bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the genetic association between IL27 variants and coronary artery disease in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Fan Qian , Nie Shaofang , Li Sihui , Liao Yuhua , Zhang Hongsong , Zha Lingfeng , Wang Fan , Tang Tingting , Xia Ni , Xu Chengqi , Wang Pengyun , Xie Tian , Xie Jiangjiao , Lu Qiulun , Li Qingxian , Qian Jin , Li Bin , Wu Gang , Wu Yanxia , Yang Yan , Wang Qing K. , Tu Xin , Cheng Xiang 
Published: May 2016

AbstractInterleukin-27 (IL-27) is an important cytokine in inflammatory diseases, including coronary artery disease (CAD). To explore the precise role of IL-27 in CAD, we investigated the genetic association between IL27 and CAD in the GeneID Chinese Han population. A two-stage case control association analysis was performed for 3075 CAD cases and 2802 controls. Logistic regression analysis was used to adjust the traditional risk factors for CAD. Results showed that a promoter variant, rs153109, tended to be marginally associated with CAD in the discovery population (Padj = 0.028, OR = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.03–1.58). However, this association was not replicated in the validation stage (Padj = 0.559, OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 0.90–1.21). In addition, when we classified the combined population into two subgroups according to the age at disease onset or disease state, we again obtained no significant associations. Finally, we estimated the severity of coronary stenosis using the Gensini Scoring system and determined that the rs153109 genotypes were still not associated with the Gensini scores of the CAD patients. In conclusion, our study failed to find an association between common variants in the functional region of IL27 and CAD in a Chinese Han population, which indicated that IL-27 might only be an inflammatory marker during the development of CAD.
Anomalous enhancement of the sheet carrier density beyond the classic limit on a SrTiO3 surface
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Kitoh Ai , Inoue Isao H. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractElectrostatic carrier accumulation on an insulating (100) surface of SrTiO3 by fabricating a field effect transistor with Parylene-C (6 nm)/HfO2 (20 nm) bilayer gate insulator has revealed a mystifying phenomenon: sheet carrier density "Equation missing" is about 10 times as large as "Equation missing" ("Equation missing" is the sheet capacitance of the gate insulator, VG is the gate voltage and e is the elementary charge). The channel is so clean to exhibit small subthreshod swing of 170 mV/decade and large mobility of 11 cm2/Vs for "Equation missing" of 1 × 1014 cm−2 at room temperature. Since "Equation missing" does not depend on either VG nor time duration, "Equation missing" beyond "Equation missing" is solely ascribed to negative charge compressibility of the carriers, which was in general considered as due to exchange interactions among electrons in the small "Equation missing" limit. However, the observed "Equation missing" is too large to be naively understood by the framework. Alternative ideas are proposed in this work.
Impaired immunological synapse in sperm associated antigen 6 (SPAG6) deficient mice
Authors: Cooley Lauren Folgosa , El Shikh Mohey Eldin , Li Wei , Keim Rebecca C. , Zhang Zhengang , Strauss Jerome F. , Zhang Zhibing , Conrad Daniel H. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSperm associated antigen 6 (SPAG6), a component of the central apparatus of the “9 + 2” axoneme, plays a central role in ciliary and flagellar motility; but, its contribution to adaptive immunity and immune system development is completely unknown. While immune cells lack a cilium, the immunological synapse is a surrogate cilium as it utilizes the same machinery as ciliogenesis including the nucleation of microtubules at the centrosome. This prompted our hypothesis that SPAG6 critically regulates the formation and function of immunological synapses. Using bone marrow reconstitution studies of adult WT mice, we demonstrate that SPAG6 is expressed in primary and secondary lymphoid tissues, is associated with the centrosome in lymphocytes, and its deficiency results in synapse disruption due to loss of centrosome polarization and actin clearance at the synaptic cleft. Improper synapse formation in Spag6KO mice was associated with defective CTL functions and impaired humoral immunity as indicated by reduced germinal centers reactions, follicular CD4 T cells, and production of class-switched antibody, together with expansion of B1 B cells. This novel report demonstrates the requirement of SPAG6 for optimal synapse formation and function, its direct role in immune cell function, and provides a novel mechanism for infertility disorders related to SPAG6.
Proteome-wide search for functional motifs altered in tumors: Prediction of nuclear export signals inactivated by cancer-related mutations
Authors: Prieto Gorka , Fullaondo Asier , Rodríguez Jose A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractLarge-scale sequencing projects are uncovering a growing number of missense mutations in human tumors. Understanding the phenotypic consequences of these alterations represents a formidable challenge. In silico prediction of functionally relevant amino acid motifs disrupted by cancer mutations could provide insight into the potential impact of a mutation and guide functional tests. We have previously described Wregex, a tool for the identification of potential functional motifs, such as nuclear export signals (NESs), in proteins. Here, we present an improved version that allows motif prediction to be combined with data from large repositories, such as the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) and to be applied to a whole proteome scale. As an example, we have searched the human proteome for candidate NES motifs that could be altered by cancer-related mutations included in the COSMIC database. A subset of the candidate NESs identified was experimentally tested using an in vivo nuclear export assay. A significant proportion of the selected motifs exhibited nuclear export activity, which was abrogated by the COSMIC mutations. In addition, our search identified a cancer mutation that inactivates the NES of the human deubiquitinase USP21 and leads to the aberrant accumulation of this protein in the nucleus.
SA-SSR: a suffix array-based algorithm for exhaustive and efficient SSR discovery in large genetic sequences
Authors: Pickett B. D. , Karlinsey S. M. , Penrod C. E. , Cormier M. J. , Ebbert M. T. W. , Shiozawa D. K. , Whipple C. J. , Ridge P. G. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Summary: Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) are used to address a variety of research questions in a variety of fields (e.g. population genetics, phylogenetics, forensics, etc.), due to their high mutability within and between species. Here, we present an innovative algorithm, SA-SSR, based on suffix and longest common prefix arrays for efficiently detecting SSRs in large sets of sequences. Existing SSR detection applications are hampered by one or more limitations (i.e. speed, accuracy, ease-of-use, etc.). Our algorithm addresses these challenges while being the most comprehensive and correct SSR detection software available. SA-SSR is 100% accurate and detected &gt;1000 more SSRs than the second best algorithm, while offering greater control to the user than any existing software.
Availability and implementation: SA-SSR is freely available at http://github.com/ridgelab/SA-SSR
Contact: perry.ridge@byu.edu
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Minimal Clinically Important Difference for Three Quality of Recovery Scales
Authors: Myles Paul S. , Myles Daniel B. , Galagher Wendy , Chew Colleen , MacDonald Neil , Dennis Alicia 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAbstract
In a study of 204 patients, the minimum clinically meaningful differences in the quality of recovery scales were 0.9, 8.0, and 6.3 for the 9-, 15-, and 40-item versions, respectively.
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background
Several quality of recovery (QoR) health status scales have been developed to quantify the patient’s experience after anesthesia and surgery, but to date, it is unclear what constitutes the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). That is, what minimal change in score would indicate a meaningful change in a patient’s health status?

Methods
The authors enrolled a sequential, unselected cohort of patients recovering from surgery and used three QoR scales (the 9-item QoR score, the 15-item QoR-15, and the 40-item QoR-40) to quantify a patient’s recovery after surgery and anesthesia. The authors compared changes in patient QoR scores with a global rating of change questionnaire using an anchor-based method and three distribution-based methods (0.3 SD, standard error of the measurement, and 5% range). The authors then averaged the change estimates to determine the MCID for each QoR scale.

Results
The authors enrolled 204 patients at the first postoperative visit, and 199 were available for a second interview; a further 24 patients were available at the third interview. The QoR scores improved significantly between the first two interviews. Triangulation of distribution- and anchor-based methods results in an MCID of 0.92, 8.0, and 6.3 for the QoR score, QoR-15, and QoR-40, respectively.

Conclusion
Perioperative interventions that result in a change of 0.9 for the QoR score, 8.0 for the QoR-15, or 6.3 for the QoR-40 signify a clinically important improvement or deterioration.
Determinants of mortality risk following osteoporotic fractures
Authors: Bliuc Dana , Center Jacqueline R. 
Published: May 2016

Purpose of review
Increased mortality risk is accepted for hip and vertebral fracture. Recent data suggest that other fracture types have also been linked to excess mortality. This article reviews the existing evidence on the pattern and determinants of postfracture mortality.

Recent findings
The pattern of mortality over time following hip and vertebral fractures has recently been clarified. Nonhip nonvertebral fractures at major, and even minor sites in older individuals have also been associated with excess mortality. Studies have revealed the higher excess mortality in men and in younger age groups for all fracture types. Despite the increasing knowledge on the fracture-mortality association, little is known about its cause. The role of co-morbidities is inconsistent across studies. Recent findings suggest low bone mass, bone loss and muscle weakness are linked to both fracture and mortality risk, and thus may play a role in postfracture mortality.

Summary
Nonhip nonvertebral fractures have recently been associated with mortality risk. Larger studies are needed to better understand which specific fractures and factors contribute to fracture-associated mortality risk. The role of bone loss in postfracture mortality needs to be validated in more studies, because of its potential reversibility with antifracture therapies.
Targeting the interleukin-23/17 axis in axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Paine Ananta , Ritchlin Christopher T. 
Published: May 2016

Purpose of review
This article highlights and emphasizes how new knowledge of mechanisms linked to the interleukin-23 (IL-23)/IL-17 pathway is relevant to the pathophysiology of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and demonstrates how molecules in IL-23/IL-17 pathway provide novel therapeutic targets for axSpA patients.

Recent findings
Similarly to ankylosing spondylitis (AS), the increased frequency of Th17 cells in nr-axSpA patients underscores the concept that these disorders can be viewed on a spectrum. Recent findings suggest that the contribution of IL-23/IL-17 signaling pathways possibly differs in male and female AS patients. The finding that IL-17 and IL-22 secreting-type 3 innate lymphoid cells are increased in AS patients point to their potential role in the pathogenesis of axSpA. Reports of dysbiosis in the gut microbiome of AS patients support previous work indicating a possible causal relationship between altered gut flora, ileocolonic inflammation and axSpA. Of important clinical relevance are results from clinical trials supporting the efficacy and safety of agents that block IL-12/23 (ustekinumab) and IL-17 (secukinumab and ixekizumab) in AS patients.

Summary
Recent studies further establish the central position of the IL-23/IL-17 pathway in the pathogenesis of axSpA. Targeting the IL-23/IL-17 pathway appears to be a safe and effective strategy for treatment of axSpA patients.
How to Avoid Cast Saw Complications
Authors: Halanski Matthew A. 
Published: May 2016

Background:
As casts are routinely used in pediatric orthopaedics, casts saws are commonly used to remove such casts. Despite being a viewed as the “conservative” and therefore often assumed safest treatment modality, complications associated with the use of casts and cast saws occur.

Methods:
In this manuscript, we review the risk factors associated with cast saw injuries.

Results:
Cast saw injuries are thermal or abrasive (or both) in nature. Thermal risk factors include: cast saw specifications (including a lack of attached vacuum), use of a dull blade, cutting in a concavity, too thin padding, and overly thick casting materials. Risk factors associated with abrasive injuries include: sharp blades, thin padding, and cutting over boney prominences. Because nearly all clinicians contact the skin with the blade during cast removal, appropriate “in-out technique” is critical. Such technique prevents a hot blade from remaining in contact with the skin for any significant time, diminishing the risk of burn. Similarly, using such technique prevents “dragging the blade” that may pull the skin taught, cutting it. It may be useful to teach proper technique as perforating a cast rather than cutting a cast.
Canadian Consensus for the Prevention of Blood Loss in Spine Surgery
Authors: Pauyo Thierry , Verma Neil , Marwan Yousef , Aoude Ahmed , Khashan Morsi , Weber Michael H. 
Published: May 2016

Study Design.
Cross-sectional, modified Delphi approach.

Objective.
The primary objective of this study was to identify patients at risk of increased perioperative blood loss according to the opinion of expert spine surgeons across Canada. The secondary objective was to obtain information about the experts’ approach on how to minimize significant blood loss perioperatively.

Summary of Background Data.
Significant blood loss in major spinal surgeries has been associated with increased intra- and perioperative complications and costs. The current available evidence regarding risk factors and preventive measures for increased blood loss remains incomplete.

Methods.
A modified Delphi approach was employed to generate consensus opinion on the risk factors and preventive measures for significant blood loss in major spinal surgeries. Twenty-five spine surgeons in Canada participated in this study.

Results.
Among various factors, surgery for the treatment of spine tumors and prolonged operative time of greater than 5 hours were found to be the most important predictive factors for blood loss in spine surgery. On the other hand, appropriate surgical hemostasis was considered the most effective measure for the prevention of blood loss in these surgeries.

Conclusion.
We recommend the reduction of blood loss by means of meticulous hemostasis and shorter operative time when it is safe and possible. This might result in better treatment outcomes. It would also lead to a reduction in costs associated with major spine surgeries and would ultimately lead to greater value-based spine care.

Level of Evidence: 4
The Utility of Developmental Checklists in Parent-held Health Records in Singapore
Authors: Koh Hwan Cui , Ang Sandy Kai Ting , Kwok Janell , Tang Hui Nee , Wong Chui Mae , Daniel Lourdes Mary , Goh Winnie 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT:

Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate parents' perceptions of developmental checklists and the child development monitoring schedule in the Singapore health booklet.

Method:
Parents of children aged 2 years 6 months to 3 years 11 months with or without developmental concerns (n = 450) completed a structured interview, and their child's health booklets were reviewed.

Results:
Most parents reported reading and using the developmental checklists. However, only about half of them attempted the checklists with minimal help from professionals. Approximately 7 in 10 parents of children with developmental concerns found the checklists useful for identifying concerns about their child. Despite positive feedback from parents about the checklists, only about 1 in 4 parents brought their child for a 2 to 3 years developmental monitoring visit at the time of the survey, and the completion rates of the checklists were less than desirable.

Conclusions:
Further revisions to the checklists can include simplifying the words and sentences and providing relevant pictures to aid understanding. If the checklists are to be used for screening, standardization of how the checklists are to be completed and how children at risk of developmental delays can be identified on the checklists need to be provided. Parents' awareness of the importance of evaluating their child's development at 9 months, 18 months, and particularly at 2.5 years, needs to be raised. Developmental screening for children at these critical ages can be made mandatory. An electronic version of the health booklet is likely to facilitate implementation of developmental screening in the health care system.
Emerging Trends in Nonsurgical Female Genital Rejuvenation
Authors: Vanaman Monique , Bolton Joanna , Placik Otto , Fabi Sabrina Guillen 
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND
Aging, childbearing, and hormonal changes can lead to vulvovaginal laxity and mucosal atrophy that negatively affect a woman's quality of life. As more minimally and noninvasive options for genital rejuvenation become available in the outpatient setting, it becomes increasingly important for the dermatologic surgeon to be familiar with these popular procedures.

OBJECTIVE
To familiarize dermatologists with the nonsurgical options available for female genital rejuvenation, patient motivations for pursuing these procedures, relevant anatomy, and potential adverse events.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
A MEDLINE search was performed on nonsurgical female genital rejuvenation from 1989 to 2015, and results are summarized.

RESULTS
Reports of nonsurgical female genital rejuvenation procedures using fractional carbon dioxide lasers, nonablative lasers, monopolar radiofrequency devices, hyaluronic acid fillers, and fat transfer are concisely summarized for the practicing dermatologist.

CONCLUSION
Review of the literature revealed expanding options for nonsurgical female genital rejuvenation.
Current and Emerging Options for Documenting Scars and Evaluating Therapeutic Progress
Authors: Poetschke Julian , Schwaiger Hannah , Gauglitz Gerd G. 
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND
Current studies on pathological scarring often rely on subjective means. The identification and implementation of objective documentation standards are of high priority.

OBJECTIVE
To identify, describe, and evaluate current and upcoming options for objective scar documentation.

METHODS
The authors analyzed imaging options (ultrasound, PRIMOS, and optical coherence tomography) and scales/questionnaires (Visual Analog Scale, Vancouver Scar Scale, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, and Dermatology Life Quality Index) based on the existing literature and described their application for scar documentation.

RESULTS
A variety of capable options for the documentation of scars are available. None of these, however, seem suitable as a stand-alone tool for scar documentation.

CONCLUSION
A combination of objective imaging tools in combination with questionnaires and scar scales may be warranted to achieve comprehensive documentation during everyday clinical work and in regard to a higher level of evidence in future research.
Outcome of Keratoconus Management: Review of the Past 20 Years' Contemporary Treatment Modalities
Authors: Mandathara Preeji S. , Stapleton Fiona J. , Willcox Mark D. P. 
Published: May 2016

Objectives:
To describe the past 20 years' contemporary management modalities for keratoconus (KC) and their outcomes and failures and to propose recommendations in reporting their outcomes.

Methods:
A systematic review of the literature on KC management options for the last 20 years was performed. Original articles that reported the outcome of any form of KC management other than full-thickness or lamellar corneal graft were reviewed to collect information on their outcomes and complications and the level of scientific evidence of the study.

Results:
A total of 1,147 articles retrieved and of those, 241 satisfied the inclusion criteria, and 41.1% of them were prospective case series. The higher level of evidence studies, that is, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), were limited to only one intervention, that is, corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL). However, the quality of most RCTs was limited because of performance and detection bias. Contact lenses (CLs) remain the mainstream of KC management and were associated with reversible and non–sight-threatening complications. Surgical options such as intracorneal segment implantation and phakic intraocular lens are considered in the visual rehabilitation of CL intolerants, and CXL is the only available option to stop or delay the disease progression. Generally, these surgical procedures are associated with transient inflammatory events and permanent sequelae.

Conclusions:
The published studies on KC management options varied significantly with respect to the study population, age of participants, severity of KC, clinical outcome measurements, and follow-up period. High-quality longer follow-up RCTs are required to evaluate the long-term effects of KC interventions.
Blood Glucose Control in Noncritically Ill Patients Is Associated With a Decreased Length of Stay, Readmission Rate, and Hospital Mortality
Authors: Ables Adrienne Z. , Bouknight Patricia J. , Bendyk Heather , Beagle Rebecca , Alsip Rebecca , Williams Jill 
Published: May 2016

Purpose:
Multiple studies have shown that hyperglycemia correlates with mortality and morbidity in critically ill patients. This has not been demonstrated in noncritically hospitalized patients. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether glycemic control shortens the length of stay (LOS). Secondary objectives included assessing readmissions, in-hospital mortality, and rates of hypoglycemia.

Methods:
A retrospective review of hospitalized patients admitted between 2008 and 2012 with fingerstick blood sugar (FSBS) was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: “controlled” FSBS (≥80% of FSBS were <180 mg/dL) and “uncontrolled” FSBS (<80% of FSBS were <180 mg/dL). The average LOS (ALOS) in days, in-hospital mortality, readmission rates, and rates of hypoglycemia was compared.

Results:
A total of 32,851 patient records were reviewed. ALOS for patients with controlled and uncontrolled FSBS was 5.86 and 6.17 days, respectively (p < .0001). Readmission within 30 days and hospital mortality were significantly lower in patients with controlled FSBS (p = .0000, .00001), whereas rates of hypoglycemia were significantly higher in the uncontrolled group (p = .00000).

Conclusions:
Glycemic control was associated with decreased LOS, hospital mortality, and 30-day readmission rate in noncritically ill patients regardless of the presence or absence of diabetes.