bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Macular Sensitivity Measures and Visual Acuity to Vision-related Quality of Life in Patients with Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Forshaw Thomas Richard Johansen , Parpounas Alexandra Kalia , Sørensen Torben Lykke 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Visual acuity is commonly used as a functional outcome measure in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), despite having a weak correlation with self-perceived visual quality of life. Microperimetry is a useful method of detecting loss of macular function. We wanted to investigate the relationship between these two objective visual outcome measures and subjective vision-related quality of life, finding out which objective measure is more patient-relevant. Methods: Fifty-six consecutive patients with AMD were recruited to the study. Participants were required to complete the Visual Function Questionnaire 39, the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study visual acuity examination and a microperimetry assessment using the Micro Perimeter 3. One patient withdrew consent and seven patients dropped out due to cooperation difficulties under microperimetry. Forty-eight patients with AMD were included in the study: thirty-three patients with late AMD (exudative AMD and/or geographic atrophy) and fifteen patients with early (non-exudative) AMD. The right eye was included as standard, as was the eye with the best-corrected visual acuity.Results: There was a higher correlation between vision-related quality of life and macular sensitivity (rho=0.371; p=0.034) than between vision-related quality of life and visual acuity (rho=0.334; p=0.058) in patients with late AMD. These correlations were not statistically significant in patients with early AMD. Composite score (rho=0.405; p=0.019) and near-distance activities score (rho=0.469; p=0.006) correlated highest with the nasal inner macular sub-region in patients with late AMD. Correlations between composite score and macular sub-regions in patients with early AMD were not significant, but near-distance activities score correlated highest with the nasal outer macular sub-region in these patients (rho=0.735; p=0.002). Conclusions: Macular sensitivity as measured using microperimetry correlates significantly better with vision-related quality of life than visual acuity, showing it to be a more patient-relevant outcome measure in patients with late AMD. Furthermore, the nasal sub-regions of the macula appear to be preferred retinal loci in patients with AMD.(330 words)
Cardiovascular risk screening of patients with serious mental illness or use of antipsychotics in family practice.
Authors: Jakobs Kirsti Marieke , Posthuma Anne , de Grauw Wim JC , Schalk Bianca WM , Akkermans Reinier P , Lucassen Peter , Schermer Tjard , Assendelft Willem JJ , Biermans Marion JC 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Patients with serious mental illness (SMI) and patients on antipsychotics (AP) have an elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases. In the Netherlands, the mental healthcare for these patients is increasingly taken care of by family practitioners (FP) as a result of a shift from secondary to primary care. Therefore, it is essential to increase our knowledge regarding the characteristics of this patient group and the (somatic) care provided by their FPs. The aim was to examine the rate of cardiovascular risk screening in patients with SMI or the use of AP in family practice.Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 151.238 patients listed in 24 family practices in the Netherlands.From electronic medical records we extracted data concerning diagnoses, measurement values of CVR factors, medication and frequency of visits over a 2 year period. Primary outcome was the rate of patients who were screened for CVR factors. We compared three groups: patients with SMI/AP without diabetes or CVD (SMI/AP-only), patients with SMI/AP and diabetes mellitus (SMI/AP+DM), patients with SMI/AP and a history of cardiovascular disease (SMI/AP+CVD). We explored factors associated with adequate screening using multilevel logistic regression.Results: We identified 1705 patients with SMI/AP, 834 with a SMI diagnosis, 1150 using AP. The screening rate for CVR in the SMI/AP-only group (n=1383) was adequate in 8.5%. Screening was higher in the SMI/AP-+DM (n=206, 68.4% adequate, OR 24.6 (95%CI, 17.3-35.1) and SMI/AP+CVD (n=116, 26.7% adequate, OR 4.2 (95%CI, 2.7-6.6). A high frequency of visits, age, the use of AP and a diagnosis of COPD were associated with a higher screening rate. In addition we also examined differences between patients with SMI and patients using AP without SMI.Conclusion: CVR screening in patients with SMI/AP is performed poorly in Dutch family practices. Acceptable screening rates were found only among SMI/AP patients with diabetes mellitus as comorbidity. The finding of a large group of AP users without a SMI diagnosis may indicate that FPs often prescribe AP off-label, lack information about the diagnosis, or use the wrong code.
A patients’ view of OA: the Global Osteoarthritis Patient Perception Survey (GOAPPS)
Authors: Vitaloni Marianna , Bemden Angie Botto-van , Sciortino Rosa , Carné Xavier , Quintero Maritza , Santos-Moreno Pedro , Espinosa Rolando , Rillo Oscar , Monfort Jordi , de Abajo Francisco , Oswald Elisabeth , Matucci Marco , du Souich Patrick , Möller Ingrid , Baures Monserrat Romera , Vinci Arlene , Scotton Deborah , Bibas Marco , Eakin Guy , Verges Josep 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Globally, osteoarthritis (OA) is the third condition associated with disability. There is still poor treatment in OA but science holds the key to finding better treatments and a cure. It is essential to learn what’s important to patients from them to implement the most effective OA management. The OA Patients Task Force, conducted the Global OA Patient Perception Survey (GOAPPS)-the first global survey to compare the quality of life (QoL) & patient perceptions of care across countries. The goal was to collect data on OA patients' perception of OA to understand patients’ needs and expectations to improve OA management.Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study by online survey data collection from six countries, translated into three languages. The survey was comprised of 3 sections: patient demographics and clinical symptomology characteristics; relationship with physicians: perception of attention, treatment, and information provided; and OA impact on daily activity and QoL. The results of the survey were evaluated using the Limited Data Set. The survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistics to characterize the patients' answers using the IBM SPSS® software.Results. A total of 1512 surveys were completed in 6 countries. 84.2% of respondents reported pain/tenderness and 91.1% experienced limitations to physical activities. 42.3% of patients were not satisfied with their current OA treatment. 86% had comorbidities, especially hypertension, and obesity. 51.3% and 78% would like access to additional drug or additional non-drug/non-surgical treatments respectively. 48.2% of patients perceived their QoL to be affected by OA Conclusions: OA has a significant impact on patients’ daily activities and their desire to play an active role in managing this disease. Patients are seeking additional treatments, especially no pharmacological/no surgical treatments stressing the need for investing in clinical research, implementing OA preventive measures, and managing interventions to improve the healthcare value chain in OA.
Effects of Magnesium Biotinate Supplementation on Serum Insulin, Glucose, and Lipid Parameters Along with Gene Expressions of Intermediary Metabolism in Rats
Authors: Sahin Kazim , ORHAN Cemal , KUCUK Osman , Erten Fusun , SAHIN Nurhan , OJALVO Sara PEREZ , KOMOROWSKI James R 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The objective of this work was to investigate the effects of a novel form of biotin (magnesium biotinate) at various levels on body weight, serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, cholesterol, and triglycerides, and liver expression of lipid metabolism-related genes such as SREBP-1c, FAS, AMPK-α1, ACC-1, ACC-2, PC, PCC and MCC in rats.Methods: A total of 42 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six treatment groups and fed a standard diet-based egg white powdered diet supplemented with either commercial biotin (d-biotin) at 0.01, 1 or 100 mg/kg body weight or a novel form of biotin (magnesium biotinate) at 0.01, 1, or 100 mg/kg bodyweight for 35 days. The doses used at 0.01, 1 and 100 mg from each source represented a standard dietary dose (control), high dietary dose, and pharmacologic dose, respectively. Results: Bodyweight changes, feed intake, serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, creatine, and urea, and enzyme activities of ALT and AST were similar among treatments (P > 0.05). Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations of the rats decreased with biotin supplementation from both sources (P < 0.05). Concentrations were significantly lower with magnesium biotinate when comparing the 1 mg/kg dose groups (P < 0.05). Serum, liver, brain biotin concentrations, and liver cGMP contents were greater when rats were treated with magnesium biotinate versus d-biotin, particularly when comparing the 1 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg dose groups (P < 0.05). Both forms of biotin decreased the liver gene expression of SREBP‐1c and FAS and increased liver gene expression of AMPK-α1, ACC-1, ACC-2, PCC and MCC (P < 0.05). The magnitudes of responses were more emphasized with magnesium biotinate. Liver PC gene expression increased with biotin supplementation with no regard to dose or biotin form (P > 0.05).Conclusion: Results of the present work revealed that a new form of biotin, magnesium biotinate, compared with a commercial d-biotin, is more effective in reducing serum lipid concentrations and in regulating gene expressions of intermediary metabolism-related biomarkers.
Association between multi-site atherosclerotic plaques and systemic arteriosclerosis: results from the BEST study (Beijing Vascular Disease Patients Evaluation Study)
Authors: liu huan , Liu Jinbo , Huang Wei , Zhao Hongwei , zhao Na , wang Hongyu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Arteriosclerosis can be reflected in various aspect of the artery, including atherosclerotic plaque formation or stiffening on the arterial wall. Both arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are important and closely associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between systemic arteriosclerosis and multi-site atherosclerotic plaques. Methods The study was designed as an observational cross-sectional study. A total of 1178 participants (mean age 67.4 years; 52.2% male) enrolled into the observational study from 2010 to 2017. Systemic arteriosclerosis was assessed by carotid femoral artery pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV) and multi-site atherosclerotic plaques (MAP, >=2 of the below sites) were reflected in the carotid or subclavian artery, abdominal aorta and lower extremities arteries using ultrasound equipment. The associations were assessed by multivariable logistic regression. Results The prevalence of CF-PWV >12 m/s and MAP were 40.2% and 74.4%. Atherosclerotic plaques in 3 sites were more common in male compared with that in female (48.9% versus 36.9%, p<0.05). All CVD factors were worse in participants with MAP than that with <=1 site. Participants with CF-PWV>12m/s corresponded to a mean 82% probability of MAP with age and sex-adjusted. Patients with peripheral artery disease showed the highest odds ratio (OR) (3.88) for MAP, followed by smoking (2.485), CF-PWV>12m/s (2.25), dyslipidemia (1.89), male (1.84), stroke (1.64), hypoglycemic agents (1.56) and age (1.09) (all p<0.001). Conclusions MAP was highly prevalent in this cohort, with male showing a higher prevalence than female. Higher systemic arteriosclerosis was independently associated with MAP, which indicating the supplementary value of arteriosclerosis for the earlier identification and intervention on MAP.Trial registration: Clinical Trial, URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02569268
Alpha-Lipoic Acid Prevents Atrial Electrical and Structural Remodeling via Inhibition of NADPH Oxidase in a Rabbit Rapid Atrial Pacing Model
Authors: Chen Lei , Chen Wensu , Zhang Yao , Wang Zhirong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background The pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation(AF) is complex, and the treatment method is still not satisfactory. A rapid atrial pacing (RAP) model was constructed to study the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on electrical and structural remodeling, as well as its possible mechanism in rabbits.Methods A total of 30 rabbits were randomly divided into a sham-operated group (SHAM group), a rapid atrial pacing model group (RAP group) and an alpha-lipoic acid+rapid atrial pacing model group (ALA+RAP group). Their right atriums were paced at a speed of 600 beats/min for 12 h in the RAP and ALA+RAP groups, and the atrial effective refractory period (AERP) and AERP frequency adaptability were determined during the pace. In each group, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected to observe the effects of oxidative stress. The pathological structure of the atrial tissue was observed through HE and Masson staining. Ultrastructural changes in the atrial myocytes were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the expression levels of Nox2 and Nox4 were detected by immunohistochemistry, western blot and ELISA.Conclusion ALA can inhibit atrial electrical remodeling and structural remodeling by reducing ROS production and alleviating oxidative stress injury induced by rapid right atrial pacing, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activity of NADPH oxidase.
Computer-assisted femoral head reduction osteotomies an approach for anatomic reconstruction of severely deformed Legg-Calvè-Perthes hips
Authors: Fürnstahl Philipp , Casari Fabio A. , Ackermann Joëlle , Marcon Magda , Leunig Michael , Ganz Reinhold 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Legg–Calvé–Perthes (LCP) is a common orthopedic childhood disease leading to a deformity of the femoral head and to an adaptive deformity of the acetabulum. The altered joint biomechanics can result in early joint degeneration requiring total hip arthroplasty. In 2002 Ganz et al. introduced the femoral head reduction osteotomy (FHRO) as a direct joint-preserving treatment. The procedure remains one of the most challenging in hip surgery. Computer-based 3D preoperative planning and patient-specific navigation instruments have been successfully used to reduce technical complexity in other anatomies. The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and anatomic reconstruction of such an approach for FHRO. Methods: In this pilot study 6 LCP patients were treated by FHRO in multiple centers between May 2017 and June 2019. Based on patient-specific 3D models of the hips, the surgeries were simulated in a step-wise fashion. Patient-specific intstruments tailored to FHRO were designed 3D-printed and used in the surgeries for navigating the osteotomies. The results were assessed radiographically and time and costs recorded. Results and Interpretation: The clinical feasibility of our approach for FHRO surgery has been demonstrated. The results showed significant improvement compared to the preoperative situation. The sphericity index improved postoperatively by 20% (p=0.028), the postoperative head diameter differed by only 1.8% (p = 0.043) from the contralateral side and Stulberg classification improved from 4.33 poor coxathrosis outcome to 1.5 good outcome (p = 0.026). The average time (minutes) for preliminary analysis, computer simulation, and patient-specific instrument design was 63 (±48), 156 (±64), and 105 (±68.5), respectively. All operations were performed by experienced surgeons, still three complications occurred, showing that FHRO remains one of the most complex hip surgeries, even with computer assistance; however none was directly related to simulation or navigation technique.
COVID-19 pandemic fear and anxiety among healthcare professionals in Pakistan
Authors: Saleem Zohra , Majeed Muhammad Mansoor , Rafique Sara , Siqqiqui Zarah , Ghandhi Dinaz , Tariq Hira , Zegarra-Valdivia Jonathan Adrián 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
During the current pandemic, Pakistan is badly affected. It has exerted great pressure on vigor as well as the psychology of the healthcare professionals. Limited resources, illiteracy, myths, and not following the proper protocol by the general population may have increased the risk for everyone, and anxiety and fear among the frontline healthcare professionals. Anxiety is a common response to any stressful situation and its the fear of the unknown and it may have multiple consequences.In the current study, we attempted to analyze the fear and anxiety among the healthcare professionals of Pakistan. An online questionnaire-based survey was performed using a non-probability snowball sampling technique. The questionnaire was validated and comprised of demographics and 10 questions regarding fear and anxiety as per fear of coronavirus-19 scale (FCV-19S). SPSS 21 was used for data analysis. Data of 404 participants analyzed. A significant difference between gender, age group, and the profession was found (p<0.05). Out of 404 participants, 322 (79.70%) were considered to have high and severe anxiety (p=0.020). Based on the results anxiety was reported higher among the nurses and in females. A significant relationship was observed between fear and anxiety score and the different healthcare professionals with p value< 0.001 (Multilinear regression).Concerning the high occurrence of anxiety and fear among healthcare professionals appropriate psychological/psychiatric intervention necessitates and emphasizes the need to implement urgent measures.
Efficient Masked Face Recognition Method during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hariri Walid 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The COVID-19 is an unparalleled crisis leading to huge number of casualties and security problems. In order to reduce the spread of coronavirus, people often wear masks to protect themselves. This makes the face recognition a very difficult task since certain parts of the face are hidden. A primary focus of researchers during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is to come up with suggestions to handle this problem through rapid and efficient solutions. In this paper, we propose a reliable method based on discard masked region and deep learning based features in order to address the problem of masked face recognition process. The first step is to discard the masked face region. Next, we apply a pre-trained deep Convolutional neural networks (CNN) to extract the best features from the obtained regions (mostly eyes and forehead regions). Finally, the Bag-of-features paradigm is applied on the feature maps of the last convolutional layer in order to quantize them and to get a slight representation comparing to the fully connected layer of classical CNN. Finally, Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) is applied for the classification process. Experimental results on Real-World-Masked-Face-Dataset show high recognition performance.
Dysregulated Circulating micro RNAs Markers: New Evidence into Expression Pattern in Children with T1D among Egyptian Population
Authors: Barseem Naglaa , Mahasab Marwa , Gayed Eman Abd El 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

miRNAs are gaining access as promising markers for a variety of autoimmune disorders yet, deviations between individuals at risk or developed T1D remains to be thoroughly explored. We aimed to study the pattern of miRNA expression profiling in plasma obtained from patients with T1D and the matched control subjects.
Methods

Equally divided numbers of T1D patients (90) and healthy-matched control children (90) were analyzed for their expression profile of plasma miRNAs; miR-101-5p, 146-5p, 21-5p, miR-375, miR-126, and Let7a-5p by reverse transcriptase (RT-PCR) through quantitative real-time technique.
Results

The two studied groups were significantly different in respect to their biochemical parameters; FBG, 2hpp, and HbA1c levels (p&lt; 0.05). Among the deregulated molecules, miR-101, miR-21 and-375 were highly expressed, whereas, miR-146-5p, miR-126, and miR-Let7a-5p showed significantly low levels of expression in patients compared to control subjects (p < 0.05). MiR-101, miR-146 was significantly correlated to the age at diagnosis of T1D and disease duration respectively. Furthermore, miR-126, -Let7a-5p showed a significant negative correlation with meanA1C values, the matter that was confined by multivariate analysis.
Conclusion

Dysregulation of the above mentioned micro RNAs pointed out to their pivotal role to be important biomarkers for T1D development.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Older Surgical Patients
Authors: Rickenbacher Marc , Reinbold Céline S , Herms Stefan , Hoffmann Per , Cichon Sven , Wueest Alexandra S , Monsch Andreas U , Steiner Luzius A , Goettel Nicolai 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common neurocognitive complication after surgery and anesthesia, particularly in elderly patients. Various studies have suggested genetic risk factors for POCD. The study aimed to detect genome-wide associations of POCD in older patients.Methods: In this prospective observational cohort study, participants aged ≥65 years completed a set of neuropsychological tests before, at 1 week, and 3 months after major noncardiac surgery. Test variables were converted into standard scores (z-scores) based on demographic characteristics. POCD was diagnosed if the decline was >1 standard deviation in ≥2 of the 15 variables in the assessment battery. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to determine potential alleles that are linked to the POCD phenotype. In addition, candidate genes for POCD were identified in a literature search for further analysis.Results: Sixty-three patients with blood samples were included in the study. POCD was diagnosed in 47.6% of patients at 1 week and in 34.2% of patients at 3 months after surgery. Insufficient sample quality led to exclusion of 26 patients. In the remaining 37 patients, a GWAS was performed, but no association (P < 5*10-8) with POCD was found. The subsequent gene set enrichment analysis of 34 candidate genes did not reveal any significant associations.Conclusion: In this patient cohort, a GWAS did not reveal an association between specific genetic alleles and POCD at 1 week and 3 months after surgery. Future genetic analysis should focus on specific candidate genes for POCD.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02864173)
All-Optical Switching of an Epsilon-Near-Zero Plasmon in ITO
Authors: Bohn Justus , Luk Ting-Shan , Tollerton Craig , Hutchins Sam , Brener Igal , Horsley Simon , Barnes William , Hendry Euan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Nonlinear optical devices and their implementation into modern nanophotonic architectures are constrained by their usually moderate nonlinear response. Recently, epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials have been found to have a strong optical nonlinearity, which can be enhanced through the use of cavities or nano-structuring. Here, we study the pump dependent properties of the plasmon resonance in the ENZ region in a thin layer of thin indium tin oxide (ITO). Exciting this mode using the Kretschmann-Raether configuration, we study reflection switching properties of a 60nm layer close to the resonant plasmon frequency. We demonstrate the thermal switching mechanism, which results in a shift in the plasmon resonance frequency of 20THz for a TM pump intensity of 75GW/cm2. For degenerate pump and probe frequencies, we highlight an additional coherent contribution, not previously isolated in ENZ nonlinear optics studies, which leads to an overall pump induced change in reflection from 1% to 45%.