bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interictal amylin levels in chronic migraine patients: A case-control study
Authors: Irimia Pablo , Martínez-Valbuena Iván , Mínguez-Olaondo Ane , Domínguez-Vivero Clara , Sánchez-Arias Juan-Antonio , Martínez-Vila Eduardo , Luquin María-Rosario , Leira Rogelio 
Published: December 2020

Background Recently, amylin and its receptors were found in different structures involved in migraine pathophysiology. Here, we evaluate interictal concentrations of amylin and calcitonin gene-related peptide in peripheral blood as biomarkers for chronic migraine. Methods We prospectively recruited patients with episodic migraine, chronic migraine and healthy controls. Interictal amylin and calcitonin gene-related peptide levels were assessed in blood samples using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results We assessed plasma samples from 58 patients with episodic migraine (mean age 37.71 ± 10.47, 87.9% female), 191 with chronic migraine (mean age 46.03 ± 11.93, 95% female), and on 68 healthy controls (mean age 43.58 ± 11.08 years, 86% female). Body mass index was 25.94 ± 4.53 kg/m2 for migraine patients and 25.13 ± 4.92 kg/m2 for healthy controls ( p = 0.0683). Interictal plasma amylin levels were higher in chronic migraine patients (47.1 pg/mL) than in the episodic migraine patients (28.84 pg/mL, p < 0.0001) and healthy controls (24.74 pg/mL, p < 0.0001). Plasma calcitonin gene-related peptide levels were increased (20.01 pg/mL) in chronic migraine patients when compared to healthy controls (11.37 pg/mL, p = 0.0016), but not to episodic migraine patients (18.89 pg/mL, p = 0.4369). Applying a cut-off concentration of 39.68 pg/mL plasma amylin, the sensitivity to differentiate chronic migraine from healthy controls was 57.6% and the specificity was 88.2%. Variables such as age, analgesic overuse, depression, allodynia, use of preventive medication or a history of aura did not influence the plasma concentrations of amylin or calcitonin gene-related peptide. Conclusion Interictal plasma amylin levels are higher in patients with chronic migraine and may serve as a diagnostic biomarker for chronic migraine.
SUNCT/SUNA: Case series presenting in an orofacial pain clinic
Authors: Groenke Beth R , Daline Iryna Hryvenko , Nixdorf Donald R 
Published: December 2020

Aim Little is known about short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA). We present our experience with SUNCT/SUNA patients to aid identification and management of these disorders. Methods A retrospective review of patient records of one orofacial pain clinic was performed. Inclusion criteria was a diagnosis of SUNCT/SUNA confirmed with at least one follow-up visit. Results Six of the 2464 new patients seen between 2015–2018 met the selection criteria (SUNCT n = 2, SUNA n = 4). Gender distribution was one male to one female and average age of diagnosis was 52 years (range 26–62). Attacks were located in the V1/V2 trigeminal distributions, and five patients reported associated intraoral pain. Pain quality was sharp, shooting, and burning with two patients reporting “numbness”. Pain was moderate-severe in intensity, with daily episodes that typically lasted for seconds. Common autonomic features were lacrimation, conjunctival injection, rhinorrhea, and flushing. Frequent triggers were touching the nose or a specific intraoral area. Lamotrigine and gabapentin were commonly used as initial therapy. Conclusions Differentiating between SUNCT/SUNA does not appear to be clinically relevant. Presenting symptoms were consistent with those published, except 5/6 patients describing intraoral pain and two patients describing paresthesia.
Friends in Close Places: Social Ties in Economic Education Research
Authors: Ferrara Zachary 
Published: December 2020

This article examines whether the author–editor social connections identified by Tommaso Colussi among general-interest economic journals offer similar benefits to contributors to three top economic education field journals. I find that 6.7% to 8.7% of articles in these journals are written by connected authors and published when the related editor is in charge. Authors who are or were employed at the same institution as an editor are found to have published significantly more papers in the journal where said editor is in charge. Authors connected to editors through co-authorship and overall connections achieve similarly positive results when using expanded parameters for social connections. JEL Classifications: A14, A20
Nurses' moral distress in end-of-life care: A qualitative study
Authors: De Brasi Elvira Luana , Giannetta Noemi , Ercolani Sara , Gandini Elena Lucia Maria , Moranda Dina , Villa Giulia , Manara Duilio Fiorenzo 
Published: December 2020

Background: Moral distress is a neglected issue in most palliative education programmes, and research has largely focused on this phenomenon as an occupational problem for nursing staff. Research question: The primary outcome of this study was to explore the causes of morally distressing events, feelings experienced by nurses and coping strategies utilised by a nursing population at an Italian teaching hospital. A secondary outcome of this qualitative study was to analyse whether palliative care or end-of-life care education may reduce morally distressing events. Research design: A hermeneutic-phenomenological qualitative study was performed. Participants and research context: Participants were recruited through snowball sampling. The interviews were conducted and recorded by one interviewer and transcribed verbatim. Ethical considerations: Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Hospital Board. Findings: Six main themes emerged from the interview analyses: (1) the causes of moral distress; (2) feelings and emotions experienced during morally distressing events; (3) factors that affect the experience of moral distress; (4) strategies for coping with moral distress; (5) recovering from morally distressing events; and (6) end-of-life accompaniment. Varying opinions regarding the usefulness of palliative care education existed. Some nurses stated that participation in end-of-life courses did not help them cope with morally distressing events in the ward, and they believe that existing courses should be strengthened and better structured. Discussion: In this study, moral distress was often associated with poor communication or a lack of communication between healthcare professionals and the patients and/or their relatives and with the inability to satisfy the patients’ last requests. According to our findings, the concept of ‘good’ end-of-life accompaniment was extremely important to our sample for the prevention of morally distressing events. Conclusion: Nurses who work in the onco-haematological setting frequently experience moral distress. Determining the causes of moral distress at early stages is of paramount importance for finding a solution.
Ocular surface analysis: A comparison between the LipiView® II and IDRA®
Authors: Lee Jeong Min , Jeon Young Joon , Kim Kook Young , Hwang Kyu-Yeon , Kwon Young-A , Koh Kyungmin 
Published: December 2020

Purpose: To compare the lipid layer thickness (LLT), meibomian gland (MG) dropouts, and blinking pattern determined by the analysis of images acquired from the LipiView® II (LVII) and the IDRA® Ocular surface analyzer. Methods: A cross-sectional single-visit observational study was conducted. The LLT (minimum, maximum, and average), percentages of MG dropouts, and partial blink rates (PBR) were taken from both eyes of 47 participants using LVII and IDRA. Both devices were used to image the inferior eyelid of each participant in a random order. Results: Forty-seven participants (mean age 56.77 ± 14.47 (21–79) years, 66% female) completed the study. There was no significant difference in LLT between the two devices. A significant difference in percentages of MG dropouts was obtained between the LVII (36.51 ± 17.53) and the IDRA (45.36 ± 21.87), p = 0.003). There was also a significant difference in PBR between the LVII (0.51 ± 0.37) and the IDRA (0.23 ± 0.27), p < 0.001). Conclusion: No significant difference in LLT was obtained between LVII and IDRA. IDRA had a significantly lesser percentage of MG dropout and a higher PBR compared to LVII. These results indicate that these devices should not be used interchangeably for the evaluation of MG dropouts and PBR.
Identification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the conjunctival swab of an Italian pediatric patient affected with COVID-19: A case report
Authors: Quaranta Luciano , Rovida Francesca , Riva Ivano , Bruttini Carlo , Brambilla Ilaria , Baldanti Fausto , De Angelis Giovanni , Marseglia Gian Luigi 
Published: December 2020

Introduction: To report a case of identification of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in ocular specimen in a pediatric patient affected with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with no signs of ocular involvement. Case description: A 11-year old male patient with confirmed COVID-19 infection was hospitalized at the Pediatric Clinic Clinic of the IRCCS Foundation and Hospital San Matteo, Pavia, Italy. Three days after hospital admission, because of the patient complaining very mild ocular symptoms, an ophthalmological evaluation was performed. No signs related to conjunctivitis or keratitis were found but a conjunctival swab was collected as well, based on patient’s medical history. The specific SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) was performed, unearthing the presence of viral RNA from the swab. On day 25 from hospitalization, the conjunctival swab was repeated, giving negative result. Conclusions: This is the first report of the identification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in ocular specimen in a pediatric patient without signs of ocular involvement. However, despite the transmission through tears is theoretically possible, it is still unclear whether this could be considered as an important route for the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Targeting laryngeal cancer cells with 5-fluorouracil and curcumin using mesoporous silica nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Ding , Yu Dan , Liu Xueshibojie , Wang Qian , Chen Xuyang , Hu Xindan , Wang Qiong , Jin Chunshun , Wen Lianji , Zhang Ling 
Published: December 2020

Objective: To explore the inhibitory and synergistic effects of 5-fluorouracil and curcumin on Hep-2 laryngeal cancer cells and clarify the effect of mesoporous silica nanoparticles as drug carriers. Methods: The inhibitory effects of 5-fluorouracil and curcumin on Hep-2 cells were detected using the CCK-8 assay. CompuSyn was used to calculate the synergistic effect of the 2 drugs. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis and cell cycle arrest induced by 5-fluorouracil and curcumin. The drugs were loaded into mesoporous nanoparticles. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of related proteins after treatment. The growth of subcutaneous tumors in BALB/c nude after the intraperitoneal injection with drug-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles was recorded. Results: 5-Fluorouracil and curcumin synergistically induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in Hep-2 cells. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles as drug carriers enhanced the therapeutic effects of 5-fluorouracil and curcumin. Conclusions: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles are expected to be effective drug carriers that enhance the synergistic effects of 5-fluorouracil and curcumin on laryngeal cancer.
Ten-Year Experience of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy at a Single Institution: Impact of Technological Development on the Outcome of Patients With Early Lung Cancer
Authors: Koiwai Keiichiro , Endo Yuuki , Mizuhata Kai , Ina Hironobu , Fukazawa Ayumu , Ozawa Takesumi , Fujinaga Yasunari 
Published: December 2020

Purpose: Advanced radiotherapeutic techniques and apparatus have been developed and widely applied in stereotactic body radiation therapy for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, but their clinical benefits have not necessarily been confirmed. This study was performed to review our 10-year experience with therapy for the disease and to evaluate whether the advanced radiotherapeutic system implemented in our hospital 5 years after we began the therapy improved the clinical outcomes of patients. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent the therapy at our hospital between April 2008 and March 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. They were divided into 2 groups treated with the conventional system or the advanced system, and the characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. The same analyses were also performed in propensity-matched patients from the 2 groups. Results: Among the 73 patients eligible for this study, 42 were treated with the conventional system and 31 with the advanced system. All were treated as planned, and severe adverse events were rare. The local progression-free survival rate in the advanced system group was significantly higher than in the conventional system group (P = 0.025). In the propensity-matched patients, both the local progression-free survival rate and the overall survival rate were significantly higher compared in the advanced system group than the conventional system group (P = 0.089 and 0.080, respectively). Conclusion: The advanced system improved the outcomes of patients with the disease, suggesting that technological development has had a strong impact on clinical outcomes.
Mental Health, Sexual Orientation, and Perceived Social Network Support in Relation to Hazardous Alcohol Consumption Among Active Duty Military Men
Authors: Blair Cheríe S. , Dunlap Shannon , Tzen Michael , Castro Carl A. , Goldbach Jeremy T. , Holloway Ian W. 
Published: December 2020

Knowledge surrounding perceived network support and alcohol consumption among active duty U.S. military personnel is limited, particularly among sexual minorities. We sought to determine the correlates of hazardous alcohol consumption and whether perceived network support moderated the relationship between sexual orientation and Alcohol Use Identification Test (AUDIT-C) score. The sample comprised cisgender men currently serving in the U.S. military ( N = 292). Participants were recruited through respondent-driven sampling and completed an online survey. Logistic regression analysis evaluated associations between positive AUDIT-C with sociodemographic characteristics (including sexual orientation), military service, mental health, and perceived social network support. Interaction analysis assessed the moderating effect of perceived network support on sexual orientation and AUDIT-C. Among study participants, 52.7% (154/292) had positive AUDIT-C, while 65.4% (191/292) self-identified as heterosexual/straight and 34.6% (101/292) identified as gay or bisexual. In adjusted analysis, positive AUDIT-C was associated with increased post-traumatic stress disorder symptomatology (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR] 1.03; 95% CI [1.00, 1.06]; p = .019) and high perceived network support (adjOR 1.85; 95% CI [1.04, 3.29]; p = .036), while mental health service utilization had reduced odds of positive AUDIT-C (adjOR 0.40; 95% CI [0.20, 0.78]; p = .007). In interaction analysis, high perceived network support was associated with increased odds of positive AUDIT-C among sexual minority men (adjOR 3.09; 95% CI [1.21, 7.93]; p = .019) but not heterosexual men (adjOR 1.38; 95% CI [0.68, 2.81]; p = .37). Hazardous alcohol use was prevalent among all men in our sample. Perceived social network support may influence hazardous alcohol consumption, particularly among sexual minority servicemen. These findings suggest the potential role of tailored social network-based interventions to decrease hazardous alcohol use among military personnel.
Use of distal protection filter device for rescue mechanical thrombectomy for symptomatic free-floating thrombus of the cervical internal carotid artery
Authors: Denezpi Taryn M , Green Ross S , Carlson Andrew P 
Published: December 2020

Background Intraluminal free floating thrombus (FFT) of the cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) is a potentially high-risk lesion for recurrent ischemic strokes, with no single optimal treatment established. Objective To describe a novel interventional technique for mechanical thrombectomy of intraluminal free floating thrombus using a distal protection filter device and aspiration. Methods We identified two cases where anticoagulation was contraindicated in patients with intraluminal FFT and minimal underlying stenosis. In both cases, a distal protection device was used to extract the thrombus under proximal flow arrest and aspiration. Results Mechanical thrombectomy was successful in both cases, one with “en bloc” removal of the thrombus and one with piecemeal removal. Neither case showed any residual angiographic stenosis or atherosclerotic disease. Conclusion Mechanical thrombectomy using a distal protection device is a novel and technically feasible approach for select cases of cervical intraluminal thrombus. This may represent a therapeutic option in select cases with high risk of anticoagulation and in the unusual subset of younger patients with minimal atherosclerotidc disease.
Asymptomatic thrombosis of extrahepatic portal vein aneurysm necessitating hybrid operative repair
Authors: Gorolay Vineet , Nguyen Daniel , Samra Jaswinder , Neale Michael 
Published: December 2020

Background Congenital portal vein aneurysm is a rare vascular anomaly with poorly understood natural history. Whereas asymptomatic aneurysms are often managed conservatively, surgery has been used in symptomatic cases complicated by thrombosis or rupture. Surgical experience in management of portal aneurysms is restricted to case studies with limited comparative data and inconsistent reporting of outcomes. A hybrid open and endovascular approach has rarely been described in the literature. Methods We present a case of an extrahepatic portal aneurysm which demonstrated changes on surveillance imaging concerning for early asymptomatic thrombosis. Acute thrombus was identified at the time of open aneurysm repair. We review the limited literature regarding management of portal vein aneurysms in non-cirrhotic patients. Results Our case was complicated by intrahepatic thrombo-embolism, which necessitated hybrid thrombectomy and anticoagulant therapy. The patient remains asymptomatic at three-year follow-up with no recurrent aneurysm or thrombosis on surveillance Doppler and CT imaging. Conclusions Altered hemodynamic appearances on Doppler ultrasound and contrast-enhanced CT may warn of impending thrombosis in portal vein aneurysms. Hybrid open and endovascular surgical repair ensures vessel patency and a durable surgical result.
Surface replacing arthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal joint using the CapFlex-PIP implant: a prospective study with 5-year outcomes
Authors: Reischenböck Vanessa , Marks Miriam , Herren Daniel B. , Schindele Stephan 
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the 5-year outcomes in patients after proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty using the surface replacing implant, CapFlex-PIP. Ninety-two prosthesis were implanted and 65 patients with 68 implants were available for follow-up. The brief Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire score improved significantly from 45 (SD 15) before surgery to 71 (SD 17) at 5 years. On the numeric rating scale, pain during activities decreased significantly from 6.4 (SD 1.9) to 1.8 (SD 1.9). Range of motion of the joints increased significantly from 45° (SD 21) to 54° (SD 24). An axis deviation of more than 5° was found in 65% of the joints before surgery, but only in 25% at 5 years. Soft tissue reoperations were performed on eight patients. Four out of 92 implants underwent revision for stiffness or implant loosening. In three implants, the distal component migrated without needing revision. Overall, the CapFlex-PIP implant demonstrates favourable medium-term results in surface replacing arthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Level of evidence: IV
Glycemic Metrics Derived From Intermittently Scanned Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Authors: Hansen Klavs Würgler , Bibby Bo Martin 
Published: December 2020

Background: Glucose data from intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) is a combination of scanned and imported glucose values. The present knowledge of glycemic metrics originate mostly from glucose data from real-time CGM sampled every five minutes with a lack of information derived from isCGM. Methods: Glucose data obtained with isCGM and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were obtained from 169 patients with type 1 diabetes. Sixty-one patients had two observations with an interval of more than three months. Results: The best regression line of HbA1c against mean glucose was observed from 60 days prior to HbA1c measurement as compared to 14, 30, and 90 days. The difference between HbA1c and estimated HbA1c (=glucose management indicator [GMI]) first observed correlated with the second observation (R2 0.61, P < .001). Time in range (TIR, glucose between 3.9 and 10 mmol/L) was significantly related to GMI (R2 0.87, P < .001). A TIR of 70% corresponded to a GMI of 6.8% (95% confidence interval, 6.3-7.4). The fraction of patients with the optimal combination of TIR >70% and time below range (TBR) <4% was 3.6%. The fraction of patients with TBR>4% was four times higher for those with high glycemic variability (coefficient of variation [CV] >36%) than for those with lower CV. Conclusion: The individual difference between HbA1c and GMI was reproducible. High glycemic variability was related to increased TBR. A combination of TIR and TBR is suggested as a new composite quality indicator.
Glucocorticoid-induced eosinopenia results from CXCR4-dependent bone marrow migration
Authors: Hong So Gun , Sato Noriko , Legrand Fanny , Gadkari Manasi , Makiya Michelle , Stokes Kindra , Howe Katherine N. , Yu Shiqin Judy , Linde Nathaniel Seth , Clevenger Randall R. , Hunt Timothy , Hu Zonghui , Choyke Peter L. , Dunbar Cynthia E. , Klion Amy D. , Franco Luis M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractGlucocorticoids are considered first-line therapy in a variety of eosinophilic disorders. They lead to a transient, profound decrease in circulating human eosinophils within hours of administration. The phenomenon of glucocorticoid-induced eosinopenia has been the basis for the use of glucocorticoids in eosinophilic disorders, and it has intrigued clinicians for 7 decades, yet its mechanism remains unexplained. To investigate, we first studied the response of circulating eosinophils to in vivo glucocorticoid administration in 3 species and found that the response in rhesus macaques, but not in mice, closely resembled that in humans. We then developed an isolation technique to purify rhesus macaque eosinophils from peripheral blood and performed live tracking of zirconium-89-oxine–labeled eosinophils by serial positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging, before and after administration of glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids induced rapid bone marrow homing of eosinophils. The kinetics of glucocorticoid-induced eosinopenia and bone marrow migration were consistent with those of the induction of the glucocorticoid-responsive chemokine receptor CXCR4, and selective blockade of CXCR4 reduced or eliminated the early glucocorticoid-induced reduction in blood eosinophils. Our results indicate that glucocorticoid-induced eosinopenia results from CXCR4-dependent migration of eosinophils to the bone marrow. These findings provide insight into the mechanism of action of glucocorticoids in eosinophilic disorders, with implications for the study of glucocorticoid resistance and the development of more targeted therapies. The human study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT02798523.