bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associated factors of poor treatment outcomes in patients with giant cell arteritis: clinical implication of large vessel lesions
Authors: Sugihara Takahiko , Hasegawa Hitoshi , Uchida Haruhito A , Yoshifuji Hajime , Watanabe Yoshiko , Amiya Eisuke , Maejima Yasuhiro , Konishi Masanori , Murakawa Yohko , Ogawa Noriyoshi , Furuta Shunsuke , Katsumata Yasuhiro , Komagata Yoshinori , Naniwa Taio , Okazaki Takahiro , Tanaka Yoshiya , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Nakaoka Yoshikazu , Arimura Yoshihiro , Harigai Masayoshi , Isobe Mitsuaki 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background

Relapses frequently occur in giant cell arteritis (GCA) patients treated with conventional immunosuppressive therapy, and identification of associated factors with poor treatment outcomes is relevant to adjust treatment appropriately.

Methods

We enrolled 139 newly-diagnosed GCA patients treated with glucocorticoids between 2007 and 2014 in a retrospective, multi-center registry. Patients were diagnosed with temporal artery biopsy, 1990 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria, or large-vessel lesions (LVLs) detected by imaging based on the modified classification criteria. Poor treatment outcomes (non-achievement of clinical remission by week 24 or relapse during 52 weeks) were evaluated. Clinical remission was defined as absence of clinical signs and symptoms in cranial and large-vessel areas, polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), and elevation of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. A patient was determined to have relapse if he/she had either one of the signs and symptoms that newly appeared or worsened after achieving clinical remission. Re-elevation of CRP without clinical manifestations was considered as relapse if other causes such as infection were excluded and the treatment was intensified. Associated factors with poor treatment outcomes were analyzed by using the Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

Cranial lesions, PMR, and LVLs were detected in 77.7%, 41.7%, and 52.5% of the enrolled patients, respectively. Treatment outcomes were evaluated in 119 newly-diagnosed patients who were observed for more than 24 weeks. The mean initial dose of prednisolone was 0.76 mg/kg/day, and 29.4% received any concomitant immunosuppressive drugs at baseline. Overall, 41 (34.5%) of the 119 patients had poor treatment outcomes; 13 did not achieve clinical remission by week 24, and 28 had relapse after achieving clinical remission. Cumulative rates of the events of poor treatment outcomes in patients with and without LVLs were 47.5% and 17.7%, respectively. A multivariable model showed the presence of LVLs at baseline was significantly associated with poor treatment outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 3.54, 95% CI 1.52-8.24, p=0.003). Cranial lesions and PMR did not increase the risk of poor treatment outcomes.

Conclusion

Initial treatment intensity in treatment algorithm of GCA could be determined based upon the presence or absence of LVLs detected by imaging at baseline.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of heterocyclic 1,2,4-Triazole scaffolds as promising pharmacological agents
Authors: Kumari Mukesh , Tahlan Sumit , Narasimhan Balasubramanian , Ramasamy Kalavathy , Lim Siong Meng , Shah Syed Adnan Ali , Mani Vasudevan , Kakkar Saloni 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Triazole is an important heterocyclic moiety that occupies a unique position in heterocyclic chemistry, due to its large number of biological activities. It exists in two isomeric forms i.e. 1,2,4-triazole and 1,2,3-triazole and used as core molecule for the design and synthesis of many medicinal compounds. 1,2,4-Triazole possess broad spectrum of therapeutically interesting drug candidates such as analgesic, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti urease , anti-inflammatory, diuretics, anticancer, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic, antimigrain agents.
Methods: The structure of all synthesized compounds were characterized by physicochemical properties and spectral means (IR and NMR). The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive ( B. subtilis ), Gram-negative ( P. aeruginosa and E. coli ) bacterial and fungal ( C. albicans and A. niger ) strains by tube dilution method using ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin and fluconazole as standards. In-vitro antioxidant and anti- urease screening was done by DPPH assay and indophenol method, respectively. The in-vitro anticancer evaluation was carried out against MCF-7 and HCT116 cancer cell lines using 5-FU and cisplatin as standards.
Results, discussion and conclusion: The biological screening results reveal that the compounds T 5 (MIC BS, EC = 24.7µM, MIC PA, CA = 12.3 µM) and T 17 (MIC AN = 27.1µM) exhibited potent antimicrobial activity as comparable to standards ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin (MIC Cipro = 18.1µM, MIC Amo = 17.1µM) and fluconazole (MIC Flu = 20.4µM), respectively. The antioxidant evaluation showed that compounds T 2 (IC 50 = 34.83 µg/ml) and T 3 (IC 50 = 34.38 µg/ml) showed significant antioxidant activity and comparable to ascorbic acid (IC 50 = 35.44 µg/ml). Compounds T 3 (IC 50 = 54.01µg/ml) was the most potent urease inhibitor amongst the synthesized compounds and compared to standard thiourea (IC 50 = 54.25 µg/ml). The most potent anticancer activity showed by compounds T 2 (IC 50 = 3.84 μM) and T 7 (IC 50 = 3.25 μM) against HCT 116 cell lines as compared to standard 5-FU (IC 50 = 25.36 μM).
Prevalence of Zika virus neutralizing antibodies in healthy adults in Vietnam during and after the Zika virus epidemic season: a longitudinal population-based survey
Authors: Nguyen Co Thach , Moi Meng Ling , Le Thi Quynh Mai , Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy , Vu Thi Bich Hau , Nguyen Hai Tuan , Pham Thi Thu Hang , Le Thi Hien Thu , Nguyen Le Manh Hung , Ly Minh Huong Phu , Ng Chris Fook Sheng , Takemura Taichiro , Morita Kouichi , Hasebe Futoshi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background : Between 2016 and 2019, 265 cases of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection were reported in Vietnam, predominantly in southern Vietnam. In 2016, a case of ZIKV-associated microcephaly was confirmed in the Central Highlands, and several members of the infant’s family were confirmed to be infected with ZIKV. The study aims to determine the level of immunity to ZIKV in the general population of the ZIKV epidemic region. Methods: A total of 879 serum samples were collected from 801 participants between January 2017 and July 2018, during and after the ZIKV epidemic in Vietnam. The samples were tested for anti-ZIKV immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG), and anti-dengue virus (DENV) IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Plaque-reduction neutralization test (PRNT) for ZIKV was performed on all samples, and for DENV on the samples that ZIKV neutralizing antibody positive. Results: A total of 83 (10.3%) participants had anti-ZIKV IgM. Of the 83, 6 were confirmed to be ZIKV antibodies positive using PRNT and anti-ZIKV IgG ELISA. Of the 718 participants who were anti-ZIKV IgM negative, a further 3 cases were confirmed as positive for antibodies against ZIKV. Of the 9 participants with ZIKV infection, 5 lived in the same village as the infant with ZIKV-associated microcephaly and the other 4 lived in 2 neighboring communes. Repeat samples were collected from the 83 ZIKV IgM positive participants 1.5 years after the first collection. No new cases of ZIKV infection were detected. In addition, 2 of 3 participants with anti-ZIKV NS1 IgG demonstrated a 4- to 8-fold increase in ZIKV neutralizing antibody titer. Conclusions: ZIKV was present in the area around Krong Buk, with the rate of ZIKV-specific antibodies was 1.1% in the community since at least 2016. While the low levels of circulation together with low seroprevalence suggests a limited outbreak in the region, the results also reflect on low levels of protective immunity to Zika within the population. These results provide a better understanding of the current ZIKV epidemic status in the region and demonstrate a need for implementation of more effective ZIKV infection control measures.
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in people with psychiatric disorders: an umbrella review protocol
Authors: Lindekilde Nanna , Scheuer Stine , Rutters Femke , Henriksen Jan Erik , Rubin Katrine Hass , Lasgaard Mathias , Andersen Gregers Stig , Pouwer Frans 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Many epidemiological studies have investigated the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in individuals with a psychiatric disorder. In an umbrella review, we aim to systematically summarize existing systematic reviews examining the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in people with a psychiatric disorder. When information is available in the identified systematic reviews, comparisons with control groups without a psychiatric disorder will be made. Furthermore, we aim to assess the quality of the included systematic reviews. Methods: The umbrella review will be based on a comprehensive systematic search of systematic reviews of observational (cross-sectional or longitudinal) studies investigating the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in people with a psychiatric disorder. Four electronic databases (Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) will be searched. Retrieved papers will be screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers. Furthermore, the reference lists of all included publications will be screened. Data will be extracted by using an a priori developed data extraction form and two independent reviewers will assess the risk of bias in the included systematic reviews using with the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS) tool. A narrative data-synthesis and a subsequent meta-analysis based on the primary studies will be made. Discussion: For each psychiatric disorder, the data regarding the prevalence of type 2 diabetes will be summarized and discussed. When possible, comparisons with control groups will be reported and discussed. Finally, future implications and recommendations for clinical care will be presented. Systematic review registration: (registration number) Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, Psychiatric disorder, Prevalence, Umbrella review, Systematic review
The use of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (DSM 9843) in cancer patients receiving home enteral nutrition – study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Karolina Kaźmierczak-Siedlecka , Folwarski Marcin , Skonieczna-Żydecka Karolina , Ruszkowski Jakub , Makarewicz Wojciech 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Nutritional treatment is one of the most important components of multidisciplinary anti-cancer therapy. Home enteral nutrition is considered as a safe procedure, however, it may be associated with the risk of side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. It is uncertain whether diarrhoea is the result of the enteral formula administration or gut dysbiosis. One of the methods which may be used to alter the composition of gut microbiota is the administration of a probiotic strain. Lactobacillus plantarum 299v ingestion was found to diminish the adverse events of irritable bowel syndrome and Clostridium difficile infection - entities that share the symptoms with enteral nutrition side effects. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to determine the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v on nutritional status of cancer patients receiving home enteral nutrition. The secondary aims are to evaluate the role of this probiotic strain in the improvement of enteral nutrition tolerance and patients’ quality of life. Methods Forty patients with cancer receiving home enteral nutrition will be enrolled in this clinical trial and randomized to receive one capsule of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Sanprobi IBS®) twice a day or placebo for 12 weeks in a double-blind manner. Laboratory tests (the level of albumin, total protein, transferrin, and total lymphocyte count), anthropometric parameters (body mass, the content of fat mass, muscle mass, and total body water), Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS 2002), enteral nutrition tolerance as well as quality of life will be measured. Measurements will be obtained at the baseline and after 4 and 12 weeks of treatment. Discussion The adverse events observed during administration of enteral nutrition have an negative impact on enteral formula tolerance and as a consequence patients’ quality of life. The previous studies have demonstrated that probiotics may reduce the gastrointestinal symptoms related to enteral nutrition. Thus, administration of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v may be effective in improvement of nutritional status, enteral nutrition tolerance, and quality of life of cancer patients receiving home enteral nutrition. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03940768
Energy-dense nutrient-poor snacks and risk of non-alcoholic fattyliver disease: a case-control study in Iran
Authors: yari zahra , Cheraghpour Makan , Aghamohammadi Vahideh , Alipour Meysam , Ghanei Nila , Hekmatdoost Azita 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine the association between energy-dense nutrient-poor snacks intake and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Iranian adults. For this purpose, a total of 143 cases with a newly confirmed diagnosis of NAFLD and 471 controls free of the disease were studied. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire.Results: The percentage of calories from total energy-dense nutrient-poor snacks was 6.08% and 5.04%, in patients and controls, respectively (p=0.036). Compared with subjects in the lowest quartile of total energy-dense nutrient-poor snacks intake, the risk of NAFLD for those in the top quartile of consumption increased by about two times, in both crude (OR:1.94; 95% CIs: 1.16-3.26; P for trend=0.015) and adjusted (OR:2.27; 95%CIs: 1.19-4.31; P for trend=0.001) models. The relative odds of NAFLD increased significantly in the fourth quartile of dietary cake and biscuit (OR: 1.21, P for trend=0.037) and soft drinks (OR: 1.64, P for trend=0.005) intake compared with the lowest corresponding quartiles, after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol, energy intake. Our results indicate that there might be a moderate positive association between energy-dense nutrient-poor snacks intake and risk of NAFLD.
Subacute reconstruction using flap transfer for complex defects of the upper extremity
Authors: Kang Yongqiang , Pan Xiaoyun , Wu Yongwei , Ma Yunhong , Liu Jun , Rui Yongjun 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Despite advances in microsurgical techniques of flap transfer, complex upper extremity trauma reconstruction remains a challenge for surgeons. This study aimed to present the outcomes in using flaps in the subacute reconstruction of complex upper extremity injuries. Methods From July 2013 to December 2016, 35 patients ranging in age from 23 to 69 years with complicated upper extremity traumatic injuries were treated using flap reconstruction in subacute period. The number and causes of injury were 12 machine crush injuries, 18 machine strangulation injuries, two chainsaw accidents, two traffic accidents and one incident of heavy bruising. Thirty-five patients underwent flap procedures, including 24 anterolateral thigh flaps (68.57%), five latissimus dorsi flaps (14.29%) and six lateral arm flaps (17.14%). Flap sizes ranged from 3 × 4 to 42 × 16 cm 2 . The mean time of flap reconstruction was 14 days (range 5–29). During postoperative follow-up, flap appearance, sensory recovery, scarring and satisfaction were assessed. Results The overall flap survival rate was 94.3%.Two flaps developed partial necrosis, both of which were later treated with skin-grafting. Traumatic wound infections occurred in three patients. All upper limb injuries wrere completely covered. The follow-up periods ranged from 18 to 62 months with average of 2.9 months. All skin flap textures were soft with varying degrees of pigmentation. Flap sensory recovery was S 1 in three cases, S 2 in eight cases, S 3 in 15 cases, and S 4 in nine cases. There were no donor site complications other than three cases with scar hyperplasia. Conclusions The severe upper limb soft tissue defects still achieved satisfactory function and appearance with negligible complications and low amputation rates during the subacute period.
Smoking is associated with pneumonia development in lung cancer patients
Authors: Heo Jung Won , Yeo Chang Dong , Park Chan Kwon , Kim Sung Kyoung , Kim Ju Sang , Kim Jin Woo , Kim Seung Joon , Lee Sang Haak , Kang Hye Seon 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Various host factors can promote pneumonia susceptibility of lung cancer patients. However, data about risk factors for pneumonia in lung cancer patients receiving active treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical intervention are limited. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for pneumonia development in lung cancer patients. Methods: The present study used a lung cancer cohort of the Catholic Medical Center at the Catholic University of Korea from January 2015 to December 2018. Pneumonia was defined by the presence of a new or progressive infiltration on chest imaging together with any of the following: new onset purulent sputum, change in character of chronic sputum, and fever. We ruled out noninfectious infiltration such as drug or radiation toxicity and hydrostatic pulmonary edema. We especially excluded those if computed tomography revealed sharp demarcation consolidation or ground glass opacity limited radiation field. Results: A total of 413 patients were enrolled in this study. Pneumonia occurred in 118 (28.6%) patients. The pneumonia group had significantly worse overall survival (OS) than the non -pneumonia group (456.7 ± 35.0 days vs. 813.4 ± 36.1 days, log rank p < 0.001). In patients with pneumonia, OS was shorter in ex-smokers and current smokers than in never smokers (592.0 ± 101.0 days vs. 737.0 ± 102.8 days vs. 1357.0 days, log rank p < 0.001). Age (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.046; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.019­–1.074; p = 0.001), clinical stage IV (HR: 1.759; 95% CI: 1.004–3.083; p = 0.048), neutropenia (HR: 2.620; 95% CI: 1.562–4.396; p < 0.001], and smoking (HR: 2.040; 95% CI: 1.100–3.784; p = 0.024) were independent risk factors of pneumonia development in lung cancer patients in multivariate analysis. In subgroup analysis for patients treated with chemotherapy, age (HR: 1.043; 95% CI: 1.012–1.074; p = 0.006), neutropenia (HR: 3.199; 95% CI: 1.826–5.605; p < 0.001), and smoking (HR: 2.125; 95% CI: 1.071–4.216; p = 0.031) were independent risk factors of pneumonia development. Conclusions: Smoking and neutropenia were risk factors affecting pneumonia development in the total group and subgroup of patients with lung cancer.
The Diagnostic Value of the Short Physical Performance Battery for Sarcopenia
Authors: Phu Steven , Kirk Ben , Hassan Ebrahim Bani , Vogrin Sara , Zanker Jesse , Bernardo Solange , Duque Gustavo 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is defined as the age-related loss of muscle mass, strength and physical performance. The original European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older Persons (EWGSOP1) definition, and its revision (EWGSOP2), provide new cut-points and alternate measures for sarcopenia diagnosis. However, sarcopenia is rarely diagnosed in clinical settings owing to its labour-intensive screening process. Given the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is a quick, easily administrable and objective measure of muscle strength and physical performance, both of which are key components of sarcopenia, this study examined the diagnostic value of the SPPB for this muscle disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of 294 community-dwelling older persons (≥65 years) was conducted. Appendicular lean body mass [(ALM) divided by height squared (ALM/h 2 )], muscle strength (handgrip/sit to stand), and physical performance [gait speed, timed up and go (TUG) and SPPB] were assessed using validated procedures, while participants were diagnosed with sarcopenia following the EWGSOP1 and EWGSOP2 criteria. Diagnostic ability of the SPPB independently and combined with ALM/h 2 for sarcopenia was determined using area under the curve (AUC). Potential cut-points were identified, and sensitivity and specificity calculated. RESULTS: Prevalence of sarcopenia ranged from 4 to 16% depending on the definition. The SPPB demonstrated moderate (AUC = 0.644-0.770) value in diagnosing sarcopenia, and a cut-point of ≤8points in SPPB performance resulted in high sensitivity (82-100%) but low specificity (36-41%) for diagnosing those with severe sarcopenia. CONCLUSIONS: The SPPB displayed acceptable value in diagnosing older adults with severe sarcopenia. Moreover, the high sensitivity of the SPPB when using the cut-point of ≤8 suggests it may be a favourable screening tool for sarcopenia in clinical settings where ALM measurements are not available.
DICOM segmentation and STL creation for 3D Printing: A Process and Software Package Comparison for Osseous Anatomy
Authors: KAMIO Takashi , SUZUKI Madoka , ASAUMI Rieko , KAWAI Taisuke 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Extracting and three-dimensional (3D) printing an organ in a region of interest in DICOM images typically calls for segmentation in support of 3D printing as a first step. The DICOM images are not exported to STL data immediately, segmentation masks are exported to STL models. After primary and secondary processing, including noise removal and hole correction, the STL data can be 3D printed. The quality of the 3D model is directly related to the quality of the STL data. This study focuses and reports on DICOM to STL segmentation performance for nine software packages.Methods: Multi-detector row CT scanning was performed on a dry human mandible with two 10-mm-diameter bearing balls as a phantom. The DICOM images file was then segmented and exported to a STL file using nine different commercial/open-source software packages. Once the STL models were created, the data (file) properties and the size and volume of each were measured and differences across the software packages were noted. Additionally, to evaluate differences between the shapes of the STL models by software package, each pair of STL models was superimposed, with observed differences between their shapes characterized as shape error. Results: The data (file) size of the STL file and the number of triangles that constitute each STL model were different across all software packages, there was no statistically significant difference were found across software packages. The created ball STL model expanded in the X-, Y-, and Z-axis directions, with the length in the Z-axis direction (body axis direction) being slightly longer than other directions. There were no significant differences in shape error across software packages for the mandible STL model. Conclusions: The different characteristics of each software package were noticeable, such as different effects in the thin cortical bone area, likely due to the partial volume effect, which may reflect differences in image binarization algorithms. Although the shape of the STL model differs slightly depending on the software, our results indicate that shape error in 3D printing for clinical use in the operation of osseous structures.