bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Insights into the Genome of the Amino Acid-Metabolizing Bacterium Clostridium litorale DSM 5388
Authors: Poehlein Anja , Alghaithi Hamed S. , Chandran Lenin , Chibani Cynthia M. , Davydova Elena , Dhamotharan Karthikeyan , Ge Wanwan , Gutierrez-Gutierrez David A. , Jagirdar Advait , Khonsari Bahar , Nair Kamal Prakash P. R. , Daniel Rolf 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT

Clostridium litorale
is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, and spore-forming bacterium, which is able to use amino acids such as glycine, sarcosine, proline, and betaine as single carbon and energy sources via Stickland reactions. The genome consists of a circular chromosome (3.41 Mb) and a circular plasmid (27 kb).
Tobacco use among designated air pollution victims and its association with lung function and respiratory symptoms: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Kotaki Kenji , Senjyu Hideaki , Tanaka Takako , Yano Yudai , Miyamoto Naomi , Nishinakagawa Tsuyoshi , Yanagita Yorihide , Asai Masaharu , Kozu Ryo , Tabusadani Mitsuru , Sawai Terumitsu , Honda Sumihisa 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesWe sought to elucidate the long-term association of tobacco use and respiratory health in designated pollution victims with and without obstructive pulmonary defects.DesignA retrospective cross-sectional study.SettingThe register of pollution victims in Kurashiki, Japan.Participants730 individuals over 65 years of age previously diagnosed with pollution-related respiratory disease. Patients were classified into four groups according to their smoking status and whether they had obstructive pulmonary disease. We then compared the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function over time between groups.Primary outcome measuresSpirometry was performed and a respiratory health questionnaire completed in the same season each year for up to 30 years.ResultsRates of smoking and respiratory disease were high in our sample. Although respiratory function in non-smoking patients did not completely recover, the annual rate of change in lung function was within the normal range (p<0.01). However, smokers had worse lung function and were more likely to report more severe pulmonary symptoms (p<0.01).ConclusionsPatients’ respiratory function did not fully recover despite improved air quality. Our results suggest that, in the context of exposure to air pollution, tobacco use causes additional loss of lung function and exacerbates respiratory symptoms.
Recombinant human activated protein C for the treatment of severe sepsis and septic shock: a study protocol for incorporating observational evidence using a Bayesian approach
Authors: Zhang Zhongheng 
Published: August 2014

IntroductionActivated protein C (aPC) plays a pivotal role in modulating a severe inflammatory response and is thought to be beneficial for patients with sepsis. However, several meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) show that aPC is not significantly associated with improved survival in critically ill patients with sepsis. One suggestion is that these analyses simply ignored observational evidence. The present study aims to quantitatively demonstrate how observational data can alter the findings derived from synthesised evidence from RCTs by using a Bayesian approach.Methods and analysisRCTs and observational studies investigating the effect of aPC on mortality outcome in critically ill patients with sepsis will be included. The quality of included RCTs will be assessed by using the Delphi list. Publication bias will be quantitatively analysed by using the traditional Egger regression test and the Begg rank correlation test. Observational data will be used as the informative prior for the distribution of OR. A power transformation of the observational data likelihood will be considered. Observational evidence will be down-weighted by a power of α which takes values from 0 to 1. Trial sequential analysis will be performed to quantify the reliability of data in meta-analysis adjusting significance levels for sparse data and multiple testing on accumulating trials.Trial registration numberPROSPERO (CRD42014009562).
Evaluation of a new semiautomated external defibrillator technology: a live cases video recording study
Authors: Maes Frédéric , Marchandise Sébastien , Boileau Laurianne , Le Polain de Waroux Jean-Benoît , Scavée Christophe 
Published: August 2014

AimTo determine the effect of a new automated external defibrillator (AED) system connected by General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) to an external call centre in assisting novices in a sudden cardiac arrest situation.MethodProspective, interventional study. Layperson volunteers were first asked to complete a survey about their knowledge and ability to give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an AED. A simulated cardiac arrest scenario using a CPR manikin was then presented to volunteers. A telephone and semi-AED were available in the same room. The AED was linked to a call centre, which provided real-time information to ‘bystanders’ and emergency services via GPRS/GPS technology. The scene was videotaped to avoid any interaction with examiners. A standardised check list was used to record correct actions.Results85 volunteers completed questionnaires and were recorded. Mean age was 44±16, and 49% were male; 38 (45%) had prior CPR training or felt comfortable intervening in a sudden cardiac arrest victim; 40% felt they could deliver a shock using an AED. During the scenarios, 56 (66%) of the participants used the AED and 53 (62%) successfully delivered an electrical shock. Mean time to defibrillation was 2 min 29 s. Only 24 (28%) participants dialled the correct emergency response number (112); the live-assisted GPRS AED allowed alerted emergency services in 38 other cases. CPR was initiated in 63 (74%) cases, 26 (31%) times without prompting and 37 (44%) times after prompting by the AED.ConclusionsAlthough knowledge of the general population appears to be inadequate with regard to AED locations and recognition, live-assisted devices with GPS-location may improve emergency care.
Periprocedural and mid-term technical and clinical events after flow diversion for intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Burrows Anthony M , Cloft Harry , Kallmes David F , Lanzino Giuseppe 
Published: August 2014

ObjectFlow diversion has emerged as a promising treatment alternative for cerebral aneurysms. As a new device, treatment-related events and complications are currently being characterized.MethodsData on 100 consecutive procedures with the intention to use flow diversion were prospectively collected and analyzed retrospectively.ResultsNinety-five aneurysms were treated in 93 patients during 100 consecutive procedures in which the intention was to treat an intracranial aneurysm with flow diversion. Death occurred in 1% and permanent morbidity in 1%. However, periprocedural technical complications occurred in 35% of the procedures and included proximal device migration in 12%, incomplete device expansion in 9%, catheter-induced vasospasm in 6%, and artery perforation from the wire in 3%. Perioperative clinical events were seen in 28% (thromboembolism and access site complications were the most common, being observed in 6.5% of patients). Worsened extraocular motility was seen in 5.4% and resolved in 4/5 patients. Mean clinical follow-up was 17 months. There were no late clinical or technical issues resulting in permanent deficits, although one patient suffered worsening ataxia. Overall, using very strict angiographic criteria, complete angiographic obliteration was 50% at 6 months and 69% after 1 year.ConclusionsFlow diversion for intracranial aneurysms is a safe and effective treatment. Technical and clinical events are common in the perioperative period. Careful perioperative care and proper management of technical and clinical events encountered is key to achieving low morbidity and mortality. Late clinical events can occur but are unlikely to result in permanent complications.
Mapping and time-lapse analysis of South Arne Chalk fault network using new developments in seismic dip computation
Authors: Astratti D. , Aarre V. , Vejbæk O. V. , White G. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
In a reservoir, faults at the limit of the seismic resolution can be crucial to explain production history and to optimize field development. However, in most cases the detail required to describe such subtle features depends on the assistance of seismic attributes and semi-automated interpretation techniques. We generated a detailed description of the fault network in the South Arne Chalk Group using a workflow based on a globally consistent computation of the seismic dip. This led to more accurate seismic edge attributes than gained with standard dip estimation techniques. We analysed each fault set and qualitatively assessed its control on fluid flow. Our investigation suggests that the two fracture sets that influence production developed along the same WNW–ESE structural trend and cannot be separated based on the seismic data alone. These faults were active both during and post Chalk deposition. We observe ENE–WSW lineaments that match the pattern of a time-lapse seismic amplitude anomaly associated with water injection. It remains to be verified whether these lineaments could be an extension of overburden faults, as well as whether the increased intensity of the fault network as seen on the 2005 v. the 1995 3D seismic survey was caused by production effects.
FLARES
Authors: Carlo Stefano Di , Galfano Salvatore , Indaco Marco , Prinetto Paolo , Bertozzi Davide , Olivo Piero , Zambelli Cristian 
Published: August 2014

With the advent of solid-state storage systems, NAND flash memories are becoming a key storage technology. However, they suffer from serious reliability and endurance issues during the operating lifetime that can be handled by the use of appropriate error correction codes (ECCs) in order to reconstruct the information when needed. Adaptable ECCs may provide the flexibility to avoid worst-case reliability design, thus leading to improved performance. However, a way to control such adaptable ECCs' strength is required. This article proposes FLARES, an algorithm able to adapt the ECC correction capability of each page of a flash based on a flash RBER prediction model and on a measurement of the number of errors detected in a given time window.
FLARES has been fully implemented within the YAFFS 2 filesystem under the Linux operating system. This allowed us to perform an extensive set of simulations on a set of standard benchmarks that highlighted the benefit of FLARES on the overall storage subsystem performances.
An internet census taken by an illegal botnet
Authors: Krenc Thomas , Hohlfeld Oliver , Feldmann Anja 
Published: August 2014

On March 17, 2013, an Internet census data set and an accompanying report were released by an anonymous author or group of authors. It created an immediate media buzz, mainly because of the unorthodox and unethical data collection methodology (i.e., exploiting default passwords to form the Carna botnet), but also because of the alleged unprecedented large scale of this census (even though legitimate census studies of similar and even larger sizes have been performed in the past). Given the unknown source of this released data set, little is known about it. For example, can it be ruled out that the data is faked? Or if it is indeed real, what is the quality of the released data?
The purpose of this paper is to shed light on these and related questions and put the contributions of this anonymous Internet census study into perspective. Indeed, our findings suggest that the released data set is real and not faked, but that the measurements suffer from a number of methodological flaws and also lack adequate meta-data information. As a result, we have not been able to verify several claims that the anonymous author(s) made in the published report.
In the process, we use this study as an educational example for illustrating how to deal with a large data set of unknown quality, hint at pitfalls in Internet-scale measurement studies, and discuss ethical considerations concerning third-party use of this released data set for publications.
Dynamics of Leukemia Stem-like Cell Extinction in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Werner Benjamin , Gallagher Robert E. , Paietta Elisabeth M. , Litzow Mark R. , Tallman Martin S. , Wiernik Peter H. , Slack James L. , Willman Cheryl L. , Sun Zhuoxin , Traulsen Arne , Dingli David 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Many tumors are believed to be maintained by a small number of cancer stem–like cells, where cure is thought to require eradication of this cell population. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) before and during therapy with regard to disease initiation, progression, and therapeutic response. This investigation used a mathematical model of hematopoiesis and a dataset derived from the North American Intergroup Study INT0129. The known phenotypic constraints of APL could be explained by a combination of differentiation blockade of PML–RARα–positive cells and suppression of normal hematopoiesis. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) neutralizes the differentiation block and decreases the proliferation rate of leukemic stem cells in vivo. Prolonged ATRA treatment after chemotherapy can cure patients with APL by eliminating the stem-like cell population over the course of approximately one year. To our knowledge, this study offers the first estimate of the average duration of therapy that is required to eliminate stem-like cancer cells from a human tumor, with the potential for the refinement of treatment strategies to better manage human malignancy. Cancer Res; 74(19); 5386–96. ©2014 AACR.
Molecular Pathways: Translational Potential of Deubiquitinases as Drug Targets
Authors: D'Arcy Pádraig , Linder Stig 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) is the main system for controlled protein degradation and a key regulator of fundamental cellular processes. The dependency of cancer cells on a functioning UPS coupled with the clinical success of bortezomib for the treatment of multiple myeloma have made the UPS an obvious target for drug development. Deubiquitinases (DUB) are components of the UPS that encompass a diverse family of ubiquitin isopeptidases that catalyze the removal of ubiquitin moieties from target proteins or from polyubiquitin chains, resulting in altered signaling or changes in protein stability. Increasing evidence has implicated deregulation of DUB activity in the initiation and progression of cancer. The altered pattern of DUB expression observed in many tumors can potentially serve as a clinical marker for predicting disease outcome and therapy response. The finding of DUB overexpression in tumor cells suggests that they may serve as novel targets for the development of anticancer therapies. Several specific and broad-spectrum DUB inhibitors are shown to have antitumor activity in preclinical in vivo models with low levels of systemic toxicity. Future studies will hopefully establish the clinical potential for DUB inhibitors as a strategy to treat cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 20(15); 3908–14. ©2014 AACR.
Long-Term Follow-Up Study of Endarterectomy Versus Angioplasty in Patients With Symptomatic Severe Carotid Stenosis Trial
Authors: Mas Jean-Louis , Arquizan Caroline , Calvet David , Viguier Alain , Albucher Jean-François , Piquet Philippe , Garnier Pierre , Viader Fausto , Giroud Maurice , Hosseini Hassan , Hinzelin Grégoire , Favrole Pascal , Hénon Hilde , Neau Jean-Philippe , Ducrocq Xavier , Padovani Raymond , Milandre Loic , Rouanet François , Wolff Valérie , Saudeau Denis , Mahagne Marie-Hélène , Sablot Denis , Amarenco Pierre , Larrue Vincent , Beyssen Bernard , Leys Didier , Moulin Thierry , Lièvre Michel , Chatellier Gilles 
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose—
We aimed at comparing the long-term benefit–risk balance of carotid stenting versus endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid stenosis.

Methods—
Long-term follow-up study of patients included in Endarterectomy Versus Angioplasty in Patients With Symptomatic Severe Carotid Stenosis (EVA-3S), a randomized, controlled trial of carotid stenting versus endarterectomy in 527 patients with recently symptomatic severe carotid stenosis, conducted in 30 centers in France. The main end point was a composite of any ipsilateral stroke after randomization or any procedural stroke or death.

Results—

During a median follow-up of 7.1 years (interquartile range, 5.1–8.8 years; maximum 12.4 years), the primary end point occurred in 30 patients in the stenting group compared with 18 patients in the endarterectomy group. Cumulative probabilities of this outcome were 11.0% (95% confidence interval, 7.9–15.2) versus 6.3% (4.0–9.8) in the endarterectomy group at the 5-year follow-up (hazard ratio, 1.85; 1.00–3.40;
P
=0.04) and 11.5% (8.2–15.9) versus 7.6% (4.9–11.8; hazard ratio, 1.70; 0.95–3.06;
P
=0.07) at the 10-year follow-up. No difference was observed between treatment groups in the rates of ipsilateral stroke beyond the procedural period, severe carotid restenosis (≥70%) or occlusion, death, myocardial infarction, and revascularization procedures.

Conclusions—
The long-term benefit–risk balance of carotid stenting versus endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid stenosis favored endarterectomy, a difference driven by a lower risk of procedural stroke after endarterectomy. Both techniques were associated with low and similar long-term risks of recurrent ipsilateral stroke beyond the procedural period.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00190398.
The French-Canadian validation of a disease-specific, patient-reported outcome measure for lupus
Authors: Bourré-Tessier J , Clarke A E , Kosinski M , Mikolaitis-Preuss R A , Bernatsky S , Block J A , Jolly M 
Published: August 2014

Objectives The objective of this paper is to perform the cross-cultural validation of the French version of the LupusPRO, a disease-targeted patient-reported outcome measure, among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in Canada. Methods The French version of the LupusPRO and the MOS SF-36 were administered; demographic, clinical and serological characteristics were obtained. Disease activity (SELENA-SLEDAI and the Lupus Foundation of America definition of flare) and damage (SLICC/ACR SDI) were assessed. Physician disease activity and damage assessments were ascertained using visual analog scales. Internal consistency reliability (ICR), test-retest reliability (TRT), convergent and discriminant validity (against corresponding domains of the SF-36), criterion validity (against disease activity, damage or health status) and known group validity were tested. Results A total of 99 French-Canadian SLE patients participated (97% women, mean (SD) age 45.2 (14.5) years). The median (IQR) SELENA-SLEDAI and SDI were 3.5 (6.0) and 1.0 (2.0), respectively. The ICR of the LupusPRO domains ranged from 0.81 to 0.93 (except for lupus symptoms, procreation and coping), while TRT ranged from 0.72 to 0.95. Convergent and discriminant validity, criterion validity and known group validity against disease activity, damage and health status measures were observed. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit. Conclusion The LupusPRO has fair psychometric properties among French-Canadian patients with SLE.
Late-onset ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency: An under recognized cause of metabolic encephalopathy
Authors: Rush Eric T , Hartmann Julianne E , Skrabal Jill C , Rizzo William B 
Published: August 2014

Introduction: Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency is the most common inherited disorder of the urea cycle, has a variable phenotype, and is caused by mutations in the OTC gene. We report three cases of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency to illustrate the late-onset presentation of this disorder and provide strategies for diagnosis and treatment. The patients were maternal first cousins, presenting with hyperammonemia and obtundation. Urea cycle disorder was not initially suspected in the first patient, delaying diagnosis. Results: Sequencing of the OTC gene showed a novel missense mutation, c.563G > C (p.G188A). Numerous family members were found to carry this mutation, which shows a trend toward later onset. Each urea cycle disorder has its own unique pattern of biochemical abnormalities, which differ from non-metabolic causes of critical illness. Conclusion: Regardless of age, clinical suspicion of a urea cycle disorder is important in encephalopathic patients to ensure quick diagnosis and definitive treatment of the underlying inborn error of metabolism.
Metallic hairpin inhalation: A healthcare problem facing young Muslim females
Authors: Rizk Nabil , Gwely Noor E , Biron Vincent L , Hamza Usama 
Published: August 2014

Objectives To perform an epidemiological assessment of metallic hairpin inhalation in young Muslim females and highlight the need for a health education program in this population. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of females with a history of metallic hairpin inhalation presenting to the Otolaryngology and Cardiothoracic Surgery Departments at Mansoura University Hospitals from January 2000 to October 2006. Results A total of 83 patients were identified with metallic hairpin inhalation, of which 2 were excluded as they were coughed and expelled by the patient. Ages ranged from 7 to 19 years. A history of inhaled foreign body (FB) was found in all cases but the majority of patients were asymptomatic, with only 6 patients (7%) presenting with cough. Chest x-rays confirmed the presence of metallic hairpin inhalation in all cases. The metallic hairpins were present in the trachea in 7 patients (9%), in the left bronchial tree in 43 patients (53%) and in the right bronchial tree in 31 patients (38%). Rigid bronchoscopy was performed in all patients with a retrieval rate of 80%. Repeat bronchoscopy was performed in 16 patients (20%), which was successful in 11 patients (14%). The remaining 5 patients required thoracotomy for removal of the metallic hairpin (6%). Conclusion The significant number of inhaled metallic hairpins in young Muslim females highlights the need for a health education program in this population. Rigid bronchoscopy remains the primary tool for retrieval of these inhaled foreign bodies. However, when repeat broncoscopy is necessitated, a thoracotomy may be required.
Preventing ‘deaths by indifference’: identification of reasonable adjustments is key
Authors: Tuffrey-Wijne Irene , Hollins Sheila 
Published: August 2014

SummaryPeople with intellectual disabilities are at risk of premature death due to failings in healthcare provision. To prevent this, it is important for healthcare services to identify and flag not only vulnerable conditions (including intellectual disability, dementia and mental health problems), but also the specific adjustments needed by individual patients.
Stigma creating stigma: a vicious circle
Authors: Dinos Sokratis 
Published: August 2014

SummaryDespite anti-stigma campaigns in the UK in recent years, the experiences of people with mental health problems indicate that stigma is still a major problem. The stigma of being a member of a socially excluded group, based on socioeconomic, personal or cultural/ethnic characteristics, should be considered alongside the stigma of mental illness. Membership of a stigmatised group (not based on mental illness) is often itself a risk factor for developing mental health problems. This article discusses the experiences of people from Black and minority ethnic and lesbian, gay and bisexual groups to explore how stigma can create more stigma.