bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The good toxin: 10 years of experience with botulinum toxin A in the treatment of benign essential blepharospasm
Authors: Lai Kenneth KH , Kuk Andrew KT , Chan Edwin , Ko Simon TC 
Published: May 2020

Purpose: To describe the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin A (Botox) in patients with benign essential blepharospasm. Methods: Retrospective review of operation, injection, and medical records. Results: Information of 29 patients (nine males) was reviewed, and the average age of benign essential blepharospasm onset was 59.1 years. The average number of injections per patient was 14.2 ± 8.2 (5–44) and the average follow-up was 75.8 ± 47.3 months (15–180). The average unit dose was 14.2 ± 8.2 (10–30) ipsilaterally in the patient’s first year and was 21.4 ± 5.0 (12.5–30) ipsilaterally in their last year (p = 0.00458). The average onset time was 3.8 ± 1.9 (1–7) days in a patient’s first year and was 3.6 ± 1.7 (2–7) days in their last year (p = 0.549). The average effective duration was 2.86 ± 1.1 months in a patient’s first year and was 2.53 ± 0.9 in their final year (p = 0.187). The Subjective Spasm Alleviation Scale was 1.72 ± 0.4 at the first year and was 1.79 ± 0.5 in the last year (p = 0.187). Ten (34.5%) patients with eyelid disease had surgical correction. The Subjective Spasm Alleviation Scale was 1.50 ± 0.5 before and was 2.0 ± 0 six months after the operation (p = 0.0268). Post-injection complications were experienced in eight (27.6%) patients. The most common complication was ptosis (n = 7), followed by diplopia (n = 1), dry eye (n = 1), and tearing (n = 1). No life-threatening complication was reported. Conclusion: Botox was a safe and effective treatment in benign essential blepharospasm which required an increased dosage over time. Ptosis was the most common complication and no life-threatening condition was reported. Surgical correction of those with eyelid diseases showed subjective improvement of subsequent Botox treatment.
Optical coherence tomography angiography markers associated with treatment response in neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Ozdemir Zeydanli Ece , Gurelik Gokhan 
Published: May 2020

Purpose: To investigate whether qualitative and quantitative features of choroidal neovascular membranes are associated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment response in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Methods: A total of 41 eyes were included in this cross-sectional observational study and divided into “good responders” and “poor responders” based on the long-term functional changes, frequency of recurrent choroidal neovascular activity, and injection need. Enface optical coherence tomography angiography images were obtained and qualitative features of choroidal neovascular membranes were described based on vessel network density. Then, quantitative measurements including vessel area, vessel length, junction density, and lacunarity were calculated using validated software (ImageJ and AngioTool). Chi-square tests, t-test, or Mann–Whitney U tests were used for group comparisons, and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated for reliability assessment of quantitative analyses. Results: Twenty-two eyes treated by a median of 9 (3–24) anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections at a median follow-up of 41 (12–89) months were categorized as good responders, 19 treated by a median of 26 (11–46) injections at a median follow-up of 44.5 (12–84) months as poor responders. Good responder group mostly had loose network (45.5%), and poor responders mostly had dense network (47.7%). The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.25). The size of the lesion was 2.7 times greater at baseline (p = 0.04) and 1.7 times greater at final examination in the poor responder group (p = 0.04). Lacunarity index, showing lesion heterogeneity, was higher in good responders (p = 0.018) than poor responders. Other quantitative vascular features did not significantly differ between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Long-term remodeling of chronically treated choroidal neovascular may be non-invasively and reproducibly investigated using optical coherence tomography angiography. Quantitative analysis and lacunarity index, in particular, may be used as a measure of vessel maturation and guide treatment strategies in neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
Serine hydroxymethyltransferase localised in the endoplasmic reticulum plays a role in scavenging H2O2 to enhance rice chilling tolerance
Authors: Fang Changxun , Zhang Pengli , Li Lanlan , Yang Luke , Mu Dan , Yan Xue , Li Zhong , Lin Wenxiong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Rice is a chilling-sensitive crop that would suffer serious damage from low temperatures. Overexpression of the Lsi1 gene (Lsi1-OX) in rice enhances its chilling tolerance. This study revealed that a serine hydroxymethyltransferase (OsSHMT) mainly localised in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is involved in increasing tolerance to chilling.

Results
A higher transcription level of OsSHMT was detected in Lsi1-OX rice than in the wild type. Histone H1 and nucleic acid binding protein were found to bind to the promoter region of OsSHMT and regulate its expression, and the transcription levels of these proteins were also up-regulated in the Lsi1-OX rice. Moreover, OsSHMT interacts with ATP synthase subunit α, heat shock protein Hsp70, mitochondrial substrate carrier family protein, ascorbate peroxidase 1 and ATP synthase subunit β. Lsi1-encoded protein OsNIP2;1 also interacts with ATP synthase subunit β, and the coordination of these proteins appears to function in reducing reactive oxygen species, as the H2O2 content of transgenic OsSHMT Arabidopsis thaliana was lower than that of the non-transgenic line under chilling treatment.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that ER-localised OsSHMT plays a role in scavenging H2O2 to enhance the chilling tolerance of Lsi1-OX rice and that ATP synthase subunit β is an intermediate junction between OsNIP2;1 and OsSHMT.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease: prevalence and Extraesophageal manifestations among undergraduate students in South West Nigeria
Authors: Akinola Moses Ayodele , Oyedele Titus Ayodeji , Akande Kolawole Oluseyi , Oluyemi Olukayode Yinka , Salami Omotayo Felicia , Adesina Alaba Moses , Adebajo Adedeji David 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe reflux of noxious contents of the stomach may cause oesophageal and extra-oesophageal complications either by direct contact of aspirated gastric refluxate with the upper airway or by a vago-vagal reflex. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastroesophageal disease (GERD) and extraesophageal manifestations among undergraduate students in a tertiary institution in Nigeria.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study involving undergraduate students in a private University in Nigeria. Study proforma had three parts. Part A consisted of self-administered questionnaire designed to obtain students biodata. Part B consisted of standard Carlsson-Dent questionnaire. A score of 4 and above on Carlsson- Dent questionnaire was considered diagnostic of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (GERD). Thereafter those who had GERD were further questioned and examined for extra-oesophageal symptoms of GERD.ResultsThe total number of the study participants was 647, out of which 212 (32.8%) had GERD. One hundred and forty-four (67.9%) and 86 (32.1%) females and male had GERD respectively (p = 0.13).The extraesophageal symptoms found in those with GERD were, dysphagia, coated tongue, nocturnal cough, xerostomia, lump in the throat, asthma-like symptoms, recurrent sore throat, frequent throat clearing, halithosis and dental erosion among others.ConclusionGERD is common among this study population, with a prevalence rate of 32.8%. Only age showed significant predictor for GERD. Varying extra-oesophageal manifestations were found in those with GERD.
The prognostic value of IDO expression in solid tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Sen , Wu Jia , Shen Han , Wang Junjun 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundIndoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the metabolism of tryptophan into kynurenine. It is considered to be an immunosuppressive molecule that plays an important role in the development of tumors. However, the association between IDO and solid tumor prognosis remains unclear. Herein, we retrieved relevant published literature and analyzed the association between IDO expression and prognosis in solid tumors.MethodsStudies related to IDO expression and tumor prognosis were retrieved using PMC, EMbase and web of science database. Overall survival (OS), time to tumor progression (TTP) and other data in each study were extracted. Hazard ratio (HR) was used for analysis and calculation, while heterogeneity and publication bias between studies were also analyzed.ResultsA total of 31 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, high expression of IDO was significantly associated with poor OS (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.52–2.43,P < 0.001) and TTP (HR 2.25 95% CI 1.58–3.22,P < 0.001). However, there was significant heterogeneity between studies on OS (I2 = 81.1%,P < 0.001) and TTP (I2 = 54.8%,P = 0.007). Subgroup analysis showed lower heterogeneity among prospective studies, studies of the same tumor type, and studies with follow-up periods longer than 45 months.ConclusionsThe high expression of IDO was significantly associated with the poor prognosis of solid tumors, suggesting that it can be used as a biomarker for tumor prognosis and as a potential target for tumor therapy.
Hyperfunction of CD4 CD25 regulatory T cells in de novo acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Wan Yuling , Zhang Congxiao , Xu Yingxi , Wang Min , Rao Qing , Xing Haiyan , Tian Zheng , Tang Kejing , Mi Yingchang , Wang Ying , Wang Jianxiang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common hematopoietic malignancy that has a high relapse rate, and the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in AML patients is significantly increased. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of Tregs in the immune escape of acute myeloid leukemia.

Methods
The frequencies of Tregs and the expression of PD-1, CXCR4 and CXCR7 were examined by flow cytometry. The expression of CTLA-4 and GITR was tested by MFI. Chemotaxis assays were performed to evaluate Treg migration. The concentrations of SDF-1α, IFN-γ and TNF-α were examined by ELISA. Coculture and crisscross coculture experiments were performed to examine Treg proliferation and apoptosis and the effect of regulatory B cells (Breg) conversion.

Results
The frequencies of Tregs in peripheral blood and bone marrow in AML patients were increased compared with those in healthy participants. AML Tregs had robust migration towards bone marrow due to increased expression of CXCR4. AML Treg-mediated immunosuppression of T cells was achieved through proliferation inhibition, apoptosis promotion and suppression of IFN-γ production in CD4+CD25− T cells. AML Bregs induced the conversion of CD4+CD25−T cells to Tregs.

Conclusion
In AML patients, the Breg conversion effect and robust CXCR4-induced migration led to Treg enrichment in bone marrow. AML Tregs downregulated the function of CD4+CD25− T cells, contributing to immune escape.
Normative values for circulating intestinal fatty acid binding protein and calprotectin across gestational ages
Authors: Shores Darla R. , Fundora Jennifer , Go Mitzi , Shakeel Fauzia , Brooks Sandra , Alaish Samuel M. , Yang Jun , Sodhi Chhinder P. , Hackam David J. , Everett Allen 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Serum biomarkers to aid diagnosis, such as intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) and calprotectin, are actively being investigated; however, the normative values of these markers among healthy premature and term infants remains unknown. We sought to identify normative values for the serum concentrations of IFABP and calprotectin across gestational (GA) and post-menstrual age.

Methods
We collected serum from infants (24–40 weeks GA) in the first week of life and at multiple time points in a sub-cohort of premature infants (24–29 weeks GA), excluding sepsis or known intestinal disease. IFABP and calprotectin were measured using ELISA. Groups were compared with descriptive statistics and mixed effects linear regression.

Results
One hundred twelve infants had specimens in the first week of life, and 19 premature infants had longitudinal specimens. IFABP concentration in the first week of life was low and did not differ across gestational ages. Longitudinally, IFABP increased 4% per day (P < 0.001). Calprotectin concentration in the first week of life was more variable. An inverse relationship between day of life and calprotectin level was found in the longitudinal cohort (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
Serum IFABP and calprotectin fluctuate over time. Infants had low levels of IFABP during the first week of life, independent of gestational age, and levels increased longitudinally in premature infants. Calprotectin levels generally declined over time. Normative data for infants is necessary to establish meaningful cut-off levels for clinical use.
Enteroviral and herpes simplex virus central nervous system infections in infants < 90 days old: a Paediatric Investigators’ Collaborative Network on Infections in Canada (PICNIC) study
Authors: Petel Dara , Barton Michelle , Renaud Christian , Ouchenir Lynda , Brophy Jason , Bowes Jennifer , Khan Sarah , Bitnun Ari , McDonald Jane , Boisvert Andrée-Anne , Ting Joseph , Roberts Ashley , Robinson Joan L. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
The relative contribution of viruses to central nervous system (CNS) infections in young infants is not clear. For viral CNS infections, there are limited data on features that suggest HSV etiology or on predictors of unfavorable outcome.

Methods
In this cross-sectional retrospective study, seven centers from the Pediatric Investigators Collaborative Network on Infections in Canada identified infants < 90 days of age with CNS infection proven to be due to enterovirus (EV) or herpes simplex virus (HSV) January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2014.

Results
Of 174 CNS infections with a proven etiology, EV accounted for 103 (59%) and HSV for 7 (4%). All HSV cases and 41 (40%) EV cases presented before 21 days of age. Four HSV cases (57%) and 5 EV cases (5%) had seizures. Three (43%) HSV and 23 (23%) EV cases lacked cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis. HSV cases were more likely to require ICU admission (p = 0.010), present with seizures (p = 0.031) and have extra-CNS disease (p < 0.001). Unfavorable outcome occurred in 12 cases (11% of all EV and HSV infections) but was more likely following HSV than EV infection (4 (57%) versus 8 (8%); p = 0.002).

Conclusions
Viruses accounted for approximately two-thirds of proven CNS infections in the first 90 days of life. Empiric therapy for HSV should be considered in suspected CNS infections in the first 21 days even in the absence of CSF pleocytosis unless CSF parameters are suggestive of bacterial meningitis. Neurodevelopmental follow-up should be considered in infants whose course of illness is complicated by seizures.
A concept analysis of children with complex health conditions: implications for research and practice
Authors: Azar Rima , Doucet Shelley , Horsman Amanda Rose , Charlton Patricia , Luke Alison , Nagel Daniel A. , Hyndman Nicky , Montelpare William J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis concept analysis aimed to clarify the meaning of “children with complex health conditions” and endorse a definition to inform future research, policy, and practice.MethodsUsing Walker and Avant’s (2011)‘s approach, we refined the search strategy with input from our team, including family representatives.We reviewed the published and grey literature. We also interviewed 84 health, social, and educational stakeholders involved in the care of children with complex health conditions about their use/understanding of the concept.ResultsWe provided model, borderline, related, and contrary cases for clarification purposes. We identified defining attributes that nuance the concept: (1) conditions and needs’ breadth; (2) uniqueness of each child/condition; (3) varying extent of severity over time; 4) developmental age; and (5) uniqueness of each family/context. Antecedents were chronic physical, mental, developmental, and/or behavioural condition(s). There were individual, family, and system consequences, including fragmented services.ConclusionsBuilding on previous definitions, we proposed an iteration that acknowledges the conditions’ changing trajectories as involving one or more chronic condition(s), regardless of type(s), whose trajectories can change over time, requiring services across sectors/settings, oftentimes resulting in a lower quality of life. A strength of this paper is the integration of the stakeholders’/family’s voices into the development of the definition.
The effect of information on prostate cancer screening decision process: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Charvin M. , Launoy G. , Berchi C. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Prostate cancer screening is controversial because of uncertainty about its benefits and risks. The aim of this survey was to reveal preferences of men concerning prostate cancer screening and to test the effect of an informative video on these preferences.

Methods
A stated preferences questionnaire was sent by e-mail to men aged 50–75 with no history of prostate cancer. Half of them were randomly assigned to view an informative video. A discrete choice model was established to reveal men’s preferences for six prostate cancer screening characteristics: mortality by prostate cancer, number of false positive and false negative results, number of overdiagnosis, out-of-pocket costs and recommended frequency.

Results
A population-based sample composed by 1024 men filled in the entire questionnaire. Each attribute gave the expected sign except for overdiagnosis. The video seemed to increase the intention to abstain from prostate cancer screening.

Conclusions
The participants attached greater importance to a decrease in the number of false negatives and a reduction in prostate cancer mortality than to other risks such as the number of false positives and overdiagnosis. Further research is needed to help men make an informed choice regarding screening.
Impact of family physician integrated care program on decreasing utilization of emergency department visit and hospital admission: a population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Po-Tsung , Kung Pei-Tseng , Kuo Wen-Yin , Tsai Wen-Chen 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Hospital admission and emergency department(ED) visits are a massive burden in medical expenditures. In 2003, the Taiwanese government developed Family Physician Integrated Care Program (FPIC) to increase the quality of primary care and decrease medical expenditures. This study’s goals were to determine whether FPIC decreased hospital admissions and ED visits and identify the factors influencing the outcomes.

Methods
This nationwide retrospective cohort study was conducted for the period between 2006 and 2013 by using data obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 68,218 individuals were divided into those who joined FPIC and those who did not. We used propensity score matching at a ratio of 1:1 and logistic regression with the generalized estimating equation (GEE) model having a difference-in-difference design to investigate the effects of the FPIC policy on hospital admissions and ED visits in 7 years.

Results
Using logistic regression with the GEE model with the difference-in-difference design, we found no reduction in ED visits and hospital admissions between the two groups. The participants’ risk of hospital admissions increased in the first year after joining FPIC (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03–1.20, P < .05). However, participants who joined FPIC showed an 8% lower risk of hospital admissions in the sixth and seventh years after joining FPIC, compared with those who did not join FPIC (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.85–1.00, P < .05).

Conclusions
FPIC in Taiwan could not decrease medical utilization initially but might reduce hospital admissions in the long term.
Litterfall production and associated carbon and nitrogen flux along exclosure chronosequence at Kewet district, central lowland of Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfay Fikrey , Kibret Kibebew , Gebrekirstos Aster , Hadgu Kiros Meles 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundLitterfall input and associated nutrient flux are critically important in the restoration of soil in degraded landscapes through exclosures. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of exclosure on seasonal litterfall production and nutrient content, and estimate annual C and N inputs to the soil in an age sequence at Kewet district, central lowland of Ethiopia. Leaf litterfall production was recorded by a 0.25 m2litter trap from a systematically laid line transects from 5, 15, and 20 years old exclosures and adjacent grazing land.ResultsLeaf litterfall input in the exclosures ranged from 37 g m−2in January (at the old exclosure) to 7.33 g m−2(at the young exclosure), and 3 g m−2in March at the grazing land. Litterfall input showed seasonal variation and peaked in the dry months. Mean monthly leaf litterfall production was significantly (p <0.05) higher (22 g m−2) in the old exclosure than the adjacent grazing land (9 g m−2). Total annual leaf litterfall ranged from 1073 kg ha−1(grazing land) to 2662 kg ha−1(old exclosure). There were no significant differences in leaf litterfall nutrients i.e., N, P, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations, except for C. The annual leaf litterfall associated C and N input ranged from 412 (grazing land) to 1025 (old exclosure) and 27 (middle age exclosure) to 68 kg ha−1(old exclosure), respectively. The positive change recorded in leaf litterfall production and associated C and N return is associated with restoration of vegetation.ConclusionsThrough well-managed area exclosure, leaf litterfall production in the degraded landscapes can reach the level of tropical dry lowland forest in about a decade. Further research on the contribution of dominant tree species in litter production along the age of exclosure is recommended to improve the effectiveness of rehabilitation of degraded lands.
Language assessment literacy: what do we need to learn, unlearn, and relearn?
Authors: Coombe Christine , Vafadar Hossein , Mohebbi Hassan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRecently, we have witnessed a growing interest in developing teachers’ language assessment literacy. The ever increasing demand for and use of assessment products and data by a more varied group of stakeholders than ever before, such as newcomers with limited assessment knowledge in the field, and the knowledge assessors need to possess (Stiggins, Phi Delta Kappa 72:534-539, 1991) directs an ongoing discussion on assessment literacy. The 1990 Standards for Teacher Competence in Educational Assessment of Students (AFT, NCME, & NEA, Educational Measurement: Issues and Practice 9:30-32, 1990) made a considerable contribution to this field of study. Following these Standards, a substantial number of for and against studies have been published on the knowledge base and skills for assessment literacy, assessment goals, the stakeholders, formative assessment and accountability contexts, and measures examining teacher assessment literacy levels. This paper elaborates on the nature of the language assessment literacy, its conceptual framework, the related studies on assessment literacy, and various components of teacher assessment literacy and their interrelationships. The discussions, which focus on what language teachers and testers need to learn, unlearn, and relearn, should develop a deep understanding of the work of teachers, teacher trainers, professional developers, stakeholders, teacher educators, and educational policymakers. Further, the outcome of the present paper can provide more venues for further research.