bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frailty in ageing persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ayrignac Xavier , Larochelle Catherine , Keezer Mark , Roger Elaine , Poirier Josée , Lahav Boaz , Girard Marc , Prat Alexandre , Duquette Pierre 
Published: May 2020

Background: Recent progress in multiple sclerosis (MS) management has contributed to a greater life expectancy in persons with MS. Ageing with MS comes with unique challenges and bears the potential to greatly affect quality of life and socioeconomic burden. Objectives: To compare frailty in ageing persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and controls; to correlate frailty with MS clinical characteristics. Methods: PwMS and controls over 50 years old were recruited in a cross-sectional study. Two validated frailty measures were assessed: the frailty index and the Fried’s phenotype. Several multiple linear regressions accounting for demographic and clinical characteristics were performed. Results: Eighty pwMS (57 females, mean age 58.5 ± 6 years old) and 37 controls (24 females, mean age 61 ± 6.5 years old) were recruited. Multivariable analysis identified significantly higher frailty index in pwMS (0.21 ± 0.12 vs 0.11 ± 0.08, p < 0.0001). Similarly, according to Fried’s phenotype, a significantly higher percentage of pwMS were frail compared to controls (28% vs 8%). In pwMS, frailty index was independently associated with expanded disability status scale (EDSS), comorbidities, education level and disease duration. Conclusion: Our results suggest that frailty can be routinely assessed in pwMS. Increased frailty in MS patients suggests that, along with MS therapeutics, a tailored multidisciplinary approach of ageing pwMS is needed.
Expert recommendations on the management of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who progress after CHAARTED or LATITUDE
Authors: Puente Javier , Anido Urbano , Climent Miguel Ángel , Gonzalez-Billalabeitia Enrique , Lainez Nuria , Lambea Julio , Maroto José Pablo , Mendez-Vidal Maria Jose , Montesa Álvaro , Rodriguez Angel , Zambrana Curro , González-del-Alba Aránzazu 
Published: May 2020

Objective: Our aim was to provide practical recommendations on the management of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have progressed after docetaxel plus androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) or abiraterone plus ADT. Methods: Systematic literature review (SLR), nominal group meeting, and Delphi process. A panel of 12 experts was established who defined the scope, users, and sections of the document. We performed an SLR in order to assess the efficacy and safety of available drugs in patients with mCRPC. Abstracts from the American Society of Oncology and European Society for Medical Oncology meetings were also examined. The results were discussed during an expert meeting in which 14 recommendations were generated. The level of agreement with the recommendations was also tested by 13 additional experts following the Delphi process. Recommendations were voted by means of scores ranging from 0 (total disagreement) to 10 (total agreement). We defined agreement when at least 70% of the experts voted ⩾7. Next, we assigned a level of evidence and grade to the recommendation using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence, following which the final document was drafted. Results: The literature search did not find any articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Finally, 13 out of 14 recommendations were accepted after two Delphi rounds (two were modified after the first round). They pertain to general and individual case-based treatment recommendations. Conclusions: In mCRPC patients who have progressed after docetaxel or abiraterone plus ADT in the metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer setting, these recommendations may support treatment decision-making, due to the lack of evidence or other globally accepted sequencing algorithms.
Moderate intensity exercise in hypoxia increases IGF-1 bioavailability and serum irisin in individuals with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Żebrowska Aleksandra , Sikora Marcin , Konarska Anna , Zwierzchowska Anna , Kamiński Tomasz , Robins Anna , Hall Barbara 
Published: May 2020

Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of moderate intensity continuous exercise (Ex) and hypoxia (Hyp) on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), irisin and cytokines levels in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: A total of 14 individuals with T1D (age: 28.7 ± 7.3 years) and 14 healthy adults (age: 27.1 ± 3.9 years) performed 40-min continuous Ex at moderate intensity (50% lactate threshold) on a cycle ergometer in normoxia (Nor) and Hyp (FiO2 = 15.1%) Biochemical factors, glucose concentrations and physiological variables were measured at rest, immediately and up to 24 h after both Ex protocols. Results: Patients with T1D had significantly lower pre-Ex serum concentrations of BDNF ( p < 0.05, p < 0.01), and total IGF-1 ( p < 0.001, p < 0.05) and significantly higher irisin levels ( p < 0.05, p < 0.01) in Nor and Hyp, compared with healthy subjects. Ex significantly increased in T1D group serum BDNF (in Nor only p < 0.05) and total IGF-1 levels in Nor and Hyp ( p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). Immediately after Ex in Hyp, freeIGF-1 ( p < 0.05) and irisin levels ( p < 0.001) were significantly higher compared with the levels induced by Ex alone. Free IGF-1 and irisin serum levels remained elevated in 24 h post-Ex in Hyp. In T1D, significant blood glucose (BG) decrease was observed immediately after Ex in Hyp ( p < 0.001) and in 24 h recovery ( p < 0.001) compared with pre-Ex level. Conclusion: The study results suggest that moderate intensity continuous Ex has beneficial effect on BDNF and IGF-1 levels. Ex in hypoxic conditions may be more effective in increasing availability of IGF-1. The alterations in the post-Ex irisin levels and IGF-1 system may be contributing to more effective glycaemia control in patients with T1D.
All hands on deck: Hand replantation versus transplantation
Authors: Heineman John , Bueno Ericka M , Kiwanuka Harriet , Carty Matthew J , Sampson Christian E , Pribaz Julian J , Pomahac Bohdan , Talbot Simon G 
Published: May 2020

Objectives: Our hands play a remarkable role in our activities of daily living and the make-up of our identities. In the United States, an estimated 41,000 individuals live with upper limb loss. Our expanding experience in limb transplantation—including operative techniques, rehabilitation, and expected outcomes—has often been based on our past experience with replantation. Here, we undertake a systematic review of replantation with transplantation in an attempt to better understand the determinants of outcome for each and to provide a summary of the data to this point. Methods: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we conducted PubMed searches from 1964 to 2013 for articles in English. In total, 53 primary and secondary source articles were found to involve surgical repair (either replantation or transplantation) for complete amputations at the wrist and forearm levels. All were read and analyzed. Results: Hand replantations and transplantations were compared with respect to pre-operative considerations, surgical techniques, post-operative considerations and outcomes, including motor, sensation, cosmesis, patient satisfaction/quality of life, adverse events/side effects, financial costs, and overall function. While comparison of data is limited by heterogeneity, these data support our belief that good outcomes depend on patient expectations and commitment. Conclusion: When possible, hand replantation remains the primary option after acute amputation. However, when replantation fails or is not possible, hand transplantation appears to provide at least equal outcomes. Patient commitment, realistic expectations, and physician competence must coincide to achieve the best possible outcomes for both hand replantation and transplantation.
Whole-exome sequencing identifies rare variants in STAB2 associated with venous thromboembolic disease
Authors: Desch Karl C. , Ozel Ayse B. , Halvorsen Matt , Jacobi Paula M. , Golden Krista , Underwood Mary , Germain Marine , Tregouet David-Alexandre , Reitsma Pieter H. , Kearon Clive , Mokry Lauren , Richards J. Brent , Williams Frances , Li Jun Z. , Goldstein David , Ginsburg David 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, collectively defined as venous thromboembolism (VTE), are the third leading cause of cardiovascular death in the United States. Common genetic variants conferring increased varying degrees of VTE risk have been identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Rare mutations in the anticoagulant genes PROC, PROS1 and SERPINC1 result in perinatal lethal thrombosis in homozygotes and markedly increased VTE risk in heterozygotes. However, currently described VTE variants account for an insufficient portion of risk to be routinely used for clinical decision making. To identify new rare VTE risk variants, we performed a whole-exome study of 393 individuals with unprovoked VTE and 6114 controls. This study identified 4 genes harboring an excess number of rare damaging variants in patients with VTE: PROS1, STAB2, PROC, and SERPINC1. At STAB2, 7.8% of VTE cases and 2.4% of controls had a qualifying rare variant. In cell culture, VTE-associated variants of STAB2 had a reduced surface expression compared with reference STAB2. Common variants in STAB2 have been previously associated with plasma von Willebrand factor and coagulation factor VIII levels in GWAS, suggesting that haploinsufficiency of stabilin-2 may increase VTE risk through elevated levels of these procoagulants. In an independent cohort, we found higher von Willebrand factor levels and equivalent propeptide levels in individuals with rare STAB2 variants compared with controls. Taken together, this study demonstrates the utility of gene-based collapsing analyses to identify loci harboring an excess of rare variants with functional connections to a complex thrombotic disease.
Circulating fibrocytes traffic to the lung in murine acute lung injury and predict outcomes in human acute respiratory distress syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Lin Christine M. , Alrbiaan Abdullah , Odackal John , Zhang Zhimin , Scindia Yogesh , Sung Sun-Sang J. , Burdick Marie D. , Mehrad Borna 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundFibrosis is an integral component of the pathogenesis of acute lung injury and is associated with poor outcomes in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Fibrocytes are bone marrow-derived cells that traffic to injured tissues and contribute to fibrosis; hence their concentration in the peripheral blood has the potential to serve as a biomarker of lung fibrogenesis. We therefore sought to test the hypothesis that the concentration and phenotype of circulating fibrocytes in patients with ARDS predicts clinical outcomes.MethodsFor the animal studies, C57Bl/6 mice were infected with experimentalKlebsiella pneumoniaein a model of acute lung injury; one-way ANOVA was used to compare multiple groups and two-way ANOVA was used to compare two groups over time. For the human study, 42 subjects with ARDS and 12 subjects with pneumonia (without ARDS) were compared to healthy controls. Chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test were used to compare binary outcomes. Survival data was expressed using a Kaplan-Meier curve and compared by log-rank test. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to predict death.ResultsIn mice with acute lung injury caused byKlebsiellapneumonia, there was a time-dependent increase in lung soluble collagen that correlated with sequential expansion of fibrocytes in the bone marrow, blood, and then lung compartments. Correspondingly, when compared via cross-sectional analysis, the initial concentration of blood fibrocytes was elevated in human subjects with ARDS or pneumonia as compared to healthy controls. In addition, fibrocytes from subjects with ARDS displayed an activated phenotype and on serial measurements, exhibited intermittent episodes of markedly elevated concentration over a median of 1 week. A peak concentration of circulating fibrocytes above a threshold of > 4.8 × 106cells/mL cells correlated with mortality that was independent of age, ratio of arterial oxygen concentration to the fraction of inspired oxygen, and vasopressor requirement.ConclusionsCirculating fibrocytes increase in a murine model of acute lung injury and elevation in the number of these cells above a certain threshold is correlated with mortality in human ARDS. Therefore, these cells may provide a useful and easily measured biomarker to predict outcomes in these patients.
Thermal reactivity of hemicellulose and cellulose in cedar and beech wood cell walls
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Minami Eji , Kawamoto Haruo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWood cell walls have complex ultra-structures, in which cellulose microfibrils are surrounded by a hemicellulose–lignin matrix. This is the first paper to discuss the effect of cell wall on the pyrolytic reactivity of hemicellulose and cellulose in wood by using Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica, a softwood) and Japanese beech (Fagus crenata, a hardwood), along with isolated xylan and glucomannan. Pyrolysis was conducted by subjecting the samples to temperatures in the range of 220–380 °C, at a heating rate of 10 °C/min, under a N2flow with the reactor quenched as soon as the temperature reached the set value. The remaining hemicellulose and cellulose in the heat-treated wood were evaluated by determining the yields of hydrolysable sugar. Isolated xylan containing the uronic acid group, probably acting as a catalyst, was more reactive than isolated glucomannan, whereas the xylan in both woods was remarkably stable and degraded across a similar temperature range to the glucomannan degradation. Thus, the majority of the hemicellulose fractions in cedar and beech unexpectedly exhibited similar reactivity, except for glucomannan in beech that degraded at lower temperatures. Differing thermogravimetric (TG) and derivative TG (DTG) profiles, measured for cedar and beech under similar heating conditions, were explained by the different cellulose reactivity, rather than the hemicellulose reactivity; cellulose decomposed with hemicellulose in cedar, while such decomposition was independent in beech. The observed reactivity is a new finding that is different from the currently understood ideas and may originate from the effects of the cell walls. The research herein provides important information on the kinetics and thermochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass.
Treatment of presumed Nocardia endophthalmitis and subretinal abscess with serial intravitreal amikacin injections and pars plana vitrectomy
Authors: Hojjatie Sara L. , Salek Sherveen S. , Pearce William A. , Wells Jill R. , Yeh Steven 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA 64-year-old man with a past medical history of liver transplantation on chronic immunosuppressive therapy presented with gradual worsening of vision over 2 months in his right eye. His recent history of Aspergillus and Nocardia pneumonia with positive bronchoalveolar lavage, in concert with vitritis and subretinal abscess, were concerning for endogenous endophthalmitis. A sputum culture and transbronchial lung biopsy stains grew Nocardia farcinica although aqueous humor sampling was negative. He was treated with four serial amikacin intravitreal injections over the course of 4 weeks. Pars plana vitrectomy for worsening macular traction and subsequent cataract surgery resulted in significant clinical and anatomic improvement of vision to 20/60 and consolidation of the subretinal abscess.
Ischaemic heart disease and Cancer: competing malignant conditions
Authors: Murphy Alexandra C. , Koshy Anoop N. , Yudi Matias B. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
The growing population of cancer survivors and their high frequency of cardiovascular disease have resulted in a dramatic increase in cancer patients requiring cardiovascular intervention. However, there is a lack of evidence to guide optimal management in this complex population who have historically been excluded from cardiovascular trials.

Discussion
We review the recently published meta-analysis by Roule et al. The findings of this analysis demonstrate that patients with cancer presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have increased rates of in-hospital cardiovascular mortality, bleeding and one-year cardiovascular mortality. All-cause mortality measured in-hospital and at one-year were also significantly greater in cancer patients as was all-cause mortality in cancer patients that undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In contrast to the short-term outcomes, rates of long-term cardiovascular mortality did not differ significantly between groups.

Summary
Patient-specific assessment of risk, accounting for disease characteristics and treatment, and close communication with oncology providers is vital in defining optimal treatment strategies in this population.
Stretta radiofrequency treatment vs Toupet fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a comparative study
Authors: Ma Lifeng , Li Tao , Liu Guochao , Wang Jianlong , Yin Zhaoqiang , Kang Jiansheng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Outcomes of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) using Toupet fundoplication (TF) and Stretta radiofrequency (SRF) have not been compared and this study was conducted to compare therapeutic efficacy of the two methods.

Methods
This retrospective study analyzed a total of 230 patients undergoing TF or SRF at our hospital. Baseline data, reflux symptoms, the DeMeester scores, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and adverse events were compared over 1 year period.

Results
A total of 226 patients were included in the study. The time and frequency of reflux and percentage of reflux time before and 12 months after therapy were not significantly different. There were significantly interactions between the therapy method and follow-up time on the DeMeester score and LES pressure. Twelve months post therapy, the DeMeester score was significantly higher in SRF than in TF group, while the LES pressure was lower. At 12 months after therapy, multivariate Cox proportional regression analysis showed that reflux frequency, the DeMeester score and LES pressure were risk factors for poor prognosis in TF group, while reflux frequency and the DeMeester score, and LES pressure were risk factors for poor prognosis in SFR group.

Conclusions
Compared with TF, SFR can significantly improve the esophageal pH and pressure in GERD patients without increasing the risk of poor prognosis.
Relationships of self-management abilities to loneliness among older people: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nieboer Anna Petra , Hajema KlaasJan , Cramm Jane Murray 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
We investigated relationships of broader self-management abilities (self-efficacy, positive frame of mind, investment behavior, taking initiatives, multifunctionality of resources, variety of resources) to social and emotional loneliness among community-dwelling older people while controlling for background characteristics.

Methods
This cross-sectional study employed a representative sample of 41,327 community-dwelling people aged ≥55 years in Limburg, the Netherlands, identified using the population register (weighted per district, complex sampling design). In total, 20,327 (50%) people responded to the questionnaire.

Results
All self-management abilities were associated negatively with emotional loneliness. Taking initiatives, multifunctionality, self-efficacy, and a positive frame of mind were associated negatively with social loneliness. Self-efficacy had the strongest relationships with social and emotional loneliness.

Conclusions
In combatting loneliness among older people, investment in their ability to self-manage their social lives and activities, such as increasing opportunities for positive social interaction and social support and reducing maladaptive cognition, seems to be crucial.
Case report: nosocomial fungemia caused by Candida diddensiae
Authors: Kim Seong Eun , Jung Sook In , Park Kyung-Hwa , Choi Yong Jun , Won Eun Jeong , Shin Jong Hee 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Candida diddensiae, a yeast found in olive oil, is considered non-pathogenic to humans. Here, we describe the first case of fungemia caused by C. diddensiae in a hospitalized patient with underlying diseases.

Case presentation
A 62-year-old woman was admitted because of multiple contusions due to repeated falls and generalized weakness. She presented with chronic leukopenia due to systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple cranial nerve neuropathies due to a recurring chordoma. She was given a lipid emulsion containing total parenteral nutrition (TPN) starting on the day of admission. Broad-spectrum antibiotics had been administered during her last hospital stay and from day 8 of this hospitalization. However, no central venous catheter was used during this hospital stay. Blood cultures obtained on hospital days 17, 23, and 24 yielded the same yeast, which was identified as C. diddensiae via sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacer region and D1/D2 regions of the 26S ribosomal DNA of the rRNA gene. In vitro susceptibility testing showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration of fluconazole for all isolates was 8 μg/mL. On day 23, TPN was discontinued and fluconazole therapy was started. Blood cultures obtained on day 26 were negative. The fluconazole therapy was replaced with micafungin on day 26 and the patient exhibited improvements.

Conclusion
The use of lipid TPN may potentially contribute to the occurrence of nosocomial fungemia by C. diddensiae, an unusual Candida species.
An isolated vaginal metastasis from intestinal signet ring cell carcinoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhu Xiao Dan , Wang Jin , You Qin Han , Jiang Tian An 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Isolated vaginal metastases from intestinal signet ring cell carcinoma are extremely rare. There are no reported cases in the domestic or foreign literature. The characteristics of such cases of metastasis remain relatively unknown. As a life-threatening malignant tumor, it is very important to carry out a systemic tumor examination and transvaginal biopsy, even though clinical symptoms are not typical and there is no systemic tumor history.

Case presentation
We present a case of an isolated vaginal metastasis from intestinal cancer in a 45-year-old female patient. The patient experienced a small amount of irregular vaginal bleeding and difficulty urinating. She had no history of systemic cancer. An early physical examination and transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) showed marked thickening of the entire vaginal wall. Pelvic nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a colposcopic biopsy were used to diagnose her with chronic vaginitis. An analysis of the vaginal wall biopsy showed signet ring cell carcinoma. Colorectal colonoscopy revealed advanced interstitial signet ring cell carcinoma as the primary source of vaginal wall infiltration. We review previous case reports of vaginal metastases from colorectal cancer and discuss the symptoms, pathological type, and outcomes.

Conclusions
We hypothesize that vaginal wall thickening and stiffness accompanied by chronic inflammatory-like changes may be clinical features of a vaginal metastasis of signet ring cell carcinoma of the intestine. We also emphasize that it is very important to perform a systemic tumor examination in a timely manner when a patient has the abovementioned symptoms.