bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association of lung ultrasound images with COVID‐19 infection in an emergency room cohort
Authors: Bar S. , Lecourtois A. , Diouf M. , Goldberg E. , Bourbon C. , Arnaud E. , Domisse L. , Dupont H. , Gosset P. 
Published: June 2020

SummaryLung ultrasound could facilitate the triage of patients with suspected COVID‐19 infection admitted to the emergency room. We developed a predictive model for COVID‐19 diagnosis based on lung ultrasound and clinical features. We used ultrasound to image the lung bilaterally at two anterior sites, one and two hands below each clavicle, and a posterolateral site that was the posterior transverse continuation from the lower anterior site. We studied 100 patients, 31 of whom had a COVID‐19 positive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. A positive test was independently associated with: quick sequential organ failure assessment score ≥1; ≥3 B‐lines at the upper site; consolidation and thickened pleura at the lower site; and thickened pleura line at the posterolateral site. The model discrimination was an area (95%CI) under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82 (0.75–0.90). The characteristics (95%CI) of the model’s diagnostic threshold, applied to the population from which it was derived, were: sensitivity, 97% (83–100%); specificity, 62% (50–74%); positive predictive value, 54% (41–98%); and negative predictive value, 98% (88–99%). This model may facilitate triage of patients with suspected COVID‐19 infection admitted to the emergency room.
Impact of the introduction of direct‐acting anti‐viral drugs on hepatocarcinogenesis: a prospective serial follow‐up MRI study
Authors: Kumada Takashi , Toyoda Hidenori , Yasuda Satoshi , Tada Toshifumi , Ogawa Sadanobu , Takeshima Kenji , Tanaka Junko , Chayama Kazuaki , Johnson Philip J 
Published: June 2020

SummaryBackgroundWe conducted a prospective study using gadolinium‐ethoxybenzyl‐diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid–enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (Gd‐EOB‐MRI) to determine whether sustained virological response (SVR) by direct‐acting anti‐viral (DAA) drugs suppresses hepatocarcinogenesis in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.AimTo use serial Gd‐EOB‐MRI to assess the impact of DAAs on hepatocarcinogenesis.MethodsBetween February 2008 and December 2018, 1083 consecutive patients with HCV infection underwent Gd‐EOB‐MRI. Of these, 719 patients were enrolled, including 210 patients in the ‘Non‐DAA group’, who did not receive DAAs before the introduction of DAAs, and 509 patients in the ‘DAA group’, who achieved SVR after the introduction of DDAs. Factors associated with hepatocarcinogenesis were analysed by a Cox proportional hazard model. In addition, hepatocarcinogenesis was classified into two types, ‘multistep’ and ‘de novo’, on the basis of Gd‐EOB‐MRI findings. Factors associated with each type were analysed by Fine and Gray proportional hazards models.ResultsHepatocarcinogenesis was observed in 67 of 719 (9.3%) patients. Factors associated with hepatocarcinogenesis were male gender, albumin‐bilirubin (ALBI) grade 2 or 3, Lens culinaris agglutinin–reactive fraction of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP‐L3) ≥5%, the presence of nonhypervascular hypointense nodules (NHHNs) and Non‐DAA group. Of 67 patients, multistep hepatocarcinogenesis occurred in 58 patients (86.6%) and de novo hepatocarcinogenesis occurred in nine patients (13.4%). Factors associated with multistep hepatocarcinogenesis were male gender and Non‐DAA group.ConclusionThe eradication of HCV by DAA therapy reduces multistep hepatocarcinogenesis.
The effect of sex on the quality of meat from farmed pheasants (Phasianus colchicus)
Authors: Daszkiewicz Tomasz , Janiszewski Paweł 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe present study aimed to investigate the influence of sex on the quality of meat from farmed pheasants. Male (roosters, n = 18) and female (hens, n = 18) pheasants were slaughtered at 25 weeks of age. The breast muscles (Pectoralis major) were cut out from chilled carcasses and analyzed to determine the proximate chemical composition, fatty acid profile, and physicochemical and sensory properties of meat. Chemical analyses revealed that the meat of male had higher (p ≤ .05) content of collagen, Na, Cu, and Zn, whereas meat from females had higher (p ≤ .05) concentrations of total nitrogen of water‐soluble compounds, nitrogen of water‐soluble non‐protein compounds, K, and Mn. The meat of male was characterized by greater (p ≤ .05) cooking loss. A sensory evaluation revealed that meat from females had lower (p ≤ .05) taste intensity and aroma desirability. Meat from male and female pheasants revealed differences in the content of minerals as well as low‐molecular‐weight water‐soluble nitrogen compounds, which may affect the flavor of cooked meat. Irrespective of these differences, the analyzed pheasant meat was characterized by high quality, which indicates that it could offer an attractive alternative to other types of meat.
First‐in‐human study of the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of single and multiple oral doses of SAR247799, a selective G‐protein‐biased sphingosine‐1 phosphate receptor‐1 agonist for endothelial protection
Authors: Bergougnan Luc , Armani Sara , Golor Georg , Tardat Agnes , Vitse Olivier , Hurbin Fabrice , Scemama Michel , Poitiers Franck , Radzik David , Gaudin Christophe , Hovsepian Lionel , Muslin Anthony J. , Kirkesseli Stephane , Deutsch Paul , Parkar Ashfaq A. 
Published: June 2020

AimsSAR247799 is a selective G‐protein‐biased sphingosine‐1 phosphate receptor‐1 (S1P1) agonist with potential to restore endothelial function in vascular pathologies. SAR247799, a first‐in‐class molecule differentiated from previous S1P1‐desensitizing molecules developed for multiple sclerosis, can activate S1P1 without desensitization and consequent lymphopenia. The aim was to characterize SAR247799 for its safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (activation and desensitization).MethodsSAR247799 was administered orally to healthy subjects in a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study with single (2.5–37.5 mg) or 2‐week once‐daily (0.5–15 mg) doses. An open‐label single dose pilot food‐interaction arm with 10 mg SAR247799 in cross‐over design was also performed.ResultsSAR247799 was well tolerated and, at the higher end of the dose ranges, caused the expected dose‐dependent pharmacodynamics associated with S1P1 activation (heart rate reduction) and S1P1 desensitization (lymphocyte count reduction). SAR247799 demonstrated dose‐proportional increases in exposure and was eliminated with an apparent terminal half‐life of 31.2–33.1 hours. Food had a small effect on the pharmacokinetics of SAR247799. SAR247799 had a low volume of distribution (7–23 L), indicating a potential to achieve dose separation for endothelial vs cardiac S1P1 activation pharmacology. A supratherapeutic dose (10 mg) of SAR247799 produced sustained heart rate reduction over 14 days, demonstrating cardiac S1P1 activation without tachyphylaxis. Sub‐lymphocyte‐reducing doses (≤5 mg) of SAR247799, which, based on preclinical data, are projected to activate S1P1 and exhibit endothelial‐protective properties, had minimal‐to‐no heart rate reduction and displayed no marked safety findings.ConclusionSAR247799 is suitable for exploring the biological role of endothelial S1P1 activation without causing receptor desensitization.
Optimizing patient expectations to improve therapeutic response to medical treatment: A randomized controlled trial of iron infusion therapy
Authors: Akroyd Amelia , Gunn Kerry N. , Rankin Sarah , Douglas Meihana , Kleinstäuber Maria , Rief Winfried , Petrie Keith J. 
Published: June 2020

ObjectivesPatient expectations have the ability to influence health outcomes and have been shown to play an important role as part of the placebo effect to influence the response to medical treatments. Increasing positive expectations have been proposed as an intervention to improve treatment response, although evidence for this to date is limited. We investigated whether a brief 10‐min intervention directly targeting patient expectations prior to an iron infusion could enhance expectations and improve treatment response, in terms of patients' reported fatigue.DesignRandomized controlled trial.MethodsForty‐three patients diagnosed with iron deficiency anaemia were randomized to a brief expectation intervention or active control group prior to an intravenous iron infusion. Chalder Fatigue Scale scores were assessed prior to randomization and at one and four weeks.ResultsThe expectation intervention significantly improved patients' expectations about the effectiveness of the intravenous iron infusion, t(21) = −3.95, p = .001. While there were no significant differences between groups in fatigue at the one‐week follow‐up, fatigue was significantly lower in the intervention group at the four‐week follow‐up compared to the control group, F(1, 25) = 6.25, p = .019. This was largely influenced by a significant reduction in physical, as opposed to mental fatigue scores.ConclusionsBoosting patients' positive expectations may be an effective way of enhancing patient response to treatment. In particular, targeting patient expectations with a brief intervention prior to medical treatments may result in a greater and longer therapeutic effect.
Randomised comparison of techniques for control of the dorsal venous complex during robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Feng Tom , Heulitt Gerald , Lee Janet J. , Liao Michael , Li Hsin‐Fang , Porter James R. 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveTo prospectively compare the effects of endoscopic stapling, division and suture ligation, and suture ligation with suspension of the dorsal venous complex (DVC) on continence during robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP).Patients and methodsIn all, 300 consecutive patients undergoing RARP by a single surgeon were randomised to three groups: endoscopic stapling, cut and suture ligation, and suture ligation with suspension. The only difference between the groups was the technique to control the DVC. Pad‐free continence (PFC) and overall continence (0 pads/day with or without security pad) were assessed with patient reported pad usage records and validated questionnaires (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index) at 3, 12, and 15 months. Secondary endpoints were erectile function (EF) recovery (defined as erections sufficient for sexual activity) and the rate of apical surgical margins. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine predictors for recovery of both urinary continence and EF.ResultsThe three groups were comparable in terms of age, body mass index, prostate size, American Urological Association symptom score, Sexual Health Inventory for Men, and clinical stage. There were no differences found in terms of operative times, estimated blood loss, pathological stage, and positive apical margin. There was no difference between the three groups with regard to overall continence or PFC at 3 months. However, overall continence at 15 months for ligation and suspension was 99% and was superior to stapler (88%) (P = 0.002) and cut and suture ligation (88%) (P = 0.002). Additionally, PFC at 15 months was superior for ligation and suspension (87%) as compared to stapler (73%) and cut and suture ligation (75%) (P = 0.045). The technique of DVC control did not impact EF. Men with nerve sparing had better continence compared to no nerve sparing at 3 months (62% vs 42%, P = 0.045), but not at 15 months. The median time to continence was 2 months for patients receiving nerve sparing compared to 4.5 months for non‐nerve sparing (P = 0.02).ConclusionSuture suspension of the DVC during RARP contributes to higher overall continence rates compared to stapling and cut and suture. Nerve sparing contributes to earlier return of continence than non‐nerve sparing.
Artesunate interacts with the vitamin D receptor to reverse sepsis‐induced immunosuppression in a mouse model via enhancing autophagy
Authors: Shang Shenglan , Wu Jiaqi , Li Xiaoli , Liu Xin , Li Pan , Zheng Chunli , Wang Yonghua , Liu Songqing , Zheng Jiang , Zhou Hong 
Published: June 2020

Background and PurposeImmunosuppression is the predominant cause of mortality for sepsis because of failure to eradicate pathogens. No effective and specific drugs capable of reversing immunosuppression are clinically available. Evidences implicate the involvement of the vitamin D receptor (NR1I1) in sepsis‐induced immunosuppression. The anti‐malarial artesunate was investigated to determine action on sepsis‐induced immunosuppression.Experimental ApproachThe effect of artesunate on sepsis‐induced immunosuppression was investigated in mice and human and mice cell lines. Bioinformatics predicted vitamin D receptor as a candidate target for artesunate, which was then identified using PCR and immunoblotting. Vdr, Atg16l1 and NF‐κB p65 were modified to investigate artesunate 's effect on pro‐inflammatory cytokines release, bacterial clearance and autophagy activities in sepsis‐induced immunosuppression.Key ResultsArtesunate significantly reduced the mortality of caecal ligation and puncture (CLP)‐induced sepsis immunosuppression mice challenged with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and enhanced pro‐inflammatory cytokine release and bacterial clearance to reverse sepsis‐induced immunosuppression in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, artesunate interacted with vitamin D receptor, inhibiting its nuclear translocation, which influenced ATG16L1 transcription and subsequent autophagy activity. Artesunate inhibited the physical interaction between vitamin D receptor and NF‐κB p65 in LPS‐tolerant macrophages and then promoted the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65, which activated the transcription of NF‐κB p65 target genes such as pro‐inflammatory cytokines.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur findings provide evidence that artesunate interacted with vitamin D receptor to reverse sepsis‐induced immunosuppression in an autophagy and NF‐κB‐dependent manner, highlighting a novel approach for sepsis treatment and drug repurposing of artesunate has a bidirectional immunomodulator.
Peptide‐2 from mouse myostatin precursor protein alleviates muscle wasting in cancer‐associated cachexia
Authors: Ojima Chiharu , Noguchi Yuri , Miyamoto Tatsuki , Saito Yuki , Orihashi Hiroki , Yoshimatsu Yasuhiro , Watabe Tetsuro , Takayama Kentaro , Hayashi Yoshio , Itoh Fumiko 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCancer cachexia, characterized by continuous muscle wasting, is a key determinant of cancer‐related death; however, there are few medical treatments to combat it. Myostatin (MSTN)/growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF‐8), which is a member of the transforming growth factor‐β family, is secreted in an inactivated form noncovalently bound to the prodomain, negatively regulating the skeletal muscle mass. Therefore, inhibition of MSTN signaling is expected to serve as a therapeutic target for intractable muscle wasting diseases. Here, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of peptide‐2, an inhibitory core of mouse MSTN prodomain, on MSTN signaling. Peptide‐2 selectively suppressed the MSTN signal, although it had no effect on the activin signal. In contrast, peptide‐2 slightly inhibited the GDF‐11 signaling pathway, which is strongly related to the MSTN signaling pathway. Furthermore, we found that the i.m. injection of peptide‐2 to tumor‐implanted C57BL/6 mice alleviated muscle wasting in cancer cachexia. Although peptide‐2 was unable to improve the loss of heart weight and fat mass when cancer cachexia model mice were injected with it, peptide‐2 increased the gastrocnemius muscle weight and muscle cross‐sectional area resulted in the enhanced grip strength in cancer cachexia mice. Consequently, the model mice treated with peptide‐2 could survive longer than those that did not undergo this treatment. Our results suggest that peptide‐2 might be a novel therapeutic candidate to suppress muscle wasting in cancer cachexia.
Diagnosis of severe growth hormone deficiency in the newborn
Authors: Binder Gerhard , Weber Karin , Rieflin Nora , Steinruck Louis , Blumenstock Gunnar , Janzen Nils , Franz Axel R. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveSevere neonatal growth hormone deficiency (GHD) can cause recurrent hypoglycaemia. Early diagnosis is warranted. The aim of the study was to analyse the GH content in screening cards of 25 affected and 281 healthy newborns.Patients and MeasurementsA total of 110 screening cards from ill newborns were sent to us for measuring GH content by a highly sensitive GH ELISA. Clinical information was obtainable in 61 cases. Severe GHD was defined by the presence of recurrent hypoglycaemia with a significant pituitary malformation or two additional pituitary hormone deficiencies. Screening cards from 281 healthy newborns (34.0‐37.9 weeks) were prospectively analysed.ResultsIn 25 newborns (5 preterm), the definition of severe GHD was fulfilled based on recurrent hypoglycaemia in combination with malformation of the pituitary or midline structures in 21 cases and combined TSH and ACTH deficiency in four cases. The median GH concentration of those affected with severe GHD was 3.9 µg/L (range: 1.1‐11.8), significantly below the previously reported reference range (P < .001). A GH concentration of 7 µg/L was confirmed as the cut‐off for term newborns with the best accuracy (90.0% sensitivity and 98.7% specificity). The 95% reference range for healthy preterm newborns (n = 151) was 7.6‐47.1 µg/L (median: 20.3 µg/L).ConclusionsA GH content <7.0 µg/L in the newborn screening card confirms severe GHD with high accuracy. In preterm newborns, the lower limit of the reference interval was 0.6 µg/L higher than in term newborns. The newborn screening card is a valuable source for the very early diagnosis of GH deficiency.
Anwendungsfehler bei lokaler Skabiestherapie: eine Beobachtungsstudie
Authors: Nemecek Romina , Stockbauer Anna , Lexa Martina , Poeppl Wolfgang , Mooseder Gerhard 
Published: June 2020

ZusammenfassungHintergrundIn den letzten Jahren wurde im deutschsprachigen Raum ein deutlicher Anstieg an Skabiesinfestationen beobachtet. Aufgrund häufiger Therapieversager stellt sich die Frage, ob die Anwendung der lokalen Permethrintherapie korrekt erfolgt.Patienten und MethodikAn unserer Abteilung werden Skabiespatienten bezüglich einer korrekten Anwendung mithilfe einer fluoreszierenden Testcreme geschult. Im Rahmen einer prospektiven Anwendungsbeobachtung wurden bei 21 Patienten etwaige Anwendungsfehler systematisch erhoben und analysiert.ErgebnisseDie Vorgabe einer lückenlosen Applikation laut Anweisung wurde von keinem einzigen Studienteilnehmer erreicht. Die mittlere Anzahl der ausgesparten Körperareale betrug 6 (Min.: 2; Max.: 18), die mittlere ausgesparte Körperoberfläche betrug 6 % (Min.: 2 %, Max.: 30 %). Bezüglich Skabiesprädilektionsstellen waren Fußgelenke in 62 % der Fälle ausgespart, gefolgt von Zehenzwischenräumen mit 33 % und Sakralregion mit 24 %. Die durchgeführte Schulungsmaßnahme wurde von sämtlichen Patienten als äußerst hilfreich beurteilt.SchlussfolgerungenDie vorliegenden Ergebnisse zeigen eindrucksvoll, dass die Anwendungsgenauigkeit bei Skabiespatienten unzureichend sein kann und bieten ein (möglicherweise unterschätztes) Erklärungsmodell für die häufigen Berichte über Therapieversagen einer topischen Skabiestherapie, welche den Eindruck eines Resistenzproblems erwecken.
S1‐Leitlinie Diagnostik und Therapie des Analekzems
Authors: Weyandt Gerhard , Breitkopf Claudia , Werner Ricardo Niklas , Zidane Miriam , Furtwängler Alex , Jongen Johannes , Rothhaar Alex , Schaefer Daniel , Lenhard Bernhard 
Published: June 2020

ZusammenfassungDas Analekzem (Syn.: perianale Dermatitis, perianales Ekzem) ist eine der häufigsten proktologischen Erkrankungen und tritt als Folgeerscheinung oder Teilsymptom verschiedener proktologischer, dermatologischer, allergologischer oder mikrobieller Veränderungen auf. Die drei Hauptformen des Analekzems sind das irritativ‐toxische, das atopische und das kontaktallergische Analekzem. Die diagnostische Einordnung der Ätiologie ermöglicht die angemessene und erfolgreiche Behandlung von Patienten mit Analekzem. Diese umfasst die Behandlung beziehungsweise Beseitigung ätiologischer Faktoren und die nichtmedikamentöse Therapie (Meidung aggravierender Faktoren). Unterstützend kann eine topische antientzündliche und/oder spezifische symptomatische Therapie erforderlich werden. Die vorliegende Leitlinie enthält Empfehlungen zum diagnostischen und therapeutischen Management des Analekzems und richtet sich an Ärzte der Fachrichtungen Dermatologie und Proktologie sowie aller weiteren Fachrichtungen in Klinik und Praxis, die an der Behandlung von Patienten mit Analekzem beteiligt sind.
First record of Oomyzus scaposus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), as a parasitoid of Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Pakistan
Authors: Irfan Ullah M. , Ali Zahid S. M. , Afzal M. , Arshad M. , Abdullah A. , Altaf N. , Riaz M. 
Published: June 2020

Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a natural enemy of several important pests. This biocontrol agent is also a host for different parasitoids. Little is known about the parasitoid complex of C. septempunctata in Pakistan. The authors identified Oomyzus scaposus (Thomson, 1878) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) as a larval‐pupal parasitoid of C. septempunctata in the district of Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan. Out of 36 C. septempunctata pupae collected, 58.3% were parasitized by O. scaposus. This study documents the first record of O. scaposus parasitizing C. septempunctata in Pakistan.
Perspectives on public involvement in health research from Singapore: The potential of a supported group model of involvement
Authors: Luna Puerta Lidia , Bartlam Bernadette , Sun Hsiao‐Li Shirley , Smith Helen E. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundSingapore is an international research hub, with an emphasis on translational clinical research. Despite growing evidence of the positive impact of public involvement (PPI) in research, it remains rare in Singapore.Aims

To investigate Singaporean public perspectives around the rationale, role and scope for being involved in health research

To identify the potential, challenges, facilitators and strategies for implementing PPI in Singapore.

DesignSemi‐structured qualitative interviews with members of the public, analysed using thematic framework analysis.ResultsTwenty people participated. Four main themes emerged: potential benefits; challenges; facilitators; and strategies for implementation. Whilst initially unfamiliar with the concept, all interviewees recognized potential benefits for the research itself and those involved, including researchers. PPI was seen to offer opportunities for public empowerment and strengthening of relationships and understanding between the public, academics and health professionals, resulting in more impactful research. Challenges included a Singaporean culture of passive citizenship and an education system that inculcates deferential attitudes. Facilitators comprised demographic and cultural changes, including trends towards greater individual openness and community engagement. Implementation strategies included formal government policies promoting involvement and informal community‐based collaborative approaches.ConclusionGiven the socio‐political framework in Singapore, a community‐based approach has potential to address challenges to PPI and maximize impact. Careful consideration needs to be given to issues of resource and support to enable members of the public to engage in culturally sensitive and meaningful ways that will deliver research best placed to effectively address patient needs.