bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of multifocal electroretinogram in assessment of early retinal dysfunction in hypertensive patients
Authors: Farouk Ayat Allah , ElHadidy Reem , Attia Abd ElSalam Eman , Zedan Rasha , Azmy Radwa 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate localized retinal dysfunction in hypertensive patients using multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) and to assess its sensitivity as an early predictor for the development of retinopathy in hypertensive patients. Methods: Ninety-eight eyes were included in this case-control study. Twenty-eight eyes of healthy subjects served as a control group (group I). Seventy eyes belonged to patients with systemic hypertension assigned into two groups; group II including 39 eyes of hypertensive patients with normal fundus and group III including 31 eyes of patients with signs of hypertensive retinopathy. All participants were subjected to complete ophthalmic and electrophysiological examination using mfERG. N1 and P1 wave amplitudes and implicit times from the central hexagon and four concentric rings across the visual field were analyzed. Results: mfERG amplitudes were significantly reduced in hypertensive group with retinopathy than in controls. N1 amplitude was significantly reduced in the most eccentric ring in eyes of hypertensive patients with normal fundus. Conclusion: mfERG is a sensitive objective tool for assessment of retinal dysfunction in hypertensive patients. mfERG amplitude is a promising predictor for early development of retinopathy in systemic hypertension.
A comparison of the effect of intravitreal dexamethasone implant on macular and branch retinal vein occlusion. A real life experience
Authors: Sever Ozkan , Cakir Akin , Horozoglu Fatih 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of intravitreal dexamethasone (IVDx) implants on branch retinal vein occlusions (BRVOs) and macular vein occlusions (MVOs). Methods: Seventeen consecutive patients with MVO and 18 patients with BRVO, whose foveal thicknesses were greater than 300 µm, were recruited for this study. BRVO and MVO patients were diagnosed by means of fundus fluorescein angiography. Patients were treatment-naive. Initially, each patient in both the BRVO and MVO groups received an IVDx implant, and then a pro re nata IVDx regimen was initiated. Primary outcomes included VA gain, intraocular pressure (IOP) changes, macular ischemia, central macular thickness, retinal neovascularization, and number of IVDx injections. Follow-up time was 12 months. Results: The MVO group initially had significantly lower central macular thickness and a lower percentage of macular ischemia and systemic hypertension than those in the BRVO group ( p = 0.001, 0.045, and 0.010, respectively). There was a statistically significant VA gain in both groups ( p < 0.001), but the VA gain of the MVO group was greater than that of the BRVO group ( p < 0.001). The mean total number of IVDx injections administered throughout the study period was significantly lower in the MVO group than in the BRVO group (1.3 ± 0.4 vs 2.0 ± 0.0; p = 0.001). Discussion: MVO and BRVO have different disease characteristics, and IVDx implants were more effective on the visual gain in patients with MVO than that of patients with BRVO who had higher numbers of IVDx injections.
Skin Manifestations in Pediatric Patients Treated With a TNF-Alpha Inhibitor for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Cossio María-Laura , Genois Annie , Jantchou Prévost , Hatami Afshin , Deslandres Colette , McCuaig Catherine 
Published: June 2020

Background Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha inhibitors (anti-TNF) are effective in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well as psoriasis. Their increasing use has raised the identification of cutaneous side effects (CSEs). Evidence in children is limited. Objectives The objective of this study is to describe CSEs of anti-TNF treatment in a pediatric population with IBD. Methods This is a retrospective single-center study of children with IBD under anti-TNF treatment between 2013 and 2016. A total of 40 patients with CSEs related to anti-TNF were referred to our pediatric dermatology clinic. A control group was randomly selected from patients receiving anti-TNF for IBD, who were referred to the dermatology clinic for other conditions unrelated to anti-TNF. Results Of 343 patients with IBD, 40 (11.3%) presented CSEs potentially related to the treatment. No differences in sex, age, and underlying disease were found between those with and without CSEs. The most frequent CSEs were psoriasiform eruptions (41%) which were more exudative than usual, located especially in skin folds and on the scalp; skin infections (20%); and eczematous eruptions (10%). Only 5% of patients changed or discontinued the current anti-TNF because of CSEs. Conclusion This is one of the largest pediatric cohorts of IBD patients with CSEs. Psoriasiform eruptions were the most common CSEs, with predilection for skin folds and scalp, and frequent superimposed bacterial infection. Topical and/or systemic antibiotics were required in addition to topical corticosteroids in 25% of patients. The rate of discontinuation of anti-TNF therapy due to CSEs was low.
Bilingualism in the family and child well-being: A scoping review
Authors: Müller Lisa-Maria , Howard Katie , Wilson Elspeth , Gibson Jenny , Katsos Napoleon 
Published: June 2020

Aims and objectives: The aim of this scoping review is to investigate the association between bilingualism in the family and child subjective well-being, by reviewing the literature to identify key themes to date and remaining questions for future research. Methodology: Scopus, Web of Knowledge, ERIC, Psych Articles and PsychInfo were searched systematically between September and October 2018, and after title, abstract and full-text screening, 17 of the initial 1433 articles were included in this review. Data and analysis: Each study was coded for the discipline from which it emerged, the language combination studied, the measures of well-being and language proficiency it used, the geographical location of the study and the number of participants. Data on the link between bilingualism and well-being was extracted from each study. Findings and conclusion: Two main themes were identified: ‘The effect of language proficiency on family relationships’ and ‘The acculturation of parents and children as mediated by language’. Across studies, there was significant heterogeneity in definition of concepts and a diverse range of measures employed. In addition, the studies identified suggest a positive link between minority language maintenance and child well-being, and a positive influence of bilingualism, rather than knowledge of only the home or the majority language. However, the directionality of these relationships will need to be investigated in future research. Originality: This is the first scoping review conducted systematically to explore the link between bilingualism in the family and child well-being internationally. It builds on previous work such as a narrative review which examined this association in the European context.
Risk stratification for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a real-world study based on locoregional extension patterns and Epstein-Barr virus DNA load
Authors: Zhang Lu-Lu , Huang Meng-Yao , Fei-Xu  , Wang Ke-Xin , Song Di , Wang Ting , Sun Li-Yue , Shao Jian-Yong 
Published: June 2020

Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the combined value of locoregional extension patterns (LEPs) and circulating cell-free Epstein–Barr virus (cf EBV) DNA for risk stratification of locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC) to better guide therapeutic strategies. Methods: A total of 7227 cases of LA-NPC were reviewed retrospectively and classified into six groups according to their LEP (ascending, descending, or mixed type) and pre-treatment cf EBV-DNA load (⩾ versus <4000 copy/ml). Using a supervised statistical clustering approach, patients in the six groups were clustered into low, intermediate, and high-risk clusters. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS) were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and differences were compared using the log-rank test. Results: Survival curves for the low, intermediate, and high-risk clusters were significantly different for all endpoints. The 5-year survival rate for the low, intermediate, and high-risk clusters, respectively, were: PFS (83.5%, 73.2%, 62.6%, p < 0.001), OS (91.0%, 82.7%, 73.2%, p < 0.001), DMFS (92.3%, 83.0%, 73.4%, p < 0.001), and LRRFS (91.0%, 88.0%, 83.3%, p < 0.001). The risk clusters acted as independent prognostic factors for all endpoints. Among the patients in the high-risk cluster, neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) significantly improved the patients 5-year PFS (66.4% versus 57.9%, p = 0.014), OS (77.6% versus 68.6%; p < 0.002), and DMFS (76.6% versus 70.6%; p = 0.028) compared with those treated with CCRT. Conclusion: Our results could facilitate the development of risk-stratification and risk-adapted therapeutic strategies for patients with LA-NPC.
Is Laminar Cartilage Composition as Determined by T2 Relaxometry Associated with Incident and Worsening of Cartilage or Bone Marrow Abnormalities?
Authors: Roemer Frank W. , Eckstein Felix , Duda Georg , Guermazi Ali , Maschek Susanne , Sharma Leena , Wirth Wolfgang 
Published: June 2020

Objective To test the hypothesis that superficial cartilage composition (T2) is associated with subsequent incidence or worsening of cartilage damage, and deep T2 with that of bone marrow lesions (BMLs) in knees without radiographic osteoarthritis (ROA). Design A total of 201 knees from the Osteoarthritis Initiative without ROA were included: 78 from the healthy reference cohort, 60 without ROA but with risk factors, and 63 without ROA but with contralateral ROA. Year 1 (Y1) superficial and deep cartilage T2 were derived in the medial and lateral (weightbearing) femur (MF/LF) and tibia (MT/LT), using sagittal multiecho spin echo magnetic resonance images. Cartilage and BMLs were assessed in the medial (MFTJ) and lateral femorotibial joint (LFTJ) at Y1 and 3 years later. Binary logistic regression statistics were applied. Results Incidence or worsening of cartilage damage was more frequent (MFTJ 15%, LFTJ 13%) than incidence or worsening of BMLs (6.0%, 4.5%). In knees with incident or worsening cartilage lesions in the MF and LT, deep layer T2 in the same plate was elevated (MF, 43.6 ± 4.0 vs. 41.3 ± 3.8 ms, P = 0.047; LT, 33.8 ± 2.3 vs. 32.0 ± 2.2 ms, P = 0.008) compared to those without. In knees with incident or worsening of BMLs in the LFTC and LT, superficial layer T2 was elevated (LFTJ, 49.6 ± 4.8 vs. 46.7 ± 3.1 ms; LT, 47.4 ± 4.9 vs. 44.0 ± 3.3 ms, both Ps = 0.04). Conclusions Contrary to our hypothesis, increased deep layer cartilage T2 was associated with subsequent worsening of cartilage damage, whereas superficial layer T2 was related to subsequent BML worsening. Yet, this relationship was observed in some, but not in all cartilage plates.
Impact of outpatient pharmacy interventions on management of thyroid patients receiving lenvatinib
Authors: Suzuki Shinya , Horinouchi Ai , Uozumi Shinya , Matsuyama Chihiro , Kamata Hayato , Kaneko Asumi , Yamaguchi Masakazu , Okudera Hiroshi , Tahara Makoto , Kawasaki Toshikatsu 
Published: June 2020

Objectives: Medical oncologists and pharmacists at our institution established an integrated support program aimed at preventing unnecessary treatment interruption or dose reduction during oral targeted therapy with lenvatinib. Here, we evaluated the benefits of this program in managing patients with thyroid cancer receiving lenvatinib. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated thyroid cancer patients who received lenvatinib between May 2015 and March 2017. This descriptive study collected records in which pharmacists contributed to changing doctors’ prescriptions and categorized the interventions. Results: During the study period, 24 thyroid cancer patients were treated with lenvatinib. Among patients, the incidence of temporary interruption and dose reduction of lenvatinib due to adverse drug reactions was 100% (n = 24) and 83.3% (n = 20), respectively. There were 193 temporary interruptions of lenvatinib due to adverse drug reactions. A total of 501 outpatient pharmacy services were conducted by pharmacists in collaboration with oncologists, of which 125 were interventions (24.9%). In addition, pharmacists conducted 156 telephone follow-up services; 18 (11.5%) of these were to consult an oncologist about a patient’s confirmed problems and resulted in the decision to continue observation with no medical intervention while 41 (26.2%) resulted in the oncologist deciding to temporarily interrupt lenvatinib treatment after the report of an adverse drug reaction from the pharmacist. Conclusion: Pharmacist interventions in collaboration with medical oncologists improved lenvatinib therapy. Interventions for outpatients were conducted not only in outpatient clinics but also by telephone follow-up, clarifying the importance of continuous management for patients at risk of adverse reactions and misuse of oral medicine.
The use of density mapping in the analysis of thigh pain after total hip arthroplasty in patients with well-fixed tapered wedge stems
Authors: Yoshitani Junya , Kabata Tamon , Kajino Yoshitomo , Ohmori Takaaki , Ueno Takuro , Ueoka Ken , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: The mechanisms underlying thigh pain in patients with well-fixed cementless femoral components after total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains unclear. We hypothesized that the thigh pain is correlated with the initial contact state of the stem and aimed to investigate the relation between thigh pain and the initial contact state. Materials and methods: A total of 209 hips of 184 patients were analysed in this retrospective case–control study. The patients were divided into a thigh pain group ( n = 13 hips) and a control group (without thigh pain, n = 196). Post-operative stem contact images were three-dimensionally visualized by a density mapping function using computed tomography data, which quantified the stem contact area according to Gruen zones. Thigh pain was defined as anterior or anterolateral pain upon loading at 3-month post-operatively. Results: Thirteen hips (6.2%) had thigh pain; however, all the hips demonstrated stable bony ingrowth radiographically. The thigh pain group had a significantly lower contact area in zone 2 ( p = 0.014). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the contact area of zone 2 was negatively correlated with thigh pain [odds ratio (OR): 0.858, p = 0.018], and the canal flare index was negatively correlated with the development of thigh pain (OR: 0.336, p = 0.026). Conclusions: We identified an association between the initial contact state and post-operative thigh pain. Our data demonstrated that proper lateral contact prevents the occurrence of thigh pain in THA using a tapered wedge stem.
Risk factors for intracerebral haemorrhage – Results from a prospective population-based study
Authors: Svensson Edith H , Abul-Kasim Kasim , Engström Gunnar , Söderholm Martin 
Published: June 2020

Introduction While the relationship between hypertension and incident intracerebral haemorrhage is well established, other risk factors are less clear. This study examined risk factors for primary intracerebral haemorrhage, separately for lobar and non-lobar intracerebral haemorrhage. Patients and methods Incidence of intracerebral haemorrhage was studied among 28,416 individuals from the population-based Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort. Intracerebral haemorrhage cases were ascertained using the Swedish Hospital Discharge Register and the Stroke Register of Malmö, validated by review of hospital records and images, and classified by location by a neuroradiologist. Multivariable Cox regression was used. Results Three hundred and thirty-three intracerebral haemorrhages occurred, mean follow-up time was 18.4 years. Systolic blood pressure (hazard ratio per 10 mmHg 1.19 [95% confidence interval 1.13–1.26], diastolic blood pressure (hazard ratio 1.42 [1.27–1.59]), oral anticoagulants (hazard ratio 4.26 [2.17–8.38]), smoking (hazard ratio 1.45 [1.14–1.87]), living alone (hazard ratio 1.32 [1.04–1.69]) and low apolipoprotein B (hazard ratio per 10 mg/dL: 0.94 [0.90–0.99]) were significantly associated with incident intracerebral haemorrhage after multivariable adjustment. Systolic blood pressure, smoking and oral anticoagulants were associated with lobar intracerebral haemorrhage. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, living alone and diabetes were associated with non-lobar intracerebral haemorrhage. Diabetes and diastolic blood pressure showed significantly different relationships with lobar and non-lobar intracerebral haemorrhage. Alcohol, apolipoprotein A1, body mass index, waist circumference, physical activity and education were not independently associated with intracerebral haemorrhage. Discussion and conclusions: Blood pressure, smoking, low apolipoprotein B, oral anticoagulants and living alone were associated with intracerebral haemorrhage. Diabetes was associated with non-lobar intracerebral haemorrhage only. Further research is required on differences between lobar and non-lobar intracerebral haemorrhage.
JAK/STAT pathway inhibition sensitizes CD8 T cells to dexamethasone-induced apoptosis in hyperinflammation
Authors: Meyer Lauren K. , Verbist Katherine C. , Albeituni Sabrin , Scull Brooks P. , Bassett Rachel C. , Stroh Alexa N. , Tillman Heather , Allen Carl E. , Hermiston Michelle L. , Nichols Kim E. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCytokine storm syndromes (CSS) are severe hyperinflammatory conditions characterized by excessive immune system activation leading to organ damage and death. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a disease often associated with inherited defects in cell-mediated cytotoxicity, serves as a prototypical CSS for which the 5-year survival is only 60%. Frontline therapy for HLH consists of the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) and the chemotherapeutic agent etoposide. Many patients, however, are refractory to this treatment or relapse after an initial response. Notably, many cytokines that are elevated in HLH activate the JAK/STAT pathway, and the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib (RUX) has shown efficacy in murine HLH models and humans with refractory disease. We recently reported that cytokine-induced JAK/STAT signaling mediates DEX resistance in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cells, and that this could be effectively reversed by RUX. On the basis of these findings, we hypothesized that cytokine-mediated JAK/STAT signaling might similarly contribute to DEX resistance in HLH, and that RUX treatment would overcome this phenomenon. Using ex vivo assays, a murine model of HLH, and primary patient samples, we demonstrate that the hypercytokinemia of HLH reduces the apoptotic potential of CD8 T cells leading to relative DEX resistance. Upon exposure to RUX, this apoptotic potential is restored, thereby sensitizing CD8 T cells to DEX-induced apoptosis in vitro and significantly reducing tissue immunopathology and HLH disease manifestations in vivo. Our findings provide rationale for combining DEX and RUX to enhance the lymphotoxic effects of DEX and thus improve the outcomes for patients with HLH and related CSS.
Tracing radioactive cesium in stem wood of three Japanese conifer species 3 years after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident
Authors: Ohashi Shinta , Kuroda Katsushi , Fujiwara Takeshi , Takano Tsutomu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTo understand the dynamics of accident-derived radioactive cesium (137Cs) in stem wood that had a substantial amount of heartwood at the time of the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, the radial and vertical distributions of 137Cs activity concentration in stem wood of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), and larch (Larix kaempferi) were investigated. In addition, the natural distribution of stable cesium (133Cs), rubidium (85Rb), and potassium (39K) concentrations was analyzed to determine the characteristics of 137Cs distribution. Wood disks were collected from the tree stems of six cedars, three cypresses, and two larches at multiple heights in 2014, and the concentrations were measured every 2 cm in the radial direction. 137Cs distribution in stem wood differed among tree species, sampling site, and vertical position of the stem within a tree. Statistical analyses suggested that the radial distribution of 137Cs within the heartwood can be explained by the heartwood moisture content and the distance from the treetop, regardless of species, while the distribution between sapwood and heartwood was dependent on the heartwood cross-sectional area and was additionally different between larch and other species. Similarly, the heartwood/sapwood concentration ratios of stable alkali metals differed between larch and the other species. In the larch, the ratio was ca. 0.5 for all elements, but the ratio was over 1.0 and differed among elements in the other species. Consequently, the species-specific difference in the distribution of 137Cs between sapwood and heartwood was considered to be due to different activity levels of radial transport toward the heartwood. The radial variation pattern of the 137Cs/133Cs concentration ratio showed that less 137Cs was transferred to the inner heartwood compared with the 133Cs distribution pattern in many trees; however, there was also a tree in which 137Cs was excessively transferred to the inner heartwood compared with the 133Cs distribution pattern. Such patterns may result from a combination of significant foliar uptake of 137Cs and poor root uptake after the accident, in addition to the high moisture content of the heartwood.