bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Cross-Sectional Exploration of Cytokine–Symptom Networks in Breast Cancer Survivors Using Network Analysis
Authors: Henneghan Ashley , Wright Michelle L. , Bourne Garrett , Sales Adam C. 
Published: June 2020

Purpose The purpose of this study is to (a) visualize the symptom–cytokine networks (perceived stress, fatigue, loneliness, perceived cognitive impairment, daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, and 13 cytokines) and (b) explore centrality metrics of symptom–cytokine networks in breast cancer survivors who completed chemotherapy treatment. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of data collected from 66 breast cancer survivors who were on average three years post chemotherapy completion. Perceived stress, fatigue, loneliness, perceived cognitive impairment, daytime sleepiness, and sleep quality were measured with self-report instruments, and a panel of 13 cytokines was measured from serum using multiplex assays. Symptoms and cytokines were simultaneously evaluated with correlations, network analysis, and community analysis. Results Network analysis revealed the nodes with the greatest degree and closeness were interleukin-2, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-13, and perceived cognitive impairment. Node betweenness was highest for perceived cognitive impairment and interleukin-2. Community analysis revealed two separate communities of nodes within the network (symptoms and the cytokines). Several edges connected the two communities including perceived cognitive impairment, stress, fatigue, depression, interleukin-2, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-8, interleukin-13, and interleukin-10. Partial correlation analyses revealed significant negative relationships between interleukin-2 and fatigue, loneliness, stress, and perceived cognitive impairment ( rs = −.27 to −.37, ps < .05) and a significant negative relationship between perceived cognitive impairment and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor ( r =  −.34, p <  .01). Conclusions Our analyses support that perceived cognitive impairment, stress, loneliness, depressive symptoms, and fatigue co-occur and extend the literature by suggesting that interleukin-2 may contribute to the underlying mechanistic pathway of these co-occurring symptoms. Our findings add to a growing body of literature that is shifting to study symptoms as they co-occur, or cluster, rather than individual symptoms.
Which Australian Women Do Not Exclusively Breastfeed to 6 Months, and why?
Authors: Moss Katrina M. , Dobson Annette J. , Tooth Leigh , Mishra Gita D. 
Published: June 2020

Background Rates of exclusive breastfeeding in Australia lag behind international targets. Reasons for non-exclusive breastfeeding are poorly understood. Research aims To describe demographic profiles of participants reporting different feeding practices, and reasons for not exclusively breastfeeding to 6 months. Methods Demographics for 2888 mothers (5340 children) and reasons for 1879 mothers (3018 children) from the Mothers and Their Children’s Health Study (a sub-study of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health) were examined using descriptive statistics and multivariable regression. Results Only 34.4% of children were exclusively breastfed to 6 months. Five non-exclusive feeding practices were identified: never breastfed (3.9%), breastfed < 6 months (20.8%), and breastfed to 6 months but had formula (6.8%), solids (24.5%), or both formula and solids (9.7%). Mothers of children who received < 6 months of human milk were more likely to have a lower education, be overweight/obese, smoke, and live in cities (compared to mothers of children exclusively breastfed). Reasons for never breastfeeding and for breastfeeding < 6 months were primarily insufficient milk and breastfeeding difficulties (e.g., latching issues). Reasons for introducing solids were primarily cues for solids (e.g., showing interest). Reasons for formula were insufficient milk and practical considerations (e.g., return to work). Reasons for both solids and formula were diverse, including insufficient milk, weaning cues, and practical considerations. Conclusions Mothers who did not exclusively breastfeed to 6 months were a heterogeneous group, indicating that both targeted and universal strategies are required to increase rates of exclusive breastfeeding. Support should encompass the broad range of feeding practices.
Intravitreal aflibercept for management of choroidal neovascularization secondary to angioid streaks
Authors: Parodi Maurizio Battaglia , Cicinelli Maria Vittoria , Marchese Alessandro , Giuffrè Chiara , Viola Francesco , Staurenghi Giovanni , Varano Monica , Bandello Francesco 
Published: June 2020

Purpose To investigate the effect and the safety of intravitreal aflibercept in patients affected by choroidal neovascularization secondary to angioid streaks with a long-term follow-up. Methods Multicentre, open-label, phase IIb study (EYLEA-STRIE, EudraCT Number 2014-000986-30) involving four Italian centres (IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele (Milano), Fondazione G.B. Bietti (Roma), Policlinico (Milano), Ospedale Luigi Sacco (Milano)). Patients with active choroidal neovascularization secondary to angioid streaks with foveal involvement were prospectively enrolled and followed for 18 months. All the patients received intravitreal 2 mg/0.05 mL aflibercept at the time of enrolment, followed by a pro-re-nata regimen for 48 weeks. Best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness were measured monthly. Adverse events were monitored at each visit. Results Twenty-three eyes of 20 patients were analysed. Mean number of injections per patient was 4.30 ± 1.2. At week 48, the best-corrected visual acuity was 0.42 ± 0.40 LogMAR (p = 0.6 from baseline) and 18 eyes (81.8%) featured stability within 15 letters. The central macular thickness significantly reduced (p = 0.03). Eleven ocular non-serious adverse events and two serious adverse events were observed (one case of endophthalmitis and one case of acute gastritis were reported). Conclusion Intravitreal aflibercept represents a valid option for the management of choroidal neovascularization complicating angioid streaks. Further studies with longer follow-up and different therapeutic regimens are warranted to ascertain the best control of the disease.
Ocular side effects of target therapy and immunotherapy in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma
Authors: Eikenberry Jennifer , Harris Alon , Torabi Rana , Lang Matthew , Denney Derek , Verticchio Vercellin Alice , Siesky Brent 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To examine the nature and frequency of ocular side effects due to systemic target therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors as well as immunotherapy with cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibodies used in the treatment of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). Design: While proven effective in cancer treatment, target therapy and immunotherapy have been associated with ocular side effects likely due to their ability to alter the immune privilege of the eye. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing target and immunotherapy for CMM and documented all associated eye findings. Methods: We reviewed the records of 34 patients receiving target and immunotherapy for CMM who were examined in the academic ophthalmology clinic between 2012 and 2017. Results: Ocular side effects were present in 41.1% of patients in this study with 14.7% presenting with uveitis. Patients undergoing therapy with either vemurafenib only or dabrafenib/trametinib combination therapies comprised 70.5% of the study cohort. Ocular side effects occurred in 45.5% and 46.1% of patients on vemurafenib and dabrafenib/trametinib combination therapy, respectively. About 47.5% of males presented with ocular side effects compared to 30.5% of females. Notably, 13/14 patients with ocular symptoms recovered. Conclusion: This study highlights the frequency of ocular side effects in patients treated with target therapy and immunotherapy for CMM and shows that symptom resolution can be effectively achieved with proper ophthalmic care. Further research is required to answer whether cessation of these therapies is mandatory during ophthalmic treatment.
Diagnostic uncertainty during the transition to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: Multicenter study in Argentina
Authors: Rojas Juan Ignacio , Patrucco Liliana , Alonso Ricardo , Garcea Orlando , Deri Norma , Carnero Contentti Edgar , Lopez Pablo A , Pettinicchi Juan Pablo , Caride Alejandro , Cristiano Edgardo 
Published: June 2020

Background: A period of diagnostic uncertainty often characterizes the clinical transition from relapsing to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the length of time required to reclassify relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients who have clinically transitioned to SPMS (diagnosis uncertainty). Methods: This is a retrospective multicenter cohort study conducted in Argentina, identifying in every center all patients with diagnosis of MS who transitioned from RRMS to SPMS during the follow-up. We identified the dates of the last definitive RRMS and first definitive SPMS diagnoses for diagnostic uncertainty. The time required to reclassify RRMS who transitioned to SPMS and the time from disease onset to reclassify SPMS were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: A total of 170 patients were included, where the mean age at disease onset (first symptom) was 36 ± 6 years; the length of time required to reclassify RRMS patients who transitioned to SPMS was 3.3 ± 1.1 years (range = 1–7 years); and the time from disease onset to classify SPMS was 19.4 ± 8.5 years (range = 16–35 years). Conclusion: A period of diagnostic uncertainty regarding the transition from RRMS to SPMS was present in many of our patients, with a mean time of 3.3 years.
Prediction of social behavior in autism spectrum disorders: Explicit versus implicit social cognition
Authors: Keifer Cara M , Mikami Amori Yee , Morris James P , Libsack Erin J , Lerner Matthew D 
Published: June 2020

Deficient social communication and interaction behaviors are a hallmark feature of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. These social communication and interaction deficits potentially stem from problems with explicit social cognition (i.e. processes that are controlled and largely conscious) as well as with implicit social cognition (i.e. processes that are fast, spontaneous, and primarily unconscious). This study aimed to investigate the relative contributions of implicit and explicit social cognition factors as predictors of multi-informant measures of social communication and interaction behaviors in a sample of 34 youth with clinical diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder. Behavioral, cognitive, and electrophysiological indices of implicit and explicit social cognition were entered into partial least squares regression models designed to identify latent factors that optimally predict parent-report, observer-coded, and clinician-rated social communication, and interaction outcomes. Results indicated that while both implicit and explicit social cognition factors optimally predicted outcomes, implicit social cognition factors were relatively more predictive. Findings have important implications for the conceptualization and measurement of social functioning as well as the development of targeted social interventions in autism spectrum disorder populations. Lay abstract Difficulties with social communication and interaction are a hallmark feature of autism spectrum disorder. These difficulties may be the result of problems with explicit social cognition (effortful and largely conscious processes) such as learning and recalling social norms or rules. Alternatively, social deficits may stem from problems with implicit social cognition (rapid and largely unconscious processes) such as the efficient integration of social information. The goal of this study was to determine how problems in explicit and implicit social cognition relate to social behavior in 34 youth with autism spectrum disorder. We measured aspects of implicit and explicit social cognition abilities in the laboratory using behavioral, cognitive, and brain (electrophysiological) measures. We then used those measures to predict “real-world” social behavior as reported by parents, clinicians, and independent observers. Results showed that overall better aspects of implicit and explicit social cognition predicted more competent social behavior. In addition, the ability to fluidly integrate social information (implicit social cognition) was more frequently related to competent social behavior that merely knowing what to do in social situations (explicit social cognition). These findings may help with the development of interventions focusing on improving social deficits.
Effects of anti-osteoporosis therapy on plasma aldosterone and renin
Authors: Hu Qingfen , Liao Kangla , Zhang Longwei , Shu Xiaoyu , Xu Zhixin , Qiu Yuyang , Li Qifu , Yang Shumin 
Published: June 2020

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of anti-osteoporosis therapy on plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), plasma renin concentration (PRC) and the aldosterone/renin ratio (ARR) in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Methods: In 60 patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis, bone mineral density (BMD), PAC and PRC were measured before and after treatment with alendronate (70 mg/week, n=22) or recombinant human parathyroid hormone (20 μg/day, n=35) for 48 weeks. Results: PAC was negatively correlated with the T-score of lumbar spine BMD and femoral neck BMD (lumbar r=−0.386, p<0.01; femoral neck r=−0.262, p<0.05). With the improvement in lumbar BMD after anti-osteoporosis treatment (T-score −3.4±0.5 vs. –3.1 ±0.4, p<0.0001), PAC decreased from 182.8±53.2 to 143.7±68.6 pg/mL ( p<0.0001), PRC increased from 7.8±11.6 to 39.2±50.0 μIU/mL ( p<0.0001) and the ARR decreased from 74.8±75.2 to 13.1±17.1 pg/μIU ( p<0.0001). At baseline, 58% (35/60) of the patients had an ARR >37 pg/μIU, and the proportion decreased to 8% (5/57) after treatment. Conclusion: Treatment with alendronate or parathyroid hormone causes decreased PAC and increased PRC, resulting in a decreased ARR in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
A survey on the practices and capabilities in the management of respiratory failure in South East England
Authors: Jha Abhishek , Vasques Francesco , Sanderson Barnaby , Daly Kathleen , Glover Guy , Ioannou Nicholas , Wyncoll Duncan , Sherren Peter , Langrish Chris , Meadows Chris , Retter Andrew , Paul Richard , Barrett Nicholas A , Camporota Luigi 
Published: June 2020

Introduction The variability of acute respiratory distress syndrome management may affect the referral practice to severe respiratory failure centres. We described the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome in our catchment area. Methods An electronic survey was administered to 42 intensive care units in South-East England. Results Response rate was 71.4%. High-flow nasal oxygen and non-invasive ventilation were used ‘often’ in moderate-acute respiratory distress syndrome by 46.7% and 60%. During invasive ventilation, 90% preferred pressure control, targeting tidal volumes of 6–8 ml/kg (53.3%) or 4–6 ml/kg (46.7%). Positive end-expiratory pressure was selected by positive end-expiratory pressure/inspiratory fraction of oxygen tables (50%) or decremental positive end-expiratory pressure trials (20%). Neuro-muscular blockers were widely used, although routinely by only 3.3%. High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (10%) and inhaled nitric oxide (13.3%) were rarely used. None used oesophageal manometry. Recruitment manoeuvres were used ‘often’ by 26.7%. Equipment (90%) and protocols (80%) for prone position were common, with sessions mostly lasting 12–18 h. Conclusions Although variable, practice well reflected the available evidence. Proning was widely practiced with good availability of educational resources and protocolised care.
Comparative measurement properties of constant work rate cycling and the endurance shuttle walking test in COPD: the TORRACTO® clinical trial
Authors: Maltais François , O’Donnell Denis E. , Hamilton Alan , Zhao Yihua , Casaburi Richard 
Published: June 2020

Background: Exercise tolerance is an important endpoint in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) clinical trials. Little is known about the comparative measurement properties of constant work rate cycle ergometry (CWRCE) and the endurance shuttle walking test (ESWT). The objective of this sub-analysis of the TORRACTO® study was to directly compare the endurance measurement properties of CWRCE and ESWT in patients with COPD in a multicentre, multinational setting. We predicted that both tests would be similarly reliable, but that the ESWT would be more responsive to bronchodilation than CWRCE. Methods: This analysis included 151 patients who performed CWRCE and ESWT at baseline and week 6 after receiving once-daily placebo, tiotropium/olodaterol (T/O) 2.5/5 μg or T/O 5/5 μg. Reproducibility was assessed by comparing their respective performance at baseline and week 6 in the placebo group. Responsiveness to bronchodilation was assessed by comparing endurance time at week 6 with T/O with baseline values and placebo. The locus of symptom limitation and end-exercise Borg scales for breathing and leg discomfort for both tests were also analysed. Results: The intraclass correlation coefficients for CWRCE and ESWT were 0.56 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37–0.71] and 0.75 (95% CI 0.63–0.84). More patients were limited by breathing discomfort during the ESWT than during CWRCE, whereas more patients were limited by leg discomfort or breathing/leg discomfort during CWRCE than the ESWT ( p <0.0001). Both tests were responsive to bronchodilator treatment: there was a 19% increase in endurance time from baseline at week 6 ( p = 0.0006) assessed with CWRCE, and a 20% increase in endurance time assessed with ESWT ( p = 0.0013). Conclusions: Both exercise tests performed well in a multicentre clinical trial. Although the locus of symptom limitation differed between the two tests, both were reliable and responsive to bronchodilation. For future clinical trials, the choice of test should depend on the study requirements. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01525615. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
A rare and fatal respiratory disease: bronchial Dieulafoy’s disease
Authors: Liao Shi-xia , Sun Peng-peng , Li Bang-guo , He Shuang-fei , Liu Mao-mao , Ou-Yang Yao 
Published: June 2020

A 66-year-old woman had two severe episodes of massive hemoptysis without any premonitory symptoms, with approximately 400–500 ml blood each time. Bronchoscopic exam revealed a smooth and pulsatile protrusion that was approximately 8–10 mm in diameter found at the beginning of the right middle lobe bronchus in the bronchial lumen. The protrusion arose from the surface with absolutely normal mucosa. Selective bronchial arteriography showed that elongated, tortuous, and dilated branches of the bronchial artery in the region of the middle lobe bronchus. Further bronchial arterial embolization (BAE) is recommended, although the patient currently has no active bleeding. Bronchial Dieulafoy’s disease (BDD) is a rare and life-threatening disease. Selective bronchial arteriography is a diagnostic tool to detect and locate abnormal arteries. There is no unified guideline or expert consensus on the treatment of BDD. Selective BAE or surgical resection is usually used as a first-line treatment to control hemoptysis. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
Disease activity guided stepwise tapering or discontinuation of rhTNFR:Fc, an etanercept biosimilar, in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicentric study
Authors: Zhang Ting , Zhu Jianing , He Dongyi , Chen Xiaowei , Wang Hongzhi , Zhang Ying , Xue Qin , Liu Weili , Xiang Guangbo , Li Yasong , Yu Zhongming , Wu Huaxiang 
Published: June 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate disease-activity-guided stepwise tapering or discontinuation of rhTNFR:Fc, an etanercept biosimilar, in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicentric study. Methods: Active AS patients with AS disease activity score (ASDAS) ⩾2.1 recruited from 10 hospitals were treated with rhTNFR:Fc 50 mg weekly for 12 weeks, and further randomized into different tapering or discontinuation groups according to ASDAS at week 12. Patients who achieved clinical remission (ASDAS < 1.3) were assigned randomly to stepwise tapering group or discontinuation group. Patients who achieved low disease activity (LDA, 1.3⩽ASDAS < 2.1) were assigned randomly to stepwise tapering, delayed tapering, or discontinuation group. All patients were evaluated every 12 weeks until week 48. The primary endpoint was cumulative flare rates in different groups at week 48. Results: A total of 311 patients were enrolled with an average ASDAS of 3.6 ± 1.0, and 259 completed 12 weeks of rhTNFR:Fc induction therapy, with 148 patients (57.1%) achieved clinical remission, 100 (38.6%) achieved LDA, and 11 (4.3%) remained as high disease activity (ASDAS⩾2.1). In patients who achieved clinical remission at week 12, stepwise tapering of rhTNFR:Fc demonstrated significantly lower flare rates at each evaluation compared with discontinuation. In patients who achieved LDA, there was no significant difference of flare rates between stepwise tapering, delayed tapering, and discontinuation. With stepwise tapering of rhTNFR:Fc, flare rates were comparable in AS patients, irrespective of initial ASDAS before tapering. Conclusion: Stepwise tapering of rhTNFR:Fc when patients achieved clinical remission was able to maintain favorable low flare rates in 48 weeks. LDA was an alternative therapeutic target, as well as an viable timing for initiation of rhTNFR:Fc tapering. rhTNFR:Fc 25 mg monthly maintained flare-free status in a considerable number of patients. However, abrupt discontinuation of rhTNFR:Fc even if patients achieved clinical remission should be avoided. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03880968, URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03880968
Urethral injury in children: Experience in a teaching hospital in Enugu, Nigeria
Authors: Chukwubuike Kevin Emeka , Enebe Joseph Tochukwu , Nduagubam Obinna Chukwuebuka 
Published: June 2020

Background: Urethral injury in children is uncommon, and its treatment is challenging. This study evaluated our experience in the management of urethral injuries in children who presented at the paediatric surgical unit of a teaching hospital in Enugu, Nigeria. Methods: The medical records of patients younger than 15 years old admitted to our centre with urethral injury from January 2008 and December 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Results: During the period of the study, 11 cases (all male) were managed. The mean age of the patients at presentation was 11 years. Road traffic accident was the most common mechanism of injury, and the bulbar urethra was the most injured part of the urethra. All the patients had urethroplasty through the perineal approach. There was 90% success at first instance. One patient required redo urethroplasty. Conclusion: Urethral trauma is associated with considerable morbidity. Road traffic accident was the most common mechanism of injury, and the bulbar urethra was the part of the urethra most affected. Transperineal urethroplasty was an effective modality of treatment.