bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compression of the respiratory tract in Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy
Authors: Mitsutake Akihiko , Matsumoto Hideyuki , Hatano Keiko , Hashida Hideji 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe report the case of a 16‐year‐old boy in whom Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD) had been genetically diagnosed. He required mechanical ventilation with tracheotomy due to the respiratory muscular weakness. Despite the respiratory supports, he subsequently had repeated temporal respiratory failure. Chest computed tomography revealed that the right main bronchus was compressed by the right clavicle and vertebra. An adjustable‐length and flexible tracheostomy tube and high positive end‐expiratory pressure were useful to keep the right bronchus patent. In FCMD, the respiratory tract may be occluded by severe scoliosis, which is improved by airway management.
A unique telephone support system for dementia patients and their caregivers managed in Japan (Okayama Dementia Call Center, ODCC)
Authors: Nakano Yumiko , Hishikawa Nozomi , Sakamoto Keiko , Myoraku Yoko , Ozaki Yoshinori , Takemoto Mami , Sato Kota , Yamashita Toru , Ohta Yasuyuki , Abe Koji 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundDespite a rapidly increasing prevalence of dementia, social support systems for dementia patients and their caregivers are insufficient.AimTo investigate a telephone support system for dementia patients and their caregivers managed by a local public association, the “Okayama Dementia Call Center (ODCC).”MethodsA total of 1485 phone calls were retrospectively surveyed over 4 years (from June 2011 to May 2014) and were divided into four annual periods.ResultsThe average consulting time of each of the 1485 phone calls was 20.2 ± 14.7 min. The chief complaint was distress related to dementia symptoms (56.2%), mainly from the children (66.7%) and spouses (17.5%) of dementia patients. With respect to management of ODCC for these clients, the proportion of providing advice has decreased (66.1 to 47.7%) as that of listening time increased (22.7 to 46.1%).ConclusionThe present unique telephone call system (ODCC) may supplement an insufficient social support, and may play an important role in the community care system, enabling people with dementia to live comfortably in their local community.
Effect of endurance versus resistance training on local muscle and systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in COPD
Authors: Ryrsø C. K. , Thaning P. , Siebenmann C. , Lundby C. , Lange P. , Pedersen B. K. , Hellsten Y. , Iepsen U. W. 
Published: May 2018

Limb muscle dysfunction in patients with COPD may be associated with local muscle and/or systemic inflammation, and therefore we investigated whether exercise training altered markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. We obtained vastus lateralis muscle biopsies and venous blood samples from patients with COPD (n = 30) before and after 8 weeks of resistance training (RT) (n = 15) or endurance training (ET) (n = 15). Healthy age‐matched subjects were included as baseline controls (n = 8). Inflammatory markers in muscle and systemically were determined by interleukins (IL), tumour necrosis factor alfa (TNF‐α), leukocyte concentration together with immunohistochemical staining for macrophages. Muscle oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity were determined by NADPH oxidase (NOX) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), respectively. Before exercise training, COPD patients had a higher muscular NOX protein content and circulating IL‐8, IL‐18, CRP, and leukocyte levels but a similar number of muscle‐infiltrating macrophages compared with controls. Eight weeks of ET or RT increased muscle SOD2 content with no difference between groups. Plasma TNF‐α, increased (P < .05) after ET and tended to (P = .06) increase after RT, but had no effect on muscular NOX protein content, number of muscle‐infiltrating macrophages, or systemic levels of other pro‐inflammatory cytokines or leukocytes. In patients with COPD, we found no evidence for muscular inflammation and no effect of exercise training. However, systemic inflammation was elevated in COPD and both training modalities induced an upregulation of muscle antioxidant capacity.
Atrial natriuretic peptide accelerates human endothelial progenitor cell–stimulated cutaneous wound healing and angiogenesis
Authors: Lee Tae Wook , Kwon Yang Woo , Park Gyu Tae , Do Eun Kyoung , Yoon Jung Won , Kim Seung‐Chul , Ko Hyun‐Chang , Kim Moon‐Bum , Kim Jae Ho 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTAtrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a powerful vasodilating peptide secreted by cardiac muscle cells, and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been reported to stimulate cutaneous wound healing by mediating angiogenesis. To determine whether ANP can promote the EPC‐mediated repair of injured tissues, we examined the effects of ANP on the angiogenic properties of EPCs and on cutaneous wound healing. In vitro, ANP treatment enhanced the migration, proliferation, and endothelial tube‐forming abilities of EPCs. Furthermore, small interfering RNA‐mediated silencing of natriuretic peptide receptor‐1, which is a receptor for ANP, abrogated ANP‐induced migration, tube formation, and proliferation of EPCs. In a murine cutaneous wound model, administration of either ANP or EPCs had no significant effect on cutaneous wound healing or angiogenesis in vivo, whereas the coadministration of ANP and EPCs synergistically potentiated wound healing and angiogenesis. In addition, ANP promoted the survival and incorporation of transplanted EPCs into newly formed blood vessels in wounds. These results suggest ANP accelerates EPC‐mediated cutaneous wound healing by promoting the angiogenic properties and survival of transplanted EPCs.
The microbiota of traumatic, open fracture wounds is associated with mechanism of injury
Authors: Bartow‐McKenney Casey , Hannigan Geoffrey D. , Horwinski Joseph , Hesketh Patrick , Horan Annamarie D. , Mehta Samir , Grice Elizabeth A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractOpen fractures are characterized by disruption of the skin and soft tissue, which allows for microbial contamination and colonization. Preventing infection‐related complications of open fractures and other acute wounds remains an evolving challenge due to an incomplete understanding of how microbial colonization and contamination influence healing and outcomes. Culture‐independent molecular methods are now widely used to study human‐associated microbial communities without introducing culture biases. Using such approaches, the objectives of this study were to (1) define the long‐term temporal microbial community dynamics of open fracture wounds and (2) examine microbial community dynamics with respect to clinical and demographic factors. Fifty‐two subjects with traumatic open fracture wounds (32 blunt and 20 penetrating injuries) were enrolled prospectively and sampled longitudinally from presentation to the emergency department (ED) and at each subsequent inpatient or outpatient encounter. Specimens were collected from both the wound center and adjacent skin. Culture‐independent sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was employed to identify and characterize microbiota. Upon presentation to the ED and time points immediately following, sample collection site (wound or adjacent skin) was the most defining feature discriminating microbial profiles. Microbial composition of adjacent skin and wound center converged over time. Mechanism of injury most strongly defined the microbiota after initial convergence. Further analysis controlling for race, gender, and age revealed that mechanism of injury remained a significant discriminating feature throughout the continuum of care. We conclude that the microbial communities associated with open fracture wounds are dynamic in nature until eventual convergence with the adjacent skin community during healing, with mechanism of injury as an important feature affecting both diversity and composition of the microbiota. A more complete understanding of the factors influencing microbial contamination and/or colonization in open fractures is a critical foundation for identifying markers indicative of outcome and deciphering their respective contributions to healing and/or complication.
Agreement Between Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry and Quantitative Ultrasound to Evaluate Bone Health in Adolescents: The PRO-BONE Study
Authors: Torres-Costoso Ana , Vlachopoulos Dimitris , Ubago-Guisado Esther , Ferri-Morales Asunción , Cavero-Redondo Iván , Martínez-Vizcaino Vicente , Gracia-Marco Luis 
Published: May 2018

Purpose: The present study aims to investigate the association between dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters and the intermethods agreement in active males. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, bone health (by DXA and calcaneal QUS), physical activity (by accelerometers), and anthropometrics measurements were assessed in 117 active adolescents (12–14 y old). Bivariate correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the relationships between DXA standard regions of interest and QUS parameters. Intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman plots were used to assess the level of agreement between bone mineral content regions derived from DXA and stiffness index. The measurements were z score transformed for comparison. Results: Most QUS parameters were positive and significantly correlated with DXA outcomes (stiffness index: r = .43–.52; broadband ultrasound attenuation: r = .50–.58; speed of sound: r = .25–.27) with the hip showing the highest correlations. Moreover, the present study found fair to good intraclass correlation coefficients of agreement (.60–.68) between DXA and QUS to assess bone health. The Bland–Altman analysis showed a limited percentage of outliers (3.2%–8.6%). Conclusion: QUS device could represent an acceptable alternative method to assess bone health in active adolescent males.
Evaluation of person-level heterogeneity of treatment effects in published multiperson N-of-1 studies: systematic review and reanalysis
Authors: Raman Gowri , Balk Ethan M , Lai Lana , Shi Jennifer , Chan Jeffrey , Lutz Jennifer S , Dubois Robert W , Kravitz Richard L , Kent David M 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveIndividual patients with the same condition may respond differently to similar treatments. Our aim is to summarise the reporting of person-level heterogeneity of treatment effects (HTE) in multiperson N-of-1 studies and to examine the evidence for person-level HTE through reanalysis.Study designSystematic review and reanalysis of multiperson N-of-1 studies.Data sourcesMedline, Cochrane Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Web of Science and review of references through August 2017 for N-of-1 studies published in English.Study selectionN-of-1 studies of pharmacological interventions with at least two subjects.Data synthesisCitation screening and data extractions were performed in duplicate. We performed statistical reanalysis testing for person-level HTE on all studies presenting person-level data.ResultsWe identified 62 multiperson N-of-1 studies with at least two subjects. Statistical tests examining HTE were described in only 13 (21%), of which only two (3%) tested person-level HTE. Only 25 studies (40%) provided person-level data sufficient to reanalyse person-level HTE. Reanalysis using a fixed effect linear model identified statistically significant person-level HTE in 8 of the 13 studies (62%) reporting person-level treatment effects and in 8 of the 14 studies (57%) reporting person-level outcomes.ConclusionsOur analysis suggests that person-level HTE is common and often substantial. Reviewed studies had incomplete information on person-level treatment effects and their variation. Improved assessment and reporting of person-level treatment effects in multiperson N-of-1 studies are needed.
Equity and intrapartum care by skilled birth attendant globally: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Kachikis Alisa , Moller Ann-Beth , Allen Tomas , Say Lale , Chou Doris 
Published: May 2018

IntroductionEquity is a cross-cutting theme within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and central to the effort to improve maternal and child health globally. One key strategy to prevent maternal death set out in SDG 3 is assistance by a skilled birth attendant (SBA) at childbirth (indicator 3.1.2). However, the increased coverage of SBAs globally has not been reflected by the same degree of decrease in maternal mortality and has been reported to have higher levels of inequality than other maternal health interventions. There is a need to evaluate the extent of inequity in intrapartum care by SBAs and evaluate themes in determinants of inequity across regions and specific country characteristics.Methods and analysisThe protocol for this review follows The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses with equity extension 2012 guidelines. Studies of all languages and from all countries from 2004, the year when the WHO/ICM/FIGO joint statement on SBAs was published, and onwards will be included. PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, the Cochrane Library, POPLINE, the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Index Medicus, and grey literature will be searched. Our primary outcome is intrapartum care by SBA. Studies will be included if they evaluate equity and its determinants adapted from the Progress-Plus grouping of characteristics affecting health outcomes. Results will be stratified based on WHO, World Bank Group income and SDG regional groupings.Ethics and disseminationThis review is a secondary analysis of published literature and does not require ethics review. Results will provide information regarding equity in intrapartum care by SBAs globally and will inform development of indicators for monitoring of inequity as well as global policy related to intrapartum care and maternal mortality. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed manuscript, international conferences and stakeholder websites.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017069021.
Assessing whether early attention of very preterm infants can be improved by an omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid intervention: a follow-up of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gould Jacqueline F , Colombo John , Collins Carmel T , Makrides Maria , Hewawasam Erandi , Smithers Lisa G 
Published: May 2018

IntroductionDocosahexaenoic acid (DHA) accumulates in the frontal lobes (responsible for higher-order cognitive skills) of the fetal brain during the last trimester of pregnancy. Infants born preterm miss some of this in utero provision of DHA, and have an increased risk of suboptimal neurodevelopment. It is thought that supplementing infants born preterm with DHA may improve developmental outcomes. The aim of this follow-up is to determine whether DHA supplementation in infants born preterm can improve areas of the brain associated with frontal lobe function, namely attention and distractibility.Methods and analysisWe will assess a subset of children from the N-3 (omega-3) Fatty Acids for Improvement in Respiratory Outcomes (N3RO) multicentre double-blind randomised controlled trial of DHA supplementation. Infants born <29 weeks’ completed gestation were randomised to receive an enteral emulsion containing 60 mg/kg/day of DHA or a control emulsion from within the first 3 days of enteral feeding until 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age.Children will undergo multiple measures of attention at 18 months’ corrected age. The primary outcome is the average time to be distracted when attention is focused on a toy. Secondary outcomes are other aspects of attention, and (where possible) an assessment of cognition, language and motor development with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition.A minimum of 72 children will be assessed to ensure 85% power to detect an effect on the primary outcome. Families, and research personnel are blinded to group assignment. All analyses will be conducted according to the intention-to-treat principal.Ethics and disseminationAll procedures were approved by the relevant institutional ethics committees prior to commencement of the study. Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journal publications and academic presentations.Trial registration numberACTRN12612000503820; Pre-results.
Relevance ofMTHFRpolymorphisms with response to fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy in oesophagogastric cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhong Lei , Fu Qi , Zhou Shu , Chen Lu , Peng Qian 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms and the response to fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy in oesophagogastric cancer.DesignMeta-analysis.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases from inception up to October 2017 for relevant studies. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA V.12.0 software. The pooled ORs and 95% CIs were used to assess the strength of the association under the allele, dominant and recessive models. We also conducted subgroup analysis stratified by cancer type, ethnicity and study design. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis was performed by sequential omission of individual studies, and the publication bias was detected using both Begg’s test and Egger’s test.ResultsA total of 2020 patients from 12 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that there was no significant association betweenMTHFRC677T (rs1801133) and A1298C (rs1801131) polymorphisms and the clinical response to fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy under all of the three genetic models (T vs C: OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.15; C vs A: OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.40. CT+TT vs CC: OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.23; AC+CC vs AA: OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.35. TT vs CC+CT: OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.39; CC vs AA+AC: OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.50 to 2.67). When stratified by cancer type, ethnicity or study design, the association was still not significant in all subgroups.ConclusionsThis meta-analysis suggested thatMTHFRpolymorphisms could not be considered as reliable factors for predicting the response to fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy in oesophagogastric cancer.
Variation in minimum desired cardiovascular disease-free longevity benefit from statin and antihypertensive medications: a cross-sectional study of patient and primary care physician perspectives
Authors: Jaspers Nicole E M , Visseren Frank L J , Numans Mattijs E , Smulders Yvo M , van Loenen Martinet Fere A , van der Graaf Yolanda , Dorresteijn Jannick A N 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveExpressing therapy benefit from a lifetime perspective, instead of only a 10-year perspective, is both more intuitive and of growing importance in doctor–patient communication. In cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, lifetime estimates are increasingly accessible via online decision tools. However, it is unclear what gain in life expectancy is considered meaningful by those who would use the estimates in clinical practice. We therefore quantified lifetime and 10-year benefit thresholds at which physicians and patients perceive statin and antihypertensive therapy as meaningful, and compared the thresholds with clinically attainable benefit.DesignCross-sectional study.Settings(1) continuing medical education conference in December 2016 for primary care physicians;(2) information session in April 2017 for patients.Participants400 primary care physicians and 523 patients in the Netherlands.OutcomeMonths gain of CVD-free life expectancy at which lifelong statin therapy is perceived as meaningful, and months gain at which 10 years of statin and antihypertensive therapy is perceived as meaningful. Physicians were framed as users for lifelong and prescribers for 10-year therapy.ResultsMeaningful benefit was reported as median (IQR). Meaningful lifetime statin benefit was 24 months (IQR 23–36) in physicians (as users) and 42 months (IQR 12–42) in patients willing to consider therapy. Meaningful 10-year statin benefit was 12 months (IQR 10–12) for prescribing (physicians) and 14 months (IQR 10–14) for using (patients). Meaningful 10-year antihypertensive benefit was 12 months (IQR 8–12) for prescribing (physicians) and 14 months (IQR 10–14) for using (patients). Women desired greater benefit than men. Age, CVD status and co-medication had minimal effects on outcomes.ConclusionBoth physicians and patients report a large variation in meaningful longevity benefit. Desired benefit differs between physicians and patients and exceeds what is clinically attainable. Clinicians should recognise these discrepancies when prescribing therapy and implement individualised medicine and shared decision-making. Decision tools could provide information on realistic therapy benefit.
Improving adherence to hepatitis C screening guidelines
Authors: Trinh Jane , Turner Nicholas 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundHepatitis C (HCV) is a viral liver disease that can result in cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation or death. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 2.7–3.9 million Americans are living with HCV, yet the majority are unaware. Starting in 2013, both CDC and US Preventative Services Task Force guidelines agreed in recommending HCV screening for all those born between 1945 and 1965 yet many clinics have been slow to adopt screening.ObjectiveWe designed a quality improvement project seeking to improve HCV screening rates among patients seen for new or annual visits to ≥90% over a 3-year period in an academic primary care clinic.MethodsScreening rates were assessed through repeated review of charts (50 per cycle or 300 charts total, roughly 35% of eligible visits) as a series of interventions were executed. Sustainability was assessed by repeating an additional 50-chart analysis 1 year after completion of the study interventions. At the conclusion of the study, a post hoc analysis of socioeconomic factors was undertaken to determine whether gender, income or ethnicity might affect screening rates.ResultsOver 6 cycles of interventions, screening rates improved from 24% to ≥90%. Screening rates remained at 88% 1 year after completion of the interventions. The most effective interventions used reminders built into our electronic medical record and informed providers of their personal HCV screening rates relative to the clinic as a whole. Our post hoc analysis found that lower socioeconomic standing and white race were associated with reduced likelihood of screening.ConclusionsProvider adoption of new HCV screening guidelines can be markedly and sustainably increased with electronic medical record prompts as well as directed feedback informing providers of their personal screening rates compared with colleagues.