bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective study on efficacy of a paclitaxel combined with a leucovorin and fluorouracil regimen for advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Yang Baoyu , Shi Chunmei , Lin Xiaoyan , Wang Xinli , Chen Qiang 
Published: August 2018

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of paclitaxel combined with a leucovorin and 5-fluorouracil regimen (PLF regimen; q2w) as neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) for advanced gastric cancer. Methods: A total of 183 patients with advanced gastric cancer who underwent 3 cycles of PLF regimen chemotherapy before surgery and received surgery 2 weeks after chemotherapy were enrolled as a treatment group. A total of 184 patients with advanced gastric cancer and no NCT during the same period were enrolled as the controls and treated with surgery. Both groups underwent a D2 radical gastrectomy and the standard postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. Results: In the NCT group, there were 19 cases of complete remission, 86 cases of partial remission, 72 cases of stable disease, and 6 cases of progressive disease, with an overall response rate of 57.4%. The R0 resection rate was higher than in the control group (85.2% vs 61.4%, p < .05). In the NCT group, 12 cases of esophagogastric cancer (20.7%) showed complete remission and 32 cases (55.2%) showed partial remission, while 7 cases of distal gastric cancer (5.6%) showed complete remission and 54 cases (43.2%) showed partial remission. Pathologic complete remission was higher for esophagogastric cancer than for distal gastric cancer (20.7% vs 3.2%, p < .05). Differences were found between the NCT and control groups in terms of 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall and disease-free survival. Conclusion: The PLF regimen showed good tolerability and a high response rate, especially for esophagogastric cancer. This regimen reduced the tumor size, lowered the tumor stage, and improved the R0 resection rate and survival rate.
Light-Intensity Physical Activity and Cardiometabolic Risk Among Older Adults With Multiple Chronic Conditions
Authors: Li Yueyao , White Kellee , O’Shields Katherine R. , McLain Alexander C. , Merchant Anwar T. 
Published: August 2018

Purpose: To assess the relationship between light-intensity physical activity (LIPA) and cardiometabolic risk factors among middle-aged and older adults with multiple chronic conditions. Design: Cross-sectional design utilizing data from the Health and Retirement Study (2010, 2012). Setting: Laboratory- and survey-based testing of a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling middle aged and older adults. Participants: Adults aged 50 years and older (N = 14 996). Measures: Weighted metabolic equivalent of tasks was calculated using self-reported frequency of light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity. Cardiometabolic risk factors (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], total cholesterol, and non-HDL-C) were objectively measured. A multiple chronic condition index was based on 8 self-reported chronic conditions. Analysis: Weighted multivariate linear regression models. Results: Light-intensity physical activity was independently associated with favorable HDL-C (β = 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46-2.05) and total cholesterol (β = 2.72; 95% CI: 0.53-4.90) after adjusting for relevant confounders. The HDL-C health benefit was apparent when stratified by number of chronic conditions, for individuals with 2 to 3 conditions (β = 1.73; 95% CI: 0.58-2.89). No significant associations were observed between LIPA and blood pressure, HbA1c, or non-HDL-C. Conclusions: Engaging in LIPA may be an important health promotion activity to manage HDL-C and total cholesterol. Additional longitudinal research is needed to determine the causal association between LIPA and cardiometabolic risk which can potentially inform physical activity guidelines targeting older adults with multiple chronic conditions.
Invasive aspergillosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective study on clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality
Authors: Hung ML , Liao HT , Chen WS , Chen MH , Lai CC , Tsai CY , Chang DM 
Published: August 2018

Objective The objective of this paper is to analyze the clinical features, outcomes, mortality risk factors, and all-cause mortalities of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Medical records were reviewed to identify SLE patients with IA from January 2006 to June 2017, at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan. A total of 6714 SLE patients were included. Clinical/laboratory parameters and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results Four patients (19.0%) had definite and 17 had probable (81.0%) IA. Seven patients (33.3%) survived and 14 died (66.7%). Concurrently, there were 19 pneumonias (90.5%), 17 cases of other infections (81.0%), eight bacteremia (38.1%), nine cytomegalovirus (CMV, 42.7%) and six Candida (28.6%) infections. In all 55 blood cultures, 38 (69.1%) yielded gram-negative bacilli, of which carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii accounted for eight (21.1%); 17 (30.9%) yielded gram-positive cocci, of which methicillin-resistant S. aureus accounted for six (35.3%); and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus accounted for four (23.5%). Daily steroid dose ≥ 20 mg (hazard ratio (HR) 2.00), recent pulse steroid therapy (HR 2.80), azathioprine (HR 2.00), rituximab (HR 2.00), plasmapheresis (HR 2.00), acute respiratory distress syndrome (HR 2.00), concurrent infections (HR 5.667) and CMV viremia (HR 1.75) were higher in the fatality group. All p values were less than 0.05. Septic shock ( n = 7, 50% in the fatality group) is the most common cause of mortality. Conclusions High daily steroid dosing, recent pulse steroid therapy, azathioprine, rituximab, concurrent infections, and CMV viremia were mortality risk factors for IA in SLE.
The total consumption model applied to gambling: Empirical validity and implications for gambling policy
Authors: Rossow Ingeborg 
Published: August 2018

Aim: The total consumption model (TCM) originates from studies of the distribution of alcohol consumption and posits that there is a strong association between the total consumption and the prevalence of excessive/harmful consumption in a population. The policy implication of the TCM is that policy measures which effectively lead to a reduction of the total consumption, will most likely also reduce the extent of harmful consumption and related harms. Problem gambling constitutes a public health issue and more insight into problem gambling at the societal level and a better understanding of how public policies may impact on the harm level, are strongly needed. The aim of this study was to review the literature pertaining to empirical validity of the TCM with regard to gambling behaviour and problem gambling and, on the basis of the literature review, to discuss the policy implications of the TCM. Methods: The study is based on a literature mapping through systematic searches in literature databases, and forward and backward reference searches. Results: The literature searches identified a total of 12 empirical studies that examined the total consumption model or provided relevant data. All but one of these studies found empirical support for the TCM; that is, a positive association between population gambling mean and prevalence of excessive or problem gambling. Such associations were found both with cross-sectional data and with longitudinal data. Conclusion: There is a small but fairly consistent literature lending empirical support to the total consumption model. An important policy implication is that interventions which are successful in reducing overall gambling are likely also to reduce problem gambling incidence.
Volume assessment magnetic resonance imaging technique for monitoring perianal Crohn’s fistulas
Authors: Lung Phillip F. C. , Sahnan Kapil , Burling David , Burn James , Tozer Phillip , Yassin Nuha , Adegbola Samuel O. , Baldwin-Cleland Rachel , Warusavitarne Janindra , Gupta Arun , Faiz Omar , Phillips Robin K. S. , Hart Ailsa L. 
Published: August 2018

Background: Perianal Crohn’s fistula and their response to anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapies are best assessed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but radiologist reporting is subjective and variable. This study investigates whether segmentation software could provide precise and reproducible objective measurements of fistula volume. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with perianal Crohn’s fistula at our institution between 2007 and 2013. Pre- and post-biologic MRI scans were used with varying time intervals. A total of two radiologists recorded fistula volumes, mean signal intensity and time taken to measure fistula volumes using validated Open Source segmentation software. A total of three radiologists assessed fistula response to treatment (improved, worse or unchanged) by comparing MRI scans. Results: A total of 18 cases were reviewed for this pilot study. Inter-observer variability was very good for volume and mean signal intensity; intra-class correlation (ICC) 0.95 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91–0.98] and 0.95 (95% CI 0.90–0.97) respectively. Intra-observer variability was very good for volume and mean signal intensity; ICC 0.99 (95% CI 0.97–0.99) and 0.98 (95% CI 0.95–0.99) respectively. Average time taken to measure fistula volume was 202 s and 250 s for readers 1 and 2. Agreement between three specialist radiologists was good [kappa 0.69 (95% CI 0.49–0.90)] for the subjective assessment of fistula response. Significant association was found between objective percentage volume change and subjective consensus agreement of response ( p = 0.001). Median volume change for improved, stable or worsening fistula response was −67% [interquartile range (IQR): −78, −47], 0% (IQR: −16, +17), and +487% (IQR: +217, +559) respectively. Conclusion: Quantification of fistula volumes and signal intensities is feasible and reliable, providing an objective measure of perianal Crohn’s fistula and response to treatment.
Recanalisation of a congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt previously attenuated with cellophane banding in a cat
Authors: Crowley James , Foo Timothy , Boland Lara , Brunel Laurencie 
Published: August 2018

Case summary A congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt was attenuated with commercial roll cellophane banding in a cat and postoperative liver changes were monitored using CT angiography (CTA). The patient clinically improved after cellophane banding, characterised by resolution of hepatic encephalopathy, weight gain, reference interval (RI) bile acid stimulation tests, as well as CTA-documented increased liver size, increased hepatic vasculature and shunt attenuation. Six months later the cat re-presented with recurrence of clinical signs and increased bile acids. CTA confirmed recanalisation of the shunt. Shunt attenuation was repeated using pure cellophane banding and nearly complete closure of the shunt was later documented by CTA. Seven months later, recanalisation was again documented via CTA and associated with clinical signs and increased bile acids. Complete ligation of the shunt was achieved using a polypropylene ligature and a titanium ligating clip. At long-term follow-up, the cat was clinically well, and bile acids and biochemistry were within the RIs. Relevance and novel information This is the first report of CTA-documented recanalisation of an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt previously attenuated with cellophane banding. Recanalisation should be considered as a differential for recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy following cellophane banding.
Bone density measurements adjacent to acetabular cups in total hip arthroplasty using dual-energy CT: an in vivo reliability and agreement study
Authors: Mussmann Bo , Andersen Poul Erik , Torfing Trine , Overgaard Søren 
Published: August 2018

Background Measuring bone mineral density (BMD) around acetabular prosthetic components with computed tomography (CT) is challenged by the complex anatomy and metal artifacts. Three-dimensional (3D) segmentation is required for the analysis, but it is usually not practically applicable on current CT workstations Purpose To test the between-scan agreement and reliability of custom segmentation software for BMD measurements adjacent to cemented and uncemented acetabular cups in dual-energy CT (DECT). Material and Methods Twenty-four male patients with total hip arthroplasty were scanned and rescanned using 130-keV virtual monochromatic DECT images. Hemispherical regions of interest were defined slice-by-slice and BMD was calculated around the acetabular cup using custom segmentation software. Results In the uncemented cup, the mean BMD was 153 mg/cm3 with a between-scan difference of 10 mg/cm3 ( P < 0.0001). In the cemented cup, the mean BMD was 186 mg/cm3 with a between-scan difference of 6 mg/cm3 ( P = 0.15). In both uncemented and cemented cups the intraclass correlation coefficient between repeated measurements was >0.95 and narrow Bland–Altman Limits of Agreement. Conclusion BMD can be measured with high absolute between-scan agreement and good reliability adjacent to acetabular cemented and uncemented cups using DECT and segmentation software.
Predictive Factors for Discharge Destination Following Posterior Lumbar Spinal Fusion: A Canadian Spine Outcome and Research Network (CSORN) Study
Authors: Morcos Mina W. , Jiang Fan , McIntosh Greg , Ahn Henry , Dea Nicolas , Abraham Edward , Paquet Jerome , Natara Andrew , Johnson Michael , Manson Neil , Fisher Charles , Rampersaud Raja , Thomas Kenneth , Hall Hamilton , Weber Michael 
Published: August 2018

Study Design: Ambispective cohort study. Objective: Patients spend on average 3 to 7 days in hospital after lumbar fusion surgery. Patients who are unable to be discharged home may require a prolonged hospital stay while awaiting a bed at a rehabilitation facility, adding cost and imposing a considerable burden on the health care system. Our objective is to identify patient or procedure related predictors of discharge destination for patients undergoing posterior lumbar fusion. Methods: Analysis of data from the Canadian Spine Outcomes and Research Network. Patients who underwent lumbar fusion for degenerative pathology between 2008 and 2015 were identified. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of the discharge destination. Results: A total of 643 patients were identified from the database, 87.1% of the patients (N = 560) were discharged home while 12.9% (N = 83) required discharge to nonhome facilities. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, the predictors for discharge to a facility rather than home were identified including: increasing age (odds ratio [OR] 1.045, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.017 -1.075, P < .002), increasing body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.069, 95% CI 1.021 -1.118, P < .004), increasing disability score (OR 1.025, 95% CI 1.004 -1.046, P < .02), living alone preoperatively (OR 1.916, 95% CI 1.004-3.654, P < .05), increasing operating time (OR 1.005, 95% CI 1.003 -1.008, P < .0001), need for blood transfusion (OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.687-6.528, P < .001), and multilevel fusion surgery (OR 1.142, 95% CI 1.007 -1.297, P < .04). Conclusions: Older age, high BMI, living alone, high disability score, extended surgical time, blood transfusion, and multilevel fusion are significant factors that increase the odds of being discharged to facilities other than home. Level of Evidence: Level 3.
Long-Term Results of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Hamstring Grafts and the Outside-In Technique: A Comparison Between 5- and 15-Year Follow-up
Authors: Ponzo Antonio , Monaco Edoardo , Basiglini Luca , Iorio Raffaele , Caperna Ludovico , Drogo Piergiorgio , Conteduca Fabio , Ferretti Andrea 
Published: August 2018

Background: Increased femoral tunnel widening and weakness of the hamstring muscles postoperatively have been described as potential adverse events after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) with a hamstring graft. Meniscectomy and cartilage lesions are important factors for the development of degenerative osteoarthritis. Purpose: To compare 15-year follow-up data with 5-year follow-up data from the same cohort of patients after ACLR with a hamstring autograft using an outside-in technique. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 72 patients who underwent anatomic ACLR with a quadruple hamstring graft and an outside-in technique were selected for this prospective study. Patients were reviewed at a minimum follow-up of 15 years. Results were compared with the same series of patients previously reviewed at 5 years after surgery. Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Tegner scores as well as KT-1000 arthrometer measurements were obtained at final follow-up. Comparative weightbearing radiographs were obtained and analyzed according to the Fairbank, Kellgren-Lawrence, and IKDC classifications and used for the tunnel evaluation. Results: No significant difference was detected on the subjective evaluation. Objectively, patients categorized as A or B according to the IKDC score were not significantly different at 5 and 15 years ( P < .01). A KT-1000 arthrometer side-to-side manual maximum difference >5 mm, a pivot shift >2+, any giving-way episode, and ACL revision surgery were considered as failures, and these were noted in 6 patients at 5 years and 6 patients at 15 years. The radiological evaluation at 15 years showed a higher rate of osteoarthritis in 2 of 3 radiological scales used in the study compared with results at 5-year follow-up ( P < .01). At 15-year follow-up, there was a statistically significant reduction in the mean tibial tunnel diameter ( P < .01). Conclusion: Endoscopic single-bundle ACLR using hamstring grafts and an outside-in technique demonstrated good results at 15-year follow-up in terms of subjective, objective, and radiographic evaluations. As compared with 5-year follow-up, clinical results remained stable both subjectively and objectively. However, a progression of osteoarthritis changes was observed, especially in patients in whom meniscectomy had been performed.
Vasomotor reactions in the face and head of patients with migraine
Authors: Wienholtz Nita , Christensen Casper Emil , Egeberg Alexander , Thyssen Jacob P , Ashina Messoud 
Published: August 2018

Objective: To systematically review extracranial vasomotor reactions in patients with migraine, and to discuss potential overlaps with rosacea. Background: Autonomic manifestations are common in migraine and may reflect trigeminovascular system activation. Flushing during migraine attacks may indicate altered extracranial vasomotor reactivity which resembles that of the facial skin disorder rosacea. Methods: PubMed and EMBASE were searched for studies investigating extracranial vascular reactions in migraine and rosacea published until January 2018. Results: We uncovered 41 studies investigating extracranial circulation in migraine and 12 studies in rosacea. Skin temperature was generally lower on the forehead, nose and hands of migraine patients compared to controls. The superficial temporal artery (STA) showed greater amplitude variations in migraine patients compared to controls, and compression of either the STA or the common carotid artery during attacks led to transient pain relief in about one-third of the investigated patients. Facial skin blood flow was asymmetrical in migraine patients compared to healthy volunteers. Conclusion: Findings on extracranial microcirculation suggest an altered function of the autonomic nervous system in migraine patients. Similar signs of autonomic nervous system dysfunction are reported in rosacea. We suggest an overlap in autonomic and neurovascular pathophysiology in migraine and rosacea.
Human AML activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway to impair NK cell development and function
Authors: Scoville Steven D. , Nalin Ansel P. , Chen Luxi , Chen Li , Zhang Michael H. , McConnell Kathleen , Beceiro Casas Susana , Ernst Gabrielle , Traboulsi Abd Al-Rahman , Hashi Naima , Williams Monica , Zhang Xiaoli , Hughes Tiffany , Mishra Anjali , Benson Don M. , Saultz Jennifer N. , Yu Jianhua , Freud Aharon G. , Caligiuri Michael A. , Mundy-Bosse Bethany L. 
Published: August 2018

Key PointsHuman and murine AML activate the AHR pathway, which can regulate miR-29b expression and impair NK cell development and function. AML-induced impairment of NK cell development and function can be reversed with AHR antagonist.
Evaluating the potential costs and impact of digital health technologies for tuberculosis treatment support
Authors: Nsengiyumva Ntwali Placide , Mappin-Kasirer Benjamin , Oxlade Olivia , Bastos Mayara , Trajman Anete , Falzon Dennis , Schwartzman Kevin 
Published: August 2018

Ensuring adherence and support during treatment of tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health challenge. Digital health technologies could help improve treatment outcomes. We considered their potential cost and impact on treatment for active or latent TB in Brazil.Decision analysis models simulated two adult cohorts with 1) drug-susceptible active TB, and 2) multidrug-resistant TB, and two cohorts treated with isoniazid for latent TB infection (LTBI): 1) close contacts of persons with active TB, and 2) others newly diagnosed with LTBI. We evaluated four digital support strategies: two different medication monitors, synchronous video-observed therapy (VOT), and two-way short message service (SMS). Comparators were standard directly observed treatment for active TB and self-administered treatment for LTBI. Projected outcomes included costs (2016 US dollars), plus active TB cases and disability-adjusted life years averted among persons with LTBI.For individuals with active TB, medication monitors and VOT are projected to lead to substantial (up to 58%) cost savings, in addition to alleviating inconvenience and cost to patients of supervised treatment visits. For LTBI treatment, SMS and medication monitors are projected to be the most cost-effective interventions. However, all projections are limited by the scarcity of published estimates of clinical effect for the digital technologies.
Stratifying infants with cystic fibrosis for disease severity using intestinal organoid swelling as a biomarker of CFTR function
Authors: de Winter-de Groot Karin M. , Janssens Hettie M. , van Uum Rick T. , Dekkers Johanna F. , Berkers Gitte , Vonk Annelotte , Kruisselbrink Evelien , Oppelaar Hugo , Vries Robert , Clevers Hans , Houwen Roderick H.J. , Escher Johanna C. , Elias Sjoerd G. , de Jonge Hugo R. , de Rijke Yolanda B. , Tiddens Harm A.W.M. , van der Ent Cornelis K. , Beekman Jeffrey M. 
Published: August 2018

Forskolin-induced swelling (FIS) of intestinal organoids from individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) measures function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the protein mutated in CF.We investigated whether FIS corresponds with clinical outcome parameters and biomarkers of CFTR function in 34 infants diagnosed with CF. Relationships with FIS were studied for indicators of pulmonary and gastrointestinal disease.Children with low FIS had higher levels of immunoreactive trypsinogen (p=0.030) and pancreatitis-associated protein (p=0.039), more often had pancreatic insufficiency (p<0.001), had more abnormalities on chest computed tomography (p=0.049), and had lower z-scores for maximal expiratory flow at functional residual capacity (p=0.033) when compared to children with high FIS values. FIS significantly correlated with sweat chloride concentration (SCC) and intestinal current measurement (ICM) (r= −0.82 and r=0.70, respectively; both p<0.001). Individual assessment of SCC, ICM and FIS suggested that FIS can help to classify individual disease severity.Thus, stratification by FIS identified subgroups that differed in pulmonary and gastrointestinal outcome parameters. FIS of intestinal organoids correlated well with established CFTR-dependent biomarkers such as SCC and ICM, and performed adequately at group and individual level in this proof-of-concept study.