bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute appendicitis is associated with appendiceal microbiome changes including elevatedCampylobacter jejunilevels
Authors: Oh Sun Jung , Pimentel Maya , Leite Gabriela G S , Celly Shreya , Villanueva-Millan Maria Jesus , Lacsina Isabela , Chuang Brennan , Parodi Gonzalo , Morales Walter , Weitsman Stacy , Singer-Englar Tahli , Barlow Gillian M , Zhai Jing , Pichestshote Nipaporn , Rezaie Ali , Mathur Ruchi , Pimentel Mark 
Published: June 2020

ObjectivesTo compare the appendiceal microbiomes and examine the prevalence ofCampylobacterspecies in the appendices of adult subjects with confirmed acute non-perforated appendicitis and controls with healthy appendices.DesignArchived samples of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded appendiceal tissues were obtained from 50 consecutive female subjects who underwent appendectomy for acute, non-perforated appendicitis, and 35 consecutive female controls who underwent incidental appendectomy during gynaecological surgery.Results16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the relative abundances (RAs) of the major phyla in appendiceal tissues (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria) were similar in both groups. Beta diversity was significantly different due to differences in Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria (p<0.0001). Within Proteobacteria, RAs of classes Alphaproteobacteria (~21%, fold change (FC)=1.31, false discovery rate (FDR) p value=0.03) and Epsilonproteobacteria (~1%, FC=0.25, FDR p value>0.05) were increased in acute appendicitis samples. RAs of unknown genera from families Burkholderiaceae and Enterobacteriaceae were decreased in appendicitis samples, and 14 genera were increased, includingNeisseria,AcinetobacterandCampylobacter. Quantitative PCR revealed that levels ofCampylobacterjejuniDNA, but not otherCampylobacterspecies or pathogens tested, were significantly higher in appendicitis samples than in controls (p=0.013). Using a cut-off of 0.31 pg/µL, 40% of appendicitis cases and 6% of controls were positive forC. jejuni, indicating specificity of 93.7% (95% Cl 79.2 to 99.2), sensitivity of 40.9% (95% Cl 24.7 to 54.5), and OR of 10.38 (Fisher’s p value=0.0006, 95% Cl 2.3 to 47.4).ConclusionsOur findings indicate thatCampylobacter jejunimay be a significant cause of acute appendicitis. This supports earlier studies and suggests that targeted antibiotic therapies could be an alternative treatment for a subset of non-complicated acute appendicitis cases.
Sociodemographic predictors of early postnatal growth: evidence from a Chilean infancy cohort
Authors: Von Holle Ann , North Kari E , Gahagan Sheila , Burrows Raquel A , Blanco Estela , Lozoff Betsy , Howard Annie Green , Justice Anne , Graff Misa , Voruganti Venkata Saroja 
Published: June 2020

ObjectivesInfant anthropometric growth varies across socioeconomic factors, including maternal education and income, and may serve as an indicator of environmental influences in early life with long-term health consequences. Previous research has identified sociodemographic gradients in growth with a focus on the first year and beyond, but estimates are sparse for growth before 6 months. Thus, our objective was to examine the relationship between sociodemographic factors and infant growth patterns between birth and 5 months of age.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingsLow-income to middle-income neighbourhoods in Santiago, Chile (1991–1996).Participants1412 participants from a randomised iron-deficiency anaemia preventive trial in healthy infants.Main outcome measuresLongitudinal anthropometrics including monthly weight (kg), length (cm) and weight-for-length (WFL) values. For each measure, we estimated three individual-level growth parameters (size, timing and velocity) from SuperImposition by Translation and Rotation models. Size and timing changes represent vertical and horizontal growth curve shifts, respectively, and velocity change represents growth rate shifts. We estimated the linear association between growth parameters and gestational age, maternal age, education and socioeconomic position (SEP).ResultsLower SEP was associated with a slower linear (length) velocity growth parameter (−0.22, 95% CI –0.31 to –0.13)—outcome units are per cent change in velocity from the average growth curve. Lower SEP was associated with later WFL growth timing as demonstrated through the tempo growth parameter for females (0.25, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.42)—outcome units are shifts in days from the average growth curve. We found no evidence of associations between SEP and the weight size, timing or velocity growth rate parameters.ConclusionPrevious research on growth in older infants and children shows associations between lower SEP with slower length velocity. We found evidence supporting this association in the first 5 months of life, which may inform age-specific prevention efforts aimed at infant length growth.
Interventions to promote access to eye care for non-Indigenous, non-dominant ethnic groups in high-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Hamm Lisa Marie , Black Joanna , Burn Helen , Grey Corina , Harwood Matire , Peiris-John Roshini , Gordon Iris , Burton Matthew J , Evans Jennifer R , Ramke Jacqueline 
Published: June 2020

IntroductionFor many people, settling in a new country is associated with a new identity as an ‘ethnic minority’, one that can remain through future generations. People who are culturally distinct from the dominant population group may experience a variety of barriers to accessing healthcare, including linguistic and cultural barriers in communication, navigation of an unfamiliar health system and unconscious or overt discrimination. Here, we outline the protocol of a scoping review to identify, describe and summarise interventions aimed at improving access to eye care for non-Indigenous, non-dominant ethnic groups residing in high-income countries.Methods and analysisWe will search MEDLINE, Embase and Global Health from their inception to July 2019. We will include studies of any design that describe an intervention to promote access to eye care for non-Indigenous, non-dominant ethnic groups. Two authors will independently review titles, abstracts and full-text articles for inclusion. Reference lists from all included articles will also be searched. In cases of disagreement between initial reviewers, a third author will help resolve the conflict. For each included article, we will extract data about the target population, details of the intervention delivered and the effectiveness of or feedback from the intervention. Overall findings will be summarised with descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.Ethics and disseminationThis review will summarise existing literature and as such ethics approval is not required. We will publish the review in an open-access, peer-reviewed journal, and draft appropriate summaries for dissemination to the wider community. This wider community could include clinicians, policymakers, health service managers and organisations that work with non-dominant ethnic groups. Our findings will also feed into the ongoing Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health.
Mortality inequalities by occupational status and type of job in men and women: results from the Rome Longitudinal Study
Authors: Paglione Lorenzo , Angelici Laura , Davoli Marina , Agabiti Nera , Cesaroni Giulia 
Published: June 2020

ObjectivesSocioeconomic inequalities have a strong impact on population health all over the world. Occupational status is a powerful determinant of health in rich societies. We aimed at investigating the association between occupation and mortality in a large metropolitan study.DesignCohort study.SettingRome, capital of Italy.ParticipantsWe used the Rome Longitudinal Study, the administrative cohort of residents in Rome at the 2001 general census, followed until 2015. We selected residents aged 15–65 years at baseline. For each subject, we had information on sex, age and occupation (occupational status and type of job) according to the Italian General Census recognition.Main outcome measuresWe investigated all-cause, cancer, cardiovascular and accidental mortality, major causes of death in the working-age population. We used Cox proportional hazards models to investigate the association between occupation and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in men and women.ResultsWe selected 1 466 726 subjects (52.1% women). 42 715 men and 29 915 women died during the follow-up. In men, 47.8% of deaths were due to cancer, 26.7% to cardiovascular causes and 6.4% to accidents, whereas in women 57.8% of deaths were due to cancer, 19.3% to cardiovascular causes and 3.5% to accidents. We found an association between occupational variables and mortality, more evident in men than in women. Compared with employed, unemployed had a higher risk of mortality for all causes with an HR=1.99 (95% CI 1.92 to 2.06) in men and an HR=1.49 (95% CI 1.39 to 1.60) in women. Compared with high-qualified non-manual workers, non-specialised manual workers had a higher mortality risk (HR=1.68, 95% CI 1.59 to 1.77 and HR=1.30, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.40, for men and women, respectively).ConclusionsThis study shows the importance of occupational variables as social health determinants and provides evidence for policy-makers on the necessity of integrated and preventive policies aimed at improving the safety of the living and the working environment.
Risk of transition from occasional neck/back pain to long-duration activity limiting neck/back pain: a cohort study on the influence of poor work ability and sleep disturbances in the working population in Stockholm County
Authors: Holm Lena W , Bohman Tony , Lekander Mats , Magnusson C , Skillgate Eva 
Published: June 2020

ObjectivesThe prevalence of neck/back pain (NBP) is high worldwide. Limited number of studies have investigated workers with occasional NBP regarding the risk of developing long-duration activity limiting NBP (LNBP). The objectives were to assess (1) the effect of poor work ability and sleep disturbances in persons with occasional NBP on the risk of LNBP, and (2) the interaction effect of these exposures.DesignCohort study based on three subsamples from the Stockholm Public Health Cohort.SettingsThe working population in Stockholm County.ParticipantsPersons aged 18–60 years, reporting occasional NBP the past 6 months at baseline year 2010 (n=16 460).MeasuresWork ability was assessed with items from the Work Ability Index, perceived mental and/or physical work ability. Sleep disturbances were self-reported current mild/severe disturbances. The outcome in year 2014 was reporting NBP the previous 6 months, occurring ≥couple of days per week and resulting in decreased work ability/restricted other daily activities. The additive effect of having both poor work ability and sleep disturbances was modelled with a dummy variable, including both exposures. Poisson log-linear regression was used to calculate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs.ResultsAt follow-up, 9% had developed LNBP. Poor work ability and sleep disturbances were independent risk factors for LNBP; adjusted RR 1.7 (95% CI: 1.4 to 2.0) and 1.4 (95% CI: 1.2 to 1.5), respectively. No additive interaction was observed.ConclusionWorkers with occasional NBP who have poor work ability and/or sleep disturbances are at risk of developing LNBP. Having both conditions does not exceed additive risk.
Maternal cardiovascular disease risk factors as predictors of preterm birth in California: a case–control study
Authors: Rohlfing Anne B. , Nah Gregory , Ryckman Kelli K. , Snyder Brittney D. , Kasarek Deborah , Paynter Randi A. , Feuer Sky K. , Jelliffe-Pawlowski Laura , Parikh Nisha I 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveTo determine whether maternal cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors predict preterm birth.DesignCase control.SettingCalifornia hospitals.Participants868 mothers with linked demographic information and biospecimens who delivered singleton births from July 2009 to December 2010.MethodsLogistic regression analysis was employed to calculate odds ratios for the associations between maternal CVD risk factors before and during pregnancy (including diabetes, hypertensive disorders and cholesterol levels) and preterm birth outcomes.Primary outcomePreterm delivery status.ResultsAdjusting for the other maternal CVD risk factors of interest, all categories of hypertension led to increased odds of preterm birth, with the strongest magnitude observed in the pre-eclampsia group (adjusted OR (aOR), 13.49; 95% CI 6.01 to 30.27 for preterm birth; aOR, 10.62; 95% CI 4.58 to 24.60 for late preterm birth; aOR, 17.98; 95% CI 7.55 to 42.82 for early preterm birth) and chronic hypertension alone for early preterm birth (aOR, 4.58; 95% CI 1.40 to 15.05). Diabetes (types 1 and 2 and gestational) was also associated with threefold increased risk for preterm birth (aOR, 3.06; 95% CI 1.12 to 8.41). A significant and linear dose response was found between total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and aORs for late and early preterm birth, with increasing cholesterol values associated with increased risk (likelihood χ2 differences of 8.422 and 8.019 for total cholesterol for late and early, and 9.169 and 10.896 for LDL for late and early, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic curves using these risk factors to predict late and early preterm birth produced C statistics of 0.601 and 0.686.ConclusionTraditional CVD risk factors are significantly associated with an increased risk of preterm birth; these findings reinforce the clinical importance of integrating obstetric and cardiovascular risk assessment across the healthcare continuum in women.
Association of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and clinical outcomes in patients with lung cancer receiving immunotherapy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jin Jing , Yang Lan , Liu Dan , Li Weimin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo explore the relationship between the pretreatment or post-treatment neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and overall survival (OS)/progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with lung cancer receiving immunotherapy.DesignWe searched several databases to collect relevant studies conducted until July 2019. We carefully reviewed the full text of the included publications and combined the HRs and 95% CIs to assess the association between the NLR and survival time in patients with lung cancer receiving immunotherapy.Data sourcesPubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of ScienceEligibility criteriaStudies reporting the prognostic value of the NLR in patients with lung cancer receiving immunotherapy were enrolled.Data extraction and synthesisBasic information on the articles and patients (NLR cut-off value, NLR at baseline and HRs with 95% CIs for OS and PFS) was extracted by two authors independently. The pooled HRs of OS and PFS were synthesised using the random effects or fixed effects model.ResultsTwenty-three studies with 2068 patients were enrolled. Among all patients, 1305 (64.0%) were men and 643 (31.4%) were diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In a pooled analysis of OS and PFS from all studies, an elevated NLR predicted poor OS (HR=1.62; 95% CI: 1.41 to 1.87; p<0.001) and PFS (HR=1.47; 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.72; p<0.001). Subgroup analyses stratified showed that the post-treatment NLR was not significantly related to OS and that patients in Asia had significantly higher HRs than those in Europe and America. Furthermore, the proportion of SCC and baseline NLR could affect the prognostic value of the NLR.ConclusionsOur study found that an elevated NLR was associated with poor OS and PFS in patients with lung cancer receiving immunotherapy and that several clinical factors might have an impact on the predictive value of the NLR in the survival of patients with lung cancer.
EUPRON: nurses’ practice in interprofessional pharmaceutical care in Europe. A cross-sectional survey in 17 countries
Authors: De Baetselier Elyne , Van Rompaey Bart , Batalha Luis M , Bergqvist Monica , Czarkowska-Paczek Bozena , De Santis Alberto , Dijkstra Nienke E , Fernandes Maria I , Filov Izabela , Grøndahl Vigdis Abrahamsen , Heczkova Jana , Helgesen Ann Karin , Isfort Michael , Jordan Susan , Karnjus Igor , Keeley Sarah , Kolovos Petros , Langer Gero , Lillo-Crespo Manuel , Logan Vera , Malara Alba , Meyer Gabriele , Olah Andras , Padysakova Hana , Prosen Mirko , Pusztai Dorina , Sino Carolien G , Tziaferi Styliani , Ziakova Elena , Dilles Tinne 
Published: June 2020

ObjectivesSafe pharmaceutical care (PC) requires an interprofessional team approach, involving physicians, nurses and pharmacists. Nurses’ roles however, are not always explicit and clear, complicating interprofessional collaboration. The aim of this study is to describe nurses’ practice and interprofessional collaboration in PC, from the viewpoint of nurses, physicians and pharmacists.DesignA cross-sectional survey.SettingThe study was conducted in 17 European countries, each with their own health systems.ParticipantsPharmacists, physicians and nurses with an active role in PC were surveyed.Main outcome measuresNurses’ involvement in PC, experiences of interprofessional collaboration and communication and views on nurses’ competences.ResultsA total of 4888 nurses, 974 physicians and 857 pharmacists from 17 European countries responded. Providing patient education and information (PEI), monitoring medicines adherence (MMA), monitoring adverse/therapeutic effects (ME) and prescribing medicines were considered integral to nursing practice by 78%, 73%, 69% and 15% of nurses, respectively. Most respondents were convinced that quality of PC would be improved by increasing nurses’ involvement in ME (95%), MMA (95%), PEI (91%) and prescribing (53%). Mean scores for the reported quality of collaboration between nurses and physicians, collaboration between nurses and pharmacists and interprofessional communication were respectively <7/10, ≤4/10, <6/10 for all four aspects of PC.ConclusionsME, MMA, PEI and prescribing are part of nurses’ activities, and most healthcare professionals felt their involvement should be extended. Collaboration between nurses and physicians on PC is limited and between nurses and pharmacists even more.
Refractory angina is a growing challenge for palliative medicine: a systematic review of non-invasive interventions
Authors: Murphy Iain , Sivashankar Akshara , Gadoud Amy 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundRefractory angina can have a significant effect on quality of life. Non-invasive interventions have been suggested but there are few guidelines on management. Our aim was to systematically review all studies that reported non-invasive interventions for refractory angina and report on their effectiveness and safety.MethodsWe performed a literature search of six databases and a grey literature search. Treatments considered first line or second line according to the European Society of Cardiology were excluded, as were interventions that had undergone review within the last 3 years. Design, setting and outcomes were extracted and quality was assessed. A narrative synthesis was undertaken, including an analysis of adverse effects.Results4476 studies were screened, 14 studies were included in our analysis. Interventions were specialist multidisciplinary programmes, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), perhexiline, medical optimisation, morphine and intranasal alfentanil. The effects of specialist programmes and perhexiline treatment were mixed. Positive effects were reported with TENS, opioids and medical optimisation, with improvements in symptoms, exercise capacity and quality of life. No major adverse effects were noted in any of the treatments.ConclusionThere are non-invasive treatments for refractory angina that are overlooked by current guidelines. While the quality of these studies varies, positive changes have been reported in symptoms, exercise tolerance and quality of life with few adverse effects. There is a need for further research into these treatments which could be useful within the contexts of cardiology and palliative care.
Parkin, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, enhances airway mitochondrial DNA release and inflammation
Authors: Dimasuay Kris Genelyn , Schaunaman Niccolette , Martin Richard J , Pavelka Nicole , Kolakowski Christena , Gottlieb Roberta A , Holguin Fernando , Chu Hong Wei 
Published: June 2020

IntroductionParkin (Park2), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is critical to maintain mitochondrial function by regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and degradation (mitophagy), but recent evidence suggests the involvement of Parkin in promoting inflammation. In the present study, we determined if Parkin regulates airway mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release and inflammatory responses to type 2 cytokine interleukin (IL)-13 and allergens.MethodsWe measured Parkin mRNA expression in brushed bronchial epithelial cells and mtDNA release in the paired bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from normal subjects and asthmatics. Parkin-deficient primary human tracheobronchial epithelial (HTBE) cells generated using the CRISPR-Cas9 system were stimulated with IL-13. To determine thein vivofunction of Parkin, Parkin knockout (PKO) and wild-type (WT) mice were treated with IL-13 or allergen (house dust mite, HDM) in the presence or absence of mtDNA isolated from normal mouse lungs.ResultsParkin mRNA expression in asthmatic airway epithelium was upregulated, which positively correlated with the levels of released mtDNA in BALF. IL-13-stimulated HTBE cells increased Parkin expression. Moreover, IL-13 induced mtDNA release in Parkin-sufficient, but not in Parkin-deficient HTBE cells. PKO (vs WT) mice attenuated airway mtDNA release and inflammation following IL-13 or HDM treatments. mtDNA amplified airway inflammation in mice treated with IL-13 or HDM. Notably, Parkin also mediated mtDNA-induced exacerbation of airway inflammation.ConclusionOur research findings suggest that Parkin promotes mtDNA release and inflammation in airways, thus improving our understanding of the complex role of Parkin and mitochondrial dysfunction in asthma pathogenesis.
Implementation of a mobile app for trauma education: results from a multicenter study
Authors: Childs Benjamin R , Breslin Mary A. , Nguyen Mai P. , Simske Natasha M. , Whiting Paul S. , Vasireddy Aswinkumar , Vallier Heather A 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundIn an era of shared decision making, patient expectations for education have increased. Ideal resources would offer accurate information, digital delivery and interaction. Mobile applications have potential to fulfill these requirements. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate adoption of a patient education application (app:http://bit.ly/traumaapp) at multiple sites with disparate locations and varied populations.MethodsA trauma patient education application was developed at one trauma center and subsequently released at three new trauma centers. The app contains information regarding treatment and recovery and was customized with provider information for each institution. Each center was provided with promotional materials, and each had strategies to inform providers and patients about the app. Data regarding utilization was collected. Patients were surveyed about usage and recommendations.ResultsOver the 16-month study period, the app was downloaded 844 times (70%) in the metropolitan regions of the study centers. The three new centers had 380, 89 and 31 downloads, while the original center had 93 downloads. 36% of sessions were greater than 2 min, while 41% were less than a few seconds. The percentage of those surveyed who used the app ranged from 14.3% to 44.0% for a weighted average of 36.8% of those having used the app. The mean patient willingness to recommend the app was 3.3 on a 5-point Likert scale. However, the distribution was bimodal: 60% of patients rated the app 4 or 5, while 32% rated it 1 or 2.DiscussionThe adoption of a trauma patient education app was successful at four centers with disparate patient populations. The majority of patients were likely to recommend the app. Variations in implementation strategies resulted in different rates of download. Integration of the app into patient education by providers is associated with more downloads.Level of evidenceLevel III care management.