bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Periosteal Flap Augmentation on Outcomes of Modified Broström-Gould Procedure for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability
Authors: Tay Kae Sian , Chew Chee Ping , Lie Denny Tjiauw Tjoen 
Published: July 2020

Background: Chronic lateral ankle instability is relatively common after ankle sprains. The modified Broström-Gould procedure (MBG) is the gold standard operative treatment but has a known failure rate of up to 10%, or even more in high-risk groups. Periosteal flap augmentation (PFA) has been proposed to strengthen the repair. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of MBG with and without PFA. Methods: A matched-pair study was performed based on prospectively collected registry data for all patients undergoing lateral ankle ligament reconstruction in a tertiary institution. Patients who underwent the MBG with PFA were matched in a 1:1 ratio with patients undergoing MBG alone, based on age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Patients with generalized ligamentous laxity or obesity were excluded. Clinical outcome scores were compared preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. A total of 48 patients were included in the study (24 in each group). The mean age was 24.1 years, mean BMI was 23.1, and all patients were male. The baseline demographics and clinical scores in both groups were similar. Results: At 2 years postoperatively, both groups demonstrated significantly improved AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot scores ( P < .001), but there were no between-group differences in total AOFAS scores (PFA score 90, MBG score 88, P = .79). There were no recurrences of instability or revision surgeries. Conclusion: Routine PFA did not improve the outcomes of MBG for chronic lateral ankle instability in the absence of risk factors for failure. Further studies are warranted to determine if there is a long-term benefit for augmentation in this population. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Hyperglycaemia in cystic fibrosis adversely affects BK channel function critical for mucus clearance
Authors: Bengtson Charles D. , Kim Michael D. , Anabtawi Abeer , He Jianghua , Dennis John S. , Miller Sara , Yoshida Makoto , Baumlin Nathalie , Salathe Matthias 
Published: July 2020

Large-conductance, Ca2+-activated, voltage-dependent K+(BK) channel function is critical for adequate airway hydration and mucociliary function. In airway epithelia, BK function is regulated by its γ-subunit, leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 26 (LRRC26). Since patients with cystic fibrosis (CF)-related diabetes mellitus (CFRD) have worse lung function outcomes, this study determined the effects of hyperglycaemia on BK function in CF bronchial epithelial (CFBE) cellsin vitroand evaluated the correlation between glycaemic excursions and mRNA expression ofLRRC26in the upper airways of CF and CFRD patients.CFBE cells were redifferentiated at the air–liquid interface (ALI) in media containing either 5.5 mM or 12.5 mM glucose. BK activity was measured in an Ussing chamber. Airway surface liquid (ASL) volume was estimated by meniscus scanning and inflammatory marker expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CF patients were assessed by 7 days of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).LRRC26mRNA expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR from nasal cells obtained at the end of glucose monitoring.BK currents were significantly decreased in CFBE cells cultured under high glucose. These cells revealed significantly lower ASL volumes and increased inflammation, including the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE), compared to cells cultured in normal glucose.In vivo, nasal cell expression ofLRRC26mRNA was inversely correlated with hyperglycaemic excursions, consistent with thein vitroresults.Our findings demonstrate that hyperglycaemia induces inflammation and impairs BK channel function in CFBE cellsin vitro. These data suggest that declining lung function in CFRD patients may be related to BK channel dysfunction.
Earlier diagnosis of lung cancer in a randomised trial of an autoantibody blood test followed by imaging
Authors: Sullivan Frank M. , Mair Frances S. , Anderson William , Armory Pauline , Briggs Andrew , Chew Cindy , Dorward Alistair , Haughney John , Hogarth Fiona , Kendrick Denise , Littleford Roberta , McConnachie Alex , McCowan Colin , Mcmeekin Nicola , Patel Manish , Rauchhaus Petra , Ritchie Lewis , Robertson Chris , Robertson John , Robles-Zurita Jose , Sarvesvaran Joseph , Sewell Herbert , Sproule Michael , Taylor Thomas , Tello Agnes , Treweek Shaun , Vedhara Kavita , Schembri Stuart ,   The Early Diagnosis of Lung Cancer Scotland (ECLS) Team
Published: July 2020

The EarlyCDT-Lung test is a high specificity blood-based autoantibody biomarker that could contribute to predicting lung cancer risk. Here we report on the results of a phase IV biomarker evaluation of whether using the EarlyCDT-Lung test and any subsequent CT scanning to identify those at high risk of lung cancer reduces the incidence of patients with stage III/IV/Unspecified lung cancer at diagnosis, compared with the standard clinical practice at the time the study began.ECLS was a randomised controlled trial of 12 208 participants at risk of developing lung cancer in Scotland. The intervention arm received the EarlyCDT-Lung test and, if test positive, low-dose CT scanning six-monthly for up to 2 years. EarlyCDT-Lung test negative and control arm participants received standard clinical care. Outcomes were assessed at 2 years post-randomisation using validated data on cancer occurrence, cancer staging, mortality and comorbidities.At 2 years, 127 lung cancers were detected in the study population (1.0%).In the intervention arm, 33/56 (58.9%) lung cancers were diagnosed at stage III/IV compared to 52/71 (73.2%) in the control arm. The hazard ratio for stage III/IV presentation was 0.64 (95% confidence interval 0.41, 0.99). There were non-significant differences in lung cancer and all-cause mortality after 2 years.ECLS compared EarlyCDT-Lung plus CT screening to standard clinical care (symptomatic presentation), and was not designed to assess the incremental contribution of the EarlyCDT-Lung test. The observation of a stage-shift towards earlier-stage lung cancer diagnosis merits further investigations to evaluate whether the EarlyCDT-Lung test adds anything to the emerging standard of LDCT.
Characteristics and outcomes of asthmatic patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who require hospitalisation
Authors: Beurnier Antoine , Jutant Etienne-Marie , Jevnikar Mitja , Boucly Athénaïs , Pichon Jérémie , Preda Mariana , Frank Marie , Laurent Jérémy , Richard Christian , Monnet Xavier , Duranteau Jacques , Harrois Anatole , Chaumais Marie-Camille , Bellin Marie-France , Noël Nicolas , Bulifon Sophie , Jaïs Xavier , Parent Florence , Seferian Andrei , Savale Laurent , Sitbon Olivier , Montani David , Humbert Marc 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundViral respiratory infections are the main causes of asthma exacerbation. The susceptibility of patients with asthma to develop an exacerbation when they present with severe pneumonia due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of asthmatic patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia who required hospitalisation during the spring 2020 outbreak in Paris, France.MethodsA prospective cohort follow-up was carried out from 15 March to 15 April 2020 in Bicêtre Hospital, University Paris-Saclay, France. All hospitalised patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection who reported a history of asthma were included.ResultsAmong 768 hospitalised patients, 37 (4.8%) reported a history of asthma, which had been previously confirmed by a pulmonologist in 85% of cases. These asthmatic patients were mainly female (70%) and nonsmokers (85%), with a median age of 54 years (interquartile range (IQR) 42–67 years). None of them presented with an asthma exacerbation. 22 (59%) had major comorbidities and 31 (84%) had a body mass index ≥25 kg·m−2. The most common comorbidities were obesity (36%), hypertension (27%) and diabetes (19%). All patients had a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia on computed tomography of the chest. Eosinopenia was a typical biological feature with a median count of 0 cells·mm−3(IQR 0–0 cells·mm−3). 11 patients (30%) were admitted into the intensive care unit, with three deaths (8.1%) occurring in the context of comorbidities.ConclusionAsthma patients were not overrepresented among those with severe pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 infection who required hospitalisation. The worst outcomes were observed mainly in patients with major comorbidities.
Use of a whole genome sequencing-based approach forMycobacterium tuberculosissurveillance in Europe in 2017–2019: an ECDC pilot study
Authors: Tagliani Elisa , Anthony Richard , Kohl Thomas A. , de Neeling Albert , Nikolayevskyy Vlad , Ködmön Csaba , Maurer Florian P. , Niemann Stefan , van Soolingen Dick , van der Werf Marieke J. , Cirillo Daniela Maria 
Published: July 2020

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) can be used for molecular typing and characterisation ofMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex (MTBC) strains. We evaluated the systematic use of a WGS-based approach for MTBC surveillance involving all European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries and highlight the challenges and lessons learnt to be considered for the future development of a WGS-based surveillance system.WGS and epidemiological data of patients with rifampicin-resistant (RR) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) were collected from EU/EEA countries between January 2017 and December 2019. WGS-based genetic relatedness analysis was performed using a standardised approach including both core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based calculation of distances on all WGS data that fulfilled minimum quality criteria to ensure data comparability.A total of 2218 RR/MDR-MTBC isolates were collected from 25 countries. Among these, 56 cross-border clusters with increased likelihood of recent transmission (≤5 SNPs distance) comprising 316 RR/MDR-MTBC isolates were identified. The cross-border clusters included between two and 30 resistant isolates from two to six countries, demonstrating different RR/MDR-TB transmission patterns in Western and Eastern EU countries.This pilot study shows that a WGS-based surveillance system is not only feasible but can efficiently elucidate the dynamics of in-country and cross-border RR/MDR-TB transmission across EU/EEA countries. Lessons learnt from this study highlight that the establishment of an EU/EEA centralised WGS-based surveillance system for TB will require strengthening of national integrated systems performing prospective WGS surveillance and the development of clear procedures to facilitate international collaboration for the investigation of cross-border clusters.
Reducing the consumption of personal protective equipment by setting up a multifunctional sampling station in the emergency department to screen for COVID-19 infection in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Po-Ting , Ni Ting-Yuan , Chen Tren-Yi , Su Chih-Pei , Sun Hsiao-Fen , Chen Mu-Kuan , Chou Chu-Chung , Wang Po-Yu , Lin Yan-Ren 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn Taiwan, high-risk patients have been identified and tested for preventing community spread of COVID-19. Most sample collection was performed in emergency departments (EDs). Traditional sample collection requires substantial personal protective equipment (PPE), healthcare professionals, sanitation workers, and isolation space. To solve this problem, we established a multifunctional sample collection station (MSCS) for COVID-19 testing in front of our ED. The station is composed of a thick and clear acrylic board (2 cm), which completely separates the patient and medical personnel. Three pairs of gloves (length, 45 cm) are attached and fixed on the outside wall of the MSCS. The gloves are used to conduct sampling of throat/nasal swabs, sputum, and blood from patients. The gap between the board and the building is only 0.2 cm (sealed with silicone sealant). ED personnel communicate with patients using a small two-way broadcast system. Medical waste is put in specific trashcans installed in the table outside the MSCS. With full physical protection, the personnel conducting the sampling procedure need to wear only their N95 mask and gloves. After we activated the station, our PPE, sampling time, and sanitization resources were considerably conserved during the 4-week observation period. The MSCS obviously saved time and PPE. It elevated the efficiency and capacity of the ED for handling potential community infections of COVID-19.
Alix and Syntenin-1 direct amyloid precursor protein trafficking into extracellular vesicles
Authors: Cone Allaura S. , Hurwitz Stephanie N. , Lee Gloria S. , Yuan Xuegang , Zhou Yi , Li Yan , Meckes David G. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Endosomal trafficking and amyloidogenic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) is believed to play a role in the neurodegeneration observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent evidence has suggested that packaging and secretion of APP and its amyloidogenic cleaved products into small extracellular vesicles (EVs) may facilitate uptake of these neurotoxic factors during disease progression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying trafficking of APP into EVs are poorly understood.

Results
In this study, the mechanism and impact of APP trafficking into extracellular vesicles (EVs) were assessed by a series of inducible gene knockdowns. We demonstrate that vesicle-associated proteins Alix and Syntenin-1 are essential for proper subcellular localization and efficient EV secretion of APP via an endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT)-independent pathway. The neurotoxic C-terminal fragment (CTFβ) of APP is similarly secreted in association with small vesicles. These mechanisms are conserved in terminally differentiated neuron-like cells. Furthermore, knockdown of Alix and Syntenin-1 alters the subcellular localization of APP, sequestering the precursor protein to endoplasmic reticulum and endolysosomal compartments, respectively. Finally, transfer of small EVs containing mutant APP confers an increase in reactive oxygen species production and neurotoxicity to human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical neurons and naïve primary neurons, an effect that is ameliorated by Alix and Syntenin-1 depletion.

Conclusions
Altogether these findings elucidate a novel mechanism for understanding the intracellular trafficking of APP and CTFβ into secreted extracellular vesicles, and the resultant potential impact on neurotoxicity in the context of Alzheimer’s disease amyloidopathy.
Platelet counts are associated with arterial stiffness in Chinese Han population: a longitudinal study
Authors: Liu Kuo , Xu Junfeng , Tao Lixin , Yang Kun , Sun Yang , Guo Xiuhua 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Determining the risk factors for brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) may help to identify people susceptible to diabetic atherosclerosis and could prevent diabetic macrovascular complications in the early stages. We aim to comprehensively investigate risk factors contributing to arterial stiffness in patients with and without diabetes.

Methods
BaPWV was measured in 5651 individuals who attended health check-ups at baseline and follow-up. Lasso regression was used to screen for risk factors. Mixed models and multiple linear regressions were subsequently established to evaluate the effect size of the potential risk factors on baPWV and PWV change rates. All analyses were stratified by diabetes. Mediation analysis was also conducted to demonstrate the mechanisms of arterial stiffness in patients with diabetes.

Results
In lasso regression, postprandial 2-h glucose (P2hG), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and age were associated with baPWV regardless of diabetes. Platelet counts (PLT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and coronary heart disease (CHD) were associated with baPWV in patients with diabetes. In the mixed models, PLT were positively associated with baPWV in patients with diabetes (βplatelet, perSD = 25.80; 18.26–33.33). Elevated PLTs could also significantly increase the PWV change rate in patients with diabetes (βplatelet, perSD = 54.05; 10.00–107.10). In mediation analysis, diabetes had a significant average direct effect on baPWV. The average causal mediation effect (ACME) of PLTs was 1.76, with a range of 0.17 to 3.70.

Conclusions
Elevated PLT counts can increase baPWV in diabetes and are a potential mediator between diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Factors that facilitate recognition and management of domestic violence by primary care physicians in a Chinese context - a mixed methods study in Hong Kong
Authors: Lam Tai Pong , Chan Hoi Yan , Piterman Leon , Wong Mei Wa , Sun Kai Sing , Lam Kwok Fai , Chan Tak Hon , Dan Wu , Tiwari Agnes 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Domestic violence is common in the community. Many of its victims present to primary care physicians (PCPs) but are not being recognized and managed. The barriers, with specific reference to a Chinese cultural context, were investigated earlier. This paper explored the factors which facilitated the process of recognizing and managing suspected cases of domestic violence by PCPs in Hong Kong.

Methods
Four focus group interviews were conducted to explore in-depth the experiences of PCPs in recognition, management and referral of domestic violence cases from which facilitators were identified. The relevant themes were then investigated in a questionnaire survey with 504 PCPs working in public and private sectors.

Results
The focus group participants emphasized mood symptoms as useful indicators for probable abuse and continuity of care was important to unmask issues of domestic violence. The top facilitators perceived by the respondents of the survey included: a trusting doctor-patient relationship (99.8%), good communication skills (99.0%), patients’ unexplained bruises (96.3%), medical history (94.6%), and mood symptoms (94.4%). Further, the survey found that PCPs with longer years of practice, a medical degree obtained from Western countries, and postgraduate training in family counselling or psychological medicine perceived more facilitators in managing domestic violence.

Conclusions
Without a local screening policy and training protocol to manage domestic violence, PCPs regarded their skills in mental healthcare and good relationships with patients as the key facilitators. While training in mental health care helps PCPs manage domestic violence, a specific protocol emphasizing medical-social collaboration is anticipated to facilitate them to take a more proactive and effective stance from screening to management.
The Valued Life Activities Scale (VLAs): linguistic validation, cultural adaptation and psychometric testing in people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in the UK
Authors: Prior Y. , Tennant A. , Tyson S. , Hammond A. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The Valued Life Activities Scale (VLAs) measures difficulty in daily activities and social participation. With various versions involving a different number of items, we have linguistically and culturally adopted the full VLAs (33-items) and psychometrically tested it in adults with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in the United Kingdom.

Methods
Participants with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Chronic Pain/ Fibromyalgia, Chronic Hand/ Upper Limb Conditions, Osteoarthritis, Systemic Lupus, Systemic Sclerosis and Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome were recruited from out-patient clinics in National Health Service Hospitals, General Practice and patient organisations in the UK. Phase1 involved linguistic and cultural adaptation: forward translation to British English; synthesis; expert panel review and cognitive debriefing interviews. In Phase2 participants completed postal questionnaires to assess internal construct validity using (i) Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) (ii) Mokken scaling and (iii) Rasch model.

Results
Responders (n = 1544) had mean age of 59 years (SD13.3) and 77.2% women. A CFA failed to support a total score from the 33-items (Chi Square 3552:df 464: p < 0.0001). Mokken scaling indicated a strong non-parametric association between items. Fit to the Rasch model indicated that the VLAs was characterised by multidimensionality and item misfit, which may have been influenced by clusters of residual item correlations. An item banking approach resolved a 25-item calibrated set whose application could accommodate the ‘does not apply to me’ response option.

Conclusions
The UK version of the VLAs failed to satisfy classical and modern psychometric standards for complete item sets. However, as the scale is not usually applied in complete format, an item bank approach calibrated 25 items with fit to the Rasch model. Suitable Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) software could implement the item set, giving patients the choice of whether an item applies to them, or not.
Prescription patterns and factors influencing the use of Chinese herbal medicine among pregnant women in Taiwan: a population-based retrospective study
Authors: Wen Shu-Hui , Chang Wei-Chuan , Shen Hsuan-Shu , Wu Hsien-Chang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe use of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been widely promoted as a natural and safe way to treat illness during pregnancy. However, prescription patterns and factors influencing its use are largely unknown. Therefore, we conducted a population-based study to address these questions.MethodsPregnant women aged 18–50 years were selected from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database between 2001 to 2011. CHM prescriptions and diagnostic records were collected. Demographic data and pre-existing diseases were compared between CHM users and non-users. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify possible factors influencing the use of CHM during pregnancy.ResultsA total of 81,873 eligible prescription records were identified, and 16,553 pregnant women were prescribed CHM during pregnancy, yielding a CHM prescription rate of 20.2%. The three most frequently used herbs were Scutellariae Radix (Huang Qin) (4.4%), Eucommiae cortex (Du Zhong) (2.5%), and Atractylodes Rhizome (Bai Zhu) (2.4%). The most frequently used herbal formulae were Dang-Guei-Shao-Yao-San (4.1%), Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San (3.5%), and Xiang-Sha-Liu-Jun-Zi-Tang (2.6%). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that subjects with an older age, a university education, a pre-pregnancy history of CHM use, asthma, chronic renal disease, and cardiac valvular disease and living in a residential area other than northern Taiwan had an increase in adjusted odds ratio for CHM use during pregnancy.ConclusionsIn this population-based study, we found that demographic factors and pre-existing diseases were associated with the use of CHM among pregnant women. It is worth noting that Leonuri Herba (Yi Mu Cao) and Shao-Fu-Zhu-Yu-Tang should be used with caution in the first trimester. Further research is needed to explore the safety and effectiveness of the use of CHM in pregnant women.
Rare case of a giant thrombosed left anterior descending coronary artery aneurysm
Authors: Peng Yong , Li Yaxiong , Jiang Yu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) are rare, and giant CAAs are even rarer. The pathophysiology of this phenomenon is still unknown.

Case presentation
Herein, we present the case of a 49-year-old male with a giant aneurysm in the left anterior descending artery.

Conclusions
The optimal treatment for CAAs is debatable, but surgical intervention is preferred for giant CAAs.