bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aging progression of human gut microbiota
Authors: Xu Congmin , Zhu Huaiqiu , Qiu Peng 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background
Human gut microbiota are important for human health and have been regarded as a “forgotten organ”, whose variation is closely linked with various factors, such as host genetics, diet, pathological conditions and external environment. The diversity of human gut microbiota has been correlated with aging, which was characterized by different abundance of bacteria in various age groups. In the literature, most of the previous studies of age-related gut microbiota changes focused on individual species in the gut community with supervised methods. Here, we aimed to examine the underlying aging progression of the human gut microbial community from an unsupervised perspective.

Results
We obtained raw 16S rRNA sequencing data of subjects ranging from newborns to centenarians from a previous study, and summarized the data into a relative abundance matrix of genera in all the samples. Without using the age information of samples, we applied an unsupervised algorithm to recapitulate the underlying aging progression of microbial community from hosts in different age groups and identify genera associated to this progression. Literature review of these identified genera indicated that for individuals with advanced ages, some beneficial genera are lost while some genera related with inflammation and cancer increase.

Conclusions
The multivariate unsupervised analysis here revealed the existence of a continuous aging progression of human gut microbiota along with the host aging process. The identified genera associated to this aging process are meaningful for designing probiotics to maintain the gut microbiota to resemble a young age, which hopefully will lead to positive impact on human health, especially for individuals in advanced age groups.
Early inter-hospital transfer of patients with myocardial infarction without a doctor, paramedic or nurse on board: results from a French regional emergency care network
Authors:   for the SCA-Alp Investigators, Cassan Sebastien , Rata Mihaela , Vallenet Claire , Fromage Philippe , Champly Frederic , Broin Patrick , Peribois Guillaume , Sierra Valerie , Lutz Cedric , Mangin Lionel , Savary Dominique , Ageron François-Xavier , Belle Loic 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
In France, patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are usually transferred from remote hospitals to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) centres in mobile intensive care units (MICUs) with on-board medical staff. They are then returned to the remote hospitals by MICU 48 h after PCI. However, MICU transportation and beds in a PCI centre are in short supply. Therefore, we investigated clinical outcomes among intermediate-risk ACS patients who were transferred in private ambulances without an on-board medic or paramedic; and returned to the remote hospital sooner after PCI.

Methods
In the French Alps, the RESURCOR network manages ‘SCA-Alp’ transfers using strict management protocols in ambulances with trained drivers and automatic external defibrillators, but without heart rhythm monitoring. We conducted an observational retrospective study that assessed outcomes (death and emergency return to the PCI centre within 48 h) in patients transferred using SCA-Alp. Our population comprised stabilized patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who returned to the remote hospital within 24–48 h of PCI, and uncomplicated patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) within 24–72 h of symptom onset who come from and returned to (‘round-trip’) the remote hospital on the day of PCI (return < 12 h after PCI).

Results
Between 2010 and 2014, 101 STEMI and 490 NSTEMI patients were transferred using SCA-Alp. No adverse events occurred during transportation and no deaths were reported. Two of 591 patients (0.3% [95% confidence interval 0.1–1.4%]) experienced a stent thrombosis within 48 h of PCI that required a second urgent PCI; both were event free at 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions
Inter-hospital transfer using SCA-Alp is associated with low event rates in intermediate-risk ACS patients, allowing a more streamlined use of medical facilities and freeing-up of beds in PCI centres.
Adherence to anti-osteoporosis medication associated with lower mortality following hip fracture in older adults: a nationwide propensity score-matched cohort study
Authors: Yu Shan-Fu , Cheng Jur-Shan , Chen Ying-Chou , Chen Jia-Feng , Hsu Chung-Yuan , Lai Han-Ming , Ko Chi-Hua , Chiu Wen-Chan , Su Yu-Jih , Cheng Tien-Tsai 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundWe investigated the association of anti-osteoporosis medication with mortality risk in older adults with hip fractures and evaluated the influence of medication adherence on mortality.MethodsWe conducted a population-based cohort study and identified a total of 13,123 patients aged 65 years or older with hip fracture from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database during the period 2001–2010. Individuals with (n = 2092) and without (n = 2092) receiving anti-osteoporosis medication were matched using propensity score matching (1:1 ratio). The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates after the index fracture were compared between patients with and without treatment. In the treated group, survival rate was compared between those with good and non-adherence. Good adherence was defined as the medication possession ratio of ≥80% and non-adherence as a ratio < 80%.ResultsThe 1-, 3- and 5-year mortality rates were significantly lower in the treated vs. the non-treated group (allp < 0.0001). In the treated group, the estimated 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were higher in those with good adherence than in those with non-adherence (allp < 0.0001). Regarding all-cause mortality, the adjusted hazard ratio in the treated vs. the non-treated group was 0.63 (95% confidence interval 0.58–0.68,p < 0.0001). The good adherence subgroup showed a significantly lower mortality risk than that in the non-adherence subgroup (hazard ratio 0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.32–0.51,p < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were significantly higher in patients receiving anti-osteoporosis medication than in the untreated group. All-cause mortality rates were lower in patients with good adherence to anti-osteoporosis medication.
Assessment of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBLs) – producing Escherichia coli from minced meat of cattle and swab samples and hygienic status of meat retailer shops in Jimma town, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Abayneh Mengistu , Tesfaw Getnet , Woldemichael Kifle , Yohannis Moti , Abdissa Alemseged 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
The impact of animals sources of food as a possible reservoir for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) - Producing E. coli, and the dissemination of such strains into the food production chain need to be assessed. This study was aimed to assess the presence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of ESBLs - producing E. coli isolates from minced meat and environmental swab samples at meat retailer shops of Jimma town, Southwest Ethiopia.

Methodology
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from March to June, 2016. A total of 168 minced meat and swab samples were first enriched by buffered peptone water (BPW) for overnight and streaked onto MacConkey agar. Double disk synergy (DDS) method was used for detection of ESBL-producing strains. A disk of amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (20/10 μg) was placed in the center of Mueller-Hinton agar plate, and cefotaxime (30 μg) and ceftazidime (30 μg) were placed at a distance of 20 mm from the central disk. Checklist was used to assess hygienic status of butcher shops and practices meat handlers.

Results
A total of 35 (20.80%) biochemically confirmed E. coli were obtained from 168 samples. Of these, 21 (23.9%) of them were detected from 88 minced meat and the other 14 (17.5%) from 80 swab samples taken from butcher’s hand, knives, chopping board and protective clothing. From 35 E. coli isolates, 7(20%) of them were confirmed as ESBL- producers. Among ESBL- producing strains, 85.7% were resistant for cefotaxime and ceftriaxone and 71.4% for ceftazidime. Among non-ESBLs-producing strains only seven isolates were resistant to third generation cephalosporin. All E. coli isolates were resistant to ampicillin, penicillin and erythromycin, and susceptible to amikacin. Poor hygienic status of butcher shops and unhygienic practice of meat handlers were observed.

Conclusion
The detections of ESBLs- producing strains could be contributed for the increment of multi drug resistant isolates. This study also concluded that, unhygienic meat handling and processing practice can contribute for contaminations of meat. Thus, strategies should be planned and implemented to improve the knowledge and practice of butchers about handling and processing of meat.
Albumin losses during hemodiafiltration: all dialyzers are not created equal - a case report
Authors: Cuvelier Charles , Tintillier Michel , Migali Gabriela , Van Ende Charlotte , Pochet Jean-Michel 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) is associated with better removal of both small and middle molecules and might improve survival compared to conventional hemodialysis (HD). Nevertheless, hemodiafiltration (HDF) can lead to an increase in albumin loss across the dialyzer, especially with high permeability membrane and high convective volume (CV). We present the case of a patient treated by OL-HDF who developed severe hypoalbuminemia resulting from massive albumin loss into dialysate.

Case presentation
A 71-year-old woman with ESRD started renal replacement therapy in December 2016. She was treated by high volume post-dilution OL-HDF, 4 h, 3 times per week. The dialyzer was the Phylther HF20SD (a 2.0m2 heat sterilized high flux (HF) polyphenylene membrane from Bellco). At the initiation of dialysis, the serum albumin was 4.0 g/dl. During the following months, the patient developed severe hypoalbuminemia. The lowest value observed was 2.26 g/dl in July 2017. Diagnostic workup excluded nephrotic syndrome, hepatic failure and malabsorption. The patient was shifted from OL-HDF to standard HF HD, keeping the same dialyzer and dialysis schedule. During the following months, we observed a progressive correction of the hypoalbuminemia (3.82 g/dl at last follow-up). To precise the impact of the epuration technique on the albumin losses in this patient, we measured the amount of albumin in dialysate during one session with the Phylther HF20SD on OL-HDF and one session with the same filter but on standard HD. The CV was 29.0 l for the HDF session. The total albumin losses were 23.6 g on OL-HDF and 4.6 g on HD.

Conclusion
OL-HDF can lead to significant albumin loss into the dialysate, especially with high permeability membrane and high CV. When prescribing post-dilutional OL-HDF, the choice of the dialyzer membrane should be made with caution. Users of the steam sterilized polyphenylene membrane, the Phylther SD, should be informed of the risk of large albumin loss with this membrane during post-dilution OL-HDF.
Effect of interpregnancy weight change on perinatal outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Teulings Noor E. W. D. , Masconi Katya L. , Ozanne Susan E. , Aiken Catherine E. , Wood Angela M. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Although obesity is a well-known risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, evidence is sparse about the effects of interpregnancy weight change on the risk of adverse perinatal complications in a subsequent pregnancy. The current study aims to assess the effect of interpregnancy weight change on the risk of developing gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, pregnancy induced hypertension, preterm birth, or delivering a large- or small-for-gestational age neonate.

Methods
Pubmed, Ovid Embase, ClinicalTrial.gov and the Cochrane library were systematically searched up until July 24th, 2019. Interpregnancy weight change was defined as the difference between pre-pregnancy weight of an index pregnancy and a consecutive pregnancy. Inclusion criteria included full text original articles reporting quantitative data about interpregnancy weight change in multiparous women with any time interval between consecutive births and the risk of any perinatal complication of interest. Studies reporting adjusted odds ratios and a reference group of − 1 to + 1 BMI unit change between pregnancies were harmonised by meta-analysis.

Results
Twenty-three cohort studies identified a total of 671,906 women with two or more consecutive pregnancies. Seven of these studies were included in the meta-analysis (280,672 women). Interpregnancy weight gain was consistently associated with a higher risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, pregnancy induced hypertension and large-for-gestational age births. In contrast, interpregnancy weight loss was associated with a lower risk of delivering a large-for-gestational age neonate. The effect magnitude (relative risk) of interpregnancy weight gain on pregnancy induced hypertension or delivering a large-for-gestational age neonate was greater among women with a normal BMI in the index pregnancy compared to women with a starting BMI ≥25 kg/m2.

Conclusion
These findings confirm that interpregnancy weight change impacts the risk of developing perinatal complications in a subsequent pregnancy. This provides evidence in support of guidelines encouraging women to achieve post-partum weight loss, as their risk of perinatal complications might be minimised if they return to their pre-pregnancy weight before conceiving again.
Prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017067326).
Screening antiproliferative drug for breast cancer from bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid tetrandrine and fangchinoline derivatives by targeting BLM helicase
Authors: Zhang Wangming , Yang Shuang , Liu Jinhe , Bao Linchun , Lu He , Li Hong , Pan Weidong , Jiao Yanchao , He Zhixu , Liu Jielin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe high expression of BLM (Bloom syndrome) helicase in tumors involves its strong association with cell expansion. Bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids own an antitumor property and have developed as candidates for anticancer drugs. This paper aimed to screen potential antiproliferative small molecules from 12 small molecules (the derivatives of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids tetrandrine and fangchinoline) by targeting BLM642–1290helicase. Then we explore the inhibitory mechanism of those small molecules on proliferation of MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells.MethodsFluorescence polarization technique was used to screen small molecules which inhibited the DNA binding and unwinding of BLM642–1290helicase. The effects of positive small molecules on the ATPase and conformation of BLM642–1290helicase were studied by the malachite green-phosphate ammonium molybdate colorimetry and ultraviolet spectral scanning, respectively. The effects of positive small molecules on growth of MDA-MB-435 cells were studied by MTT method, colony formation and cell counting method. The mRNA and protein levels of BLM helicase in the MDA-MB-435 cells after positive small molecule treatments were examined by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively.ResultsThe compound HJNO (a tetrandrine derivative) was screened out which inhibited the DNA binding, unwinding and ATPase of BLM642–1290helicase. That HJNO could bind BLM642–1290helicase to change its conformationcontribute to inhibiting the DNA binding, ATPase and DNA unwinding of BLM642–1290helicase. In addition, HJNO showed its inhibiting the growth of MDA-MB-435 cells. The values of IC50after drug treatments for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h were 19.9 μmol/L, 4.1 μmol/L and 10.9 μmol/L, respectively. The mRNA and protein levels of BLM helicase in MDA-MB-435 cells increased after HJNO treatment. Those showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) compared with negative control when the concentrations of HJNO were 5 μmol/L and 10 μmol/L, which might contribute to HJNO inhibiting the DNA binding, ATPase and DNA unwinding of BLM helicase.ConclusionThe small molecule HJNO was screened out by targeting BLM642–1290helicase. And it showed an inhibition on MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells expansion.
Predictive value of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with oesophageal cancer undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Li Ke-Jie , Xia Xiao-Fang , Su Meng , Zhang Hui , Chen Wen-Hao , Zou Chang-Lin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background and objectives
The survival rate of patients with advanced oesophageal cancer is very low and can vary significantly, even among patients with the same TNM stage. It is important to look for indicators that are economical and readily available to predict overall survival. The aim of this study was to determine whether lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could be potential predictors of survival in patients with advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Methods
Differences in survival among 204 patients with advanced oesophageal cancer who underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy were collected and analysed. Univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses were used to investigate the association between blood inflammatory markers and patient survival before treatment.

Results
Univariate COX regression analyses showed that a history of alcohol use, neutrophil count, LMR, NLR, tumour length, and N stage were significantly associated with the survival of tumour patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Multivariate COX regression analysis showed that NLR and LMR were predictors of outcome in tumour patients receiving chemoradiotherapy. According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the AUC of LMR and NLR was 0.734 and 0.749, and the best cutoff point for LMR and NLR was 3.03 and 2.64, respectively.

Conclusions
LMR and NLR can be used to predict the survival of patients with advanced oesophageal cancer receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy, thereby providing clinicians with suggestions for further treatment options.
Pre-travel health care attendance among migrant travellers visiting friends and relatives (VFR): a 10-year retrospective analysis
Authors: Ferrara Pietro , Masuet-Aumatell Cristina , Ramon-Torrell Josep Maria 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Travellers visiting friends and relatives (VFR) define a specific population of travellers exposed to higher risks for health and safety than tourists. The aim of this study was to assess differentials in pre-travel health care in VFR travellers compared to other travellers.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study was performed including attendees of the Travel Medicine Clinic of the Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain, between January 2007 and December 2017.

Results
Over the 10-year period, 47,022 subjects presented to the travel clinic for pre-travel health care, 13.7% of whom were VFR travellers. These showed higher rates of vaccination against yellow fever and meningococcus, but lower rates for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, rabies, cholera, polio, typhoid IM vaccine and tetanus vaccine boosters. Regarding malaria prevention measures, results highlighted that VFR travellers, when compared with tourists, were more likely to be prescribed with chemoprophylaxis, particularly with mefloquine, than with atovaquone/proguanil.

Conclusions
Findings from this large-scale study indicated differences in vaccination rates and completion, as well as in chemoprophylaxis for malaria, between VFR and non-VFR travellers, fostering specific interventions for promoting adherence to pre-travel health advice among migrant travellers.
Changes in drowning mortality rates and quality of reporting from 2004–2005 to 2014–2015: a comparative study of 61 countries
Authors: Lin Ching-Yi , Wang Liang-Yi , Lu Tsung-Hsueh 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
This study assessed international variations in changes in drowning mortality rates and the quality of reporting specific information in death certificates over the past decade.

Methods
Drowning mortality data of 61 countries were extracted from the World Health Organization Mortality Database. We calculated the percentage change (PC) in age-standardized drowning mortality rates and percentage of drowning deaths reported with unspecified codes between 2004 and 2005 and 2014–2015.

Results
Of the 61 countries studied, 50 exhibited a reduction in drowning mortality rates from 2004 to 2005 to 2014–2015. Additionally, five countries—Lithuania, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Romania, and El Salvador—with a high mortality rate in 2004–2005 (> 40 deaths per 100,000) showed improvement (PC < − 32%). By contrast, four countries—South Africa, Guyana, Morocco, and Guatemala—exhibited a more than twofold increase in mortality rates. Regarding the quality of reporting, 34 countries exhibited a decrease in the percentage of unspecified codes. Additionally, three countries—Paraguay, Serbia, and Croatia—with moderate and high percentages of unspecified codes (> 40%) exhibited a marked reduction (PC < − 60%), whereas three countries—Malaysia, Belgium, and Nicaragua—exhibited a notable increase.

Conclusions
Large international variations in the extent of changes in drowning mortality rates and the quality of reporting specific information on the death certificate were observed during the study period.
Risk factors for endometrial carcinoma among postmenopausal women in Sri Lanka: a case control study
Authors: Jayawickcrama Withanage Iresha udayangani , Abeysena Chrishantha 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Endometrial carcinoma burden is on the rise globally. The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors for endometrial carcinoma among postmenopausal women in Western province in Sri Lanka.

Methods
A case control study was conducted recruiting 83 incident cases of endometrial carcinoma and 332 unmatched hospital controls from all the secondary and tertiary care hospitals in the province using consecutive sampling technique. A case was defined as a postmenopausal woman who had been residing in the province for at least a period of 1 year, diagnosed to have endometrial carcinoma with histological confirmation within 3 months of the initiation of data collection of the study. Data were collected using validated interviewer administered questionnaire. Risk factor were identified through multiple logistic regression and results were expressed as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results
The independent risk factors of endometrial carcinoma are having family history of any type of cancer among first degree relative (AOR = 12.6; 95% CI:5.14–30.9), generalized obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) (AOR = 11.85; 95% CI:5.12–27.4), never conceived (AOR = 3.84; 95% CI:1.37–10.7), age at menarche ≤11 years (AOR = 4.07; 95% CI:1.16–14.2), age > 55 years (AOR = 4.69; 95% CI:2.16–10.2), monthly family income of ≤20,000 Rupees (AOR = 2.65; 95% CI:1.31–5.39), sub-optimal consumption of deep fried food (AOR = 0.17; 95% CI:0.06–0.46), and low level household activities (AOR = 2.82; 95% CI:1.34–5.92).

Conclusions
There were eight independent risk factors of endometrial carcinoma specific for Sri Lankan postmenopausal women identified. Some modifiable risk factors such as generalized obesity, sub-optimal dietary practices and low level physical activities need to be addressed at primary prevention level.