bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global Epidemiology of Chronic Venous Disease
Authors: Salim Safa , Machin Matthew , Patterson Benjamin O. , Onida Sarah , Davies Alun H. 
Published: November 2020

Objective:
To provide an updated estimate of the global prevalence of CVD and to comprehensively evaluate risk factors associated with this condition.

Background:
CVD is an important cause of morbidity internationally, but the global burden of this condition is poorly characterized. The burden of CVD must be better characterized to optimize service provision and permit workforce planning to care for patients with different stages of CVD.

Methods:
A systematic search in Ovid MEDLINE and Embase (1946–2019) identified 1271 articles. Full-text, English language articles reporting on the epidemiology of CVD in a general adult population were included. Data extraction was performed by 2 independent reviewers, in accordance with a preregistered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42019153656). STATA and Review Manager were used for quantitative analysis. A crude, unadjusted pooled prevalence was calculated for each Clinical (C) stage in the Clinical, Etiologic, Anatomic, Pathophysiologic classification and across different geographical regions. Qualitative analysis was performed to evaluate associated risk factors in CVD.

Results:
Thirty-two articles across 6 continents were identified. Nineteen studies were included in the overall pooled prevalence for each Clinical (C) stage; pooled estimates were: C0 s: 9%, C1: 26%, C2: 19%, C3: 8%, C4: 4%, C5: 1%, C6: 0.42%. The prevalence of C2 disease was highest in Western Europe and lowest in the Middle East and Africa. Commonly reported risk factors for CVD included: female sex (OR 2.26, 95% confidence intervals 2.16–2.36, P < 0.001), increasing age, obesity, prolonged standing, positive family history, parity, and Caucasian ethnicity. There was significant heterogeneity across the included studies.

Conclusions:
CVD affects a significant proportion of the population globally; however, there is significant heterogeneity in existing epidemiological studies.
The Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Trauma Outcomes in At-Risk Groups
Authors: Lester Erica L. W. , Dvorak Justin E. , Maluso Patrick J. , Tatebe Leah C. , Widder Sandy , Bokhari Faran 
Published: November 2020

Objective:
Analyze the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on trauma outcomes at a population level and within at-risk subgroups.

Background:
Trauma disproportionately affects the uninsured. Compared to the insured, uninsured patients have worse functional outcomes and increased mortality. The goal of the ACA was to increase access to insurance.

Methods:
An interrupted time series was conducted using data from the National Inpatient Sample database between 2011 and 2016. Data from Alberta, Canada was used as a control group. Mortality, length of stay, and probability of discharge home with or without home health care was examined using monthly time intervals, with January 2014 as the intervention time. Single and multiple group interrupted time series were conducted. Subgroup analyses were conducted using income quartiles and race.

Results:
After the intervention, there was a monthly reduction in mortality of 0.0148% (P < 0.01) in the American cohort: there was no change in the Canadian cohort. The White subgroup experienced a mortality reduction: the non-White subgroup did not. There was no significant change in length of stay or discharge home rate at a population level. There was a monthly increase in the probability of discharge with home health (0.0247%: P < 0.01); this was present in the lower-income quartiles and both race groups. The White subgroup had a higher rate of utilization of home health pre-ACA, and this discrepancy persisted post-ACA.

Conclusions:
The ACA is associated with improved mortality and increased use of home health services. Discrepancies amongst racial groups and income quartiles are present.
Survival After Trimodality Therapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Esophagogastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sihag Smita , Nobel Tamar , Hsu Meier , De La Torre Sergio , Tan Kay See , Janjigian Yelena Y. , Ku Geoffrey Y. , Tang Laura H. , Wu Abraham J. , Maron Steven B. , Bains Manjit S. , Jones David R. , Molena Daniela 
Published: November 2020

Objective:
To evaluate whether pCR exclusively defines major pathologic response to treatment with improved survival.

Summary Background Data:
pCR after trimodality therapy for EAC is infrequent but associated with improved prognosis. Yet most clinical trials and correlative studies designate pCR as the primary endpoint.

Methods:
We analyzed our prospectively maintained database for patients who underwent trimodality therapy for locally advanced esophageal adeno-carcinoma between 1995 and 2017. Overall survival (OS) was examined by percentage TR in the primary tumor bed and pathologic nodal stage (ypN0) using Kaplan-Meier plots. Optimal thresholds of TR for differentiating patients in terms of OS were investigated with descriptive plots using restricted cubic spline functions; associations were quantified using Cox multivariable analysis.

Results:
Among 788 patients, median follow-up was 37.5 months (range, 0.4210.6); median OS was 48.3 months (95% CI, 42.2–58.8). Absence of residual nodal disease was independently associated with improved survival (P < 0.001). Survival curves for 90% to 99% TR and 100% TR were similar, and a change in probability of improved OS was observed at 90% TR. On multivariable analysis, combining 90% to 99% and 100% TR was independently associated with improved OS, compared with 50% to 89% and <50% TR.

Conclusions:
ypN0 status is the strongest indicator of major pathologic response to trimodality therapy, in addition to >90% TR in the primary tumor bed. These findings may allow the definition of major pathologic response to be expanded, from pCR to > 90% TR and ypN0. This has meaningful implications for future clinical trials and correlative studies.
Bariatric Surgery Lowers the Risk of Major Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Brown Andrew M. , Yang Jie , Zhang Xiaoyue , Docimo Salvatore , Pryo Aurora D. , Spaniolas Konstantinos 
Published: November 2020

Objective:
This study examines the impact of bariatric surgery on the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and a composite of cardiovascular outcomes in a large population cohort. Additionally, the impact of different bariatric surgery procedures on cardiovascular outcomes is assessed and compared.

Summary Background Data:
Bariatric surgery has been shown to improve comorbid conditions that are associated with cardiovascular disease and death. Few large studies have examined the impact of bariatric surgery on cardiovascular outcomes, and specifically compared the different bariatric procedures.

Methods:
A retrospective, observational, matched-cohort study was conducted in adult patients with obesity in New York state from 2006 to 2012. Patients were stratified into 2 groups, based on utilization of bariatric surgery. Patients were further subgrouped based on the types of primary bariatric surgery. The primary endpoint was the development of specific cardiovascular events – myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke; as well as a composite of both events.

Results:
A total of 328,807 patients, including 60,445 who had undergone bariatric surgery, and 268,362 matched nonsurgical controls were the study cohort for comparing surgical and nonsurgical patients. The risk of composite cardiovascular events decreased in the surgical group [hazards ratio (HR) = 0.48, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.45–0.51], as did the risk of MI (HR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.35–0.42), and stroke (HR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.51–0.59). Among the surgical cohort, sleeve gastrectomy patients had a higher risk of developing MI, stroke, and any type of cardiovascular event than gastric bypass patients.

Conclusions:
Bariatric surgery is associated with decreased risk of significant cardiovascular events compared to nonsurgical controls. In this exploratory analysis, gastric bypass was associated with a lower risk of all cardiovascular events than sleeve gastrectomy.
Low to Moderate Risk Non-orthopedic Surgical Patients Do Not Benefit From VTE Chemoprophylaxis
Authors: Sutzko Danielle C. , Obi Andrea T. , Kamdar Neil , Karamkar Monita , Wakefield Thomas W. , Osborne Nicholas H. , Henke Peter K. 
Published: November 2020

This retrospective cohort study analyzes venous thromboembolism (VTE) incidence, morbidity, and mortality amongst postsurgical patients with and without VTE chemoprophylaxis within a quality collaborative. Postoperative thromboprophylaxis was broadly applied, yet was associated with no decrease in VTE, without affecting transfusion or mortality. Predictors of breakthrough VTE development despite evidence-based thromboprophylaxis are identified.

Objective:
We hypothesized that a high rate of prescription of VTE chemoprophylaxis would be associated with decreased VTE incidence and mortality.

Summary Background Data:
Recommendations for VTE prevention in surgical patients include chemoprophylaxis based upon preoperative risk stratification.

Methods:
This retrospective cohort study analyzed VTE incidence, morbidity, and mortality amongst postsurgical patients with and without VTE chemoprophylaxis between April 2013 and September 2017 from 63 hospitals within the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative. A VTE risk assessment survey was distributed to providers. Bivariate and multivariate comparisons were made, as well as using propensity score matched cohorts to determine if VTE chemoprophylaxis was associated with decreased VTE events. Hospitals were compared using risk-reliability adjusted VTE prophylaxis and postoperative VTE event rates.

Results:
Within the registry, 80% of practitioners reported performing formal VTE risk assessment. Amongst 32,856 operations, there were 480 (1.46%) postoperative VTE, and an overall mortality of 609 (1.85%) patients. Using a propensity matched cohort, we found that rates of VTE were similar in those receiving unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin compared to those not receiving chemoprophylaxis (1.22 vs 1.13%, P = 0.57). When stratified further by VTE risk scoring, even the highest risk patients did not have an associated lower VTE rate (3.68 vs 4.22% P = 0.092). Postoperative transfusion (8.28 vs 7.50%, P = 0.057) and mortality (2.00% vs 1.62%, P = 0.064) rates were similar amongst those receiving and those not receiving chemoprophylaxis. No correlation was found between postoperative VTE chemoprophylaxis application and hospital specific risk adjusted postoperative VTE rates.

Conclusions:
In modern day postsurgical care, VTE remains a significant occurrence, despite wide adoption of VTE risk assessment. Although postoperative VTE chemoprophylaxis was broadly applied, after adjusting for confounders, no reduction in VTE was observed in at-risk surgical patients.
Upfront Small Bowel Resection for Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumors With Synchronous Metastases
Authors: Bennett Sean , Coburn Natalie , Law Calvin , Mahar Alyson , Zhao Haoyu , Singh Simron , Zuk Victoria , Myrehaug Sten , Gupta Vaibhav , Levy Jordan , Hallet Julie 
Published: November 2020

Objective:
We examined the impact of upfront small bowel resection (USBR) for metastatic small bowel neuroendocrine (SB-NET) compared to nonoperative management (NOM) on long-term healthcare utilization and survival outcomes.

Summary of Background Data:
The role of early resection of the primary tumor in metastatic SB-NET remains controversial. Conflicting data exist regarding its clinical and survival benefits.

Methods:
This is a population-based retrospective matched comparative cohort study of adults diagnosed with synchronous metastatic SB-NET between 2001 and 2017 in Ontario. USBR was defined as resection within 6 months of diagnosis. Primary outcomes were subsequent unplanned acute care admissions and small bowel-related surgery. Secondary outcome was overall survival. USBR and NOM patients were matched 2:1 using a propensity-score. We used time-to-event analyses with cumulative incidence
functions and univariate Andersen-Gill regression for primary outcomes. Evalue methods assessed the potential for residual confounding.

Results:
Of 1000 patients identified, 785 had USBR. The matched cohort included 348 patients with USBR and 174 with NOM. Patients with USBR had lower 3-year risk of subsequent admissions (72.6% vs 86.4%, P < 0.001) than those with NOM, with hazard ratio 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.570.91). USBR was associated with lower risk of subsequent small bowel-related surgery (15.4% vs 40.3%, P < 0.001), with hazard ratio 0.44 (95% confidence interval 0.29–0.67).
E
-values indicated it was unlikely that the observed risk estimates could be explained by an unmeasured confounder. Sensitivity analysis excluding emergent resections to define USBR did not alter the results.

Conclusions:
USBR for SB-NETs in the presence of metastatic disease was associated with better patient-oriented outcomes of decreased subsequent admissions and interventions, compared to NOM. USBR should be considered for metastatic SB-NETs.
Identification of alkylsalicylic acids in Lentisk oil (Pistacia lentiscusL.) and cytotoxicity on Human Normal Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Benalia Nabiha , Boumechhour Abdenour , Ortiz Sergio , Echague Cristian A. , Rose Thorsten , Fiebich Bernd L. , Chemat Smain , Michel Sylvie , Deguin Brigitte , Dahamna Saliha , Boutefnouchet Sabrina 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTPistacia lentiscusL. (Anacardiaceae) is widely distributed in the Mediterranean basin. Its fruit oil is used in traditional medicine to treat burns, skin impairments as well as inflammatory diseases as soothing massage or internal use. An increased interest is spotted lately with several commercial brands are spun portraying the benefits of this oil but with no stringent regulations to ascertain its safe use as an edible or cosmeceutical product. This work concerned the investigation of secondary metabolites presents inPistacia lentiscusfruits oil using both GC-MS and HPLC-DAD-MS technics, and the evaluation of cytotoxicity on human normal dermal fibroblasts to assess safety of use as cosmetic ingredient. This study stands as the first one to report the identification of alkylsalicylic acids in fruits oil and unsaponifiable fraction ofPistacia lentiscusfruit oil which calls for therefore, quantification of alkylsalicylic acids, known as skin irritants, inPistacia lentiscusoil, used as nutraceuticals or cosmeceuticals by manufacturers.
Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among asymptomatic frontline health workers in Los Angeles County, California
Authors: Halbrook Megan , Gadoth Adva , Martin-Blais Rachel , Grey Ashley , Contreras Deisy , Kashani Saman , Kazan Clayton , Kane Brian , Tobin Nicole H. , Fulcher Jennifer A. , Brooker Sarah L. , Kitchen Scott G. , Faure-Kumar Emmanuelle , Yang Otto O. , Ferbas Kathie G. , Aldrovandi Grace M. , Rimoin Anne W. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBeginning April 8, 2020, we enrolled 1787 frontline heath workers who were asymptomatic for COVID-19 into a longitudinal surveillance study. During that time 4 healthcare workers and 6 first responders tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. Additionally, 43 healthcare workers and 55 first responders had detectable IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2.
Chalcid Hymenopteran parasitoidDirhinus giffardiiSilvestri proficiently disturbed house fly production
Authors: Rauf Imran , Memon Raza Muhammad , Khuhro Niaz Hussain , Khan Imtiaz Ahmed 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesMan is always conscious about his health, and is well being challenged by many diseases. These diseases are directly causing hazards and most of them are transmitted through a vector. These vectors (mostly insects) have the ability to transfer / spread pathogenic organisms and that have the potential to cause severe epidemics. The house fly,Musca domestica(Diptera: Muscidae) plays a leading role in spreading more than 100 human and animal diseases. House fly is an eternal issue and mostly the management tactics rely on the use of chemicals either as spray, fumigants or baits. Unauthenticated behavior of these chemicals creates lethal effects on biological ecosystem, furthermore these measures may not be an effective options for outdoor management. For natural and safe option, bio-control strategy is being utilized to make environment healthy and clean. The present study was a part of such effort to use this strategy and validate the biological performance of the potential pupal parasitoidDirhinus giffardiiSilvestri against house fly and provide alternative and safe control of filthy flies. This is the first report on parasitism potential ofD. giffardiiSilvestri against house fly.ResultsTheD. giffardiiSilvestri, 1913 (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae), early reported as an effective pupal parasitoid of tephritid flies, here in the case presented, showed overall 70% reduction in the house fly population by parasitizing pupae. The parasitism efficiency and longevity of hymenopteran parasitoid was remarkably noted two-fold higher on house fly pupae as compared to primary hosts (Tephritids). An amazing results were recorded on house fly parasitism, where, female production was increased one fold as compared to tephritids. Furthermore, sex ratio of the resultant progeny was also confirmed the dominancy of female by 74% as compared to males. Based on the unique and remarkable findings we therefore conclude thatD. giffardiiis the best bio-control agent for controlling house flies and provide healthy, clean and ecofriendly environment.
Effects of Endogenous Angiotensin II on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms and Atherosclerosis in Angiotensin II-infused Mice
Authors: Kukida Masayoshi , Sawada Hisashi , Ohno-Urabe Satoko , Howatt Deborah A. , Moorleghen Jessica J. , Poglitsch Marko , Daugherty Alan , Lu Hong S. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAngiotensin II (AngII), a major effector of the renin-angiotensin system, exerts critical roles in regulating vascular function. AngII infusion induces abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and exacerbates atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic mice. We determined the effects of AngII infusion on endogenous AngII regulation and AngII-mediated AAAs and atherosclerosis. AngII infusion increased renal, but not plasma, AngII concentrations in male mice. AngI concentrations were decreased modestly in kidney, but more profoundly in plasma, during AngII infusion. Bovine AngII (DRVYVHPF) has one amino acid difference from mouse AngII (DRVYIHPF) that can be distinguished by LC-MS/MS. Therefore, we determined exogenous versus endogenous peptides in mice infused with bovine AngII. Bovine AngII infusion reduced endogenous renal AngII concentrations. To determine whether the residual endogenous AngII exerted an effect on AAAs and atherosclerosis in mice infused with AngII, aliskiren (a direct renin inhibitor) was administered to AngII-infused male LDL receptor deficient mice. Although aliskiren did not attenuate AAAs in AngII-infused mice, atherosclerotic lesion size was reduced. In conclusion, endogenous AngII concentrations are reduced during AngII infusion but still contribute to atherosclerosis, but not AAA, in AngII-infused hypercholesterolemic mice.
Does over-reliance on auditory feedback cause disfluency? An fMRI study of induced fluency in people who stutter
Authors: Meekings Sophie , Jasmin Kyle , Lima Cesar , Scott Sophie 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study tested the idea that stuttering is caused by over-reliance on auditory feedback. The theory is motivated by the observation that many fluency-inducing situations, such as synchronised speech and masked speech, alter or obscure the talker’s feedback. Typical speakers show ‘speaking-induced suppression’ of neural activation in superior temporal gyrus (STG) during self-produced vocalisation, compared to listening to recorded speech. If people who stutter over-attend to auditory feedback, they may lack this suppression response. In a 1.5T fMRI scanner, people who stutter spoke in synchrony with an experimenter, in synchrony with a recording, on their own, in noise, listened to the experimenter speaking and read silently. Behavioural testing outside the scanner demonstrated that synchronising with another talker resulted in a marked increase in fluency regardless of baseline stuttering severity. In the scanner, participants stuttered most when they spoke alone, and least when they synchronised with a live talker. There was no reduction in STG activity in the Speak Alone condition, when participants stuttered most. There was also strong activity in STG in response to the two synchronised speech conditions, when participants stuttered least, suggesting that either stuttering does not result from over-reliance on feedback, or that the STG activation seen here does not reflect speech feedback monitoring. We discuss this result with reference to neural responses seen in the typical population.
Naturalistic spatiotemporal stimulus modulation during epiretinal stimulation increases the persistence of retinal ganglion cell responsivity
Authors: Chenais Naïg Aurélia Ludmilla , Leccardi Marta Jole Ildelfonsa Airaghi , Ghezzi Diego 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveRetinal stimulation in blind patients evokes the sensation of discrete points of light called phosphenes, which allows them performing visual guided tasks, such as orientation, navigation, object recognition, object manipulation and reading. However, the clinical benefit of artificial vision in profoundly blind patients is still tenuous, as several engineering and biophysical obstacles keep it away from natural perception. The relative preservation of the inner retinal neurons in hereditary degenerative retinal diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa, supports artificial vision through the network-mediated stimulation of retinal ganglion cells. However, the response of retinal ganglion cells to repeated electrical stimulation rapidly declines, primarily because of the intrinsic desensitisation of their excitatory network. In patients, upon repetitive stimulation, phosphenes fade out in less than half of a second, which drastically limits the understanding of the percept.ApproachA more naturalistic stimulation strategy, based on spatiotemporal modulation of electric pulses, could overcome the desensitisation of retinal ganglion cells. To investigate this hypothesis, we performed network-mediated epiretinal stimulations paired to electrophysiological recordings in retinas explanted from both male and female retinal degeneration 10 mice.Main resultsThe results showed that the spatial and temporal modulation of the network-mediated epiretinal stimulation prolonged the responsivity of retinal ganglion cells from 400 ms up to 4.2 s.SignificanceA time-varied, non-stationary and interrupted stimulation of the retinal network, mimicking involuntary microsaccades, might reduce the fading of the visual percept and improve the clinical efficacy of retinal implants.