bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validity and reliability of the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score with C‐reactive protein (ASDAS‐CRP) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in Singapore
Authors: Kwan Yu Heng , Tan Jun Jie , Phang Jie Kie , Fong Warren , Lim Ka Keat , Koh Hwee Ling , Lui Nai Lee , Tan Chuen Seng , Østbye Truls , Thumboo Julian , Leung Ying Ying 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score with C‐reactive protein (ASDAS‐CRP) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) are commonly used instruments for measuring disease activity. However, few studies have assessed their psychometric properties in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). We aimed to assess the validity and reliability of ASDAS‐CRP and BASDAI in patients with axSpA in Singapore.MethodsCross‐sectional data from 280 patients with axSpA from a dedicated axSpA clinic in a Singapore tertiary referral hospital from 2011 to 2019 were used. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was assessed through 12 a priori hypotheses by correlation of overall ASDAS‐CRP and BASDAI score with other patient‐reported outcomes measures (PROMs). Structural validity was evaluated via confirmatory factor analysis using maximum‐likelihood method, where Comparative Fit Index (CFI) >0.95, Tucker‐Lewis Index (TLI) >0.95, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) <0.06 and Standardized Root Mean Residuals (SRMR) <0.08 were indicative of good fit.ResultsAmong 280 patients (78.2% Male; 92.5% Chinese), ASDAS‐CRP showed poor internal consistency of 0.33, while BASDAI showed high internal consistency of 0.87. Convergent and divergent construct validity were demonstrated by fulfillment of 11 out of 12 a priori hypotheses when ASDAS‐CRP and BASDAI were compared with other PROMs. Our proposed ASDAS‐CRP and BASDAI model showed good fit for a 1‐factor structure respectively (CFI = 0.993, TLI = 0.984, RMSEA = 0.036, SRMR = 0.026 for ASDAS‐CRP; CFI = 0.993, TLI = 0.985, RMSEA = 0.057, SRMR = 0.022 for BASDAI), demonstrating structural validity.ConclusionThis study supports the use of both ASDAS‐CRP and BASDAI in measuring disease activity in patients with axSpA in Singapore.
Interannual population dynamics of the green spruce aphid Elatobium abietinum (Walker) in France
Authors: Lemperiere Guy , Day Keith R. , Petit‐Berghem Yves , Robinet Nicolas , Portier Pérrine , Leather Simon R. , Marage Damien 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe hypothesis that similar processes govern interannual dynamics of green spruce aphid in the UK and France, is generally supported by the application of a general discrete model. A simple model based on relatively few parameters was able to closely characterise interannual population dynamics from completely independent aerial and arboreal samples of aphids. Long‐term field population estimates of the green spruce aphid Elatobium abietinum (Walker) in France have provided the opportunity to select and evaluate the generality of a model, which was developed in the UK to explain the year‐to‐year variations in peak abundance of the aphid. The objective was to observe the influence of the local climates and disturbing climate factors on the population densities of the insect in two regions of France. The model uses climate variables and aphid population data from regular samples in the two regions that were investigated. A general discrete model was used to predict aphid population densities. The model performed well in tracking the interannual patterns of population but was less likely to predict absolute population density. To improve predictions, further account would need to be taken of additional site‐specific climate variables and the strength of overcompensating density dependence. Nevertheless, it is clear that broadly similar processes are at work in the population dynamics of this insect across its biogeographical range.
Cost analysis comparison between peripherally inserted central catheters and implanted chest ports in patients with cancer—A health economic evaluation of the PICCPORT trial
Authors: Taxbro Knut , Hammarskjöld Fredrik , Juhlin David , Hagman Helga , Bernfort Lars , Berg Sören 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundA reliable central venous access device is a cornerstone in the treatment of cancer. Both peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) and totally implanted chest ports (PORT) are commonly used for the delivery of chemotherapy. Both types of catheter can cause adverse events such as catheter‐related deep venous thrombosis (CR‐DVT), infection and mechanical complications.MethodWe conducted a randomized controlled trial including 399 patients with cancer and performed a health economic evaluation investigating the cost related to PICCs and PORTs using several clinically relevant dimensions from a healthcare perspective. The cost was determined using process and cost estimate models.ResultPICCs are associated with a higher total cost when compared with PORTs. Combining the costs of all categories, the prize per inserted device was 824.58 EUR for PICC and 662.34 EUR for PORT. When adjusting for total catheter dwell time the price was 6.58 EUR/day for PICC and 3.01 EUR/day for PORT. The difference in CR‐DVT was the main contributor to the difference in cost. The daily cost of PICC is approximately twice to that of PORT.ConclusionWe have demonstrated that the cost from a healthcare perspective is higher in cancer patients receiving a PICC than to those with a PORT. The difference is driven mainly by the cost related to the management of adverse events. Our findings are relevant to anaesthetists, oncologists and vascular access clinicians and should be considered when choosing vascular access device prior to chemotherapy.
Clinical impact of data feedback at lung cancer multidisciplinary team meetings: A mixed methods study
Authors: Stone Emily , Rankin Nicole M. , Vinod Shalini K. , Nagarajah Mohan , Donnelly Candice , Currow David C. , Fong Kwun M. , Phillips Jane L. , Shaw Tim 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimMultidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings can facilitate optimal lung cancer care, yet details of structured data collection and feedback remain sparse. This study aimed to investigate data collection and the impact of feedback to lung cancer MDTs.MethodsA mixed‐methods study using pre and post‐test surveys, semistructured interviews, and observation to evaluate data collection and response to modeled data feedback in three Australian lung cancer MDTs at different locations and development stage (site A: outer metropolitan, established; site B, outer metropolitan, new; and site C, inner metropolitan, established).ResultsMDT attendees (range 13‐25) discussed 5‐8 cases per meeting. All sites collected data prospectively (80% prepopulated) into local oncology medical information systems. The pretest survey had 17 respondents in total (88% clinicians). At sites A and C, 100% of respondents noted regular data audits, occasional at site B. Regular audit data included number of cases, stage, final diagnosis, and time to diagnosis and treatment. The post‐test survey had 25 respondents in total, all clinicians. The majority (88‐96%) of respondents found modeled data easy to interpret, relevant to clinical practice and the MDT, and welcomed future regular data presentations (as rated on a 5‐point Likert scale mean weighted average 4.5 where > 4 demonstrates agreement). Semistructured interviews identified five major themes for MDTs: current practice, attitudes, enablers, barriers, and benefits for the MDT.ConclusionsMDT teams exhibited positive responses to modeled data feedback. Key characteristics of MDT data were identified and may assist with future team research and development.
The value of blood biomarkers of progression and prognosis in ALK‐positive patients with non–small cell lung cancer treated with crizotinib
Authors: Yang Yaning , Xu Haiyan , Yang Guangjian , Yang Lu , Li Junling , Wang Yan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimValuable and convenient prognostic predictors are essential for targeted therapy of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with early‐stage cancer and EGFR mutations who's neutrophils‐to‐lymphocytes rate (NLR) could be prognostic factor to evaluate efficacy. However, the prognostic role of NLR in patients receiving ALK inhibitors has not been established. Additionally, the relation between the efficacy of ALK inhibitors and derived NLR (dNLR), platelets‐to‐lymphocytes rate (PLR), white blood cells (WBC) and hemoglobin (HGB) are still unknown.MethodsThis is a retrospective single‐center study and enrolled 113 staged IIIB–IV ALK‐positive NSCLC patients who had received crizotinib treatment. Pretreatment NLR, dNLR, PLR, WBC, HGB were collected and calculated. Cox regression analysis were conducted to study the prognostic roles of NLR, dNLR, PLR, WBC, and HGB on progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Z‐test was utilized to identify the difference among all predictive factors’ receiver‐operating characteristics (ROC) curves.ResultsThe median PFS and OS were 10.1 and 23.4 months. Elevated NLR, dNLR, PLR and decreased HGB were associated with worse PFS (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.078–2.304, P = 0.018; 95% CI, 1.043–2.222, P = 0.028; 95% CI, 1.257–2.757, P = 0.002; 95% CI, 0.368–0.843, P = 0.005, respectively) and OS (95% CI, 1.698–5.721, P < 0.001; 95% CI, 1.273–3.984, P = 0.005; 95% CI, 2.174–6.347, P < 0.001; 95% CI, 0.246–0.710, P = 0.001, respectively). Z‐test revealed there were no significant differences between single factors or combination of them to predict the efficacy.ConclusionsTrend of NLR, dNLR, PLR and WBC could be used to identify patients progress status in ALK‐positive NSCLC patients receiving crizotinib. Combination of all biomarkers is no superior to single biomarker.
Minimally invasive major hepatectomies: a Southeast Asian single institution contemporary experience with its first 120 consecutive cases
Authors: Goh Brian K. P. , Lee Ser‐Yee , Koh Ye‐Xin , Kam Juinn‐Huar , Chan Chung‐Yip 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe role of minimally invasive major hepatectomy (MIMH) remains controversial and questions remain about its safety and reproducibility outside expert centres. This study examines the changing trends, safety and outcomes associated with the adoption of MIMH based on a contemporary single institution experience.MethodsThis study is a review of 120 consecutive patients who underwent MIMH between 2011 and 2018. To determine the evolution of MIMH, the study population was stratified into four equal groups of patients. Both conventional major hepatectomies (CMHs) (≥3 segments) and technical major hepatectomies (right anterior and posterior sectionectomies) were included.ResultsThere were 70 CMHs and 50 technical major hepatectomies. Seven MIMHs were laparoscopic‐assisted and 113 (94.2%) were totally laparoscopic/robotic. There were 10 (8.3%) open conversions. Comparison across the four groups demonstrated that with increasing experience, there was a significant trend in a higher proportion of higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score patients, increasing frequency of CMH performed, increasing frequency of multifocal tumours resected, decreasing use of laparoscopic‐assisted approach and decrease in blood loss.ConclusionMIMH can be adopted safely today with a low open conversion rate. Over time with increasing experience, we performed MIMH with increasing frequency in higher risk patients and in patients with multifocal tumours but with a decrease in median estimated blood loss.
Antimicrobial use and stewardship practices on Australian beef feedlots
Authors: Badger SM , Sullivan KF , Jordan D , Caraguel CGB , Page SW , Cusack PMV , Frith D , Trott DJ 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveImproving antimicrobial stewardship in the livestock sector requires an understanding of the motivations for antimicrobial use and the quantities consumed. However,detailed information on antimicrobial use in livestock sectors is lacking. This cross‐sectional study aimed to better understand antimicrobial use in the beef feedlot sector in Australia.DesignA self‐administered questionnaire asking about antimicrobial use and reasons for use was designed and mailed to beef feedlot operators in Australia. Respondents were asked to report the percentage of animals treated, purpose of use, and disease conditions targeted for 26antimicrobial agents.ResultsIn total, 83 of 517 (16.1%) beef feedlot operators completed the survey. Monensin (61.0%of respondents) and virginiamycin (19.5%of respondents) were the most commonly reported in‐feed antimicrobials. In‐feed antimicrobial agents were most frequently used by respondents for treatment of gastrointestinal diseases (52.8%). Antimicrobials were used for growth promotion by 42.1% of respondents, with most (85.7%) reporting the use of ionophores(a group of compounds not used in human medicine). Short‐acting penicillin(69.1%), short‐acting oxytetracycline, and tulathromycin (both 57.3%) werethe most common injectable antimicrobial agents used. Injectable antimicrobials were most frequently used to treat respiratory (72.3%) and musculoskeletal (67.5%) conditions.ConclusionOverall,the use of antimicrobials was appropriate for the purpose indicated, and there was a strong preference for drugs of low‐importance in human medicine. The data described here stand to be a strong influence on the implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program in the sector.
Comorbidities and sex differences in causes of death among mantle cell lymphoma patients – A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Glimelius Ingrid , Smedby Karin E. , Eloranta Sandra , Jerkeman Mats , Weibull Caroline E. 
Published: November 2019

SummaryThe prognosis for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) remains poor. Our aim was to assess the impact of comorbidities on survival and causes of death. For 1,385 MCL patients (1,009 males, 376 females) diagnosed in 2000–2014 (median age 71 years, range 22–96) comorbidities ≤ 10 years of diagnosis were classified according to the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI; 0, 1, 2+). Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to compare lymphoma‐specific and all‐cause mortality rates. Model‐based predictions were used to obtain probabilities of death. Overall, 44% had any comorbidity (CCI 1+) and 28% severe comorbidity (CCI 2+). Over a median follow‐up of 3·7 years (range 0–16), 633 (46%) died, the majority (76%) from lymphoma. Severe comorbidity was independently associated with higher all‐cause [hazard ratio (HR) = 1·52; 95% CI: 1·24–1·85) and lymphoma‐specific mortality (HR = 1·31; 95% CI: 1·04–1·65). Particularly among patients with connective tissue, renal and psychiatric diseases, and dementia. Among females with any comorbidity, non‐lymphoma deaths represented a larger proportion of all deaths, compared to males with any comorbidity. In general, more efficient lymphoma treatments need to be considered also for patients with severe comorbidity. However, among females with any comorbidity, the likelihood of non‐lymphoma death was still considerable, perhaps favouring a more liberal use of a “wait and watch” approach.
The brain‐penetrating, orally bioavailable, ghrelin receptor agonist HM01 ameliorates motion‐induced emesis in Suncus murinus (house musk shrew)
Authors: Tu Longlong , Lu Zengbing , Ngan Man P. , Lam Francis F.Y. , Giuliano Claudio , Lovati Emanuela , Pietra Claudio , Rudd John A. 
Published: November 2019

Background and PurposeHM01, a novel, orally bioavailable, brain‐penetrating agonist of ghrelin receptors, ameliorates emesis in Suncus murinus. This study compared HM01's activity against motion sickness with that of the less brain‐penetrating ghrelin receptor agonist, HM02.Experimental ApproachThe potential of HM01 and HM02 to relax isolated mesenteric arteries and to increase feeding was investigated. Radio telemetry was used to record gastric slow waves and body temperature. Plethysmography was used to measure respiratory function. HM01 and HM02 were administered p.o. 1 hr prior to provocative motion, and c‐Fos expression in brain sections was assessed.Key ResultsHM01 and HM02 both relaxed precontracted arteries, yielding EC50 values of 2.5 ± 0.5 and 3.5 ± 0.4 nM respectively. HM01 increased feeding, but HM02 did not. Both compounds caused hypothermia and bradygastria. Motion induced 123 ± 24 emetic events. HM01, but not HM02, reduced motion‐induced emesis by 67.6%. Motion increased c‐Fos expression in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMNV), medial vestibular nucleus (MVe), central nucleus of the amygdala, and paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVH). HM01 alone increased c‐Fos expression in the area postrema, NTS, DMNV, PVH, and arcuate hypothalamic nucleus; HM02 had a similar pattern except it did not increase c‐Fos in the PVH. Both compounds antagonized the motion‐induced increases in c‐Fos expression in the MVe.Conclusions and ImplicationsHM01 is more effective than HM02 in preventing motion‐induced emesis. The difference in potency may relate to activation of ghrelin receptors in the PVH.
Prevalence of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) predisposition gene mutations among 882 HBOC high‐risk Chinese individuals
Authors: Shao Di , Cheng Shaomin , Guo Fengming , Zhu Changbin , Yuan Yuying , Hu Kunling , Wang Zhe , Meng Xuan , Jin Xin , Xiong Yun , Chai Xianghua , Li Hong , Zhang Yu , Zhang Hongyun , Liu Jihong , Ye Mingzhi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIdentification of deleterious variants in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) susceptibility genes allows for increased clinical surveillance and early detection, and could predict the response to poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor in patients with advanced ovarian carcinomas. To determine the prevalence and clinical prediction factors for HBOC syndrome, 882 selected individuals underwent multigene panel testing for HBOC risk assessment during the period from January 2015 to March 2018. Overall, 176 deleterious mutations were observed in 19.50% (n = 172) of individuals. Twenty‐six of 176 mutations could not be retrieved in related public databases and were considered to be novel. Among patients with ovarian cancer, 115 deleterious mutations were identified in 429 patients (48.6%) with significant enrichment for a family history of breast or ovarian cancer syndrome (P < .05). In the breast cancer subgroup, 31 deleterious mutations were identified in 261 patients. Besides BRCA1 (8; 25.8%) and BRCA2 (11; 35.5%), the most frequently occurring genes, an additional 12 deleterious mutations (38.7%) were found in seven other susceptibility genes. Higher mutation incidence (57.9%) was observed in subjects with histories of breast and ovarian cancer. Our results highlighted the genetic heterogeneity of HBOC and the efficiency of a multigene panel in carrying out risk assessment.
Remission of hypertension after surgical cure of Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Jha Smita , Sinaii Ninet , McGlotten Raven N. , Nieman Lynnette K. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractContextHypertension associated with Cushing's syndrome (CS) increases cardiovascular risk. The time‐course of improvement after cure is unclear.ObjectiveTo describe the time‐course and predictors of blood pressure (BP) normalization during one year after surgical cure of CS.DesignRetrospective chart review of 75 hypertensive adults cured of CS (72 with ACTH‐dependent CS; 3 with adrenal adenoma). Hypertension was defined as current use of antihypertensives, a systolic BP >130 mm Hg, or diastolic BP >80 mm Hg.Main Outcome Measure(s)Remission of hypertension: BP ≤130/80 mm Hg and no antihypertensive medications. Improvement in hypertension: BP >130/80 mm Hg and decreased number or dose of medications, or blood pressure ≤130/80 with continued use of medications at constant dose.ResultsAt postoperative discharge, 17 (23%, P < .001), 51 (68%, P < .001) and 7 (9%) patients had remission, improvement in hypertension or no change. Twenty‐nine had no follow‐up. Others achieved remission at 3 (n = 5), 6 (n = 6), or 12‐months (n = 5). At the last evaluation, 33/75 (44%) had remission, 36/75 (48%) had improved hypertension and 6 were unchanged. Patients with improvement discontinued a median of one medication (P < .001). At 12‐months, 27/42 (64%) patients had normal BP (P < .002). Longer estimated duration of CS (P = .0106), younger age (P = .0022), and lower baseline body mass index (P = .0413) predicted hypertension remission.ConclusionsAbout 80% of CS patients experienced BP normalization or improvement within 10 days of cure, but about half failed to normalize BP by one year. BP should be monitored after cure, and antihypertensive medications adjusted to avoid unwanted cardiovascular effects.
Play enhances visual form perception in infancy–an active training study
Authors: Schröder Elin , Gredebäck Gustaf , Gunnarsson Jessica , Lindskog Marcus 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMotor experiences and active exploration during early childhood may affect individual differences in a wide range of perceptual and cognitive abilities. In the current study, we suggest that active exploration of objects facilitates the ability to process object forms and magnitudes, which in turn impacts the development of numerosity perception. We tested our hypothesis by conducting a preregistered active exploration intervention with 59 8‐month‐old infants. The minimal intervention consisted of actively playing with and exploring blocks once a day for 8 weeks. In order to control for possible training effects on attention, we used book reading as a control condition. Pre‐ and post‐test assessments using eye‐tracking showed that block play improved visual form perception, where infants became better at detecting a deviant shape. Furthermore, using three control tasks, we showed that the intervention specifically improved infants' ability to process visual forms and the effect could not be explained by a domain general improvement in attention or visual perception. We found that the intervention did not improve numerosity perception and suggest that because of the sequential nature of our hypothesis, a longer time frame might be needed to see improvements in this ability. Our findings indicate that if infants are given more opportunities for play and exploration, it will have positive effects on their visual form perception, which in turn could help their understanding of geometrical concepts.