bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MACULAR HOLE CLOSURE WITH TOPICAL STEROIDS
Authors: Bonnell Alyssa C. , Prenner Sofia , Weinstein Max S. , Fine Howard F. 
Published: March 2020

Background and objective:
To report the outcomes of topical difluprednate 0.05% use in the closure of full-thickness macular holes.

Patients and methods:
Retrospective chart review of 4 patients with full-thickness macular holes who received difluprednate drops 4 times daily for a minimum of 12 weeks. Main outcome measures were macular hole status assessed with optical coherence tomography, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and complications of treatment.

Results:
All patients had macular hole closure within 12 weeks of difluprednate exposure. Mean time to macular hole closure was 5 weeks (range, 2–12 weeks). Visual acuity improved with macular hole closure. Average baseline visual acuity was 20/42. Average visual acuity after macular hole closure was 20/26 (P = 0.14). Two patients experienced increased intraocular pressure with topical steroid use.

Conclusion:
Exposure to difluprednate in this cohort of patients with full-thickness macular holes was associated with reduced macular edema, macular hole closure, and visual improvement.
Digoxin lowers the incidence of prostate cancer: A nationwide population-based study
Authors: Lin Tzu-Ping , Fan Yu-Hua , Chen Yu-Chun , Huang William J.S. 
Published: March 2020

Background:
In vitro studies have confirmed that cardiac glycosides can induce apoptosis in both hormone-dependent and -independent prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of PCa among patients treated with and without digoxin using a nationwide population-based database in Taiwan.

Methods:
We retrieved data of men aged 30 years or older who were newly diagnosed with heart failure between January 1998 and December 2003 from the National Health Insurance program database in Taiwan. We divided the patients into digoxin users and non-digoxin users. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard analysis were used to examine the risk of subsequent PCa between the digoxin and non-digoxin groups.

Results:
The mean ± SD follow-up (years) periods in the digoxin and non-digoxin groups were 8.6 ± 1.78 and 8.3 ± 1.75, respectively. The cumulative incidence of PCa during the follow-up period was 3.5% (147/4233) in the non-digoxin group compared with 3.0% (65/2154) in the digoxin group. The log-rank test revealed that the digoxin group had a similar incidence of PCa to the non-digoxin group (p = 0.18). After adjusting for age, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and comorbidities, Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that digoxin was associated with a significantly decreased risk of developing PCa (hazard ratio, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.548-0.993; p = 0.045). Moreover, logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of PCa decreased with a longer duration of digoxin use during the study period compared to those who had never used digoxin (p = 0.043).

Conclusion:
The cardiac glycoside digoxin had significant effects on reducing the incidence of PCa in a time-dependent manner. Our findings may imply the potential application of cardiac glycosides in the prevention and management of PCa.
Association Between Work Absence and Health Services Utilization and Costs Among Employed Individuals With Arthritis
Authors: Salkar Monika , Gangan Nilesh , Yang Yi 
Published: March 2020

Objective:To evaluate whether work absence is associated with increased health services utilization and health care costs among employed individuals with arthritis.Methods:This was a retrospective cross-sectional study using pooled data from the 2011 to 2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Employed individuals with arthritis were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9) codes and Clinical Classification code. Generalized linear models were used to analyze utilization and costs outcomes.Results:Individuals with arthritis who reported work absences had greater odds of having a hospitalization event (odds ratio [OR]: 9.198,P < 0.001), higher number of ambulatory care visits (β = 0.549,P < 0.001), and had higher total health care costs (β = 0.40,P < 0.001) and arthritis-related costs (β = 0.035,P < 0.0002) compared with individuals without work absences.Conclusion:Among employed individuals with arthritis, self-reported work absence is associated with significantly higher health care utilization and health care costs.
Genomics, Epigenetics, and Hearing Loss in Neurofibromatosis Type 2
Authors: Dinh Christine T. , Nisenbaum Eric , Chyou Darius , Misztal Carly , Yan Denise , Mittal Rahul , Young Juan , Tekin Mustafa , Telischi Fred , Fernandez-Valle Cristina , Liu Xue-Zhong 
Published: March 2020

Objectives:In this review, we discuss current knowledge about the genetics and epigenetics of vestibular schwannoma (VS) in relation to hearing loss. A multistep and sequential genetic algorithm suitable for the identification of Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) constitutional and somatic mutations is discussed.Data Sources, Study Selection:A review was performed of the English literature from 1990 to 2019 using PubMed regarding genetics and epigenetics of vestibular schwannoma and NF2.Conclusion:NF2 is a genetic disorder characterized byNF2mutations that affect the function of a tumor suppressor called merlin. In particular, individuals with NF2 develop bilateral VS that can lead to hearing loss and even deafness. Recent advances in genetic and epigenetic studies have improved our understanding of the genotype–phenotype relationships that affect hearing in NF2 patients. Specific constitutionalNF2mutations including particular truncating, deletion, and missense mutations have been associated with poorer hearing outcomes and more severe clinical manifestations. Epigenetic events, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, also contribute to the development and progression of hearing loss in NF2 patients. Furthermore, the accumulation of multiple NF2 and non-NF2 genetic and epigenetic abnormalities at the level of the tumor may contribute to worse hearing outcomes. Understanding genetic and epigenetic signatures in individual NF2 patients and particularly in each VS will allow us to develop novel gene therapies and precision medicine algorithms to preserve hearing in NF2 individuals.
Slim, Modiolar Cochlear Implant Electrode: Melbourne Experience and Comparison With the Contour Perimodiolar Electrode
Authors: Shaul Chanan , Weder Stefan , Tari Sylvia , Gerard Jean-Marc , O’Leary Stephen J. , Briggs Robert J. 
Published: March 2020

Objective:
To describe the tip fold over rate, scalar localization, and speech perception outcomes of the CI532 Slim Modiolar Electrode.

Patients and Intervention:
All patients receiving the CI532 implant before June 2018.

Main Outcome Measures:
Outcome measures for adults patients include pre- and postoperative speech perception, operative report details, electrode position as determined by X-ray and cone beam computed tomography. Comparison made with previous experience with the Contour perimodiolar electrode (CI512). In the pediatric population tip fold-over rate, measured by intraoperative X-ray, was the exclusive outcome.

Results:
One hundred twenty-five CI532 devices were implanted in adults and 69 in children. Electrode tip fold-over occurred in eight adults cases and none among children (4.1%). Cone beam CT scans of 120 out of 125 adult patients confirmed scala tympani (ST) position in all but one case where the electrode had been placed into scala vestibuli. There were no translocations from ST to scala vestibuli. This compares favorably with the CI512 translocation rate of 17%. Speech perception outcomes demonstrated good performance with mean preop phoneme scores of 16.2% (±13) increasing to 64.2% (±14) and 71.6 (±16) 3 and 12-months postop, respectively. Compared with a matched group of CI512 recipients, CI532 recipient phoneme scores were significantly higher 3 and 12-months postop by 4 and 7%, respectively.

Conclusion:
The slim modiolar, CI532 electrode has provided very reliable ST position with a low rate of tip fold over. A trend toward better speech perception scores in CI532 compared with CI512 was observed.
Can Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Be Treated in a One Session?
Authors: Pérez-Guillén Vanesa , Franco-Gutiérrez Virginia , Aguilar Maria Teresa Gil- , Zamora Enrique García- , Pérez-Vázquez Paz 
Published: March 2020

Objective:
To determine the reliability and safety of posterior canal BPPV (pc-BPPV) treatment with subsequent assessment of the effectiveness of the maneuver in a single session, compared to the classic weekly procedure.

Method:
A prospective study of two randomized groups of unilateral pc-BPPV was performed: a weekly management group (27 patients) and single-session treatment group (26 patients). The number of maneuvers required to clear pc-BPPV, incidence of side effects (re-entries and canal conversions), and recurrence rates were compared.

Results:
There were no statistically significant differences in the number of maneuvers needed to resolve pc-BPPV, the incidence of side effects, or the recurrence rate between the two groups. Two re-entries were diagnosed in the single-session group, and both were easily and successfully treated. Three early recurrences were found in the single-session group and one spontaneous recovery was encountered in the weekly group. Time required to discharge patients to follow-up was significantly reduced in the single-session group.

Conclusion:
Managing pc-BPPV in one session is safe and reliable, resulting in fewer visits to outpatient clinics and optimization of treatment strategies.
Clinical and radiological comparison of 2 level anterior lumbar interbody fusion with posterolateral fusion and percutaneous pedicle screw in elderly patients with osteoporosis
Authors: Lee Dong Geun , Park Choon Keun , Lee Dong Chan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Retrospective observational cohort study.
We used observational measures and retrospective chart reviews to compare elderly patients with osteoporosis who underwent multi-level anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) with either posterolateral fusion (PLF) or percutaneous pedicle screw fixation.
Multi-level ALIF with PLF is used to save the posterior element of the spine and improve fusion rates in elderly patients with osteoporosis. To minimize perioperative invasiveness and improve patients’ postoperative quality of life, we perform minimal percutaneous screw fixation.
Fifty-three elderly patients with osteoporosis who underwent either PLF with open pedicle screw fixation (n = 28) or percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPF) (n = 25) for treatment with 2-level ALIF between January 2010 and December 2013 were compared for clinical outcome including operation time, intraoperative and postoperative blood loss, and hospital day and radiological outcome.
Average operation times were significantly shorter and intra- and postoperative blood loss was significantly reduced in the PPF group. There were no significant differences, preoperative and postoperative, in observational measures including visual analog scale, Oswestry disability index, and Rolland-Moris disability. There were no significant differences in the degree of lordosis, changes of motion, or adjacent segmental degeneration. Fusion rates were increased in the PLF group compared to the PPF group 6 months post-surgery, but from 1 year to the last follow-up, the rates were statistically equivalent. There were fewer minor complications in the PPF group, and no major complications at all.
Two-level ALIF with PPF results in shorter operation times, less blood loss and minor complications, and similar fusion rate as 2-level ALIF with PLF. It; therefore, represents an effective method, leading to rapid recovery and less complications in elderly patients with osteoporosis.
Mid-term outcomes of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds vs second-generation drug-eluting stents in patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Ke Junsong , Zhang Hongyu , Huang Jun , Lv Ping , Yan Jumei 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background:
Everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS), which have the characteristics of scaffold absorption and vascular function recovery, are the latest innovation in the treatment of coronary artery disease. This new concept has become a hot topic in the field of interventional cardiology. Data regarding mid-term clinical outcomes of BVS in acute coronary syndromes are currently scarce. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare mid-term outcome data for BVS and second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes.

Methods:
We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and relevant web sites for studies with a follow-up of ≥ 1 years that studied percutaneous coronary interventions with BVS vs second-generation DES in acute coronary syndromes. A meta-analysis was performed with the software RevMan following the standards of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 5.1.0.

Results:
Five studies, 2 randomized controlled trials, and 3 observational studies, with a total of 1758 patients (BVS n = 917; DES n = 841) and a median follow-up duration of 24 months, were included. BVS, when compared with DES, resulted in higher rates of target lesion revascularization (TLR) (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.12–3.64; P = .02) and stent/scaffold thrombosis (ST/ScT) (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.13–4.89, P = .02). When TLR due to device thrombosis were excluded, the difference in risk estimates between the 2 groups was no longer significant (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 0.73–3.82, P = .22). The risk for all-cause death (OR = 1.32 95% CI: 0.61–2.88, P = .48), cardiac death (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 0.58–2.86 P = .52), target vessel myocardial infarction (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 0.86–2.61, P = .15), and target lesion failure (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.76–2.35, P = .31) did not differ between BVS and DES groups.

Conclusion:
At mid-term follow-up, BVS had a higher risk of TLR and ST/ScT than the second-generation DES in patients with acute coronary syndromes. ST/ScT was the key factor indicating the decreased safety and effectiveness of BVS relative to DES.
Clinical study on the safety and efficacy of high-dose tigecycline in the elderly patients with multidrug-resistant bacterial infections
Authors: Xia Guolian , Jiang Ronglin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Multidrug-resistant bacterial (MDRB) infections have been difficult to treat clinically. Tigecycline (TIG) has several advantages, especially in the treatment of severe infections. Many clinicians have considered increasing the TIG dose to improve the efficacy of this molecule. The safety and efficacy of high-dose TIG in elderly patients with MDRB infections were investigated in this study.
We conducted a retrospective analysis of the elderly patients with MDRB infections who were treated at the First Affiliated Hospital. A total of 106 patients received a conventional dose (CD-TIG group: 50 mg every 12 hours) of TIG and 51 received a high dose (HD-TIG group: 100 mg every 12 hours). The data from all patients were collected for examining the clinical features and performing the microbiological analysis. The safety profile and efficacy of the HD regimen were investigated.
The clinical efficacy and microbiological eradication in the patients with MDRB infection were higher in the HD-TIG group than the CD-TIG group. The independent predictors of clinical cure were the use of TIG at HD (odd ratio [OR], 5.129; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.890, 13.921]; P = .001) and microbiological eradication (OR, 3.049; 95% CI, [1.251, 7.430]; P = .014). In the ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and bloodstream infection (BSI) subgroups, the sole independent predictor of clinical cure was the HD of TIG, and no significant adverse events were observed. The occurrence of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection and an MIC value of 1 to 2 g/mL for TIG were independently associated with clinical failure in the VAP subgroup.
HDs of TIG was found to associate with better clinical efficacy and microbiological eradication than its CDs in the elderly patients with MDRB infections. In the VAP and BSIs subgroups, administration of HDs of TIG was associated with better outcomes.
Blumgart method using LAPRA-TY clips facilitates pancreaticojejunostomy in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Nagakawa Yuichi , Takishita Chie , Hijikata Yosuke , Osakabe Hiroaki , Nishino Hitoe , Akashi Masanori , Nakajima Tetsushi , Shirota Tomoki , Sahara Yatsuka , Hosokawa Yuichi , Ishizaki Tetsuo , Katsumata Kenji , Tsuchida Akihiko 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The modified Blumgart method for pancreaticojejunostomy has been shown to reduce the rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) in open surgery. We describe a modified Blumgart method using LAPRA-TY suture clips to facilitate laparoscopic pancreaticojejunostomy.
We prepared a double-armed 4-0 nonabsorbable monofilament, which was ligated using the LAPRA-TY clip at the tail end, 12-cm in length. Next, the U-suture was placed through the pancreatic stump and the seromuscular layer of the jejunum. We performed duct-to-mucosa suturing with a 5-0 absorbable monofilament. After completing the duct-to-mucosa suturing, as a final step we placed the sutures through the seromuscular layer of the jejunum on the ventral side and tightly secured the thread with the LAPRA-TY clips. We performed laparoscopic Blumgart pancreaticojejunostomy during pancreaticoduodenectomy in 39 patients. We compared the surgical outcomes of 19 patients who underwent Blumgart pancreaticojejunostomy using the LAPRA-TY clips (LAPRA-TY group) with 20 patients undergoing surgery not using the LAPRA-TY clips (conventional group).
The rate of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula in the LAPRA-TY group was 21.1%, which did not differ significantly from the rate of the conventional group. However, the mean time of pancreaticojejunostomy in the LAPRA-TY group was 56.2 min (range, 39–79 min), which was significantly shorter than that of the conventional group (69.7 min; range, 53–105 min, P < .001).
Although the modified Blumgart pancreaticojejunostomy using LAPRA-TY suture clips did not improve the pancreatic fistula rate, it allowed for shorter operative times. Thus, this procedure lends itself to positive surgical and patient outcomes.
Preventive Health Care Utilization Among Mother-infant Dyads With Medicaid Insurance in the Year Following Birth
Authors: Gregory Emily F. , Passarella Molly , Levine Lisa D. , Fiks Alexader G. , Lorch Scott A. 
Published: March 2020

Background:
Following birth, women may access preventive care in adult settings or, with their infants, in pediatric settings. Preventive care can improve future birth outcomes and long-term health, particularly for women with health risks.

Methods:
This cohort study linked mother-infant Medicaid claims from 12 states for 2007–2011 births. Pregnancy claims identified health risk categories: maternal cardiovascular (diabetes, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, obesity), maternal mental health (depression, anxiety), and premature birth. Claims for 1 year following birth identified adult and pediatric preventive visits. Logistic regression assessed the relationship between visits and risks, adjusting for maternal demographics, perinatal health care utilization, year, and state.

Results:
Of 594,888 mother-infant dyads with Medicaid eligibility for 1 year following birth, 36% had health risks. In total, 38% of all dyads, and 33% with health risks, had no adult preventive visits. Dyads had a median of 1 (IQR, 0–2) adult and 3 (IQR, 2–5) pediatric preventive visits. A total of 72% of dyads had more preventive visits in pediatric than adult settings. In regression, preterm birth was associated with lower odds of any adult preventive visits [odds ratio (OR), 0.97; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.95–0.99], and maternal health risks with higher odds (cardiovascular OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.18–1.21; mental health OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.84–1.91), compared with dyads without risk.

Conclusions:
Maternal health risks were associated with increased adult preventive visits, but 38% of dyads had no adult preventive visits in the year following birth. Most dyads had more opportunities for preventive care in pediatric settings than adult settings.
#Testathome: Implementing 2 Phases of a HIV Self-Testing Program Through Community-Based Organization Partnerships in New York City
Authors: Hubbard Stephanie J. , Ma Maria , Wahnich Amanda , Clarke Alyson , Myers Julie E. , Saleh Lena D. 
Published: March 2020

Background
Access to human immnodeficiency virus (HIV) testing in New York City (NYC) has increased, but disparities in testing rates still exist among most communities impacted by HIV. HIV self-tests (HIVSTs) present an opportunity to address testing barriers, but HIV-affected communities experience difficulties accessing HIVSTs, including lack of awareness and cost. To support increased access to HIVSTs, the NYC Health Department launched a partnership with select organizations to pilot distribution of free HIVSTs in 2 phases among priority populations across NYC.

Methods
Organizations that were diverse in their missions, experiences, capacities and populations served were recruited through a formal application process. The program initially launched with 10 organization partners (phase 1); as the pilot continued, partners identified necessary revisions to the program and launched a second phase in year 2. Both phases included outreach to NYC priority populations, HIVST distribution/redemption, and a follow-up survey.

Results
From March 2017 to August 2019, organizations distributed 75 HIVSTs during phase 1 and 252 during phase 2. All intended priority populations were reached, notably, those who had never tested before: 35% in phase 1 and 12% in phase 2. Over half of the follow-up survey respondents reported testing sooner. Respondents reported liking the HIVST because it did not require a visit to a clinic (84%) and preferred an HIVST to testing in a clinic (92%).

Conclusions
Through 2 phases of implementation, this innovative partnership was able to reach and offer HIVSTs to priority populations across NYC. This program supports the feasibility of distributing HIVSTs through close partnerships with diverse organizations.