bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of fructooligosaccharide on endothelial function in CKD patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Armani Rachel G , Carvalho Aluizio B , Ramos Christiane I , Hong Valeria , Bortolotto Luiz A , Cassiolato Jose Luiz , Oliveira Natacha F , Cieslarova Zuzana , do Lago Claudimir L , Klassen Aline , Cuppari Lilian , Raj Dominic S , Canziani Maria Eugênia F 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Microbiota-derived uremic toxins have been associated with inflammation that could corroborate with endothelial dysfunction (ED) and increase cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This trial aimed to evaluate the effect of the prebiotic fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on endothelial function and arterial stiffness in nondialysis CKD patients.

Methods
In a double-blind controlled trial, 46 nondiabetic CKD patients were randomized to receive 12 g/day of FOS or placebo (maltodextrin) for 3 months. Total p-cresyl sulfate (PCS) and indoxyl sulfate by high-performance liquid chromatography, urinary trimethylamine N-oxide by mass spectrometry, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum nitric oxide and stroma-derived factor-1 alfa were measured at baseline and at the end of follow-up; endothelial function was assessed through flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and arterial stiffness by pulse wave velocity (PWV).

Results
The mean (± standard deviation) age of the study participants was 57.6 ± 14.4 years, with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 21.3 ± 7.3 mL/min/1.73 m2. During the follow-up, regarding the inflammatory markers and uremic toxins, there was a significant decrease in IL-6 levels (3.4 ± 2.1 pg/mL versus 2.6 ± 1.4 pg/mL; P = 0.04) and a trend toward PCS reduction (55.4 ± 38.1 mg/L versus 43.1 ± 32.4 mg/L, P = 0.07) only in the prebiotic group. Comparing both groups, there was no difference in FMD and PWV. In an exploratory analysis, including a less severe ED group of patients (FMD ≥2.2% at baseline), FMD remained stable in the prebiotic group, while it decreased in the placebo group (group effect P = 0.135; time effect P = 0.012; interaction P = 0.002).

Conclusions
The prebiotic FOS lowered circulating levels of IL-6 in CKD patients and preserved endothelial function only in those with less damaged endothelium. No effect of FOS in arterial stiffness was observed.
Clinical correlates for immune checkpoint therapy: significance for CNS malignancies
Authors: Ratnam Nivedita M , Frederico Stephen C , Gonzalez Javier A , Gilbert Mark R 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the field of cancer immunotherapy. Most commonly, inhibitors of PD-1 and CTLA4 are used having received approval for the treatment of many cancers like melanoma, non-small-cell lung carcinoma, and leukemia. In contrast, to date, clinical studies conducted in patients with CNS malignancies have not demonstrated promising results. However, patients with CNS malignancies have several underlying factors such as treatment with supportive medications like corticosteroids and cancer therapies including radiation and chemotherapy that may negatively impact response to ICIs. Although many clinical trials have been conducted with ICIs, measures that reproducibly and reliably indicate that treatment has evoked an effective immune response have not been fully developed. In this article, we will review the history of ICI therapy and the correlative biology that has been performed in the clinical trials testing these therapies in different cancers. It is our aim to help provide an overview of the assays that may be used to gauge immunologic response. This may be particularly germane for CNS tumors, where there is currently a great need for predictive biomarkers that will allow for the selection of patients with the highest likelihood of responding.
Analysis of the quality of meningioma education resources available on the Internet
Authors: Lim Chloe Ah-Ryung , Ingledew Paris-Ann 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Meningiomas are the most common primary central nervous system tumors and patients face difficulty evaluating resources available online. The purpose of this study is to systematically evaluate the educational resources available for patients seeking meningioma information on the Internet.

Methods
A total of 127 meningioma websites were identified by inputting the term “meningioma” on Google and two meta-search engines. A structured rating tool developed by our research group was applied to top 100 websites to evaluate with respect to accountability, interactivity, readability, and content quality. Responses to general and personal patient questions were evaluated for promptness, accuracy, and completeness. The frequency of various social media account types was analyzed.

Results
Of 100 websites, only 38% disclosed authorship, and 32% cited sources. Sixty-two percent did not state date of creation or modification, and 32% provided last update less than 2 years ago. Websites most often discussed the definition (99%), symptoms (97%), and treatment (96%). Prevention (8%) and prognosis (47%) were most often not covered. Only 3% of websites demonstrated recommended reading level for general population. Of 84 websites contacted, 42 responded, 32 within 1 day.

Conclusions
Meningioma information is readily available online, but quality varies. Sites often lack markers for accountability, and content may be difficult to comprehend. Information on specific topics are often not available for patients. Physicians can direct meningioma patients to appropriate reliable online resources depicted in this study. Furthermore, future web developers can address the current gaps to design reliable online resources.
An association between chronic widespread pain and the gut microbiome
Authors: Freidin Maxim B , Stalteri Maria A , Wells Philippa M , Lachance Genevieve , Baleanu Andrei-Florin , Bowyer Ruth C E , Kurilshikov Alexander , Zhernakova Alexandra , Steves Claire J , Williams Frances M K 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain (CWP) is a characteristic symptom of fibromyalgia, which has been shown to be associated with an altered gut microbiome. Microbiome studies to date have not examined the milder CWP phenotype specifically nor have they explored the role of raised BMI. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the microbiome is abnormal in CWP.

Methods
CWP was assessed using a standardized screening questionnaire in female volunteers from the TwinsUK cohort including 113 CWP cases and 1623 controls. The stool microbiome was characterized using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and amplicon sequence variants, and associations with CWP examined using linear mixed-effects models adjusting for BMI, age, diet, family relatedness and technical factors.

Results
Alpha diversity was significantly lower in CWP cases than controls (Mann–Whitney test, P-values 2.3e-04 and 1.2e-02, for Shannon and Simpson indices respectively). The species Coprococcus comes was significantly depleted in CWP cases (Padj = 3.04e-03). A genome-wide association study (GWAS) performed for C. comes in TwinsUK followed by meta-analysis with three Dutch cohorts (total n = 3521) resulted in nine suggestive regions, with the most convincing on chromosome 4 near the TRAM1L1 gene (rs76957229, P = 7.4e-8). A Mendelian randomization study based on the results of the GWAS did not support a causal role for C. comes on the development of CWP.

Conclusions
We have demonstrated reduced diversity in the microbiome in CWP, indicating an involvement of the gut microbiota in CWP; prospectively the microbiome may offer therapeutic opportunities for this condition.
Breaking Iron Triangles: Beliefs and Interests in Japanese Renewable Energy Policy
Authors: Watanabe Rie 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis article analyses Japan’s renewable energy policy changes, with a focus on the interaction of multiple catalysts on changing positions, beliefs and interests of dominant-group members, and inducing non-incremental renewable policy changes (an innovative but less effective Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in 2003 as well as a partial FIT for photovoltaics in 2009 and ultimately a more effective full-scale FIT to promote renewables in 2011). The examined multiple catalysts include the governing coalition change from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) in 2009 and four other catalysts (the oil crisis, climate change, electricity market liberalisation, and nuclear accidents) that relate to the values underlying Japan’s energy policymaking: energy security, environment, economic efficiency, and safety (3E+S). The article concludes that the latter four catalysts were critical in creating and expanding cleavages among dominant-group members over a long period sufficient to realise the introduction of RPS and a partial FIT, but not sufficient to introduce the full-scale FIT. The 3/11 disaster after the governing coalition change was indispensable to achieving a full-scale FIT as it affected dominant-group members’ interests in removing Kan Naoto from office, after Kan made the FIT law passage one of the conditions for his voluntary resignation. Based on the empirical study, this article also addresses one of the underexplored theoretical questions, the effects of and relationship between multiple catalysts in non-incremental policy change.
Apparent total tract and ileal amino acids digestibility values of vegetal protein meals with dietary protease to broiler diet
Authors: Bertechini Antonio G , Dalolio Felipe Santos , Carvalho Julio C C , Carvalho Andressa C , Sorbara Jose O B 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This experiment was carried out to study the effect of dietary exogenous monocomponent protease on the coefficient apparent total tract (ATTD) and apparent ileal (AID) digestibility of amino acids of corn, soybean meal (SBM), and full fat soybean meal (FFSM) in broilers. A total of 400 males Cobb-500 (14 d of age) were equally allocated in 80 metabolic cages (50 cm × 50 cm × 45 cm) in a completely randomized design and a semi-controlled environment. Eight treatments (basal diet with or without a protease and three ingredients replacing the basal diets in 40% to corn and 30% to SBM and FFSM, with and without protease), with 10 replicates each were evaluated. The protease was added at 200 mg/kg resulting in 15,000 unit of PROT/kg. The total collection of excreta was held during 3 d, after 5 d for adaptation of broilers at the diets. The ileal content was collected on d 21, after slaughter of birds. The enzyme increased (P &lt; 0.05) the ATTD and AID of most amino acids contained in SBM and FFSM. The digestibility of cysteine, glycine, proline, and threonine had higher (P &lt; 0.05) ATTD and AID in all tested ingredients with the use of protease. On average, the dietary protease increased in 5.19% and 3.86% the total and ileal digestibility of amino acids, respectively. It was concluded that the dietary protease exerts major effects on toasted full-fat soybean, followed by soybean meal and corn to broilers.
Cardiac and renal protective effects of 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib in angiotensin II and high-salt-induced hypertension model mice
Authors: Yamamoto Misaki , Takahashi-Yanaga Fumi , Arioka Masaki , Igawa Kazunobu , Tomooka Katsuhiko , Yamaura Ken , Sasaguri Toshiyuki 
Published: November 2020

Background:
We reported that 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib (DM-celecoxib), a celecoxib derivative that is unable to inhibit cyclooxygenase-2, prevented cardiac remodeling induced by sarcomeric gene mutation, left ventricular pressure overload, or β-adrenergic receptor stimulation. This effect seemed to be mediated by the inhibition of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which has been suggested to play a key role in the development of chronic kidney disease and chronic heart failure.

Method:
We investigated the effect of DM-celecoxib on cardiac remodeling and kidney injury in hypertension model mice induced by angiotensin II infusion in the absence or presence of high-salt load.

Results:
DM-celecoxib prevented cardiac remodeling and markedly reduced urinary albumin excretion without altering blood pressure in those mice. Moreover, DM-celecoxib prevented podocyte injury, glomerulosclerosis, and interstitial fibrosis in the kidney of mice loaded with angiotensin II and high-salt load. DM-celecoxib reduced the phosphorylation level of Akt and activated glycogen synthase kinase-3, which led to the suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin signal in the heart and kidney. DM-celecoxib also reduced the expression level of snail, a key transcription factor for the epithelial–mesenchymal transition and of which gene is a target of the Wnt/β-catenin signal.

Conclusion:
Results of the current study suggested that DM-celecoxib could be beneficial for patients with hypertensive heart and kidney diseases.
Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in Vascularized Eyes: Outcome and Effect on Corneal Neovascularization
Authors: Hayashi Takahiko , Zhang Wei , Hos Deniz , Schrittenlocher Silvia , Nhat Hung Le Viet , Siebelmann Sebastian , Matthaei Mario , Bock Felix , Bachmann Björn , Cursiefen Claus 
Published: November 2020

Purpose:
To report the outcomes after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in vascularized eyes.

Methods:
Consecutive cases of DMEK in vascularized eyes (involving ≥2 vascularized quadrants) were selected from a prospective database. Best corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density (ECD), central corneal thickness, corneal transplant rejection episode, graft survival, and area of neovascularization (quantified using image analysis software) were evaluated.

Results:
In this study, 24 eyes of 24 patients were selected [mean age, 65.0 years; mean follow-up duration, 14.8 months (6–36 months)], which consists of 14 vascularized eyes after failed penetrating keratoplasty and 10 vascularized eyes with bullous keratopathy. Best corrected visual acuity improved from 1.60 ± 1.02 LogMAR preoperatively to 0.47 ± 0.37 LogMAR 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.001). Central corneal thickness decreased from 824 ± 193 μm preoperatively to 544 ± 48 μm 12 months postoperatively (P = 0.001). The donor ECD decreased from 2272 ± 723 cells/mm2 preoperatively to 1570 ± 279 cells/mm2 12 months postoperatively. The total loss of ECD at the last visit was 40.7% ± 13.0%. Eight of 24 eyes (33.3%) required rebubbling, which resulted in final attachment. The corneal neovascularization area significantly regressed from 4.68% ± 3.26% preoperatively to 2.28% ± 1.58% (n = 18, P = 0.021). Corneal transplant rejection episodes occurred in 1 eye of 24 patients (4.2%). There was no primary graft failure.

Conclusions:
DMEK is a feasible option to treat endothelial dysfunction in vascularized eyes.
Predictors of Water Lead Levels in Drinking Water of Homes With Domestic Wells in 3 Illinois Counties
Authors: Geiger Sarah D. , Bressler Jonathan , Kelly Walton , Jacobs David E. , Awadalla Saria S. , Hagston Bart , Onwuta Uche , Panier Carey , Dorevitch Samuel 
Published: November 2020

Context:
Millions of US homes receive water from private wells, which are not required to be tested for lead (Pb). An approach to prioritizing high-risk homes for water lead level (WLL) testing may help focus outreach and screening efforts, while reducing the testing of homes at low risk.

Objective:
To (1) characterize distribution of WLLs and corrosivity in tap water of homes with private residential wells, and (2) develop and evaluate a screening strategy for predicting Pb detection within a home.

Design:
Cross-sectional.

Setting:
Three Illinois counties: Kane (northern), Peoria (central), and Jackson (southern).

Participants:
151 private well users from 3 Illinois counties.

Intervention:
Water samples were analyzed for WLL and corrosivity.

Main Outcome Measures:
(1) WLL and corrosivity, and (2) the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of a strategy for prioritizing homes for WLL testing.

Results:
Pb was detected (>0.76 ppb) in tap water of 48.3% homes, and 3.3% exceeded 15 ppb, the US Environmental Protection Agency action level for community water systems. Compared with homes built in/after 1987 with relatively low corrosivity, older homes with more corrosive water were far more likely to contain measurable Pb (odds ratio = 11.07; 95% confidence interval, 3.47-35.31). The strategy for screening homes with private wells for WLL had a sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 42%, positive predictive value of 58%, and negative predictive value of 80%.

Conclusions:
Pb in residential well water is widespread. The screening strategy for prioritizing homes with private wells for WLL testing is greater than 85% sensitive.
Preconsultation Educational Group Intervention Can Address the Knowledge Gap in Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Zhong Toni , Quong Whitney L. , Cheng Terry , Kerrebijn Isabel , Butler Kate , Hofer Stefan O. P. , O'Neill Anne C. , Cil Tulin D. , Metcalfe Kelly A. 
Published: November 2020

Background
Whether to undergo postmastectomy breast reconstruction (PMBR) is a challenging, preference-sensitive decision. It is therefore paramount to optimize decision quality through ensuring patients' knowledge and aligning treatments with their personal preferences. This study assessed the effects of a preconsultation educational group intervention (PEGI) on patient knowledge, state-trait anxiety, and decisional conflict (patient uncertainty in decision making) during the decision-making process.

Methods
This phase 3 randomized controlled trial assessed effects of a PEGI in women without active breast cancer undergoing delayed PMBR, or prophylactic mastectomy with immediate PMBR. Both groups underwent routine education before consultation. In addition, the intervention group underwent a PEGI composed of presentations from a plastic surgeon and nurse, a value clarification exercise, and shared experiences from PMBR patients before the consultation with the plastic surgeon. Before and 1-week after consultation, outcome measures were assessed using the Decisional Conflict Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the BREAST-Q.

Results
Of the 219 women deemed eligible, a total of 156 women were recruited and randomized. Treatment fidelity was 96% and retention was 88%. At baseline, there were no significant differences in terms of demographic or clinical status, knowledge, state-trait anxiety, and decisional conflict. Patient knowledge about PMBR improved in both groups; however, the degree of knowledge attainment was significantly greater in the PEGI group (24.5% improvement in the intervention group compared with 13.5% in the routine education group, P < 0.001). The reduction in decisional conflict from baseline to follow-up was greater in the intervention group compared with the routine education; however, the difference only approached significance (P = 0.09).

Conclusions
The provision of a preconsultation educational group intervention has been shown to significantly close the knowledge gap on PMBR in patients seeking delayed breast reconstruction or prophylactic mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction compared with routine education alone.
The DISTANCE study: Determining the impact of social distancing on trauma epidemiology during the COVID-19 epidemic—An interrupted time-series analysis
Authors: Matthay Zachary A. , Kornblith Aaron E. , Matthay Ellicott C. , Sedaghati Mahsa , Peterson Sue , Boeck Marissa , Bongiovanni Tasce , Campbell Andre , Chalwell Lauren , Colwell Christopher , Farrell Michael S. , Kim Woon Cho , Knudson M. Margaret , Mackersie Robert , Li Lilian , Nunez-Garcia Brenda , Langness Simone , Plevin Rebecca E. , Sammann Amanda , Tesoriero Ronald , Stein Deborah M. , Kornblith Lucy Z. 
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND
The large-scale social distancing efforts to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission have dramatically changed human behaviors associated with traumatic injuries. Trauma centers have reported decreases in trauma volume, paralleled by changes in injury mechanisms. We aimed to quantify changes in trauma epidemiology at an urban Level I trauma center in a county that instituted one of the earliest shelter-in-place orders to inform trauma care during future pandemic responses.

METHODS
A single-center interrupted time-series analysis was performed to identify associations of shelter-in-place with trauma volume, injury mechanisms, and patient demographics in San Francisco, California. To control for short-term trends in trauma epidemiology, weekly level data were analyzed 6 months before shelter-in-place. To control for long-term trends, monthly level data were analyzed 5 years before shelter-in-place.

RESULTS
Trauma volume decreased by 50% in the week following shelter-in-place (p < 0.01), followed by a linear increase each successive week (p < 0.01). Despite this, trauma volume for each month (March–June 2020) remained lower compared with corresponding months for all previous 5 years (2015–2019). Pediatric trauma volume showed similar trends with initial decreases (p = 0.02) followed by steady increases (p = 0.05). Reductions in trauma volumes were due entirely to changes in nonviolent injury mechanisms, while violence-related injury mechanisms remained unchanged (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION
Although the shelter-in-place order was associated with an overall decline in trauma volume, violence-related injuries persisted. Delineating and addressing underlying factors driving persistent violence-related injuries during shelter-in-place orders should be a focus of public health efforts in preparation for future pandemic responses.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Epidemiological study, level III.
Methylphenidate-Induced Enuresis: 3 Case Reports
Authors: Uzun Necati , Akinci Mehmet Akif , Karatoprak Serdar 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents. Methylphenidate (MPH) is one of the most widely used drugs in the treatment of ADHD. Enuresis can occur comorbidly with ADHD. However, enuresis is sometimes seen in patients with ADHD as an adverse effect of MPH treatment. In contrast, in some cases, MPH reportedly improves enuresis in patients with ADHD comorbid with enuresis. The literature is contradictory with regard to the relationship between MPH and enuresis. This report presents the cases of 3 children with ADHD who displayed enuresis during MPH treatment.
A COVID-19 Model for Local Authorities of the United Kingdom
Authors: Mishra Swapnil , Scott Jamie , Zhu Harrison , Ferguson Neil M. , Bhatt Samir , Flaxman Seth , Gandy Axel 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe propose a new framework to model the COVID-19 epidemic of the United Kingdom at the level of local authorities. The model fits within a general framework for semi-mechanistic Bayesian models of the epidemic, with some important innovations: we model the proportion of infections that result in reported deaths and cases as random variables. This is in contrast to standard frameworks that model the latent infection as a deterministic function of time varying reproduction number, Rt. The model is tailored and designed to be updated daily based on publicly available data. We envisage the model to be useful for now-casting and short-term projections of the epidemic as well as estimating historical trends. The model fits are available on a public website, https://imperialcollegelondon.github.io/covid19local. The model is currently being used by the Scottish government in their decisions on interventions within Scotland [1, issue 24 to now].