effectiveness of thoracic epidural and paravertebral blockade in reducing chronic post-thoracotomy pain: TOPIC feasibility study protocol
Authors: Yeung Joyce , Melody Teresa , Kerr Amy , Naidu Babu , Middleton Lee , Tryposkiadis Kostas , Daniels Jane , Gao Fang 
Published: December 2016

IntroductionOpen chest surgery (thoracotomy) is considered the most painful of surgical procedures. Forceful wound retraction, costochondral dislocation, posterior costovertebral ligament disruption, intercostal nerve trauma and wound movement during respiration combine to produce an acute, severe postoperative pain insult and persistent chronic pain many months after surgery is common. Three recent systematic reviews conclude that unilateral continuous paravertebral blockade (PVB) provides analgesia at least equivalent to thoracic epidural blockade (TEB) in the postoperative period, has a lower failure rate, and symptom relief that lasted months. Crucially, PVB may reduce the development of subsequent chronic pain by intercostal nerve protection or decreased nociceptive input. The overall aim is to determine in patients who undergo thoracotomy whether perioperative PVB results in reducing chronic post-thoracotomy pain (CPTP) compared with TEB. This pilot study will evaluate feasibility of a substantive trial.Methods and analysisTOPIC is a randomised controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of TEB and PVB in reducing CPTP. This is a pilot study to evaluate feasibility of a substantive trial and study processes in 2 adult thoracic centres, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust (HEFT) and University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust (UHSM). The primary objective is to establish the number of patients randomised as a proportion of those eligible. Secondary objectives include evaluation of study processes. Analyses of feasibility and patient-reported outcomes will primarily take the form of simple descriptive statistics and where appropriate, point estimates of effects sizes and associated 95% CIs.Ethics and disseminationThe study has obtained ethical approval from NHS Research Ethics Committee (REC number 14/EM/1280). Dissemination plan includes: informing patients and health professionals; engaging multidisciplinary professionals to support a proposal of a definitive trial and submission for a full HTA application dependent on the success of the study.Trial registration numberISRCTN45041624; Pre-results.
Safety and efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy combined with S-1 simultaneously followed by sequential S-1 as an initial treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (SILAPANC) trial: study design and rationale of a phase II clinical trial
Authors: Zhu Xiaofei , Ju Xiaoping , Cao Fei , Fang Fang , Qing Shuiwang , Shen Yuxin , Jia Zhen , Cao Yangsen , Zhang Huojun 
Published: December 2016

IntroductionUpfront surgeries are not beneficial to most patients with pancreatic cancer. Therefore, more emphasis has been placed chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced pancreatic cancer recently. Gemcitabine-based regimens or FOLFIRINOX (a chemotherapy regimen including leucovorin, 5-FU, irinotecan, oxaliplatin) has been proven as a standard chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer. However, severe toxicities may prevent the completion of chemotherapy. S-1 has showed better objective response rates, similar overall survival rates and progression-free survival rates compared with gemcitabine, revealing that S-1 may be a potential candidate in treating pancreatic cancer, especially for patients refractory to gemcitabine. Additionally, stereotactic body radiation therapy with Cyberknife could provide better efficacy than conventional radiotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Therefore, Cyberknife with S-1 simultaneously followed by sequential S-1 as an initial treatment may bring about favourable outcomes but needs further studies.Methods and analysisThe S-1 as an initial treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (SILAPANC) trial is a prospective, single-centre, one armed ongoing study. 190 eligible patients are required to initially receive Cyberknife with 1 cycle of S-1 simultaneously. After the concurrent chemoradiotherapy, 2 or 3 cycles of S-1 are sequentially given. Doses and fractions depend on the locations and volumes of tumours and the adjacent organs at risk. S-1 is taken orally, 2 times a day, at a dose of 80 mg/m2for 28 days, followed by a 14-day interval. The primary objectives are overall survival and 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year and 5-year overall survival rates. The secondary objectives are cancer-specific survival, progression-free survival, time to progression, local control rates, clinical benefit rates, radiation-induced acute and late toxicities, adverse effects of chemotherapy and quality of life of patients. Besides, variables most predictive of prognosis would be identified via multivariate methods.Ethics and disseminationApprovals have been granted by the Changhai Hospital Ethics Committee (CHEC-2016-032-01). The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences.Trial registration numberNCT02704143; Pre-results.
Short-term effects of announcing revised lower risk national drinking guidelines on related awareness and knowledge: a trend analysis of monthly survey data in England
Authors: Holmes John , Brown Jamie , Meier Petra , Beard Emma , Michie Susan , Buykx Penny 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesTo evaluate short-term effects of publishing revised lower risk national drinking guidelines on related awareness and knowledge. To examine where drinkers heard about guidelines over the same period.DesignTrend analysis of the Alcohol Toolkit Study, a monthly repeat cross-sectional national survey.SettingEngland, November 2015 to May 2016.ParticipantsA total of 11 845 adults (18+) living in private households in England.InterventionPublication of revised national drinking guidelines in January 2016 which reduced the male guideline by approximately one-third to 14 units per week.MeasurementsWhether drinkers (1) had heard of drinking guidelines (awareness), (2) stated the guideline was above, exactly or below 14 units (knowledge) and (3) reported seeing the stated guideline number of units in the last month in each of 11 locations (exposure). Sociodemographics: sex, age (18–34, 35–64, 65+), social grade (AB, C1C2, DE). Alcohol consumption derived from graduated frequency questions: low risk (<14 units/week), increasing/high risk (14+ units/week).ResultsFollowing publication of the guidelines, the proportion of drinkers aware of guidelines did not increase from its baseline level of 85.1% (CI 82.7% to 87.1%). However, the proportion of male drinkers saying the guideline was 14 units or less increased from 22.6% (CI 18.9% to 26.7%) in December to 43.3% (CI 38.9% to 47.8%) in January and was at 35.6% (CI 31.6% to 39.9%) in May. Last month exposure to the guidelines was below 25% in all locations except television/radio where exposure increased from 33% (CI 28.8% to 36.2%) in December to 65% (CI 61.2% to 68.3%) in January. Awareness and knowledge of guidelines was lowest in social grade DE and this gap remained after publication.ConclusionsPublication of new or revised lower risk drinking guidelines can improve drinkers’ knowledge of these guidelines within all sociodemographic groups; however, in the absence of sustained promotional activity, positive effects may not be maintained and social inequalities in awareness and knowledge of guidelines are likely to persist.
The work environment of junior doctors: their perspectives and coping strategies
Authors: Pan Tzong-Yang , Fan Howard S , Owen Cathy A 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study explores the associations between psychological distress in junior doctors and their work environment and how they cope with work stressors.MethodsA cross-sectional survey designed by Health Education and Training Institute was delivered in 2014 to over 1900 junior doctors across 15 hospital networks through Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales. Psychological distress was evaluated using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-10 (K10). Numerous variables were assessed for associations with psychological distress to identify the strongest relationships and the coping strategies used. Potential associations between work demands, coping strategies and psychological distress were explored.Results540 responses were analysed. 414 (81%) thought their workload was reasonable, 376 (75%) were enjoying their current job and 446 (82.6%) were content with their work life. However, 85 (15.7%) reported that they would not study medicine if given their time again, and 146 (27%) reported workplace bullying. The mean K10 score was 17.2 (σ=6.3) and the prevalence of elevated psychological distress was between 63% and 80% higher than the general community. Variables most strongly associated with distress were: being discontented with workload, lack of enjoyment from current job, taking time off work and having experienced workplace bullying. There was a preference to use social activities as a method of coping but at higher levels of psychological distress there is a greater proportion who took time off work.ConclusionsPsychologically distressed junior doctors need recognition, support and treatment. Future interventions should focus on improving work environment, job satisfaction, provision of supports, use of healthy coping strategies and improving work-related relationships. This could potentially reduce levels of psychological distress in junior doctors, optimise delivery of healthcare to patients and maximise workforce potential.
Wavelength-tunable superresolution imaging with a ferrite superlens
Authors: Wang Xiaohua , Liu Youwen , Feng Yuncai , Dong Daxing 
Published: December 2016

We theoretically propose a system capable of wavelength-tunable sub-diffraction-limited imaging by a single planar magnetic superlens, which is made of [Formula: see text]-negative ferrite material (MNM) slab. Our theoretical and numerical simulation results demonstrate that the working wavelength of this planar superlens can be well tuned with the external magnetic field since the permeability of ferrite material LuBiIG is adjusted by the applied magnetic field. The resolution of the magnetic superlens with 300 [Formula: see text]m thickness LuBiIG film is smaller than [Formula: see text]/20, and the resolution is higher with thinner film. It may provide a potential way to design a wavelength-tunable magnetic superlens with the single layer of ferrite thin film material.
Radon surveys and monitoring at active volcanoes: learning from Vesuvius, Stromboli, La Soufrière and Villarrica
Authors: Cigolini C. , Laiolo M. , Coppola D. , Trovato C. , Borgogno G. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Understanding the behaviour of fluids in hydrothermal systems is a key factor in volcano monitoring. Measuring gas emissions in volcanic areas is strategic for detecting and interpreting precursory signals of variations in volcanic activity. The role of radon as a potential precursor of earthquakes has been extensively debated. However, radon anomalies appear to be better suited to forecast eruptive episodes as we know the loci of volcanic eruptions and we can follow the evolution of volcanic activity. Radon mapping is an effective tool in assessing diffuse and concentrated degassing at the surface. We hereby summarize the in-soil radon emissions collected worldwide and further discuss a collection of data on our key targets. These are closed-conduit and open-conduit volcanoes: Vesuvius (Italy) and La Soufrière (Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles), Stromboli (Italy) and Villarrica (Chile), respectively. In all the above volcanoes, faults and fracture systems control radon degassing. Automatic and real-time measurements help us to detect major changes in volcanic activity. We present and discuss the radon time series associated with the last effusive eruption at Stromboli. Spectral analyses reveal diurnal and semi-diurnal cycles being probably modulated by atmospheric variations. Multiple linear regression (MLR) analyses have been performed by filtering the radon signals from the effects of local environmental parameters. The residuals do not show particular variations or precursory peaks as the gases have been released from this open-conduit volcano before the onset of the effusive phase (7 August 2014).
It is finally emphasized that radon is not the sole precursor, and we should also rely on other geochemical and geophysical parameters. In this perspective, we propose a methodological procedure that can contribute to improving volcano surveillance in an attempt to mitigate volcanic risk.
Significant annual and sub-annual cycles in indoor radon concentrations: seasonal variation and correction
Authors: Crockett Robin G. M. , Groves-Kirkby Christopher J. , Denman Antony R. , Phillips Paul S. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
The majority of radon measurements in the built environment are made over sub-year periods and are then generally seasonally corrected (i.e. scaled by an appropriate seasonal correction factor (SCF)) to estimate the annual average radon concentration. SCFs are statistically derived and assume an underlying annual cycle, reflecting the widely observed seasonal variation in indoor radon concentrations. In the UK, Public Health England has pioneered the calculation and use of a national SCF set using an annual sinusoidal model for variations in radon concentration and averaging across the entire country.
To test the validity of that model, a 4 year record of weekly radon data from four houses in Brixworth (Northamptonshire, UK) was analysed in conjunction with corresponding weather data for the period from a nearby weather station. The radon data showed a statistically significant annual cycle comprising both annual sinusoidal and second harmonic (i.e. 6 month period) terms.
Two sets of SCFs were calculated: first, using a conventional annual sinusoidal model that explained 21.2% of the variance in the radon data; and, secondly, a second harmonic term was included in the model that explained 24.6% of the variance. This represents an improvement of 3.4 percentage points (15.9%) and, thus, will result in better SCFs.
Influence of dietary nitrate supplementation on physiological and muscle metabolic adaptations to sprint interval training
Authors: Thompson Christopher , Wylie Lee J. , Blackwell Jamie R. , Fulford Jonathan , Black Matthew I. , Kelly James , McDonagh Sinead T. J. , Carter James , Bailey Stephen J. , Vanhatalo Anni , Jones Andrew M. 
Published: December 2016

We hypothesized that 4 wk of dietary nitrate supplementation would enhance exercise performance and muscle metabolic adaptations to sprint interval training (SIT). Thirty-six recreationally active subjects, matched on key variables at baseline, completed a series of exercise tests before and following a 4-wk period in which they were allocated to one of the following groups: 1) SIT and [Formula: see text]-depleted beetroot juice as a placebo (SIT+PL); 2) SIT and [Formula: see text]-rich beetroot juice (~13 mmol [Formula: see text]/day; SIT+BR); or 3) no training and [Formula: see text]-rich beetroot juice (NT+BR). During moderate-intensity exercise, pulmonary oxygen uptake was reduced by 4% following 4 wk of SIT+BR and NT+BR ( P < 0.05) but not SIT+PL. The peak work rate attained during incremental exercise increased more in SIT+BR than in SIT+PL ( P < 0.05) or NT+BR ( P < 0.001). The reduction in muscle and blood [lactate] and the increase in muscle pH from preintervention to postintervention were greater at 3 min of severe-intensity exercise in SIT+BR compared with SIT+PL and NT+BR ( P < 0.05). However, the change in severe-intensity exercise performance was not different between SIT+BR and SIT+PL ( P > 0.05). The relative proportion of type IIx muscle fibers in the vastus lateralis muscle was reduced in SIT+BR only ( P < 0.05). These findings suggest that BR supplementation may enhance some aspects of the physiological adaptations to SIT. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We investigated the influence of nitrate-rich and nitrate-depleted beetroot juice on the muscle metabolic and physiological adaptations to 4 wk of sprint interval training. Compared with placebo, dietary nitrate supplementation reduced the O2 cost of submaximal exercise, resulted in greater improvement in incremental (but not severe-intensity) exercise performance, and augmented some muscle metabolic adaptations to training. Nitrate supplementation may facilitate some of the physiological responses to sprint interval training.
Aerobic Exercise and Cancer-Related Fatigue in Adults: A Reexamination Using the IVhet Model for Meta-analysis
Authors: Kelley George A. , Kelley Kristi S. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Background: Although the results of a recent meta-analysis using the traditional random effects model yielded a statistically significant standardized mean difference (SMD) reduction in cancer-related fatigue (CRF) as a result of aerobic exercise, a recently developed inverse heterogeneity (IVhet) model has been shown to be more valid than the traditional random effects model. The purpose of this study was to compare these previous meta-analytic results using the IVhet model.
Methods: Using data from a previous meta-analysis that included 36 SMD effect sizes (ES) representing 2,830 adults (1,426 exercise, 1,404 control), results were pooled using the IVhet model. Absolute and relative differences between the IVhet and random effects results for CRF were also calculated as well as influence analysis with each SMD ES deleted from the IVhet model. Nonoverlapping 95% confidence intervals (CI) were considered statistically significant.
Results: A statistically nonsignificant reduction in CRF fatigue was found as a result of aerobic exercise using the IVhet model (SMD, −0.08; 95% CI, −0.31–0.14; P = 0.46). The IVhet model yielded a SMD ES that was 0.14 (63.6%) smaller than the random effects model. With each study deleted from the IVhet model once, results remained statistically nonsignificant with SMD ESs ranging from −0.11 (95% CI, −0.33–0.11) to −0.06 (95% CI, −0.28–0.16).
Conclusions: Insufficient evidence currently exists to support the use of aerobic exercise for reducing CRF in adults.
Impact: Additional studies are needed to determine the certainty of aerobic exercise on CRF in adults. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(2); 281–3. ©2016 AACR.
Contraction of Blood Clots Is Impaired in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Tutwiler Valerie , Peshkova Alina D. , Andrianova Izabella A. , Khasanova Dina R. , Weisel John W. , Litvinov Rustem I. 
Published: December 2016

Objective—
Obstructive thrombi or thrombotic emboli are the pathogenic basis of ischemic stroke. In vitro blood clots and in vivo thrombi can undergo platelet-driven contraction (retraction), resulting in volume shrinkage. Clot contraction can potentially reduce vessel occlusion and improve blood flow past emboli or thrombi. The aim of this work was to examine a potential pathogenic role of clot contraction in ischemic stroke.

Approach and Results—
We used a novel automated method that enabled us to quantify time of initiation and extent and rate of clot contraction in vitro. The main finding is that clot contraction from the blood of stroke patients was reduced compared with healthy subjects. Reduced clot contraction correlated with a lower platelet count and their dysfunction, higher levels of fibrinogen and hematocrit, leukocytosis, and other changes in blood composition that may affect platelet function and properties of blood clots. Platelets from stroke patents were spontaneously activated and displayed reduced responsiveness to additional stimulation. Clinical correlations with respect to severity and stroke pathogenesis suggest that the impaired clot contraction has the potential to be a pathogenic factor in ischemic stroke.

Conclusions—
The changeable ability of clots and thrombi to shrink in volume may be a novel unappreciated mechanism that aggravates or alleviates the course and outcomes of ischemic stroke. The clinical importance of clot or thrombus transformations in vivo and the diagnostic and prognostic value of this blood test for clot contraction need further exploration.