bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retention rates of adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab as first‐ or second‐line biotherapies for spondyloarthritis patients in daily practice in Auvergne (France)
Authors: Soubrier Martin , Pereira Bruno , Fan Angelique , Frayssac Thomas , Couderc Marion , Malochet‐Guinamand Sandrine , Mathieu Sylvain , Tatar Zuzana , Tournadre Anne , Dubost Jean‐Jacques 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo compare, in real‐life settings, the retention rates of initial anti‐tumor‐necrosis factor (TNF) treatments (etanercept [ETN], adalimumab [ADA] and infliximab [IFX]) used as first‐line biotherapy for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and evaluate treatment switches to another anti‐TNF inhibitor in the event of treatment failure.MethodsWe analyzed the medical records of all SpA patients (Assessment in Ankylosing Spondylitis International Working Group axial criteria) treated with ETN, IFX or ADA between 2001 and February 2015. Drug retention rates were calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier method and compared by means of the Cox extended model. Sub‐analyses were performed according to discontinuation reasons.ResultsOf the 249 SpA patients analyzed (135 radiographic cases, 114 non‐radiographic), 102 received ETN, 62 ADA, and 85 IFX. In total, 103 discontinued treatment. The retention rates of IFX, ADA and ETN were 67%, 59% and 56% after 3 years; 62%, 42% and 47% after 5 years; 55%, 42% and 24% after 8 years; 53%, 42% and 12% after 10 years, respectively. In multivariate analyses, the predictive factors for retention were: low BASDAI score (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.02 [1.01‐1.04]), high C‐reactive protein levels (HR: 0.98 [0.97‐0.99]), concomitant disease‐modifying therapy (HR: 0.4 [0.21‐0.75]), and radiographic SpA (HR: 1.5 [1.0‐2.52]). In total, 61 patients switched to another anti‐TNF therapy. No difference was observed among the three anti‐TNF therapies regarding median retention duration, although the retention rate proved higher for treatment switches from one monoclonal antibody to another.ConclusionThe retention rate in SpA patients proved high, with retention for IFX superior to that of ETN.
Efficacy of abatacept tapering therapy for sustained remission in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Prospective single‐center study
Authors: Yoshida Shuzo , Kotani Takuya , Kimura Yuko , Matsumura Yoko , Yoshikawa Ayaka , Tokai Nao , Ozaki Takuro , Nagai Koji , Takeuchi Toru , Makino Shigeki , Arawaka Shigeki 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAimTo investigate whether remission can be sustained for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients after tapering abatacept (ABT).MethodAll patients were naïve to biological disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and in low or moderate Disease Activity Score of 28 joints with C‐reactive protein (DAS)28‐CRP). ABT was administrated intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously (SC) for 36 weeks to patients with RA, who had not previously received bDMARDs. As the ABT tapering protocol, ABT was administrated SC at 125 mg every 2 weeks for 12 weeks in patients with remission. RA disease activity was assessed by DAS28‐CRP and ultrasonography. Remission was assessed by defining it as DAS28‐CRP <2.3.ResultsOf the 51 patients, 84.3% were women (mean age 68.7 ± 10.2 years, mean disease duration 7.7 ± 10.2 years). Twenty‐nine patients achieved remission and a power Doppler (PD) score ≤1 at each joint at 36 weeks, followed by tapering ABT. Of these patients, 25 sustained DAS28‐CRP remission, and DAS28‐CRP was not significantly elevated (1.62 ± 0.41 to 1.69 ± 0.49) at 48 weeks, but the total PD score was significantly elevated (1.52 ± 1.21 to 2.59 ± 2.81 P = 0.049). Longer disease duration, higher DAS28‐CRP at 24 weeks, and higher total PD score at 24 weeks were predictors of an elevated total PD score after tapering ABT therapy.ConclusionThese findings suggest that ABT tapering is a promising short‐term strategy to sustain remission in patients with RA, and ultrasonography is a useful tool for monitoring disease activity after tapering ABT.
TXNIP regulates AKT‐mediated cellular senescence by direct interaction under glucose‐mediated metabolic stress
Authors: Huy Hangsak , Song Hae Young , Kim Mi Jeong , Kim Won Sam , Kim Dong Oh , Byun Jae‐Eun , Lee Jungwoon , Park Young‐Jun , Kim Tae‐Don , Yoon Suk Ran , Choi Eun‐Ji , Lee Chul‐Ho , Noh Ji‐Yoon , Jung Haiyoung , Choi Inpyo 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAging is associated with an inevitable and universal loss of cell homeostasis and restricts an organism's lifespan by an increased susceptibility to diseases and tissue degeneration. The glucose uptake associated with producing energy for cell survival is one of the major causes of ROS production under physiological conditions. However, the overall mechanisms by which glucose uptake results in cellular senescence remain mysterious. In this study, we found that TXNIP deficiency accelerated the senescent phenotypes of MEF cells under high glucose condition. TXNIP‐/‐ MEF cells showed greater induced glucose uptake and ROS levels than wild‐type cells, and N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment rescued the cellular senescence of TXNIP‐/‐ MEF cells. Interestingly, TXNIP‐/‐ MEF cells showed continuous activation of AKT during long‐term subculture, and AKT signaling inhibition completely blocked the cellular senescence of TXNIP‐/‐ MEF cells. In addition, we found that TXNIP interacted with AKT via the PH domain of AKT, and their interaction was increased by high glucose or H2O2 treatment. The inhibition of AKT activity by TXNIP was confirmed using western blotting and an in vitro kinase assay. TXNIP deficiency in type 1 diabetes mice (Akita) efficiently decreased the blood glucose levels and finally increased mouse survival. However, in normal mice, TXNIP deficiency induced metabolic aging of mice and cellular senescence of kidney cells by inducing AKT activity and aging‐associated gene expression. Altogether, these results suggest that TXNIP regulates cellular senescence by inhibiting AKT pathways via a direct interaction under conditions of glucose‐derived metabolic stress.
Laparoscopic versus open repair for small paraumbilical hernia: A retrospective review
Authors: Chung Iris , Cheung Billy HH , Law Tsz Ting , Ng Ka Kin , Ng Lily , Wong Kin Yuen 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe advantages of laparoscopic surgery for ventral hernia repairs are well documented, but its application for small paraumbilical hernias has been less studied. There is no consensus regarding the best technique.MethodsAll patients who had open (suture or mesh) and laparoscopic repair of primary paraumbilical hernia between September 2007 and September 2017 in a single center were identified. Hernial defects of 2 cm or less were included; recurrent hernias were excluded. Primary outcomes included operative time, length of hospital stay, and surgical complications.ResultsSeventy‐seven patients were recruited: 54 (70.1%) had open repair and 23 (29.9%) had laparoscopic repair. Forty‐six patients (85%) in the open group had primary suture repair. The mean operative time was significantly shorter in the open group than in the laparoscopic group (27.2 vs 56.1 min, P < 0.05). The length of hospital stay in the open group was significantly shorter than in the laparoscopic group (0.8 vs 1.4 days, P = 0.00). Early complications rates were similar, with wound complications in 5.6% (3/54) of open repair patients and 4.3% (1/23) of laparoscopic repair patients (P = 1.0). Among open repair patients, 19 patients (35.2%) were successfully discharged within 12 h after operation. Two patients (3.7%) in the open simple suture group developed recurrence, but no recurrence was identified in the laparoscopic group; this was not statistically significant (P = 1.0).ConclusionThe laparoscopic approach is comparable to the open approach in the repair of small paraumbilical hernias. For small paraumbilical hernias, we recommend that laparoscopic repair be reserved for obese patients or those with suspected multiple hernial defects.
Dichotomous histopathological assessment of ductal carcinomain situof the breast results in substantial interobserver concordance
Authors: Van Bockstal Mieke , Baldewijns Marcella , Colpaert Cécile , Dano Hélène , Floris Giuseppe , Galant Christine , Lambein Kathleen , Peeters Dieter , Van Renterghem Sofie , Van Rompuy Anne‐Sophie , Verbeke Sofie , Verschuere Stephanie , Van Dorpe Jo 
Published: August 2018

AimsRobust prognostic markers for ductal carcinomain situ(DCIS) of the breast require high reproducibility and thus low interobserver variability. The aim of this study was to compare interobserver variability among 13 pathologists, in order to enable the identification of robust histopathological characteristics.Methods and resultsOne representative haematoxylin and eosin‐stained slide was selected for 153DCIScases. All pathologists independently assessed nuclear grade, intraductal calcifications, necrosis, solid growth, stromal changes, stromal inflammation, and apocrine differentiation. All characteristics were assessed categorically. Krippendorff's alpha was calculated to assess overall interobserver concordance. Cohen's kappa was calculated for every observer duo to further explore interobserver variability. The highest concordance was observed for necrosis, calcifications, and stromal inflammation. Assessment of solid growth, nuclear grade and stromal changes resulted in lower concordance. Poor concordance was observed for apocrine differentiation. Kappa values for each observer duo identified the ‘ideal’ cut‐off for dichotomisation of multicategory variables. For instance, concordance was higher for ‘non‐high versus high’ nuclear grade than for ‘low versus non‐low’ nuclear grade. ‘Absent/mild’ versus ‘moderate/extensive’ stromal inflammation resulted in substantially higher concordance than other dichotomous cut‐offs.ConclusionsDichotomous assessment of the histopathological features ofDCISresulted in moderate to substantial agreement among pathologists. Future studies on prognostic markers inDCISshould take into account this degree of interobserver variability to define cut‐offs for categorically assessed histopathological features, as reproducibility is paramount for robust prognostic markers in daily clinical practice. A new prognostic index forDCISmight be considered, based on two‐tier grading of histopathological features. Future research should explore the prognostic potential of such two‐tier assessment.
Autoimmune skin disease among dermatology outpatients in Botswana: a retrospective review
Authors: Madu Pamela N. , Williams Victoria L. , Noe Megan H. , Omech Bernard G. , Kovarik Carrie L. , Wanat Karolyn A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundThere is a paucity of data describing autoimmune skin diseases in sub‐Saharan Africa and in HIV positive cohorts. We describe the incidence of autoimmune skin diseases in public dermatology clinics in Botswana.MethodsNew patient records from public dermatology clinics were reviewed retrospectively for the period of September 2008 to December 2015. New diagnoses of cutaneous lupus erythematosus, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with cutaneous involvement, dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis, lichen sclerosus, bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus vulgaris, and pemphigus vegetans were identified. Demographic data were recorded, and incidence was determined.ResultsA total of 262 patients were diagnosed with autoimmune skin disease (4% of all new patients) with an incidence rate of 28.8 (per 1,000,000). Cutaneous lupus was the most common diagnosis with discoid lupus occurring most frequently (12.6). The incidence of systemic sclerosis (2.2), morphea (1.6), lichen sclerosus (1.5), SLE with cutaneous involvement (1.3) and dermatomyositis (1.2) was relatively lower. Bullous pemphigoid was the most common bullous disease (3.8). Pemphigus foliaceus (0.9), pemphigus vulgaris (0.6), and pemphigus vegetans (0.2) were observed at a lower rate. At least 19.8% of these patients were also HIV positive.ConclusionsThe incidence of autoimmune skin diseases in Botswana is lower compared to other published studies in other geographic areas, which may be reflective of a younger population, barriers to access, genetic differences, and a lack of comparative studies in sub‐Saharan Africa. The hygiene hypothesis and helminth infections may also contribute to these differences. Further studies are needed to understand these disorders in this region.
Compositional evaluation of perennial wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) breeding populations
Authors: Tyl Catrin , Ismail Baraem P. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryA shift to perennial grain cultivation offers environmental benefits such as reduced soil erosion and nitrogen leaching. Recently, tremendous agronomic accomplishments have been made in domesticating perennial intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium, IWG). Thirteen IWG breeding populations were evaluated for characteristics relevant to food use, including chemical composition, activity of enzymes responsible for rancidity, content of antioxidants (carotenoids and hydroxycinnamic acids) and in vitro antioxidant activity based on the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and Folin‐Ciocalteu assays. IWG populations had higher insoluble dietary fibre, protein, fat and ash, but less starch than wheat. IWG populations were deficient in high‐molecular weight glutenins yet contained appreciable amounts of gliadins. Some populations exhibited significantly lower lipase activity than wheat, and all had lower lipoxygenase activities. Most IWG populations contained higher levels of antioxidants than wheat. This work provided key phenotypic information for developing IWG lines that combine high fibre, protein and antioxidant contents with minimal rancidity development.
Fabrication andkW‐levelMOPAlaser output of planar waveguideYAG/Yb:YAG/YAGceramic slab
Authors: Jiang Nan , Lin Weiping , Zhao Yu , Wang Juntao , Gao Qingsong , Qu Haiyun , Ge Lin , Xie Tengfei , Liu Qiang , Pan Yubai , Li Jiang 
Published: August 2018

AbstractUsing the tape casting method combined with vacuum sintering and hot isostatic pressing, high‐quality planar waveguideYAG/10 at.%Yb:YAG/YAGceramics were successfully prepared. For the sample presintered at 1750°C for 30 hours and thenHIPed at 1700°C for 3 hours in 200MPa argon, the in‐line transmittance reached 82.5% at 400 nm and the average grain size was ~17.1 μm. The diffusion behaviors of Yb ions across the contact boundary between the claddingYAGlayer and the core Yb:YAGlayer were determined by Fick's second law. Then, a 1030 nm continuous‐wave (CW) Yb:YAGplanar waveguide ceramic laser based on the structure of master oscillator power amplification (MOPA) was realized. After a single‐pass amplification, the maximum output of the ceramic slab (60 × 10 × 1 mm3) reached 1251 W and the corresponding optical‐to‐optical efficiency was 30.0%, which is the highest output power of a Yb:YAGplanar waveguide ceramic laser to the best of our knowledge.
A novel approach to mapping the atrial ganglionated plexus network by generating a distribution probability atlas
Authors: Kim Min‐Young , Sikkel Markus B. , Hunter Ross J. , Haywood Guy A. , Tomlinson David R. , Tayebjee Muzahir H. , Ali Rheeda L. , Cantwell Chris D. , Gonna Hanney , Sandler Belinda C. , Lim Elaine , Furniss Guy , Panagopoulos Dimitrios , Begg Gordon , Dhillon Gurpreet , Hill Nicola J. , O’Neill James , Francis Darrel P. , Lim Phang Boon , Peters Nicholas S. , Linton Nick W. F. , Kanagaratnam Prapa 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe ganglionated plexuses (GPs) of the intrinsic cardiac autonomic system are implicated in arrhythmogenesis. GP localization by stimulation of the epicardial fat pads to produce atrioventricular dissociating (AVD) effects is well described. We determined the anatomical distribution of the left atrial GPs that influence atrioventricular (AV) dissociation.Methods and ResultsHigh frequency stimulation was delivered through a Smart‐Touch catheter in the left atrium of patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Three dimensional locations of points tested throughout the entire chamber were recorded on the CARTO™ system. Impact on the AV conduction was categorized as ventricular asystole, bradycardia, or no effect. CARTO maps were exported, registered, and transformed onto a reference left atrial geometry using a custom software, enabling data from multiple patients to be overlaid. In 28 patients, 2108 locations were tested and 283 sites (13%) demonstrated (AVD‐GP) effects. There were 10 AVD‐GPs (interquartile range, 11.5) per patient. Eighty percent (226) produced asystole and 20% (57) showed bradycardia. The distribution of the two groups was very similar. Highest probability of AVD‐GPs (>20%) was identified in: inferoseptal portion (41%) and right inferior pulmonary vein base (30%) of the posterior wall, right superior pulmonary vein antrum (31%).ConclusionIt is feasible to map the entire left atrium for AVD‐GPs before AF ablation. Aggregated data from multiple patients, producing a distribution probability atlas of AVD‐GPs, identified three regions with a higher likelihood for finding AVD‐GPs and these matched the histological descriptions. This approach could be used to better characterize the autonomic network.
Food safety in Brazilian popular public restaurants: Food handlers’ knowledge and practices
Authors: Souza Camila Valdejane Silva de , Azevedo Paulo Roberto Medeiros de , Seabra Larissa Mont'Alverne Jucá 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study aims to assess food safety knowledge and practices of food handlers in popular public restaurants in Brazil. A questionnaire has been applied with 70 food handlers in different municipalities, with questions related to food safety knowledge and food safety self‐reported practices, and observed practices. To check hygienic‐sanitary conditions of restaurants, a checklist has been applied. Regarding food safety knowledge, an average of 72.64% of correct answers has been observed. Food safety self‐reported practices presented 80.71% of adequacy, while observed practices were 75.40%. A positive correlation has been observed between food safety knowledge and self‐reported practices of handlers. The observed food safety practice of handlers presented no correlation with food safety knowledge and self‐reported practices. The average adequacy of hygienic‐sanitary conditions was 68.08%, classifying the units as “regular.” Despite satisfactory results related to the handlers' food safety knowledge and practices, the hygienic‐sanitary conditions of the restaurants are of concern.Practical applicationsThe Popular Restaurant Program in Brazil aims to provide proper food from a nutritional and hygienic‐sanitary aspect at affordable prices. The assessment of food handlers' food safety knowledge and practices and the assessment of hygienic‐sanitary conditions of these units are key in supporting actions aimed at improving the quality of the meals served, as food handlers are the essential agents in the production of meals and can become a source for food contamination if necessary care is not taken. Therefore, conducting this assessment can be an important tool for quality management in these units and can provide improvements in the process of food handling, in addition to ensuring compliance with the objectives proposed by the Popular Restaurant Program.
PRECAUTIONARY SAVING: A REVIEW OF THE EMPIRICAL LITERATURE
Authors: Lugilde Alba , Bande Roberto , Riveiro Dolores 
Published: August 2018

AbstractStandard macroeconomic models show that uncertainty plays a significant role in consumption and saving decisions under rather mild conditions, namely the convexity of the marginal utility of consumption. Increased uncertainty generates a positive extra saving, the so‐called ‘precautionary saving’. Although this hypothesis has been tested by a large number of authors, both at macro and micro level, the empirical results are not conclusive, and the main conclusion than can be drawn is that there is neither consensus on the intensity of that motive for saving, nor on the most appropriate measure of uncertainty. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the empirical literature discussing the main controversial issues and the different approaches followed by the studies addressing empirically the test of precautionary saving.
Virucidal, antiviral and immunomodulatory activities of β-escin and Aesculus hippocastanum extract
Authors: Michelini Flavia M , Alché Laura E , Bueno Carlos A 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Objectives
β-Escin, one of the constituents of Aesculus hippocastanum L. (Hippocastanaceae) seed extract (AH), inhibits NF-κB activation, which plays an important role in HSV-1 replication. The aim was to examine the antiherpetic activity of β-escin and AH, as well as their effect on the activation of NF-κB and AP-1 and cytokine secretion in epithelial cells and macrophages.

Methods
Cell viability was evaluated using MTT assay, and antiviral and virucidal activity was determined by plaque assay. The effect on NF-κB and AP-1 signalling pathways activation was determined by a luciferase reporter assay, and cytokine production was measured by ELISA.

Key findings
β-Escin and AH had virucidal and anti-HSV-1 activities, and the antiviral activity was discovered for other enveloped viruses (VSV and Dengue). Moreover, β-escin and AH significantly reduced NF-κB and AP-1 activation and cytokine production in macrophages stimulated with HSV-1 and TLRs ligands. However, an enhanced activation of these pathways and an increase in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in β-escin and AH-treated HSV-1-infected epithelial cells were found.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates virucidal and broad-spectrum antiviral activities for β escin and AH. Besides, β-escin and AH modulate cytokine production depending on the stimuli (viral or non-viral) and the cell type under study.
Violations of the International Code of Marketing of Breast‐milk Substitutes in Mexico
Authors: Hernández‐Cordero Sonia , Lozada‐Tequeanes Ana Lilia , Shamah‐Levy Teresa , Lutter Chessa , González de Cosío Teresita , Saturno‐Hernández Pedro , Rivera Dommarco Juan , Grummer‐Strawn Laurence 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study estimated the prevalence of violations of the International Code of Marketing of Breast‐milk Substitutes (BMS) and subsequent resolutions of the World Health Assembly (Code) at health facilities, points of sale (POS), and on BMS labelling and media in Mexico. We carried out a cross‐sectional survey among 693 mothers with children aged less than 24 months and 48 health providers at public and private health facilities in two states of Mexico. Observational assessment at 20 POS and the health facilities was conducted as well as an analysis of labels on BMS products for sale. Women attending public and private health facilities reported receiving free BMS samples in the previous 6 months (11.1%), and about 80% reported seeing BMS promotion in the mass media. Health providers reported contact with BMS manufacturer representatives in the previous 6 months (15.5%), and only 41.6% of the health providers had knowledge of the Code. BMS promotions were identified at nearly all POS. Analysis of 190 BMS labels showed that 30% included pictures/text idealizing the use of BMS, and all labels incorporated health and nutrition claims. Violations of the Code are prevalent within the health services, POS, and labelling of BMS products. The high percentage of health providers with no knowledge of the Code calls for action at national level to better disseminate and comply with the Code. A transparent, free from commercial influence, and continual monitoring system for Code compliance is needed, including a follow‐up component on sanctions for contraventions of the Code.