bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corneal perforation associated with isolated ocular lichen planus: a case report
Authors: Gomez-Elizondo Daniela E , Lopez-Martinez Mariana , Ruiz-Lozano Raul Eduardo , Valdez-Garcia Jorge E , Hernandez-Camarena Julio C 
Published: June 2020

Introduction: To report a case of unilateral corneal perforation due to isolated ocular lichen planus. Methods: Interventional case report. Informed consent by the patient was obtained to publish clinical images. A 64-year-old male presented with severe vision loss and a 2-week history of corneal perforation treated with penetrating keratoplasty in the left eye. He had a longstanding diagnosis of severe chronic dry eye disease. On the initial assessment a visual acuity of 20/50 in the RE and HM perception in the left eye were documented. Biomicroscopy revealed subepithelial fibrosis on the tarsal conjunctiva and clinical signs of severe dry eye disease in both eyes. A clear corneal button and a white cataract were observed in the left eye. No other skin or mucosal lesions were observed. Results: An excisional biopsy of the bulbar conjunctiva was performed under topical anesthesia. Direct immunofluorescence analysis revealed a linear deposit of fibrinogen in the basement membrane consistent with ocular lichen planus. Clinical improvement was achieved using aggressive topical lubrication, corneal epithelial regenerators, topical tacrolimus, and immunosuppressive therapy with systemic corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide. Conclusion: Isolated ocular lichen planus is an extremely infrequent presentation of lichen planus often indistinguishable from other cicatricial conjunctivitis. Corneal perforation is a severe complication associated with severe dry eye, not previously reported with ocular lichen planus. An adequate clinical assessment and histopathologic diagnosis are crucial to lead prompt treatment and prevent sight-threatening complications.
Mentalization-based treatments with children and families: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Byrne Gary , Murphy Síle , Connon Graham 
Published: June 2020

Objectives: Over the past decade, mentalization-based treatment (MBT) approaches have been developed specifically for children, adolescents and families. This study provides a systematic review of MBT applicable to both children and families. Method: Five databases were searched to identify reports of MBT studies published up to February 2020. Studies were screened and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of 34 studies were included in this review. Of these, 14 focused on parent–child dyads, two on child therapy, seven applied the approach to parenting, four evaluated the application of MBT to the school environment and seven focused on adolescent populations. Conclusion: Despite methodological shortcomings and heterogeneity in design, the existing literature does provide tentative support for the use of MBT approaches for these populations, specifically in increasing mentalizing/reflective functioning. Further controlled and methodologically rigorous studies are required.
Holding the mirror up to converted languages: Two grammars, one lexicon
Authors: Meakins Felicity , Pensalfini Rob 
Published: June 2020

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions: This article describes an unusual result of language contact occurring in North-Central Australia, where extensive long-term contact between speakers of the genetically unrelated Jingulu and Mudburra has resulted in a high degree of lexical borrowing, with little if any change to syntactic or morphological structure in either language. What is particularly unusual about this borrowing is that it is bidirectional, with almost equal numbers of words being borrowed from Jingulu into Mudburra as vice versa. This situation mirrors that of converted languages, where two varieties have come to share a grammar through contact, but retain separate lexicons. Design/methodology/approach: We use a comparative database to establish the direction of noun borrowings between these languages. Data and analysis: The comparative database consists of 871 nouns shared by Jingulu and Mudburra and also includes 571 corresponding nouns from a number of geographically and phylogenetically neighbouring languages: Wambaya, Gurindji, Jaminjung, Jaru, Warlmanpa and Warumungu. Findings/conclusions: We show that for nouns alone, Mudburra and Jingulu share 65% of their forms. What makes the Jingulu-Mudburra situation even more unusual is the relatively balanced bidirectional nature of borrowings, with 32% of shared nouns originating in Mudburra and 24.5% from Jingulu (for the remaining 43.5%, direction of borrowing could not be determined). Originality: We suggest that that this situation of bidirectional borrowing represents a hitherto unreported type of language hybridisation scenario, which we dub ‘lexical convergence’. Significance/implications: We claim that this unusual situation is the result of long-term cohabitation of the two groups, a shared cultural life and relative socio-political equality between the two groups. We venture that these may be requisite to the sort of extensive bidirectional borrowing and maintenance of individual grammatical systems found in lexical convergence more generally.
Predictors of patient-reported outcomes at discharge in patients with heart failure
Authors: Rasmussen Anne A , Johnsen Søren P , Berg Selina K , Rasmussen Trine B , Borregaard Britt , Thrysoee Lars , Thorup Charlotte B , Mols Rikke E , Wiggers Henrik , Larsen Signe H 
Published: June 2020

Background:
It is well-established that heart failure has a negative impact on quality of life. However, little is known about patient-related predictors of health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression, symptoms and illness perception among patients with heart failure.

Aim:
To study the association between patient-related predictors and patient-reported outcome measures at discharge from hospital in a cohort of patients with heart failure.

Methods:
We used data from 1506 patients with heart failure, participating in the national DenHeart Survey of patient-reported outcome measures in patients with heart disease. The potential patient-related predictors included demographic, administrative, clinical and socioeconomic factors. The patient-reported outcome measures included six questionnaires: the Short Form-12, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the EuroQol five-dimensional, five-level questionnaire, the HeartQoL, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale. Data were linked to national patient registry data and medical records. We performed multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses.

Results:
In adjusted linear regression analyses we found that a length of hospital stay of &gt;2 days was associated with worse scores across questionnaires, except for the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire. Higher comorbidity level was associated with worse scores across all questionnaires, whereas low social support was associated with worse scores across questionnaires, except for the physical domain of the Short Form-12 and the HeartQoL global score.

Conclusions:
This study identified length of hospital stay &gt; 2 days, a higher comorbidity level and low social support to be associated with worse scores across questionnaires at discharge from a cardiac-related hospitalisation in patients with heart failure.
Clinical value of IL-13 and ECP in the serum and sputum of eosinophilic AECOPD patients
Authors: Li Ting , Gao Li , Ma Hong-Xia , Wei Yang-Yang , Liu Yue-Hua , Qin Ke-Ru , Wang Wen-Tao , Wang Hai-Long , Pang Min 
Published: June 2020

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous inflammatory disease and eosinophils (EOS) participate in inflammation process. Acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) is an inevitable trend in the development of the disease and has attracted widespread attention. In the present study, 108 hospitalized patients with AECOPD were collected and the levels of interleukin-13 and eosinophil cationic protein in the serum and sputum were measured to explore their clinical value in eosinophilic AECOPD patients. The patients were divided into an eosinophilic group (52 cases, 48.15%) and a noneosinophilic group (56 cases, 51.85%). The eosinophilic group had fewer acute exacerbations in the past year, shorter average hospitalization days, lower respiratory failure rate, mechanical ventilation utilization rate, and lower CAT and mMRC scores ( P <  0.05). The levels of interleukin-13 and eosinophil cationic protein in sputum in the eosinophilic group were higher than those in the noneosinophilic group ( P <  0.05), and there was no significant difference in the serum between the two groups ( P >  0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of sputum interleukin-13 and eosinophil cationic protein predicting peripheral blood EOS% ≥2% of AECOPD patients were statistically significant ( P <  0.05). The noneosinophilic group had a higher rate of rehospitalization due to acute exacerbation during the one-year follow-up, and there was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups. The results show that eosinophils in peripheral blood are a simple, convenient, and inexpensive index for assessing the condition and prognosis of AECOPD patients. Interleukin-13 and eosinophil cationic protein are involved in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic AECOPD and may be the new targeted anti-inflammatory therapies in the future.Impact statementAcute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is an inevitable trend in the development of the disease and eosinophils (EOS) participate in inflammation process. It is important to explore some relatively simple biomarkers in AECOPD which are useful to recognize the disease. In the present study, 108 hospitalized patients with AECOPD were collected and the levels of IL-13 and ECP in the serum and sputum were measured. The levels of IL-13 and ECP in sputum in the eosinophilic group were higher than those in the noneosinophilic group. Moreover, the noneosinophilic group had a higher rate of rehospitalization due to acute exacerbation during the one-year follow-up. The results show that eosinophils in peripheral blood are a simple, convenient, and inexpensive index for assessing the condition and prognosis of AECOPD patients. IL-13 and ECP are involved in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic AECOPD and may be the new targeted anti-inflammatory therapies.
The Appropriateness of Adapting the Australian Environmental Assessment Tool–High Care (EAT-HC) for Persons With Dementia in Singapore
Authors: Sun Joanna 
Published: June 2020

Objectives: This study investigated the level of acceptance in Singapore of the eight principles of design underpinning the Environmental Assessment Tool–High Care (EAT-HC), which is commonly used in Australia to evaluate environments for the care of people living with dementia. A secondary goal was to identify topics particularly relevant to the Singaporean context, which are not included in the Australian EAT-HC. Background: This study was undertaken in preparation for the development of a Singaporean version of the Australian EAT-HC. Methods: Discussions from 23 focus groups involving 150 family caregivers, aged care staff, administrators, and architects were recorded and thematically analyzed to identify the characteristics of the principles underpinning the EAT-HC that are unlikely to be relevant in a Singaporean version and to identify additional topics required to tailor it to reflect the Singaporean culture. The thematic analysis was supplemented with quantitative data obtained through the use of simple Likert-type scales measuring the appropriateness of each principle in the Singaporean context. Results: The principles of design that underpin the EAT-HC were highly accepted by participants and provided a framework for a systematic exploration of Singaporean residential care for people with dementia. Some topics of particular relevance to Singapore were identified. These can be subsumed by the principles without the need for the principles to be changed. Conclusion: The results support the use of the design principles underpinning the EAT-HC as the foundation of a tool for the evaluation of Singaporean dementia facilities.
Changes in C-reactive protein in response to anti-inflammatory therapy as a predictor of cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Berkley Annie , Ferro Albert 
Published: June 2020

Background Despite the availability of aggressive lipid-lowering strategies, many patients remain at risk of cardiovascular events. C-reactive protein is a marker of inflammation elevated in patients at high risk of cardiovascular events. C-reactive protein has demonstrated value as a predictor of cardiovascular risk; however, it is unclear whether targeting C-reactive protein levels improves outcomes. This systematic review aimed to characterise the relationship between C-reactive protein and cardiovascular outcomes and to assess whether the magnitude of C-reactive protein reduction correlates to the extent of cardiovascular risk reduction. Methods A systematic review was conducted to identify randomised controlled trials that measured C-reactive protein before and after administration of therapies for cardiovascular disease and measured incidence of cardiovascular events. A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled studies assessed the relationship between extent of C-reactive protein reduction and cardiovascular risk reduction. Placebo-controlled studies where low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride data were available were also included in a meta-regression to assess the influence of these established risk factors on the efficacy of treatment when compared to C-reactive protein. Results Fifteen studies met the criteria for inclusion in this review, of which six were active comparator studies and nine were placebo controlled. Six placebo-controlled studies had data available for meta-regression. Eight studies demonstrated a reduction in events that could be explained by changes in lipid levels, whereas the results of five studies suggested that the association between C-reactive protein reduction and event rates cannot be explained by changes in lipid levels alone. No correlation was found between magnitude of C-reactive protein reduction and cardiovascular risk reduction. A strong correlation was found between C-reactive protein and low-density lipoprotein reduction (adjusted r2 = 0.8). Conclusions Targeting C-reactive protein does not offer additional benefit over targeting low-density lipoprotein across the general population in terms of cardiovascular risk reduction. However, there is value in targeting C-reactive protein in patients at high residual inflammatory risk despite non-elevated lipid levels or use of lipid-lowering therapy.
Diagnosis of asthma in children: findings from the Swiss Paediatric Airway Cohort
Authors: de Jong Carmen C.M. , Pedersen Eva S.L. , Mozun Rebeca , Müller-Suter Dominik , Jochmann Anja , Singer Florian , Casaulta Carmen , Regamey Nicolas , Moeller Alexander , Ardura-Garcia Cristina , Kuehni Claudia E. 
Published: June 2020

IntroductionDiagnosing asthma in children remains a challenge because respiratory symptoms are not specific and vary over time.AimIn a real-life observational study, we assessed the diagnostic accuracy of respiratory symptoms, objective tests and two paediatric diagnostic algorithms (proposed by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)) in the diagnosis of asthma in school-aged children.MethodsWe studied children aged 5–17 years who were referred consecutively to pulmonary outpatient clinics for evaluation of suspected asthma. Symptoms were assessed by parental questionnaire. The investigations included specific IgE measurement or skin prick tests, measurement of exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FeNO), spirometry, body plethysmography and bronchodilator reversibility (BDR). Asthma was diagnosed by paediatric pulmonologists based on all available data. We assessed diagnostic accuracy of symptoms, tests and diagnostic algorithms by calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and area under the curve (AUC).ResultsAmong 514 participants, 357 (70%) were diagnosed with asthma. The combined sensitivity and specificity was highest for any wheeze (sensitivity=75%, specificity=65%), dyspnoea (sensitivity=56%, specificity=76%) and wheeze triggered by colds (sensitivity=58%, specificity=78%) or by exercise (sensitivity=55%, specificity=74%). Of the diagnostic tests, the AUC was highest for specific total airway resistance (sRtot; AUC=0.73) and lowest for the residual volume (RV)/total lung capacity (TLC) ratio (AUC=0.56). The NICE algorithm had sensitivity=69% and specificity=67%, whereas the GINA algorithm had sensitivity=42% and specificity=90%.ConclusionThis study confirms the limited usefulness of single tests and existing algorithms for the diagnosis of asthma. It highlights the need for new and more appropriate evidence-based guidance.
Complications following symptom-limited thoracentesis using suction
Authors: Sagar Ala Eddin S. , Landaeta Maria F. , Adrianza Andres M. , Aldana Grecia L. , Pozo Leonardo , Armas-Villalba Aristides , Toquica Christian C. , Larson Andrew J. , Vial Macarena R. , Grosu Horiana B. , Ost David E. , Eapen George A. , Sheshadri Ajay , Morice Rodolfo C. , Shannon Vickie R. , Bashoura Lara , Balachandran Diwakar D. , Almeida Francisco A. , Uzbeck Mateen H. , Casal Roberto F. , Faiz Saadia A. , Jimenez Carlos A. 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundThoracentesis using suction is perceived to have increased risk of complications, including pneumothorax and re-expansion pulmonary oedema (REPO). Current guidelines recommend limiting drainage to 1.5 L to avoid REPO. Our purpose was to examine the incidence of complications with symptom-limited drainage of pleural fluid using suction and identify risk factors for REPO.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of all adult patients who underwent symptom-limited thoracentesis using suction at our institution between January 1, 2004 and August 31, 2018 was performed, and a total of 10 344 thoracenteses were included.ResultsPleural fluid ≥1.5 L was removed in 19% of the procedures. Thoracentesis was stopped due to chest discomfort (39%), complete drainage of fluid (37%) and persistent cough (13%). Pneumothorax based on chest radiography was detected in 3.98%, but only 0.28% required intervention. The incidence of REPO was 0.08%. The incidence of REPO increased with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≥3 compounded with ≥1.5 L (0.04–0.54%; 95% CI 0.13–2.06 L). Thoracentesis in those with ipsilateral mediastinal shift did not increase complications, but less fluid was removed (p<0.01).ConclusionsSymptom-limited thoracentesis using suction is safe even with large volumes. Pneumothorax requiring intervention and REPO are both rare. There were no increased procedural complications in those with ipsilateral mediastinal shift. REPO increased with poor ECOG PS and drainage ≥1.5 L. Symptom-limited drainage using suction without pleural manometry is safe.
Risk factors for all-cause hospital readmission following exacerbation of COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alqahtani Jaber S. , Njoku Chidiamara M. , Bereznicki Bonnie , Wimmer Barbara C. , Peterson Gregory M. , Kinsman Leigh , Aldabayan Yousef S. , Alrajeh Ahmed M. , Aldhahir Abdulelah M. , Mandal Swapna , Hurst John R. 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundReadmission rates following hospitalisation for COPD exacerbations are unacceptably high, and the contributing factors are poorly understood. Our objective was to summarise and evaluate the factors associated with 30- and 90-day all-cause readmission following hospitalisation for an exacerbation of COPD.MethodsWe systematically searched electronic databases from inception to 5 November 2019. Data were extracted by two independent authors in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Study quality was assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. We synthesised a narrative from eligible studies and conducted a meta-analysis where this was possible using a random-effects model.ResultsIn total, 3533 abstracts were screened and 208 full-text manuscripts were reviewed. A total of 32 papers met the inclusion criteria, and 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The readmission rate ranged from 8.8–26.0% at 30 days and from 17.5–39.0% at 90 days. Our narrative synthesis showed that comorbidities, previous exacerbations and hospitalisations, and increased length of initial hospital stay were the major risk factors for readmission at 30 and 90 days. Pooled adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) revealed that heart failure (1.29 (1.22–1.37)), renal failure (1.26 (1.19–1.33)), depression (1.19 (1.05–1.34)) and alcohol use (1.11 (1.07–1.16)) were all associated with an increased risk of 30-day all-cause readmission, whereas being female was a protective factor (0.91 (0.88–0.94)).ConclusionsComorbidities, previous exacerbations and hospitalisation, and increased length of stay were significant risk factors for 30- and 90-day all-cause readmission after an index hospitalisation with an exacerbation of COPD.
Effect of smoking on treatment outcome among tuberculosis patients in Malaysia; a multicenter study
Authors: Khan Amer Hayat , Sulaiman Syed Azhar Syed , Hassali Mohamed Azmi , Khan Kashif Ullah , Ming Long Chiau , Mateen Omer , Ullah Malik Obaid 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundSmoking plays a key role in the development of tuberculosis (TB) infection and is also a predictor of poor TB treatment prognosis and outcomes. The current study was conducted to determine the prevalence of smoking and to assess the effects of smoking on treatment outcomes among TB patients.MethodsA multi-center retrospective study design was used to collect data from TB patients in four different states of Malaysia, namely Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, and Selangor. The study included medical records of TB patients admitted to the selected hospitals in the period from January 2006 to March 2009. Medical records with incomplete data were not included. Patient demographics and clinical data were collected using a validated data collection form.ResultsOf all patients with TB (9337), the prevalence of smokers was 4313 (46.2%). Among smokers, 3584 (83.1%) were associated with pulmonary TB, while 729 (16.9%) were associated with extrapulmonary TB. Male gender (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.30–1.58), Chinese ethnicity (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.02–1.49), Sarawak indigenous ethnicity (OR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.58–0.95), urban residents (OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.33–1.61), employed individuals (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.09–1.34), alcoholics (OR = 4.91, 95% CI 4.04–5.96), drug abusers (OR = 7.43, 95% CI 5.70–9.60) and presence of co-morbid condition (OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.16–1.40) all showed significant association with smoking habits. This study found that 3236 (75.0%) patients were successfully treated in the smokers’ group, while 4004 (79.7%) patients were non-smokers. The proportion of deaths (6.6%,n = 283), defaulters (6.6%,n = 284) and treatment interruptions (4.7%,n = 204) was higher in the smokers’ group.ConclusionsSmoking has a strong influence on TB and is a major barrier towards treatment success (OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.69–0.84,p < 0.001). Therefore, the findings indicate that smoking cessations are an effective way to decrease treatment failure and drug resistance.