bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant and Glaucoma Drainage Device Placement for Uveitic Glaucoma
Authors: Nguyen Tran , Kim Han , Mielke Christy , Momont Anna C. , Brandt James D. , Liu Yao 
Published: January 2020

Precis:
At 1-year postoperative follow-up, concurrent placement of a dexamethasone intravitreal implant and glaucoma drainage device effectively controlled intraocular pressure (IOP) and inflammation in eyes with uveitic glaucoma with no changes in systemic immunomodulatory therapy.

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to assess 1-year postoperative outcomes in eyes with uncontrolled uveitic glaucoma following concurrent placement of a dexamethasone intravitreal implant and glaucoma drainage device.

Materials and Methods:
This is a retrospective, observational case series of patients with chronic, noninfectious uveitis and uveitic glaucoma uncontrolled on maximal tolerated medical therapy with at least 1-year postoperative follow-up. The main outcomes were visual acuity, IOP, number of glaucoma medications, recurrent inflammation, frequency of topical steroids, systemic immunomodulatory therapy, and adverse events. Success was defined as IOP <21 mm Hg and IOP reduced by >20% from baseline on at least 2 consecutive visits after 3 months either with or without glaucoma medications (ie, partial or complete success, respectively).

Results:
Eight eyes in 6 patients met the inclusion criteria. The average age was 44.1±19.7 years (range: 10 to 68 y) and 50% were female. At 1-year, there was no significant change in visual acuity. No eyes lost ≥3 lines of vision. The majority of eyes (87.5%) achieved complete (n=2) or partial success (n=5) with a decrease in average IOP from 36.5 to 11.8 mm Hg (P=0.002). Glaucoma medication use decreased from 3.0 to 1.3 medications (P=0.04). There was a significant decrease in the number of episodes of recurrent inflammation in the 6 months following surgery compared with the 6 months before surgery (P=0.004).

Conclusion:
In this small case series, dexamethasone intravitreal implant combined with Ahmed glaucoma drainage device appears to be an effective approach for the management of uncontrolled uveitic glaucoma.
Enterococcal Bacteremia in Children With Malignancies and Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Friedman Gal , Stepensky Polina , Abu Ahmad Wiessam , Masarwa Reem , Temper Violetta , Oster Yonatan , Amit Sharon , Averbuch Diana 
Published: January 2020

Background:
Data on enterococcal bacteremia (EB) in immunocompromised children are scarce. We aimed to describe EB in children with hematologic malignancies (HM), solid tumors and/or following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and analyze their ampicillin and vancomycin resistance.

Methods:
We conducted an observational retrospective study in the tertiary-care Hadassah University Medical Center (2001-2015). We collected demographic, clinical and laboratory data on EB and compared ampicillin and vancomycin sensitive with resistant episodes.

Results:
Fifty-six of 1123 children developed 74 episodes of EB; 62.1% Enterococcus faecium, 36.5% Enterococcus faecalis; and 1.4% Enterococcus gallinarum. EB developed in 12.1% of HSCT patients, 5.1% of HM, 6.3% of neuroblastoma and 1.0% of other solid tumors patients. Of these episodes, 85.1% were nosocomial, and 71.6% developed while on antibiotic therapy. Resistance rates were: to ampicillin, 57.6%; to vancomycin (vancomycin-resistant enterococci), 21.6%; and higher rates among E. faecium. Among vancomycin-resistant enterococci, 1 of 16 was linezolid and 2 of 10 daptomycin resistant. Overall 7- and 30-day mortality rates were 2.7% and 5.4%, respectively. Thirty-day mortality was 18.2% in recurrent episodes and 0% in the first-time EB episodes (P = 0.006). In multivariate analysis, high treatment intensity was associated with ampicillin resistance [odds ratio (OR) = 3.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31–9.12], prior penicillin exposure (OR = 7.50, 95% CI: 1.41–39.81) and breakthrough on vancomycin (OR = 18.83, 95% CI: 3.31–101.14) with vancomycin resistance.

Conclusions:
EB occurs mainly as a nosocomial infection in children receiving high-intensity chemotherapy, especially in those with neuroblastoma, HM and following HSCT. Antibiotic resistance is common. Vancomycin resistance can occur regardless of previous vancomycin use. Prognosis in immunocompromised children with EB is better than previously reported. Recurrent EB is associated with increased mortality.
Morbihan Syndrome, a UK Case Series
Authors: Yvon Camille , Mudhar Hardeep Singh , Fayers Tessa , Siah We Fong , Malhotra Raman , Currie Zanna , Tan Jennifer , Rajak Saul 
Published: January 2020

Purpose:
To describe 10 patients with Morbihan syndrome, a rare condition characterized by the slow appearance of erythema and solid edema on the upper portion of the face, and review the literature.

Methods:
Retrospective case series and review.

Results:
The majority of patients were male (80%), and the mean age at presentation was 67 years (range, 48–88 years); 60% had asymmetrical disease (affecting mainly the right side). All subjects underwent a lid biopsy to support the diagnosis of Morbihan syndrome, which showed features of inflammation and vascular dysfunction, highly suggestive of a rosacea histological picture complicated by chronic lymphoedema. A range of medical and surgical treatment were used with variable success. The most effective ones included oral isotretinoin, intralesional triamcinolone injections, and debulking surgery.

Conclusions:
Morbihan syndrome is a rare and chronic condition. It can be difficult to treat and may require a range of interventions.
Fungal infections of the skin and soft tissue
Authors: Gunaydin Sibel Dogan , Arikan-Akdagli Sevtap , Akova Murat 
Published: January 2020

Purpose of reviewThis review aims to update on recent findings about epidemiology, risk factors and therapeutic options for fungi causing skin and soft tissue infections. The latest data on emerging antifungal resistance are also discussed.Recent findingsIn parallel with increased use of immunosuppression, the incidence of fungal infections is also on rise. This increase involves not only systemic infections but also infections with primary and secondary skin involvement. Antifungal resistance has become a major issue and covers several fungal pathogens including dermatophytes,Candidaspp. and,Aspergillus fumigatus. Multidisciplinary usage of newly targeted, immunomodulatory therapies may predispose patients to have fungal infections through mimicking an immunosuppressed status caused by genetic factors or the disease itself. Nonimmunosupressed patients, although less frequently than those with immunosuppression may also be vulnerable.SummaryPhysicians should be aware about skin and soft tissue findings related with systemic or locally occuring mycosis. Emerging antifungal resistance may hamper the success of the treatment. Antifungal susceptibility testing is advisable wherever available and particularly when a disseminated fungal infection is present.
Prolapse Recurrence After Sacrocolpopexy Mesh Removal: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sassani Jessica C. , Ross James H. , Lopa Samia , Handzel Robert M. , Bradley Megan S. , Bonidie Michael 
Published: January 2020

Objectives
There is limited literature regarding outcomes after sacrocolpopexy mesh removal. We sought to compare the proportion of prolapse recurrence in women after sacrocolpopexy mesh removal with women who underwent sacrocolpopexy without subsequent mesh removal. We hypothesize that more women will experience prolapse recurrence after mesh removal.

Methods
This is a retrospective cohort study of women who underwent sacrocolpopexy mesh removal between 2010 and 2019. These patients were time matched with women who had a sacrocolpopexy but did not undergo mesh removal. Prolapse recurrence was defined as the leading edge past the hymen or retreatment. Analysis was done using χ2, Wilcoxon rank-sum, or t test with a Cox proportional hazard model to assess the association between mesh removal and time to recurrence.

Results
We identified 26 mesh removals, which were matched with 78 patients without mesh removal. The most common indications for mesh removal were exposure (69.2%) and pain (57.7%). Women who underwent mesh removal were more likely to have Mersilene mesh (19.2% vs 1.3%, P = 0.006). Recurrence occurred in 46% of women who had mesh removal compared with 7.7% in those without (P < 0.001). When adjusted for age, parity, menopause, smoking, and diabetes status, those who had mesh removal had a 15 times higher hazard of prolapse recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio = 15.4, 95% confidence interval = 4.3–54.8, P = <.0001).

Conclusions
When compared with time-matched controls, women who underwent sacrocolpopexy mesh removal had a significantly higher proportion of prolapse recurrence. Prospective studies are needed to further explore the utility of concomitant prolapse repair at the time of mesh removal.
Surgeon-Team Separation in Robotic Theaters: A Qualitative Observational and Interview Study
Authors: El-Hamamsy Dina , Walton Thomas J. , Griffiths T.R. Leyshon , Anderson Elizabeth S. , Tincello Douglas G. 
Published: January 2020

Background
The rapid uptake of robotic surgery has largely been driven by the improved technical aspects of minimally invasive surgery including improved ergonomics, wristed instruments, and 3-dimensional vision. However, little attention has been given to the effect of physical separation of the surgeon from the rest of the operating team.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to examine in depth how this separation affected team dynamics and staff emotions.

Methods
Robotic procedures were observed in 2 tertiary hospitals, and laparoscopic/open procedures were added for comparison; field notes were taken instantaneously. One-to-one interviews with theater team members were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative analysis was conducted via grounded theory approach using NVIVO11.

Results
Twenty-nine participants (26 interviewed) were recruited to the study (11 females) and 134 (109 robotic) hours of observation were completed across gynecology, urology, and colorectal surgery.
The following 3 main themes emerged with compounding factors identified: (a) communication challenge, (b) immersion versus distraction, and (c) emotional impact. Compounding factors included the following: individual and team experience, staffing levels, and the physical theater environment.

Conclusions
Our emergent theory is that “surgeon-team separation in robotic theaters poses communication challenges which impacts on situational awareness and staff emotions.” These can be ameliorated by staff training, increased experience, and team/procedure consistency.
Intrinsic excitation-inhibition imbalance affects medial prefrontal cortex differently in autistic men versus women
Authors: Trakoshis Stavros , Martínez-Cañada Pablo , Rocchi Federico , Canella Carola , You Wonsang , Chakrabarti Bhismadev , Ruigrok Amber N. V. , Bullmore Edward T. , Suckling John , Markicevic Marija , Zerbi Valerio ,   MRC AIMS Consortium, Baron-Cohen Simon , Gozzi Alessandro , Lai Meng-Chuan , Panzeri Stefano , Lombardo Michael V. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractExcitation-inhibition (E:I) imbalance is theorized as an important pathophysiological mechanism in autism. Autism affects males more frequently than females and sex-related mechanisms (e.g., X-linked genes, androgen hormones) can influence E:I balance. This suggests that E:I imbalance may affect autism differently in males versus females. With a combination ofin-silicomodeling andin-vivochemogenetic manipulations in mice, we first show that a time-series metric estimated from fMRI BOLD signal, the Hurst exponent (H), can be an index for underlying change in the synaptic E:I ratio. In autism we find that H is reduced, indicating increased excitation, in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) of autistic males but not females. Increasingly intact MPFC H is also associated with heightened ability to behaviorally camouflage social-communicative difficulties, but only in autistic females. This work suggests that H in BOLD can index synaptic E:I ratio and that E:I imbalance affects autistic males and females differently.
Resting and functional pupil response metrics indicate features of reward sensitivity and Autism Spectrum Disorder in children
Authors: DiCriscio Antoinette Sabatino , Troiani Vanessa 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTAltered motivational drives and aberrant reward system function may contribute to the social impairments observed in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Pupil metrics have been highlighted as peripheral indicators of autonomic arousal and reward system function, specifically noradrenergic and dopaminergic activity that influence motivational drive states. However, research on individual differences in the neurobiological correlates of reward responsivity and clinically relevant features associated with ASD is sparse. The goal of the current study was to examine the relationship between measures of sensitivity to punishment and reward, ASD features, and resting as well as functional pupil response metrics across a clinically heterogeneous pediatric sample. We assessed whether quantitative features of reward sensitivity are linearly related to core clinical features of ASD. Pupil metrics were measured using a passive eye tracking task. Scores on a parent-report measure of punishment and reward sensitivity were found to be positively correlated with ASD features. Given these relationships, we assessed whether pupil measurements could be used as a neurobiological correlate of reward sensitivity and predictor of clinically significant ASD traits. In a logistic regression model, we find that the amplitude of pupil dilation, along with sex and full-scale IQ, could be used to correctly classify 84.9% of participants as having an ASD diagnosis versus not having an ASD diagnosis. This research highlights individual differences of reward sensitivity that scale with ASD features. Furthermore, reported results emphasize that functional pupil response metrics and other objective patient-level variables can be used together as predictors of ASD diagnostic status.
Synaptic loss in primary tauopathies revealed by [11C]UCB-J positron emission tomography
Authors: Holland Negin , Jones P. Simon , Savulich George , Wiggins Julie K. , Hong Young T. , Fryer Tim D. , Manavaki Roido , Sephton Selena Milicevic , Boros Istvan , Malpetti Maura , Hezemans Frank H. , Aigbirhio Franklin I. , Coles Jonathan P. , O’Brien John , Rowe James B. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundSynaptic loss is a prominent and early feature of many neurodegenerative diseases.ObjectivesWe tested the hypothesis that synaptic density is reduced in the primary tauopathies of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP-Richardson’s syndrome) and amyloid-negative corticobasal syndrome (CBS).MethodsForty four participants (15 CBS, 14 PSP, and 15 age-/sex-/education-matched controls) underwent positron emission tomography (PET) with the radioligand [11C]UCB-J, which binds to synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A), a marker of synaptic density; participants also had 3T magnetic resonance imaging and clinical and neuropsychological assessment.ResultsNine CBS patients had negative amyloid biomarkers determined by [11C]PiB PET and hence were deemed likely to have corticobasal degeneration (CBD). Patients with PSP-Richardson’s syndrome and amyloid-negative CBS were impaired in executive, memory and visuospatial tasks. [11C]UCB-J binding was reduced across frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes, cingulate, hippocampus, insula, amygdala and subcortical structures in both PSP and CBD patients compared to controls (p<0.01), with median reductions up to 50%, consistent with post mortem data. Reductions of 20-30% were widespread even in the areas of the brain with minimal atrophy. There was a negative correlation between global [11C]UCB-J binding and the PSP and CBD rating scales (R= −0.61 p<0.002, R= −0.72 p<0.001, respectively) and a positive correlation with the revised Addenbrookes Cognitive Examination (R=0.52, p=0.01).ConclusionsWe confirm severe synaptic loss in PSP and CBD in proportion to disease severity, providing critical insight into the pathophysiology of primary degenerative tauopathies. [11C]UCB-J may facilitate treatment strategies for disease-modification, synaptic maintenance or restoration.
Streptococcus intermedius as a leading agent of brain abscess: retrospective analysis of a UK cohort
Authors: Darlow Christopher A , McGlashan Nicholas , Kerr Richard , Oakley Sarah , Pretorius Pieter , Jones Nicola , Matthews Philippa C 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundBrain abscess is an uncommon condition, but carries high mortality. Current treatment guidelines are based on limited data. Surveillance of clinical, radiological and microbiology data is important to inform patient stratification, interventions, and antimicrobial stewardship.MethodsWe undertook a retrospective, observational study of patients with brain abscess, based on hospital coding, in a UK tertiary referral teaching hospital. We reviewed imaging data, laboratory microbiology, and antibiotic prescriptions.ResultsOver a 47 month period, we identified 47 adults with bacterial brain abscess (77% male, median age 47 years). Most of the abscesses were solitary frontal or parietal lesions. A microbiological diagnosis was secured in 39/47 (83%) of cases, among which the majority were of the Streptococcus milleri group (27/39; 69%), with a predominance of Streptococcus intermedius (19/27; 70%). Patients received a median of 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics (most commonly ceftriaxone), followed by variable oral follow-on regimens. Ten patients (21%) died, up to 146 days after diagnosis. Mortality was significantly associated with increasing age, multiple abscesses, immunosuppression and the presence of an underlying cardiac anomaly.ConclusionOur data suggest that there has been a shift away from staphylococcal brain abscesses, towards S. intermedius as a dominant pathogen. In our setting, empiric current first line therapy with ceftriaxone remains appropriate on microbiological grounds and narrower spectrum therapy may sometimes be justified. Mortality of this condition remains high among patients with comorbidity. Prospective studies are required to inform optimum dose, route and duration of antimicrobial therapy.
Brain network dynamics fingerprints are resilient to data heterogeneity
Authors: Menara Tommaso , Lisi Giuseppe , Pasqualetti Fabio , Cortese Aurelio 
Published: January 2020

AbstractLarge multi-site neuroimaging datasets have significantly advanced our quest to understand brain-behaviour relationships and to develop biomarkers of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Yet, such data collections come at a cost, as the inevitable differences across samples may lead to biased or erroneous conclusions. Previous work has investigated this critical issue in resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data in terms of effects on static measures, such as functional connectivity and brain parcellations. Here, we depart from prior approaches and utilize dynamical models to examine how diverse scanning factors in multi-site fMRI recordings affect our ability to infer the brain’s spatiotemporal wandering between large-scale networks of activity. Building upon this premise, we first confirm the emergence of robust subject-specific dynamical patterns of brain activity. Next, we exploit these individual fingerprints to show that scanning sessions belonging to different sites and days tend to induce high variability, while other factors, such as the scanner manufacturer or the number of coils, affect the same metrics to a lesser extent. These results concurrently indicate that we can recover the unique trajectories of brain activity changes in each individual, but also that our ability to infer such patterns is affected by how, where and when we try to do so.Author summaryWe investigate the important issue of data heterogeneity in large multi-site data collections of brain activity recordings. At a time in which appraising the source of variability in large datasets is gaining increasing attention, this study provides a novel point of view based on data-driven dynamical models. By employing subject-specific signatures of brain network dynamics, we find that certain scanning factors significantly affect the quality of resting-state fMRI data. More specifically, we first validate the existence of subject-specific brain dynamics fingerprints. As a proof of concept, we show that dynamical states can be estimated reliably, even across different datasets. Finally, we assess which scanning factors, and to what extent, influence the variability of such fingerprints.
Super-resolved live-cell imaging using Random Illumination Microscopy
Authors: Mangeat Thomas , Labouesse Simon , Allain Marc , Martin Emmanuel , Poincloux Renaud , Bouissou Anaïs , Cantaloube Sylvain , Courtaux Elise , Vega Elodie , Li Tong , Guénolé Aude , Rouvière Christian , Allard Sophie , Campo Nathalie , Suzanne Magali , Wang Xiaobo , Michaux Grégoire , Pinot Mathieu , Borgne Roland Le , Tournier Sylvie , Idier Jérôme , Sentenac Anne 
Published: January 2020

SummarySuper-resolution fluorescence microscopy has been instrumental to progress in biology. Yet, the photo-induced toxicity, the loss of resolution into scattering samples or the complexity of the experimental setups curtail its general use for functional cell imaging. Here, we describe a new technology for tissue imaging reaching a 114nm/8Hz resolution at 30 µm depth. Random Illumination Microscopy (RIM) consists in shining the sample with uncontrolled speckles and extracting a high-fidelity super-resolved image from the variance of the data using a reconstruction scheme accounting for the spatial correlation of the illuminations. Super-resolution unaffected by optical aberrations, undetectable phototoxicity, fast image acquisition rate and ease of use, altogether, make RIM ideally suited for functional live cell imagingin situ. RIM ability to image molecular and cellular processes in three dimensions and at high resolution is demonstrated in a wide range of biological situations such as the motion of Myosin II minifilaments inDrosophila.