bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ustekinumab is associated with superior effectiveness outcomes compared to vedolizumab in Crohn’s disease patients with prior failure to anti‐TNF treatment
Authors: Biemans Vince B. C. , van der Woude C. Janneke , Dijkstra Gerard , van der Meulen‐de Jong Andrea E. , Löwenberg Mark , de Boer Nanne K. , Oldenburg Bas , Srivastava Nidhi , Jansen Jeroen M. , Bodelier Alexander G. L. , West Rachel L. , de Vries Annemarie C. , Haans Jeoffrey J. L. , de Jong Dirk , Hoentjen Frank , Pierik Marieke J. ,   the Dutch Initiative on Crohn and Colitis (ICC)
Published: May 2020

SummaryBackgroundBoth vedolizumab and ustekinumab can be considered for the treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD) when anti‐TNF treatment fails. However, head‐to‐head trials are currently not available or planned.AimTo compare vedolizumab and ustekinumab in Crohn´s disease patients in a prospective registry specifically developed for comparative studies with correction for confounders.MethodsCrohn´s disease patients, who failed anti‐TNF treatment and started vedolizumab or ustekinumab in standard care as second‐line biological, were identified in the observational prospective Dutch Initiative on Crohn and Colitis Registry. Corticosteroid‐free clinical remission (Harvey Bradshaw Index ≤4), biochemical remission (C‐reactive protein ≤5 mg/L and fecal calprotectin ≤250 µg/g), combined corticosteroid‐free clinical and biochemical remission, and safety outcomes were compared after 52 weeks of treatment. To adjust for confounding and selection bias, we used multiple logistic regression and propensity score matching.ResultsIn total, 128 vedolizumab‐ and 85 ustekinumab‐treated patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. After adjusting for confounders, ustekinumab‐treated patients were more likely to achieve corticosteroid‐free clinical remission (odds ratio [OR]: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.36‐4.90, P = 0.004), biochemical remission (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.10‐4.96, P = 0.027), and combined corticosteroid‐free clinical and biochemical remission (OR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.23‐6.09, P = 0.014), while safety outcomes (infections: OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 0.63‐2.54, P = 0.517; adverse events: OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 0.62‐2.81, P = 0.464; hospitalisations: OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.32‐1.39, P = 0.282) were comparable between the two groups. The propensity score matched cohort with sensitivity analyses showed comparable results.ConclusionsUstekinumab was associated with superior effectiveness outcomes when compared to vedolizumab, while safety outcomes were comparable after 52 weeks of treatment in CD patients who have failed anti‐TNF treatment.
Reducing variation in hospital mortality for alcohol‐related liver disease in North West England
Authors: Kallis Constantinos , Dixon Pete , Silberberg Benjamin , Affarah Lynn , Shawihdi Mustafa , Grainger Ruth , Prospero Nancy , Pearson Mike , Marson Anthony , Ramakrishnan Subramanian , Richardson Paul , Hood Steve , Bodger Keith 
Published: May 2020

SummaryBackgroundVariations in emergency care quality for alcohol‐related liver disease (ARLD) have been highlighted.AimTo determine whether introduction of a regional quality improvement (QI) programme was associated with a reduction in potentially avoidable inpatient mortality.MethodRetrospective observational cohort study using hospital administrative data spanning a 1‐year period before (2014/2015) and 3 years after a QI initiative at seven acute hospitals in North West England. The intervention included serial audit of a bundle of process metrics. An algorithm was developed to identify index (“first”) emergency admissions for ARLD (n = 3887). We created a standardised mortality ratio (SMR) to compare relative mortality and regression models to examine risk‐adjusted odds of death.ResultsIn 2014/2015, three of seven hospitals had an SMR above the upper control limit (“outliers”). Adjusted odds of death for patients admitted to outlier hospitals was higher than non‐outliers (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.32‐3.44, P = 0.002). Following the QI programme there was a step‐wise reduction in outliers (none in 2017/2018). Odds of death was 67% lower in 2017/2018 compared to 2014/2015 at original outlier hospitals, but unchanged at other hospitals. Process audit performance of outliers was worse than non‐outliers at baseline, but improved after intervention.ConclusionsThere was a reduction in unexplained variation in hospital mortality following the QI intervention. This challenges the pessimism that is prevalent for achieving better outcomes for patients with ARLD. Notwithstanding the limitations of an uncontrolled observational study, these data provide hope that co‐ordinated efforts to drive adoption of evidence‐based practice can save lives.
The case for chronotherapy in Covid‐19‐induced acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Tamimi Faleh , Abusamak Mohammad , Akkanti Bindu , Chen Zheng , Yoo Seung‐Hee , Karmouty‐Quintana Harry 
Published: May 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), the disease resulting from infection by a novel coronavirus, SARS‐Cov2, has rapidly spread since November 2019 leading to a global pandemic. SARS‐Cov2 has infected over four million people and caused over 290,000 deaths worldwide. Although most cases are mild, a subset of patients develop a severe and atypical presentation of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) that is characterised by a cytokine release storm (CRS). Paradoxically, treatment with anti‐inflammatory agents and immune regulators has been associated with worsening of ARDS. We hypothesize that the intrinsic circadian clock of the lung and the immune system may regulate individual components of CRS, and thus, chronotherapy may be used to effectively manage ARDS in COVID‐19 patients.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on The Pharmacology of COVID‐19. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.21/issuetoc
Timing of prophylactic colectomy in familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Koskenvuo L. , Ryynänen H. , Lepistö A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimThe aim was to evaluate the timing of prophylactic colectomy in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) in Finland.MethodAll Finnish FAP patients were included from the years 1963–2018. Among the 452 FAP patients studied, 252 were called up as relatives of the proband. Of these, 180 underwent prophylactic colectomy. Patient data including mutation characteristics and surgical technique were collected. We assessed the timing of prophylactic colectomy in relation to the time of diagnosis, time of decision for surgery and age.ResultsThere were 94 (52%) colectomies with ileorectal anastomosis, 79 (44%) proctocolectomies with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis and seven (4%) proctocolectomies with an ileostomy. Median age at diagnosis and at the time of surgery was 20.9 and 25.2 years, respectively. The median time from decision to operate to undergoing surgery was 4 months. There were eight (4%) cancers in the colectomy specimens, but none was found during the annual follow‐ups after the first‐round endoscopy. After genetic testing became available, the diagnosis was made primarily by either genetic testing in 52 (49%) or endoscopy in 54 (51%) patients at a median age of 17.8 and 19.3 years, respectively. Thirty‐eight (21%) patients died during follow‐up, 23 (61%) for FAP‐related reasons and only six from rectal cancer. The relative survival of 30 years from diagnosis was 84% and 78% in men and women, respectively.ConclusionsFor those who underwent surgery, timing of prophylactic surgery was successful as there were no unexpected colorectal cancers found in colectomy specimens among the screened patients. Two major improvements over the study period have changed the treatment of FAP patients: one is the introduction of the ileal pouch–anal anastomosis procedure and the other is the availability of genetic testing. FAP‐related extra‐colonic malignancies affect the relative survival of these patients after prophylactic surgery.
Surgical site infection in elective colonic and rectal resections: effect of oral antibiotics and mechanical bowel preparation compared with mechanical bowel preparation only
Authors: Ghuman A. , Kasteel N. , Brown C. J. , Karimuddin A. A. , Raval M. J. , Wexner S. D , Phang P. T. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimSurgical site infections are disproportionately common after colorectal surgery and may be largely preventable. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to determine the effect of oral antibiotics and mechanical bowel preparation on surgical site infections.MethodA retrospective study of a consecutive series of elective colonic and rectal resections following an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery pathway, which also included mechanical bowel preparation, from 1 September 2014 to 30 September 2017. The addition of oral antibiotics (neomycin and metronidazole) to the mechanical bowel preparation procedure was assessed. Development of surgical site infections within 30 days was the main outcome measured. The secondary outcome was assessment of possible surgical site infection predictors.ResultsSeven‐hundred thirty‐two patients were included: 313 (43%) preintervention (mechanical bowel preparation only); and 419 (57%) postintervention (mechanical bowel preparation plus oral antibiotics). Surgical site infection rates preintervention and. postintervention were: overall, 20.8% vs 10.5%, P < 0.001; superficial, 10.9% vs 4.3%, P < 0.001; and organ space, 9.9% vs 6.2%, P = 0.03. Subgroup analysis of colonic resections revealed a significant reduction in overall (17.1% vs 6.8%), superficial (10.7% vs 4.3%) and organ space (6.4% vs. 2.6%) infections. Rectal resections had significant reduction in overall (26.2% vs 15.3%) and superficial (11.1% vs 4.4%) infection rates but not in organ space infections (15.1% vs 10.9%). Multivariate regression analysis revealed open vs minimally invasive surgery (P < 0.001) and omission of oral antibiotics (P = 0.004) as independent predictors of surgical site infections.ConclusionAdministration of oral antibiotics resulted in significant reduction of superficial and organ space infections after colonic resection; after rectal resection, significant reduction only of superficial infections was found.
A novel method for near‐infrared fluorescence imaging of the urethra during perineal and transanal surgery: demonstration in a cadaveric model
Authors: Barberio M. , Al‐Taher M. , Forgione A. , Hoskere Ashoka A. , Felli E. , Agnus V. , Marescaux J. , Klymchenko A. , Diana M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimTransanal total mesorectal excision is a promising novel sphincter‐saving procedure for low rectal cancer. However, the transanal bottom‐up dissection is associated with increased rates of iatrogenic urethral injuries. Near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, given its deeper tissue penetration, has been explored in a limited number of studies for enhanced intra‐operative urethral visualization. In this study, we explored the feasibility of a novel, ultrabright, biocompatible fluorescent polymer to coat urinary catheters for the purpose of intra‐operative urethral visualization.MethodsIn an ex vivo experiment, using a near‐infrared laparoscope, the fluorescent signal of a coated catheter (near‐infrared coating of equipment, NICE) was qualitatively and quantitatively compared to the signal of indocyanine green (ICG)/Instillagel® mixtures and ICG‐filled catheters at several concentrations. Also, in three male human torsos, using fluorescent urinary catheters, NIRF‐guided perineal dissections and a transanal total mesorectal excision were performed. Intra‐operative NIRF‐based urethral visualization was performed systematically.ResultsDuring the qualitative and quantitative fluorescence signal assessment, NICE‐coated catheters were clearly superior to the ICG‐based solutions. In the cadaveric experiments, enhanced urethral visualization was possible even at early stages of dissection, when the organ was covered by several tissue layers.ConclusionsNICE‐coated catheters represent a promising potential to allow for NIRF‐based intra‐operative urethral visualization.
How to Be Helpful to Multiple People at Once
Authors: Gates Vael , Griffiths Thomas L. , Dragan Anca D. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWhen someone hosts a party, when governments choose an aid program, or when assistive robots decide what meal to serve to a family, decision‐makers must determine how to help even when their recipients have very different preferences. Which combination of people’s desires should a decision‐maker serve? To provide a potential answer, we turned to psychology: What do people think is best when multiple people have different utilities over options? We developed a quantitative model of what people consider desirable behavior, characterizing participants’ preferences by inferring which combination of “metrics” (maximax, maxsum, maximin, or inequality aversion [IA]) best explained participants’ decisions in a drink‐choosing task. We found that participants’ behavior was best described by the maximin metric, describing the desire to maximize the happiness of the worst‐off person, though participant behavior was also consistent with maximizing group utility (the maxsum metric) and the IA metric to a lesser extent. Participant behavior was consistent across variation in the agents involved and tended to become more maxsum‐oriented when participants were told they were players in the task (Experiment 1). In later experiments, participants maintained maximin behavior across multi‐step tasks rather than shortsightedly focusing on the individual steps therein (Experiment 2, Experiment 3). By repeatedly asking participants what choices they would hope for in an optimal, just decision‐maker, and carefully disambiguating which quantitative metrics describe these nuanced choices, we help constrain the space of what behavior we desire in leaders, artificial intelligence systems helping decision‐makers, and the assistive robots and decision‐makers of the future.
Brazilian foreign policy for the Global South: The creation of the Centre of Excellence against Hunger
Authors: Dri Clarissa Franzoi , Molinari da Silva Andressa Caroline 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMotivationThis article analyses the conception and implementation of the Centre of Excellence against Hunger, established through a partnership between Brazil and the World Food Programme in order to disseminate Brazilian practices relating to school food and nutrition.PurposeThe Centre’s headquarters are in Brasília, primarily funded by the Brazilian government, and it aims to share Brazilian expertise while being part of the United Nations institutional board. This article assesses why and how such a sui generis institution came to be set up in 2011?Approach and methodsMethodologically, this case study is based on semi‐structured interviews with key stakeholders who participated in this institutional construction.FindingsWe argue that the Centre has its roots in a transnational government network animated by Brazilian officials. This idea originated primarily outside the context of international relations, fostered by education and school meals managers and technicians. It did find some development support within the sphere of international relations, involving the Brazilian government and the United Nations, and with the backing of actors invested in the new foreign policy guidelines presented by the Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (henceforth “Lula") administration.Policy implicationsThe trajectory of the Centre of Excellence against Hunger derives from the role of networks in the international system alongside the influence of individuals during periods of change or uncertainty in bureaucracies and international regimes. Conventional diplomacy and international organizations can benefit from cross‐fertilization with networks that include government actors.
Efficacy of combining electric‐field and coronal‐plane imaging to obtain ultrasound–ultrasound fusion images in monopolar radiofrequency ablation for patients with liver cancer
Authors: Hirooka Masashi , Koizumi Yohei , Tanaka Takaaki , Nakamura Yoshiko , Tokumoto Yoshio , Abe Masanori , Hiasa Yoichi 
Published: May 2020

AimFor radiofrequency ablation to treat patients diagnosed with liver cancer, the ablation area cannot be envisaged beforehand, even by experts. This study aimed to assess the clinical feasibility of applying a combination of electric (E)‐field and coronal (C)‐plane simulations to ultrasound–ultrasound (US–US) fusion images.MethodsThe study protocols were approved by the institutional ethics committee. Between October 2017 and July 2019, 151 patients with 151 hepatocellular carcinoma nodules (80 treated with navigation images and 71 without navigation images) were retrospectively compared in this cross‐sectional study. The E‐field, which is a simulated image that predicts the ablation area, was applied to the US–US fusion images. The C‐plane is defined as a sagittal plane in relation to the original 2‐D US images. The positions of each E‐field area in the maximum cross‐sectional area of the tumor were easily identified from C‐plane results. The primary end‐point of this study was achievement of an adequate safety margin (greater than 5 mm). The sphericity of the ablation volume was used as a secondary end‐point.ResultsThe rate of achieving a sufficient safety margin was significantly higher in the group treated with navigation images (71/80) than in the group treated without navigation images (31/71, P < 0.001). The median sphericity was 0.55 with navigation images and 0.42 without navigation images (P < 0.001).ConclusionUsing the combination of an E‐field and a C‐plane on US–US fusion images can be a feasible method for acquiring a sufficient safety margin.
The clinical significance of fungi in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Thammahong Arsa , Kiatsurayanon Chanisa , Edwards Steven W. , Rerknimitr Pawinee , Chiewchengchol Direkrit 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases and is caused by multiple factors including genetic factors, skin barrier defects, host immune responses, allergen sensitivity, environmental effects, and infections. Commonly, bacterial and viral infections are present in the eczematous lesions of AD patients and clearly aggravate the symptoms. However, studies of fungal infections in AD are limited in spite of the fact that there are reports showing that Malassezia, Candida, and some dermatophytes can affect the symptoms of AD. Moreover, certain fungal infections are sometimes overlooked and need to be considered particularly in AD patients with treatment failure as clinical features of those fungal infections could mimic eczematous lesions in AD. Here, we review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and overlooked features of fungal infections associated with the symptoms of AD including the diagnosis and effectiveness of fungal treatments in AD patients.
Formation energies and site preference of substitutional divalent cations in carbonated apatite
Authors: Saito Tatsushi , Yokoi Tatsuya , Nakamura Atsutomo , Matsunaga Katsuyuki 
Published: May 2020

AbstractFirst‐principles calculations were performed to examine defect formation energies and site preference of substitutional divalent cations M2+ (M = Mg, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sr, Pb, and Ba) in hydroxyapatite (HAp, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) and carbonated apatite (CAp). All inequivalent substitutional sites of

and M2+ were investigated to determine their most preferential sites. For all M2+ studied, their defect formation energies for the most stable substitutional sites were lower in CAp than in hydroxyapatite (HAp), demonstrating that M2+ are preferentially substituted into CAp over HAp. For Ca sites in CAp, correlations between the defect formation energies and Ca‐O bond lengths showed that bigger and smaller M2+ than Ca2+ are preferentially substituted for Ca sites with longer and shorter bond lengths than those in HAp, respectively. In addition, Ca sites with lower coordination numbers than 6 are preferentially substituted by Zn2+ and Cu2+ that originally tend to form 4‐ or 5‐fold coordination in their phosphate crystals.

substitution is therefore likely to effectively stabilize substitutional foreign ions by modifying bond lengths and coordination numbers of Ca sites from those in pure HAp. These effects may play an important role in enhancing the M2+ solubility into CAp.
Low‐temperature preparation of high‐performance porous ceramics composed of anorthite platelets
Authors: Han Lei , Huang Liang , Dong Longhao , Zhang Haijun , Pei Yuantao , Li Faliang , Jia Quanli , Zhang Shaowei 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPlatelet‐like anorthite based porous ceramics with improved mechanical strength were fabricated via direct gelcasting and firing at 1223‐1473 K using CaCO3, Al(OH)3, and SiO2 powders as the raw materials, along with H3BO3 and melamine sintering/crosslinking agents. Based on density functional theory calculations, H3BO3 promoted the formation of platelet‐like anorthite at a relatively low temperature via covering the {130} facet of anorthite and reducing the corresponding adsorption energy, which led to the preferential growth along the a‐ and b‐axes. The optimal amount of H3BO3 for the anorthite platelet formation was 0.9 wt%. The porous anorthite sample with an original solid content of 22.0 wt%, after firing at 1373 K, contained 71.0% porosity and exhibited a compressive strength as high as 5.7 MPa, which were comparable or even superior to those of porous anorthite ceramics prepared previously at a much higher temperature (1573‐1723 K), indicating that the preparation strategy reported in this paper is feasible in fabricating high‐performance porous anorthite ceramics at a much milder condition. The thermal conductivity of the porous anorthite sample at 1073 K was as low as 0.266 W/(m·K), much lower than that (0.645 W/(m·K)) of the control sample, suggesting that the former could be potentially used for thermal insulation at high temperatures.
Metformin regulates adiponectin signalling in epicardial adipose tissue and reduces atrial fibrillation vulnerability
Authors: Li Biao , Po Sunny S. , Zhang Baojian , Bai Fan , Li Jiayi , Qin Fen , Liu Na , Sun Chao , Xiao Yichao , Tu Tao , Zhou Shenghua , Liu Qiming 
Published: May 2020

AbstractEpicardial adipose tissue (EAT) remodelling is closely related to the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated whether metformin (MET) prevents AF‐dependent EAT remodelling and AF vulnerability in dogs. A canine AF model was developed by 6‐week rapid atrial pacing (RAP), and electrophysiological parameters were measured. Effective refractory periods (ERP) were decreased in the left and right atrial appendages as well as in the left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA). MET attenuated the RAP‐induced increase in ERP dispersion, cumulative window of vulnerability, AF inducibility and AF duration. RAP increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) phosphorylation; up‐regulated interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) levels in LA and EAT; decreased peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and adiponectin (APN) expression in EAT and was accompanied by atrial fibrosis and adipose infiltration. MET reversed these alterations. In vitro, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure increased IL‐6, TNF‐α and TGF‐β1 expression and decreased PPARγ/APN expression in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, which were all reversed after MET administration. Indirect coculture of HL‐1 cells with LPS‐stimulated 3T3‐L1 conditioned medium (CM) significantly increased IL‐6, TNF‐α and TGF‐β1 expression and decreased SERCA2a and p‐PLN expression, while LPS + MET CM and APN treatment alleviated the inflammatory response and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ handling dysfunction. MET attenuated the RAP‐induced increase in AF vulnerability, remodelling of atria and EAT adipokines production profiles. APN may play a key role in the prevention of AF‐dependent EAT remodelling and AF vulnerability by MET.