bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of remote ischaemic preconditioning on postoperative cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers in pancreatic surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: van Zeggeren L , Visser R A , Vernooij L M , Dijkstra I M , Bosma M , Molenaar Q , van Santvoort H C , Noordzij P G 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers have been associated with adverse outcome after major abdominal surgery. This study investigated the effect of remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) on perioperative concentrations of high-sensitive cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) T and interleukin (IL) 6.

Methods
Adult patients scheduled for elective pancreatic surgery between March 2017 and February 2019 were randomized to either three cycles of upper-limb ischaemia and reperfusion (each 5 min) or a sham procedure before surgery. The primary endpoint was the maximum postoperative hs-cTnT concentration within 48 h after surgery. Secondary endpoints were postoperative myocardial injury (PMI), defined as an absolute increase of hs-cTnT of at least 14 ng/l above baseline concentration, maximum concentration of IL-6 within 48 h after surgery and postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery.

Results
Of 99 eligible patients, 46 underwent RIPC and 46 a sham procedure. RIPC did not reduce the maximum hs-cTnT concentration after surgery (12.6 ng/l RIPC, 16.6 ng/l controls, P = 0.225), nor did it lessen the incidence of PMI (15/45 RIPC, 18/45 controls, P = 0.375). The maximum postoperative IL-6 concentration was 265 pg/ml after RIPC versus 385 pg/ml in controls (P = 0.108). Postoperative complications occurred in 23 RIPC and 24 control patients respectively.

Conclusions
Remote ischaemic preconditioning did not reduce the maximum postoperative hs-cTnT concentration. Postoperative myocardial injury, IL-6 concentrations and postoperative complications were similar between RIPC patients and controls.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT03460938.
Vitamin C Deficiency in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Forgotten Micronutrient
Authors: Dunleavy Katie A , Ungaro Ryan C , Manning Laura , Gold Stephanie , Novak Joshua , Colombel Jean-Frederic 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundMicronutrient deficiencies are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To date, the literature has focused on vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron deficiencies.MethodsWe report a case series of 20 patients with IBD and vitamin C deficiency treated at a single tertiary care center.ResultsSixteen (80%) patients had symptoms of clinical scurvy, including arthralgia, dry brittle hair, pigmented rash, gingivitis, easy bruising, and/or brittle nails. Eighteen patients underwent a nutritional assessment, 10 (56%) patients reported complete avoidance of fruits and vegetables, and 3 (17%) reported reduced intake of fruits and vegetables.ConclusionsVitamin C deficiency should be considered in IBD patients, particularly those with reduced fruit/vegetable intake, as it can lead to significant signs and symptoms.
Fecal Incontinence in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Kamal Natasha , Motwani Kiran , Wellington Jennifer , Wong Uni , Cross Raymond K 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Fecal incontinence (FI) is frequently reported in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed data from the Study of a Prospective Adult Research Cohort with IBD registry.

Results
Three hundred forty-seven patients had Crohn disease and 145 had ulcerative colitis. 14.2% of patients reported FI. FI was associated with active disease. FI was not associated with disease location, phenotype, or perianal involvement. Greater than 50 years of age or 15 years of disease increased the odds of FI and remission decreased the odds of FI.

Conclusions
Further research into the mechanism of FI in IBD is needed.
A new approach to the treatment of advanced heart failure: a case report
Authors: Robles-Mezcua Ainhoa , Villaescusa-Catalán José Manuel , Melero-Tejedor José María , García-Pinilla José Manuel 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Autonomic imbalance characterized by sympathetic predominance and decreased parasympathetic transmission is a classic feature of heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, leading to disease progression, exercise intolerance, ventricular remodelling, arrhythmias, and premature death. The underlying mechanisms to these processes are not yet fully understood, but the current treatments influence this dysregulation, towards an inhibition of sympathetic hyperactivation. New therapies, such as the stimulation of carotid baroreceptors, enhance this inhibition to restore autonomic balance and to be able to cope with these mechanisms.

Case summary
We report the case of a 76-year-old male with advanced HF at an advanced stage, refractory to optimal treatment, and included in a programme of ambulatory infusions of Levosimendan as compassionate treatment. The patient presented with multiple episodes of decompensated HF secondary to ventricular arrhythmias. A multidisciplinary team decided to implant a baroreceptor stimulator device (Barostim Neo) in order to improve HF symptoms and quality of life, as well as trying to decrease the burden of arrhythmias. The procedure was performed with no complications and good therapeutic response, resulting in a significant reduction of arrhythmias.

Discussion
Treatment with a baroreceptor stimulating device is presented as a safe and effective option in our patients with advanced HF refractory to conventional treatment, to improve their quality of life and reduce symptoms; in addition to appearing as a promising option in those with arrhythmic events, which are difficult to control with usual treatments and procedures.
Case series of late lead dislodgement of Medtronic SelectSecure 3830 pacing leads in growing paediatric patients
Authors: Ng Li Yen , Gallagher Sarah , Walsh Kevin P 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground The SelectSecure lumenless 3830 pacing lead is often considered to be the pacing lead of choice for transvenous pacing in children because of its small diameter, lead strength, and reliable long-term sensing and pacing characteristics. One of the potential long-term pitfalls of a sturdy pacing lead is relative retraction with growth in children resulting in late lead dislodgement.Case summary We report two cases of late SelectSecure 3830 lead dislodgement at 11.8 years (Case 1) and 8.8 years (Case 2), respectively, post the initial implantation. Case 1 was diagnosed with congenital complete heart block (CHB) at 9 months old when he presented with unconfirmed diphtheria infection. Case 2 was diagnosed with CHB at 14 weeks of age with positive maternal anti-Ro antibodies. Both patients underwent implantation of a transvenous permanent pacemaker implantation with Medtronic SelectSecure 3830 lead due to symptomatic bradycardia. Apart from a pulse generator change at 8.5 years (Case 1) and 7 years (Case 2), respectively, post-implant due to normal battery depletion, both patients are well in the interim.Discussion As part of the pacemaker follow-up for rapidly growing children, we recommend more frequent surveillance of lead ‘tautness’ by chest radiography especially in children with CHB with no underlying heart rhythm.
The proficiency of the original host species determines community-level plasmid dynamics
Authors: Kottara Anastasia , Hall James P J , Brockhurst Michael A 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTPlasmids are common in natural bacterial communities, facilitating bacterial evolution via horizontal gene transfer. Bacterial species vary in their proficiency to host plasmids: whereas plasmids are stably maintained in some species regardless of selection for plasmid-encoded genes, in other species, even beneficial plasmids are rapidly lost. It is, however, unclear how this variation in host proficiency affects plasmid persistence in communities. Here, we test this using multispecies bacterial soil communities comprising species varying in their proficiency to host a large conjugative mercury resistance plasmid, pQBR103. The plasmid reached higher community-level abundance where beneficial and when introduced to the community in a more proficient host species. Proficient plasmid host species were also better able to disseminate the plasmid to a wider diversity of host species. These findings suggest that the dynamics of plasmids in natural bacterial communities depend not only upon the plasmid's attributes and the selective environment but also upon the proficiency of their host species.
Interaction of implant infection-related commensal bacteria with mesenchymal stem cells: a comparison between Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: El-Mahdy Taghrid S , Mongaret Céline , Varin-Simon Jennifer , Lamret Fabien , Vernet-Garnier Véronique , Rammal Hassan , Mauprivez Cedric , Kerdjoudj Halima , Gangloff Sophie C , Reffuveille Fany 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes are involved in several tissue infections and can encounter mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) during their role in tissue regenerative process. C. acnes and S. aureus internalization by three types of MSCs derived from bone marrow, dental pulp and Wharton's jelly; and bacterial biofilm production were compared. Internalization rates ranged between 1.7–6.3% and 0.8–2.7% for C. acnes and S. aureus, respectively. While C. acnes strains exhibited limited cytotoxic effect on MSCs, S. aureus were more virulent with marked effect starting after only 3 h of interaction. Both bacteria were able to produce biofilms with respectively aggregated and monolayered structures for C. acnes and S. aureus. The increase in C. acnes capacity to develop biofilm following MSCs’ internalization was not linked to the significant increase in number of live bacteria, except for bone marrow-MSCs/C. acnes CIP 53.117 with 79% live bacteria compared to the 36% before internalization. On the other hand, internalization of S. aureus had no impact on its ability to form biofilms composed mainly of living bacteria. The present study underlined the complexity of MSCs-bacteria cross-interaction and brought insights into understanding the MSCs behavior in response to bacterial infection in tissue regeneration context.
The association between studying in health promoting schools and adolescent smoking and alcohol consumption in Lithuania
Authors: Maceinaitė Rūta , Šurkienė Genė , Žandaras Žymantas , Stukas Rimantas 
Published: February 2021

Summary
The concept of the Health Promoting School (HPS) encourages a holistic approach to promoting health in schools, instead of a more traditional education on health. The aim of this paper was to determine the association between studying in a HPS and smoking and alcohol consumption among adolescents. A cross-sectional study of 3574 adolescents from 44 HPS and 66 non-HPSs was conducted. The association between studying in a HPS and smoking and alcohol consumption among adolescents was analysed using logistic regression models. Pearson’s χ2 test was used to determine the differences between HPS and non-HPS students’ sociodemographic characteristics, and the difference in distribution of students who smoked and consumed alcohol at various rates across different groups. Studying in a HPS setting was not significantly associated with adolescent smoking or attempts to smoke. Compared to HPS students, non-HPS students had a significantly higher chance of attempting to consume alcohol and consumed alcohol once a month or more frequently. In comparing the distribution of HPS and non-HPS students according to the frequency of smoking and alcohol consumption across various groups of respondents, it was determined that some factors were associated with frequency of smoking and alcohol consumption among adolescents. The results of the study showed that studying in a HPS was associated with a reduction in both smoking and alcohol consumption, and therefore it is advisable to further develop the HPS network. However, both the individual and educational characteristics of adolescents must be taken into account when planning prevention measures.
Simultaneous Quantitation of Seven Phenethylamine-Type Drugs in Forensic Blood and Urine Samples by UHPLC–MS-MS
Authors: Yang Chu-An , Liu Hsiu-Chuan , Liu Ray H , Lin Dong-Liang , Wu Shu-Pao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Abuse of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has become a health and social issue of global concern. p-Methoxyamphetamine (PMA)/p-methoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) with fluoro- or chloro-derivatives of amphetamine and methamphetamine were among the most common drugs found in specimens from fatal cases in Taiwan during the January 2011 to December 2018 period. A liquid–liquid extraction sample preparation protocol with highly sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry approach was developed for the simultaneous analysis of seven phenethylamine-type drugs—PMA, PMMA, p-methoxyethylamphetamine, 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA), 4-fluoromethamphetamine (4-FMA), 4-chloroamphetamine (4-CA) and 4-chloromethamphetamine (4-CMA)—in postmortem blood and urine specimens. Separation by liquid chromatography was performed by Agilent Zorbax SB-Aq column. Tandem mass spectrometry was operated in Agilent Jet Stream Technology electrospray ionization in positive-ion multiple reaction monitoring mode. An analytical methodology was evaluated using drug-free blood and urine after fortification with 100–2,000 ng/mL of the seven target analytes. Average extraction recoveries were &gt;80%; slightly higher ion suppression was observed for PMA and 4-CA; intra-/inter-day precision (% coefficient of variation) and accuracy were in the ranges of 0.52–12.3% and 85–110%, respectively. Limit of detection and lower limit of quantitation for these seven analytes were both in the 0.5–5 ng/mL range. Interference and carryover were not significant. This relatively simple methodology was found effective and reliable for routine identification and quantitation of these seven analytes in postmortem and antemortem blood and urine specimens received in 2018. Analytical data obtained from these actual cases indicated the following: (i) compared to findings reported during the 2007–2011 period, the use of substituted phenethylamine-type drugs decreased in 2018; (ii) ketamine and 7-aminonimetazepam (the main metabolite of nimetazepam) were the most common co-ingested substances in specimens containing PMA/PMMA, 4-FA/4-FMA, or 4-CA/4-CMA; and (iii) in drug fatalities, the concentration of PMA was significantly higher than the concentration of PMMA in both urine and blood, while the reverse was true in urine specimens from antemortem cases.
Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Hispanic Breast Cancer Survivors in a Population-Based Cohort
Authors: Hu Qingqing , Chang Chun-Pin , Rowe Kerry , Snyder John , Deshmukh Vikrant , Newman Michael , Fraser Alison , Smith Ken , Gren Lisa H , Porucznik Christina , Stanford Joseph B , Gaffney David , Henry N Lynn , Lopez Ivette , Hashibe Mia 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic women. The aim of our study was to estimate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among Hispanic and non-Hispanic White (NHW) breast cancer survivors compared with their respective general population cohorts.

Methods
Cohorts of 17 469 breast cancer survivors (1774 Hispanic and 15 695 NHW) in the Utah Cancer Registry diagnosed between 1997 and 2016, and 65 866 women (6209 Hispanic and 59 657 NHW) from the general population in the Utah Population Database were identified. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for CVD.

Results
The risk of diseases of the circulatory system was higher in Hispanic than NHW breast cancer survivors 1-5 years after cancer diagnosis, in comparison with their respective general population cohorts (HRHispanic = 1.94, 99% confidence interval [CI] = 1.49 to 2.53; HNHW = 1.38, 99% CI = 1.33 to 1.43; 2-sided Pheterogeneity = .01, respectively). Increased risks were observed for both Hispanic and NHW breast cancer survivors for diseases of the heart and the veins and lymphatics, compared with the general population cohorts. More than 5 years after cancer diagnosis, elevated risk of diseases of the veins and lymphatics persisted in both ethnicities. The CVD risk due to chemotherapy and hormone therapy was higher in Hispanic than NHW breast cancer survivors but did not differ for distant stage, higher baseline comorbidities, or baseline smoking.

Conclusions
We observed a risk difference for diseases of the circulatory system between Hispanic and NHW breast cancer survivors compared with their respective general population cohorts but only within the first 5 years of cancer diagnosis.
Evaluating psychiatrists’ attitudes and expectations about pharmacists’ role in psychiatry in Jordan
Authors: Abdel-Qader Derar H , Al Jomaa Esraa E , Silverthorne Jennifer , Shnaigat Walid , Hamadi Salim , Al Meslamani Ahmad Z 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Evaluating Jordanian pharmacists’ roles in psychiatry from psychiatrists perspective.

Methods
An electronic survey was sent to 100 psychiatrists registered in the Jordanian Psychiatrists Association. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression.

Key findings
A total of 80 psychiatrists completed the survey (response rate 80%). Most psychiatrists thought that pharmacists are unable to give individuals with mental illness enough time to discuss their medications (62/80, 77.6%) and to monitor psychotropic medications (PM) efficacy (50/80, 62.6%). Around half of respondents thought that, in the future, pharmacists would not be able to suggest PM for patients (42/80, 52.6%), nor changes in PM dosages (37/80, 46.3%). Most psychiatrists emphasized the importance of psychiatric courses to improve pharmacists’ role.

Conclusion
Although psychiatrists were generally not satisfied with the current role of pharmacists, they had positive expectations about pharmacists’ competency to do certain activities and to assist them in designing drug therapy plans.
Synergistic adaptations: freezing tolerance is associated with desiccation tolerance and activation of violaxanthin de-epoxidase in wintergreen ferns
Authors: Holmlund Helen I 
Published: February 2021

This article comments on:
Fernández-Marín B, Arzac MI, López-Pozo M, Laza JM, Roach T, Stegner M, Neuner G, García-Plazaola JI. 2021. Frozen in the dark: interplay of night-time activity of xanthophyll cycle, xylem attributes, and desiccation tolerance in fern resistance to winter. Journal of Experimental Botany 72, 3168–3184.
Characteristics and Outcomes Among Hospitalized COVID-19-Positive Patients in a Nonurban Environment
Authors: Lennon Robert P , Demetriou Theodore J , Khalid M Fahad , Van Scoy Lauren Jodi , Miller Erin L , Dong Huamei , Zgierska Aleksandra E 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Virtually all hospitalized coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outcome data come from urban environments. The extent to which these findings are generalizable to other settings is unknown. Coronavirus disease-2019 data from large, urban settings may be particularly difficult to apply in military medicine, where practice environments are often semi-urban, rural, or austere. The purpose of this study is compare presenting characteristics and outcomes of U.S. patients with COVID-19 in a nonurban setting to similar patients in an urban setting.

Materials and Methods
This is a retrospective case series of adults with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection who were admitted to Hershey Medical Center (HMC), a 548-bed tertiary academic medical center in central Pennsylvania serving semi-urban and rural populations, from March 23, 2020, to April 20, 2020 (the first month of COVID-19 admissions at HMC). Patients and outcomes of this cohort were compared to published data on a cohort of similar patients from the New York City (NYC) area.

Results
The cohorts had similar age, gender, comorbidities, need for intensive care or mechanical ventilation, and most vital sign and laboratory studies. The NYC’s cohort had shorter hospital stays (4.1 versus 7.2 days, P &lt; .001) but more African American patients (23% versus 12%, P = .02) and higher prevalence of abnormal alanine (&gt;60U/L; 39.0% versus 5.9%, P &lt; .001) and aspartate (&gt;40U/L; 58.4% versus 42.4%, P = .012) aminotransferase, oxygen saturation &lt;90% (20.4% versus 7.2%, P = .004), and mortality (21% versus 1.4%, P &lt; .001).

Conclusions
Hospitalists in nonurban environments would be prudent to use caution when considering the generalizability of results from dissimilar regions. Further investigation is needed to explore the possibility of reproducible causative systemic elements that may help improve COVID-19-related outcomes. Broader reports of these relationships across many settings will offer military medical planners greater ability to consider outcomes most relevant to their unique settings when considering COVID-19 planning.