bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of out‐of‐pocket costs on patient initiation, adherence and persistence rates for patients treated with anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor medicines
Authors: Jackson Shaun , Stokes John P. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractImportanceOut‐of‐pocket costs are a key driver of patient decisions to access, adhere and persist with anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. The Medicare Benefits Schedule Review Taskforce proposes a 69% reduction in the scheduled fee for intravitreal injections (item 42 738) which risks increasing out‐of‐pocket costs for patients and worsening visual outcomes.BackgroundTo determine the impact of out‐of‐pocket costs on current anti‐VEGF utilization rates in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular oedema (DMO).DesignThis is a retrospective cohort drug‐utilization analysis.ParticipantsThis study involved 11 592 patients in Australia diagnosed with nAMD or DMO.MethodsA retrospective analysis of electronic, de‐identified dispensing records of patients diagnosed with nAMD or DMO who initiated anti‐VEGF therapy between January 1, 2016 and December 2018 across Australia. Patients were categorized by treatment facility type: bulk‐billing clinics (BBCs) and “rest of market” clinics (ROMCs).Main Outcome MeasuresDispensing quantities, intervals and persistence rates.ResultsFor patients with nAMD who initiated therapy between 2016 and 2018 the mean number of medicines dispensed up to September 30, 2019 was 17.0 for BBC and 13.8 for ROMC patients. For patients with DMO, the mean number of medicines dispensed was 16.5 for BBC patients and 12.5 for ROMC patients. Patients treated at BBCs had higher persistence rates than those treated at ROMCs. DMO patients had higher initiation rates BBCs (46%) vs ROMCs (25%).Conclusions and RelevanceLower out‐of‐pocket costs are associated with higher adherence and persistence rates for anti‐VEGF therapy in patients with AMD and DMO and higher initiation rates for DMO patients.
Low retinal toxicity of intravitreal carboplatin associated with good retinal tumour control in transgenic murine retinoblastoma
Authors: Lemaître Stéphanie , Poyer Florent , Fréneaux Paul , Leboucher Sophie , Doz François , Cassoux Nathalie , Thomas Carole D. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundRetinoblastoma is a rare intraocular malignancy in children. Current treatments have many adverse effects. New therapeutic approaches like intravitreal injections of chemotherapies are currently being developed but their toxicities need to be evaluated on animal models. This study compares the efficacy and toxicity of intravitreal melphalan, topotecan and carboplatin, alone or in combination (sequential administration), in the LHBetaTag retinoblastoma mice.MethodsMice were divided into nine groups: control, carboplatin 1.5 and 4 μg, melphalan 0.1 and 1 μg, topotecan 0.1 and 1 μg, carboplatin 4 μg/topotecan 0.1 μg and melphalan 1 μg/topotecan 0.1 μg. The follow‐up was performed using fundus imaging and optical coherence tomography combined with histopathological analysis. Absence of tumour and presence of calcified tumours were the criteria for therapeutic response assessment. Ocular complications were assessed after four weekly injections. Retinal toxicity was defined by the decrease of retinal thickness and of the number of retinal layers.ResultsTopotecan was inactive on retinal tumours. Melphalan (1 μg) led to a complete tumour control in 91.7% of eyes. Carboplatin strongly decreased the tumour burden (85.7‐93.8% of eyes without retinal tumour). The intravitreal injection itself led to ocular complications (25% of media opacities and 45.7% of retinal detachment). Only melphalan at 1 μg showed a strong retinal toxicity. The two combinations showed a good efficacy in reducing the number of eyes with retinal tumours with a reduced retinal toxicity.ConclusionsThis preclinical study suggests that intravitreal injection of carboplatin has a low toxicity and could be evaluated in clinical practice to treat patients suffering from retinoblastoma.
The value of peer support for self‐management of diabetes among veterans in the Empowering Patients In Chronic care intervention
Authors: Arney J. B. , Odom E. , Brown C. , Jones L. , Kamdar N. , Kiefer L. , Hundt N. , Gordon H. S. , Naik A. D. , Woodard L. D. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimTo examine the value of peer support in the self‐management of diabetes among veterans in an integrated health care system.MethodsWe conducted semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with veterans and clinicians 6 months after their participation in Empowering Patients in Chronic Care (EPIC), a group‐based diabetes intervention with a peer‐support component. Interviews elicited clinicians' narratives of how peer support unfolded in the groups and veterans' experiences of giving and receiving support from their peers. Data analysis was guided by principles of framework analysis using Heisler's peer‐support model.ResultsFindings support Heisler's peer‐support model and provide evidence supporting professional‐led group visits with peer exchange. Clinicians and veterans endorsed informational and emotional support received in EPIC groups. Clinicians often referred to EPIC as an open forum or a support group where veterans could both give and receive help. Veterans noted the benefits of shared problem‐solving and the support they received. Clinicians and veterans perceived the peer‐support component of EPIC as facilitating increased empowerment in terms of self‐efficacy, increased perceived social support and increased understanding of self‐care. Ultimately, many veterans acknowledged that their participation in EPIC facilitated improved health‐related quality of life, improved health behaviours and improved chronic disease control.ConclusionsFindings emphasize the value of peer support in managing chronic illness. Peer‐support programmes may address veterans' unique challenges and have the potential to improve physical and mental health.
Epipericardial fat necrosis as a differential diagnosis of chest pain—A case report
Authors: Neto Ana , Seabra Daniel , Moreno Nuno , Magalhães Sara , Pires Lindora , Pinto Paula 
Published: December 2019

AbstractEpipericardial fat necrosis (EFN) is an uncommon self‐limiting benign condition that can present with substantial chest pain. We present a case of an otherwise healthy 42‐year‐old man who presented with severe chest pain in the emergency department. Initial cardiopulmonary workup was unrevealing. Contrast‐enhanced thorax CT demonstrated an increased radiolucency and nodularity of anterior pericardial fat consistent with epipericardial fat necrosis. The transthoracic echocardiogram was normal, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the lesion. Combined anti‐inflammatory therapy was started with favorable evolution.
Strategies of the beetle Oochrotus unicolor (Tenebrionidae) thriving in the waste dumps of seed‐harvesting Messor ants (Formicidae)
Authors: Parmentier Thomas , Gaju‐Ricart Miquel , Wenseleers Tom , Molero‐Baltanás Rafael 
Published: December 2019

1. A diverse group of arthropods have adapted to the niches found inside the nests of social insects. Studies mostly focused on very specialised parasites residing in the brood chambers. However, the biology and strategies of symbionts occupying other niches, such as waste dumps, are underexplored.2. Using a series of complementary experiments, this study demonstrated that the Mediterranean beetle Oochrotus unicolor has adapted to the waste dump niche found in the nests of Messor harvester ants.3. Laboratory experiments confirmed field observations that the beetle preferentially resided in the refuse pits. Next, it was shown that the beetles readily consumed seeds and flour, whereas other food sources were poorly accepted and ant brood was never even eaten. The beetles did not elicit a strong aggression response in Messor ants, and they could tolerate very high densities of workers without clear costs. The beetles modestly mimicked the nest recognition cues of their Messor host. This imperfect mimicry could promote the adoption of the beetle in the ant colony, in concert with mechanical defence generated by its tank‐like body. Isolation of the beetle from its host did not significantly affect the beetle's chemical cuticular profile nor did it provoke elevated ant aggression, indicating that the beetle does not acquire the chemicals passively from its host.4. This paper discusses the fact that waste dumps in social insect nests are hotspots for arthropod symbionts. It shows that symbionts in this niche may employ behavioural, trophic and chemical strategies that are different from those found in other niches of social insect nests.
Locke on the role of judgment in perception
Authors: Ott Walter 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHow much is given in perceptual experience, and how much must be constructed? John Locke's answer to this question contains two prima facie incompatible strands. On the one hand, he claims that ideas of primary qualities come to us passively, through multiple senses: the idea of a sphere can be received either by sight or touch. On the other hand, Locke seemingly thinks that a faculty he calls “judgment” is needed to create visual ideas of three‐dimensional shapes. How can these accounts be made consistent? The problem comes to a head in the discussion of Molyneux's problem: can a person born blind and then made to see identify a sphere and a cube, when he had only touched them in the past? Locke's answer is no, but, as George Berkeley points out, it is hard to see why: if the ideas of shapes come to us through sight as well as touch, nothing should stop Molyneux man from instantly recognizing sphere and cube. Pace much of the existing literature, I argue that although Locke does think we receive visual ideas of primary qualities, the faculty of judgment is required to “inflate” those ideas into three dimensions and to correct for other perspectival distortions. I then show how this answer is consistent with the rest of his theory of perception.
Hippocampal profiling: Localized magnetic resonance imaging volumetry and T2 relaxometry for hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Vos Sjoerd B. , Winston Gavin P. , Goodkin Olivia , Pemberton Hugh G. , Barkhof Frederik , Prados Ferran , Galovic Marian , Koepp Matthias , Ourselin Sebastien , Cardoso M. Jorge , Duncan John S. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveHippocampal sclerosis (HS) is the most common cause of drug‐resistant temporal lobe epilepsy, and its accurate detection is important to guide epilepsy surgery. Radiological features of HS include hippocampal volume loss and increased T2 signal, which can both be quantified to help improve detection. In this work, we extend these quantitative methods to generate cross‐sectional area and T2 profiles along the hippocampal long axis to improve the localization of hippocampal abnormalities.MethodsT1‐weighted and T2 relaxometry data from 69 HS patients (32 left, 32 right, 5 bilateral) and 111 healthy controls were acquired on a 3‐T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Automated hippocampal segmentation and T2 relaxometry were performed and used to calculate whole‐hippocampal volumes and to estimate quantitative T2 (qT2) values. By generating a group template from the controls, and aligning this so that the hippocampal long axes were along the anterior‐posterior axis, we were able to calculate hippocampal cross‐sectional area and qT2 by a slicewise method to localize any volume loss or T2 hyperintensity. Individual patient profiles were compared with normative data generated from the healthy controls.ResultsProfiling of hippocampal volumetric and qT2 data could be performed automatically and reproducibly. HS patients commonly showed widespread decreases in volume and increases in T2 along the length of the affected hippocampus, and focal changes may also be identified. Patterns of atrophy and T2 increase in the left hippocampus were similar between left, right, and bilateral HS. These profiles have potential to distinguish between sclerosis affecting volume and qT2 in the whole or parts of the hippocampus, and may aid the radiological diagnosis in uncertain cases or cases with subtle or focal abnormalities where standard whole‐hippocampal measurements yield normal values.SignificanceHippocampal profiling of volumetry and qT2 values can help spatially localize hippocampal MRI abnormalities and work toward improved sensitivity of subtle focal lesions.
Expressive Writing and Marital Satisfaction: A Writing Sample Analysis
Authors: Allgood Scot M. , Seedall Ryan B. , Williams Rachel B. 
Published: December 2019

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between marital satisfaction and two linguistic elements in the context of writing: use of personal pronouns and affective language.BackgroundExpressive writing (EW) is an effective way of identifying and processing thoughts and emotions. It also promotes individual, physical, and psychological health. However, much less literature has examined the relationship between EW and relationship health.MethodWe used the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC2007) to examine the writing of 78 married, heterosexual couples who were instructed to write freely on a topic they felt strongly about in their relationship. Multilevel modeling within SPSS was used to examine our research questions.ResultsFindings suggest a relationship between marital satisfaction and use of (a) first‐person plural pronouns (we, us, our, ours), (b) positive affective language, and (c) linguistic indicators of anger when writing about one's relationship.ConclusionThe results provide further impetus for examining relationship processes within an EW framework and, in particular, for examining the merits of EW as a potential intervention for couples.ImplicationsFindings suggest that expressive writing may be a potentially important indicator of mutuality (we‐ness), the ability to up‐regulate positive emotion, and negative affective processes (i.e., anger).
Dysphagia is associated with oral, physical, cognitive and psychological frailty in Japanese community‐dwelling elderly persons
Authors: Nishida Takahiro , Yamabe Kazumi , Honda Sumihisa 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate which domains of frailty are associated with dysphagia in community‐dwelling elderly persons.BackgroundDysphagia is a common cause of aspiration pneumonia in frail elderly persons in Japan. Although frailty is considered to be multidimensional, it is unclear which domains of frailty affect dysphagia.MethodsThe participants were 3475 independent Japanese elderly persons (≥65 years; 1555 men and 1920 women). A self‐report questionnaire with a frailty checklist consisting of several domains (lifestyle, physical function, nutrition, oral function, homebound status, cognitive function and depressive mood) was used to determine the participants’ characteristics. Dysphagia was defined as impaired swallowing in the oral function domain. To determine the associations between dysphagia and age, sex and the other domains on the frailty checklist, adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe multiple logistic regression analysis showed that dysphagia was independently associated with female sex (AOR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.08‐1.68), chewing ability (AOR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.32‐2.18), oral dryness (AOR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.48‐2.54), physical function (AOR = 2.19; 95% CI = 1.66‐2.90), cognitive function (AOR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.34‐2.12) and depressive mood (AOR = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.41‐2.35).ConclusionDysphagia was independently associated with oral, physical, cognitive and psychological frailty. These results suggest that frailty prevention strategy including swallowing training might be useful for community‐dwelling independent elderly persons aged ≥65 years.
Comparative analysis of programmed cell death ligand 1 assays in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Lee Kyu Sang , Choe Gheeyoung , Yun Sumi , Lee Kyoungyul , Moon Seyoung , Lee Sangchul , Hong Sung Kyu , Byun Seok‐Soo , Lee Sang Eun 
Published: December 2019

AimsThe importance of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression has emerged in clinical trials of PD‐L1 target therapy in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study compares PD‐L1 assays in RCC.Methods and resultsTwo US Food and Drug Administration‐approved PD‐L1 assays (22C3 and SP142) and one research‐use only antibody (E1L3N) were used in a retrospective cohort of 591 patients with RCC. PD‐L1 positivity on tumour cells (TCs) and immune cells (ICs) and combined positive score (CPS) were evaluated. With the 22C3, SP142 and E1L3N assays, positive PD‐L1 expression on TCs ≥1% was observed in 24 (4.1%), 12 (2.0%) and 16 (2.7%) cases and on ICs ≥1% was observed in 132 (22.3%), 120 (20.3%) and 65 (11.0%) cases, respectively. PD‐L1 expression scores among the three assays showed moderate–high positive correlation (ρ = 0.599–0.835, P < 0.001). Assays appeared similar, although staining in ICs was comparatively less frequent with E1L3N. 22C3 showed frequent positivity in TCs. PD‐L1 expression on TCs was associated with papillary type 2 RCC (P < 0.001). IC infiltration and PD‐L1 expression on ICs were predominantly found in clear cell and papillary type 1 RCC (P < 0.05).ConclusionsProgrammed death 1 (PD‐1)/PD‐L1 target therapy may be beneficial for patients with papillary type 2 RCC, even if they are categorised as a heterogeneous group. PD‐L1 assays should be carefully selected, and accurate histological subtyping of RCC is needed prior to decisions on PD‐L1 testing, because of the different PD‐L1 expression observed among varying RCC subtypes.
No‐arbitrage matrices of exchange rates: Some characterizations
Authors: Maldonado Wilfredo L. , Egozcue Juan José , Pawlowsky‐Glahn Vera 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe provide some characterizations of the absence of triangular arbitrage in the spot exchange rates of a group of countries. When the matrix of exchange rates of the group does not fulfill the conditions given in those characterizations, we provide a measure of distance to the space of matrices of exchange rates that are triangular arbitrage‐free. Using this distance, we compute the closest no‐arbitrage matrix of exchange rates of the group. We apply the methodology developed to the exchange rates between the currencies of Brazil (real), European Union (euro), Great Britain (pound sterling), and USA (dollar) to analyze the possibility of triangular arbitrage in those foreign exchange markets.
Pancreatic stellate cells in the islets as a novel target to preserve the pancreatic β‐cell mass and function
Authors: Yang Yeoree , Kim Ji‐Won , Park Heon‐Seok , Lee Eun‐Young , Yoon Kun‐Ho 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThere are numerous lines of clinical evidence that inhibition of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) can prevent and delay the development of diabetes. Also, the role of RAS in the pathogenesis of diabetes, including insulin resistance and β‐cell dysfunction, has been extensively investigated. Nevertheless, this role had not yet been fully shown. A variety of possible protective mechanisms for RAS blockers in the regulation of glucose homeostasis have been suggested. However, the direct effect on pancreatic islet fibrosis has only recently been spotlighted. Various degrees of islet fibrosis are often observed in the islets of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, which can be associated with a decrease in β‐cell mass and function in these patients. Pancreatic stellate cells are thought to be deeply involved in this islet fibrosis. In this process, the activation of RAS in islets is shown to transform quiescent pancreatic stellate cells into the activated form, stimulates their proliferation and consequently leads to islet fibrotic destruction. In this article, we introduce existing clinical and experimental evidence for diabetes prevention through inhibition of RAS, and review the responsible local RAS signaling pathways in pancreatic stellate cells. Finally, we propose possible targets for the prevention of islet fibrosis.
Up‐regulation of astrocyte excitatory amino acid transporter 2 alleviates central sensitization in a rat model of chronic migraine
Authors: Zhou Xue , Liang Jie , Wang Jiang , Fei Zhaoyang , Qin Guangcheng , Zhang Dunke , Zhou Jiying , Chen Lixue 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCentral sensitization is the potential pathogenesis of chronic migraine (CM) and is related to persistent neuronal hyperexcitability. Dysfunction of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) leads to the accumulation of glutamate in the synaptic cleft, which may contribute to central sensitization by overactivating glutamate N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors and enhancing synaptic plasticity. However, the therapeutic potential of CM by targeting glutamate clearance remains largely unexplored. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of EAAT2 in CM central sensitization and explore the effect of EAAT2 expression enhancer LDN‐212320 in CM rats. The glutamate concentration was measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography in a rat model of CM. Then, q‐PCR and western blots were performed to detect EAAT2 expression, and the immunoreactivity of astrocytes was detected by immunofluorescence staining. To understand the effect of EAAT2 on central sensitization of CM, mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia and central sensitization‐associated proteins were examined after administration of LDN‐212320. In addition, the expression of synaptic‐associated proteins was examined and Golgi‐Cox staining was used to observe the dendritic spine density of trigeminal nucleus caudalis neurons. Also, the synaptic ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) to explore the changes of synaptic plasticity. In our study, elevated glutamate concentration and decreased EAAT2 expression were found in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis of CM rats, administration of LDN‐212320 greatly up‐regulated the protein expression of EAAT2, alleviated hyperalgesia, decreased the concentration of glutamate and the activation of astrocytes. Furthermore, reductions in calcitonin gene‐related peptide, substance P(SP), and phosphorylated NR2B were examined after administration of LDN‐212320. Moreover evaluation of the synaptic structure, synaptic plasticity‐, and central sensitization‐related proteins indicated that EAAT2 might participate in the CM central sensitization process by regulating synaptic plasticity. Taken together, up‐regulation of EAAT2 expression has a protective effect in CM rats, and LDN‐212320 may have clinical therapeutic potential.
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Cover Image for this issue: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.14769.