bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cancer‐related fatigue and treatment burden in surgically treated colorectal cancer patients – A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Husebø Anne Marie Lunde , Dalen Ingvild , Søreide Jon Arne , Bru Edvin , Richardson Alison 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis cross‐sectional study aimed to describe cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who were surgically treated with curative intent, identify subgroups at risk of elevated fatigue levels and explore associations between CRF and treatment burden.BackgroundCRF is a prominent symptom among cancer patients. In patients treated for CRC, CRF is associated with adjuvant treatments, low quality of life and reduced ability to self‐manage.MethodsOne hundred thirty‐four patients with CRC treated at a Norwegian university hospital between 2016–2018 were included. The Schwartz Cancer Fatigue Scale‐6 and the Patient Experience with Treatment and Self‐management questionnaires were applied for data collection. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and non‐parametric approaches to analyse correlations and identify differences between groups. The study adhered to STROBE Statement checklist for reporting of cross‐sectional studies.ResultsMedian fatigue level was 10.0 (range: 7.0–13.0). Physical fatigue was higher than perceptual fatigue, with medians of 6.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.0–13.0) and 4.0 (IQR: 3.0–12.0), respectively. Higher fatigue levels were associated with age <60 years, advanced cancer and adjuvant treatments. Increased CRF was significantly associated with higher treatment burden on seven of the nine dimensions, adjusted for demographic and clinical variables. The association of fatigue and treatment burden was stronger in survivors <60 years, with advanced cancer, 6–12 months since surgery or who had more comorbid conditions.ConclusionsThis study showed patients at risk of experiencing CRF following CRC treatment. It established proof of associations between CRF and treatment burden and identified subgroups of CRC patients where this association was stronger.Relevance to clinical practiceScreening of CRF in CRC patients can help clinicians provide individualized treatment and care to manage CRF. Clinicians should consider the association between CRF and treatment burden, especially in subgroups of CRF patients.
One plus one makes seven: Intricate phylogeographic patterns in Odontites vernus (Orobanchaceae: Rhinantheae) in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Pinto‐Carrasco Daniel , Rico Enrique , Martínez‐Ortega M. Montserrat 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe Odontites vernus group is the most widespread of the genus Odontites, occupying the temperate regions of Eurasia and northern Morocco. The group contains three species, all inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula, where O. vernus s.l. (sensu lato) exhibits remarkable morphological variability and includes diploid and tetraploid individuals corresponding to the two subspecies that occur there. We collected 301 individuals from 100 sampling sites covering the entire distribution of O. vernus in the Iberian Peninsula and genotyped them using 12 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Their ploidy level was estimated by flow cytometry, and two cpDNA regions (rps16 intron and trnK‐rps16) were sequenced. We found 129 diploids and 172 tetraploids distributed following a mosaic parapatry model, while only two mixed‐ploidy populations were discovered. The 20 haplotypes found fit two well‐defined haplogroups, to some extent correlated with estimated ploidy levels. The frequencies of the SSR alleles shared by both cytotypes, as well as those of the private alleles corresponding to the tetraploid cytotype, indicate that tetraploids likely originated at least twice through autopolyploidy. Additionally, the results from SSR markers were structured in a higher number of groups than did the cpDNA sequences. Thus, the genetic distance analysis detected four groups, but the Bayesian analysis of population structure identified seven, with only low levels of gene flow detected among groups. The distributions of the seven genetic groups coincide with well‐known refugium areas within the Iberian Peninsula during the climatic oscillations of the Quaternary. Thus, the results give additional support to the “refugia within refugia” hypothesis.
Targeted protein degradation at the host–pathogen interface
Authors: Grohmann Christoph , Marapana Danushka S. , Ebert Gregor 
Published: November 2021

AbstractInfectious diseases remain a major burden to global health. Despite the implementation of successful vaccination campaigns and efficient drugs, the increasing emergence of pathogenic vaccine or treatment resistance demands novel therapeutic strategies. The development of traditional therapies using small‐molecule drugs is based on modulating protein function and activity through the occupation of active sites such as enzyme inhibition or ligand–receptor binding. These prerequisites result in the majority of host and pathogenic disease‐relevant, nonenzymatic and structural proteins being labeled “undruggable.” Targeted protein degradation (TPD) emerged as a powerful strategy to eliminate proteins of interest including those of the undruggable variety. Proteolysis‐targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are rationally designed heterobifunctional small molecules that exploit the cellular ubiquitin‐proteasome system to specifically mediate the highly selective and effective degradation of target proteins. PROTACs have shown remarkable results in the degradation of various cancer‐associated proteins, and several candidates are already in clinical development. Significantly, PROTAC‐mediated TPD holds great potential for targeting and modulating pathogenic proteins, especially in the face of increasing drug resistance to the best‐in‐class treatments. In this review, we discuss advances in the development of TPD in the context of targeting the host–pathogen interface and speculate on their potential use to combat viral, bacterial, and parasitic infection.
The barley HvSTP13GR mutant triggers resistance against biotrophic fungi
Authors: Skoppek Caroline Ines , Punt Wilko , Heinrichs Marleen , Ordon Frank , Wehner Gwendolin , Boch Jens , Streubel Jana 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHigh‐yielding and stress‐resistant crops are essential to ensure future food supply. Barley is an important crop to feed livestock and to produce malt, but the annual yield is threatened by pathogen infections. Pathogens can trigger an altered sugar partitioning in the host plant, which possibly leads to an advantage for the pathogen. Hampering these processes represents a promising strategy to potentially increase resistance. We analysed the response of the barley monosaccharide transporter HvSTP13 towards biotic stress and its potential use for plant protection. The expression of HvSTP13 increased on bacterial and fungal pathogen‐associated molecular pattern (PAMP) application, suggesting a PAMP‐triggered signalling that converged on the transcriptional induction of the gene. Promoter studies indicate a region that is probably targeted by transcription factors downstream of PAMP‐triggered immunity pathways. We confirmed that the nonfunctional HvSTP13GR variant confers resistance against an economically relevant biotrophic rust fungus in barley. Our experimental setup provides basal prerequisites to further decode the role of HvSTP13 in response to biological stress. Moreover, in line with other studies, our experiments indicate that the alteration of sugar partitioning pathways, in a host–pathogen interaction, is a promising approach to achieve broad and durable resistance in plants.
EBV, CMV, and BK viral infections in pediatric kidney transplantation: Frequency, risk factors, treatment, and outcomes
Authors: Levi Shelly , Davidovits Miriam , Alfandari Hadas , Dagan Amit , Borovitz Yael , Bilavsky Efraim , Landau Daniel , Haskin Orly 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundImproved short‐ and long‐term outcomes of kidney transplantation have been achieved over the past decades due to improved immunosuppression. This may have increased the risk for infections and, particularly, for the viral infections: cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), and polyoma BK virus (BKV).MethodsA retrospective review of viremic CMV, EBV, and BKV infections in pediatric renal transplant recipients treated and followed by a national referral center over a 10‐year period.ResultsSixty‐seven patients (68% males) received 68 kidney grafts (62% from living donors) during the study period; the mean follow‐up period was 5.2 ± 2.4 years. Twenty‐seven viremic episodes were documented (CMV: 13, EBV: 6, BKV: 8) in 24 patients (35.2%). The median time (interquartile range) to viremia post‐transplant was 11 (4–38) months. The viral infection rate was significantly higher in the years 2014–2015 than in previous years (61% vs. 29%, p = .017). Compared to patients who did not develop viremia, patients with viremias were younger at the time of transplantation, were more likely to receive thymoglobulin induction pre‐transplant and to develop an acute rejection. Multiple logistic regression modeling identified transplant year and recipient's age as significant risk factors for viremia. Graft outcome and eGFR at the last follow‐up was similar between patients who did and did not develop viremia.ConclusionsViral infections continue to be a major cause of morbidity in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. However, with close monitoring and prompt intervention, patient and renal outcomes remain favorable.
Assessment of serum amyloid A concentrations and biochemical profiles in lactating jennies and newborn Ragusano donkey foals around parturition and one month after foaling in Sicily
Authors: Bazzano Marilena , Bonfili Laura , Eleuteri Anna Maria , Serri Evelina , Scollo Carmela , Yaosen Yang , Tesei Beniamino , Laus Fulvio 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA proper knowledge of biochemical parameters and inflammatory markers like serum amyloid A (SAA) is crucial in the monitoring of the first post‐partum period in equids. Since no information is available on SAA for donkeys at this stage, 50 animals including jennies (n.10) and newborn foals (n.10) within 48 hr from foaling, and jennies (n.10) and foals (n.20) after 30 days from parturition were enrolled in the study to assess routine biochemical profile including SAA. Jennies showed higher alkaline phosphatase and lower bilirubins and cholesterol at 30 days of lactation compared to post‐partum. Neonatal donkey foals showed significant higher concentrations of sodium, alkaline phosphatase, lactic dehydrogenase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and albumin within 48 hr of age, whilst higher values of phosphate and triglycerides were observed in older foals of 30 days of age. Significant higher SAA concentrations were recorded during the peripartum period in both jennies (25.95 ± 14.98 μg/ml) and newborn donkey foals (37.44 ± 19.75 μg/ml) compared to SAA values recorded in lactating jennies (2.38 ± 1.78 μg/ml) and in donkey foals (16.04 ± 18.14 μg/ml) at 30 days after parturition. The assessment of SAA in jennies and donkey foals around parturition and one month after foaling represents a valuable tool for the monitoring of health status during this stage when animals have to face with new challenges like the peak of lactation and extrauterine life adaptation respectively.
Weekly pattern of dialysis unit blood pressure is a promising marker for prognosis evaluation in hemodialysis population
Authors: Han Yu‐Chen , Gao Min , Pan Ming‐Ming , Wang Bin , Liu Hong , Tang Ri‐Ning , Liu Bi‐Cheng 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground: Dialysis unit blood pressure (BP) pattern showed superiority in prognostic evaluation and interdialytic BP burden assessment. However previous studies mainly focused on the recurrent BP pattern within a session (intradialytic BP change or intradialytic BP slope), the clinical value of the weekly pattern of dialysis unit BP is unknown. Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study in adult end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on thrice weekly hemodialysis (HD). The slope and the change of the postdialysis systolic BP (SBP) in the course of a week (post‐SBP slope and post‐SBP change) were used to characterize the weekly pattern of dialysis unit BP. Outcomes included all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and first cardiovascular event. We also measured the home BP in our cohort. Results: One hundred and twenty‐nine subjects were followed over a median of 31 months. Higher post‐SBP slope (≥0.185) was independently associated with increased risk of all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and first cardiovascular event. Results were similar for increased post‐SBP change. HD patients with a higher post‐SBP slope or an increased post‐SBP change also had significant increased interdialytic BP burden measured by home SBP on both dialysis days and non‐dialysis days. Conclusions: Post‐SBP slope and post‐SBP change might be promising dialysis unit BP markers for prognostic evaluation and interdialytic BP burden assessment.
Active seeking of post‐donation information to minimize a potential threat to transfusion safety: A pilot programme in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Lewin Antoine , Renaud Christian , Boivin Amélie , Germain Marc 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesEarly in the pandemic, the transmissibility of coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) by transfusion was unknown. We piloted a systematic, post‐donation outreach programme to contact blood donors and inquired about symptoms post‐donation.Materials and MethodsPersons who donated on on May 1 and 2, 2020 were contacted 3 days post‐donation, by phone to assess COVID‐19‐related symptoms. Half of the donors were administered a short questionnaire, consisting of only three questions. Others were questioned using a longer, more specific questionnaire. If symptoms were reported, products were quarantined until donors were contacted again by a trained nurse who more thoroughly assessed the likelihood of COVID‐19. Blood products were withdrawn if symptoms indicative of COVID‐19 were identified.ResultsOf 654 donors, 609 (93.1%) were successfully contacted. Of 310 donors who answered the short questionnaire and 299 who answered the long questionnaire, 19 (6.1%) and 8 (2.7%) had one or more symptoms, respectively. Based on the nurses' assessment, two donations (0.3%) had to be withdrawn.ConclusionThese results suggest that actively seeking post‐donation information might be feasible to mitigate emerging, unqualified transfusion risks.
The Long-Term Residual Effects of Low-Magnitude Mechanical Stimulation on Murine Femoral Mechanics
Authors: Bodnyk Kyle A. , Kim Do-Gyoon , Pan Xueliang , Hart Richard T. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
As an alternative to drug treatments, low-magnitude mechanical stimulation (LMMS) may improve skeletal health without potential side effects from drugs. LMMS has been shown to increase bone health short term in both animal and clinical studies. Long-term changes to the mechanical properties of bone from LMMS are currently unknown, so the objective of this research was to establish the methodology and preliminary results for investigating the long-term effects of whole body vibration therapy on the elastic and viscoelastic properties of bone. In this study, 10-week-old female BALB/cByJ mice were given LMMS (15 min/day, 5 days/week, 0.3 g, 90 Hz) for 8 weeks; SHAM did not receive LMMS. Two sets of groups remained on study for an additional 8 or 16 weeks post-LMMS (N = 17). Micro-CT and fluorochrome histomorphology of these femurs were studied and results were published by Bodnyk et al. (2020, “The Long-Term Residual Effects of Low-Magnitude Mechanical Stimulation Therapy on Skeletal Health,” J. Biol. Eng., 14, Article No. 9.). Femoral quasi-static bending stiffness trended 4.2% increase in stiffness after 8 weeks of LMMS and 1.3% increase 8 weeks post-LMMS compared to SHAM. Damping, tan delta, and loss stiffness significantly increased by 17.6%, 16.3%, and 16.6%, respectively, at 8 weeks LMMS compared to SHAM. Finite element models of applied LMMS signal showed decreased stress in the mid-diaphyseal region at both 8-week LMMS and 8-week post-LMMS compared to SHAM. Residual mechanical changes in bone during and post-LMMS indicate that LMMS could be used to increase long-term mechanical integrity of bone.
Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation early after hospitalisation in COPD (early HomeBase): protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cox Narelle S , Lahham Aroub , McDonald Christine F , Mahal Ajay , O"Halloran Paul , Hepworth Graham , Spencer Lissa , McNamara Renae J , Bondarenko Janet , Macdonald Heather , Gavin Samantha , Burge Angela T , Le Maitre Caitlin , Ringin Cade , Webb Elizabeth , Nichols Amanda , Tsai Ling-Ling , Luxton Nia , van Hilten Stephanie , Santos Mary , Crute Hayley , Byrne Megan , Boursinos Helen , Broe Jennifer , Corbett Monique , Marceau Tunya , Warrick Brooke , Boote Claire , Melinz Joanna , Holland Anne E 
Published: November 2021

IntroductionChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by exacerbations of respiratory disease, frequently requiring hospital admission. Pulmonary rehabilitation can reduce the likelihood of future hospitalisation, but programme uptake is poor. This study aims to compare hospital readmission rates, clinical outcomes and costs between people with COPD who undertake a home-based programme of pulmonary rehabilitation commenced early (within 2 weeks) of hospital discharge with usual care.MethodsA multisite randomised controlled trial, powered for superiority, will be conducted in Australia. Eligible patients admitted to one of the participating sites for an exacerbation of COPD will be invited to participate. Participants will be randomised 1:1. Intervention group participants will undertake an 8-week programme of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation commencing within 2 weeks of hospital discharge. Control group participants will receive usual care and a weekly phone call for attention control. Outcomes will be measured by a blinded assessor at baseline, after the intervention (week 9–10 posthospital discharge), and at 12 months follow-up. The primary outcome is hospital readmission at 12 months follow-up.Ethics and disseminationHuman Research Ethics approval for all sites provided by Alfred Health (Project 51216). Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals, conferences and lay publications.Trial registration numberACTRN12619001122145.
Running races during the COVID-19 pandemic: a 2020 survey of the running community
Authors: Robinson James N , Fontana Mark Alan , Metzl Jordan D , Dixit Sameer , Kliethermes Stephanie A , Quijano Brianna , Toresdahl Brett 
Published: November 2021

ObjectivesTo survey runners and triathletes about their willingness to resume in-person racing during the COVID-19 pandemic, health concerns related to mass races and changes in running patterns since the start of the pandemic.DesignAn electronic survey was distributed from 15 July to 1 September 2020 to runners and triathletes by New York Road Runners, ASICS North America, and race medical directors, and through social media.ParticipantsRunners and triathletes 18 years of age or older who participated in at least one race in 2019.ResultsA total of 2278 surveys were received. Not all participants answered every question; the denominator represents the number of responses to each question. Most participants were from the USA (1620/1940, 83.5%), of which over half were from New York (812/1475, 55.1%). Regarding when respondents would feel comfortable returning to in-person racing, the most frequent response was ‘Whenever local laws allow, but only if there are sufficient precautions’ (954/2173, 43.9%), followed by ‘Not until there is a vaccine’ (540/2173, 24.9%). The most common concerns about in-person races were crowded starting corrals (1802/2084, 86.5%), the number of COVID-19 cases in the race location (1585/2084, 76.1%) and the number of participants (1517/2084, 72.8%). Comparing running patterns before the pandemic to Summer 2020, the mean weekly mileage decreased from 25.5 (SD 15.4) miles to 22.7 (16.2) miles (p<0.001).ConclusionMost runners are willing to return to racing when local laws allow, though as of Summer 2020, many desired certain precautions to feel comfortable.
Myocardial infarction coincides with increased NOX2 and Nε-(carboxymethyl) lysine expression in the cerebral microvasculature
Authors: Korn Amber , Baylan Umit , Simsek Suat , Schalkwijk Casper G , Niessen Hans W M , Krijnen Paul A J 
Published: November 2021

BackgroundMyocardial infarction (MI) is associated with mental health disorders, in which neuroinflammation and cerebral microvascular dysfunction may play a role. Previously, we have shown that the proinflammatory factors Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) and NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) are increased in the human infarcted heart microvasculature. The aim of this study was to analyse the presence of CML and NOX2 in the cerebral microvasculature of patients with MI.MethodsBrain tissue was obtained at autopsy from 24 patients with MI and nine control patients. According to their infarct age, patients with MI were divided into three groups: 3–6 hours old (phase I), 6 hours–5 days old (phase II) and 5–14 days old (phase III). CML and NOX2 in the microvasculature were studied through immunohistochemical analysis.ResultsWe observed a 2.5-fold increase in cerebral microvascular CML in patients with phase II and phase III MI (phase II: 21.39±7.91, p=0.004; phase III: 24.21±10.37, p=0.0007) compared with non-MI controls (8.55±2.98). NOX2 was increased in microvessels in patients with phase II MI (p=0.002) and phase III MI (p=0.04) compared with controls. No correlation was found between CML and NOX2 (r=0.58, p=0.13).ConclusionsMI coincides with an increased presence of CML and NOX2 in the brain microvasculature. These data point to proinflammatory alterations in the brain microvasculature that may underlie MI-associated mental health disorders.