bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased serum concentrations of Nɛ-carboxymethyllysine are related to the presence and the severity of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Knani Ines , Bouzidi Hassan , Zrour Saoussen , Bergaoui Naceur , Hammami Mohamed , Kerkeni Mohsen 
Published: June 2018

Background There are limited data regarding the contribution of advanced glycation end products in the presence of rheumatoid arthritis. We investigated whether serum Nɛ-carboxymethyllysine and pentosidine were related to the presence and the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods Eighty patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 30 control subjects were included in a cross-sectional study. The severity of rheumatoid arthritis was assessed using the disease activity score for 28 joints. Serum Nɛ-carboxymethyllysine and pentosidine were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Serum Nɛ-carboxymethyllysine and pentosidine concentrations were significantly higher in patients with rheumatoid arthritis vs. control subjects ( P < 0.001). Serum Nɛ-carboxymethyllysine and pentosidine concentrations were significantly higher in rheumatoid arthritis patients with high disease activity vs. rheumatoid arthritis patients with moderate disease activity ( P < 0.001, P = 0.019, respectively). A multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that Nɛ-carboxymethyllysine was independently associated with the presence of rheumatoid arthritis (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05–1.39, P = 0.006). Furthermore, in a multivariate stepwise regression analysis, Nɛ-carboxymethyllysine was independently correlated with disease activity score for 28 joints (standardized β = 0.43, P = 0.001). Conclusion Serum Nɛ-carboxymethyllysine and pentosidine were increased during rheumatoid arthritis, and Nɛ-carboxymethyllysine was independently associated with the presence and the severity of rheumatoid arthritis.
Development of a simple indocyanine green measurement method using an automated biochemical analyser
Authors: Sato Yuka , Seimiya Masanori , Yoshida Toshihiko , Sawabe Yuji , Hokazono Eisaku , Osawa Susumu , Matsushita Kazuyuki 
Published: June 2018

Background The indocyanine green retention rate is important for assessing the severity of liver disorders. In the conventional method, blood needs to be collected twice. In the present study, we developed an automated indocyanine green method that does not require blood sampling before intravenous indocyanine green injections and is applicable to an automated biochemical analyser. Methods The serum samples of 471 patients collected before and after intravenous indocyanine green injections and submitted to the clinical laboratory of our hospital were used as samples. The standard procedure established by the Japan Society of Hepatology was used as the standard method. In the automated indocyanine green method, serum collected after an intravenous indocyanine green injection was mixed with the saline reagent containing a surfactant, and the indocyanine green concentration was measured at a dominant wavelength of 805 nm and a complementary wavelength of 884 nm. Results The coefficient of variations of the within- and between-run reproducibilities of this method were 2% or lower, and dilution linearity passing the origin was noted up to 10 mg/L indocyanine green. The reagent was stable for four weeks or longer. Haemoglobin, bilirubin and chyle had no impact on the results obtained. The correlation coefficient between the standard method (x) and this method (y) was r=0.995; however, slight divergence was noted in turbid samples. Conclusion Divergence in turbid samples may have corresponded to false negativity with the standard procedure. Our method may be highly practical because blood sampling before indocyanine green loading is unnecessary and measurements are simple.
Current Wellness Practices among Otolaryngology Residencies
Authors: O'Brien Daniel C. , Carr Michele M. 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesTo determine if and how resident emotional health is monitored among otolaryngology training programs and to determine what wellness resources are available to otolaryngology residents.Study DesignSurvey.SettingTertiary academic medical centers.Subjects and MethodsAn anonymous 50‐item survey sent via REDCap to the 107 allopathic American otolaryngology program directors (PDs).ResultsThe response rate was 44%, of whom 47.7% regularly surveyed emotional health among their residents. A total of 33.3% used the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and 61.9% used another scale or did not know. Eighty‐one percent of surveys were anonymous, and 45% surveyed yearly, which was mandatory in only 33.3% of programs. Whether surveys took place was not related to PD or program demographics. In total, 72.7% of programs utilized faculty mentors for their residents; 88.6% had a wellness lecture within the last year; and 74.5% had no‐cost mental health resources with extended hours as required by the American Council of Graduate Medical Education. Within the last year, 31.8% had provided seminars in mindfulness or meditation. Seventy‐five percent had financially supported social events for their residents; <15% supported athletic or mental wellness activities. Healthy foods were provided by 36.4%, and 67.4% of programs gave their residents days off in addition to vacation days for medical or dental appointments. Residents were allowed a mean 18.76 vacation days and 3.73 additional wellness days.ConclusionThere is no standard practice for measuring and monitoring emotional health by otolaryngology programs. Programs struggle to offer interventions to prevent burnout, with 25% noncompliant with the wellness requirements mandated by the American Council of Graduate Medical Education.
Chinese medicine ulcer oil promotes the healing of diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Jia Hui , Yang Bohua , Li Youshan , Liang Chen , Lu Haibin , Lin Dongyang , Ju Shang 
Published: June 2018

Objective This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which Chinese herbal medicine ulcer oil (UO) accelerates ulcer healing in a diabetic ulcer rat model. Methods Sprague Dawley rats were allocated at random into four groups: a control group, a positive control group (PC), a UO treatment group and an ethacridine lactate solution treatment group. Subcutaneous tissue was surgically removed from the rats on days 3, 7 and 14. The levels of protein phosphotyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were detected using western blot analysis. Results PTP1B protein expression was significantly lower in the UO group compared with the PC group. VEGF protein expression was significantly higher in the UO group than in the control group on day 3. PDGF protein expression in the UO group was significantly higher than in the PC group on day 3. AGE expression was significantly lower in the UO group than in the PC group. Conclusions UO may downregulate PTP1B and AGEs and upregulate VEGF and PDGF, which may contribute to the inhibition of the inflammatory response and promote the healing of diabetic foot ulcers.
Cross-finger subdermal pocketplasty as a salvage procedure for thumb tip replantation without vascular anastomosis: a case report
Authors: Li Yi-Syuan , Chen Chun-Yu , Yang Shan-Wei , Tarng Yih-Wen 
Published: June 2018

Objectives Fingertip amputation is often encountered in emergency departments, especially in hospitals located near industrial areas. Replantation of the fingertip can be considered when the normal architecture is preserved in cases of sharp amputation. The goal of replantation is to preserve cosmesis and function, especially for the thumb because of its involvement in grasping and the key pinch. Even when microsurgical vascular anastomosis is applied, the absence of venous anastomosis along with the high rate of failure of arterial anastomosis in zone 1A fingertip amputation may lead to replantation failure. Methods We herein present a case report of thumb tip amputation salvaged via a modified cross-finger technique. The recipient site was on the ipsilateral radial side of the intermediate phalanx of the middle finger. Results The thumb tip was successfully replanted with no vascular anastomosis, and this new technique prevented stiffness in the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the thumb and middle finger. Conclusions This procedure can be performed in local clinics and emergency departments without the need for arterial and venous anastomoses.
The scientific report from the first pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) procedures performed in the eastern part of Central Europe
Authors: Nowacki Maciej , Zegarski Wojciech 
Published: June 2018

Objective To perform a single-centre, detailed analysis of the preparations for the introduction of the first pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) programme in the eastern part of Central Europe. Methods The study analysed the 14-month preparation period prior to the performance of the first PIPAC procedure with respect to: (i) general preparations; (ii) patient referral and qualification; (iii) the first PIPAC procedure; (iv) the 2 weeks following PIPAC programme establishment; and (v) general problematic issues that arose. Results The length of time needed to prepare our institution for the first PIPAC procedure was extremely long compared with other European Union PIPAC centres: 14 months versus a standard 3–6 months of preparation. The longest amount of time (12 months) was required to prepare the required paperwork. Conclusions A new PIPAC programme was successfully established in the eastern part of Central Europe. The length of time to implement this method was significantly longer because of lengthy bureaucratic processes. These current findings should help new centres, especially in this part of Europe, to establish a PIPAC programme more quickly.
The Effect of Housing First on Housing Stability for People with Mental Illness and Low Intellectual Functioning
Authors: Durbin Anna , Lunsky Yona , Wang Ri , Nisenbaum Rosane , Hwang Stephen W. , O’Campo Patricia , Stergiopoulos Vicky 
Published: June 2018

Objective: Housing First (HF) has been linked to increased tenure in housing for homeless people with mental illness, but the effect of HF on housing stability for people with borderline or lower intellectual functioning has not been examined. This study of homeless adults with mental illness in Toronto, Ontario assessed whether the association between housing stability and HF differed for adults with borderline or lower intellectual functioning, compared to adults with above borderline intellectual functioning. Method: This study included 172 homeless adults with mental illness from the Toronto site of the At Home-Chez Soi randomized trial that compared receiving HF relative to treatment as usual. This sample was divided into two intellectual functioning groups: 1) adults with borderline or lower intellectual functioning (IQ < 85, 16%), and 2) adults with above borderline intellectual functioning (IQ ≥ 85, 84%). We compared these groups by modelling the percentage of days stably housed using a linear multivariable generalized estimating equation and included interaction between treatment and intellectual functioning. An interaction between treatment and time was also included. Results: There were no overall differences in housing stability for individuals with borderline or lower intellectual functioning compared to people with higher than borderline intellectual functioning in either the HF or the treatment as usual groups. Conclusion: This study is the first to demonstrate that for homeless adults with mental illness, borderline or lower intellectual functioning did not significantly affect housing stability. This accentuates the need for more research and potentially wider consideration of their inclusion in housing interventions, such as HF.
Body Composition, Dietary, and Gustatory Function Assessment in People With Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Martín Ismael San Mauro , Barato Víctor Paredes , Oliva Sara López , Rodríguez Marta , Yurrita Luis Collado , Cabañas Maria José Ciudad , Rojo Sara Sanz , de la Calle Licia , Díaz Elena Ávila , Santos Yaiza Quevedo , Pascual Paloma Elortegui , Nieto Marta Villanueva , Vilar Elena Garicano 
Published: June 2018

Objectives: Observe the association of foods habits, body composition, lifestyle habits, and loss of gustatory function with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: This comparative study enrolled 75 patients with AD (mean age 77.5 years) and 267 healthy volunteers (mean age 73 years). Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), body fat, visceral fat, muscle mass, and waist circumference were measured. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was measured by the Mediterranean-Diet-Adherence Screener. Gustatory function was investigated using a threshold and triangle test. Results: Cases with AD presented lower BMI and weight and higher sleep hours, being statistically significant the difference between cases and controls ( P = .02; P = .001; P = .001, respectively). Patients with AD showed lower adherence to exercise and Mediterranean diet as shown by the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener–score (8.12 ± 2.5 vs 8.65 ± 2.4). The gustatory function was impaired in patients with AD when compared to controls. Conclusion: Patients with AD show worst outcomes in terms of anthropometric measurements, lifestyle habits (diet, exercise), and gustatory function than controls.
Peptidoglycan induces disseminated intravascular coagulation in baboons through activation of both coagulation pathways
Authors: Popescu Narcis I. , Silasi Robert , Keshari Ravi S. , Girton Alanson , Burgett Tarea , Zeerleder Sacha S. , Gailani David , Gruber Andras , Lupu Florea , Coggeshall K. Mark 
Published: June 2018

Key PointsPGN infusion mimics the systemic inflammation and coagulopathy observed in late-stage B anthracis challenge. PGN directly activates the extrinsic coagulation and promotes contact pathway amplification in nonhuman primates.
Effectiveness of pregnant women’s active participation in their antenatal care for the control of malaria and anaemia in pregnancy in Ghana: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ampofo Gifty Dufie , Tagbor Harry , Bates Imelda 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe burden of malaria and anaemia in pregnancy remains high despite the availability of proven efficacious antenatal care interventions. Sub-optimal uptake of the interventions may be due to inadequate active participation of pregnant women in their antenatal care. It was hypothesized that providing opportunities for pregnant women to improve upon active participation in their antenatal care through malaria and anaemia point-of-care testing would improve adherence to ANC recommendations and interventions and lead to better pregnancy outcomes.MethodsFourteen antenatal clinics in the Ashanti region of Ghana were randomized into intervention (pregnant women participating in their care plus current routine care) and control (current routine care) arms. Pregnant women attending the clinics for the first time were recruited and followed up until delivery. Haemoglobin levels and malaria parasitaemia were measured at baseline, 4–8 weeks after recruitment and at 36–40 weeks gestation. Birth weight and pregnancy outcomes were also recorded.ResultsThe overall mean age, gestational age and haemoglobin at baseline were 26.4 years, 17.3 weeks and 110 g/l, respectively, with no significant differences between groups; 10.7% had asymptomatic parasitaemia; 74.6% owned an ITN but only 48.8% slept under it the night before enrolment. The adjusted risk ratio by 8 weeks follow up and at 36–40 weeks gestation in the intervention versus the control was 0.97 (95% CI 0.78–1.22) and 0.92 (95% CI 0.63–1.34) for anaemia and 1.17 (95% CI 0.68–2.04) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.27–2.57) for parasitaemia. The adjusted risk ratio for low birth weight was 0.93 (95% CI 0.44–1.97) and for pregnancy complications (abortions, intrauterine fetal deaths and still births) was 0.77 (95% CI 0.17–3.52) in the intervention group versus controls.ConclusionAlthough its potential was evident, this study found no significant beneficial effect of women participating in their malaria and haemoglobin tests on pregnancy outcomes. Exploring factors influencing health worker compliance to health intervention implementation and patient adherence to health interventions within this context will contribute in future to improving intervention effectiveness.Trial registrationISRTCTN88917252
The effects of probiotic supplementation on metabolic status in type 2 diabetic patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Raygan Fariba , Rezavandi Zohreh , Bahmani Fereshteh , Ostadmohammadi Vahidreza , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Tajabadi-Ebrahimi Maryam , Borzabadi Shokoofeh , Asemi Zatollah 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Background
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on metabolic profiles in diabetic patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed among 60 diabetic patients with CHD, aged 40–85 years at a cardiology clinic in Kashan, Iran, from October 2017 through January 2018. Patients were randomly divided into two groups to take either probiotic supplements (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at the beginning of the study and after the 12-week intervention to determine related markers.

Results
After 12-week intervention, probiotic supplementation significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose (β − 20.02 mg/dL; 95% CI − 33.86, − 6.17; P = 0.005), insulin (β − 2.09 µIU/mL; 95% CI − 3.77, − 0.41; P = 0.01), insulin resistance (β − 0.50; 95% CI − 0.96, − 0.03; P = 0.03) and total-/HDL-cholesterol ratio (β − 0.27; 95% CI − 0.52, − 0.03; P = 0.02), and significantly increased insulin sensitivity (β 0.008; 95% CI 0.001, 0.01; P = 0.02) and HDL-cholesterol levels (β 2.52 mg/dL; 95% CI 0.04, 5.00; P = 0.04) compared with the placebo. Moreover, probiotic supplementation led to a significant reduction in serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (β − 0.88 mg/L; 95% CI − 1.39, − 0.38; P = 0.001), and a significant elevation in total antioxidant capacity (β 108.44 mmol/L; 95% CI 47.61, 169.27; P = 0.001) and total glutathione levels (β 45.15 µmol/L; 95% CI 5.82, 84.47; P = 0.02) compared with the placebo. Probiotic supplementation did not affect other metabolic profiles.

Conclusions
Overall, we found that probiotic supplementation for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on glycemic control, HDL-cholesterol, total-/HDL-cholesterol ratio, biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetic patients with CHD.
Trial registration Clinical trial registration number http://www.irct.ir: IRCT2017082733941N5
Successful Targeted Therapies for Breast Cancer: the Worcester Foundation and Future Opportunities in Women’s Health
Authors: Abderrahman Balkees , Jordan V Craig 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe signing of the National Cancer Act in 1971 was designed to take laboratory discoveries rapidly from the bench to the bedside. A “war on cancer” had been declared. Combination cytotoxic chemotherapy was predicted to cure all cancers, based on the stunning success in treating childhood leukemia. Breast cancer treatments were primitive; radical mastectomy and radiation were standard of care for disease that had not spread. Ablative endocrine surgery (oophorectomy, hypophysectomy, and adrenalectomy) was a palliative last option for metastatic breast cancer. However, only 30% responded, surviving for only 1 or 2 years: every patient soon died. The discovery of the estrogen receptor (ER) and translation to breast cancer treatment triggered a revolution in women’s health. Two important but interconnected events occurred in 1972 at the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology (WFEB) that would exploit the breast tumor ER as the first target to save lives and prevent breast cancer development. Two new groups of medicines—selective ER modulators (SERMs) and aromatase inhibitors (AIs)—would continue the momentum of research at the WFEB to improve women’s health. Here, we recount the important progress made in women’s health based on knowledge of the endocrinology of breast cancer. We propose future opportunities in SERM therapeutics to “refresh” the current standards of care for breast cancer treatment. The opportunity is based on emerging knowledge about acquired resistance to long-term adjuvant AI therapy used to treat breast cancer.
Energetic costs of locomotion in bears: is plantigrade locomotion energetically economical?
Authors: Pagano Anthony M. , Carnahan Anthony M. , Robbins Charles T. , Owen Megan A. , Batson Tammy , Wagner Nate , Cutting Amy , Nicassio-Hiskey Nicole , Hash Amy , Williams Terrie M. 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACT
Ursids are the largest mammals to retain a plantigrade posture. This primitive posture has been proposed to result in reduced locomotor speed and economy relative to digitigrade and unguligrade species, particularly at high speeds. Previous energetics research on polar bears (Ursus maritimus) found locomotor costs were more than double predictions for similarly sized quadrupedal mammals, which could be a result of their plantigrade posture or due to adaptations to their Arctic marine existence. To evaluate whether polar bears are representative of terrestrial ursids or distinctly uneconomical walkers, this study measured the mass-specific metabolism, overall dynamic body acceleration, and gait kinematics of polar bears and grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) trained to rest and walk on a treadmill. At routine walking speeds, we found polar bears and grizzly bears exhibited similar costs of locomotion and gait kinematics, but differing measures of overall dynamic body acceleration. Minimum cost of transport while walking in the two species (2.21 J kg−1 m−1) was comparable to predictions for similarly sized quadrupedal mammals, but these costs doubled (4.42 J kg−1 m−1) at speeds ≥5.4 km h−1. Similar to humans, another large plantigrade mammal, bears appear to exhibit a greater economy while moving at slow speeds.
A systematic review comparing the evidence for kidney function outcomes between oral antidiabetic drugs for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wilkinson Samantha V. , Tomlinson Laurie A. , Iwagami Masao , Stirnadel-Farrant Heide A. , Smeeth Liam , Douglas Ian 
Published: June 2018

Background: The development of kidney disease is a serious complication among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, associated with substantially increased morbidity and mortality. We aimed to summarise the current evidence for the relationship between treatments for type 2 diabetes and long-term kidney outcomes, by conducting a systematic search and review of relevant studies. Methods: We searched Medline, Embase and Web of Science, between 1st January 1980 and 15th May 2018 for published clinical trials and observational studies comparing two or more classes of oral therapy for type 2 diabetes. We included people receiving oral antidiabetic drugs. Studies were eligible that; (i) compared two or more classes of oral therapy for type 2 diabetes; (ii) reported kidney outcomes as primary or secondary outcomes; (iii) included more than 100 participants; and (iv) followed up participants for 48 weeks or more. Kidney-related outcome measures included were Incidence of chronic kidney disease, reduced eGFR, increased creatinine, ‘micro’ and ‘macro’ albuminuria. Results: We identified 15 eligible studies, seven of which were randomised controlled trials and eight were observational studies. Reporting of specific renal outcomes varied widely. Due to variability of comparisons and outcomes meta-analysis was not possible. The majority of comparisons between treatment with metformin or sulfonylurea indicated that metformin was associated with better renal outcomes. Little evidence was available for recently introduced treatments or commonly prescribed combination therapies. Conclusions: Comparative evidence for the effect of treatments for type 2 diabetes on renal outcomes, either as monotherapy or in combination is sparse.