bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing Granulomatous–Lymphocytic Interstitial Lung Disease in Common Variable Immunodeficiency Disorders: e-GLILDnet International Clinicians Survey
Authors: van de Ven Annick A. J. M. , Alfaro Tiago M. , Robinson Alexandra , Baumann Ulrich , Bergeron Anne , Burns Siobhan O. , Condliffe Alison M. , Fevang Børre , Gennery Andrew R. , Haerynck Filomeen , Jacob Joseph , Jolles Stephen , Malphettes Marion , Meignin Véronique , Milota Tomas , van Montfrans Joris , Prasse Antje , Quinti Isabella , Renzoni Elisabetta , Stolz Daiana , Warnatz Klaus , Hurst John R. 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundGranulomatous–lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD) is a rare, potentially severe pulmonary complication of common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVID). Informative clinical trials and consensus on management are lacking.AimsThe European GLILD network (e-GLILDnet) aims to describe how GLILD is currently managed in clinical practice and to determine the main uncertainties and unmet needs regarding diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.MethodsThe e-GLILDnet collaborators developed and conducted an online survey facilitated by the European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) between February–April 2020. Results were analyzed using SPSS.ResultsOne hundred and sixty-one responses from adult and pediatric pulmonologists and immunologists from 47 countries were analyzed. Respondents treated a median of 27 (interquartile range, IQR 82–maximum 500) CVID patients, of which a median of 5 (IQR 8–max 200) had GLILD. Most respondents experienced difficulties in establishing the diagnosis of GLILD and only 31 (19%) had access to a standardized protocol. There was little uniformity in diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. Fewer than 40% of respondents saw a definite need for biopsy in all cases or performed bronchoalveolar lavage for diagnostics. Sixty-six percent used glucocorticosteroids for remission-induction and 47% for maintenance therapy; azathioprine, rituximab and mycophenolate mofetil were the most frequently prescribed steroid-sparing agents. Pulmonary function tests were the preferred modality for monitoring patients during follow-up.ConclusionsThese data demonstrate an urgent need for clinical studies to provide more evidence for an international consensus regarding management of GLILD. These studies will need to address optimal procedures for definite diagnosis and a better understanding of the pathogenesis of GLILD in order to provide individualized treatment options. Non-availability of well-established standardized protocols risks endangering patients.
Association Between Vitamin D and Novel SARS-CoV-2 Respiratory Dysfunction – A Scoping Review of Current Evidence and Its Implication for COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Santaolalla Aida , Beckmann Kerri , Kibaru Joyce , Josephs Debra , Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Irshad Sheeba 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivesTo assess the association between vitamin D deficiency and increased morbidity/mortality with COVID-19 respiratory dysfunction.DesignScoping review.Data SourcesOvid MEDLINE (1946 to 24 of April 2020) and PubMed (2020 to 17 of September 2020).Eligibility Criteria for Selecting StudiesA search using the search terms: [(cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol or vitamin D2 or vitamin D3 or vitamin D or 25OHD) and (SARS-CoV-2 or coronavirus or COVID or betacoronavirus or MERS-CoV or SARS-CoV or respiratory infection or acute respiratory distress syndrome or ARDS)]m.p. was conducted on the 24/04/2020 (Search A) and 17/09/2020 (Search B).Results91 studies were identified as being concerned with Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI)/Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and vitamin D, and 25 publications specifically explored the role of vitamin D deficiency in the development and progression of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 related ARDS. Search “A” identified three main themes of indirect evidence supporting such an association. Consistent epidemiological evidence exists linking low vitamin D levels to increased risk and severity of respiratory tract infections. We also report on plausible biological processes supporting such an association; and present weaker evidence supporting the benefit of vitamin D supplementation in reducing the risk and severity of ARIs. Uncertainty remains about what constitutes an appropriate dosing regimen in relation to reducing risk/severity of ARI/ARDS. More recent evidence (Search B) provided new insights into some direct links between vitamin D and COVID-19; with a number of cohort and ecological studies supporting an association with PCR-positivity for SARS-CoV-2 and vitamin D deficiency. The exact efficacy of the vitamin D supplementation for prevention of, or as an adjunct treatment for COVID-19 remains to be determined; but a number of randomized control trials (RCTs) currently underway are actively investigating these potential benefits.ConclusionOur rapid review of literature supports the need for observational studies with COVID-19 infected populations to measure and assess vitamin D levels in relation to risk/severity and outcomes; alongside RCTs designed to evaluate the efficacy of supplementation both in preventive and therapeutic contexts. The overlap in the vitamin D associated biological pathways with the dysregulation reported to drive COVID-19 outcomes warrants further investigation.
Protocol for a Case-Control Study to Investigate the Association of Pellagra With Isoniazid Exposure During Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment Scale-Up in Malawi
Authors: Nabity Scott A. , Mponda Kelvin , Gutreuter Steve , Surie Diya , Williams Anne , Sharma Andrea J. , Schnaubelt Elizabeth R. , Marshall Rebekah E. , Kirking Hannah L. , Zimba Suzgo B. , Sunguti Joram L. , Chisuwo Laphiod , Chiwaula Mabvuto J. , Gregory Jesse F. , da Silva Robin , Odo Michael , Jahn Andreas , Kalua Thokozani , Nyirenda Rose , Girma Belaineh , Mpunga James , Buono Nicole , Maida Alice , Kim Evelyn J. , Gunde Laurence J. , Mekonnen Tigest F. , Auld Andrew F. , Muula Adamson S. , Oeltmann John E. 
Published: November 2020

Background:Pellagra is caused by niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency and manifested by a distinctive dermatitis. Isoniazid is critical for treating tuberculosis globally and is a component of most regimens to prevent tuberculosis. Isoniazid may contribute to pellagra by disrupting intracellular niacin synthesis. In 2017, Malawian clinicians recognized a high incidence of pellagra-like rashes after scale-up of isoniazid preventive treatment (IPT) to people living with HIV (PLHIV). This increase in pellagra incidence among PLHIV coincided with a seasonal period of sustained food insecurity in the region, which obscured epidemiological interpretations. Although isoniazid has been implicated as a secondary cause of pellagra for decades, no hypothesis-driven epidemiological study has assessed this relationship in a population exposed to isoniazid. We developed this case-control protocol to assess the association between large-scale isoniazid distribution and pellagra in Malawi.Methods:We measure the relative odds of having pellagra among isoniazid-exposed people compared to those without exposure while controlling for other pellagra risk factors. Secondary aims include measuring time from isoniazid initiation to onset of dermatitis, comparing niacin metabolites 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MN), and l-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide (2-PYR) in urine as a proxy for total body niacin status among subpopulations, and describing clinical outcomes after 30-days multi-B vitamin (containing 300 mg nicotinamide daily) therapy and isoniazid cessation (if exposed). We aim to enroll 197 participants with pellagra and 788 age- and sex-matched controls (1:4 ratio) presenting at three dermatology clinics. Four randomly selected community clinics within 3–25 km of designated dermatology clinics will refer persons with pellagra-like symptoms to one of the study enrollment sites for diagnosis. Trained study dermatologists will conduct a detailed exposure questionnaire and perform anthropometric measurements. A subset of enrollees will provide a casual urine specimen for niacin metabolites quantification and/or point-of-care isoniazid detection to confirm whether participants recently ingested isoniazid. We will use conditional logistic regression, matching age and sex, to estimate odds ratios for the primary study aim.Discussion:The results of this study will inform the programmatic scale-up of isoniazid-containing regimens to prevent tuberculosis.
The Economic Burden of Clostridioides difficile in Denmark: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Braae Uffe Christian , Møller Frederik Trier , Ibsen Rikke , Ethelberg Steen , Kjellberg Jakob , Mølbak Kåre 
Published: November 2020

Objectives: The aim of this study was to make a comprehensive economic assessment of the costs of hospital-acquired C. difficile infections (CDI).Methods: We carried out a retrospective matched cohort study utilizing Danish registry data with national coverage to identify CDI cases and matched reference patients without CDI (controls) for economic burden assessment in Denmark covering 2011–2014. Health care costs and public transfer costs were obtained from national registries, and calculated for 1 year prior to, and 2 years after index admission using descriptive statistics and regression analysis.Results: The study included 12,768 CDI patients and 23,272 matched controls. The total health care cost was significantly larger for CDI cases than controls throughout all periods. During the index admission period, cost was €12,867 per CDI case compared to €4,522 (p &lt; 0.001) for controls, which increased to an average of €31,388 and €19,512 (p &lt; 0.001) in Year 1 for the two groups, respectively. Excess costs were found both among infections with onset in hospitals and in the community. Diagnosis compatible with complications increased costs to on average &gt;€91,000 per case. The regression analysis showed that CDI adds a substantial economic burden, but only explains about 1/3 of the crude difference observed in the matched analysis.Discussion: The major economic impact of hospital-acquired CDI with complications underlines the importance of preventing complications in these patients. Our study provides an informed estimate of the potential economic gain per patient by successful intervention, which is likely to be relatively comparable across countries.
Developing a Hernia Mesh Tissue Integration Index Using a Porcine Model—A Pilot Study
Authors: Patiniott Paul , Stagg Brendan , Karatassas Alex , Maddern Guy 
Published: November 2020

Introduction: With so many prosthetics available, it can be difficult for surgeons to choose the most appropriate hernia mesh. Successful hernia repair mandates an understanding of how the patient's inflammatory response influences surgical outcomes. Failure to appreciate the importance of the biological aspect of hernia repair can be very costly as emerging evidence supports that biofilm formation and reduction in effective mesh porosity gives rise to long-term mesh complications including fibrosis, chronic mesh infection, and pain. In this pilot study, we utilized a large animal (porcine) model to develop a numerical Mesh Tissue Integration (MTI) Index focused on visible tissue ingrowth, fibrosis, adhesion formation and resorption of mesh. The aim is to help surgeons adopt an evidence-based approach in selecting the most appropriate mesh according to its tissue ingrowth characteristics, matched to the patient to achieve improved surgical outcomes and optimal patient-centered care.Methods: Two forty kg female Landrace pigs were recruited for this pilot study. A total of eight commonly used hernia mesh products and two controls measuring 5 × 5cm were surgically implanted in subrectus and intraperitoneal planes. The pigs were euthanised at 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. The abdominal wall was explanted, and the mesh specimens underwent macroscopic, histologic and biomechanical analysis, with engineering and pathology teams blinded to the mesh.Results: Significant differences between the degrees of MTI were observed at 2 weeks and the distinctions were even more apparent at 4 weeks. One of the interesting incidental findings we observed is that mesh products placed in the subrectus plane displayed greater degrees of adhesion strength and integration than those placed intraperitoneally.Conclusion: This pilot study is one of the first to propose a functional, biological standardized model for comparing hernia mesh products. The results are encouraging and demonstrate that this is a robust and transferrable model for assessing MTI in hernia mesh. The intention for this model is that it will be utilized synergistically with long term mesh/patient outcome registries and databases to inform improved matching of mesh to patient, particularly in the setting of the complex hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction.
Glomerular Filtration Function Decline, Mortality, and Cardiovascular Events: Data from the Strong Heart Study
Authors: Suchy-Dicey Astrid M. , Zhang Ying , McPherson Sterling , Tuttle Katherine R. , Howard Barbara V. , Umans Jason , Buchwald Dedra S. 
Published: November 2020

Background
Rapid kidney decline is associated with mortality and cardiovascular disease, even in the absence of CKD. American Indians (AI) have particularly high burden of kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. This study aims to examine extreme loss in glomerular function in this population in association with clinical outcomes.

Methods
The Strong Heart Study, a large longitudinal cohort of adult AI participants, collected plasma creatinine at three examination visits between 1989 and 1999. Intraindividual regressions of eGFR provided linear estimates of the change in kidney function over this time. Surveillance with physician adjudication identified mortality and cardiovascular events between visit three through to 2017.

Results
Mean change in eGFR was loss 6.8 ml/min over the 10-year baseline (range: −66.0 to +28.9 ml/min). The top 1 percentile lost approximately 5.7 ml/min per year. Participants with extreme eGFR loss were more likely to have diabetes (95% versus 71%), hypertension (49% versus 33%), or longer smoking history, among smokers (19 pack-years versus 17 pack-years). CKD (eGFR <60 ml/min) was associated only with mortality, independent of slope: HR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0 to 1.3. However, extreme loss in eGFR (>20 ml/min over baseline period) was associated with mortality, independent of baseline eGFR: HR, 3.5; 95% CI, 2.7 to 4.4, and independently associated with composite CVD events and CHF: HR, 1.4 and 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.9 and 1.2 to 2.6, respectively.

Conclusions
This is the first examination of decline in eGFR in association with mortality and CVD among AIs. The implications of these findings are broad: clinical evaluation may benefit from evaluating change in eGFR over time in addition to dichotomous eGFR. Also, these findings suggest there may be aspects of renal function that are not well marked by clinical CKD, but which may have particular relevance to long-term renal and vascular health.
Theoretical study of spreading resistance using anisotropic conductivity parameters for graphene: a comparative study against conventional isotropic conductors
Authors: Seki Kazuhiko , Kubo Toshitaka , Ye Nan , Shimizu Tetsuo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Graphene can lower spreading resistance owing to its anisotropic electrical resistivity. Although graphene is beneficial for collecting in-plane spreading currents, its low out-of-plane conductivity is a disadvantage. We theoretically study the spreading resistance of single- and multi-layer graphene films coated over a metal substrate. The effect of layer thickness and substrate conductivity on the spreading resistance of graphene is interpreted using electric field and equipotential lines. The results are compared to those obtained using conventional isotropic conducting films. We discuss the scenarios where graphene-coated layers are more beneficial than those coated using conventional materials. We also discuss the sensitivity in detecting the layer thickness of graphene by measuring spreading resistance.
Using Platforms and Platform Law to Overcome Risks Caused by Digitalization Processes
Authors: Altoukhov A. V. , Kashkin S. Yu. , Kuz’mina M. V. 
Published: November 2020

Fundamental changes within a country and at the global level can have contradictory consequences for society. The more areas are affected by changes and the deeper these changes are, the more significant the necessary innovations can be. Considering the scale of digitalization and application of artificial intelligence technologies based on it, it can be concluded that we are dealing with an unprecedented phenomenon that needs to be thoroughly assessed by different experts.Aim. The presented study aims to assess risks associated with the implementation of platform solutions without appropriate legislative initiatives, which, in turn, should facilitate the creation of the platform law institution. Today, legal science assesses risks associated with the legislative regulation of processes and creates conditions for safe and productive interaction with new mechanisms.Tasks. The authors examine current legislation to create conditions for protecting the rights and legitimate interests of legal entities in their interaction with cutting-edge digital solutions and for analyzing the possibility of full-scale application of digital platforms on this basis; estimate the legal risks of applying digital innovations under current conditions.Results. Analytical work has shown that platform solutions are a new technological unit that cannot be fully regulated by existing legal norms due to its technological features. The lack of personalized legal regulation of platforms not only infringes the rights of citizens providing various public and other services using digital technologies, but also creates conditions for the aggravation of the crime situation and the development of new types of crime.Conclusions. The main risks of mass digitalization are considered. The technological features of innovations make it necessary to develop a branch of law that would regulate public relations during interaction with platform solutions and other information technologies. The authors propose a new complex mechanism of legal regulation — platform law, which will make using platforms completely safe and efficient in all sectors of society.
Letter of Editor
Authors: Office Editorial 
Published: November 2020

In the Universe, time is tirelessly moving into the Future. Each new unit of time is a witness of the birth of new ideas, current events, modern lives. Our consciousness determines their significance.
Today's vitality of the Planet Earth is determined by our friendship, tolerance, compassion, positive emotions, and enjoyment of each other's successes.
Our personal space (each of us!) includes natural resources, information networking, individuals' consciousness, perception of the world, different points of view, correct and incorrect decisions, and actions. We all challenge kindness in Eternity, regardless of everyone's beliefs and religions. We are looking for the aspiration and holidays of a SOUL.
We all coming to the Great Holliday Season. And the whole world is waiting for the Miracle of Hope to come on a New Year. We wish you and your family a Happy Holidays! We hope that your New Year will be filled with Peace, new ideas, and success!
These days, the Editors of the «Journal of Internal Medicine Science and Art,» a new journal born in the tough 2020, are fully confident in this journal project's viability and success, its effectiveness in the professional informational space of medical professionals, and experts.
We are opened to new scientific and clinical research discussions and ideas. We, under no circumstances, will put up with informational deprivation. We are pleased with your desire to share research findings, new ideas, discuss results and cases with the international medical community to benefit our patients.
We welcome international cooperation in the critical fields of Global Human Health using our journal's pages. We are open to effective partnerships with authors, experts, reviewers, and medical practitioners to advance medical knowledge.
We appreciate everyone who contributed to our success this year. It has been an honor and a pleasure working with you! We are thankful for your professionalism, science, and educational support; that was a real pleasure working with you. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!
As the year ends, we think our relationship will continue in 2021: we are looking forward to contributing to the future medical field's success.
Our sincerest warm greetings, and all good wishes to you; let your days be filled with happiness, success, and prosperity in the coming NEW Year!
"Every end is a new beginning."
Temozolamide como Adyuvancia en Glioblastoma - ¿por cuánto tiempo?
Authors: Villegas-Mejía Carlos Raúl , Villegas Jaramillo Manuel , Villegas Jaramillo Pedro 
Published: November 2020

Introducción: el glioblastoma multiforme se considera altamente letal, donde la duración óptima de quimioterapia adyuvante con base en temozolamide no ha sido definida.
Objetivo: evaluar la sobrevida según la duración de quimioterapia adyuvante basada en el esquema estándar de plataforma Stupp.
Material y métodos: análisis de cohorte retrospectiva de 299 tumores del sistema nervioso central de alto grado, valorados en Oncólogos del Occidente enfocado sólo a glioblastoma multiforme según variables clínicas, terapéuticas y de resultados.
Resultados: ciento noventa y tres pacientes con glioblastoma, 84 (44%) recibieron manejo estándar tipo plataforma Stupp; edad media 54 años; hombres 55%; tamaño tumoral medio 28.79 mm2; hemisferio derecho 48%; 21% cruzaban línea media; 33% presentaron convulsiones y 42% déficit neurológico; 55% Karnofsky menor a 70% y 66% clasificación RPA IV; 77% recibieron radioterapia con 60.00 Gys o mayor; 19% presentaron complicaciones; resección parcial 79% y 12% total; 77% recayeron; al cierre 57% se encontraban vivos, sobrevida global de 26% y media de 26 meses con diferencia de 31 meses para adyuvancia en <o> a 6 meses y 30 meses en adyuvancia <o> a 12 meses sin alcanzar mediana en los grupos <o> de 18 y 24 meses favoreciendo en todos al grupo de mayor tiempo.
Conclusión: se demuestra aumento claro en la sobrevida con el empleo de temozolamide adyuvante por periodos mayores a seis meses y una tendencia a mejores resultados mientras mayor sea el tiempo de adyuvancia.
Temporal bisection is influenced by ensemble statistics of the stimulus set
Authors: Zhu Xiuna , Baykan Cemre , Müller Hermann J. , Shi Zhuanghua 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAlthough humans are well capable of precise time measurement, their duration judgments are nevertheless susceptible to temporal context. Previous research on temporal bisection has shown that duration comparisons are influenced by both stimulus spacing and ensemble statistics. However, theories proposed to account for bisection performance lack a plausible justification of how the effects of stimulus spacing and ensemble statistics are actually combined in temporal judgments. To explain the various contextual effects in temporal bisection, we develop a unifiedensemble-distribution account(EDA), which assumes that the mean and variance of the duration set serve as a reference, rather than the short and long standards, in duration comparison. To validate this account, we conducted three experiments that varied the stimulus spacing (Experiment 1), the frequency of the probed durations (Experiment 2), and the variability of the probed durations (Experiment 3). The results revealed significant shifts of the bisection point in Experiments 1 and 2, and a change of the sensitivity of temporal judgments in Experiment 3—which were all well predicted by EDA. In fact, comparison of EDA to the extant prior accounts showed that using ensemble statistics can parsimoniously explain various stimulus set-related factors (e.g., spacing, frequency, variance) that influence temporal judgments.