bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endemic fungal infections in solid organ transplant recipients—Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice
Authors: Miller Rachel , Assi Maha ,   the AST Infectious Diseases Community of Practice
Published: March 2019

AbstractThese updated guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Community of Practice of the American Society of Transplantation review the diagnosis, prevention and management of blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and coccidioidomycosis in the pre‐ and post‐transplant period. Though each of these endemic fungal infections has unique epidemiology and clinical manifestations, they all share a predilection for primary pulmonary infection and may cause disseminated infection, particularly in immunocompromised hosts. Culture remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis, but more rapid diagnosis may be achieved with direct visualization of organisms from clinical specimens and antigen‐based enzyme immunoassay assays. Serology is of limited utility in transplant recipients. The mainstay of treatment for severe infections remains liposomal amphotericin followed by a step‐down azole therapy. Cases of mild to moderate severity with no CNS involvement may be treated with azole therapy alone. The newer generation azoles provide additional treatment options, but supported currently with limited clinical efficacy data. Azole therapy in transplant recipients presents a unique challenge owing to the drug‐drug interactions with immunosuppressant agents. Therapeutic drug monitoring of azole levels is an essential component of effective and safe therapy. Infection prevention centers around minimizing epidemiological exposures, early clinical recognition, and azole prophylaxis in selected individuals.
Low versus high carbohydrate diet in type 1 diabetes: A 12‐week randomized open‐label crossover study
Authors: Schmidt Signe , Christensen Merete B. , Serifovski Nermin , Damm‐Frydenberg Camilla , Jensen Jens‐Erik B. , Fløyel Tina , Størling Joachim , Ranjan Ajenthen , Nørgaard Kirsten 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAimsTo compare the effects of a low carbohydrate diet (LCD < 100 g carbohydrate/d) and a high carbohydrate diet (HCD > 250 g carbohydrate/d) on glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in adults with type 1 diabetes.Materials and methodsIn a randomized crossover study with two 12‐week intervention arms separated by a 12‐week washout, 14 participants using sensor‐augmented insulin pumps were included. Individual meal plans meeting the carbohydrate criteria were made for each study participant. Actual carbohydrate intake was entered into the insulin pumps throughout the study.ResultsTen participants completed the study. Daily carbohydrate intake during the two intervention periods was (mean ± standard deviation) 98 ± 11 g and 246 ± 34 g, respectively. Time spent in the range 3.9‐10.0 mmol/L (primary outcome) did not differ between groups (LCD 68.6 ± 8.9% vs. HCD 65.3 ± 6.5%, P = 0.316). However, time spent <3.9 mmol/L was less (1.9 vs. 3.6%, P < 0.001) and glycaemic variability (assessed by coefficient of variation) was lower (32.7 vs. 37.5%, P = 0.013) during LCD. No events of severe hypoglycaemia were reported. Participants lost 2.0 ± 2.1 kg during LCD and gained 2.6 ± 1.8 kg during HCD (P = 0.001). No other cardiovascular risk factors, including fasting levels of lipids and inflammatory markers, were significantly affected.ConclusionsCompared with an intake of 250 g of carbohydrate per day, restriction of carbohydrate intake to 100 g per day in adults with type 1 diabetes reduced time spent in hypoglycaemia, glycaemic variability and weight with no effect on cardiovascular risk factors.
Short‐term cost‐utility of degludec versus glargine U100 for patients with type 2 diabetes at high risk of hypoglycaemia and cardiovascular events: A Canadian setting (DEVOTE 9)
Authors: Pollock Richard F. , Heller Simon , Pieber Thomas R. , Woo Vincent , Gundgaard Jens , Hallén Nino , Luckevich Maria , Tutkunkardas Deniz , Zinman Bernard ,   On Behalf of the DEVOTE Study Group
Published: March 2019

AimsTo evaluate the short‐term cost‐effectiveness of insulin degludec (degludec) vs insulin glargine 100 units/mL (glargine U100) from a Canadian public healthcare payer perspective in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who are at high risk of cardiovascular events and hypoglycaemia.Materials and methodsA decision analytic model was developed to estimate costs (2017 Canadian dollars [CAD]) and clinical outcomes (quality‐adjusted life years [QALYs]) with degludec vs glargine U100 over a 2‐year time horizon. The model captured first major adverse cardiovascular event, death, severe hypoglycaemia and insulin dosing. Clinical outcomes were informed by a post hoc subgroup analysis of the DEVOTE trial (NCT01959529), which compared the cardiovascular safety of degludec and glargine U100 in patients with T2D who are at high cardiovascular risk. High hypoglycaemia risk was defined as the top quartile of patients (n = 1887) based on an index of baseline hypoglycaemia risk factors.ResultsIn patients at high hypoglycaemia risk, degludec was associated with mean cost savings (CAD 129 per patient) relative to glargine U100, driven by a lower incidence of non‐fatal myocardial infarction, non‐fatal stroke and severe hypoglycaemia, which offset the slightly higher cost of treatment with degludec. A reduced risk of cardiovascular death and severe hypoglycaemia resulted in improved effectiveness (+0.0132 QALYs) with degludec relative to glargine U100. In sensitivity analyses, changes to the vast majority of model parameters did not materially affect model outcomes.ConclusionOver a 2‐year period, degludec improved clinical outcomes at a lower cost as compared to glargine U100 in patients with T2D at high risk of cardiovascular events and hypoglycaemia.
Proceeding report of the third symposium on Hidradenitis Suppurativa advances (SHSA) 2018
Authors: Posso‐De Los Rios Claudia J. , Sarfo Akua , Ghias Mondana , Alhusayen Raed , Hamzavi Iltefat , Lowes Michelle A. , Alavi Afsaneh 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe 3rd Annual Symposium on Hidradenitis Suppurativa Advances (SHSA) took place on 12‐14 October 2018 at the Women's College Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This symposium was a joint meeting of the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation (HSF) founded in the USA and the Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation (CHSF). This cross‐disciplinary meeting with experts from around the world was an opportunity to discuss the most recent advances in the study of hidradenitis suppurativa pathogenesis, epidemiology, classification, scoring systems, radiologic diagnosis, treatment approaches and psychologic assessment. Two special sessions this year were HS as a systemic disease and HS management guidelines. There were focused workshops on wound healing and ultrasound. There were two sessions primarily for patients and their families in the HS School programme: One workshop focused on mindfulness, and the second involved discussion among clinicians and patients about various disease aspects and the latest management. To facilitate networking between clinical and research experts and those early in their career, a mentoring breakfast was held.
Sweetcane (Erianthus arundinaceus) as a native bioenergy crop with environmental remediation potential in southern China: A review
Authors: Wang Wenguo , Li Rui , Wang Hong , Qi Bufan , Jiang Xiaomei , Zhu Qili , Cai Denggao , Tang Xiaoyu , Zhao Qi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSweetcane (Erianthus arundinaceus [Retzius] Jeswiet) is an ecologically dominant warm‐season perennial grass native to southern China. It traditionally plays an important role in sugarcane breeding due to its excellent biological traits and genetic relatedness to sugarcane. Recent studies have shown that sweetcane has a great potential in bioenergy and environmental remediation. The objective of this paper is to review the current research on sweetcane biology, phenology, biogeography, agronomy, and conversion technology, in order to explore its development as a bioenergy crop with environmental remediation potential. Sweetcane is resistant to a variety of stressors and can adapt to different growth environments. It can be used for ecological restoration, soil and water conservation, contaminated land repairing, nonpoint source pollutants barriers in buffer strips along surface waters, and as an ornamental and remediation plant on roadsides and in wetlands. Sweetcane exhibits higher biomass yield, calorific value and cellulose content than other bioenergy crops under the same growth conditions, thereby indicating its superior potential in second‐generation biofuel production. However, research on sweetcane as a bioenergy plant is still in its infancy. More works need be conducted on breeding, cultivation, genetic transformation, and energy conversion technologies.
The burden of bleeds and other clinical determinants on caregivers of children with haemophilia (the BBC Study)
Authors: Khair Kate , Klukowska Anna , Myrin Westesson Linda , Kavakli Kaan , Escuriola Carmen , Uitslager Nanda , Santoro Cristina , Holland Mike , von Mackensen Sylvia 
Published: March 2019

IntroductionTreatment burden for the people with haemophilia has been documented, as has the burden of caring for a child with a common chronic disease such as asthma or diabetes. However, there remains a paucity of data about caregiver burden in haemophilia.AimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of bleeding on caregivers of children with haemophilia. Caregiver burden was stratified by the clinical status of their child.MethodsA multinational, non‐interventional study of caregivers of children with severe or moderate haemophilia, using the HEMOCABquestionnaire to evaluate caregiver burden.ResultsA total of 144 caregivers from seven EU countries participated in the study. Differences in caregiver burden were identified based on the clinical situation of the child. Greater burden was seen in caregivers of children who experienced joint bleeding in the preceding 12 months, or had target joints or reduced range of motion in most domains of the HEMOCAB. Caring for a child with a current inhibitor also caused significantly higher burden for caregivers when compared to caring for a child with tolerized inhibitor or without inhibitor. Caregivers of children with chronic pain reported significantly higher burden in all domains of the HEMOCAB except for “interaction with the father.”ConclusionCaregiver burden can be affected by the child's haemophilia status, particularly if joint health is impacted (eg bleeds, decreased mobility) or if the child suffers from chronic pain which was moderately correlated with joint bleeds.
A case of genotype‐3b hepatitis C virus in which the whole genome was successfully analyzed using third‐generation nanopore sequencing
Authors: Uchida Yoshihito , Kouyama Jun‐ichi , Naiki Kayoko , Uemura Hayato , Tsuji Shohei , Sugawara Kayoko , Nakao Masamitsu , Motoya Daisuke , Nakayama Nobuaki , Imai Yukinori , Tomiya Tomoaki , Mochida Satoshi 
Published: March 2019

A 42‐year‐old Chinese man with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection visited our hospital for antiviral therapy. The subgenotype could not be determined using the HCV GENOTYPE Primer Kit (Institute of Immunology, Tokyo, Japan), which can identify genotype 3a HCV exclusively among genotype 3 HCV. Thus, the whole‐genome sequence of HCV was analyzed using the MinION nanopore sequencer (Oxford Nanopore Technologies, Oxford, UK), a third‐generation single‐molecule sequencing platform. Consequently, a total of 9442 bases with a 73.6 mean depth, corresponding to the sequences between nt25 and PolyU/UC were determined (LC414155.2). The similarity analysis revealed that the obtained sequence was classified into genotype 3b HCV and showed nucleotide identities from 87.6% to 93.9% with those of 12 previously reported strains. Furthermore, possible resistance‐associated substitutions in non‐structural protein (NS)3, NS5A, and NS5B based on consensus sequences of 12 genotype 3b HCV strains, including NS5A‐Y93H and NS5B‐S282 T substitutions, were absent. In conclusion, the MinION nanopore sequencer is useful for analyzing the HCV genome, especially the genomes of genotype 3 HCV strains for which standardized real‐ time PCR methods for all subgenotypes have not been established.
Experimental study and optimization of the extraction of Algerian date stones oil (Phoenix dactylifera L.) using supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Louaer Mehdi , Zermane Ahmed , Larkeche Ouassila , Meniai Abdeslam‐Hassen 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAn experimental extraction of Algerian date stones oil was carried out using supercritical carbon dioxide. Response surface methodology was used to investigate the effect of pressure (150–250 bar), temperature (313–333 K) and particles diameter (0.3–0.9 mm) on the extraction yield. The comparison of the predicted results with the experimental values confirmed the reliability of this technique. The optimum yield value was determined around 14.26% and was obtained at a pressure of 250 bar, a temperature of 333 K and particles diameter of 0.3 mm. the conventional solvent extraction using Soxhlet apparatus shows that the oil content of the date stones sample was about 16.22%. The fatty acids composition was determined using GC‐FID analysis, showing that the oleic acid was the major compound present in this oil.Practical applicationsLocally date stones are an abundant waste product of date processing industries which are rich in many valuables substances such as carbohydrates, oil, dietary fibers, vitamins, proteins, bioactive polyphenols and natural antioxidants, making them an attractive source for the extraction of bioactive compounds because of their low cost and high nutrient content. They can be used in many applications like the production of caffeine‐free coffee, food products formulation, cosmetics, and functional and medicinal supplements. They are a by‐product that can be easily collected and recycled in an economic and sustainable way. Also date stones oil is a great source of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid acids which have several good human health benefits. The use of supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of date stones oil can be regarded as a great opportunity to develop the production of high quality date stones oil and exploit all the mentioned important properties.
Urban flood risk mapping using an optimised additive weighting methodology based on open data
Authors: Jato‐Espino Daniel , Lobo Amaya , Ascorbe‐Salcedo Agustín 
Published: March 2019

AbstractFloods are one of the most common and harmful natural disasters worldwide, especially in cities, due to the high concentration of people and goods in these areas. This research aims to provide an accessible and accurate means to model risks associated with floods in urban spaces using open data about a series of susceptibility and impact contributing factors. Hence, a methodology combining geoprocessing tools, additive weighting, dependence measures, and optimisation was designed to generate spatial information, aggregating the factors according to their weights and optimising the modelling of their relationships to flood risk, respectively. The application of the proposed approach to the city of Santander (Spain) yielded a flood risk map providing an accurate assessment of the ranking of flood zones reported by its City Council. The results suggested that flood mitigation might focus on the implementation of permeable pavements, due to their ease of integration in urban environments.
Interoperability: A conceptual framework to bridge the gap between multifunctional and multisystem urban flood management
Authors: Vercruysse Kim , Dawson David A. , Wright Nigel 
Published: March 2019

AbstractUrban flood management is increasingly expected to be multifunctional to integrate with the existing functioning of cities. Locally, this led to the development of sustainable urban water drainage designs, while at larger scales, blue‐green or water‐sensitive cities are considered as examples for how cities should function. Upscaling local designs to city‐scale flood resilience is not straightforward, however, due to the complexity of physical infrastructure and socio‐economic interactions within urban systems and requires “system‐of‐systems” thinking. To this end, we introduce the concept “interoperability” to guide transition from local multifunctionality to city‐scale multisystem flood management, through actively managing connections between infrastructure systems to convey, divert, and store flood water. While flood management is already based on these connections, interoperability is about explicitly emphasising them to explore and create opportunities to facilitate the integration of systems for flood management. The main research need arising from this conceptualisation is to determine how spatial data on infrastructure, environment, and social characteristics in urban areas can serve as a basis to identify opportunities and barriers for interoperability. By introducing interoperability and the research needs arising from it, a framework is created to facilitate and encourage practical thinking and discussion about system integration in urban flood management.
Atmospheric and human‐induced impacts on temporal variability of water level extremes in the Taihu Basin, China
Authors: Wang Yuefeng , Tabari Hossein , Xu Youpeng , Willems Patrick 
Published: March 2019

AbstractUnderstanding the variation of water level extremes with their potential drivers can provide insights for flood risk management. In this study, temporal variability of water level extremes is investigated across the plain river network region of the Taihu Basin. The driving force analysis on water level extremes is mainly conducted for atmospheric (rainfall, climatic index, and tide) and anthropogenic forcing. The quantile perturbation method is employed to examine variability of extreme values and the Spearman correlation analysis to identify potential drivers of extreme water level variability. Considering water level extremes in all seasons, the 1990s have statistically significant positive anomalies, while the late 1960s to the 1970s and the 2000s have significant negative anomalies. The oscillation pattern of anomaly in summer has a higher variability than that in the other three seasons. Significant correlations are detected between the anomalies of water level extremes and rainfall (tide level) during summer and winter. Water level extremes in summer and winter have a strong connection to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and North Atlantic Oscillation/Arctic Oscillation, respectively. Conversely, no consistent significant correlations between water level extremes and climatic indices are found in spring and autumn, which is mainly related to hydraulic structure construction and operation.
Quality of Life of Caregivers of Older Patients with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Kehoe Lee A. , Xu Huiwen , Duberstein Paul , Loh Kah Poh , Culakova Eva , Canin Beverly , Hurria Arti , Dale William , Wells Megan , Gilmore Nikesha , Kleckner Amber S. , Lund Jennifer , Kamen Charles , Flannery Marie , Hoerger Mike , Hopkins Judith O. , Liu Jane Jijun , Geer Jodi , Epstein Ron , Mohile Supriya G. 
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the relationships between aging‐related domains captured by geriatric assessment (GA) for older patients with advanced cancer and caregivers’ emotional health and quality of life (QOL).DESIGNIn this cross sectional study of baseline data from a nationwide investigation of older patients and their caregivers, patients completed a GA that included validated tests to evaluate eight domains of health (eg, function, cognition).SETTINGThirty‐one community oncology practices throughout the United States.PARTICIPANTSEnrolled patients were aged 70 and older, had one or more GA domain impaired, and had an incurable solid tumor malignancy or lymphoma. Each could choose one caregiver to enroll.MEASUREMENTSCaregivers completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7, Distress Thermometer, Patient Health Questionnaire‐2 (depression), and Short Form Health Survey‐12 (SF‐12 for QOL). Separate multivariate linear or logistic regression models were used to examine the association of the number and type of patient GA impairments with caregiver outcomes, controlling for patient and caregiver covariates.RESULTSA total of 541 patients were enrolled, 414 with a caregiver. Almost half (43.5%) of the caregivers screened positive for distress, 24.4% for anxiety, and 18.9% for depression. Higher numbers of patient GA domain impairments were associated with caregiver depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.29; P < .001], caregiver physical health on SF‐12 (regression coefficient [β] = −1.24; P < .001), and overall caregiver QOL (β = −1.14; P < .01). Impaired patient function was associated with lower caregiver QOL (β = −4.11; P < .001). Impaired patient nutrition was associated with caregiver depression (aOR = 2.08; P < .01). Lower caregiver age, caregiver comorbidity, and patient distress were also associated with worse caregiver outcomes.CONCLUSIONPatient GA impairments were associated with poorer emotional health and lower QOL of caregivers. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:969–977, 2019.
MicroRNA‐135a‐5p reduces P2X7‐dependent rise in intracellular calcium and protects against excitotoxicity
Authors: Reigada David , Calderón‐García Andrés Ángel , Soto‐Catalán Manuel , Nieto‐Díaz Manuel , Muñoz‐Galdeano Teresa , del Águila Ángela , Maza Rodrigo M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractExcitotoxic cell death because of the massive release of glutamate and ATP contributes to the secondary extension of cellular and tissue loss following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Evidence from blockage experiments suggests that over‐expression and activation of purinergic receptors, especially P2X7, produces excitotoxicity in neurodegenerative diseases and trauma of the central nervous system. We hypothesize that the down‐regulation of specific miRNAs after the SCI contributes to the over‐expression of P2X7 and that restorative strategies can be used to reduce the excitotoxic response. In the present study, we have employed bioinformatic analyses to identify microRNAs whose down‐regulation following SCI can be responsible for P2X7 over‐expression and excitotoxic activity. Additional luciferase assays validated microRNA‐135a‐5p (miR‐135a) as a posttranscriptional modulator of P2X7. Moreover, gene expression analysis in spinal cord samples from a rat SCI model confirmed that the decrease in miR‐135a expression correlated with P2X7 over‐expression after injury. Transfection of cultures of Neuro‐2a neuronal cell line with a miR‐135a inhibitory sequences (antagomiR‐135a), simulating the reduction of miR‐135a observed after SCI, resulted in the increase of P2X7 expression and the subsequent ATP‐dependent rise in intracellular calcium concentration. Conversely, a restorative strategy employing miR‐135a mimicked reduced P2X7 expression, attenuating the increase in intracellular calcium concentration that depends on this receptor and protecting cells from excitotoxic death. Therefore, we conclude that miR‐135a is a potential therapeutic target for SCI and that restoration of its expression may reduce the deleterious effects of ATP‐dependent excitotoxicity induced after a traumatic spinal cord injury.
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