bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes of the tear film lipid layer thickness after cataract surgery in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhang Keke , Zhang Shaohua , Yu Jifeng , Lu Yi , Zhu Xiangjia 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate changes in the tear film lipid layer thickness (LLT) in cataract patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) after cataract surgery.MethodsWe recruited consecutive cataract patients and recorded data regarding DM condition. Lipid layer thickness (LLT) and partial blinks rates measured with the LipiView interferometer, tear break‐up time (TBUT) and Schirmer’s tests, and dry eye symptoms evaluated with the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire were conducted before and one month after cataract surgery.ResultsFinally, 38 age‐related cataract (ARC) and 31 diabetic cataract (DC) patients were available for analysis. No significant difference in preoperative LLT and partial blink rates was found between ARC and DC group. However, preoperative TBUT and Schirmer’s test results were significantly lower in DC group compared to ARC group (both p < 0.001). DC group showed higher preoperative OSDI score with no significant difference than ARC group (p = 0.279). In DC group, LLT was significantly thinner in cases with longer duration of DM (over 10 years) than in those with shorter duration (p < 0.001). One month after surgery, LLT of DC group was significantly thinner than at baseline (pre: 65.7 ± 23.3, post: 51.3 ± 17.1, p = 0.002). While in ARC group, LLT had no significant difference before and after cataract surgery (pre: 67.1 ± 23.4, post: 60.2 ± 21.1, p = 0.078). Compared to baseline data, there was no statistically significant difference between two groups in the partial blink rates, TBUT and Schirmer’s test results after cataract surgery (p > 0.05). Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores were significantly higher after surgery than at baseline in both ARC (pre: 8.9 ± 8.4, post: 12.4 ± 8.5, p = 0.003) and DC group (pre: 11.4 ± 10.3, post: 18.5 ± 8.5, p = 0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed OSDI scores were associated with LLT either before or after cataract surgery (β = −0.862, p < 0.001 and β = −0.592, p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionThe tear film LLT is correlated with duration of DM and becomes significantly thinner one month after cataract surgery, leading to the aggravation of dry eye symptoms.
Role of core body temperature in nephrolithiasis
Authors: Srirangapatanam Sudarshan , Wiener Scott , Stoller Marshall L. 
Published: August 2020

ObjectivesTo assess the role of core body temperature in urinary stone formation using a large clinical dataset.Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively collected 14 519 039 individual temperature measurements from 580 416 patients with medical history, laboratory values and medication history between 2013 and 2018 at a single institution. After exclusions and matching 2:1 (controls:cases) to account for confounding variables, 7104 patients with a history of urinary stones were identified.ResultsPatients with a history of urinary stones (cases) had an elevated mean (SD) oral temperature compared to matched controls, at 36.666 (0.17) vs 36.659 (0.20)°C (P = 0.012). Logistic regression of matched samples showed that higher core body temperature was predictive of a history of nephrolithiasis (odds ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.4; P = 0.015).ConclusionCore body temperature was significantly higher in patients with a history of urinary stones compared to matched controls, contrary to the anticipated thermodynamic considerations leading to crystal aggregation. Given that the core body temperature is elevated, rather than decreased, thermodynamic process driving stone formation is unlikely.
Personalized prediction of daily eczema severity scores using a mechanistic machine learning model
Authors: Hurault Guillem , Domínguez‐Hüttinger Elisa , Langan Sinéad M. , Williams Hywel C. , Tanaka Reiko J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with periods of flares and remission. Designing personalized treatment strategies for AD is challenging, given the apparent unpredictability and large variation in AD symptoms and treatment responses within and across individuals. Better prediction of AD severity over time for individual patients could help to select optimum timing and type of treatment for improving disease control.ObjectiveWe aimed to develop a proof of principle mechanistic machine learning model that predicts the patient‐specific evolution of AD severity scores on a daily basis.MethodsWe designed a probabilistic predictive model and trained it using Bayesian inference with the longitudinal data from two published clinical studies. The data consisted of daily recordings of AD severity scores and treatments used by 59 and 334 AD children over 6 months and 16 weeks, respectively. Validation of the predictive model was conducted in a forward‐chaining setting.ResultsOur model was able to predict future severity scores at the individual level and improved chance‐level forecast by 60%. Heterogeneous patterns in severity trajectories were captured with patient‐specific parameters such as the short‐term persistence of AD severity and responsiveness to topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors and step‐up treatment.ConclusionsOur proof of principle model successfully predicted the daily evolution of AD severity scores at an individual level and could inform the design of personalized treatment strategies that can be tested in future studies. Our model‐based approach can be applied to other diseases with apparent unpredictability and large variation in symptoms and treatment responses such as asthma.
Indications and clinical outcomes of indwelling pleural catheter placement in patients with malignant pleural effusion in a cancer setting hospital
Authors: Akram Muhammad Junaid , Khalid Usman , Bakar Muhammad Abu , Butt Faheem Mahmood , Ashraf Mohammad Bilal , Khan Faheem 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe placement of indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) is an effective outpatient approach for the management of malignant pleural effusions (MPE).Aims

The indications and outcome of IPC in patients with MPE.

Risk stratifications, prevention and management of IPC‐related complications.

MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of patients with MPE who underwent IPC insertion from July 2011 to July 2019. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the independent risk factors associated with IPC infection and the Kaplan–Meier method to determine the overall survival.ResultsA total of 102 patients underwent IPC insertion during the stipulated period and the mean age was 50.49 ± 14.36 years. Seventy‐one (69.6%) were females. The indications were Trap Lung in 38 (37.3%), failed talc pleurodesis in 28 (27.5%) and as a primary intervention in 36 (35.3%). The infection rate was 25.5%, of which 65.4% patients had nosocomial infections. Post‐IPC overall median survival time was 9.0 ± 2.50 weeks with highest in patients with trap lung (18 ± 1.50 weeks). In multivariable analysis, following variables were identified as a significant independent risk factor for IPC infection: Multiloculated MPE (AOR 2.80; 95%CI (1.00‐9.93), 0.04), trap lung (AOR 7.57; 95%CI (1.39‐41.25), 0.01), febrile neutropenia (FN) (AOR 28.55; 95%CI (4.23‐19.74), 0.001), IPC domiciliary education (AOR 0.18; 95%CI (0.05‐0.66), 0.001) and length of hospital stay (AOR 1.16; 95%CI (1.01‐1.33), 0.03).ConclusionIPC insertion is an effective management for MPE with reasonable survival benefits. Infection is the most common complication, of which mostly are nosocomial infections with higher incidence in multiloculated effusions, trap lung, FN and with lack of domiciliary IPC care education.
Corticosteroid, oseltamivir and delayed admission are independent risk factors for prolonged viral shedding in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Hu Fuying , Yin Gang , Chen Youping , Song Jiangqin , Ye Maosong , Liu Jie , Chen Cuicui , Song Yuanlin , Tang Xinjun , Zhang Yong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionCoronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has spread worldwide, and it has reached to more than 14.5 million cases. Although Hubei province is the epicenter of China, little is known about epidemiological and clinical features of COVID‐19 in other areas in Hubei province around Wuhan. In addition, the virological data, particularly the factors associated with viral shedding of COVID‐19 has not been well described.ObjectiveTo describe the epidemiological and clinical features of patients with COVID‐19 in Tianmen city, and identify risk factors associated with prolonged viral shedding of COVID‐19.MethodsInpatients with COVID‐19 admitted before February 9, 2020 were included. Characteristics were compared between patients with early and late viral RNA shedding. Multivariate cox regression model was used to investigate variables associated with prolonged viral shedding.ResultsOne hundred and eighty‐three patients were included. About 8.2% patients were categorized as critical degree of severity. All patients received antiviral therapy, with arbidol and interferon being the commonest. About 38.3% and 16.9% patients were treated with corticosteroid and immunoglobulin, respectively. Time from onset to admission (HR = 0.829, P < 0.001), and administration of corticosteroid (HR = 0.496, P = 0.002), arbidol (HR = 2.605, P = 0.008) and oseltamivir (HR = 0.416, P < 0.001) were independently associated with duration of viral shedding.ConclusionSymptoms of patients from Tianmen are relatively mild. Treatment should be started as early as possible, but corticosteroid and oseltamivir should be initiated with caution. In addition, clinical trials on arbidol should be conducted to demonstrate its effectiveness.
Using a multidimensional model of attention to predict low‐income preschoolers’ early academic skills across time
Authors: Shannon Katherine A. , Scerif Gaia , Raver C. Cybele 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe current study examines the organization of attention skills across the preschool year before kindergarten, and tests how distinct attention subcomponents predict early academic skills in a sample of low‐income children (n = 99). Children completed well‐validated attention tasks in fall at 4.5 years old and spring at 5 years old, capturing the abilities to selectively focus, sustain attention, and employ executive control. Exploratory factor analyses at both time points support a 2‐factor model differentiating selective and sustained attention from attention processing speed and executive attention, suggesting that attention in low‐income preschoolers may have a simpler organization than the 3‐factor structure found in adulthood. Multiple regression models find children's ability to selectively focus and sustain attention serves as a robust concurrent and longitudinal predictor of academic skills. These results highlight the role of selective and sustained attention processes in supporting school readiness for economically vulnerable children.
Psychosocial impact of paediatric demyelinating disorders: a scoping review
Authors: Duncan Morvwen , Carroll Susan , Cockburn Rebecca , Johnston Claudia , Bullock Hayley , Mitchell Sophie , Hemingway Cheryl 
Published: August 2020

AimTo: (1) provide greater insight into the psychological and social impact of a range of demyelinating disorders, (2) explore differences between disorders, and (3) provide direction for future research.MethodStudies were identified by searching online databases. Studies that explored the psychological, emotional, or social impact of a range of demyelinating disorders in childhood, including acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, and multiple sclerosis, were included and screened independently by three authors. Data on the design, sample characteristics, psychosocial measures, key findings, and methodological strengths and limitations were extracted. Twenty‐five studies were included in the narrative synthesis.ResultsDemyelinating disorders are associated with lower quality of life, affecting young people's emotional, social, school, and behavioural functioning. There is a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders and fatigue, particularly in multiple sclerosis. Subtle differences exist in the psychological presentation between different demyelinating disorders, with clear gaps in the research for the long‐term psychosocial impact of monophasic conditions.InterpretationThe difference between the impact of monophasic and relapsing demyelinating disorders on psychosocial functioning is unclear. Future research should aim to identify the psychosocial impact across disorders and over time, ensure that services are capturing those patients who may benefit from tailored interventions.What this paper adds

Prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses in paediatric demyelinating disorders is higher than controls.

Depression and emotional concerns are elevated in paediatric demyelinating disorders.

Demyelinating disorders impact children's quality of life across school, social, and physical functioning
Relationship between coronary microvascular dysfunction and left ventricular diastolic function in patients with chest pain and unobstructed coronary arteries
Authors: Lam Jeng Hwan , Quah Jing Xian , Davies Thomas , Boos Christopher John , Nel Karen , Anstey Christopher M. , Stanton Tony , Greaves Kim 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroudDiastolic dysfunction (DD) is reported to affect up to 35% of the adult general population. The consequence of progressive DD is heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) has been suggested as one of the pathologic mechanisms leading to HFpEF. We investigated whether there was an association between coronary microvascular function and echocardiographic indices of left ventricular diastolic function at rest in patients with chest pain and unobstructed coronary arteries (CPUCA).MethodsThis retrospective observational study recruited patients referred to cardiology clinics assessment of chest pain who subsequently underwent assessment via CT coronary angiogram (CTA). Coronary microvascular dysfunction was determined by myocardial blood flow reserve (MBFR; <2.0) using myocardial contrast echocardiography. Echocardiographic indices of diastolic function (septal mitral annular e′; septal mitral annular E/e′, E/A ratio) were measured from baseline transthoracic echocardiogram.Results149 patients (52% men) with a mean age 59.7(9.5) years were recruited. Mean (standard deviation) MBFR was 2.2 (0.51). 37% (55/149) had MBFR < 2.0. Median [interquartile range] septal mitral annular e′ velocity and septal mitral annular E/e′ were 7.6 cm/s [6.2, 8.9] and 9.5 [7.5, 10.8], respectively. Univariate regression analysis showed only age was a significant predictor of increasing septal mitral annular E/e′ (β = +0.20 95% CI 0.13, +0.28, P < .001) but not MBFR. Multivariable analysis also showed no association between these septal mitral annular E/e′ and MBFR after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors.ConclusionThere was no relationship found between echocardiographic indices of left ventricular diastolic function and coronary microvascular function at rest.
Gregariousness affects performance and defensive reactions in swallowtail caterpillars
Authors: Cisternas Mónica F. , Escobedo Victor M. , Rios Rodrigo S. , Gianoli Ernesto 
Published: August 2020

1. Group living in caterpillars may enhance individual performance due to sharing of costs associated with individual tasks when dealing with biotic or abiotic ecological factors.2. In the gregarious caterpillar Battus polydamas archidamas (Papilionidae) egg clusters and caterpillar groups vary in size. We hypothesized that individual survival would be higher in larger groups and that group living would enhance individual performance: shorter development time and/or reduced frequency of (presumably costly) defensive reactions in larvae and larger adult size. We also tested whether the group size conferring the highest survival to laboratory‐reared caterpillars matched the most frequent egg clutch size in the field.3. We collected egg clutches in the field and reared caterpillars in groups of 1, 6, 10, and 14 individuals. We quantified larval survival and stage duration as well as adult mass under laboratory conditions, excluding natural enemies. We also recorded the frequency of larval defensive reactions (thrashing and osmeterium display) against a tactile stimulus of first‐instar larvae.4. Group living enhanced caterpillar survival, particularly during the first instars, when caterpillars are 100% gregarious. Groups of intermediate size reduced larval development time but group living did not affect adult mass. Individual caterpillars in groups showed defensive reactions less frequently than solitary individuals, revealing a cost‐saving feature of gregariousness for this swallowtail species. The most frequent clutch size in the field (9–10 eggs) did not match the larval group with highest survival (14 individuals), but did match the group with shortest development time.
Land, ladies, and the law: a case study on women's land rights and welfare in Southeast Asia in the nineteenth century†
Authors: Chankrajang Thanyaporn , Vechbanyongratana Jessica 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study evaluates women's de jure and de facto land rights and their implications for household welfare in nineteenth‐century Bangkok. Women constituted a significant share of agricultural landowners holding government‐issued land deeds in central Siam (now Thailand)—a pattern that stands in contrast to both historical and contemporary developing economy contexts where the structure of land rights often favours men. The findings show, through both direct and indirect evidence, that women's de jure rights were upheld in practice. Women made significantly more agricultural investments than male or mixed‐gender owners, which supports the assertion that women perceived their land rights as secure under Siam's traditional usufruct land rights system. An assessment of land‐related court cases directly supports our claim, showing that women in Siam had access to legal representation and were protected when their land rights were challenged by investors and local elites in the context of high demand for both agricultural and urban land. Such secure land rights helped preserve women's livelihoods as agriculturists and household well‐being. We estimate that the median female‐owned orchard could support 10 adults annually, achieving a standard of living comparable to unskilled labourer households in Beijing and Milan during the same period.
Translation and validation of the ageism scale for dental students in Romanian (ASDS‐Rom)
Authors: Veenstra Luke , Barlow Patrick , Kossioni Anastassia , Popescu Sanda Mihaela , Mercut Veronica , Tuculina Mihaela Jana , Scrieciu Monica , Stanusi Andreea , Marchini Leonardo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimsThe aim of this paper was to validate the Romanian version of an ageism scale for dental students.Materials and MethodsThe initial 27‐item ageism scale was translated into Romanian and administered to 210 dental students in Craiova. The data were analysed using principal components analysis (PCA) with an orthogonal, Varimax rotation. The answers were then compared across several demographic variables using a combination of independent samples t tests and one‐way between‐subjects analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsAdequate factorability was confirmed with a Kaiser‐Meyer‐Olkin (KMO) of 0.676 and a Bartlett's Test of Sphericity yielding P < 0.001. PCA revealed a 10‐item scale distributed into three components that accounted for 58% of the overall variance. The first component contained 4 items related to the cost‐benefit of providing care to older patients (α = 0.80). The second contained 3 items that revolved around the perceptions about older people and their value in the society (α = 0.59). The third contained 3 items related to gerodontology training (α = 0.46). Discriminant validity showed differences in the first component based on whether a student had an older family member.ConclusionsThe 10‐item, three components scale demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability.
COVID‐19 coagulopathy: An in‐depth analysis of the coagulation system
Authors: Martín‐Rojas Reyes María , Pérez‐Rus Gloria , Delgado‐Pinos Valeria Estefania , Domingo‐González Amalia , Regalado‐Artamendi Isabel , Alba‐Urdiales Natalia , Demelo‐Rodríguez Pablo , Monsalvo Silvia , Rodríguez‐Macías Gabriela , Ballesteros Monica , Osorio‐Prendes Santiago , Díez‐Martín José Luis , Pascual Izquierdo Cristina 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundAbnormal coagulation parameters have been reported in COVID‐19‐infected patients. Although the underlying mechanism of COVID‐19 coagulopathy remains unknown, it has been suggested to be a form of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to analyze the coagulation parameters of patients with COVID‐19, determine whether coagulation factors consumption occurs and identify potential prognostic biomarkers of the disease.Patients/MethodsBlood samples from hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 pneumonia were collected. We performed basic coagulation tests and quantification of coagulation factors and physiological inhibitor proteins. Laboratory data were compared with clinical data and outcomes.ResultsThe study involved 206 patients (63.6% male). D‐dimer was particularly elevated (median 450 ng/mL; IQR 222.5‐957.3). Free protein S levels were below the normal range (median 56.6%; IQR: 43.6‐68.9), and factor VIII showed an increasing trend (median 173.4%; IQR: 144.1‐214.9). However, all coagulation factors were within normal limits. We found no correlation between abnormal coagulation parameters and thrombosis, except for higher D‐dimer (HR 1.99; 95% CI 1.3‐3.1; P = .002).ConclusionsCOVID‐19 is associated with coagulopathy that correlates with poor prognosis. However, we did not demonstrate a consumption of coagulation factors, as seen in DIC.
Influence of selective caries excavation on marginal penetration of class II composite restorations in vitro
Authors: Scholz Konstantin J. , Hinderberger Michael , Widbiller Matthias , Federlin Marianne , Hiller Karl‐Anton , Buchalla Wolfgang 
Published: August 2020

Selective caries excavation may support pulp preservation. This in vitro study investigated the influence of selective removal of demineralized dentin on marginal integrity of composite restorations as determined by dye penetration. Dentinal caries‐like lesions were produced in the approximal surfaces of 40 extracted human molars (ethylenediaminetetraacetate, 0.5 M, 96 h). The following test procedures were established: complete excavation, selective excavation, and caries‐free control. Two class II cavities with enamel at the cervical margins were prepared per tooth and demineralization volume was determined by micro‐computed tomography for the purpose of a stratified distribution to receive complete excavation or selective excavation. After complete or selective excavation (30 cavities each), adhesive composite restorations were placed. Cavities without demineralized dentin (20 cavities) served as control. The marginal integrity of restorations was evaluated by dye penetration with and without thermocycling or mechanical loading. Results were analyzed by non‐parametrical statistical tests (Mann‐Whitney U Test) with an α = 0.05 level of significance. Dye penetration did not differ significantly among completely excavated, selectively excavated, or undemineralized teeth, but was increased by thermocycling and mechanical loading in all experimental groups. Selective caries removal did not increase marginal penetration in class II restorations. The presence of remaining demineralized dentin surrounded by sound dentin did not impair marginal integrity of restorations with margins placed in sound enamel.