bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Initial assessment of the early arthritis for psoriatic patients diagnostic questionnaire in dermatology clinics in Australia, Korea and China
Authors: Jo Seong‐Jin , Foley Peter , Oakley Stephen Philip , Zhang Jianzhong , Zheng Min , Shin Kichul , McGonagle Dennis , Gisondi Paolo , Tinazzi Ilaria , Butcher Belinda E. , Handel Malcolm 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo conduct initial assessment of the early arthritis for psoriatic patients (EARP) questionnaire for Australian, Korean and Chinese populations using translated and linguistically validated versions. To measure the proportion of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) among patients with psoriasis who attended dermatology clinics.MethodsQuestionnaires were translated and culturally validated into Australian English, Korean and Chinese. A multicenter, observational, descriptive estimate of the proportion of patients with PsA among patients with psoriasis attending dermatology clinics in Australia, Korea and China was conducted. Initial assessments included evaluations of floor and ceiling effects, internal consistency (using Cronbach's alpha), test‐retest reliability (using intraclass coefficient), and correlations between EARP score and rheumatology findings. If the initial EARP score was ≥3, patients were assessed by a rheumatologist for PsA within 3 months of their retest questionnaire.ResultsTwo hundred and fifty patients participated. Translated EARP questionnaires showed satisfactory internal consistency and test‐retest reliability. A potential floor effect was observed for the Chinese and Korean versions. Cronbach's alpha was 0.885 (Australian), 0.776 (Korean) and 0.789 (Chinese), indicating acceptable internal consistency. Intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.89 (Australian), 0.86 (Korean) and 0.87 (Chinese), indicating acceptable test‐retest reliability. EARP summary scores had weak to moderate linear correlation with the relevant PsA assessments. Overall, 32 (12.8%) patients were diagnosed with PsA based on Classification for Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR) score.ConclusionThe Australian, Korean, and Chinese versions of the EARP questionnaire are suitable for the early detection of PsA symptoms in patients with psoriasis by dermatologists working in specialist dermatology clinics. Trial registration: NCT02470481.
Validation of the Malay Version of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale
Authors: Jaafar Mohamad Hasif , Villiers‐Tuthill Amanda , Lim Min Ai , Ragunathan Darshaini , Morgan Karen 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to determine the psychometric properties of the Bahasa Malaysia (BM) version of the 6‐item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS) among older adults in Malaysia.MethodsA total of 200 participants aged 50 years and older completed the questionnaire in which 81 participants completed in BM. A subsample of 30 participants was retested after a period of 2 weeks.ResultsThe DJGLS showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.71) and high test‐retest reliability (r = 0.93). Convergent validity was demonstrated by moderate positive correlation between total DJGLS loneliness score and UCLA loneliness scale (ULS‐8) (r = 0.56, n = 81, P < 0.001). Significant associations were found between loneliness and sex, ethnicity, geographic area and marital status.ConclusionThe BM version of the 6‐item DJGLS is a reliable and valid loneliness measure for use among older adults in Malaysia.
Determinants of diagnostic delay in autoimmune atrophic gastritis
Authors: Lenti Marco Vincenzo , Miceli Emanuela , Cococcia Sara , Klersy Catherine , Staiani Martina , Guglielmi Francesca , Giuffrida Paolo , Vanoli Alessandro , Luinetti Ombretta , De Grazia Federico , Di Stefano Michele , Corazza Gino Roberto , Di Sabatino Antonio 
Published: May 2019

SummaryBackgroundAutoimmune atrophic gastritis (AAG) is characterised by a wide clinical spectrum that could delay its diagnosis.AimsTo quantify the diagnostic delay in patients suffering from AAG and to explore possible risk factors for longer diagnostic delay.MethodsConsecutive patients with AAG evaluated at our gastroenterological outpatient clinic between 2009 and 2018 were included. Diagnostic delay was estimated as the time lapse occurring between the appearance of the first likely symptoms, laboratory alterations, and other clues indicative of AAG and the final diagnosis. Patient‐dependent and physician‐dependent diagnostic delays were also assessed. Multivariable regression models were fitted.Results291 patients with AAG (mean age at diagnosis 61 ± 15 years; F:M ratio = 2.3:1) were included. The median overall diagnostic delay was 14 months (interquartile range [IQR] 4‐41). Factors associated with longer median overall diagnostic delay were female sex (17 months, IQR 5‐48), having a previous misdiagnosis (36 months, IQR 17‐125) and a history of infertility/miscarriages (33 months, IQR 8‐120), whereas a higher level of education was associated with longer patient‐dependent diagnostic delay (4 months, IQR 1‐12). First evaluation by a gastroenterologist was associated with a median longer diagnostic delay (6 months, IQR 2‐15) compared to an internist (3 months, IQR 3‐31) and a haematologist (1 month, IQR 0‐2). Age, socioeconomic or marital status did not affect the diagnostic delay.ConclusionsAAG is burdened by substantial diagnostic delay, especially in female patients, and due to lack of awareness, particularly among gastroenterologists. Uncommon vitamin B12 deficiency‐related manifestations are overlooked and may prolong the diagnostic delay.
The effectiveness and safety of infliximab compared with biosimilar CT‐P13, in 3112 patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Meyer Antoine , Rudant Jérémie , Drouin Jérôme , Coste Joël , Carbonnel Franck , Weill Alain 
Published: May 2019

SummaryBackgroundCT‐P13, a biosimilar of the reference product infliximab, has been approved for the treatment of ulcerative colitis on the basis of the results of trials conducted in patients with spondyloarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.AimTo compare the effectiveness and safety of CT‐P13 and the reference product in infliximab‐naive patients with ulcerative colitisMethodsA comparative real‐life equivalence cohort study was conducted using the French nationwide health administrative database. Infliximab‐naive patients with ulcerative colitis over 15 years of age who started infliximab with no other indications for infliximab were included. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint (death, ulcerative colitis‐related surgery, all‐cause hospitalisation and reimbursement for other biologics). Equivalence was defined as a 95% CI of the hazard ratio (HR) of CT‐P13 vs the reference product, in a multivariable marginal Cox model situated within prespecified margins of (0.80‐1.25).ResultsA total of 3112 patients were included between 1 January 2015 and 30 June 2017: 1434 received the reference product, 1678 received CT‐P13. Overall, 710 patients in the reference product group and 743 patients in the CT‐P13 group met the composite endpoint. In multivariable analysis of the primary outcome, CT‐P13 was equivalent to the reference product (HR 1.04; 95% CI: 0.94‐1.15). The number of serious infections was lower in the CT‐P13 group (HR 0.65; 95% CI: 0.48‐0.88). There was no difference in the incidence of solid or haematologic malignancy (HR 0.81; 95% CI: 0.41‐1.60).ConclusionsThe effectiveness of CT‐P13 is equivalent and the risk of serious infections could be lower than that of the reference product for infliximab‐naive patients with ulcerative colitis.
Laparoscopic repair of an irreducible femoral hernia containing an epiploic appendage of the sigmoid colon
Authors: Soeta Nobutoshi , Endo Kotaro , Oshibe Ikuro , Higuchi Mitsunori , Saito Takuro 
Published: May 2019

AbstractHere we present the first report of laparoscopic repair of an irreducible femoral hernia containing an epiploic appendage of the sigmoid colon. A 73‐year‐old woman presented with a 1‐week history of a left groin mass below the inguinal ligament with no abdominal symptoms. Abdominal CT demonstrated a 21 × 18‐mm oval‐shaped, fat‐dense structure in the left groin area. The hernia contents were considered potentially associated with the omentum; thus, a left irreducible femoral hernia was diagnosed. Elective laparoscopic surgery revealed an irreducible femoral hernia containing an epiploic appendage of the sigmoid colon, which was then reduced. The reduced epiploic appendage showed no ischemic changes, inflammation, torsion, or swelling, obviating the need for resection. The femoral hernia was laparoscopically repaired via a transabdominal preperitoneal approach with mesh. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful, and no recurrence of the femoral hernia was noted at the 6‐month follow‐up.
Seed rain along a gradient of degradation in Caribbean dry forest: Effects of dispersal limitation on the trajectory of forest recovery
Authors: Wolfe Brett T. , Macchiavelli Raúl , Van Bloem Skip J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractQuestionsTropical dry forests that experience severe disturbances (e.g., fires) often remain degraded for long time periods, during which non‐native grasses and trees dominate. One barrier to native tree regeneration in degraded areas may be seed dispersal limitation. To better understand how dispersal limitation influences recovery from degradation, we tested whether the mode and rates of seed dispersal differed in degraded sites dominated either by the exotic tree Leucaena leucocephala or open areas dominated by introduced pasture grasses. We also tested whether L. leucocephala stands facilitate the recruitment of native trees by increasing their seed input compared to open grass areas.LocationGuánica Commonwealth Forest, Puerto Rico.MethodsSeed rain was measured for one year in traps located within five vegetation types that ranged in degree of forest degradation from open grass to intact native forest.ResultsIn open grass areas, seed rain density was similarly low for L. leucocephala and abiotically dispersed native trees (mean [95% CI] = 50.9 [15.1–171.0] vs. 34.2 [10.3–113.5] seeds m−2 year−1), whereas it was even lower for animal‐dispersed native trees (0.14 [0.03–0.67] seeds m−2 year−1). Compared to open grass areas, L. leucocephala‐dominated stands, even those with grass understories, had higher seed rain density of animal‐dispersed trees (43.0 [12.9–143.6] seeds m−2 year−1), but not abiotically dispersed trees (20.8 [6.3–68.5] seeds m−2 year−1).ConclusionsThe dominance of L. leucocephala in disturbed Caribbean dry forests does not appear to be mediated by disproportionate seed arrival in open areas compared to native tree seeds. Rather, subsequent factors such as seed and seedling survival likely favor L. leucocephala in highly degraded areas. Since L. leucocephala stands increase the seed rain of animal‐dispersed native trees, retaining them in highly disturbed Caribbean dry forests may facilitate the regeneration of native forests.
Nonlinear pharmacokinetics of rituximab in non‐Hodgkin lymphomas: A pilot study
Authors: Ternant David , Monjanel Hélène , Venel Yann , Prunier‐Aesch Caroline , Arbion Flavie , Colombat Philippe , Paintaud Gilles , Gyan Emmanuel 
Published: May 2019

AimsRituximab is an anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody approved in non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). This study aimed to assess the relationship between antigen mass and nonlinear pharmacokinetics of rituximab in NHL patients.MethodsIn a retrospective cohort of 25 NHL patients treated with rituximab, antigen mass was assessed at baseline by measuring metabolic tumour volume (MTV) by positron emission tomography. Rituximab pharmacokinetics was described using a semimechanistic 2‐compartment model including a latent target antigen. Rituximab target‐mediated elimination was described as irreversible binding between rituximab and it target. Histology (follicular or diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas), initial MTV and body weight were tested as covariates on pharmacokinetic parameters.ResultsThe model allowed a satisfactory description of rituximab serum concentrations. Target‐mediated elimination was maximum at the beginning of treatment and became negligible towards the end of follow‐up. The second‐order elimination of rituximab due to target binding and complex elimination increased with baseline MTV. Central volume of distribution increased with body weight (P = .022) and baseline MTV (P = .005).ConclusionsThis study quantified for the first time the target‐mediated elimination of rituximab in NHL patients and confirmed rituximab retention by antigen mass.
Self‐perceived burden to others as a moral emotion in wishes to die. A conceptual analysis
Authors: Rehmann‐Sutter Christoph 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPatients at the end of their life who express a wish to die sometimes explain their wish as the desire not to be a burden to others. This feeling needs to be investigated as an emotion with an intrinsically dialogical structure. Using a phenomenological approach, two key meanings of the feeling of being a burden to others as a reason for a wish to die are identified. First, it is an existential suffering insofar as it contains the perception of a plight so desperate that it can only be relieved by the end of the patient’s existence. Second, it is an empathic concern that implies caring about those who bear the burden of caring for the person at the end of their life. It is therefore a moral emotion, encompassing a series of difficulties, including the subjective perception of a stark imbalance between giving and taking, the adequacy of the representation of the caregiver burden in the patient’s mind, and the danger of diminishing the worth of one’s life out of shame or self‐denigration. R. D. Laing’s terminology of crossed perspectives in interexperience is used to systematically distinguish the actual caregiver burden, the patient’s view of the caregiver burden, the stress for the patient in feeling that s/he is a burden to the caregiver, and the caregiver’s view of the patient’s stress. The sense of being a burden implies the belief that the caregiver feels burdened, and the fear that this burden could become unbearable.
Early T precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoma shows differential immunophenotypic characteristics including frequent CD33 expression and in vitro response to targeted CD33 therapy
Authors: Khogeer Haitham , Rahman Haitham , Jain Nitin , Angelova Evgeniya A. , Yang Hong , Quesada Andres , Ok Chi Y. , Sui Dawen , Wei Peng , Al Fattani Areej , Pierce Sherry , Loghavi Sanam , Lamb Audrey , Hu Peter , Thakral Beenu , Kanagal‐Shamanna Rashmi , Jorgensen Jeffrey L. , Jabbour Elias J. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Khoury Joseph D. 
Published: May 2019

SummaryThe differential immunophenotypic characteristics of early T precursor (ETP) acute lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoma (ALL) remain incompletely characterized. The study group (n = 142) included 106 (74·7%) men and 36 (25·3%) women with a median age of 34·9 years (range, 2–79) at diagnosis. Patients were subtyped by flow cytometry immunophenotyping as follows: 33 (23·2%) ETP; 32 (22·5%) early non‐ETP; 60 (42·2%) thymic; and 17 (12·1%) mature. Excepting definitional markers, there was a significant differential expression of the markers CD2, CD10, CD33 and TdT between ETP‐ALL and non‐ETP‐ALL. Positive CD33 expression (≥20% of leukaemic blasts) was detected in 21/33 (63%) ETP‐ALL compared with 17/95 (17·9%) non‐ETP‐ALL (P < 0·001). Notably, targeted anti‐CD33 therapy with IMGN779 resulted in significant growth inhibition and increased apoptosis in ETP‐ALL cells in vitro. An 11‐marker T‐ALL immunophenotype score discriminated reliably between ETP and non‐ETP ALL. Longitudinal analysis of ETP‐ALL cases in this study demonstrated that the immunophenotype may be occasionally dynamic but is largely stable over the disease course. In summary, identification of ETP‐ALL might be enhanced by using an 11‐marker T‐ALL immunophenotype score. CD33 expression is frequent in ETP‐ALL, and in vitro data suggest that exploring anti‐CD33 therapy in ETP‐ALL is warranted.
Polymorphisms in the promotor region of the CRBN gene as a predictive factor for peripheral neuropathy in the course of thalidomide‐based chemotherapy in multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Mlak Radosław , Szudy‐Szczyrek Aneta , Mazurek Marcin , Szczyrek Michał , Homa‐Mlak Iwona , Mielnik Michał , Chocholska Sylwia , Jankowska‐Łęcka Olga , Małecka‐Massalska Teresa , Hus Marek 
Published: May 2019

SummaryThalidomide is commonly used in treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). This study aimed to analyse the influence of clinical and molecular factors ‐ single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the CRBN gene: rs6768972 and rs1672753, on the risk of adverse effects (AEs) of thalidomide‐based chemotherapy in patients with MM. The study group included 82 patients receiving CTD (thalidomide, cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone) as first line treatment. The intensity of haematological and non‐haematological AEs was assessed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.03. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with the CRBN CC genotype (rs1672753) had more than a 14‐fold higher risk of peripheral polyneuropathy compared to patients with other variants of the investigated SNP [odds ratio (OR) = 14·29]. Carriers of this genotype were burdened with significantly (about 17‐fold) higher risk of diarrhoea during treatment (OR = 16·67). The presence of CRBN AA (rs6768972) or TT (rs1672753) genotypes was associated with about 333‐fold and 250‐fold lower risk of constipation in the course of therapy (OR = 0·003; OR = 0·004, respectively). Selected CRBN SNPs may be useful in assessing the probability of AEs in the form of peripheral polyneuropathy and gastrointestinal motility disorders associated with the use of thalidomide in patients with MM.
Acute activation of endothelial AMPK surprisingly inhibits endothelium‐dependent hyperpolarization‐like relaxations in rat mesenteric arteries
Authors: Chen Hui , Vanhoutte Paul M. , Leung Susan W.S. 
Published: May 2019

Background and PurposeEndothelium‐dependent hyperpolarizations (EDHs) contribute to the regulation of peripheral resistance. They are initiated through opening of endothelial calcium‐activated potassium channels (KCa); the potassium ions released then diffuse to the underlying smooth muscle cells, causing hyperpolarization and thus relaxation. The present study aimed to examine whether or not AMPK modulates EDH‐like relaxations in rat mesenteric arteries.Experimental ApproachArterial rings were isolated for isometric tension recording. AMPK activity and protein level were measured by ELISA and western blotting respectively.Key ResultsThe AMPK activator, AICAR, reduced ACh‐induced EDH‐like relaxations and increased AMPK activity in preparations with endothelium; these responses were prevented by compound C, an AMPK inhibitor. AICAR inhibited relaxations induced by SKA‐31 (opener of endothelial KCa) but did not affect potassium‐induced, hyperpolarization‐attributable relaxations or increase AMPK activity in preparations without endothelium. A769662, another AMPK activator, not only caused a similar inhibition of relaxations to ACh and SKA‐31 in preparations with endothelium but also inhibited hyperpolarization‐attributable relaxations and augmented AMPK activity in rings without endothelium. Protein levels of total AMPKα, AMPKα1, or AMPKβ1/2 were comparable between preparations with and without endothelium.Conclusions and ImplicationsActivation of endothelial AMPK, by either AICAR or A769662, acutely inhibits EDH‐like relaxations of rat mesenteric arteries. Furthermore, A769662 inhibits signalling downstream of smooth muscle hyperpolarization. In view of the major blunting effect of AMPK activation on EDH‐like relaxations, caution should be applied when administering therapeutic agents that activate AMPK in patients with endothelial dysfunction characterized by reduced production and/or bioavailability of NO.
A life course approach to total tooth loss: Testing the sensitive period, accumulation, and social mobility models in the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Lee Haena 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesChildhood socio‐economic status (SES) has long been associated with later‐life oral health, suggesting that childhood is a sensitive period for oral health. Far less attention has been given to the long‐term impact of childhood trauma, abuse, and smoking on later‐life oral health. This study fills the gap in the literature by examining how adverse childhood experiences—social, psychological, and behavioral—shape total tooth loss over the life course, with an assessment of the sensitive period, accumulation, and social mobility models from life course research.MethodsData are drawn from the 2012 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) merged with multiple HRS data sources to obtain childhood information (N = 6,427; age > 50). Adverse childhood experiences include childhood financial hardship, trauma, abuse, and smoking. Total tooth loss is measured to assess poor oral health in later life. Educational attainment and poverty status (since age 51) are measured as adult adversity. Current health conditions and health behaviors are assessed to reflect the correlates of oral health in later life.ResultsThe sensitive period model indicates that childhood trauma such as parental death or divorce (odds ratio [OR] = 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04, 1.80), physical abuse (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.34), and low educational attainment (≤ high school; OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.04, 2.22) are associated with higher odds of total tooth loss in later life. Poverty status was not associated with the outcome. There was a clear graded relationship between accumulation of adverse experiences and oral health, which supports the accumulation model. In the social mobility model, older adults who occupied a stable disadvantageous position were more likely to be toothless (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.08, 2.90) compared to those who did not face adversity in any case. Neither upward nor downward mobility mattered.ConclusionsFailing oral health in older adults, especially total tooth loss, may have its roots in adverse experiences such as childhood trauma, abuse, and low educational attainment. Findings also suggest that oral health in later life may be more influenced by accumulation of adversity rather than changes in social and economic position over the life course.
Allocation of invasive plant management expenditures for conservation: Lessons from Florida, USA
Authors: Hiatt Drew , Serbesoff‐King Kristina , Lieurance Deah , Gordon Doria R. , Flory S. Luke 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAlthough the ecological impacts of biological invasions are well studied, comprehensive analyses of spending on invasive species management are lacking. Such analyses could inform both effective resource allocation and management planning. We evaluated long‐term invasive plant management expenditures and their potential geographic, economic, and ecological drivers for freshwater and terrestrial conservation areas in Florida, USA. Average expenditures for managing invaders were approximately US$45M annually, with over 90% of funding provided by the state. Our model showed that expenditures were best predicted by the prevalence of waterways and abundance of invaders, indicating that funding was allocated towards asset protection in highly invaded aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Higher spending was directly correlated with reduced area invaded for the costliest invader (Hydrilla verticillata, ~$10M/year), demonstrating management efficacy and constructive use of resources. Our study highlights that significant funding is required to manage plant invaders in Florida and that greater funding would likely limit the extent of invasions. Additional analyses of management cost‐effectiveness for Florida and other regions would benefit from consistent collection and reporting of high‐resolution management data. Given the exponential rate of spread of many invaders, additional and sustained management funding is needed for early detection and rapid, effective control of invasive species.