bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate sensitises multidrug‐resistant oral carcinoma xenografts to vincristine sulfate
Authors: Chen Li , Guo Xianwen , Hu Ye , Li Li , Liang Gang , Zhang Guo 
Published: May 2020

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a very aggressive malignancy, and 50% of patients who receive curative treatment die from the disease or related complications within 5 years. Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant bioactive ingredient of tea polyphenols in green tea and has anticancer properties. Here, we evaluated the preclinical efficacy of EGCG combined with vincristine sulfate (VCR) on the growth, angiogenic activity and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in xenograft nude mice inoculated with KBV200 cells. Compared with VCR alone, the combined use of EGCG and VCR strongly inhibited tumour growth and angiogenesis (P < 0.01). VEGF mRNA and protein levels were lower in the KBV200 xenograft group treated with the combined regime (P < 0.01) than those in the VCR alone group. EGCG sensitises multidrug‐resistant OSCC to VCR, and this may occur through the inhibition of angiogenesis via VEGF down‐regulation.
Participation in Informal Caregiving Among People With Arthritis: Findings From a Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Wilfong Jessica M. , Perruccio Anthony V. , Millstone Dov B. , Badley Elizabeth M. 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveDespite the joint pain and significant dysfunction that characterizes arthritis, many people with arthritis continue to carry out everyday duties and responsibilities. The objective of the present study was to describe participation in informal caregiving (unpaid assistance to someone with a health issue or limitation) among people with arthritis.MethodsAnalysis of baseline data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), a nationally representative sample of people ages 45–85 years (n = 21,241), was performed. A questionnaire covering sociodemographic, health, and caregiving variables was completed by each study participant. Caregiving variables examined characteristics of the person who received the most care from the questionnaire respondent, as well as the types of caregiving (e.g., hands‐on versus hands‐off tasks) and amount of care provided (e.g., hours per week).ResultsThere was no difference in the proportion of people with and without arthritis who provided informal care (46%). Individuals with arthritis reported worse health, but this did not affect the likelihood of providing care, nor the types or amount of care provided. Caregivers with and without arthritis were most likely to provide fewer than 7 hours per week of care, and the most common type of care was characterized as hands‐off, particularly transportation assistance. Men were just as likely to provide care as women but were less likely to provide high intensity care or perform hands‐on tasks.ConclusionDespite reporting worse health on average, people with arthritis were just as likely as people without arthritis to provide informal care. The need to provide informal care among people with arthritis may impact their ability to engage in self‐management activities for their arthritis.
Prevalence of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Drug Dispensing Patterns Among Medicaid and Medicaid–Medicare Dually Eligible Beneficiaries in Puerto Rico
Authors: Hernández-Muñoz José J. , Wei Wenfei , Sierra-Zorita Radames 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Puerto Rico, to describe disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) dispensing patterns by prescriber specialty, and to illustrate the impact of RA case definition on the estimated prevalence.MethodsThis study estimated the prevalence of RA in Puerto Rico during 2016 among Medicaid and Medicaid–Medicare dually eligible beneficiaries of the Mi Salud health care plan, a federally funded health insurance program. DMARD dispensing and cost patterns were described and stratified by provider specialty. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of RA case definition on estimated prevalence.ResultsThe prevalence of RA in 2016 was estimated to be 2 cases per 1,000 beneficiaries, with 3 per 1,000 beneficiaries among females, 4.5 times that of males. In total, 44% of beneficiaries received conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs) only, 32% received biologic or targeted synthetic DMARDs (b/tsDMARDs) only, and 24% received a combination of csDMARDs and b/tsDMARDs. Rheumatologists and a combination of specialties accounted for the highest median number of dispensed DMARDs, with 14 each. A sensitivity analysis revealed that when RA cases with ≥3 medical claims were restricted to having ≥1 DMARD claim, the estimated prevalence changed from 6 to 3 cases per 1,000 beneficiaries.ConclusionThe prevalence of RA in Puerto Rico in this study is lower than reported in the mainland US, possibly due to more stringent criteria to define RA. DMARD dispensing and cost patterns are similar to those found in other studies. Claims algorithms that identify RA have higher validity when pharmacy data is included.
Safety and Tolerability of Subcutaneous Methotrexate in Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: Li Christien K. H. , Baker Kenneth , Jones Tania , Coulson Elizabeth , Roberts Andrew , Birrell Fraser 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveTo show the safety and efficacy of subcutaneous (SC) methotrexate (MTX) compared to oral MTX, alternative disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) monotherapy, biologic monotherapy, and combinations (conventional and biologic combination groups) in routine clinical practice.MethodsClinical and laboratory data were retrospectively analyzed for rheumatology clinic attendances at a large Northeast England hospital trust between January 2014 and January 2018. Rates of adverse events and stop events (transaminitis [serum alanine aminotransferase level of >80 units/liter] or neutropenia [neutrophil count of <2.0 × 109/liter]) were calculated, with adjustment for duration of DMARD exposure.ResultsIn the present study, 8,394 patients received DMARDs, with 2,093 patients receiving oral MTX and 949 patients receiving SC MTX. The median dose was 15 mg (interquartile range [IQR] 10–20 mg) for oral MTX, and 20 mg (IQR 15–25 mg) for SC MTX (P < 0.0001). Continuation rates were higher for SC MTX therapy when adjusted for follow‐up duration, with a rate ratio (RR) of 1.54 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.40–1.70) (P < 0.0001). For the time period assessed, 2,382 patients experienced 4,358 adverse events, with 1,711 incidents of transaminitis and 2,647 incidents of neutropenia recorded. Significantly fewer adverse events were observed in patients who received SC MTX monotherapy versus those who received biologic and combination DMARD therapies (P < 0.01). Compared to oral MTX, SC MTX was associated with a nonsignificant trend toward lower rates of neutropenia, but only a slightly higher rate of transaminitis (RR 1.26 [95% CI 1.07–1.48]) (P = 0.006), despite significantly higher doses of MTX.ConclusionSubcutaneous MTX is safe in routine clinical practice. This is the largest study yet reported on SC MTX and provides observational data that SC MTX is continued longer and better tolerated in patients compared to other therapy groups, especially oral MTX.
Defining Minimum Clinically Important Changes for the Patient Activity Scale II
Authors: Baker Joshua F. , Katz Patti , Michaud Kaleb 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveTo define the minimum clinically important improvement (MCII) and minimum clinically important worsening (MCIW) for the Patient Activity Scale II (PAS‐II; range 0–10), a recommended patient‐reported outcome measuring rheumatoid arthritis disease activity.MethodsData were taken from Forward, The National Databank for Rheumatic Diseases, from four 6‐month data collection periods. Both anchor‐based and distribution‐based methods were used to estimate the MCII and MCIW. Anchor‐based analyses used comparisons of pain and general health to the previous 6 months. Distribution‐based analyses used 0.5 and 0.35 SDs. We stratified analyses based on the PAS‐II score (above/below 3.7), hypothesizing that the MCII and MCIW would depend on the baseline score. To assess construct validity, we evaluated the odds of achieving the MCII in patients receiving new therapies.ResultsIn the overall sample, for pain and general health anchor questions, the MCIW was 0.50 and 0.55, respectively. The MCII was defined as 0.39 and 0.45, respectively, for pain and general health. The MCIW for anchor‐based methods among participants with low disease activity was 1.10 (1.09/1.11 [pain/general health]), while the MCII for those with moderate‐to‐high disease activity was 1.09 (1.15/1.02 [pain/general health]). Distribution‐based methods for 0.5 and 0.35 SD were 1.08 and 0.76, respectively, for pain and general health. There was fair‐to‐excellent agreement with clinically important differences in assessments of pain and disability. Patients receiving new treatments had 30% greater odds of achieving the MCII.ConclusionThe minimum important change in PAS‐II score was approximately 0.5. Among participants with a moderate‐to‐high PAS‐II score , the MCII was 1.1, and among participants with low disease activity, the MCIW was 1.1.
Development and Assessment of Novel Lung Ultrasound Interpretation Criteria for the Detection of Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Fairchild Robert , Chung Melody , Yang Diana , Sharpless Laurel , Li Shufeng , Chung Lorinda 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveInterstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequent complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc), and ILD screening, characterization, and monitoring are important for therapeutic decision‐making and prognostication. Lung ultrasonography (US) is a potential alternative imaging modality for ILD detection. In this study, our objective was to develop and test a novel lung US examination technique and interpretation criteria for detecting SSc‐ILD.MethodsLung US acquisition was performed by collecting short US movies at 14 lung positions. Lung US interpretation criteria for SSc‐ILD detection focused on visualized pleural changes. To assess the performance of our methodology for SSc‐ILD detection, we prospectively enrolled SSc patients with high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging within 3 months of lung US. Lung US examinations were scored independently by 2 blinded readers (1 ultrasonographer and 1 nonultrasonographer). The sensitivity and specificity for SSc‐ILD detection were assessed, and agreement was measured with Cohen’s kappa statistic.ResultsTo test the performance of our lung US acquisition technique and interpretation criteria, 20 SSc patients were evaluated by lung US (278 lung zones) and HRCT. HRCT confirmed ILD in 9 patients (45%). Lung US was positive for SSc‐ILD in 11 patients (55%) with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 82% versus HRCT, with perfect agreement between the 2 readers (κ = 1). Analysis by individual lung zones found excellent agreement between readers, with 93.8% concordance and κ = 0.82.ConclusionWe developed a novel lung US examination technique and interpretation criteria that are highly sensitive and specific for SSc‐ILD detection in an SSc cohort, affording perfect agreement between ultrasonographer and nonultrasonographer readers.
Determination of Binary Interaction Parameters for Ternary Polymer–Polymer–Solvent Systems Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Gracia‐Medrano‐Bravo Víctor‐Alfonso , Merklein Lisa , Oberle Nikolas , Batora Manuel , Scharfer Philip , Schabel Wilhelm 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMultilayer coatings and drying of polymer films are widely used to produce different applications like organic electronics or barrier foils. If the product quality requires separated layers, partial or immiscible systems can be used to avoid interdiffusion between the layers. For the prediction of a possible phase separation of a ternary polymer–polymer–solvent system, it is required to measure or obtain from a data bank the three binary interaction parameters of the system to describe its thermodynamic behavior. This poses a challenge due to the scarce data and measurement techniques for polymer–solvent interaction parameters, but even more for polymer–polymer interaction parameters. In this work, a numerical routine is developed to predict the phase separation for given interaction parameters and is validated with literature results. Subsequently, different ternary polystyrene–poly(methyl methacrylate)–toluene mixtures are prepared and the resulting composition of the phase (or phases) is measured via Raman spectroscopy. The determined equilibrium data are used to fit the binary interaction parameters, which can be used afterward as input parameters for the numerical routine in order to predict the ternary phase diagram of the system.
The associations between digit ratio, aerobic fitness, physical skills, and overall physical fitness of elite youth distance runners
Authors: Lombardo Michael P. , Otieno Sango 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveLower digit ratios between the lengths of fingers 2 (2D) and 4 (4D) (2D:4D) are associated with superior distance running and athletic performance. We examined relationships between 2D:4D, aerobic fitness, physical skills, and overall physical fitness of elite adolescent boy and girl distance runners.MethodsSubjects were top five finishers for their sex and age in 10 or more races of 10 km or longer in Michigan in 1981. We calculated 2D:4D of 15 girls and 11 boys from radiographs. Subject peak O2consumption (VO2Peak), ventilatory threshold (VT), and point of equivalent change (PEC) were collected during intermittent treadmill protocol tests. Performances on physical skills tests (flex‐arm hang, broad jump, vertical jump, figure‐8‐run, sit ups, and sit‐and‐reach test) were collected in the laboratory. We examined the interrelationships between 2D:4D, subject sex, aerobic fitness, physical skills test performance, and overall physical fitness, a composite of aerobic and physical skills performance with correlation, linear regression,ttests, and principle component analyses.ResultsGirls had significantly larger right hand (R) 2D:4D than boys. Boys had greater VO2Peakby mass than girls. Boys with lower R2D:4D had significantly greater VO2Peakand PEC. Girls with lower R2D:4D had significantly greater VT. Factors associated with aerobic fitness explained most of the variation in composite physical fitness scores. Composite aerobic fitness, physical skills, and overall physical fitness scores of boys were negatively correlated with R2D:4D.ConclusionsThese data suggest that R2D:4D may help predict distance running performance in girls and boys and overall physical fitness in boys and provide additional insights into the innate factors influencing youth physical fitness.
Benzene exposure‐response and risk of lymphoid neoplasms in Chinese workers: A multicenter case‐cohort study
Authors: Linet Martha S. , Gilbert Ethel S. , Vermeulen Rudolf , Dores Graça M. , Yin Song‐Nian , Portengen Lutzen , Hayes Richard B. , Ji Bu‐Tian , Lan Qing , Li Gui‐Lan , Rothman Nathaniel 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundWhile international agreement supports a causal relationship of benzene exposure with acute myeloid leukemia, there is debate about benzene and lymphoid neoplasm risks.MethodsIn a case‐cohort study with follow‐up of 110 631 Chinese workers during 1972‐1999, we evaluated benzene exposure‐response for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), lymphoid leukemias (LL), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and total lymphoid neoplasms (LN). We estimated benzene exposures using state‐of‐the‐art hierarchical modeling of occupational factors calibrated with historical routine measurements and evaluated cumulative exposure‐response using Cox regression.ResultsNHL and other specified LN were increased in exposed vs unexposed workers. However, there was no evidence of exposure‐response for NHL or other specified LN. Based on a linear exposure‐response, relative risks at 100 parts per million‐years (RR at 100 ppm‐years) for cumulative benzene exposure using a 2‐year lag (exposure at least 2 years before the time at risk) were 1.05 for NHL (95 percent confidence interval (CI) = 0.97, 1.27; 32 cases), 1.11 for LL (95% CI < 0, 1.66; 12 cases), 1.21 for ALL (95% CI < 0, 3.53; 10 cases), and 1.02 for total LN (95% CI < 0, 1.16; 49 cases). No statistically significant exposure‐response trends were apparent for these LN for 2 to <10‐year or ≥10‐year lags. NHL risks were not significantly modified by sex, age, or year at first exposure, attained age, or time since exposure.ConclusionGiven the study strengths and limitations, we found little evidence of exposure‐response for benzene and NHL, LL, ALL, or total LN, although NHL and other specified LN were increased in exposed vs unexposed individuals.
An investigation of the utility of QuEChERS for extracting acid, base, neutral and amphiphilic species from example environmental and clinical matrices
Authors: Townsend Rachel , van Keulen Geertje , Desbrow Claire , Godfrey Amy Ruth 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAccurate measurement of the composition of complex samples is key for the safety and efficacy of a range of products used in daily life, with sample preparation a critical step in this workflow. QuEChERS is one such method, however published protocols do not explicitly address acidic, basic, neutral, and amphiphilic species in a single protocol and often use extra steps or an alternative preparation to recover the breadth of chemical types. Our work addresses this need by investigating the use of QuEChERS for monitoring this wide range of chemistries within environmental solids and blood plasma, using a protocol that can accommodate both milliliter and microliter sample volumes. While published methods can require significant resource and time, our approach offers a reduction in preparation time (for environmental samples), with the “micro‐QuEChERS” protocol offering a further reduction in cost. The analytical performance of these methods were assessed using reversed‐phase LC‐MS and showed good accuracy, precision, and sensitivity for the expected concentrations in the tested applications. Target analytes of variable lipophilicity/acidity were extracted and isolated from soil, with largely repeatable matrix effects < 15%RSD and recoveries of 39‐100%. An initial “proof‐of‐concept” investigation using the “micro‐QuEChERS” protocol showed reduced matrix enhancement (median value of 90%ME) for soil, and improved matrix effects and recovery (>65%) for blood plasma. This novel sample preparation method can therefore offer an improved approach with wider applicability providing “cleaner” extracts than other methods used for high‐throughput clinical analysis.
Oxygen barrier properties of polyketone/EVOH blend films and their resistance to moisture
Authors: Kim Jihun , Oh Seijin , Cho Sung Min , Jun Jaeho , Kwak Soonjong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPolyketone (PK) has excellent chemical and mechanical properties, but its use in food packaging is limited due to its oxygen barrier properties being insufficient for high‐barrier film applications. To improve its oxygen barrier properties, PK has been blended with ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), which is one of the highest oxygen barrier polymers in use today. The oxygen barrier properties under both dry and humid conditions, as well as the mechanical properties of PK/EVOH blend films were investigated in this study. These novel PK/EVOH blend films exhibited unusually low oxygen permeability values from 0.3 to 0.16 cc 20 μm m−2 day−1 atm−1 with increasing EVOH content from 30 to 70 wt%, which are even lower than those of the ideal laminar model that expresses the theoretical minimum permeability values attainable for blended barrier films. These high oxygen barrier properties of PK/EVOH blend films can conceivably be attributed to the combination of two dominant effects: a tortuous diffusion path through the EVOH domains in the PK matrix and hydrogen bonding interactions between PK and EVOH. Furthermore, in high‐humidity environments with retorting, the PK/EVOH blend films exhibited superior resistance to moisture over EVOH. Immediately after the retorting test, the oxygen permeability of the high‐barrier PK/EVOH blend films with an EVOH content of 30–40 wt% increased by less than 3× the pre‐retorting value, as opposed to 74× for EVOH. In addition, PK/EVOH blend films displayed superior stretching characteristics, with a breaking strain of over 300%, which are valuable for flexible packaging applications.
Latent Class Trajectory Modeling of 2‐Component Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints Identifies Multiple Rheumatoid Arthritis Phenotypes of Response to Biologic Disease‐Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs
Authors: Dagliati Arianna , Plant Darren , Nair Nisha , Jani Meghna , Amico Beatrice , Peek Niels , Morgan Ann W. , Isaacs John , Wilson Anthony G. , Hyrich Kimme L. , Geifman Nophar , Barton Anne ,   for the BRAGGSS Study Group
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveTo determine whether using a reweighted disease activity score that better reflects joint synovitis, i.e., the 2‐component Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) (based on swollen joint count and C‐reactive protein level), produces more clinically relevant treatment outcome trajectories compared to the standard 4‐component DAS28.MethodsLatent class mixed modeling of response to biologic treatment was applied to 2,991 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in whom treatment with a biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug was being initiated within the Biologics in Rheumatoid Arthritis Genetics and Genomics Study Syndicate cohort, using both 4‐component and 2‐component DAS28 scores as outcome measures. Patient groups with similar trajectories were compared in terms of pretreatment baseline characteristics (including disability and comorbidities) and follow‐up characteristics (including antidrug antibody events, adherence to treatments, and blood drug levels). We compared the trajectories obtained using the 4‐ and 2‐component scores to determine which characteristics were better captured by each.ResultsUsing the 4‐component DAS28, we identified 3 trajectory groups, which is consistent with previous findings. We showed that the 4‐component DAS28 captures information relating to depression. Using the 2‐component DAS28, 7 trajectory groups were identified; among them, distinct groups of nonresponders had a higher incidence of respiratory comorbidities and a higher proportion of antidrug antibody events. We also identified a group of patients for whom the 2‐component DAS28 scores remained relatively low; this group included a high percentage of patients who were nonadherent to treatment. This highlights the utility of both the 4‐ and 2‐component DAS28 for monitoring different components of disease activity.ConclusionHere we show that the 2‐component modified DAS28 defines important biologic and clinical phenotypes associated with treatment outcome in RA and characterizes important underlying response mechanisms to biologic drugs.