bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors in patients with asthma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Luo Jian , Yang Ling , Yang Jing , Yang Dan , Liu Bi‐Cui , Liu Dan , Liang Bin‐Miao , Liu Chun‐Tao 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTPhosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors are a novel medication approved for airway inflammatory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Their role and application in asthma are controversial and not defined.A comprehensive search was performed in major databases (1946–2016) using the keywords: ‘phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor’ or ‘roflumilast’ and ‘asthma’. Placebo‐controlled trials reporting lung function, airway hyperresponsiveness by direct challenge, asthma control and exacerbations, and adverse events were included. Random or fixed‐effects models were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and mean differences between the two treatment groups. Statistical analyses were conducted using Mann–Whitney U‐tests and Cochrane systematic review software, Review Manager.Seventeen studies were included in the systematic review, of which 14 studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Except for significant statistical heterogeneity in pre‐ and post‐challenge predicted percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%; I2 = 72%, χ2 = 3.35, P = 0.06), there was no heterogeneity in outcome measures. Roflumilast (500 μg) significantly improved FEV1 (mean difference: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01–0.09, Z = 2.50, P = 0.01), peak expiratory flow, asthma control and exacerbations, but showed variable effects on airway responsiveness to methacholine and a 20% fall in FEV1.Of note, PDE4 inhibitors were accompanied with significantly higher adverse events such as headache (OR: 3.99, 95% CI: 1.65–9.66, Z = 3.07, P = 0.002) and nausea (OR: 5.53, 95% CI: 1.38–22.17, Z = 2.41, P = 0.02).In patients with mild asthma, oral PDE4 inhibitors can be considered as an alternative treatment to regular bronchodilators and inhaled controllers.
Bronchiectasis in indigenous and non‐indigenous residents of Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Blackall Sean R. , Hong Jae B. , King Paul , Wong Conroy , Einsiedel Lloyd , Rémond Marc G.W. , Woods Cindy , Maguire Graeme P. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveBronchiectasis not associated with cystic fibrosis is an increasingly recognized chronic lung disease. In Oceania, indigenous populations experience a disproportionately high burden of disease. We aimed to describe the natural history of bronchiectasis and identify risk factors associated with premature mortality within a cohort of Aboriginal Australians, New Zealand Māori and Pacific Islanders, and non‐indigenous Australians and New Zealanders.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of bronchiectasis patients aged >15 years at three hospitals: Alice Springs Hospital and Monash Medical Centre in Australia, and Middlemore Hospital in New Zealand. Data included demographics, ethnicity, sputum microbiology, radiology, spirometry, hospitalization and survival over 5 years of follow‐up.ResultsAboriginal Australians were significantly younger and died at a significantly younger age than other groups. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted all‐cause mortality was higher for Aboriginal Australians (hazard ratio (HR): 3.9), and respiratory‐related mortality was higher for both Aboriginal Australians (HR: 4.3) and Māori and Pacific Islander people (HR: 1.7). Hospitalization was common: Aboriginal Australians had 2.9 admissions/person‐year and 16.9 days in hospital/person‐year. Despite Aboriginal Australians having poorer prognosis, calculation of the FACED score suggested milder disease in this group. Sputum microbiology varied with Aspergillus fumigatus more often isolated from non‐indigenous patients. Airflow obstruction was common (66.9%) but not invariable.ConclusionsBronchiectasis is not one disease. It has a significant impact on healthcare utilization and survival. Differences between populations are likely to relate to differing aetiologies and understanding the drivers of bronchiectasis in disadvantaged populations will be key.
How Many People Are Exposed to Suicide? Not Six
Authors: Cerel Julie , Brown Margaret M. , Maple Myfanwy , Singleton Michael , van de Venne Judy , Moore Melinda , Flaherty Chris 
Published: March 2018

It has long been stated that six people are left behind following every suicide. Despite a lack of empirical evidence, this has been extensively cited for over 30 years. Using data from a random‐digit dial survey, a more accurate number of people exposed to each suicide is calculated. A sample of 1,736 adults included 812 lifetime suicide‐exposed respondents who reported age and number of exposures. Each suicide resulted in 135 people exposed (knew the person). Each suicide affects a large circle of people, who may be in need of clinician services or support following exposure.
Extending shelf life of dithiothreitol‐treated panel RBCs to 28 days
Authors: Sigle J.‐P. , Mihm B. , Suna R. , Bargetzi M. 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundDaratumumab (DARA) causes non‐specific results in indirect agglutination testing (IAT). Dithiothreitol (DTT) treatment of panel red blood cells (RBCs) abolishes DARA interference. The objective of our study was to extend stability of DTT‐treated panel RBCs to 28 days through application of a commercially available panel RBC stabilizer.Materials and MethodsSerological antigen typing and IAT using DARA sera and DARA plasma spiked with weakly reacting alloantibodies was performed up to 28 days after DTT treatment and stabilization.ResultsDTT treatment resulted in loss of Fy‐antigen expression on some panel RBCs. Antigen profiles of stabilized, DTT‐treated panel RBCs remained stable. Alloantibodies in DARA sera and DARA plasma were reliably detected.ConclusionsApplication of a commercially available RBC stabilizer extends shelf life of DTT‐treated panel RBCs to 28 days.
But Then There Were also Such Bulgarians: A Bibliography for the Teacher, Enlightener and Statesman Nestor Markov
Authors: Pancheva Tsvetanka H. 
Published: March 2018

This is a review article on the book [1]. The original text is published in Bulgarian in [2].В [1]В В Mladenova, Maria. Nestor Markov 1836-1916. Biobibliography, Pleven, 2016 В (in Bulgarian).[2]В Pancheva, Tsvetanka. But then there were also such Bulgarians: A Bibliography for the Teacher, Enlightener and Statesman Nestor Markov. В In: Blagoeva, D. (Ed.), Nestor Markov and his contribution to the lexicography and education, Proceedings of the Jubilee Science Session dedicated to the 180th anniversary of the birth of Nestor Markov, Sofia, 2016 (in Bulgarian).
Complete Genome Sequence of an Enterovirus A71 Strain Isolated in 2006 from a Patient in Shenzhen, Southern China, with a Lethal Case of Enterovirus Infection
Authors: Yao Xiang-Jie , Chen Long , Yang Hong , Meng Jun , Zhang Hai-Long , Jiang Min , Zhang Hong-Yu , He Ya-Qing , Wu Chun-Li , Zhang Ren-Li 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTThe whole-genome sequence of an enterovirus A71 strain (EV71/SHENZHEN001/2006) isolated in 2006 from a patient with a fatal case of enterovirus infection was determined. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete VP1 gene classified this strain as subgenotype C4a.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Zika Virus Strain Isolated from the Serum of an Infected Patient in Thailand in 2006
Authors: Nitatpattana Narong , Chaiyo Kumchol , Rajakam Supoth , Poolam Kanya , Chansiprasert Kusuma , Pesirikan Norapath , Buree Supanat , Rodpai Ekkarat , Yoksan Sutee 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT
The complete genome of Zika virus (ZIKV) strain CVD_06-274 was isolated from the serum of an infected patient in Thailand in 2006. Phylogenetic analysis showed that this strain belongs to the Asian lineage and also high titers in Vero cells (RCB 10-87). It has potential for development as an inactivated ZIKV vaccine.
Draft Genome Sequences of Four Parasaccharibacter apium Strains Isolated from Honey Bees
Authors: Corby-Harris Vanessa , Anderson Kirk E. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Parasaccharibacter apium
displays multiple ecological strategies in its honey bee host. We sequenced the genomes of four strains found in larvae and the adult gut in order to better understand its ecology and relationship to other
Acetobacteraceae
. The
P. apium
genome consists of 2,009,892 bp and 1,830 protein-coding genes.
Virulence-Related Genes Identified from the Genome Sequence of the Non-O1/Non-O139 Vibrio cholerae Strain VcN1, Isolated from Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Maqsud , Alam Munirul , Khaleque Abdul , Islam Sohidul , Sadique Abdus , Khan Nayeim , Halim Zahra , Sarker Mrinmoy , El-Sayed Najib M. , Huq Anwar , Ahsan Gias Uddin , Colwell Rita R. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

We report here the first draft genome sequence of the non-O1/non-O139
Vibrio cholerae
strain VcN1, isolated from Dhaka, Bangladesh. The data submitted to GenBank for this strain will contribute to advancing our understanding of this environmentally disseminated bacterium, including its virulence and its evolution as an important pathogen.
Electroacupuncture Mitigates Endothelial Dysfunction via Effects on the Pi3K/Akt Signalling Pathway in High Fat Diet-Induced Insulin-Resistant Rats
Authors: Lan Danchun , Xu Nenggui , Sun Jian , Li Zhixing , Liao Rongzhen , Zhang Hongtao , Liang Xiaoli , Yi Wei 
Published: March 2018

Objective To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on endothelial dysfunction related to high fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signalling pathway. Methods Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a regular diet (Control group, n=8) or a HFD (n=16) for 12 weeks to induce an insulin resistance model. HFD-fed rats were divided into two groups that remained untreated (HFD group, n=8) or received electroacupuncture (HFD+EA group, n=8). EA was applied at PC6, ST36, SP6 and BL23. At the end of the experiment, fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin (FINS), serum C-peptide (C-P) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) indices were determined. Pancreatic islet samples were subjected to histopathological examination. The thoracic aorta was immunostained with anti-rat insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1, Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) antibodies. mRNA and protein expression of IRS-1, PI3K, Akt2 and eNOS in the vascular endothelium were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Results The bodyweight increase of the HFD+EA group was smaller than that of the untreated HFD group. Compared with the HFD group, the levels of FBG, FINS, C-P and HOMA-IR in the HFD+EA group decreased significantly (P<0.01). Histopathological evaluation indicated that EA improved pancreatic islet inflammation. The expression of endothelial markers, such as IRS-1, PI3K, Akt2 and eNOS, decreased in the HFD group, while EA treatment appeared to ameliorate the negative impact of diet. Conclusion EA may improve insulin resistance and attenuate endothelial dysfunction, and therefore could play a potential role in the prevention or treatment of diabetic complications and cardiovascular disease through the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.
Development and validation of a prediction model for insulin-associated hypoglycemia in non-critically ill hospitalized adults
Authors: Mathioudakis Nestoras Nicolas , Everett Estelle , Routh Shuvodra , Pronovost Peter J , Yeh Hsin-Chieh , Golden Sherita Hill , Saria Suchi 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveTo develop and validate a multivariable prediction model for insulin-associated hypoglycemia in non-critically ill hospitalized adults.Research design and methodsWe collected pharmacologic, demographic, laboratory, and diagnostic data from 128 657 inpatient days in which at least 1 unit of subcutaneous insulin was administered in the absence of intravenous insulin, total parenteral nutrition, or insulin pump use (index days). These data were used to develop multivariable prediction models for biochemical and clinically significant hypoglycemia (blood glucose (BG) of ≤70 mg/dL and <54 mg/dL, respectively) occurring within 24 hours of the index day. Split-sample internal validation was performed, with 70% and 30% of index days used for model development and validation, respectively.ResultsUsing predictors of age, weight, admitting service, insulin doses, mean BG, nadir BG, BG coefficient of variation (CVBG), diet status, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease (CKD), liver disease, and digestive disease, our model achieved a c-statistic of 0.77 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.78), positive likelihood ratio (+LR) of 3.5 (95% CI 3.4 to 3.6) and negative likelihood ratio (−LR) of 0.32 (95% CI 0.30 to 0.35) for prediction of biochemical hypoglycemia. Using predictors of sex, weight, insulin doses, mean BG, nadir BG, CVBG, diet status, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, CKD stage, and steroid use, our model achieved a c-statistic of 0.80 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.82), +LR of 3.8 (95% CI 3.7 to 4.0) and −LR of 0.2 (95% CI 0.2 to 0.3) for prediction of clinically significant hypoglycemia.ConclusionsHospitalized patients at risk of insulin-associated hypoglycemia can be identified using validated prediction models, which may support the development of real-time preventive interventions.
Epidemiology of antibiotic-resistant wound infections from six countries in Africa
Authors: Lai Peggy S , Bebell Lisa M , Meney Carron , Valeri Linda , White Michelle C 
Published: March 2018

IntroductionLittle is known about the antimicrobial susceptibility of common bacteria responsible for wound infections from many countries in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of microbial isolates collected based on clinical suspicion of wound infection between 2004 and 2016 from Mercy Ships, a non-governmental organisation operating a single mobile surgical unit in Benin, Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Sierra Leone and Togo. Antimicrobial resistant organisms of interest were defined as methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) orEnterobacteriaceaeresistant to third-generation cephalosporins. Generalised mixed-effects models accounting for repeated isolates in a patient, potential clustering by case mix for each field service, age, gender and country were used to test the hypothesis that rates of antimicrobial resistance differed between countries.Results3145 isolates from repeated field services in six countries were reviewed. In univariate analyses, the highest proportion of MRSA was found in Benin (34.6%) and Congo (31.9%), while the lowest proportion was found in Togo (14.3%) and Madagascar (14.5%); country remained a significant predictor in multivariate analyses (P=0.002). In univariate analyses, the highest proportion of third-generation cephalosporin-resistantEnterobacteriaceaewas found in Benin (35.8%) and lowest in Togo (14.3%) and Madagascar (16.3%). Country remained a significant predictor for antimicrobial-resistant isolates in multivariate analyses (P=0.009).ConclusionA significant proportion of isolates from wound cultures were resistant to first-line antimicrobials in each country. Though antimicrobial resistance isolates were not verified in a reference laboratory and these data may not be representative of all regions of the countries studied, differences in the proportion of antimicrobial-resistant isolates and resistance profiles between countries suggest site-specific surveillance should be a priority and local antimicrobial resistance profiles should be used to guide empiric antibiotic selection.
Using domiciliary non-invasive ventilator data downloads to inform clinical decision-making to optimise ventilation delivery and patient compliance
Authors: Mansell Stephanie K , Cutts Steven , Hackney Isobel , Wood Martin J , Hawksworth Kevin , Creer Dean D , Kilbride Cherry , Mandal Swapna 
Published: March 2018

IntroductionVentilation parameter data from patients receiving home mechanical ventilation can be collected via secure data cards and modem technology. This can then be reviewed by clinicians and ventilator prescriptions adjusted. Typically available measures include tidal volume (VT), leak, respiratory rate, minute ventilation, patient triggered breaths, achieved pressures and patient compliance. This study aimed to assess the potential impact of ventilator data downloads on management of patients requiring home non-invasive ventilation (NIV).MethodsA longitudinal within-group design with repeated measurements was used. Baseline ventilator data were downloaded, reviewed and adjustments made to optimise ventilation. Leak, VTand compliance data were collected for comparison at the first review and 3–7 weeks later. Ventilator data were monitored and amended remotely via a modem by a consultant physiotherapist between the first review and second appointment.ResultsAnalysis of data from 52 patients showed increased patient compliance (% days used >4 hours) from 90% to 96% (p=0.007), increased usage from 6.53 to 6.94 hours (p=0.211) and a change in VT(9.4 vs 8.7 mL/kg/ideal body weight, p=0.022). There was no change in leak following review of NIV prescriptions (mean (SD): 43 (23.4) L/min vs 45 (19.9)L/min, p=0.272).ConclusionVentilator data downloads, via early remote assessment, can help optimise patient ventilation through identification of modifiable factors, in particular interface leak and ventilator prescriptions. However, a prospective study is required to assess whether using ventilator data downloads provides value in terms of patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness. The presented data will help to inform the design of such a study.
Has the UK Healthy Start voucher scheme been associated with an increased fruit and vegetable intake among target families? Analysis of Health Survey for England data, 2001–2014
Authors: Scantlebury Rachel Jane , Moody Alison , Oyebode Oyinlola , Mindell Jennifer Susan 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundHealthy Start (HS) is a UK government programme, introduced in 2006, providing vouchers to pregnant women or families with children aged <4 who are in receipt of certain benefits. Vouchers can be exchanged for fruit and vegetables (F&V), milk or infant formula. We sought to identify any association between HS and F&V intake.MethodsWe analysed repeated cross-sectional data from the Health Survey for England. Study participants were classified into one of four groups: one HS-eligible group and three control groups, meeting only the income or demographic or no eligibility criterion. Outcome measures were mean F&V intake and the proportions of participants consuming ≥3 and ≥1 portion/day. Outcomes were compared across the four groups over four time periods: 2001–2003, 2004–2006, 2007–2009 and 2010–2014. Regression analyses examined whether F&V intake among HS-eligible participants had a significantly different rate of change from those in the control groups.ResultsThe change in mean F&V consumption over time was similar in HS-eligible adults and children to that of the control groups. Likewise, the change in odds of consuming ≥3 or ≥1 portion of F&V/day over time was similar among HS-eligible participants and control groups.ConclusionThis study found that during the period 2001–2003 to 2010–2014, F&V consumption among adults and children in households deemed eligible for HS changed similarly to that of other adults and children. Potential explanations include that vouchers may have been spent on milk or infant formula, or that vouchers helped protect F&V consumption in low-income households.
Secular change in the association between urbanisation and abdominal adiposity in China (1993–2011)
Authors: Inoue Yosuke , Howard Annie Green , Thompson Amanda L , Gordon-Larsen Penny 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundLittle attention has been paid to how the association between urbanisation and abdominal adiposity changes over the course of economic development in low-income and middle-income countries.MethodsData came from the China Health and Nutrition Survey waves 1993–2011 (seven waves). A mixed linear model was used to investigate the association between community-level urbanisation with waist-to-height ratio (WHtR; an indicator of abdominal adiposity). We incorporated interaction terms between urbanisation and study waves to understand how the association changed over time. The analyses were stratified by age (children vs adults).ResultsAdult WHtR was positively associated with urbanisation in earlier waves but became inversely associated over time. More specifically, a 1 SD increase in the urbanisation index was associated with higher WHtR by 0.002 and 0.005 in waves 1993 and 1997, while it was associated with lower WHtR by 0.001 in 2011. Among child participants, the increase in WHtR over time was predominantly observed in more urbanised communities.ConclusionOur study suggests a shift in adult abdominal adiposity from more urbanised communities to less urbanised communities over a time of rapid economic development in China. Children living in more urbanised communities had higher increase in abdominal obesity with urbanisation over time relative to children living in less urbanised communities.
Making sense of place-based clinical leadership: is England catching up?
Authors: Adams Ted , Ryan Danny , Taunt Richard 
Published: March 2018

IntroductionSuccessful health care organisations have understood the need to engage with clinicians, with a resulting desire for clinical leaders to emerge and be trained.Sustainability and transformation plans (STPs)The development of sustainability and transformation plans has highlighted the need for clinical leaders to be engaged at every level of each regional plan. The plans are based around a geographical area rather than being focussed on pre-existing organisations, so-called place-based plans. Health care place-based plans need place-based clincal leaders.Examples of clincial place-based leadershipClinical leaders have existed across boundaries before STPs were developed, for example in Canterbury District Health Board in New Zealand or closer to home in Wales.ConclusionWe discuss the benefits that removing organisation boundaries could have on clinical care, believing that as patients cross organisational boundaries so should their health care and so should clinical leaders.
Progressive left ventricular dysfunction and long-term outcomes in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy receiving cardiopulmonary therapies
Authors: Wang Mary , Birnkrant David J , Super Dennis M , Jacobs Irwin B , Bahler Robert C 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveTo describe the natural history of cardiomyopathy in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who are receiving contemporary therapies.MethodsThis is a single-institution retrospective cohort study of 57 patients aged >15 years with DMD. Serial digital echocardiograms were performed over a median follow-up of 8 years. Left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) was defined as shortening fraction (SF) <29% plus focal wall motion abnormalities. Therapies included ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers and assisted ventilation.ResultsThe SF declined progressively in 53/57 patients (93%). LVD occurred in 40 of 57 patients (70%), with variable age at onset (median 18 years, IQR 14–21.5 years). Rate of SF decline (–1.51%±1.16%/year) was variable and unrelated to genotype. However, survival was shorter for patients with LVD onset at age <18 years vs onset at ≥18 years (death at 21.1±2.5 years vs 33.1±4.4 years; P<0.001). Death occurred in 27/57 (47%) patients at a median age of 26.3 years (IQR 20.6–31.5). Death was preceded by LVD in 22/27 patients (81%), 15 (68%) of whom developed class 4 heart failure (CHF). Time from CHF to death was brief (median 8.0 months).ConclusionDespite contemporary therapies, SF declined progressively in almost all patients. Age at onset of LVD and age at death were variable and unrelated to genotype; however, survival was shortened for patients with LVD onset at age <18 years. Death was usually preceded by LVD. CHF was a sentinel event, with death occurring shortly thereafter.