bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infective Endocarditis Guidelines: The Challenges of Adherence—A Survey of Infectious Diseases Clinicians
Authors: Huang Glen , Gupta Siddhi , Davis Kyle A , Barnes Erin W , Beekmann Susan E , Polgreen Philip M , Peacock James E 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
Guidelines exist to aid clinicians in managing patients with infective endocarditis (IE), but the degree of adherence with guidelines by Infectious Disease (ID) physicians is largely unknown.

Methods
An electronic survey assessing adherence with selected IE guidelines was emailed to 1409 adult ID physician members of the Infectious Diseases Society of America’s Emerging Infections Network.

Results
Five hundred fifty-seven physicians who managed IE responded. Twenty percent indicated that ID was not consulted on every case of IE at their hospitals, and 13% did not recommend transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for all IE cases. The duration of antimicrobial therapy was timed from the first day of negative blood cultures by 91% of respondents. Thirty-four percent of clinicians did not utilize an aminoglycoside for staphylococcal prosthetic valve IE (PVE). Double β-lactam therapy was “usually” or “almost always” employed by 83% of respondents for enterococcal IE. For patients with active IE who underwent valve replacement and manifested positive surgical cultures, 6 weeks of postoperative antibiotics was recommended by 86% of clinicians.

Conclusions
The finding that adherence was &lt;90% with core guideline recommendations that all patients with suspected IE be seen by ID and that all patients undergo TTE is noteworthy. Aminoglycoside therapy of IE appears to be declining, with double β-lactam regimens emerging as the preferred treatment for enterococcal IE. The duration of postoperative antimicrobial therapy for patients undergoing valve replacement during acute IE is poorly defined and represents an area for which additional evidence is needed.
Rural–urban differences in body mass index and obesity-related behaviors among low-income preschoolers
Authors: Contreras Dawn A , Martoccio Tiffany L , Brophy-Herb Holly E , Horodynski Mildred , Peterson Karen E , Miller Alison L , Senehi Neda , Sturza Julie , Kaciroti Niko , Lumeng Julie C 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
With one in eight preschoolers classified as obese in the USA, childhood obesity remains a significant public health issue. This study examined rural–urban differences in low-income preschoolers’ body mass index z-scores (BMIz), eating behaviors, dietary quality, physical activity (PA) and screen time.

Methods
Pre-intervention data from 572 preschooler-parent dyads participating in a randomized, controlled obesity prevention trial in the Midwest USA were analyzed. We examined the associations among living in rural versus urban areas, child BMIz and child obesity-related behaviors, including eating behaviors, dietary quality, PA and screen time.

Results
Rural children had higher BMIz, more emotional overeating behaviors and more time spent playing outdoors compared with urban children. We found no associations between children living in rural versus urban areas and dietary quality and screen time.

Conclusions
The study found that rural–urban differences in BMIz may start as early as 3–4 years of age, if not earlier. To reverse the weight-related health disparities between rural and urban low-income preschoolers, structural changes in rural locations and family supports around coping skills may be needed.
Sustained-release diclofenac conjugated to hyaluronate (diclofenac etalhyaluronate) for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized phase 2 study
Authors: Nishida Yoshihiro , Kano Kazuyuki , Nobuoka Yuji , Seo Takayuki 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of diclofenac etalhyaluronate (DF-HA) (ONO-5704/SI-613), a novel DF-conjugated hyaluronate, in patients with knee OA in Japan.

Methods
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study, patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either 30 mg of DF-HA or placebo intra-articularly at weeks 0, 4 and 8 and were followed up for 24 weeks. The primary outcomes were changes from baseline in the WOMAC pain subscores, 50-foot walk test pain score and daily pain score. The secondary outcomes were the WOMAC physical function subscores, patient global assessment, responder rate and safety outcome.

Results
Overall, 176 patients received the investigational drugs (87 received DF-HA and 89 received placebo). The mean changes in the WOMAC pain subscores and daily pain score from baseline over 12 weeks after the first injection were significantly higher in the DF-HA than placebo group; the mean difference was −7.0 mm [95% CI, −12.7, −1.2; P =0.018] and −0.61 (95% CI, −1.06, −0.16; P =0.008), respectively. The difference in the 50-foot walk test pain score was −5.0 mm (95% CI, −10.3, 0.3; P =0.065). Improvement of pain by DF-HA was observed at week 1 and maintained from week 12 to week 24. Significantly greater improvements in the secondary outcomes were also observed with DF-HA than with placebo. No clinically significant adverse events occurred.

Conclusion
DF-HA reduced pain in patients with knee OA without major safety concerns.

Trial registration
UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm, UMIN000015858
The burden of obstructive sleep apnea in pediatric sickle cell disease: a Kids’ inpatient database study
Authors: Tsou Po-Yang , Cielo Christopher M , Xanthopoulos Melissa S , Wang Yu-Hsun , Kuo Pei-Lun , Tapia Ignacio E 
Published: August 2020

AbstractStudy ObjectivesObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity. Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at increased risk for both neurologic complications (NC) and OSA. However, the relationship between OSA and SCD complications is unclear. We hypothesized that there would be an association between OSA diagnosis and SCD complications.MethodsHospital discharge records of patients with SCD aged &lt; 19 years were obtained for the years 1997, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2012 from the Kid’s Inpatient Database. The primary outcome, NC, a composite of stroke, transient ischemic attack, and seizures. Secondary outcomes included acute chest syndrome (ACS), vaso-occlusive crisis, length of hospital stay, and inflation-adjusted cost of hospitalization. Multivariable regression was conducted to ascertain the association of OSA with primary and secondary outcomes. Analyses were adjusted for the use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) to determine its role as NC risk modifier.ResultsThere were 203,705 SCD discharges included in the analysis, of which 2,820 (1.4%) and 4,447 (2.2%) also included OSA and NC diagnoses. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that OSA was associated with NC (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.50 [95% CI 1.02–2.21], p = 0.039) and ACS (OR, 1.34 [95% CI 1.08–1.67], p = 0.009) in children with SCD. In the multivariable analysis adjusted for NIMV, the significant association between OSA and NC was no longer observed (OR, 1.39 [95% CI 0.94–2.05], p = 0.100).ConclusionsOSA is associated with a 50% increase of odds of NC in children with SCD in this nationwide dataset. The use of NIMV to treat OSA may modify the risk of OSA-associated NC.
Another stripe on the tiger makes no difference? Unexpected diversity in the widespread tiger tarantula Davus pentaloris (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Theraphosinae)
Authors: Candia-Ramírez Daniela T , Francke Oscar F 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Integrative taxonomy is relevant for the discovery and delimitation of cryptic species by incorporating different sources of evidence to construct rigorous species hypotheses. The genus Davus was recently revised and it was found that Davus pentaloris presents high morphological variation across its widespread distribution. However, tarantulas usually present low dispersal capabilities that occasionally result in local endemism. In order to evaluate species boundaries within this taxon, we examine the morphological variation and, additionally, employ four strategies based on mtDNA data (COI): two distance-based [automatic barcode gap discovery (ABGD) and Neighbor-Joining (NJ)] and two tree-based methods [general mixed Yule coalescent (GMYC) and Bayesian Poisson tree process (bPTP)]. Available morphological evidence recovers 13 putative morphospecies, but the different methods based on molecular data recover a variable number of candidate species (16–18). Based on the congruence across all analyses and the available morphological data, we recognize 13 clearly diagnosable species, 12 of them new to science. We conclude that the underestimation of the diversity in D. pentaloris was mainly caused by deficient practices in taxonomy, rather than by the presence of cryptic diversity. Although COI is a functional barcoding marker and it gives reliable results in our study, we recommend combining multiple sources of evidence and strategies to construct better species delimitation hypotheses.
Effects of exercise training on renal interstitial fibrosis and renin–angiotensin system in rats with chronic renal failure
Authors: Yamakoshi Seiko , Nakamura Takahiro , Mori Nobuyoshi , Suda Chihiro , Kohzuki Masahiro , Ito Osamu 
Published: August 2020

Objective:
To clarify the mechanisms of the renal protective effects of exercise training, we examined the effects of exercise training on the renal interstitial fibrosis and renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in rats with chronic renal failure.

Methods:
Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: sham operation; 5/6 nephrectomy + sedentary; 5/6 nephrectomy + exercise training. The 5/6 nephrectomy + exercise training group underwent treadmill running (20 m/min, 60 min/day, 5 days/week). After 12 weeks, renal function, histology and protein expression of collagen type I, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP) and RAS components in the renal cortex were examined.

Results:
Exercise training ameliorated the 5/6 nephrectomy-induced hypertension, proteinuria, renal dysfunction, glomerular sclerosis and renal interstitial fibrosis. 5/6 Nephrectomy increased the expression of collagen type I, TGF-β1, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, angiotensinogen, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), (pro)renin receptor and angiotensin II type 1 receptor, and exercise training inhibited the 5/6 nephrectomy-increased expression of collagen type I, TGF-β1, TIMP-1, angiotensinogen and ACE expressions. 5/6 Nephrectomy decreased the expression of renin, ACE2, angiotensin II type 2 receptor and Mas receptor, and exercise training inhibited the 5/6 nephrectomy-decreased expressions.

Conclusion:
These results indicated that exercise training attenuates the progression of glomerular sclerosis and renal interstitial fibrosis in chronic renal failure rats. The renal protective effects of exercise training may be mediated by ameliorating the renal collagen turnover and the exacerbation of renal RAS.
Attentional bias to somatosensory stimuli in chronic pain patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Broadbent Philippa , Liossi Christina , Schoth Daniel E. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the evidence pertaining to attentional bias for painful and nonpainful somatosensory stimuli in individuals with chronic pain. Eligible studies were identified through searches of Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. Search terms were words and phrases organised into 3 concept blocks: pain condition, cognitive process, and stimuli/paradigm. The search identified 29 eligible studies (reporting 32 eligible experiments), of which quantitative meta-analysis was possible for 16 studies (19 experiments). The meta-analysis found that chronic pain patients, excluding somatoform pain patients, showed significantly greater attentional bias to stimuli in the somatosensory modality than healthy controls (k = 9, g = 0.34). In addition, meta-analysis of studies that used a temporal order judgement task found that patients with unilateral chronic pain showed a spatial attentional bias away from somatosensory stimuli (k = 7, effect estimate = 22.43 ms) and visual stimuli (k = 2, effect estimate = 13.75 ms) on or near the painful body side. Most studies of attentional bias to the somatosensory modality recruited samples of patients with fibromyalgia, whereas most studies of spatial attentional bias assessed patients with complex regional pain syndrome. The extent to which these results generalise to other pain conditions is therefore unclear. We recommend future research test spatial and modality attentional biases across chronic pain conditions and examine the psychometric properties of attentional bias measurement paradigms for use with chronic pain populations. PROSPERO registration number CRD42019124510.
Increased peptidergic fibers as a potential cutaneous marker of pain in diabetic small fiber neuropathy
Authors: Karlsson Pall , Provitera Vincenzo , Caporaso Giuseppe , Stancanelli Annamaria , Saltalamacchia Anna Maria , Borreca Ilaria , Manganelli Fiore , Santoro Lucio , Jensen Troels Staehelin , Nolano Maria 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes and is often associated with neuropathic pain. The mechanisms underlying development and maintenance of painful DPN are largely unknown, and quantification of intraepidermal nerve fiber density from skin biopsy, one of the neuropathological gold standard when diagnosing DPN, does not differentiate between patients with and without pain. Identification of possible pain pathophysiological biomarkers in patients with painful DPN may increase our knowledge of mechanisms behind neuropathic pain. Animal models of painful DPN have been shown to have an increased density of peptidergic nerve fibers (substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide). In this study, we performed a detailed skin biopsy analysis in a well-characterized group of DPN patients with primarily small fiber involvement, with and without pain, and in healthy controls and test for correlation between skin biopsy findings and pain intensity and quantitative sensory testing. We found that although there was no difference in intraepidermal nerve fiber density using protein gene product 9.5 between patients with and without pain, patients with pain had increased density of dermal peptidergic fibers containing substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide compared with patients with painless DPN and healthy controls. Peptidergic nerve fiber density correlated with pain ratings in patients with pain (R = 0.33; P = 0.019), but not with quantitative sensory testing results. In this article, we show, for the first time in humans, an increased density of dermal peptidergic fibers in painful DPN. These findings provide new insight in the pathophysiological mechanisms of pain in diabetes and open the research towards new therapeutic targets.
The case for cochlear implantation in unilateral and asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Bojrab Dennis , Hong Robert S. 
Published: August 2020

Purpose of review
Cochlear implants have been used to treat bilateral deafness for over 40 years. A more recent development has been the application of this technology toward single-sided deafness (SSD) and asymmetric hearing loss (AHL), culminating in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in the United States for this indication in July of 2019. This review examines the recent literature on cochlear implants for SSD and AHL, focusing on speech perception, sound localization, tinnitus, and quality of life.

Recent findings
There is an expanding body of literature supporting the use of cochlear implant in SSD/AHL patients. The cochlear implant offers a unique rehabilitation option for this subset of patients as it potentially restores binaural hearing (direct stimulation of both ears). A review of the literature reveals significant improvements with the cochlear implant in speech perception in quiet and noise, sound localization, tinnitus, and quality of life. In addition, these improvements appear to be greater than what conventional options such as a contralateral routing of signal (CROS) hearing aid and bone conduction device (BCD) are able to achieve.

Summary
Cochlear implants offer additional benefits over previously available options of CROS and BCDs and have recently been approved by the FDA for use in patient with SSD/AHL. Given the growing body of literature demonstrating the benefit of cochlear implant over other devices, it is important to offer cochlear implant as an option to these patients.
The Role of Anxiety in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Elective Cardioversion: An Observational Study
Authors: García-Izquierdo Eusebio , Fajardo-Simón Lourdes , Cruz-Utrilla Alejandro , Aguilera-Agudo Cristina , Jiménez-Sánchez Diego , Sánchez-García Manuel , Lobo Ana Blasco , Escudier-Villa Juan M. , Ortega-Marcos Javier , Silva-Melchor Lorenzo , Castro-Urda Victor , Toquero-Ramos Jorge , de Arce-Cordón Rosario , Fernández-Lozano Ignacio 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACT

Objective
Anxiety is often present among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This condition has been associated with greater symptom severity and worse quality of life in these patients. However, the influence of anxiety on the risk of AF recurrence is not well known. We aimed to define the level of anxiety in patients with persistent AF undergoing elective cardioversion (EC) and determine whether there is an association between anxiety and the risk of early AF recurrence after EC.

Methods
Anxiety was measured before EC using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Early AF recurrence was assessed with a control electrocardiogram at 30-day follow-up.

Results
We included 107 patients undergoing effective EC. Early AF recurrence was diagnosed in 40 patients (37.4%). Compared with those who remained in sinus rhythm, individuals with early AF recurrence had significantly higher levels of trait anxiety (23.1 [10.4] versus 17.9 [9.5]; p = .013) and larger left atrial volume index (45.8 [12.3] versus 37.9 [13.3] ml/m2; p = .004). Both variables remained independently associated with early AF recurrence after multivariate analysis. A predictive model including trait anxiety score >20 and left atrial volume index >41 ml/m2 showed acceptable accuracy for the diagnosis of early AF recurrence (area under the curve = 0.733; 95% confidence interval = 0.634–0.832; p < .001).

Conclusions
Our study shows that trait anxiety is an independent risk factor for early AF recurrence after EC. Further studies are warranted to assess the beneficial role of anxiety-reducing strategies on the outcomes of patients with AF.
Decompressing Stoma a s Bridge to Elective Surgery is an Effective Strategy for Left-sided Obstructive Colon Cancer
Authors: Veld Joyce V. , Amelung Femke J. , Borstlap Wernard A. A. , van Halsema Emo E. , Consten Esther C. J. , Dekker Jan Willem T. , Siersema Peter D. , ter Borg Frank , van der Zaag Edwin S. , Fockens Paul , Bemelman Willem A. , de Wilt Johannes H. W. , van Hooft Jeanin E. , Tanis Pieter J. 
Published: August 2020

Objective:
The purpose of this population-based study was to compare decompressing stoma (DS) as bridge to surgery (BTS) with emergency resection (ER) for left-sided obstructive colon cancer (LSOCC) using propensity-score matching.

Summary Background Data:
Recently, an increased use of DS as BTS for LSOCC has been observed in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, good quality comparative analyses with ER are scarce.

Methods:
Patients diagnosed with nonlocally advanced LSOCC between 2009 and 2016 in 75 Dutch hospitals, who underwent DS or ER in the curative setting, were propensity-score matched in a 1:2 ratio. The primary outcome measure was 90-day mortality, and main secondary outcomes were 3-year overall survival and permanent stoma rate.

Results:
Of 2048 eligible patients, 236 patients who underwent DS were matched with 472 patients undergoing ER. After DS, more laparoscopic resections were performed (56.8% vs 9.2%, P < 0.001) and more primary anastomoses were constructed (88.5% vs 40.7%, P < 0.001). DS resulted in significantly lower 90-day mortality compared to ER (1.7% vs 7.2%, P = 0.006), and this effect could be mainly attributed to the subgroup of patients over 70 years (3.5% vs 13.7%, P = 0.027). Patients treated with DS as BTS had better 3-year overall survival (79.4% vs 73.3%, hazard ratio 0.36, 95% confidence interval 0.20-0.65) and fewer permanent stomas (23.4% vs 42.4%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
In this nationwide propensity-score matched study, DS as a BTS for LSOCC was associated with lower 90-day mortality and better 3-year overall survival compared to ER, especially in patients over 70 years of age.
The ILLS Laparoscopic Liver Surgery Fellow Skills Curriculum
Authors: Krenzien Felix , Schöning Wenzel , Brunnbauer Philipp , Benzing Christian , Öllinger Robert , Biebl Matthias , Bahra Marcus , Raschzok Nathanael , Cherqui Daniel , Geller David , Han Ho-Seong , Wakabayashi Go , Schmelzle Moritz , Pratschke Johann 
Published: August 2020

Introduction:
Laparoscopy is becoming the standard approach in liver surgery. As the degree of difficulty varies greatly from core skills to advanced procedures, strategies for teaching young surgeons need to be reconsidered. We here aimed to design a skills curriculum for LLR.

Methods:
Using the nominal group technique, 22 substeps of LLR were identified by 61 hepatobiliary surgeons. The raters were asked to rate (1) the difficulty of substeps and (2) the minimum number of times that the substep must be performed for mastery of the technique. According to the frequency of defined substeps, being estimated on the basis of high volume center experiences (n = 222 LLR; 1/2017–12/2018), the center's training capacity and defined goals for a 2-year fellowship were calculated.

Results:
Ten surgical substeps (45%) are routinely performed and can thus be taught sufficiently at centers carrying out ≥50 LLR in 2 years. As the mobilization of the right liver lobe and the dissection of the hepatic artery or portal vein is performed in only 27% and 28% of all LLR, respectively, sufficient training can only be provided at centers with ≥100 LLRs in 2 years. Mastery of complex parenchymal dissection (19%) and hilar lymphadenectomy (8%) can only be achieved in center performing ≥200 LLR in 2 years.

Conclusion:
We here suggest a stepwise approach for training of hepatobiliary fellows in LLR. Based on the estimated complexity of the substeps and the size of the center, not every substep can be learned within 2 years.