bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Borrelia miyamotoi in febrile patients and ticks in Alsace, an endemic area for Lyme borreliosis in France
Authors: Boyer Pierre H. , Koetsveld Joris , Zilliox Laurence , Sprong Hein , Talagrand-Reboul Émilie , Hansmann Yves , de Martino Sylvie Josiane , Boulanger Nathalie , Hovius Joppe W. , Jaulhac Benoît 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Borrelia miyamotoi is a relapsing fever Borrelia species transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes ricinus complex. Human disease caused by B. miyamotoi was first described in Russia and later in the USA and Japan. Additionally, five cases of meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised patients and one case in an apparently immunocompetent patient were described.

Methods
We investigated the presence of B. miyamotoi in I. ricinus nymphs and in patients suspected of human granulocytic anaplasmosis, in Alsace (France), an endemic area for I. ricinus ticks and Lyme borreliosis, using direct (PCR) and indirect diagnosis (glycerophosphoryldiester-phosphodiesterase (GlpQ) serology).

Results
Borrelia miyamotoi was found in 2.2% of 4354 ticks collected between 2013 and 2016. None of the 575 blood samples, collected from the patients suspected of HGA, was found positive for B. miyamotoi by PCR. Acute and late sera from 138 of these 575 patients were available. These paired sera were tested for IgM and IgG antibodies against the B. miyamotoi GlpQ antigen. A total of 14 out of 138 patients had at least one positive parameter (i.e. anti-GlpQ IgG and/or IgM). One patient seroconverted for IgG, and three had isolated IgM in the acute serum. These three patients were treated with doxycycline which could have prevented seroconversion. After reviewing clinical data and other biological tests performed, co-exposure among different microorganisms vectored by ticks or serological cross-reactivity could not be ruled out in these different cases. One patient had persistent IgG, which strongly suggests previous exposure to B. miyamotoi.

Conclusions
Humans can be exposed to B. miyamotoi through tick bites in Alsace. We present serological data for possible B. miyamotoi exposure or infection of patients with fever after tick bite. Future studies should determine the incidence, clinical course and burden of this emerging tick-borne disease in other parts of Western Europe.
Characterization of immortalized human islet stromal cells reveals a MSC-like profile with pancreatic features
Authors: Villard Orianne , Armanet Mathieu , Couderc Guilhem , Bony Claire , Moreaux Jerome , Noël Daniele , DeVos John , Klein Bernard , Veyrune Jean-Luc , Wojtusciszyn Anne 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundMesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) represent an interesting tool to improve pancreatic islet transplantation. They have immunomodulatory properties and secrete supportive proteins. However, the functional properties of MSCs vary according to many factors such as donor characteristics, tissue origin, or isolation methods. To counteract this heterogeneity, we aimed to immortalize and characterize adherent cells derived from human pancreatic islets (hISCs), using phenotypic, transcriptomic, and functional analysis.MethodsAdherent cells derived from human islets in culture were infected with a hTERT retrovirus vector and then characterized by microarray hybridization, flow cytometry analysis, and immunofluorescence assays. Osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation as well as PBMC proliferation suppression assays were used to compare the functional abilities of hISCs and MSCs. Extracellular matrix (ECM) gene expression profile analysis was performed using the SAM (Significance Analysis of Microarrays) software, and protein expression was confirmed by western blotting.ResultshISCs kept an unlimited proliferative potential. They exhibited several properties of MSCs such as CD73, CD90, and CD105 expression and differentiation capacity. From a functional point of view, hISCs inhibited the proliferation of activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The transcriptomic profile of hISCs highly clusterized with bone marrow (BM)-MSCs and revealed a differential enrichment of genes involved in the organization of the ECM. Indeed, the expression and secretion profiles of ECM proteins including collagens I, IV, and VI, fibronectin, and laminins, known to be expressed in abundance around and within the islets, were different between hISCs and BM-MSCs.ConclusionWe generated a new human cell line from pancreatic islets, with MSCs properties and retaining some pancreatic specificities related to the production of ECM proteins. hISCs appear as a very promising tool in islet transplantation by their availability (as a source of inexhaustible source of cells) and ability to secrete a supportive “pancreatic” microenvironment.
The evolving role of Fourier-transform mid-infrared spectroscopy in genetic improvement of dairy cattle
Authors: Tiplady K. M. , Lopdell T. J. , Littlejohn M. D. , Garrick D. J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractOver the last 100 years, significant advances have been made in the characterisation of milk composition for dairy cattle improvement programs. Technological progress has enabled a shift from labour intensive, on-farm collection and processing of samples that assess yield and fat levels in milk, to large-scale processing of samples through centralised laboratories, with the scope extended to include quantification of other traits. Fourier-transform mid-infrared (FT-MIR) spectroscopy has had a significant role in the transformation of milk composition phenotyping, with spectral-based predictions of major milk components already being widely used in milk payment and animal evaluation systems globally. Increasingly, there is interest in analysing the individual FT-MIR wavenumbers, and in utilising the FT-MIR data to predict other novel traits of importance to breeding programs. This includes traits related to the nutritional value of milk, the processability of milk into products such as cheese, and traits relevant to animal health and the environment. The ability to successfully incorporate these traits into breeding programs is dependent on the heritability of the FT-MIR predicted traits, and the genetic correlations between the FT-MIR predicted and actual trait values. Linking FT-MIR predicted traits to the underlying mutations responsible for their variation can be difficult because the phenotypic expression of these traits are a function of a diverse range of molecular and biological mechanisms that can obscure their genetic basis. The individual FT-MIR wavenumbers give insights into the chemical composition of milk and provide an additional layer of granularity that may assist with establishing causal links between the genome and observed phenotypes. Additionally, there are other molecular phenotypes such as those related to the metabolome, chromatin accessibility, and RNA editing that could improve our understanding of the underlying biological systems controlling traits of interest. Here we review topics of importance to phenotyping and genetic applications of FT-MIR spectra datasets, and discuss opportunities for consolidating FT-MIR datasets with other genomic and molecular data sources to improve future dairy cattle breeding programs.
Pilot trial of a group cognitive behavioural therapy program for comorbid depression and obesity
Authors: Lores Taryn , Musker Michael , Collins Kathryn , Burke Anne , Perry Seth W. , Wong Ma-Li , Licinio Julio 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Depression and obesity are significant global health concerns that commonly occur together. An integrated group cognitive behavioural therapy program was therefore developed to simultaneously address comorbid depression and obesity.

Methods
Twenty-four participants (63% women, mean age 46 years) who screened positively for depression with a body mass index ≥25 were recruited from a self-referred general population sample. The group therapy program (10 two-hour weekly sessions) was examined in a single-arm, before-after pilot trial, conducted in a behavioural health clinic in Adelaide, Australia. Primary outcomes included survey and assessment-based analyses of depression, anxiety, body image, self-esteem, and weight (kg), assessed at four time-points: baseline, post-intervention, three-months and 12-months post program. Eighteen participants (75%) completed the program and all assessments.

Results
Significant improvements in depression, anxiety, self-esteem and body shape concern scores, several quality of life domains, eating behaviours and total physical activity (among others) – but not weight – were observed over the course of the trial.

Conclusions
Results from this pilot trial suggest that combining interventions for depression and obesity may be useful. Further development of the program, particularly regarding the potential for physical health benefits, and a randomised controlled trial, are warranted.

Trial registration
Trial registration: ANZCTR, ACTRN12617001079336, 13 July 2017. Retrospectively registered after date of the first consent (6 July 2017), but before the date of the first intervention session (20 July 2017).
Cognitive side-effects of electroconvulsive therapy: what are they, how to monitor them and what to tell patients
Authors: Porter Richard J. , Baune Bernhard T. , Morris Grace , Hamilton Amber , Bassett Darryl , Boyce Philip , Hopwood Malcolm J. , Mulder Roger , Parker Gordon , Singh Ajeet B. , Outhred Tim , Das Pritha , Malhi Gin S. 
Published: April 2020

Background
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is recommended in treatment guidelines as an efficacious therapy for treatment-resistant depression. However, it has been associated with loss of autobiographical memory and short-term reduction in new learning.

Aims
To provide clinically useful guidelines to aid clinicians in informing patients regarding the cognitive side-effects of ECT and in monitoring these during a course of ECT, using complex data.

Method
A Committee of clinical and academic experts from Australia and New Zealand met to the discuss the key issues pertaining to ECT and cognitive side-effects. Evidence regarding cognitive side-effects was reviewed, as was the limited evidence regarding how to monitor them. Both issues were supplemented by the clinical experience of the authors.

Results
Meta-analyses suggest that new learning is impaired immediately following ECT but that group mean scores return at least to baseline by 14 days after ECT. Other cognitive functions are generally unaffected. However, the finding of a mean score that is not reduced from baseline cannot be taken to indicate that impairment, particularly of new learning, cannot occur in individuals, particularly those who are at greater risk. Therefore, monitoring is still important. Evidence suggests that ECT does cause deficits in autobiographical memory. The evidence for schedules of testing to monitor cognitive side-effects is currently limited. We therefore make practical recommendations based on clinical experience.

Conclusions
Despite modern ECT techniques, cognitive side-effects remain an important issue, although their nature and degree remains to be clarified fully. In these circumstances it is useful for clinicians to have guidance regarding what to tell patients and how to monitor these side-effects clinically.
A cohort pilot study on therapeutic vaccination of advanced melanoma patients with dendritic cells loaded with multiple peptides or electroporated with mRNA
Authors: Neyns B. , Corthals J. , De Grève J. , De Greef C. , Coulie P. G. , Thielemans K. 
Published: April 2020

18011 Background: Therapeutic vaccination of melanoma patients with tumor specific antigenic peptides has been associated with increased frequency of anti-vaccine CTL precursor frequencies in peripheral blood and objective tumor regression in a low percentage of patients. Methods: We investigated the safety and activity of two autologous dendritic cell-based vaccines in 2 sequential cohorts of advanced melanoma patients. Patients first underwent a leucapheresis. Following enrichment in a semi-closed culture system using Cell Factories (Nunc), adherent cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 1% heat-inactivated autologous plasma, 500U/ml IL-4 and 1000 U/ml GM-CSF for 6 days and cryo-preserved. Upon thawing, DC were pulsed with 8 peptides or electroporated with synthetic mRNA encoding 7 antigens. Dendritic cell vaccines were administered by intradermal and subcutaneous biweekly injections for a total of 6 times (= cycle 1). Thereafter vaccination was repeated every 6w until clinical deterioration or patient refusal. Frequencies of blood anti-vaccine CTL were estimated by in vitro restimulation in limiting dilution conditions followed by detection with tetramer assay. Results: Fifteen patients were recruited (9M/6F; median age was 49 y, range 28–81). Seven HLA-A2 patients were treated with peptide pulsed DC (cohort A) and 7 patients (4 HLA-A2 and 3 HLA-A1) with mRNA electroporated DC (cohort B). One patient was sequentially treated with both vaccines. Five patients in cohort A and 3 patients in cohort B completed the first treatment cycle of 6 bi-weekly vaccinations (cycle 1 is ongoing in 3 patients of cohort B). Toxicity was limited to grade 1 or 2 local skin reactions at the vaccine administration sites in all patients. In cohort B one patient qualified for stable disease and 2 other patients with progressive disease displayed regression of individual metastases. A >10-fold increase in CTL precursor frequency was observed in 2 out of 3 patients of cohort A that have been analyzed at present. Conclusions: Vaccination of melanoma patients with peptide pulsed or mRNA electroporated autologous DC vaccines was found to be feasible and safe. Updated results will be presented at the meeting. [Table: see text]
Phase II study of temozolomide and celecoxib in the treatment of metastatic melanoma
Authors: Hakim R. , Poggi R. , Pantaleo M. , Benedetti G. , Brandi G. , Zannetti G. , Astorino M. , Fanello S. , Dell’arte S. , Biasco G. 
Published: April 2020

18015 Background: There is increasing evidence that the expression of Cyclo-oxygenase 2 correlates with development and progression of malignant melanoma. Celecoxib (C) has demonstrated some kind of activity in monotherapy in melanoma. Temozolomide (T) has consistent activity in melanoma, either as monotherapy or in combination. We designed a phase II study to determine the efficacy and toxicity of the combination of Celecoxib and Temozolomide in advanced melanoma as first line of therapy Methods: From January 2004 to October 2005, 13 patients with metastatic melanoma were enrolled in the study. There were 4 males and 9 females. The median age was 59 years. Patients received Temozolomide 200/mg/mq day po for 5 days every 4 weeks and Celecoxib 400 mg BID for 10 days every 4 weeks. Results: Among 12 evaluable patients there were 4 partial responses (30.8%), no complete response or disease stabilization. Progression occurred in 8 patients (61.5%). The median TTP was 3.14 months and the median survival was 9.06 months. The median number of cycles was 2, only 2 patients completed four cycles of treatment. Most commonly seen toxicities were nausea/vomiting (46%), fatigue (93%), thrombocytopenia (15.3%), leukopenia (7.6%). Two patients discontinued the treatment due to grade 4 thrombocytopenia. Conclusions: The combination of Temozolomide and Celecoxib is safe, manageable and provides clinical benefit, but its activity is not superior to standard therapy. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Tolerability of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin 20 mg/m2 every 2 weeks in the management of solid or hematologic malignancies
Authors: Staddon A. P. , Kilcoyne S. , Latham J. N. , Henry D. H. 
Published: April 2020

18500 Background: Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD, DOXIL) was developed to decrease the cardiotoxicity risk associated with conventional doxorubicin. However, hand-foot syndrome (HFS) and mucositis are more common with PLD 50 mg/m2 every 4 weeks (q4w) than with 20 mg/m2 q3w (all grades: HFS, 37.4% vs 3.4%; mucositis, 37.4% vs 6.8%). A lower dose intensity of PLD 10 mg/m2/wk (40 mg/m2 vs 50 mg/m2 q4w) was reported to have similar efficacy in ovarian cancer but reduced incidence of HFS and mucositis. This study evaluated the tolerability of the lower dose intensity using a 20 mg/m2 q2w regimen in patients (pts) with Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), hematologic tumors, and solid tumors. Methods: This retrospective chart review included pts who received PLD as a component of care at a single community oncology clinic between January 2000 and December 2004. Demographics, PLD dosing, and tolerability were recorded. Data were censored for pts with an initial PLD dose other than 20 mg/m2 q2w. Results: Of the 157 pts given PLD, 79 received an initial dose of 20 mg/m2 q2w. Tumors included 47 KS, 8 hematologic (3 multiple myeloma, 4 lymphoma, 1 leukemia), and 24 solid (8 breast, 5 gynecologic, 3 colorectal, 2 liver, 2 lung, 2 sarcoma, 1 prostate, 1 thyroid). Median cumulative dose was 220 mg/m2 (range, 20–2320 mg/m2); 34 pts (31 KS, 0 hematologic, 3 solid) received >300 mg/m2 and 14 pts (13 KS, 1 solid) received >550 mg/m2. No signs (eg, decreased LVEF) or treatment-related symptoms of cardiotoxicity (eg, shortness of breath) were reported. Incidence of HFS and mucositis are reported in the Table . One HFS and 1 mucositis led to PLD discontinuation. Conclusions: Regardless of tumor type, PLD 20 mg/m2 q2w appears well tolerated. No cardiotoxicity was observed, even at cumulative doses >550 mg/m2. Rates of HFS and mucositis were lower than reported previously with a 50 mg/m2 q4w schedule. Prospective studies in larger populations are warranted to further examine the efficacy of the PLD 20 mg/m2 q2w schedule and dose intensity. [Table: see text] [Table: see text]
Dose and duration of dexamethasone in patients with high grade gliomas (HGG): Relationship to steroid myopathy (SM)
Authors: Blakeley J. O. , Peng T. , Ye X. , Grossman S. A. 
Published: April 2020

18517 Background: Steroids are critical in the management of HGG due to their ability to control peri-tumoral edema. Myopathy is a disabling complication of steroids leading to loss of ambulation and respiratory compromise. We sought to describe the use of steroids in the first 8 months after the diagnosis of HGG and its relationship to SM. Methods: Charts of all adults with HGG diagnosed and treated at Johns Hopkins Hospital from June 2004 to May 2005 were reviewed. Patients who died in less than 8 months were excluded. Starting steroid dose, subsequent documented doses, initial date and dates of change were recorded. Only charts with the phrase “steroid myopathy” were defined as SM positive. Results: Twenty-eight patients met all inclusion criteria. The mean age was 57.2 ± 8.7 years and 19 (67.8%) were males. All patients (100%) received steroids. Dexamethasone was used exclusively. Ninety-three percent of patients received >16mg/day and 36% were on >16mg/day for at least a month. The average daily dose was 15.3 ± 7.1 mg. Mean cumulative dose was 2.8 ± 1.8 grams. The median peak dose was 40mg/day (range 16–120mg/day). Median days on steroids was 224 days (range 5–224 days) from diagnosis and 67.8% of patients were on continuous steroids for 8 months. Eleven (39% [95% CI: 22%-59%]) of the 28 patients were defined as SM. Seven of the 11 (63.6%) SM patients required wheelchairs versus two (11.8%) without SM (p = 0.004). Days on steroid was significantly longer (p = 0.012) in the SM group (214 ± 32 days) versus the non-SM group (155 ± 81days). No strong evidence supported differences between groups in total dose, average daily dose, peak dose or days on high dose steroids. Conclusions: Patients with HGG are exposed to high doses of steroids for long periods. SM was noted in 39% of our patients and most required wheelchairs within 8 months of diagnosis. These figures are likely significant underestimates given the amount of steroids administered and the retrospective nature of this study. Our data confirm prior reports of an association between duration of steroid use and SM. The findings highlight the need to prevent SM using alternate dosing schedules and agents and to develop effective treatment interventions for SM. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Feasibility of a self-administered geriatric assessment tool for older patients with cancer
Authors: Hurria A. , Lichtman S. , Priyadarshi S. , Gardes J. , Zuckerman E. , Hamlin P. , Tew W. , Kelly E. , Abou-Alfa G. K. , Lachs M. 
Published: April 2020

18519 Background: As the population ages, there is an emerging need to develop a geriatric assessment (GA) tool for oncologists to characterize the ‘functional age‘ of older patients in order to tailor treatment, stratify outcomes by factors other than chronological age, and develop interventions to optimize cancer treatment. The GA tool must be easy to administer in order to minimize burden on clinic resources. The goal of this study was to determine the feasibility of administering a brief, comprehensive, self-administered GA tool to older patients before their meeting with the oncologist. Methods: The self-administered GA tool addresses the following domains: functional status, comorbidity, psychological state, nutritional status, and social support. The measures which comprise the tool are brief, reliable, validated, predictive of mortality and morbidity in older patients, and do not require a staff member to administer. Feasibility was assessed by the following parameters: 1) % able to complete the GA tool unassisted; 2) % requiring the assistance of staff members versus non-staff members; 3) overall patient satisfaction; 4) time to complete. Results: 168 (96%) of 175 patients completed the GA tool with a mean age of 76 (range 64–92) with AJCC stages [I (33%), II (17%), III (10%), IV (39%)] across a variety of tumor types. Of the study cohort, 67% were women, 57% were married, and 89% were retired. Median time to complete the GA tool was 13 minutes and mean time was 16 minutes (SD 11, range 3–60). Most completed the GA tool on their own (75%) or received assistance from a friend or family member (20%). Only 4% required assistance from a member of the healthcare team. Patient satisfaction with the GA tool was high: 88% satisfied with the length, 92% reported no difficult questions, and 97% reported no upsetting questions. Based on the assessment scores, the following interventions were offered: referral to a social worker (38%), nutritionist (43%), visiting nurse/home health aide (30%), internist (23%), rehabilitation (13%), ENT (13%), ophthalmology (7%), and psychiatry (5%). Conclusion: This brief, comprehensive, self-administered GA tool is feasible for use in the outpatient oncology setting. Prospective trials are needed to determine the effectiveness of the interventions offered. No significant financial relationships to disclose.