bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Care Provision of a Community-Based Serious-Illness Care Program Via Chart Measures
Authors: Kistler Christine , Dongen Matthew Van , Ernecoff Natalie , Daaleman Timothy , Hanson Laura 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Keywords: home-based primary care, home-based palliative care, community-based care, quality-of-care, serious-illness care
Background: Although quality-of-care domains for home-based primary and palliative programs have been proposed, they have had limited testing in practice. Our aim was to evaluate the care provision in a community-based serious-illness care program, a combined home-based primary and palliative care model.
Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients in an academic community-based serious-illness care program in central North Carolina from August 2014 to March 2016 (n=159). Chart review included demographics, health status, and operationalized measures of seven quality-of-care domains: medical assessment, care coordination, safety, quality of life, provider competency, goal attainment, and access.
Results: Patients were mostly women (56%) with an average age of 70 years. Patients were multi-morbid (53% ≥3 comorbidities), functionally impaired (45% had impairment in ≥2 activities of daily living) and 32% had dementia. During the study period, 31% of patients died. Chart review found high rates assessment of functional status (97%), falls (98%), and medication safety (96%). Rates of pain assessment (70%), advance directive discussions (65%), influenza vaccination (59%), and depression assessment (54% of those with a diagnosis of depression) were lower. Cognitive barriers, spiritual needs, and behavioral issues were assessed infrequently (35%, 22%, 21%, respectively).
Conclusions: This study is one of the first to operationalize and examine quality-of-care measures for a community-based serious-illness care program, an emerging model for vulnerable adults. Our operationalization should not constitute validation of these measures and revealed areas for improvement; however, the community-based serious-illness care program performed well in several key quality-of-care domains. Future work is needed to validate these measures.
List of Abbreviations: REACH program (Reaching out to Enhance the care of Adults in their Communities and their Homes), electronic health record (EHR), the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), activities of daily living (ADLs), Veterans Affairs St. Louis University Mental Status Exam (VA-SLUMS)
Longitudinal assessment of health-related quality of life among older people with diabetes: results of a nationwide study in New Zealand
Authors: Shamshirgaran Seyed Morteza , Stephens Christine , Alpass Fiona , Aminisani Nayyereh 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: The current work examined experiences of Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) among older adults with a diagnoses of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) over time compared to those without a diagnoses DM. Methods: The sample was drawn from six biennial waves of the New Zealand Health, Work and Retirement survey, a prospective population-based cohort study of older adults 55-70 years at baseline. Data on sociodemographic factors, health behaviours, chronic disease diagnoses and physical and mental HRQOL (SF-12v2) were obtained using six biennial surveys administered 2006-2016. Generalised Estimating Equation models, adjusted for time-constant and -varying factors, were employed to compare HRQOL and its determinants over time for older adults with and without a diagnosis of DM. Results: DM was negatively associated with physical HRQOL [β (95% CI) −7.43 (−8.41, −6.44)] with older adults affected by DM reporting scores 7.4 points lower than those without DM. Similarly, the mean Mental HRQOL score was lower among those affected by DM [β = −4.97 (−5.93, −4.01)] however, scores increased over time for both groups ( p <0.001). Greater age, more chronic conditions, sight and sleep problems, obesity, lower annual income, and fewer years of education were predictors of poorer HRQOL among older adults. Conclusions: Older adults affected by diabetes experienced poorer physical and mental HRQOL compared to those not affected, when controlling for a range of sociodemographic and health related indices. A management aim must be to minimise the gap between two groups particularly as people age.
Serum Fetuin-A levels were increased and associated with insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Liu Sha , Hu Wenjing , He Yirui , Li Ling , Liu Hua , Gao Lin , Yang Gangyi , Liao Xin 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is a common characteristic in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It has been reported that circulating Fetuin-A levels were associated with IR and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, in PCOS women, previous reports on changes in circulating Fetuin-A concentrations were inconsistent.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 122 PCOS women and 85 healthy women. Circulating Fetuin-A levels were determined using an ELISA kit.
Results: We found that circulating Fetuin-A concentration ranged from 196.6 to 418.2 µg/L for most normal women (95 %). Women with PCOS have higher circulating Fetuin-A levels than healthy women (437.9 ± 119.2 vs. 313.8 ± 60.4 μg/L; p <0.01). Serum Fetuin-A concentrations correlated positively with WHR, LDL-C, FIns, HOMA-IR, TEST and DHEA-S. Multivariate regression analysis showed that WHR, HOMA-IR and TEST were independent influencing factors of serum Fetuin-A. Binary logistic regression reaveled that serum Fetuin-A was associated with the .occurrence of PCOS. In addition, our ROC curve analysis found that the cutoff values for Fetuin-A to predict PCOS and IR were 366.3 and 412.6 µg/L.
Conclusion: Blood Fetuin-A may be a useful biomarker for screening women with PCOS and IR.
Resting heart rate and cardiac autonomic tone during passive head-up tilt: a cross-sectional study in 569 subjects without cardiovascular diseases​
Authors: Koskela Jenni , Tahvanainen Anna , Tikkakoski Antti , Kangas Pauliina , Uitto Marko , Viik Jari , Kähönen Mika , Mustonen Jukka , Pörsti Ilkka 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Resting heart rate (HR) and its variability (HRV) reflect cardiac sympathovagal balance that can stimulated by head-up tilting. HRV is significantly influenced by the level of HR, but how much HRV offers additional information about cardiac autonomic tone than HR alone remains unresolved. We examined the relation of resting HR with short term HRV during passive head-up tilt.Methods Hemodynamics of 569 subjects without medications with direct cardiovascular effects and known cardiovascular diseases were recorded using whole-body impedance cardiography, continuous radial pulse wave analysis and electrocardiography based HRV analysis in supine and upright positions. For statistical analyses the study population was divided into tertiles of resting heart rate according to sexes.Results Higher low frequency to high frequency ratio (LF/HF) of HRV (reflecting sympathovagal balance) was associated with higher HR in supine (p<0.001) and upright positions (p=0.008). The outcome was similar when the HRV analysis was based on HR instead of RR-intervals (p<0.001 supine, p=0.012 upright). The lowest HR tertile presented with higher supine to upright increase in LF/HF than the highest HR tertile (1.1 vs. 0.85, respectively, p=0.037).Conclusion Higher resting HR is related to higher LF/HF in supine and upright positions, reflecting higher cardiac sympathovagal balance. Lower resting HR is associated with lower resting LF/HF, but with a more pronounced increase in both HR and LF/HF during head-up tilt, suggesting greater change cardiac sympathovagal balance in response to upright posture.
Survival outcomes for metastatic prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy —— A SEER based study
Authors: Jin Kun , Qiu Shi , Zhang Shiyu , Zheng Xiaonan , Tu Xiang , Liao Xinyang , Li Jiakun , Li Chunyang , Yang Lu , Wei Qiang 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Patients appeared as metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) have a very low 5-year-survival rate. How to choose proper treatment of mPCa remained controversial.Method Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2004-2015), we performed analyses of cancer specific mortality (CSM) and overall mortality (OM) in the comparisons of local treatment (LT) vs no local treatment (NLT) and radical prostatectomy (RP) vs radiation therapy (RT). To balance the characteristics between two treatment groups, propensity score matching were performed. Considering the selection bias, we additionally used an instrument variate (IVA) to calculate the unmeasured confounders.Result Our study selected mPCa patients with average age more than 60 yr, high level of PSA, and tend to present as high GS. Multivariate regression showed that patients received LT had the lower risks of OM and CSM after adjustment of covariates (HR=0.39, 95% CI 0.35-0.44 and HR=0.39, 95% CI 0.34-0.45). In the IV-adjusted model, LT showed more survival benefits compared with NLT, with hazard ratios of 0.57 (95% CI 0.50-0.65) and cancer specific hazard ratios of 0.59 (95% CI 0.51-0.68), respectively. For those received LT, adjusted multivariate regression indicated that RP is superior to RT, (HR=0.60 [95% CI 0.43-0.83] for OM and HR=0.61 [95% CI 0.42-0.91] for CSM). The IV-adjusted model also showed that RP presented with potentially better survival outcome compared with RT, although the effect was not statistically significant (HR=0.63 [95% CI 0.26-1.54] for OM and HR=0.47 [95% CI 0.16-1.35] for CSM).Conclusion Among patients with metastatic prostate cancer, local treatment might bring better survival benefits in decreasing cancer-specific mortality and all-cause mortality compared with non-local treatment. For those received LT, radical prostatectomy showed better survival outcomes than radiation therapy.
Intravenous colistin combination is superior to monotherapy against carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacterial infections: evidence from seven randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Zhong-dong , Wang Genzhu , Xun Zhikun , Wang Xiaoying , Sun Qiang , Xing Baiqian 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Previous meta-analysis based on five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) did not display that intravenous colistin-based combination therapy is more efficacious than monotherapy against carbapenem resistant gram- negative bacterial infections. This meta-analysis aimed to further elucidate the efficacy.Methods PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched up to March 2019 and only RCTs evaluating the combination therapy versus monotherapy against carbapenem or even colistin-resistant gram-negative bacteria infections were included. RevMan 5.3 was used to perform meta-analysis.Results Seven RCTs involving 859 patients were included. Total analysis showed that the combination therapy had a trend towards higher microbial response (RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.98 –1.51), lower infection-related mortality (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.53–1.05), and significantly lower nephrotoxicity (RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.60 – 0.98) than monotherapy. Subgroup analysis on carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii infections displayed that the combination therapy had significantly higher microbiological response (RR, 1.39; P <0.001; 95% CI, 1.19–1.61). Another subgroup analysis on combination regimen for colistin plus rifampicin showed that the combination therapy had significantly higher eradication rate to carbapenem -resistant A. baumannii (RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.08–1.68). However, total and subgroup analysis showed no significant difference in all-cause mortality.Conclusions The present study suggests that intravenous colistin-based combination regimen, especially colistin plus rifampicin, may be superior to colistin alone against gram-negative bacterial infections, especially A. baumannii infection
Dissociated responses at initial computed tomography evaluation is a good prognostic factor in non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with anti-program cell death-1/ligand 1 inhibitors
Authors: Tozuka Takehiro , Kitazono Satoru , Sakamoto Hiroaki , Yoshida Hiroshi , Amino Yoshiaki , Uematsu Shinya , Yoshizawa Takahiro , Hasegawa Tsukasa , Uchibori Ken , Yanagitani Noriko , Horiike Atsushi , Horai Takeshi , Seike Masahiro , Gemma Akihiko , Nishio Makoto 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background

Dissociated responses (DR) are phenomena in which some tumors shrink, whereas others progress during treatment of patients with cancer. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the frequency and prognosis of DR in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with anti-program cell death-1/ligand 1 (anti-PD-1/L1) inhibitors.

Methods

This retrospective study included NSCLC patients who received anti-PD-1/L1 inhibitor as second- or later-line treatment. We excluded patients without radiological evaluation, including brain imaging within 28 days prior to the treatment, and those without measurable lesions. We evaluated all measurable lesions in each organ. We defined DR as a disease with some shrinking lesions as well as growing or emerging new lesions in patients who showed progressive disease (PD), according to the RECIST 1.1 at the initial CT evaluation. Cases not classified as DR were defined as ‘true PD’. Overall survival was compared between patients with DR and those with true PD using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

The present study included 62 NSCLC patients aged 27–82 years (median: 65 years). DR and true PD were observed in 11 and 51 patients, respectively. Nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab were administered to 45, 7, and 10 patients, respectively. Median overall survival was significantly longer in patients with DR versus true PD (14.0 vs. 6.6 months; hazard ratio for death: 0.40; 95% confidence interval: 0.17–0.94).

Conclusions

The frequency of DR in NSCLC patients who showed PD to anti-PD-1/L1 was 17.7%. Patients with DR exhibited a relatively favorable prognosis.
Tumour suppressor OTUD3 induces growth inhibition and apoptosis by directly deubiquitinating and stabilizing p53 in invasive breast carcinoma
Authors: Pu Qian , Lv Yan-rong , Dong Ke , Geng Wen-wen , Gao Hai-dong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background P53 pathway inactivation plays an important role in the process of breast cancer tumourigenesis. Post-translational protein modification abnormalities have been confirmed to be an important mechanism underlying the inactivation of p53. Numerous deubiquitinating enzymes are aberrantly expressed in breast cancer, and a few deubiquitination enzymes are capable of deubiquitinating and stabilizing p53. Here, we report that OTUD3 is a deubiquitylase of p53 in breast carcinoma.Methods The correlation between the mRNA expression of OTUD3, TP53 and PTEN and the prognosis of BC was assessed with the Kaplan-Meier Plotter tool. OTUD3 protein expression in breast carcinoma was examined by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The relationship among OTUD3, p53, and p21 proteins was analysed. Half-life analysis and ubiquitylation assay were performed to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which OTUD3 stabilizes p53. The interaction between OTUD3 and p53 in BC cells was verified by a co-immunoprecipitation assay and GST pulldown experiments. MTS proliferation detection, an apoptosis detection kit and colony formation asssy were used to investigate the functional effects of OTUD3 on breast cancer cells.Results OTUD3 downregulation is correlated with a poor prognosis in BC patients. OTUD3 expression is decreased in breast cancer tissues and independent of the histological grade.OTUD3 also inhibits cell proliferation and clone formation and increases the sensitivity of BC cells to apoptosis induced by chemotherapy drugs. A reduction in OTUD3 expression concomitant with decreased p53 abundance is correlated with human breast cancer progression. The ectopic expression of wild-type OTUD3, but not its catalytically inactive mutant, stabilizes and activates p53. Mechanistically, OTUD3 interacts directly with p53 through the amino-terminal OTU region. Finally, OTUD3 protects p53 from Mdm2-mediated ubiquitination and degradation, enabling the deubiquitination of p53 in BC cells.Conclusions In summary, we establish that OTUD3 is a potential therapeutic target for restoring p53 function in breast cancer cells and suggest that the OTUD3-p53 signalling axis plays a critical role in tumour suppression.
The influences of Morphine or Ketamine pre-treatment on hemodynamic, acid-base status, biochemical markers of brain damage and early survival in rats after asphyxial cardiac arrest
Authors: Kuklin Vladimir , Akhatov Nurlan , Kondratiev Timofei , Konkayev Aidos , Baigenzhin Abai , Konkayeva Maiya , Karibekov Temirlan , Barlow Nicholas , Tveita Torkjel , Dahl Vegard 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background : In different models of hypoxia, blockade of opioid or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors shows cardio- and neuroprotective effects with a consequent increase in animal survival. The aim of the study was to investigate effects of pre-treatment with Morphine or Ketamine on hemodynamic, acid-base status, early survival, and biochemical markers of brain damage in a rat model of asphyxial cardiac arrest (ACA). Methods: Under anaesthesia with Thiopental Sodium 60 mg/kg, i.p., Wistar rats (n=42) were tracheostomized and catheters were inserted in a femoral vein and artery. After randomization, the rats were pre-treated with: Morphine 5 mg/kg i.v. (n=14); Ketamine 40 mg/kg iv (n=14); or equal volume of i.v. NaCl 0.9% as a Control (n=14). ACA was induced by corking of tracheal tube for 8 min, and defined as a mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 20 mmHg. Resuscitation was started at 5 min after cardiac arrest (CA). Invasive MAP was recorded during experiments. Arterial pH and blood gases were sampled at baseline (BL) and 10 min after CA. At the end of experiments, all surviving rats were euthanised, brain and blood samples for measurement of Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE), s100 calcium binding protein B (s100B) and Caspase-3 (CS-3) were retrieved. Results: At BL no differences between groups were found in hemodynamic or acid-base status. After 3 min of asphyxia, all animals had ()cardiac arrest (MAP < 20 mm Hg). Return of spontaneous circulation (MAP > 60 mmHg) was achieved in all animals within 3 min after CA. At the end of the experiment, the Ketamine pre-treated group had increased survival (13 of 14; 93%) compared to the Control (7 of 14; 50%) and Morphine (10 of 14; 72%) groups ( p=0.035). Biochemical analysis of plasma concentration of NSE and s100B as well as an analysis of CS-3 levels in the brain tissue did not reveal any differences between the study groups. Conclusion: In rats after ACA, pre-treatment with Morphine or Ketamine did not have any significant influence on hemodynamic and biochemical markers of brain damage. However, significantly better pH level and increased early survival were found in the Ketamine pre-treated group.
Comparing methods to improve reliable sensor deployment time in continuous water quality monitoring
Authors: Xiscatti Luciano , Dziedzic Maurício 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Sensor fouling affects continuous water quality monitoring. Experiments were performed with probes for 10 months with copper guards; PVC guards coated with paint mixed with copper powder; and a water jet mechanism. Previous studies focused on the use of one antifouling method, using biocides such as copper and silver and mechanical cleaning, such as air jets, mostly on single parameter probes. The present work looks at multi-parameter probes and compares different antifouling options. Additional periods of reliability were verified with all alternatives. For the conductivity parameter, an additional period of up to 29 days (48%) with copper guards was observed, 26 days (43%) with water jets, and 37 days (61%) with copper powder paint mix. For dissolved oxygen, an additional period of up to 23 days (38%) was observed with copper guards, 29 days (48%) with water jets, and 60 days (100%) with copper powder paint mix. For pH, monitoring was reliable for 90 days (100%) with copper guards, and 60 days (67%) with copper powder paint mix. For turbidity, an additional period of up to 7 days (12%) was observed with copper guards, 3 days (5%) with water jets, and 57 days (95%) with copper powder paint mix.
Inhibition of USP2 Induces Apoptosis through Down Regulation of Fatty Acid Synthase and Cyclin D1 in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Syed Nida , Ilyas Amber , Idrees Farha , Zarina  , Hashim Zehra 
Published: November 2019

Background:
Breast cancer is the most occurring cancer in women with high incidence
rates both in developed and developing countries. Among different types of breast cancers, Triple
Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive type as it lacks receptors of Estrogen, Progesterone
and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2, common diagnostic biomarkers for the disease.
Since early detection of TNBC can save thousands of lives, there is a dire need to discover and
develop effective and affordable methods for early detection. Different Post Translational Modifications
(PTMs) have been proposed as potential biomarker for various clinical conditions. Ubiquitination
is a type of PTM involved in the stability and regulation of cellular proteins.

Objective:
It is hypothesized that reticence of ubiquitination may lead to cell death. Current study focuses
on the inhibition of Ubiquitin Specific Protease (USP), USP2 using its inhibitor, ML364 in HTB-
132 triple negative breast cancer cell line to induce cell death. The aim of the current study was to
evaluate anticancer property of ML364 that might be a promising novel therapeutic agent for TNBC.
Furthermore, current investigations focus on USP2 and their focal stabilizing substrates i.e. Fatty acid
Synthase (FAS) and Cyclin D1 could be potential prognostic markers for the disease.

Methods:
Quantitative PCR of CyclinD1, USP2, MDM2, and Fatty Acid Synthase (FAS) was performed
to identify the deubiquitination effect of ML364 in breast cancer cells, which complemented
our results with studies on normal and breast cancerous tissue samples.

Results:
Expression of USP2 and its substrates Cyclin D1and FAS was found to be down regulated in
ML364 treated breast cancer cell line whereas higher expression was observed in breast cancer tissue,
indicating therapeutic potential of USP2 inhibitor.

Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that USP2, Cyclin D1 and FAS could be used as prognostic marker
and therapeutic target for TNBC.