bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the corticosteroid indication and administration route on overall survival and the tumor response after immune checkpoint inhibitor initiation
Authors: Gaucher Louis , Adda Leslie , Séjourné Alice , Joachim Camille , Chaby Guillaume , Poulet Claire , Liabeuf Sophie , Gras-Champel Valérie , Masmoudi Kamel , Moreira Aurélie , Bennis Youssef , Batteux Benjamin 
Published: February 2021

Background: Based on their indications, systemic corticosteroids appear to negatively affect clinical outcomes in immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-treated patients. There are few data on the influence of topical and inhaled corticosteroids on the ICIs’ effectiveness. Methods: In a single-center study, we retrospectively investigated the impact of systemic corticosteroids according to their indication [an immune-related adverse event (irAE) or another indication] on overall survival (OS) and the tumor response in all consecutive patients after initiation of ipilimumab, nivolumab or pembrolizumab over a 9-year period. The impacts of topical and inhaled corticosteroids were also examined. Results: Three hundred and seventy-two patients were included. The mean ± standard deviation age was 64.0 ± 12.1 years. The most frequently prescribed ICI was nivolumab (in 58.3% of the patients) and the most frequent indications were lung cancer (44.6%) and melanoma (29.6%). Systemic corticosteroid use for an irAE did not have a negative impact on OS [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] 1.04 (0.56–1.95), p = 0.902] or the best overall tumor response [adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) 1.69 (0.52–6.56), p = 0.413], while systemic corticosteroid use for another indication was associated with shorter OS [adjusted HR (95% CI) 1.34 (1.05–2.03), p = 0.046] and a poor best overall tumor response [adjusted OR (95% CI) 2.04 (1.07–5.80), p = 0.039] with a cumulative dose cut-off of 3215 mg prednisolone equivalent (specificity 71.4%; sensitivity 65.3%) and a time cut-off of 132 days (specificity 71.4%; sensitivity 89.8%). The use of topical corticosteroids was associated with a longer OS; this was probably due to dermatological irAEs. Inhaled corticosteroid use did not influence OS. Conclusion: Systemic corticosteroid use for an irAE does not impact OS or the tumor response, whereas use for other indications (themselves often associated with a worse prognosis) does. Topical and inhaled steroids do not have a negative impact on OS.
Exploring polypharmacy phenomenon in newly diagnosed relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: a cohort ambispective single-centre study
Authors: Zanghì Aurora , D’Amico Emanuele , Lo Fermo Salvatore , Patti Francesco 
Published: February 2021

Aims: We aimed to examine the frequency of polypharmacy in a large cohort of patients at the time of diagnosis of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and to explore its effects on discontinuation of first disease-modifying treatment (DMT) using survival analysis. Methods: This was a cohort ambispective single-centre study. We enrolled RRMS patients starting their first DMT between 1st January 2013 and 31st December 2015. According to the number of medicines prescribed (except DMTs), we divided the patients into three groups: no-poly RRMS, minor-poly RRMS (from one to three medications), and major-poly RRMS (more than three medications). Results: A total of 392 RRMS patients were enrolled (mean age 41.1). The minor-poly RRMS group included 61 patients (15.6%) and the major-poly RRMS group included 112 (28.6%). Individuals in these groups were older and had higher median body mass index (BMI) than patients in the no-poly RRMS group ( p < 0.05). Upon multinomial regression analysis, older age at onset was associated with minor and major polypharmacy (OR 1.050, CI 1.010–1.093, p = 0.015 and OR 1.063, CI 1.026–1.101, p = 0.001, respectively) and higher BMI was associated with major polypharmacy (OR 1.186, CI 1.18–1.29, p = 0.001). The rates of discontinuation of first DMT were similar among the three groups (50.7% for no-Poly RRMS, 50.8% for minor-Poly RRMS, and 53.3% for major-Poly RRMS, p = 0.264). At log-Rank test, there were no differences among the three groups ( p = 0.834). Conclusion: Polypharmacy was more common in older RRMS patients with high BMI.
Association between the handgrip strength and the isokinetic muscle function of the elbow and the knee in asymptomatic adults
Authors: Ostolin Thatiane Lopes Valentim Di Paschoale , Gonze Bárbara de Barros , de Oliveira Vieira Wesley , de Oliveira André Luiz Silva , Nascimento Matheus Bibian , Arantes Rodolfo Leite , Romiti Marcello , Sperandio Evandro Fornias , Dourado Victor Zuniga 
Published: February 2021

Background: The handgrip strength is a practical, valid, reliable, low-cost tool that presents strong correlations with several health conditions. However, handgrip strength may be inaccurate to prospectively predict the variability of muscular function since the decrease in muscular strength over the years varies according to a muscular group or between upper and lower limbs. Our hypothesis is that the handgrip strength cannot explain the variance of muscle function prospectively. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cross-sectional and prospective association between handgrip strength and isokinetic muscle function of the knee and elbow in 780 asymptomatic adults. Methods: In a sample of 780 adults, we obtained handgrip strength and elbow and knee muscle function (for both flexion and extension at 60°/s and 300°/s) using, respectively, a hydraulic dynamometer and an isokinetic dynamometer. In a cross-sectional analysis, we analyzed the data obtained from baseline assessment. Then, we calculated the absolute change as a result of the variation data between the baseline and the 1-year follow-up assessment of each participant. The correlations were analyzed using Pearson or Spearman coefficients. We used multivariate models to investigate the association between handgrip strength and isokinetic muscle function. Results and Discussion: The cross-sectional correlations were significantly moderate-to-strong ( r = 0.41–0.71, p < 0.01), but became weak-to-moderate ( r = 0.26–0.34, p < 0.01) prospectively. In the cross-sectional analysis, the handgrip strength was selected as a strong predictor for isokinetic variables (∆ R2 = 0.171–0.583, p < 0.05) as expected. Although handgrip strength was also selected as a significant predictor in prospective analysis, it explained only a little variance in isokinetic muscle function of the knee (∆ R2 = 0.7–0.117, p < 0.05). Regarding the predictive models for the elbow, handgrip strength was not selected prospectively. Conclusion: The 1-year absolute change of the handgrip strength cannot explain the variance of the isokinetic muscle function. Thus, specific measures are required for assessing muscle function in epidemiological studies.
Successful resolution of urothorax secondary to non-traumatic uroabdomen in a cat managed with peritoneal dialysis as a bridge to surgery
Authors: Donati Pablo , Londoño Leonel A , Fravega Rodrigo , Guevara Juan M 
Published: February 2021

Case summary A 9-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was presented for evaluation of severe hemodynamic collapse and suspected lower urinary tract disease. On admission, severe metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia and azotemia, and electrocardiographic findings consistent with cardiotoxicity were identified. The diagnosis of uroabdomen was made based on abdominal fluid to plasma concentration ratios of creatinine and potassium. A central line catheter was placed percutaneously into the abdomen for peritoneal drainage and used for peritoneal dialysis as a bridge to surgery. Retrograde contrast cystography confirmed rupture of the urinary bladder. Point-of-care ultrasound of the chest postoperatively revealed the presence of mild pleural effusion. Echocardiography was then performed showing no evidence of cardiac disease. Pleural fluid analysis revealed a transudate with a creatinine ratio of 2.38 ([Creatinine]pleural fluid/[Creatinine]plasma), consistent with the diagnosis of urothorax. The cat recovered uneventfully from surgery and was monitored for signs of respiratory distress during the rest of its stay in hospital. The cat was discharged 4 days later and the pleural effusion resolved without further medical intervention. Relevance and novel information There is limited information on the causes of urothorax and uroabdomen management of feline patients. Pleural effusion is a complication observed in critically ill cats secondary to fluid overload, underlying cardiomyopathy, primary thoracic pathology or a combination of these. To our knowledge, this is the first report of urothorax in a cat secondary to non-traumatic uroabdomen. Careful monitoring of respiratory signs consistent with pleural space disease is recommended in cases of uroabdomen.
A Key to Transforming a Nursing Curriculum: Integrating a Continuous Improvement Simulation Expansion Strategy
Authors: Aul Karen , Bagnall Lisa , Bumbach Michael D. , Gannon Jane , Shipman Sallie , McDaniel Anna , Keenan Gail 
Published: February 2021

Introduction Changes in nursing, health care, and education warrant continued pedagogical innovations. Faculty are challenged to develop many innovative strategies in the clinical and simulation laboratory setting. Intentional simulation-based learning experiences are one method to prepare new graduates for nursing practice. Methods One college integrated intentional simulation-based learning experiences as an improvement strategy in a newly transformed undergraduate nursing curriculum, from mapping through evaluation and revision. Simulation-based learning experiences that were intentionally mapped, organized, and interactive enhanced the teaching and learning needs of students and faculty. Conclusion The positive outcomes from this curricular transformation serve as a platform for continuous improvement for future approaches to nursing education. This affirmed that the key to transforming a nursing curriculum encompasses intentional mapping, evaluation, and revision.
Evaluation of the optic nerve head vessel density in patients with limited scleroderma
Authors: Kılınç Hekimsoy Hilal , Şekeroğlu Mehmet Ali , Koçer Ali Mert , Hekimsoy Vedat , Akdoğan Ali 
Published: February 2021

Objectives: To investigate the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters of the optic nerve head and peripapillary retina and to assess macular and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness by using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in patients with limited scleroderma and to compare these results with those of healthy control subjects. Materials and Methods: 42 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of limited scleroderma and 32 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects were included in the study. OCTA was performed for the radial peripapillary capillary plexus (RPCP) whole image, inside disc, and peripapillary vessel densities in all participants with XR Avanti AngioVue OCTA (Optovue, Fremont, California, USA). OCT images were obtained with Spectralis OCT with eye-tracking dual-beam technology (Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany), and peripapillary RNFL thickness was evaluated with circle program. The data from the right eyes of all participants were used for statistical analysis. Results: No significant difference was found between the radial RPCP whole image, inside disc, and peripapillary vessel density values or the RNFL parameters of the scleroderma patients when compared with the controls ( p > 0.05 for all). Conclusion: Decreased peripapillary vessel density on OCTA, which can be an early sign of glaucoma, could not be observed in scleroderma patients in this study. However, further long-term studies are still needed to identify glaucoma tendency in patients with scleroderma before clinically detectable glaucoma.
Prostate-specific antigen increase after urethral catheterisation: fact or myth
Authors: Anand Ajay , Gupta Sonam 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
To find out any association of urethral catheterisation with rise in serum PSA.

Methods
This study was conducted in 80 patients of BPH who had to undergo catheterisation because of acute urinary retention. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 43 patients), age group 40–60 years, and Group B (n = 47 patients), age group 60–75 years. Values of PSA, free/total PSA and PSA density were recorded in both age groups before catheterisation and one and three days after catheterisation.

Results
PSA, PSA density and free/total PSA were not statistically different before and after urethral catheterisation.

Conclusions
In the absence of urinary tract infection, urethral catheterisation does not elevate serum PSA. PSA, PSA density and free/total PSA were not statistically different before and after urethral catheterisation.
Diversity and plant growth-promoting potential of (un)culturable bacteria in the Hedera helix phylloplane
Authors: Stevens Vincent , Thijs Sofie , Vangronsveld Jaco 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundA diverse community of microbes naturally exists on the phylloplane, the surface of leaves. It is one of the most prevalent microbial habitats on earth and bacteria are the most abundant members, living in communities that are highly dynamic. Today, one of the key challenges for microbiologists is to develop strategies to culture the vast diversity of microorganisms that have been detected in metagenomic surveys.ResultsWe isolated bacteria from the phylloplane ofHedera helix(common ivy), a widespread evergreen, using five growth media: Luria–Bertani (LB), LB01, yeast extract–mannitol (YMA), yeast extract–flour (YFlour), and YEx. We also included a comparison with the uncultured phylloplane, which we showed to be dominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes. Inter-sample (beta) diversity shifted from LB and LB01 containing the highest amount of resources to YEx, YMA, and YFlour which are more selective. All growth media equally favoured Actinobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria, whereas Bacteroidetes could only be found on LB01, YEx, and YMA. LB and LB01 favoured Firmicutes and YFlour was most selective for Betaproteobacteria. At the genus level, LB favoured the growth ofBacillusandStenotrophomonas, while YFlour was most selective forBurkholderiaandCurtobacterium. The in vitro plant growth promotion (PGP) profile of 200 isolates obtained in this study indicates that previously uncultured bacteria from the phylloplane may have potential applications in phytoremediation and other plant-based biotechnologies.ConclusionsThis study gives first insights into the total bacterial community of theH. helixphylloplane, including an evaluation of its culturability using five different growth media. We further provide a collection of 200 bacterial isolates underrepresented in current databases, including the characterization of PGP profiles. Here we highlight the potential of simple strategies to obtain higher microbial diversity from environmental samples and the use of high-throughput sequencing to guide isolate selection from a variety of growth media.
Complete genome sequencing of Peyer’s patches-derived Lactobacillus taiwanensis CLG01, a potential probiotic with antibacterial and immunomodulatory activity
Authors: Li Xiao-yu , Li Li-xiang , Li Yan , Zhou Ru-chen , Li Bing , Gu Xiang , Fu Shi-chen , Jin Bi-ying , Zuo Xiu-li , Li Yan-qing 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
The genus Lactobacillus is an important component of the gastrointestinal tract of human and animals and commonly considered as probiotic. L. taiwanensis has long been proposed to be a probiotic whereas understanding on this species is still in its infancy. Genomic information of L. taiwanensis is fairly limited. Extensive characterization of its beneficial traits is needed.

Results
A new strain CLG01 of L. taiwanensis was isolated from mouse Peyer’s patches. We established its probiotic profile through in vitro experiments. Complete genome of this strain was also sequenced and analyzed. L. taiwanensis CLG01 showed robust tolerance to acid and a degree of tolerance to bile salt with a promising antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of pathogenic bacteria. In vitro treatment of mouse RAW 264.7 macrophage cells with heat-killed bacteria and bacterial supernatant of L. taiwanensis CLG01 resulted in enhancement of immune responses and upregulated expression of TNF-α and IL-6. The strain CLG01 also increased the IL-10 production of macrophages when co-treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Complete genome of L. taiwanensis CLG01 contained a 1.89 Mb chromosome and two plasmids. Further genomic analysis revealed the presence of genes related to its resistance to different stresses and the beneficial effects mentioned above. Moreover, biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) encoding antimicrobial peptides, like bacteriocin, linear azol(in)e-containing peptide (LAP) and lanthipeptide, were also identified in the genome of L. taiwanensis CLG01.

Conclusions
L. taiwanensis CLG01, isolated from mouse Peyer’s patches, is the first L. taiwanensis strain with both phenotypes and genotypes systematically studied. These preliminary data confirmed the role of L. taiwanensis CLG01 as a potential probiotic candidate with antibacterial and immunomodulatory activity, which provide insight for further investigation to this species.
Sex differences in neural responses to reward and the influences of individual reward and punishment sensitivity
Authors: Dhingra Isha , Zhang Sheng , Zhornitsky Simon , Wang Wuyi , Le Thang M. , Li Chiang-Shan R. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Men and women show differences in sensitivity to reward and punishment, which may impact behavior in health and disease. However, the neural bases of these sex differences remain under-investigated. Here, by combining functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and a variant of the Monetary Incentive Delay Task (MIDT), we examined sex differences in the neural responses to wins and losses and how individual reward and punishment sensitivity modulates these regional activities.

Methods
Thirty-sex men and 27 women participated in the fMRI study. We assessed sensitivity to punishment (SP) and sensitivity to reward (SR) with the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ). In the MIDT, participants pressed a button to collect reward ($1, 1¢, or nil), with the reaction time window titrated across trials so participants achieved a success rate of approximately 67%. We processed the Imaging data with published routines and evaluated the results with a corrected threshold.

Results
Women showed higher SP score than men and men showed higher SR score than women. Men relative to women showed higher response to the receipt of dollar or cent reward in bilateral orbitofrontal and visual cortex. Men as compared to women also showed higher response to dollar loss in bilateral orbitofrontal cortex. Further, in whole-brain regressions, women relative to men demonstrated more significant modulation by SP in the neural responses to wins and larger wins, and the sex differences were confirmed by slope tests.

Conclusions
Together, men showed higher SR and neural sensitivity to both wins, large or small, and losses than women. Individual differences in SP were associated with diminished neural responses to wins and larger wins in women only. These findings highlight how men and women may differ in reward-related brain activations in the MIDT and add to the imaging literature of sex differences in cognitive and affective functions.
Homeostatic sleep regulation in the absence of the circadian sleep‐regulating component: effect of short light–dark cycles on sleep–wake stages and slow waves
Authors: Szalontai Örs , Tóth Attila , Pethő Máté , Keserű Dóra , Hajnik Tünde , Détári László 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Aside from the homeostatic and circadian components, light has itself an important, direct as well as indirect role in sleep regulation. Light exerts indirect sleep effect by modulating the circadian rhythms. Exposure to short light-dark cycle (LD 1:1, 1:1 h light - dark) eliminates the circadian sleep regulatory component but direct sleep effect of light could prevail. The aim of the present study was to examine the interaction between the light and the homeostatic influences regarding sleep regulation in a rat model.

Methods
Spontaneous sleep–wake and homeostatic sleep regulation by sleep deprivation (SD) and analysis of slow waves (SW) were examined in Wistar rats exposed to LD1:1 condition using LD12:12 regime as control.

Results
Slow wave sleep (SWS) and REM sleep were both enhanced, while wakefulness (W) was attenuated in LD1:1. SWS recovery after 6-h total SD was more intense in LD1:1 compared to LD12:12 and SWS compensation was augmented in the bright hours. Delta power increment during recovery was caused by the increase of SW number in both cases. More SW was seen during baseline in the second half of the day in LD1:1 and after SD compared to the LD12:12. Increase of SW number was greater in the bright hours compared to the dark ones after SD in LD1:1. Lights ON evoked immediate increase in W and decrease in both SWS and REM sleep during baseline LD1:1 condition, while these changes ceased after SD. Moreover, the initial decrease seen in SWS after lights ON, turned to an increase in the next 6-min bin and this increase was stronger after SD. These alterations were caused by the change of the epoch number in W, but not in case of SWS or REM sleep. Lights OFF did not alter sleep–wake times immediately, except W, which was increased by lights OFF after SD.

Conclusions
Present results show the complex interaction between light and homeostatic sleep regulation in the absence of the circadian component and indicate the decoupling of SW from the homeostatic sleep drive in LD1:1 lighting condition.
Putrescine-functionalized carbon quantum dot (put-CQD) nanoparticles effectively prime grapevine (Vitis vinifera cv. ‘Sultana’) against salt stress
Authors: Gohari Gholamreza , Panahirad Sima , Sadeghi Mostafa , Akbari Ali , Zareei Elnaz , Zahedi Seyed Morteza , Bahrami Mohammad Kazem , Fotopoulos Vasileios 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundSalinity is an important global problem with destructive impacts on plants leading to different biochemical and metabolic changes in plants through induced oxidative stress that disturbs metabolism, growth, performance and productivity of plants. Given that putrescine (Put) and carbon quantum dots (CQDs), individually, have promising effects in different plant processes, the idea of their combination in a nano-structure “Put-CQD” lead to its synthesis to evaluate the potential exertion of synergistic effects. The current study aimed to investigate the application of newly-synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) consisting of CQDs and Put in grapevine (Vitis viniferacv. ‘Sultana’) under salinity stress conditions. For this purpose, Put, CQDs and Put-CQD NPs at 5 and 10 mg L− 1concentrations were applied as chemical priming agents in ‘Sultana’ grapevine 48 h prior salinity stress imposition (0 and 100 mM NaCl).ResultsSalinity significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.05) morphological parameters, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and membrane stability index. In addition, salinity enhanced MDA, H2O2, proline content and antioxidant enzyme activity. Results revealed that Put-CQD NPs, particularly at 10 mg L− 1concentration, alleviated the destructive impacts of salinity stress by improving leaf fresh and dry weights, K+content, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence and SPAD parameters, proline content, total phenolics and antioxidant enzymatic activities (CAT, APX, GP and SOD), while decreasing Na+content, EL, MDA and H2O2levels.ConclusionTo conclude, Put-CQD NPs represent an innovative priming treatment that could be effectively applied on grapevine to improve plant performance under salinity stress conditions.