bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The national comprehensive cancer network distress thermometer as a screening tool for the evaluation of quality of life in uveal melanoma patients
Authors: Klingenstein Annemarie , Samel Christina , Garip‐Kuebler Aylin , Miller Christina , Liegl Raffael G. , Priglinger Siegfried G. , Foerster Paul I. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPurposeTo assess quality of life (QoL) status via the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) distress thermometer as a psychooncological screening tool in uveal melanoma patients.MethodsOne hundred and six consecutive patients suffering from uveal melanoma completed the distress thermometer between 04/2018 and 12/2018. Practical, emotional, family concerned, spiritual, physical and overall distress levels, distribution of distress and subgroup analyses defining groups of potential high distress levels in need of intervention were assessed. Descriptive statistics, cross‐tabulations, chi‐square and Fisher's exact test as well as correlation coefficients (Spearman's rho) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were used for analysis.ResultsPatients with higher T‐category had significantly more emotional problems and spiritual concerns (p = 0.046 and p = 0.023, respectively). Female patients accounted for higher rates of physical issues (p = 0.034). Lower best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was correlated with higher distress levels (p = 0.037). Patients resulting in loss of BCVA of ≥3 lines reported higher distress levels (p = 0.029). A distress threshold of 5 on the basis of ROC analysis showed a corresponding sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 76%.ConclusionThe NCCN distress thermometer could be integrated well into our clinical routine and proved to be a rapid, yet sensible screening tool for emotional and physical distress in patients with uveal melanoma. Special attention should be paid to patients with higher T‐category and patients resulting in lower levels of BCVA. As in patients with different tumour entities, the established distress threshold of ≥5 proposing intervention proved to be adequate for uveal melanoma patients.
Alterations in retinal arteriolar microvascular structure associate with higher treatment burden in patients with diabetic macular oedema: results from a 12‐month prospective clinical trial
Authors: Blindbæk Søren L , Peto Tunde , Grauslund Jakob 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPurposeThis study was based on data from a 12‐month prospective clinical trial and aimed to examine changes in retinal microvascular structure in eyes treated with intravitreal aflibercept in combination with focal/grid laser photocoagulation for diabetic macular oedema (DME).MethodsWe included 32 treatment naïve eyes of 22 patients with centre involving DME. The treatment algorithm comprised a loading phase of three monthly injections of aflibercept and focal/grid laser photocoagulation [baseline (BL)‐month 3 (M3)] followed by a pro re nata (PRN) aflibercept phase until month 12 (M12). Eyes were divided into groups with and without need for PRN treatment after loading. Parameters of retinal microvascular structure were measured in 45° optic disc centred fundus images at BL, M3 and M12 using a semi‐automated software (VAMPIRE®, Vessel Assessment and Measurement Platform for Images of the Retina, Universities of Dundee and Edinburgh, UK).ResultsA significant decrease in retinal arteriolar calibre was demonstrated at both M3 (−11.2 μm, p = 0.005) and M12 (−11.5 μm, p = 0.04) as compared to BL in eyes that needed PRN treatment during follow‐up. In contrast, arteriolar calibre remained unchanged in eyes without need for PRN treatment (M3: −1.6 μm, p = 0.79 and M12: −7.0 μm, p = 0.22). For retinal venules, vessel calibre decreased both in eyes with and without need for PRN therapy at M3 (−9.5 μm, p = 0.01 and −11.6 μm, p = 0.01) as well as at M12 (−15.6 μm, p = 0.001 and −11.0 μm, p = 0.04).ConclusionEarly changes in retinal arteriolar calibre are associated with an increased treatment burden during the first year of DME treatment.
The association study of lipid metabolism gene polymorphisms withAMDidentifies a protective role forAPOE‐E2 allele in the wet form in a Northern Spanish population
Authors: Fernández‐Vega Beatriz , García Montserrat , Olivares Lorena , Álvarez Lydia , González‐Fernández Adrián , Artime Enol , Fernández‐Vega Cueto Andrés , Cobo Teresa , Coca‐Prados Miguel , Vega José A. , González‐Iglesias Héctor 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPurposeTo elucidate the potential role of eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the most relevant lipid metabolism genes in Northern Spanish patients with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).MethodsA case‐control study of 228 unrelated native Northern Spanish patients diagnosed withAMD(73 dry and 155 wet) and 95 healthy controls was performed.DNAwas isolated from peripheral blood and genotyped for theSNPsAPOErs429358 and rs7412;CTEPrs3764261;LIPCrs10468017 and rs493258;LPLrs12678919;ABCA1rs1883025;ABCA4rs76157638, rs3112831 and rs1800555; andSCARB1rs5888, using TaqMan probes. An additional association study ofε2,ε3 andε4 major isoforms ofAPOEgene withAMDhas been carried out.ResultsThe allele and genotype frequencies for each of the eleven sequence variants in the lipid metabolism genes did not show significant differences when comparingAMDcases and controls. Statistical analysis revealed thatAPOE‐ε2 carrier genotypes were less frequently observed in patients with wetAMDcompared to controls (5.8% versus 13.7%, respectively: p = 3.28 × 10−2;OR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.19–0.95). The frequency of the allele T of rs10468017 (LIPCgene) was lower in dryAMDcases compared to controls (15.8 versus 27.9%, respectively: p = 8.4 × 10−3OR = 0.57, 95%CI: 0.33–0.98).ConclusionsOur results suggest a protective role forAPOE‐ε2 allele to wetAMDin the Northern Spanish population.
Safety of soft contact lenses in children: retrospective review of six randomized controlled trials of myopia control
Authors: Cheng Xu , Brennan Noel A. , Toubouti Youssef , Greenaway Nathan L. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPurposeTo examine the rate and types of ocular adverse events among children wearing soft contact lenses.MethodsThis study is a retrospective review of ocular adverse event data from six randomized controlled trials among a total of 581 myopic children (aged 7–15 years at baseline) administered daily disposable hydrogel contact lenses (etafilcon A).ResultsDuring 816 patient years of contact lens wear, no significant or serious ocular adverse events were reported. A total of 86 non‐significant ocular adverse events occurred in 53 children. The crude rate of ocular adverse events was 10.6 per 100 patient years with the estimated pooled incidence being 8.9 per 100 patient years (95% CI: 4.5–17.4). Two asymptomatic corneal infiltrative events were reported (both non‐significant), which is an incidence of 0.3 (95% CI: 0.1–0.9) per 100 patient years. The most common ocular adverse events (n) were slit‐lamp findings of Grade 2 or less requiring treatment (26), unspecified conjunctivitis (14), and allergic conjunctivitis (13). No cases of microbial keratitis were observed. Of the 86 adverse events, 37 were classified as highly likely or possibly lens‐related, giving a crude incidence of 4.5 per 100 patient years for contact lens‐related events. The crude incidence of ocular adverse events among spectacle wearers was 1.8 per 100 patient years.ConclusionThese data suggest that daily disposable soft contact lenses can be safely worn by children. Additional studies will be needed to precisely quantify the adverse event rate of soft contact lenses in normal clinical practice.
Histological findings of levator muscle in unilateral congenital ptosis in different age groups
Authors: Quaranta‐Leoni Francesco M. , Secondi Roberto , Quaranta‐Leoni Flavia , Nardoni Stefano 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the different degree of muscle atrophy in specimens of levator muscle of patients operated on for unilateral congenital ptosis, as related to the age of the patient.MethodsHistological analysis of the specimen of the levator muscle of 29 patients who underwent a unilateral levator muscle resection under the care of one surgeon was performed. The study population was divided into two different groups according to the timing of surgery: group 1 included 15 children operated on at 2 to 4 years, and group 2 included 14 children operated on at 4.1 to 11 years.ResultsLevator muscle of 12 patients of group 1 showed mild degree of muscle atrophy, with striated muscle fibres separated by thin fibrous septa incorporating groups of cells with peripheral nuclei and non‐hyalinized cytoplasm (Masson's trichrome stain). In eight cases of group 2, levator muscle showed instead severe atrophy, with discontinuous striated muscle fibres separated by thick fibrous septa including cells with centralization of nuclei, hyalinization of cytoplasm (Masson's trichrome stain) and fatty infiltration.ConclusionMyofibres found in specimens of levator muscle following levator resection for congenital ptosis show characteristics of a degenerative process. This study seems to demonstrate that atrophy in the levator muscle appears to be related to the age of the patient at surgery, as atrophy tends to be more evident in older children with congenital ptosis.
Spontaneous closure of small full‐thickness macular holes: Presumed role of Müller cells
Authors: Bringmann Andreas , Duncker Tobias , Jochmann Claudia , Barth Thomas , Duncker Gernot I. W. , Wiedemann Peter 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPurposeTo document with spectral domain optical coherence tomography the formation and spontaneous closure of small full‐thickness macular holes and to propose the active role of Müller cells in macular hole closure.MethodsA retrospective case series of five patients with spontaneous closure of macular holes is reviewed. In one patient, foveal images were recorded over a period of 18 months.ResultsIn a 66‐year‐old man, vitreofoveal traction caused a detachment of the inner Müller cell layer of the foveola from the outer nuclear layer (ONL) which was associated with a large pseudocyst and a horizontal gap in the central ONL. The traction caused an elongation and subsequent disruption of the stalk of the Müller cell cone in the foveola. A small full‐thickness macular hole developed when a portion of the inner Müller cell layer of the foveola was pulled out. After phacoemulsification and shortly before the subsequent spontaneous closure of the hole, there were rapid increases in the number and size of the cystic cavities in the foveal walls resulting in a narrowing of the hole. The hole closed by bridging the gap in the inner part of the central ONL; a new inner Müller cell layer of the foveola was formed, and the gap of the external limiting membrane (ELM) was closed. The cystic cavities in the foveal walls rapidly disappeared within 2 weeks after the closure of the hole. One to 2.5 months after hole closure, the thickness of the central ONL increased which decreased the distance between the central ELM and retinal pigment epithelium. In three of the four other patients, the hole also closed by bridging the gap in the inner part of the ONL.ConclusionIt is suggested that the spontaneous closure of small macular holes and the subsequent reconstruction of the normal foveal structure are mediated by active mechanisms of Müller cells which resemble those involved in ontogenetic foveal development.
Quality improvement programme to improve compliance with initial respiratory support guideline at preterm birth
Authors: Hoyle Emily S. , Patino Francesca , Yoxall Charles W. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimCPAP (continuous airway pressure) use as respiratory support from birth increases the proportion of babies who survive without bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Although we introduced a guideline for CPAP use in 2015, our intubation rate remained high (61.7%). We aimed to reduce the intubation rate into the interquartile range for the Vermont Oxford Neonatal (VON) network.MethodsA multi‐disciplinary team was established. Data relating to resuscitation in all babies born before 32 weeks gestation or with a birth weight below 1500 g during 2017/2018 were collected prospectively. Episodes when CPAP was not used were identified, and series of Plan, Do, See, Act (PDSA) cycles performed. Performance data were displayed graphically to staff along with lessons learnt.ResultsThe rate of intubation at birth for VLBW babies fell from 61.7% into the VON interquartile range at 49.6% during the project (P = .02). Intubation rate in babies born between 26 and 30 weeks gestation fell from 66% to 41% (the VON network mean).ConclusionThe NICU is a complex system. Altering clinical practice is challenging, even with good clinical evidence to support change. Quality improvement using frequent PDSA cycles enabled us to alter our practice. Preterm intubation rates are now within the desired range.
ADHD and emotional engagement with school in the primary years: Investigating the role of student–teacher relationships
Authors: Rushton Sophie , Giallo Rebecca , Efron Daryl 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is consistently associated with poor school‐level outcomes. Although school engagement is recognized as a protective factor associated with increased academic achievement, school retention/completion, and student well‐being in the general population, little research has focused on school engagement in children with ADHD.AimsTo explore a model of the relationships between ADHD symptoms at age 7, student–teacher closeness and conflict at age 10, and emotional engagement with school at age 10 and 12.SampleParticipants were 498 grade one children (mean age = 7.3), recruited from 43 socio‐economically diverse government primary schools in Melbourne. Follow‐up occurred at 36 months (mean age = 10.5) and 54 months (mean age = 12.0).MethodsData were drawn from a controlled community‐based longitudinal study examining the long‐term effects of ADHD on children's behaviour, learning, and day‐to‐day living. Data were collected via direct assessment and child, parent, and teacher surveys.ResultsPath analysis revealed a significant, negative relationship between ADHD symptoms and emotional engagement with school, which was partially mediated by student–teacher conflict. This remained significant after controlling for differences in ADHD status (ADHD, high‐risk, or control group), ADHD medication use, and socio‐economic status.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the negative impact of ADHD symptoms on children's emotional engagement with school. Given the role of student–teacher conflict in mediating this relationship, interventions aiming to reduce conflict in the student–teacher relationship may promote school engagement for students with ADHD, with potential to improve longer‐term outcomes.
The interplay of reading‐related emotions and updating in reading comprehension performance
Authors: Zaccoletti Sonia , Altoè Gianmarco , Mason Lucia 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundReading comprehension can be considered the main learning activity. All learning experiences are infused with emotions; however, to date, few studies have focused on the role of emotional aspects in reading comprehension performance. The impact of emotions on academic achievement is thought to be mediated or moderated by cognitive aspects. Among them, working memory updating is an executive function that plays a crucial role in reading comprehension.AimsThis study aimed to investigate the relationships between reading‐related emotions and reading comprehension performance. We also consider the role that updating may play in these relationships.SampleTwo hundred and eight 8th graders were involved in four sessions.MethodStudents completed measures of achievement emotions specifically related to reading comprehension activity, updating, and reading comprehension performance. Gender and general cognitive ability were also considered as control variables. Mixed‐effects models were used for statistical analyses. According to the Akaike information criterion (AIC; Akaike, 1974), we selected the most plausible model among a set of candidate models fitted to the same data.ResultsResults showed that activating‐negative emotions (i.e., anxiety, anger, and shame), deactivating‐negative emotions (i.e., boredom and hopelessness), and updating are related with reading comprehension performance. Moreover, the interaction between activating‐negative emotions and updating also emerged. When activating‐negative emotions interact with low and moderate updating, students’ reading comprehension performance gets worse.ConclusionsThe study indicates the moderating role of a main cognitive ability in the link between reading‐related emotions and reading comprehension performance. Strategies can be taught to improve students’ ability to self‐regulate negative emotions and to update information in working memory.
Novel highly potent OXE receptor antagonists with prolonged plasma lifetimes that are converted to active metabolites in vivo in monkeys
Authors: Ye Qiuji , Chourey Shishir , Reddy Chintam Nagendra , Wang Rui , Cossette Chantal , Gravel Sylvie , Slobodchikova Irina , Vuckovic Dajana , Rokach Joshua , Powell William S. 
Published: October 2019

Background and PurposeThe 5‐lipoxygenase product 5‐oxo‐6E,8Z,11Z,14Z‐eicosatetraenoic acid (5‐oxo‐ETE), acting through the OXE receptor, is a potent eosinophil chemoattractant that may be an important proinflammatory mediator in eosinophilic diseases such as asthma. We previously identified a series of indole‐based OXE receptor antagonists that rapidly appear in the blood following oral administration but have limited lifetimes. The objective of this study was to increase the potency and plasma half‐lives of these compounds and thereby identify the optimal candidate for future preclinical studies in monkeys, as rodents do not have an OXE receptor orthologue.Experimental ApproachWe synthesized a series of substituted phenylalkyl indoles and compared their antagonist potencies, pharmacokinetics, and metabolism to those of our earlier compounds. The potencies of some of their metabolites were also investigated.Key ResultsAmong the compounds tested, the S‐enantiomer of the m‐chlorophenyl compound (S‐Y048) was the most potent, with an pIC50 of about 10.8 for inhibition of 5‐oxo‐ETE‐induced calcium mobilization in human neutrophils. When administered orally to cynomolgus monkeys, S‐Y048 rapidly appeared in the blood and had a half‐life in plasma of over 7 hr, considerably longer than any of the other OXE analogues tested. A major hydroxylated metabolite, with a potency close to that of its precursor, was identified in plasma.Conclusion and ImplicationsBecause of its highly potent antagonist activity and its long lifetime in vivo, S‐Y048 may be a useful anti‐inflammatory agent for the treatment of eosinophilic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis.
CuII(atsm) inhibits ferroptosis: Implications for treatment of neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Southon Adam , Szostak Kathryn , Acevedo Karla M. , Dent Krista A. , Volitakis Irene , Belaidi Abdel A. , Barnham Kevin J. , Crouch Peter J. , Ayton Scott , Donnelly Paul S. , Bush Ashley I. 
Published: October 2019

Background and PurposeDiacetyl‐bis(4‐methyl‐3‐thiosemicarbazonato)copperII(CuII(atsm)) ameliorates neurodegeneration and delays disease progression in mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD), yet the mechanism of action remains uncertain. Promising results were recently reported for separate Phase 1 studies in ALS patients and PD patients. Affected tissue in these disorders shares features of elevated Fe, low glutathione and increased lipid peroxidation consistent with ferroptosis, a novel form of regulated cell death. We therefore evaluated the ability of CuII(atsm) to inhibit ferroptosis.Experimental ApproachFerroptosis was induced in neuronal cell models by inhibition of glutathione peroxidase‐4 activity with RSL3 or by blocking cystine uptake with erastin. Cell viability and lipid peroxidation were assessed and the efficacy of CuII(atsm) was compared to the known antiferroptotic compound liproxstatin‐1.Key ResultsCuII(atsm) protected against lipid peroxidation and ferroptotic lethality in primary and immortalised neuronal cell models (EC50: ≈130 nM, within an order of magnitude of liproxstatin‐1). NiII(atsm) also prevented ferroptosis with similar potency, whereas ionic CuIIdid not. In cell‐free systems, CuII(atsm) and NiII(atsm) inhibited FeII‐induced lipid peroxidation, consistent with these compounds quenching lipid radicals.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe antiferroptotic activity of CuII(atsm) could therefore be the disease‐modifying mechanism being tested in ALS and PD trials. With potencyin vitroapproaching that of liproxstatin‐1, CuII(atsm) possesses favourable properties such as oral bioavailability and entry into the brain that make it an attractive investigational product for clinical trials of ferroptosis‐related diseases.
Bruit aérien et équité environnementale dans les quatre plus grandes métropoles canadiennes
Authors: Audrin Thomas , Apparicio Philippe , Séguin Anne‐Marie , Gelb Jérémy 
Published: October 2019

Messages clés

Respectivement 419 000 et 57 000 personnes résident à l'intérieur des courbes NEF 25 et NEF 30 dans les quatre RMR étudiées, soit des zones de bruit aérien assez élevé.
Il y a des situations contrastées en termes d'iniquité selon les métropoles.
L'iniquité quant au niveau de bruit aérien mesuré dans le milieu résidentiel est peu prononcée pour les groupes de population étudiés.
Night Awakening and Its Association With Executive Functioning Across the First Two Years of Life
Authors: Mäkelä Tiina E. , Peltola Mikko J. , Saarenpää‐Heikkilä Outi , Himanen Sari‐Leena , Paunio Tiina , Paavonen E. Juulia , Kylliäinen Anneli 
Published: October 2019

Longitudinal associations between signaled night awakening and executive functioning (EF) at 8 and 24 months in children with (≥ 3 awakenings, n = 77) and without parent‐rated fragmented sleep (≤ 1 awakening, n = 69) were studied. EF was assessed with the Switch task at 8 and 24 months. At 24 months, behavioral tasks and parental ratings of EF (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Preschool version) were also used. In the Switch task, children with fragmented sleep were less able to learn stimulus sequences and inhibit previously learned responses than children without fragmented sleep. The groups differed only marginally in parental ratings of EF, and no differences were found in behavioral EF tasks. These results suggest that eye movement‐based measures may reveal associations between sleep and EF already in infancy and toddlerhood.