bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HandSECMO: Preliminary Experience With “Hub and Spoke” Model in Neonates With Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Authors: Fichera Dario , Zanella Fabio , Fabozzo Assunta , Doglioni Nicoletta , Trevisanuto Daniele , Lolli Elisabetta , Vida Vladimiro , Ceccherini Enrico , Ebraico Agostino , Stellin Giovanni , Padalino Massimo 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe aim to evaluate clinical outcomes of emergent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) implantation in newborns with life‐threatening meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) in peripheral hospitals with Hub and Spoke (HandS) setting. We retrospectively reviewed all neonates presenting with MAS, with no other comorbidities, treated with HandS ECMO, in peripheral hospitals. Team activation time (TAT) was described as the time from first alerting call to ECMO support initiation. From May 2014 to December 2016, 4 patients met our inclusion criteria. In addition, 2 cases occurred on the same day, requiring a second simultaneous HandS ECMO team activation. All patients were younger than 8 days of life (1, 1, 4, and 7), with a mean BSA 0.21 ± 0.03m2, and TAT of 203, 265, 320, and 340 min. One patient presented ventricular fibrillation after priming administration. Veno‐arterial ECMO was established in all patients after uneventful surgical neck vessels cannulation (right carotid artery and jugular vein). Mean time from skin incision to ECMO initiation was 19 ± 1.4 min. Mean length of ECMO support was 2.75 ± 1.3 days. All patients were weaned off support without complications. At a mean follow up of 20.5 ± 7.8 months, all patients are alive, with no medications, normal somatic growth, and neuropsychological development. MAS is a life‐threatening condition that can be successfully managed with ECMO support. A highly trained multidisciplinary HandS ECMO team is crucial for the successful management of these severely ill newborns in peripheral hospitals.
Avatrombopag, an oral thrombopoietin receptor agonist: results of two double‐blind, dose‐rising, placebo‐controlled Phase 1 studies
Authors: Kuter David J. , Allen Lee F. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryAvatrombopag is an oral thrombopoietin receptor agonist that has been recently approved for treating thrombocytopenia in chronic liver disease patients needing invasive procedures. Clinical trials supporting this new treatment were guided by two double‐blind, dose‐rising, placebo‐controlled Phase 1 studies in healthy adults reported here that assessed safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of avatrombopag, and its effect on platelet counts. Subjects were randomised (2:1) in the single‐dose study (N = 63) to avatrombopag (1, 3, 10, 20, 50, 75 and 100 mg) or placebo, and in the multiple‐dose study (N = 29) to avatrombopag (3, 10 and 20 mg) or placebo daily for 14 days. There were no serious adverse events (AEs), dose‐limiting toxicities, deaths, AEs causing withdrawal, thromboses or liver function abnormalities. In both studies, avatrombopag peak concentration and exposure increased proportionally relative to dose; half‐life was 18–21 h and independent of dose, supporting once‐daily dosing. Effects on platelet counts depended on dose, concentration and treatment duration. Platelet count increases began 3–5 days post‐administration, with maximum changes of >370 × 109/l over baseline with 20 mg daily after 13–16 days. These data support continued development of avatrombopag for treatment of other thrombocytopenic conditions and provide important guidance for the haematologist in the use of this new thrombopoietin receptor agonist.
Study of gene polymorphisms as predictors of treatment efficacy and toxicity in patients with indolent non‐hodgkin lymphomas and mantle cell lymphoma receiving bendamustine and rituximab
Authors: Cencini Emanuele , Sicuranza Anna , Fabbri Alberto , Ferrigno Ilaria , Rigacci Luigi , Cox Maria C. , Raspadori Donatella , Bocchia Monica 
Published: September 2018

SummaryBendamustine is used in combination with rituximab (BR) to treat indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (iNHL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The variability in treatment efficacy and toxicity could be related to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in immune response genes. We would like to show a correlation between SNPs and treatment outcome in iNHL and MCL patients receiving BR. We investigated some SNPs that had already been associated with NHL outcome. Samples were genotyped for the IL2 (rs2069762), IL10 (rs1800890, rs10494879), VEGFA (rs3025039), IL8 (rs4073), CFH (rs1065489) and MTHFR (rs1801131) SNPs by allelic discrimination assays. We enrolled 70 patients that received rituximab 375 mg/m2 and bendamustine 90 mg/m2 every 28 days, both as first‐line treatment and ≥ second‐line regimens. Overall response rate was 97·1% (complete response [CR] rate 73·9%). Treatment toxicity included grade 3–4 neutropenia (24/70 patients), infections (21/70 patients; 1/70 grade 3), skin rash (26/70 patients; 2/70 grade 3). After a median follow‐up of 24 months we did find any correlation between the analysed SNPs, CR rate and PFS. However, we demonstrated an association between the SNP in IL2 (rs2069762) and the onset of skin rash (P = 0·0001). Our study suggests a role for cytokine SNPs in bendamustine‐related toxicity, which could represent a promising research field.
Predictors of response to anti‐IL6 monoclonal antibody therapy (siltuximab) in idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease: secondary analyses of phase II clinical trial data
Authors: Morra Deanna E. , Pierson Sheila K. , Shilling Dustin , Nemat Sepideh , Appiani Carlos , Guilfoyle Mary , Tendler Craig , van Rhee Frits , Fajgenbaum David C. 
Published: September 2018

SummarySiltuximab is the only US Food and Drug Administration‐approved treatment for idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD), a rare haematological disorder associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Although siltuximab induces a response in a significant proportion of iMCD patients via interleukin 6 (IL6) neutralization, it is not universally effective. To develop a predictive model of response, we performed an in‐depth analysis of 38 baseline laboratory parameters in iMCD patients from the phase II siltuximab trial who met criteria for treatment response or treatment failure. Univariate analyses identified eight baseline laboratory parameters that were significantly different between responders and treatment failures: albumin, immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A, C reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, haemoglobin, sodium and triglycerides. Stepwise logistic regression analysis of these candidate parameters identified a top performing model that included fibrinogen, IgG, haemoglobin and CRP. Based on cross‐validation of the final multivariate logistic regression model, the model accurately discriminated responders from those who failed treatment (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve 0·86, 95% confidence interval: 0·73–0·95). All four laboratory parameters associated with response to siltuximab have biological relationships with IL6 and acute inflammation. Our model suggests that iMCD patients with laboratory evidence of an inflammatory syndrome are the best candidates for siltuximab therapy.
Prevalence of abnormal semen analysis and levels of adherence with fertility preservation in men undergoing therapy for newly diagnosed cancer: A retrospective study in 2906 patients
Authors: Jayasena Channa N. , Luo Rong , Dimakopoulou Anastasia , Dearing Chey , Clarke Holly , Patel Nandita , Stroud Thomas , Seyani Lataban , Ramsay Jonathan , Dhillo Waljit S. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryBackgroundSperm cryopreservation (freezing) should be offered to all men with cancer due to risk of infertility. However, many men with cancer already have impaired spermatogenesis prior to sperm cryopreservation. Furthermore, physical ill‐health may hinder attendance of freeze visits. Investigating both the distribution of sperm functions and freeze attendance rates in men with newly diagnosed cancer, may identify patients benefiting from targeted reproductive fertility support.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of 2906 male patients undergoing sperm cryopreservation prior to cancer therapy at a single UK tertiary centre between 1989 and 2013; all patients were asked to attend three hospital semen collection visits prior to cancer therapy.ResultsFifteen per cent (433/2906) of men with newly diagnosed cancer had severely impaired semen quality (i.e., sperm total motile count, TMC < 1 million) during the first semen collection visit. However, patients with severely impaired semen quality had the poorest attendance of subsequent semen collection visits despite being requested to do so (non‐attendance in TMC < 1 million: 43.4%; TMC < 1‐30 million: 35.7%, P < 0.05 vs. <1 million; TMC > 30 million: 33.2%, P < 0.01 vs. <1 million).ConclusionsThis study expands understanding of the semen quality of men with newly diagnosed cancer, and their ability to adhere to fertility preservation recommendations. Our data suggest that patients with the poorest semen quality paradoxically suffer the poorest attendance rates of sperm cryopreservation appointments prior to commencing cancer therapy. We suggest that additional support may be of clinical benefit to men with newly diagnosed cancer and TMC < 1 million sperm.
Optic nerve head perfusion changes preceding peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thinning in preclinical diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Cao Dan , Yang Dawei , Yu Honghua , Xie Jianteng , Zeng Yunkao , Wang Jun , Zhang Liang 
Published: September 2018

ImportanceWhether neural or vascular defects occur first in the early onset of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is undetermined.BackgroundTo investigate microcirculation and microstructure differences of optic nerve head (ONH) between diabetic eyes without clinically evident retinopathy and healthy controls using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).DesignCross‐sectional observational study.ParticipantsSixty eyes of 60 patients with type 2 diabetes and without clinically evident retinopathy and 60 eyes of 60 age‐matched healthy controls were included in this study.MethodsAll participants underwent 4.5 × 4.5‐mm rectangle scans centred on the ONH using OCTA (RTVue‐XR Avanti; Optovue, Fremont, CA).Main Outcome MeasuresPeripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and capillary perfusion density inside the ONH and in the peripapillary region were compared between the two groups.ResultsVessel density values in both peripapillary and inside the disc were significantly lower in diabetic patients without DR compared to normal controls. The reduction of vessel density was prominent in all eight peripapillary sectors in diabetic eyes (all P < 0.05). Thinning of RNFL thickness was significant in the nasal superior (P < 0.001), inferior nasal (P = 0.023) and superior nasal quadrant (P < 0.001) in diabetic eyes in comparison to normal controls.Conclusions and RelevanceONH perfusion and peripapillary RNFL thickness were significantly decreased in preclinical DR patients compared to normal controls. Microvascular alterations in ONH may occur earlier than peripapillary RNFL defect in the course of DR.
Attraction and vibration: Effects of previous exposure and type of food resource in the perception of allocolonial odors in termites
Authors: Ferreira Dinamarta V. , Cristaldo Paulo F. , Rocha Marcos L. C. , Santana Daniela L. , Santos Lucineide , Lima Paulo S. S. , Araújo Ana P. A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSocial insects have an efficient recognition system that guarantees social cohesion and protection against intruders in their colonies and territories. However, the energy costs in constant conflicts with neighboring colonies could promote a reduction in the fitness of colonies. Here, we evaluated the effect of previous exposure to allocolonial odor and the consumption of similar food resources on aggressive behavior and choice of allocolonial cues in Nasutitermes aff. coxipoensis (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae). Our results showed that intercolonial aggressiveness was not affected by previous exposure to allocolonial odor and by the consumption of similar food resources. However, individuals previously exposed to allocolonial odor were more attracted to these odors than individuals who had no prior exposure to allocolonial odor. In addition, individuals from colonies of N. aff. coxipoensis that use similar food resources increased alertness via a greater number of vibration than individuals who consumed different food resources. In general, our results indicate that colonies of N. aff coxipoensis perceive allocolonial cues that have been previously exposed and that the consumption of similar resources triggers an alert signal between individuals. Additional studies are necessary to assess how widespread this capacity of perception is present among the different Isoptera groups and the consequences of colony recognition odor cues on termite space use.
Oil globule size in fish eggs: A matter of biome and reproductive strategy
Authors: Baras Etienne , Arifin Otong Zenal , Slembrouck Jacques , Subagja Jojo , Kristanto Anang Hari , Legendre Marc 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHere, on the basis of published information upon over 800 species from 39 orders and 202 families, we analyse how the size of oil globules in fish eggs varies between reproductive guilds and environments with contrasting salinities. About 80% of marine fishes produce eggs with oil globules, the volume of which (VO) never exceeds 9% of the egg reserves and averages 2%. These proportions vary very little between marine fish species producing pelagic or demersal eggs. Fewer freshwater fishes (about 40%) produce eggs with oil globules, but their globules are much larger (mean VO of 10%) and their volumes vary considerably between reproductive guilds: VO is on average 3–10 times lower in freshwater species with demersal eggs than among freshwater pelagophils and aphrophils (i.e., bubble nesters), where it averages about 40% (range of 23%–69%) of the egg reserves. These results support the idea that oil globules serve to hydrostatic lift in fresh waters, but not or very little in marine waters, where egg buoyancy can be achieved at a lower energy cost through egg hydration. Advantages and constraints of oil globules in fish eggs are discussed in the light of species producing eggs with very large oil globules (VO > 20%): access to oxygen‐rich water layers that are indispensable for egg development vs. smaller size of larvae at first feeding, since the saturated lipids contained in oil globules essentially serve very little to tissue construction.
Response of Scotian Shelf silver hake (Merluccius bilinearis) to environmental variability
Authors: Reed Daniel , Plourde Stéphane , Cook Adam , Pepin Pierre , Casault Benoit , Lehoux Caroline , Johnson Catherine 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCommercially‐exploited fish populations are not only shaped by fishing pressure, but also by the dynamics of their environment. By quantifying the influence of environmental variability, fisheries management advice can be improved and uncertainties reduced. To this end, we developed statistical models of the response of Scotian Shelf silver hake stock metrics to variability in zooplankton community composition and phenology over the past 18 years and in the physical environment since 1985. Dominant modes of variability in these pelagic habitat indicators were characterized using principal component analysis, and the relationships of silver hake condition, abundance, and recruitment to pelagic habitat variability were assessed using generalized additive models. Condition was largely modulated by the onset and duration of the spring bloom, which controls food availability. In contrast, adult abundance was governed by composition of the zooplankton community and bottom‐water temperature, which dictates the distribution of silver hake. Finally, recruitment was affected by both thermal conditions and food availability. Our results presented here form the basis for qualitative assessment of ecosystem attributes and the influence on silver hake stock productivity.
Cenozoic evolution of beta diversity and a Pleistocene emergence for modern mammal faunas in China
Authors: He Jiekun , Kreft Holger , Lin Siliang , Xu Yang , Jiang Haisheng 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAimHistorical changes in community structure underlie modern spatial diversity patterns, but few empirical studies have focused on the variation in the community composition of fossil assemblages at large spatio‐temporal scales. We investigated how the spatial differentiation of mammal communities changed in China throughout the Cenozoic in response to tectonic uplift and palaeoclimatic changes and explore the timing of the emergence of the modern spatially structured faunas.LocationChina.Time periodCenozoic (from 65 Ma to the present).Major taxa studiedTerrestrial mammals.MethodsWe used a compiled database of the distributions of fossils and extant mammals to compare the multiple‐site beta diversity among families and genera within six time intervals of the Cenozoic using Sørensen dissimilarity (βsor) and Simpson dissimilarity (βsim). To investigate the timing of the emergence of the modern spatially structured faunas, we applied hierarchical clustering and non‐metric multidimensional scaling ordination based on pairwise βsimamong seven zoogeographical regions for each time slice.ResultsThe multiple‐site beta diversity at the family level displayed hump‐shaped changes during the Cenozoic, and it peaked in the Eocene and gradually decreased towards the present. However, the genus‐level multiple‐site beta diversity remained rather constant throughout the Cenozoic. Pronounced variations in the relationships among the zoogeographical regions were revealed in both the cluster analyses and the ordinations. The modern spatial structure of mammal faunas at the family level was broadly similar to those observed in the Pliocene and Pleistocene.Main conclusionsThe spatial differentiation of mammal faunas in China dates back to the Eocene and pre‐dates the formation of modern topography and climate. Throughout the Cenozoic, the spatial structure of mammal faunas was reorganized by an interplay of the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau, the emergence of the monsoon system and global macroevolutionary processes. The modern relationships among zoogeographical regions at the family level were established in the Pleistocene.
Gastric cancer: epidemiology, prevention, and therapy
Authors: Venerito Marino , Vasapolli Riccardo , Rokkas Theodoros , Malfertheiner Peter 
Published: September 2018

AbstractGastric cancer (GC) is still the third leading cause of cancer death in both sexes worldwide. Helicobacter pylori infection is the most important risk factor for GC and, in spite of the consistent trend of a decreasing incidence, in 2015 approximately 4.4 billion individuals—more than half the world's population—were infected with H. pylori. The birth cohort pattern of decreased H. pylori infection reported in a systematic review contributes to explain the declining GC mortality in Japan. Current trends in estimated annual percentage change of GC incidence foreshadow expected reversals in both falling incidence and male predominance among US non‐Hispanic whites. Combining serum pepsinogen 1 and H. pylori serology was shown to be useful for GC risk stratification in a Finnish population. Gastritis staging by operative link on gastritis assessment was confirmed to be reliable in predicting GC risk in a large prospective study. In a randomized trial from South Korea, H. pylori eradication therapy significantly reduced the rates of metachronous GC in patients who received curative endoscopic resection for early GC. A study based on a territory‐wide health care database of the Hong Kong Hospital Authority showed that aspirin use is associated with a reduced GC risk. Another study based on the same database showed that proton pump inhibitors increase GC risk, but methodological biases have most likely acted as confounders. Confirmatory data on the role of endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients with early GC have been published. The phase III FLOT4 trial has shown that the FLOT triplet regimen (docetaxel, oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and 5‐fluorouracil) improves the outcome of patients with GC and locoregional disease as compared to the ECF triplet (epirubicin, cisplatin, and 5‐fluorouracil). In the phase III ATTRACTION‐2 trial, nivolumab was shown to be an effective treatment option with a relative safe profile for heavily pretreated patients with advanced GC.
Helicobacter pylori and nonmalignant upper gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Jonaitis Laimas , Pellicano Rinaldo , Kupcinskas Limas 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe review of the most important recent publications concerning the relation of Helicobacter pylori with peptic ulcer disease (PUD), noninvestigated and functional dyspepsia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is presented. H. pylori remains the main etiopathogenetic factor in complicated and uncomplicated PUD. Nevertheless, the role of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin is increasing. The novel data did not confirm that PUD caused by NSAIDs and aspirin is less symptomatic. The role of glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and antidepressants seems to be of some importance. Although the involvement of H. pylori in functional dyspepsia is controversial, several data support the importance of H. pylori‐induced gastritis in the pathogenesis of dyspeptic symptoms. Recent interventional studies have reported that H. pylori eradication improves dyspepsia mainly in areas with a high prevalence of this bacterium. Novel data regarding the relation of gastrointestinal peptides, ghrelin and obestatin, with H. pylori infection are also presented. Intriguing findings support the involvement of the gastric microbiota in the causation of chronic functional dyspepsia. Finally, some data concerning negative, positive, or neutral associations of H. pylori with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were published. In this context, today there is no evidence indicating that H. pylori eradication could worsen the symptoms or the course of GERD.