bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complete Genome Sequence of an Avian Reovirus Isolated from Wild Mallard Ducks in China
Authors: Yu Kexiang , Li Yufeng , Han Hongyu , Song Minxun , Ma Xiuli , Liu Cunxia , Huang Bin , Li Feng 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT
We report here the complete sequence of novel duck reovirus (N-DRV) strain SD12 isolated from diseased wild mallard ducklings in the Shandong Province of China in 2012. The complete genome consists of 23,420 nucleotide base pairs (bp), including 10 segments ranging from 1,191 bp (S4) to 3,959 bp (L1).
Complete Genome Sequence of Flavobacterium psychrophilum Strain CSF259-93, Used To Select Rainbow Trout for Increased Genetic Resistance against Bacterial Cold Water Disease
Authors: Wiens Gregory D. , LaPatra Scott E. , Welch Timothy J. , Rexroad Caird , Call Douglas R. , Cain Kenneth D. , LaFrentz Benjamin R. , Vaisvil Benjamin , Schmitt Daniel P. , Kapatral Vinayak 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

The genome sequence of
Flavobacterium psychrophilum
strain CSF259-93, isolated from rainbow trout (
Oncorhynchus mykiss
), consists of a single circular genome of 2,900,735 bp and 2,701 predicted open reading frames (ORFs). Strain CSF259-93 has been used to select a line of rainbow trout with increased genetic resistance against bacterial cold water disease.
Genome Sequence of Actinobacillus suis Type Strain ATCC 33415
T
Authors: Calcutt Michael J. , Foecking Mark F. , Mhlanga-Mutangadura Tendai , Reilly Thomas J. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

The assembled and annotated genome of
Actinobacillus suis
ATCC 33415
T
is reported here. The 2,501,598-bp genome encodes 2,246 open reading frames (ORFs) with strain variable incursion of an integrative conjugative element into a tRNA locus. Comparative analysis of the deduced gene set should inform our understanding of pathogenesis, genomic plasticity, and serotype variation.
Developing an index for the orthodontic treatment need in paediatric patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: a protocol for a novel communication tool between physicians and orthodontists
Authors: Altalibi Mostafa , Saltaji Humam , Roduta Roberts Mary , Major Michael P , MacLean Joanna , Major Paul W 
Published: September 2014

IntroductionSleep disordered breathing in the paediatric population can manifest as an array of different systemic symptoms; among them is a distinct malocclusion and craniofacial phenotype. Emerging research suggests that the treatment of this malocclusion and/or craniofacial phenotype through orthodontic intervention may help with the symptoms of these patients. Selecting the patients who would benefit from orthodontic treatment can be a difficult task for the physician with minimal dental training. Therefore the aim of this study is to develop a simple index to be used by medical professionals to identify those paediatric patients with orthodontic treatment needs who may benefit their obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) symptoms.Methods and analysisThe methodology in this project has been devised through the WHO's recommendations on developing an index, with modifications based on the specific needs of this study. Based on the available literature, a draft index will be produced and subjected to multiple iterative revisions based on the feedback from: the Index Development Group, a group of multidisciplinary and internationally acclaimed experts in the field; the External Review Group, a group of potential end users and interested parties and the Steering Committee. Once the index has been formalised, it will be subjected to a pair of reliability tests using physicians and orthodontists scored 2 weeks apart. Subsequently, the index will be validated using dichotomous responses from orthodontists on whether they would treat a patient for OSA symptoms, and comparing the responses to the score of the index on the same patient.Ethics and disseminationThe index will be translated into French and will be presented in orthodontic and medical conferences, workshops, seminars, round table discussions, and free copies for download will be made available on the website of the University of Alberta Interdisciplinary Airway Research Clinic (iarc.ualberta.ca). Furthermore, the index will be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal to further increase the exposure of the index.
Pre-AdolescentCardio-MetabolicAssociations andCorrelates: PACMAC methodology and study protocol
Authors: Castro Nicholas , Faulkner James , Skidmore Paula , Williams Michelle , Lambrick Danielle M , Signal Leigh , Thunders Michelle , Muller Diane , Lark Sally , Hamlin Mike , Lane Andrew M , Kingi Te Kani , Stoner Lee 
Published: September 2014

IntroductionAlthough cardiovascular disease is typically associated with middle or old age, the atherosclerotic process often initiates early in childhood. The process of atherosclerosis appears to be occurring at an increasing rate, even in pre-adolescents, and has been linked to the childhood obesity epidemic. This study will investigate the relationships between obesity, lifestyle behaviours and cardiometabolic health in pre-pubescent children aged 8–10 years, and investigates whether there are differences in the correlates of cardiometabolic health between Māori and Caucasian children. Details of the methodological aspects of recruitment, inclusion/exclusion criteria, assessments, statistical analyses, dissemination of findings and anticipated impact are described.Methods and analysisPhase 1: a cross-sectional study design will be used to investigate relationships between obesity, lifestyle behaviours (nutrition, physical activity/fitness, sleep behaviour, psychosocial influences) and cardiometabolic health in a sample of 400 pre-pubescent (8–10 years old) children. Phase 2: in a subgroup (50 Caucasian, 50 Māori children), additional measurements of cardiometabolic health and lifestyle behaviours will be obtained to provide objective and detailed data. General linear models and logistic regression will be used to investigate the strongest correlate of (1) fatness; (2) physical activity; (3) nutritional behaviours and (4) cardiometabolic health.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval will be obtained from the New Zealand Health and Disabilities Ethics Committee. The findings from this study will elucidate targets for decreasing obesity and improving cardiometabolic health among preadolescent children in New Zealand. The aim is to ensure an immediate impact by disseminating these findings in an applicable manner via popular media and traditional academic forums. Most importantly, results from the study will be disseminated to participating schools and relevant Māori health entities.
Prognostic value of bone marrow involvement by clonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangements in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Berget Ellen , Helgeland Lars , Liseth Knut , Løkeland Turid , Molven Anders , Vintermyr Olav Karsten 
Published: September 2014

AimsWe aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of routine use of PCR amplification of immunoglobulin gene rearrangements in bone marrow (BM) staging in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL).MethodsClonal rearrangements were assessed by immunoglobulin heavy and light-chain gene rearrangement analysis in BM aspirates from 96 patients diagnosed with FL and related to morphological detection of BM involvement in biopsies. In 71 patients, results were also compared with concurrent flow cytometry analysis.ResultsBM involvement was detected by PCR in 34.4% (33/96) of patients. The presence of clonal rearrangements by PCR was associated with advanced clinical stage (I–III vs IV; p<0.001), high FL International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) score (0–1, 2 vs ≥3; p=0.003), and detection of BM involvement by morphology and flow cytometry analysis (p<0.001 for both). PCR-positive patients had a significantly poorer survival than PCR-negative patients (p=0.001, log-rank test). Thirteen patients positive by PCR but without morphologically detectable BM involvement, had significantly poorer survival than patients with negative morphology and negative PCR result (p=0.002). The poor survival associated with BM involvement by PCR was independent of the FLIPI score (p=0.007, Cox regression). BM involvement by morphology or flow cytometry did not show a significant impact on survival.ConclusionsOur results showed that routine use of PCR-based clonality analysis significantly improved the prognostic impact of BM staging in patients with FL. BM involvement by PCR was also an independent adverse prognostic factor.
Non-galenic arteriovenous fistulas in adults: transarterial embolization and literature review
Authors: Lin Ning , Brouillard Adam M , Snyder Kenneth V , Levy Elad I , Siddiqui Adnan H 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundNon-galenic dural arteriovenous fistula (NGAVF) is a rare congenital vascular abnormality characterized by high flow connections between cerebral arteries and a dilated pial venous varix. These lesions have been reported mostly in the pediatric population.ObjectivesTo examine the clinical features and treatment outcomes for adult (≥18 years) patients with NGAVFs.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with NGAVFs who underwent endovascular treatment between 2008 and 2013. A PubMed literature search was conducted to identify reports of adult patients with these lesions.ResultsTwo adults with NGAVFs were treated at our institution via transarterial embolization with a favorable outcome. The literature search revealed 24 adult NGAVF cases. Among these cases and ours, mean patient age was 33.4±13.3 years, and 13 were women. Most patients experienced protracted neurological symptoms at the time of treatment whereas 5 (19.2%) patients presented with acute hemorrhage. 18 patients had single hole fistulas; 8 had multi-hole fistulas. 11 patients were treated by microsurgical ligation, 10 by embolization, 4 by combined therapy, and 1 with observation. Two patients died of reperfusion hemorrhage. Women were more likely to have a favorable outcome than men (100% vs 75.0%; p=0.07). No statistical difference was found in terms of clinical outcome for patients with single hole versus multi-hole fistulas or those treated by surgery versus embolization.ConclusionsNGAVFs are extremely rare in the adult population and present a similar clinical course as in older children. In our experience, transarterial embolization can be safely and effectively utilized for the treatment of these lesions in adults.
Heuristics-based algorithm to dynamically adapt icon sizes and layouts on touch devices
Authors: Jain Ajay , Chandra Mohit 
Published: September 2014

This work1 provides an intelligent algorithm that analyzes the success (and failure) rate of a touch gesture in order to determine best size and layout of icons. Dynamic adaptation of icon size is done to best match device user's finger impression size resulting into reduction in failed tapings which would have otherwise occurred due to variations between icon size and finger's impression.
Gravity of the said problem is analyzed by conducting a survey amongst 100 plus users. The implementation is also tested by building an android gaming application. The game is then released to limited set of users where dynamic icons sizes are generated based on user's score on successful taps on rapidly changing icons.
Shorter Leukocyte Telomere Length Is Independently Associated with Poor Survival in Patients with Bladder Cancer
Authors: Russo Alessia , Modica Federica , Guarrera Simonetta , Fiorito Giovanni , Pardini Barbara , Viberti Clara , Allione Alessandra , Critelli Rossana , Bosio Andrea , Casetta Giovanni , Cucchiarale Giuseppina , Destefanis Paolo , Gontero Paolo , Rolle Luigi , Zitella Andrea , Fontana Dario , Frea Bruno , Vineis Paolo , Sacerdote Carlotta , Matullo Giuseppe 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Background: Shorter telomere length (TL) has been reported to be associated with increased risk of early death in elder individuals. Telomere shortening has been also related to chromosomal instability, which may possibly contribute to the development of several types of digestive or urogenital system cancers and smoking-related tumors. Therefore, we investigated the impact of TL on bladder cancer survival.
Methods: TL was measured in leukocyte DNA from whole peripheral blood using quantitative real-time PCR in 463 patients with bladder cancer from a total 726 cases who were followed for up to 18 years.
Results: Patients with muscle-invasive tumor/any grade had shorter telomere than patients with non–muscle-invasive tumor/high-grade and with non–muscle-invasive tumor/non–high-grade (TL reference 0.7 ± 0.2; vs. respectively, 0.8 ± 0.2, P = 3.4 × 10−2 and 0.8 ± 0.2, P = 3.6 × 10−2). Moreover, patients in the lowest quartiles of TL were associated with decreased survival after diagnosis (log-rank test, P = 3.9 × 10−4). A Cox regression adjusted by age, cancer aggressiveness, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, radical cystectomy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy showed an independent effect of TL on bladder cancer survival (HR, 3.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–9.1; P = 1.2 × 10−3).
Conclusions: Our results suggest that leukocyte TL is only partly related to tumor aggressiveness and that shorter telomeres act as independent prognostic predictor of survival in patients with bladder cancer. TL information may allow to better select therapeutic approaches in patients with the same stage and grade.
Impact: Blood leukocyte TL levels could provide an additional noninvasive prognostic marker to better predict survival and personalize therapies in patients with bladder cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2439–46. ©2014 AACR.
Withanone-Rich Combination of Ashwagandha Withanolides Restricts Metastasis and Angiogenesis through hnRNP-K
Authors: Gao Ran , Shah Navjot , Lee Jung-Sun , Katiyar Shashank P. , Li Ling , Oh Eonju , Sundar Durai , Yun Chae-Ok , Wadhwa Renu , Kaul Sunil C. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Ashwagandha is an important herb used in the Indian system of traditional home medicine, Ayurveda. Alcoholic extract (i-Extract) from its leaves and its component, withanone, were previously shown to possess anticancer activity. In the present study, we developed a combination of withanone and withaferin A, major withanolides in the i-Extract, that retained the selective cancer cell killing activity and found that it also has significant antimigratory, -invasive, and -angiogenic activities, in both in vitro and in vivo assays. Using bioinformatics and biochemical approaches, we demonstrate that these phytochemicals caused downregulation of migration-promoting proteins hnRNP-K, VEGF, and metalloproteases and hence are candidate natural drugs for metastatic cancer therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(12); 2930–40. ©2014 AACR.
Inhibiting the Th17/IL-17A–Related Inflammatory Responses With Digoxin Confers Protection Against Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Wei Zhanjie , Wang Yu , Zhang Kailun , Liao Yaohang , Ye Ping , Wu Jie , Wang Yang , Li Feifei , Yao Yufeng , Zhou Yanzhao , Liu Jinping 
Published: September 2014

Objective—
T helper 17 cells and interleukin-17A have been implicated in the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Retinoic acid–related orphan receptor gamma thymus, the master transcription factor of T helper 17 cell differentiation, is selectively antagonized by digoxin. However, the effect of antagonizing retinoic acid–related orphan receptor gamma thymus on AAA has not been investigated.

Approach and Results—

We used human aortic sample analysis and 2 different experimental AAA models: (a) Angiotensin II (Ang II)–induced ApoE
−/−
male mice (Ang II/APOE model) and (b) porcine pancreatic elastase perfusion C57BL/6 mice (porcine pancreatic elastase/C57 model). In the Ang II/APOE model, all mice (n=80) were divided into 4 groups: sham group (saline+0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide treatment), control group (Ang II+0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide treatment), low-dose group (Ang II+low-dose digoxin, 20 μg/d per mouse), and high-dose group (Ang II+high-dose digoxin, 40 μg/d per mouse). All treatments began on day 0 after surgery. Efficacy was determined via aortic diameter and systolic blood pressure measurements, histopathology and protein expression, and flow cytometry analysis when euthenized. Human aortic tissue analysis showed that both interleukin-17A and retinoic acid–related orphan receptor gamma thymus increased in AAA tissues. The low-dose and high-dose groups had AAA incidences of 60% and 35%, respectively, compared with 70% in the control group. The T helper 17- and interleukin-17A–related inflammatory responses were dose-dependently attenuated by digoxin treatment. Digoxin was also highly effective in the porcine pancreatic elastase/C57 model.

Conclusions—
Digoxin attenuates experimental AAA progression in a model-independent manner. Antagonizing retinoic acid–related orphan receptor gamma thymus activity by digoxin may become a novel strategy for nonsurgical AAA treatment.
Renal Handling of Galectin‐3 in the General Population, Chronic Heart Failure, and Hemodialysis
Authors: Meijers Wouter C. , van der Velde A. Rogier , Ruifrok Willem P. , Schroten Nicolas F. , Dokter Martin M. , Damman Kevin , Assa Solmaz , Franssen Casper F. , Gansevoort Ron T. , van Gilst Wiek H. , Silljé Herman H. , de Boer Rudolf A. 
Published: September 2014

Background

Galectin‐3 is a biomarker for prognostication and risk stratification of patients with heart failure (
HF
). It has been suggested that renal function strongly relates to galectin‐3 levels. We aimed to describe galectin‐3 renal handling in
HF
.

Methods and Results

In Sprague–Dawley rats, we infused galectin‐3 and studied distribution and renal clearance. Furthermore, galectin‐3 was measured in urine and plasma of healthy controls, HF patients and hemodialysis patients. To mimic the human situation, we measured galectin‐3 before and after the artificial kidney. Infusion in rats resulted in a clear increase in plasma and urine galectin‐3. Plasma galectin‐3 in HF patients (n=101; mean age 64 years; 93% male) was significantly higher compared to control subjects (n=20; mean age 58 years; 75% male) (16.6 ng/
mL
versus 9.7 ng/
mL
,
P
<0.001), while urinary galectin‐3 in HF patients was comparable (28.1 ng/
mL
versus 35.1 ng/
mL
,
P
=0.830). The calculated galectin‐3 excretion rate was lower in HF patient (2.3 mL/min [1.5 to 3.4] versus 3.9 mL/min [2.3 to 6.4] in control subjects;
P
=0.005). This corresponded with a significantly lower fractional excretion of galectin‐3 in HF patients (2.4% [1.7 to 3.7] versus 3.0% [1.9 to 5.5];
P=
0.018). These differences, however, were no longer significant after correction for age, gender, diabetes, and smoking. HF patients who received diuretics (49%) showed significantly higher aldosterone and galectin‐3 levels. Hemodialysis patients (n=105; mean age 63 years; 65% male), without urinary galectin‐3 excretion, had strongly increased median plasma galectin‐3 levels (70.6 ng/
mL
).

Conclusions

In this small cross‐sectional study, we report that urine levels of galectin‐3 are not increased in
HF
patients, despite substantially increased plasma galectin‐3 levels. The impaired renal handling of galectin‐3 in patients with
HF
may explain the described relation between renal function and galectin‐3 and may account for the elevated plasma galectin‐3 in
HF
.
Characterizing Types of Readmission After Acute Coronary Syndrome Hospitalization: Implications for Quality Reporting
Authors: Southern Danielle A. , Ngo Jennifer , Martin Billie‐Jean , Galbraith P. Diane , Knudtson Merril L. , Ghali William A. , James Matthew T. , Wilton Stephen B. 
Published: September 2014

Background

Thirty‐day readmission rates have been tied to hospital reimbursement in the United States, but remain controversial as measures of healthcare quality. We profile the timing, main diagnoses, and survival outcomes of inpatient and emergency department readmissions after acute coronary syndrome (
ACS
), based on a large regional database.

Methods and Results

Patients enrolled in the Alberta Provincial Project for Outcomes Assessment in Coronary Heart Disease (
APPROACH
) registry with an
ACS
hospitalization between April 2008 and March 2010 (n=3411) were included. Primary outcomes were inpatient and emergency department–only readmissions, at 30 days and 1 year. Predictors of 30‐day readmission were identified, and the association between 30‐day readmission status and mortality was evaluated. A total of 1170 (34.3%) patients had ≥1 hospital readmission within 30 days, reaching 2106 (61.7%) within 1 year of
ACS
discharge. Of first readmissions, 45% were emergency department only and 53% were for cardiovascular or possibly related diagnoses. Renal disease and diabetes predicted all‐cause readmissions at 30 days and 1 year, but there were no robust predictors of cardiovascular readmissions. Thirty‐day inpatient, but not emergency department, readmissions were associated with increased mortality.

Conclusions

Hospital readmissions within 30 days after discharge for
ACS
are common, and associated with increased mortality. However, our findings underline that readmissions are quite heterogeneous in nature, and that many readmissions are unrelated to index stay and thus not easily predicted with common clinical variables. All‐cause 30‐day readmission rates may be too simplistic, and perhaps even misleading, as a hospital performance metric.
Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor‐23 and the Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Alonso Alvaro , Misialek Jeffrey R. , Eckfeldt John H. , Selvin Elizabeth , Coresh Josef , Chen Lin Y. , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Agarwal Sunil K. , Lutsey Pamela L. 
Published: September 2014

Background

Increased concentrations of circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 (
FGF
‐23) have been associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The association between
FGF
‐23 and the risk of atrial fibrillation (
AF
), a common arrhythmia, is less defined. Thus, we explored whether
FGF
‐23 concentration was associated with
AF
incidence in a large community‐based cohort.

Methods and Results

We studied 12 349 men and women enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, without prevalent AF at baseline in 1990–1992. Serum intact FGF‐23 concentration was measured with the Kainos 2‐site ELISA. Incident AF through 2010 was ascertained from study ECGs and hospital discharge codes. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for potential confounding factors, including kidney function, were used to estimate the association between FGF‐23 and AF risk. We identified 1572 AF events during a mean follow‐up of 17 years. In multivariable analysis, a difference of 1 SD (16 pg/
mL
) in baseline FGF‐23 was not associated with the risk of AF (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99, 1.09). Results were similar when FGF‐23 was modeled in quartiles (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.94, 1.26, comparing extreme quartiles). Reduced kidney function was associated with increased AF risk across quartiles of FGF‐23 levels.

Conclusion

In this large community‐based cohort, baseline
FGF
‐23 levels were not associated with
AF
risk independently of kidney function. Our results do not support a major role for
FGF
‐23 as a risk factor for
AF
or as a mediator of the association between chronic kidney disease and
AF
.