bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disc-fovea Angle Is Associated With Visual Field Defect Location in Patients With Glaucoma
Authors: Abe Ricardo Y. , Matos Alexis G. , Gracitelli Carolina P.B. , Prata Tiago S. , Ribeiro Guilherme B. , Paula Jayter S. 
Published: July 2020

Precis:
The current study showed that glaucomatous eyes from patients with central visual field defects presented less negative disc-fovea angle compared with patients with peripheral defects.

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between disc-fovea angle and visual field defect location in patients with glaucoma.

Materials and Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study including glaucoma patients divided into isolated central and isolated peripheral scotoma groups. The main outcome measure was disc-fovea angle measurement between groups. Secondary outcomes included disc-fovea distance, vertical disc diameter, and fovea vertical deviation.

Results:
We included 50 glaucoma patients (50 eyes; 27 with central scotoma and 23 with peripheral scotoma). Mean deviation from visual fields was −3.05±1.67 and −2.95±1.49 dB (P=0.829) (central and peripheral scotoma groups, respectively). We found that eyes in the central group had lower values of disc-fovea angle (−5.85±2.67 vs. −7.97±2.26 degrees, P=0.004), shorter disc-fovea distance (4.38±0.70 vs. 4.98±0.78 mm, P=0.006), and shorter fovea vertical deviation (−0.43±0.19 vs. −0.68±0.22 mm, P<0.001) compared with eyes in the peripheral group.

Conclusions:
This study showed an association between disc-fovea angle and central visual field defects in patients with glaucoma. Our findings suggest that eyes with a less negative disc-fovea angle should undergo a more careful investigation of the central visual field, even at early stages of the disease.
Primary Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection Associated With Monoarthritis of the Knee
Authors: Norton Nicholas , Mansbridge Christopher , Pelosi Emanuela , Wilson-Davies Eleri 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Monoarthritis associated with herpes virus infection is rare and previously only described in herpes simplex type 1, varicella zoster, and Epstein-Barr virus infections. Here, we report a case of monoarthritis of the knee associated with primary herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection in an immunocompetent 50-year-old woman. Herpes simplex virus type 2 DNA was detected in plasma and in the joint fluid. The patient had only mild symptoms of herpes simplex virus type 2, suggesting that virus-associated monoarthritis may be underrecognized and underreported.
Free Testosterone and Prolactin Levels and Sperm Morphology and Function Among Male Patients With Tramadol Abuse
Authors: Bassiony Medhat M. , Youssef Usama M. , El-Gohari Hayam 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackground/PurposeTramadol abuse has become a crisis in Egypt and many other Middle Eastern countries. Tramadol abuse is associated with sexual dysfunction and male infertility, according to recent animal and human studies. The objective of this study was to compare tramadol abuse patients and healthy controls regarding free testosterone and prolactin levels and semen analysis.MethodsSixty patients with opiate use disorders attributed to tramadol (OUD-T) based onDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(Fifth Edition) diagnostic criteria and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. Sociodemographic and clinical data and urine, blood, and semen samples were collected from patients and controls for assessment.ResultsCompared with controls, OUD-T patients had higher prolactin and lower free testosterone levels. Patients with OUD-T were more likely to have lower sperm count and higher abnormal motility and forms of sperms compared with controls.ConclusionsPatients with OUD-T were found to be more likely to have lower free testosterone levels and lower sperm counts and vitality, and higher prolactin levels and sperm abnormal forms compared with controls.
Antidepressants and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Kuo Hsin-Ya , Chen Hsiu-Min , Lee Ching-Chih , Lee Hsuan-Han , Kuo Chuan-Jung , Hsu Chun-Sheng , Pan Chih-Chuan , Su Ning , Chu Che-Sheng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Purpose/Background
The increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among users of antidepressants (ADs) might be mediated by depression. We investigated whether ADs are associated with increased risk of T2DM in patients with depression. Moreover, the relationship between binding affinities of serotonin transporter (SERT) of ADs and the risk of T2DM is examined.

Methods/Procedures
We conducted a retrospective nested case-control study using data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database between 2000 and 2013. A total of 3038 patients with depression, 1519 cases of T2DM, and 1519 controls matched for age, sex, and index date, were included. Exposure to ADs was categorized by type and SERT. The association between AD exposure and T2DM development was assessed using conditional logistic regression analysis.

Findings/Results
No association between T2DM development and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87–1.19; P = 0.962), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (AOR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.94–1.37; P = 1.196), tricyclic antidepressants (AOR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.85–1.21; P = 0.906), or others (AOR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.75–1.03; P = 0.104) was found. Alternatively, no association between individual ADs and potency of affinity to SERT and the risk of T2DM was found.

Implications/Conclusions
No association between ADs and increase risk of T2DM was found in patients with depression. However, regular metabolic evaluations are recommended for patients with depression regularly taking ADs.
Flexible endoscopic strategies for the difficult esophageal stricture
Authors: Abad Mary Raina Angeli , Fujiyoshi Yusuke , Inoue Haruhiro 
Published: July 2020

Purpose of reviewBenign strictures of the esophagus, caused by various causes, are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Although endoscopic dilation is still the standard and first-line therapy, complex and difficult esophageal strictures are still encountered and remain a challenge to endoscopists. The main scope of this review article is to offer a closer look at the different endoscopic modalities and approaches to complex and difficult esophageal strictures.Recent findingsIn the past few years, endoscopic dilatation, stents including self-expandable and biodegradable types, incisional therapy, and pharmacological treatments have been utilized in the prevention and management of refractory and recurrent esophageal strictures. Meanwhile, more recent techniques such as the BougieCap, percutaneous transgastric endoscopic myotomy, through-the-scope stents, radial incision and cutting, etc. have been developed as alternative methods. A number of studies utilizing these newer methods have shown promising results in the treatment of complex and difficult esophageal strictures.SummaryEndoscopic treatment of refractory, complex and difficult esophageal strictures still remains to be a challenge for many endoscopists. While balloon or bougie dilatation still remains to be the first-line approach, other techniques have emerged as treatment alternatives and may become adjunct therapy to endoscopic dilatation.
Expanding indications for pancreatic islet cell transplantation
Authors: Miles Carly B. , Gardner Timothy B. 
Published: July 2020

Purpose of review
We aimed to summarize the current state of performing pancreatic islet autotransplantation (IAT) for indications other than total pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis.

Recent findings
The current article will review expanded indications for IAT including partial pancreatectomy for benign inflammatory disease, trauma, pancreatic islet cell tumor and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. In the context of more access for IAT as more centers are offering this clinical service, these expanded indications will continue to push the limits of our ability to make IAT accessible.

Summary
Pancreatic islet cell transplantation is increasingly being used for new indications related to benign disease and malignancy. We expect continued expansion of its use as IAT becomes more accessible.
Electrodiagnostic Testing of Large Fiber Polyneuropathies: A Review of Existing Guidelines
Authors: Tankisi Hatice , Pugdahl Kirsten , Fuglsang-Frederiksen Anders 
Published: July 2020

Summary:
Electrodiagnostic testing for polyneuropathies is a large part of the diagnostic workup in all electrodiagnostic laboratories. Guidelines on examination and diagnostic strategies and classification of polyneuropathies are crucial for standardization of electrodiagnostic testing and best clinical practice. Several guidelines have been suggested on pathophysiological classification, particularly for the definition of inflammatory neuropathies, whereas for axonal polyneuropathies, the literature is sparse. Similarly, there are a few recommendations on examination and diagnostic strategies. This review will cover the existing guidelines on electrodiagnostic testing of large fiber polyneuropathies including examination and diagnostic strategies and pathophysiological classification. In addition, the diagnostic criteria for Guillain–Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, multifocal motor neuropathy, and hereditary neuropathies are summarized.
Airway expression of SARS-CoV-2 receptor, ACE2, and proteases, TMPRSS2 and furin, in severe asthma
Authors: Kermani Nazanin Zounemat , Song Woo-Jung , Lunt Alan , Badi Yusef , Versi Ali , Guo Yike , Sun Kai , Bhavsar Pank , Howarth Peter , Dahlen Sven-Erik , Sterk Peter J , Djukanovic Ratko , Adcock Ian M , Chung Kian Fan 
Published: July 2020

SummaryBackgroundPatients with severe asthma may have a greater risk of dying from COVID-19 disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and enzyme proteases, transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and furin are needed for the attachment and invasion of the virus into host cells. We determined whether their expression in the airways of severe asthma patients is increased.MethodWe examined the microarray mRNA expression of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and furin in the sputum, bronchial brush and bronchial biopsies of participants in the European U-BIOPRED cohort.ResultsACE2 and furin sputum gene expression was significantly increased in severe non-smoking asthma compared to mild-moderate asthma and healthy volunteers. By contrast, TMPRSS2 expression in bronchial biopsy and bronchial brushings was increased in severe smoking and ex-smoking asthmatics, and so was furin expression in bronchial brushings. Several clinical parameters including male gender, oral steroid use and nasal polyps were positively associated with ACE2, TMPRSS2 and furin expression levels. There was a higher expression of ACE2 and furin in the sputum neutrophilic molecular phenotype with inflammasome activation compared to the eosinophilic Type2-high or paucigranulocytic phenotypes. The enrichment score of the IL-13-Type2 gene signature was positively correlated with ACE2, TMPRSS2 and furin levels.ConclusionThese key determinants of virus entry into the lungs may contribute to the poorer outcomes from COVID-19 disease in patients with severe asthma.“take home” messageIn severe asthma, gene expression of ACE, TMPRSS2 and furin are elevated compared to mild-moderate asthma and healthy volunteers, particularly in neutrophilic asthma. This might explain the increased risk of death in severe asthma afflicted with COVID19.
Factors Influencing 4th Year Medical Students’ Rank Lists of Radiology Residency Programs
Authors: Rios Florentino Saenz , Alwan Shadan , Nguyen Quan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundApplicants for radiology residency programs consider various factors when completing their ranking lists of programs. However, in making their decision, there is usually minimal objective data that can guide applicants in creating their rank list.PurposeThe goal of the study is to determine which factors in order of importance lead to the decision to rank one residency program over the other.MethodsThis study was an anonymous, cross-sectional study conducted through an online survey. Emails were sent out to applicants who had interviewed at the University of Texas Medical Branch’s Diagnostic Radiology department the day after match day. The survey consisted of a single open-ended question asking the survey taker to list four factors in order of importance that guided their program rank list. Results were compiled, tallied, and categorized to find common themes between the applicant’s preferences.ResultsOf the 73 surveys sent out, a total of 30 applicants responded for a response rate of 41%. The most common “1st preference” factors were “Reputation,” “Location,” and “Work Environment,” with 23.33%, 20%, and 20% of applicants considering these the most important factors in ranking a program.ConclusionDespite reputation being the most common “1st preference” factor, “Work Environment” was more commonly mentioned overall, being mentioned in 23.35% of all answers compared to “Reputation” 12.5%. These results, combined with the difficulty in changing a program’s location and reputation, make it clear that programs should focus on building and highlighting a healthy work environment to attract applicants.
Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Ramachandran Preethi , Gajendran Mahesh , Perisetti Abhilash , Elkholy Karim Osama , Chakraborti Abhishek , Lippi Giuseppe , Goyal Hemant 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionCoronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is causing dramatic morbidity and mortality worldwide. The Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW) has been strongly associated with increased morbidity and mortality in multiple diseases.ObjectiveTo assess if elevated RDW is associated with unfavorable outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19.MethodsWe retrospectively studied clinical outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients for their RDW values. In-hospital mortality was defined as primary outcome, while septic shock, need for mechanical ventilation, and length of stay (LOS) were secondary outcomes.ResultsA total of 294 COVID-19 patients were finally studied. Overall prevalence of increased RDW was 49.7% (146/294). RDW was associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality (aOR, 4.5; 95%CI, 1.4-14.3) and septic shock (aOR, 4.6; 95%CI, 1.4-15.1) after adjusting for anemia, ferritin, and lactate. The association remained unchanged even after adjusting for other clinical confounders such as age, sex, body mass index, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. No association was found instead with mechanical ventilation and median LOS.ConclusionElevated RDW in hospitalized COVID-19 patients is associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality and septic shock.
Tissue-resident macrophages regulate lymphatic vessel growth and patterning in the developing heart
Authors: Cahill Thomas J. , Sun Xin , Ravaud Christophe , Villa del Campo Cristina , Klaourakis Konstantinos , Lupu Irina-Elena , Lord Allegra M. , Browne Cathy , Jacobsen Sten Eirik W. , Greaves David R. , Jackson David G. , Cowley Sally A. , James William , Choudhury Robin P. , Vieira Joaquim Miguel , Riley Paul R. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMacrophages are components of the innate immune system with key roles in tissue inflammation and repair. It is now evident that macrophages also support organogenesis, but few studies have characterized their identity, ontogeny and function during heart development. Here, we show that resident macrophages in the subepicardial compartment of the developing heart coincide with the emergence of new lymphatics and interact closely with the nascent lymphatic capillaries. Consequently, global macrophage-deficiency led to extensive vessel disruption with mutant hearts exhibiting shortened and mis-patterned lymphatics. The origin of cardiac macrophages was linked to the yolk sac and fetal liver. Moreover,Csf1r+andCx3cr1+myeloid sub-lineages were found to play essential functions in the remodeling of the lymphatic endothelium. Mechanistically, macrophage hyaluronan was found to be required for lymphatic sprouting by mediating direct macrophage-lymphatic endothelial cell interactions. Together, these findings reveal insight into the role of macrophages as indispensable mediators of lymphatic growth during the development of the mammalian cardiac vasculature.Summary statementTissue-resident macrophages are indispensable mediators of lymphatic vessel formation during heart development and function to remodel the vascular plexus.
Population Pharmacokinetics of an Anti-PD-1 Antibody Camrelizumab in Patients with Multiple tumor types and model informed dosing strategy
Authors: Wang Chen-yu , Sheng Chang-cheng , Ma Guang-li , Xu Da , Liu Xiao-qin , Wang Yu-ya , Zhang Li , Cui Chuan-liang , Xu Bing-he , Song Yu-qin , Zhu Jun , Jiao Zheng 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveCamrelizumab, a programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor, has been approved for the treatment of relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma. The aim of this study was to perform a population pharmacokinetics (PK) analysis of camrelizumab to quantify the impact of patient characteristics on PK and to investigate the appropriateness of flat dose in the dosing regimen.MethodsA total of 3298 camrelizumab concentrations from 133 patients from four studies were analyzed using nonlinear mixed effects modeling. Covariate model building was conducted using stepwise forward addition and backward elimination. Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to compare exposures of 200 mg and 3 mg/kg every 2-week regimens.ResultsThe PK of camrelizumab were adequately described by a two-compartment model with parallel linear and nonlinear clearances. Baseline albumin had significant effects on linear clearance, and weight had effects on inter-compartmental clearance. Moreover, 200 mg and 3 mg/kg regimens provide similar exposure distributions with no advantage to either dosing approach.ConclusionPopulation PK analysis provided an integrated evaluation of the impact of albumin and weight on the PK of camrelizumab. It also provided evidence that neither the flat-dose nor the weight-based dose regimen was advantageous over the other for most patients with tumors.
Functional characterization ofPolr3ahypomyelinating leukodystrophy mutations in theS. cerevisiaehomolog,RPC160
Authors: Moir Robyn D. , Lavados Christian , Lee JaeHoon , Willis Ian M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMutations in RNA polymerase III (Pol III) cause hypomeylinating leukodystrophy (HLD) and neurodegeneration in humans. POLR3A and POLR3B, the two largest Pol III subunits, together form the catalytic center and carry the majority of disease alleles. Disease-causing mutations include invariant and highly conserved residues that are predicted to negatively affect Pol III activity and decrease transcriptional output. A subset of HLD missense mutations in POLR3A cluster in the pore region that provides nucleotide access to the Pol III active site. These mutations were engineered at the corresponding positions in theSaccharomyces cerevisiaehomolog, Rpc160, to evaluate their functional deficits. None of the mutations caused a growth or transcription phenotype in yeast. Each mutation was combined with a frequently occurring pore mutation, POLR3A G672E, which was also wild-type for growth and transcription. The double mutants showed a spectrum of phenotypes from wild-type to lethal, with only the least fit combinations showing an effect on Pol III transcription. In one slow-growing temperature-sensitive mutant the steady-state level of tRNAs was unaffected, however global tRNA synthesis was compromised, as was the synthesis ofRPR1andSNR52RNAs. Affinity-purified mutant Pol III was broadly defective in both factor-independent and factor-dependent transcriptionin vitroacross genes that represent the yeast Pol III transcriptome. Thus, the robustness of yeast to Pol III leukodystrophy mutations inRPC160can be overcome by a combinatorial strategy.
Environment-conditioned male fertility of HD-ZIP IV transcription factor mutantocl4: impact on 21-nt phasiRNA accumulation in pre-meiotic maize anthers
Authors: Yadava Pranjal , Tamim Saleh , Zhang Han , Teng Chong , Zhou Xue , Meyers Blake C. , Walbot Virginia 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEnvironment-conditioned genic male sterility is a key strategy used to produce hybrid seeds efficiently in many crops, with the exception of maize. The underlying molecular mechanisms of environment-conditioned sterility are poorly understood. Here, we report a derivative line of the male sterileouter cell layer 4(ocl4) mutant of maize, in which fertility was restored and perpetuated over several generations, under warm growing conditions. Conditionally fertileocl4anthers exhibit the anatomical abnormality of a partially duplicated endothecial layer, just like their sterile counterparts. We profiled the dynamics of phased, small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs) during pre-meiotic development in fully sterile and various grades of semi-fertileocl4anthers. We found that the biogenesis of 21-nt phasiRNAs is largely dependent onOcl4at three key steps: (1) production ofPHASprecursor transcripts, (2) expression of miR2118 that modulates precursor processing, and (3) accumulation of 21-nt phasiRNAs. We propose that 21-nt reproductive phasiRNAs buffer development under unfavorable environmental conditions and are dispensable under favorable conditions.
Ecological effects of stress drive bacterial evolvability under sub-inhibitory antibiotic treatments
Authors: Vasse Marie , Bonhoeffer Sebastian , Frenoy Antoine 
Published: July 2020

1AbstractStress is thought to increase mutation rate and thus to accelerate evolution. In the context of antibiotic resistance, sub-inhibitory treatments could then lead to enhanced evolvability, thereby fueling the adaptation of pathogens. Conducting a meta-analysis of published experimental data as well as our own experiments, we found that the increase in mutation rates triggered by antibiotic treatments is often canceled out by reduced population size, resulting in no overall increase in genetic diversity. A careful analysis of the effect of ecological factors on genetic diversity revealed that the potential for regrowth during recovery phase after treatment plays a crucial role in evolvability and is the main predictor of increased genetic diversity in experimental data.