| 1. |
- Lauper, Kim, et al.
(author)
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Oral glucocorticoid use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis initiating TNF-inhibitors, tocilizumab or abatacept : Results from the international TOCERRA and PANABA observational collaborative studies
- 2024
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In: Joint Bone Spine. - 1297-319X. ; 91:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To evaluate and compare the use of oral glucocorticoids with three classes of bDMARDs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: We included patients from 13 observational registries treated with a TNF-inhibitor, abatacept or tocilizumab and with available information on the use of oral glucocorticoids. The main outcome was oral glucocorticoid withdrawal. A McNemar test was used to analyse the change in the use of glucocorticoids after 1 year. Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox regressions, adjusted for patient, treatment, and disease characteristics, were used to evaluate glucocorticoid discontinuation in patients with glucocorticoids at baseline. Because of heterogeneity, analyses were done by registers and pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Results: A total of 12,334 participants treated with TNF-inhibitors, 2100 with tocilizumab and 3229 with abatacept were included. At one-year, oral glucocorticoid use decreased in all treatment groups (odds ratio for stopping vs. starting of 2.19 [95% CI 1.58; 3.04] for TNF-inhibitors, 2.46 [1.39; 4.35] for tocilizumab; 1.73 [1.25; 2.21] for abatacept). Median time to glucocorticoid withdrawal was ≈2 years or more in most countries, with a gradual decrease over time. Compared to TNF-inhibitors, crude hazard ratios of glucocorticoid discontinuation were 0.65[0.48–0.87] for abatacept, and 1.04 [0.76–1.43] for tocilizumab, and adjusted hazard ratios were 1.1 [0.83–1.47] for abatacept, and 1.30 [0.96–1.78] for tocilizumab. Conclusion: After initiation of a bDMARD, glucocorticoid use decreased similarly in all treatment groups. However, glucocorticoid withdrawal was much slower than advocated by current international guidelines. More effort should be devoted to glucocorticoid tapering when low disease activity is achieved.
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| 2. |
- Mc Carthy, Christine E., et al.
(author)
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Pre-morbid sleep disturbance and its association with stroke severity: results from the international INTERSTROKE study
- 2024
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In: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY. - 1351-5101 .- 1468-1331.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and purpose: Whilst sleep disturbances are associated with stroke, their association with stroke severity is less certain. In the INTERSTROKE study, the association of pre-morbid sleep disturbance with stroke severity and functional outcome following stroke was evaluated. Methods: INTERSTROKE is an international case-control study of first acute stroke. This analysis included cases who completed a standardized questionnaire concerning nine symptoms of sleep disturbance (sleep onset latency, duration, quality, nocturnal awakening, napping duration, whether a nap was planned, snoring, snorting and breathing cessation) in the month prior to stroke (n = 2361). Two indices were derived representing sleep disturbance (range 0-9) and obstructive sleep apnoea (range 0-3) symptoms. Logistic regression was used to estimate the magnitude of association between symptoms and stroke severity defined by the modified Rankin Score. Results: The mean age of participants was 62.9 years, and 42% were female. On multivariable analysis, there was a graded association between increasing number of sleep disturbance symptoms and initially severe stroke (2-3, odds ratio [OR] 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.94; 4-5, OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.23-2.25; >5, OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.83-3.66). Having >5 sleep disturbance symptoms was associated with significantly increased odds of functional deterioration at 1 month (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.01-2.34). A higher obstructive sleep apnoea score was also associated with significantly increased odds of initially severe stroke (2-3, OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.20-1.83) but not functional deterioration at 1 month (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.93-1.52). Conclusions: Sleep disturbance symptoms were common and associated with an increased odds of severe stroke and functional deterioration. Interventions to modify sleep disturbance may help prevent disabling stroke/improve functional outcomes and should be the subject of future research.
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| 3. |
- Murphy, Robert, et al.
(author)
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Variations in the prevalence of atrial fibrillation, and in the strength of its association with ischemic stroke, in countries with different income levels: INTERSTROKE case-control study
- 2024
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In: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE. - 1747-4930 .- 1747-4949. ; 19:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The contribution of atrial fibrillation (AF) to the etiology and burden of stroke may vary by country income level.Aims: We examined differences in the prevalence of AF and described variations in the magnitude of the association between AF and ischemic stroke by country income level.Methods: In the INTERSTROKE case-control study, participants with acute first ischemic stroke were recruited across 32 countries. We included 10,363 ischemic stroke cases and 10,333 community or hospital controls who were matched for age, sex, and center. Participants were grouped into high-income (HIC), upper-middle-income (subdivided into two groups-UMIC-1 and UMIC-2), and lower-middle-income (LMIC) countries, based on gross national income. We evaluated the risk factors for AF overall and by country income level, and evaluated the association of AF with ischemic stroke.Results: AF was documented in 11.9% (n = 1235) of cases and 3.2% (n = 328) of controls. Compared to HIC, the prevalence of AF was significantly lower in UMIC-2 (aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.29-0.41) and LMIC (aOR 0.50, 95% CI 0.41-0.60) on multivariable analysis. Hypertension, female sex, valvular heart disease, and alcohol intake were stronger risk factors for AF in lower-income countries, and obesity a stronger risk factor in higher-income countries. The magnitude of association between AF and ischemic stroke was significantly higher in lower-income countries compared to higher-income countries. The population attributable fraction for AF and stroke varied by region and was 15.7% (95% CI 13.7-17.8) in HIC, 14.6% (95% CI 12.3-17.1) in UMIC-1, 5.7% (95% CI 4.9-6.7) in UMIC-2, and 6.3% (95% CI 5.3-7.3) in LMIC.Conclusion: Risk factors for AF vary by country income level. AF contributes to stroke burden to a greater extent in higher-income countries than in lower-income countries, due to a higher prevalence and despite a lower magnitude of odds ratio.
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| 4. |
- Reddin, Catriona, et al.
(author)
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Blood pressure variability in acute stroke: Risk factors and association with functional outcomes at 1 month.
- 2024
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In: European journal of neurology. - 1468-1331.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Blood pressure variability, in acute stroke, may be an important modifiable determinant of functional outcome after stroke. In a large international cohort of participants with acute stroke, it was sought to determine the association of blood pressure variability (in the early period of admission) and functional outcomes, and to explore risk factors for increased blood pressure variability.INTERSTROKE is an international case-control study of risk factors for first acute stroke. Blood pressure was recorded at the time of admission, the morning after admission and the time of interview in cases (median time from admission 36.7h). Multivariable ordinal regression analysis was employed to determine the association of blood pressure variability (standard deviation [SD] and coefficient of variance) with modified Rankin score at 1-month follow-up, and logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for blood pressure variability.Amongst 13,206 participants, the mean age was 62.19 ±13.58years. When measured by SD, both systolic blood pressure variability (odds ratio 1.13; 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.24 for SD ≥20mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure variability (odds ratio 1.15; 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.26 for SD ≥10mmHg) were associated with a significant increase in the odds of poor functional outcome. The highest coefficient of variance category was not associated with a significant increase in risk of higher modified Rankin score at 1 month. Increasing age, female sex, high body mass index, history of hypertension, alcohol use, and high urinary potassium and low urinary sodium excretion were associated with increased blood pressure variability.Increased blood pressure variability in acute stroke, measured by SD, is associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcome at 1month. Potentially modifiable risk factors for increased blood pressure variability include low urinary sodium excretion.
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| 5. |
- Wang, Xingyu, et al.
(author)
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Tobacco use and risk of acute stroke in 32 countries in the INTERSTROKE study: a case–control study
- 2024
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In: eClinicalMedicine. - 2589-5370. ; 70
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Smoking is a major risk factor for the global burden of stroke. We have previously reported a global population attributable risk (PAR) of stroke of 12.4% associated with current smoking. In this study we aimed to explore the association of current tobacco use with different types of tobacco exposure and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure on the risk of stroke and stroke subtypes, and by regions and country income levels. Methods: The INTERSTROKE study is a case–control study of acute first stroke and was undertaken with 13,462 stroke cases and 13,488 controls recruited between January 11, 2007 and August 8, 2015 in 32 countries worldwide. Association of risk of tobacco use and ETS exposure were analysed with overall stroke, ischemic and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and with TOAST etiological stroke subtypes (large vessel, small vessel, cardioembolism, and undetermined). Findings: Current smoking was associated with an increased risk of all stroke (odds ratio [OR] 1.64, 95% CI 1.46–1.84), and had a stronger association with ischemic stroke (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.61–2.11) than ICH (OR 1.19 95% CI 1.00–1.41). The OR and PAR of stroke among current smokers varied significantly between regions and income levels with high income countries (HIC) having the highest odds (OR 3.02 95% CI 2.24–4.10) and PAR (18.6%, 15.1–22.8%). Among etiological subtypes of ischemic stroke, the strongest association of current smoking was seen for large vessel stroke (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.63–2.87) and undetermined cause (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.55–2.50). Both filtered (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.50–1.99) and non-filtered (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.79–3.77) cigarettes were associated with stroke risk. ETS exposure increased the risk of stroke in a dose-dependent manner, exposure for more than 10 h per week increased risk for all stroke (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.69–2.27), ischemic stroke (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.59–2.24) and ICH (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.60–2.50). Interpretation: There are significant variations in the magnitude of risk and PAR of stroke according to the types of tobacco used, active and ETS exposure, and countries with different income levels. Specific strategies to discourage tobacco use by any form and to build a smoke free environment should be implemented to ease the global burden of stroke. Funding: The Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Canadian Stroke Network, Swedish Research Council, Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, The Health & Medical Care Committee of the Regional Executive Board, Region Västra Götaland, and through unrestricted grants from several pharmaceutical companies with major contributions from Astra Zeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada), Pfizer (Canada), MERCK, Sharp and Dohme, Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, UK Chest, and UK Heart and Stroke.
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| 6. |
- Dumontet, Charles, et al.
(author)
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Clinical characteristics and outcome of 318 families with familial monoclonal gammopathy : A multicenter Intergroupe Francophone du Myélome study
- 2023
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In: American Journal of Hematology. - : Wiley. - 0361-8609 .- 1096-8652. ; 98:2, s. 264-271
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Familial forms of monoclonal gammopathy, defined as multiple myeloma (MM) or Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS), are relatively infrequent and most series reported in the literature describe a limited number of families. MM rarely occurs in a familial context. MGUS is observed much more commonly, which can in some cases evolve toward full-blown MM. Although recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities have been described in tumor cells of sporadic cases of MM, the pathogenesis of familial MM remains largely unexplained. In order to identify genetic factors predisposing to familial monoclonal gammopathy, the Intergroupe Francophone du Myélome identified 318 families with at least two confirmed cases of monoclonal gammopathy. There were 169 families with parent/child pairs and 164 families with cases in at least two siblings, compatible with an autosomal transmission. These familial cases were compared with sporadic cases who were matched for age at diagnosis, sex and immunoglobulin isotype, with 10 sporadic cases for each familial case. The gender distribution, age and immunoglobulin subtypes of familial cases were unremarkable in comparison to sporadic cases. With a median follow-up of 7.4 years after diagnosis, the percentage of MGUS cases having evolved to MM was 3%. The median overall survival of the 148 familial MM cases was longer than that of matched sporadic cases, with projected values of 7.6 and 16.1 years in patients older and younger than 65 years, respectively. These data suggest that familial cases of monoclonal gammopathy are similar to sporadic cases in terms of clinical presentation and carry a better prognosis.
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| 7. |
- Smyth, Andrew, et al.
(author)
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Alcohol Intake as a Risk Factor for Acute Stroke: The INTERSTROKE Study.
- 2023
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In: Neurology. - 1526-632X. ; 100:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- There is uncertainty about the association between alcohol consumption and stroke, particularly for low-moderate intake. We explored these associations in a large international study.INTERSTROKE, a case-control study, is the largest international study of risk factors for acute stroke. Alcohol consumption was self-reported and categorised by drinks/week as low (1-7), moderate (7-14 for females, 7-21 for males) or high (>14 for females, >21 for males). Heavy episodic drinking (HED) was defined as >5 drinks on ≥1 day per month. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to determine associations.We included 12,913 cases and 12,935 controls; 25.0% (n=6,449) were current drinkers, 16.7% (n=4,318) former and 58.3% (n=15,076) never drinkers. Current drinkers were younger, male, smokers, active and with higher-paid occupations. Current drinking was associated with all stroke (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.04-1.26) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.21-1.84) but not ischaemic stroke (OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.95-1.19). HED pattern was associated with all stroke (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.21-1.59), ischaemic stroke (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.10-1.51) and ICH (OR 1.76; 95% CI 1.31-2.36). High level of alcohol intake was consistently associated with all stroke, ischaemic stroke and ICH. Moderate intake was associated with all stroke and ICH, but not ischaemic stroke. Low alcohol intake was not associated with stroke overall but there were regional differences; low intake was associated with reduced odds of stroke in Western Europe/North America (OR 0.66; 95%CI 0.45-0.96) and increased odds in India (OR 2.18; 95%CI 1.42-3.36)(p-interaction 0.037). Wine consumption was associated with reduced odds of all stroke and ischaemic stroke but not ICH. The magnitudes of association were greatest in those without hypertension and current smokers.High and moderate intake were associated with increased odds of stroke, while low intake was not associated with stroke. However, there were important regional variations, which may relate to differences in population characteristics of alcohol consumers, types or patterns of consumption.
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| 8. |
- Boisteau, Emeric, et al.
(author)
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Anterior gradient proteins in gastrointestinal cancers: from cell biology to pathophysiology
- 2022
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In: Oncogene. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0950-9232 .- 1476-5594. ; 41, s. 4673-4685
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Most of the organs of the digestive tract comprise secretory epithelia that require specialized molecular machines to achieve their functions. As such anterior gradient (AGR) proteins, which comprise AGR1, AGR2, and AGR3, belong to the protein disulfide isomerase family, and are involved in secretory and transmembrane protein biogenesis in the endoplasmic reticulum. They are generally expressed in epithelial cells with high levels in most of the digestive tract epithelia. To date, the vast majority of the reports concern AGR2, which has been shown to exhibit various subcellular localizations and exert pro-oncogenic functions. AGR2 overexpression has recently been associated with a poor prognosis in digestive cancers. AGR2 is also involved in epithelial homeostasis. Its deletion in mice results in severe diffuse gut inflammation, whereas in inflammatory bowel diseases, the secretion of AGR2 in the extracellular milieu participates in the reshaping of the cellular microenvironment. AGR2 thus plays a key role in inflammation and oncogenesis and may represent a therapeutic target of interest. In this review, we summarize the already known roles and mechanisms of action of the AGR family proteins in digestive diseases, their expression in the healthy digestive tract, and in digestive oncology. At last, we discuss the potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications underlying the biology of AGR proteins.
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| 9. |
- O'Donnell, Martin J, et al.
(author)
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Association of Lipids, Lipoproteins, and Apolipoproteins with Stroke Subtypes in an International Case Control Study (INTERSTROKE).
- 2022
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In: Journal of stroke. - : Korean Stroke Society. - 2287-6391 .- 2287-6405. ; 24:2, s. 224-235
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The association of dyslipidemia with stroke has been inconsistent, which may be due to differing associations within etiological stroke subtypes. We sought to determine the association of lipoproteins and apolipoproteins within stroke subtypes.Standardized incident case-control STROKE study in 32 countries. Cases were patients with acute hospitalized first stroke, and matched by age, sex and site to controls. Concentrations of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), and apoB were measured. Non-HDL-C was calculated. We estimated multivariable odds ratio (OR) and population attributable risk percentage (PAR%). Outcome measures were all stroke, ischemic stroke (and subtypes), and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).Our analysis included 11,898 matched case-control pairs; 77.3% with ischemic stroke and 22.7% with ICH. Increasing apoB (OR, 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06 to 1.14 per standard deviation [SD]) and LDL-C (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.10 per SD) were associated with an increase in risk of ischemic stroke, but a reduced risk of ICH. Increased apoB was significantly associated with large vessel stroke (PAR 13.4%; 95% CI, 5.6 to 28.4) and stroke of undetermined cause. Higher HDL-C (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.78 per SD) and apoA1 (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0.66 per SD) were associated with ischemic stroke (and subtypes). While increasing HDL-C was associated with an increased risk of ICH (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.27 per SD), apoA1 was associated with a reduced risk (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.85 per SD). ApoB/A1 (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.32 to 1.44 per SD) had a stronger magnitude of association than the ratio of LDL-C/HDL-C (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.31 per SD) with ischemic stroke (P<0.0001).The pattern and magnitude of association of lipoproteins and apolipoproteins with stroke varies by etiological stroke subtype. While the directions of association for LDL, HDL, and apoB were opposing for ischemic stroke and ICH, apoA1 was associated with a reduction in both ischemic stroke and ICH. The ratio of apoB/A1 was the best lipid predictor of ischemic stroke risk.
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| 10. |
- Quanz, Sascha P., et al.
(author)
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Atmospheric characterization of terrestrial exoplanets in the mid-infrared : biosignatures, habitability, and diversity
- 2022
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In: Experimental astronomy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0922-6435 .- 1572-9508. ; 54:2-3, s. 1197-1221
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Exoplanet science is one of the most thriving fields of modern astrophysics. A major goal is the atmospheric characterization of dozens of small, terrestrial exoplanets in order to search for signatures in their atmospheres that indicate biological activity, assess their ability to provide conditions for life as we know it, and investigate their expected atmospheric diversity. None of the currently adopted projects or missions, from ground or in space, can address these goals. In this White Paper, submitted to ESA in response to the Voyage 2050 Call, we argue that a large space-based mission designed to detect and investigate thermal emission spectra of terrestrial exoplanets in the mid-infrared wavelength range provides unique scientific potential to address these goals and surpasses the capabilities of other approaches. While NASA might be focusing on large missions that aim to detect terrestrial planets in reflected light, ESA has the opportunity to take leadership and spearhead the development of a large mid-infrared exoplanet mission within the scope of the “Voyage 2050” long-term plan establishing Europe at the forefront of exoplanet science for decades to come. Given the ambitious science goals of such a mission, additional international partners might be interested in participating and contributing to a roadmap that, in the long run, leads to a successful implementation. A new, dedicated development program funded by ESA to help reduce development and implementation cost and further push some of the required key technologies would be a first important step in this direction. Ultimately, a large mid-infrared exoplanet imaging mission will be needed to help answer one of humankind’s most fundamental questions: “How unique is our Earth?”
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