bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking in clinical management of infectious keratitis
Authors: Li Miao , Yu Tao , Gao Xin , Wu Xin-Yi 
Published: June 2020

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in the treatment of infectious corneal diseases. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical efficacy of CXL in 65 eyes with infectious keratitis in Jinan Second People’s Hospital from December 2016 to June 2018. During 6 months of follow-up after CXL treatment, the results of confocal microscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography, as well as visual acuity and corneal biomechanical parameters, were recorded in detail. Results In general, the overall cure rate was 93.85%; no corneal endothelial dysfunction was encountered in any patients. After 6 months of follow-up, the visual acuity of cured patients was significantly enhanced, while corneal thickness was significantly reduced. Hyphae growth of patients with fungal keratitis was completely inhibited at 1 month postoperatively. Furthermore, corneal biomechanical parameters (i.e., central corneal thickness, deformation amplitude, and pachymetry intraocular pressure) were significantly improved after surgery, compared with baseline measurements. Conclusion Accelerated CXL may be an effective adjuvant treatment for infectious keratitis.
Description of Bivalirudin Use for Anticoagulation in Pediatric Patients on Mechanical Circulatory Support
Authors: Campbell Christopher T. , Diaz Lucas , Kelly Brian 
Published: June 2020

Background: Although heparin has previously been the anticoagulant of choice during mechanical circulatory support (MCS), there is a lack of consistency in dose-response in pediatric patients. Bivalirudin offers more consistent dose-response in adults; however, there are limited data for pediatrics use. Objective: The purpose was to characterize the usage, dosage, and safety profile of bivalirudin when used for pediatric MCS in a tertiary care pediatric hospital. Methods: A retrospective review of pediatric patients receiving bivalirudin for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation/ventricular assist device (ECMO/VAD) anticoagulation was conducted. The primary outcome was the average dose of bivalirudin. Additional outcomes included initial and maximum bivalirudin dose, time to first therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), time within goal aPTT range, bleeding and clotting complications, and cost. Data were compared between ECMO and VAD patients. Results: Thirty-four patients were included. The median dose of bivalirudin was 0.37 mg/kg/h (interquartile range [IQR] = 0.21-0.56), with a maximum dose of 0.62 mg/kg/h (IQR = 0.33-0.91). VAD patients had a higher median and maximum dose as compared with ECMO patients. Patients achieved their therapeutic goal in a median of 6.1 hours and averaged 61.9% time within therapeutic aPTT. One patient had significant hemorrhage, whereas 3 patients had clotting requiring a circuit change. Bivalirudin acquisition cost was higher than heparin. Conclusion and Relevance: Bivalirudin dosing in ECMO and VAD patients is consistent with dosing seen in previous reports but may be higher in VAD patients. Comparative studies between heparin and bivalirudin are necessary to compare cost-effective outcomes for pediatric patients.
The Source of the Legislative Professionalism Advantage: Attracting More Knowledgeable Candidates
Authors: Nemerever Zoe , Butler Daniel 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLegislators who know their constituents' opinions are more likely to be successful in providing substantive representation on issues of the day. However, previous work suggests that state legislators and candidates commonly misestimate their constituents' preferences. Some of that work also finds that candidates and current incumbents in highly professionalized legislatures are less likely to misestimate constituent opinion. We investigate why this professionalism advantage exists. We use a Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition to determine how much of the professionalism advantage can be attributed to three sources: attracting knowledgeable candidates, fostering legislator knowledge in office, and retaining incumbents. We apply the decomposition to data on candidates' perceptions of public opinion from the 2014 National Candidate Survey. Fostering knowledge in office and retaining incumbents are not responsible for the professionalism advantage. We find evidence that the professionalism advantage occurs because higher professionalism legislatures attract more knowledgeable nonincumbent candidates.
OXY-SCORE: a new perspective for left ventricular hypertrophy diagnosis
Authors: Quintana-Villamandos Begoña , Pazó-Sayós Laia , González del Pozo Irene , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Pilar , Bellón Jose María , Pedraz-Prieto Álvaro , Pinto Ángel G , González Maria Carmen 
Published: June 2020

Background: A recently developed global indicator of oxidative stress (OXY-SCORE), by combining individual plasma biomarkers of oxidative damage and antioxidant capacity, has been validated in several pathologies, but not in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The aim of this study was to design and calculate a plasma oxidative stress global index for patients with LVH. Methods: A total of 70 consecutive adult patients were recruited in our institution and assigned to one of the two study groups (control group/LVH group) by an echocardiography study. We evaluated plasmatic biomarkers of oxidative damage (malondialdehyde and thiolated proteins) and antioxidant defense (total thiols, reduced glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities) by spectrophotometry/fluorimetry in order to calculate a plasma oxidative stress global index (OXY-SCORE) in relation to LVH. Results: The OXY-SCORE exhibited a highly significant difference between the groups ( p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.74 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.62–0.85; p < 0.001). At a cut-off value of −1, the 68.6% sensitivity and 68.6% specificity values suggest that OXY-SCORE could be used to screen for LVH. A multivariable logistic regression model showed a positive association ( p = 0.001) between OXY-SCORE and LVH [odds ratio = 0.55 (95% CI, 0.39–0.79)], independent of gender, age, smoking, glucose, systolic and diastolic arterial pressure, dyslipidemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate, body mass index, and valvular/coronary disease. Conclusion: OXY-SCORE could help in the diagnosis of LVH and could be used to monitor treatment response.
Suboptimal glycemic control among subjects with diabetes mellitus in India: a subset analysis of cross-sectional wave-7 (2016) data from the International Diabetes Management Practices Study (IDMPS)
Authors: Ramachandran Ambady , Jain Sunil M. , Mukherjee Sagarika , Phatak Sanjeev , Pitale Shailesh , Singh Shailendra K. , Agrawal Navneet , Majumdar Anirban , Deshpande Neeta , Jhulka Sandeep , Minakshisundaram Shunmugavelu , Chawla Manoj , Lodha Sailesh , Maheshwari Anuj , Makkar Brij Mohan , Rao Sadashiva , Shah Parag , Ghosh Romik , Mohanasundaram Senthilnathan , Menon Shalini , Chodankar Deepa , Kanade Vaishali , Trivedi Chirag 
Published: June 2020

Objective: To assess the real-world management practices of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in India. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 7 March 2016 and 15 May 2016 in India as part of the seventh wave (2016) of the International Diabetes Management Practices Study (IDMPS). Adult subjects with T1DM or T2DM visiting physicians during a 2-week recruitment period were included. Results: A total of 55 physicians included 539 subjects who met eligibility criteria. Of 495 subjects with T2DM, 303 were treated with oral glucose lowering drugs (OGLDs) only, 158 were treated with OGLD + insulin, and 27 received insulin only. Among 44 subjects with T1DM receiving insulin, 13 (29.5%) were also treated with OGLD therapy. The most commonly used insulin regimens were basal alone (69/184; 37.5%) and premixed alone (63/184; 34.2%) in subjects with T2DM, and basal + prandial insulin (24/44; 54.5%) in subjects with T1DM. Proportions of subjects achieving glycemic targets were low [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) <7%: T1DM = 7.3% (3/44), T2DM = 25.2% (106/495); as targeted by the treating physician: T1DM = 31.8% (14/44), T2DM = 32.1% (59/185); global target: T1DM = 4.8% (2/42) and T2DM = 1.7% (8/482)]. In subjects with T2DM, HbA1c <7% was noted in 11/22 subjects receiving insulin only and 76/260 receiving only OGLDs. Lack of experience in self-managing insulin dosing, poor diabetes education and failure to titrate insulin dosages were the main reasons for non-achievement of glycemic targets. Conclusion: Timely insulinization, education and empowerment of people with diabetes may help improve glycemic control in India.
Outcomes and comparison of nasolacrimal probing for patients older than 12 months
Authors: Zor Kürsad Ramazan , Küçük Erkut , Yılmaz Öztorun Zeynep 
Published: June 2020

Objective: In this study, we report the results of probing done in our clinic. We also want investigate role of late probing on outcome, especially in children older than 24 and 48 months. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated records of patients who underwent probing under general anaesthesia due to congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction between 2013 and 2017 in Nigde Ömer Halisdemir University Faculty of Medicine in Nigde, Turkey. Success rates of probing for different age groups were compared. Results: 143 eyes of 123 patients were included in the study. Overall success rate was 93.7% (134 eyes out of 143). We found the success rate as 95.5 in 12–18 months age group, 93.3% in 18–24 months age group, 93.8% in the 24–48 months age group, 86.6% in the 48 months and older age group. Overall success rate in 24 months and older age group was 91.5%. The second operation was performed on seven of the nine patients where the initial surgery failed, and successful results were achieved in six patients. Success rate was 100% after the second surgery in patients older than 48 months. Conclusion: The success rate of probing is high in patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction from 12 to 84 months. In patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction who are older than 48 months probing is effective and should be first-choice in this age group in management of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Probing may be used even in older patients who had previous unsuccessful probing.
Rosetting T cells in Hodgkin lymphoma are activated by immunological synapse components HLA class II and CD58
Authors: Veldman Johanna , Visser Lydia , Huberts-Kregel Magdalena , Muller Natasja , Hepkema Bouke , van den Berg Anke , Diepstra Arjan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
A unique feature of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is the presence of CD4+ T cells that surround, protect, and promote survival of tumor cells. The adhesion molecules involved in this so-called T-cell rosetting are important components of the immunological synapse (IS). However, it is unknown whether this synapse is fully assembled and leads to T-cell activation by enabling interaction between the T-cell receptor (TCR) and human leukocyte antigen class II (HLA-II). We established a novel rosetting model by coculturing HLA-II–matched peripheral blood mononuclear cells with HL cell lines and showed IS formation with activation of rosetting T cells. HLA-II downregulation by class II transactivator knockout did not affect the extent of rosetting, but almost completely abrogated T-cell activation. Intriguingly, the level of CD58 expression correlated with the extent of rosette formation, and CD58 knockout or CD2 blockade reduced both rosette formation and T-cell activation. The extension of our findings to primary HL tissue by immunohistochemistry and proximity ligation assays showed interaction of CD2 with CD58 and of TCR-associated CD4 with HLA-II. In conclusion, T-cell rosetting in HL is established by formation of the IS, and activation of rosetting T cells critically depends on the interaction of both TCR-HLA-II and CD2-CD58.
Bridging therapy prior to axicabtagene ciloleucel for relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Pinnix Chelsea C. , Gunther Jillian R. , Dabaja Bouthaina S. , Strati Paolo , Fang Penny , Hawkins Misha C. , Adkins Sherry , Westin Jason , Ahmed Sairah , Fayad Luis , Lee Hun Ju , Nair Ranjit , Steiner Raphael E. , Iyer Swaminathan P. , Rodriguez M. Alma , Wang Michael , Flowers Christopher , Neelapu Sattva S. , Nastoupil Loretta J. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The impact of bridging therapy (BT) administered between leukapheresis and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) is unclear. We evaluated the influence of BT (systemic therapy [ST], radiation therapy [RT], or combined-modality therapy [CMT]) on outcomes of 148 LBCL patients who underwent leukapheresis for planned axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) infusion. The 55% (n = 81) of patients who received BT were more likely to have international prognostic index (IPI) score ≥3 (P ≤ .01), bulky disease (P = .01), and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; P ≤ .01). The 1-year progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 40% and 65% in non-BT patients vs 21% and 48% in BT patients (P = .01 and .05, respectively). Twenty-four patients (16%) did not receive axi-cel, most commonly because of lymphoma progression (88%), despite 80% (n = 19) receiving BT. Among 124 patients who received axi-cel, 50% (n = 62) received BT with ST (n = 45), RT (n = 11), or CMT (n = 6); 1-year PFS and OS rates were not significantly different between BT and non-BT cohorts (P = .06 and .21, respectively). There was no difference in proportion of patients with IPI ≥3, limited-stage disease, or elevated LDH between ST, RT, and CMT groups. Compared with non-BT patients, 1-year PFS was inferior for ST-bridged patients (P = .01). RT-bridged patients had improved PFS compared with ST-bridged patients (P = .05). Despite the poor prognosis associated with requiring BT, RT can be an effective bridging strategy. Future studies are necessary to identify strategies that may improve access to CAR T-cell therapy and outcomes.
Expressive language development in adolescents with Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome: change over time and the role of family-related factors
Authors: del Hoyo Soriano Laura , Thurman Angela John , Harvey Danielle , Kover Sara T. , Abbeduto Leonard 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundIt is well known that individuals with Down syndrome (DS) or fragile X syndrome (FXS) demonstrate expressive language difficulties beginning early in childhood. It is less clear, however, whether expressive language skills change during the adolescent period in these individuals, and if any of these changes are syndrome specific. Studying this, as well as the role of maternal and family-related factors in expressive language development, may provide the foundation for efficacious interventions for adolescents with DS or FXS.MethodsIn this study, we examined expressive language trajectories, assessed through conversation and narration, in 57 adolescent males with intellectual disability (ID) (20 DS and 37 FXS) in relation to the diagnostic group (DS vs. FXS) and family-related factors (maternal IQ, maternal psychological distress, closeness in the mother–child relationship, family income, and maternal and paternal education) after adjusting for chronological age (CA) and nonverbal cognition.ResultsChanges over repeated annual assessments for males with DS or FXS were observed only during conversation, such as an increase in talkativeness, but a decrease in syntax complexity and lexical diversity. We found a diagnosis-related effect in the change over time in conversational talkativeness favoring those with FXS. Finally, a closer mother–child relationship predicted less decrease over time in lexical diversity during conversation, and participants of mothers who graduated college showed a greater increase in conversational talkativeness over time compared to those of mothers with a high school education.ConclusionsOur results suggest that, during the adolescent period for males with DS or FXS, there is an increase in the amount of talk produced in conversational contexts, but also a decrease in the quality of the language produced. In addition, our results indicate syndrome-specificity for aspects of expressive language development and reinforce the protective role of family-related factors.
Coexistence of multiple ureteral and ureterocele stones in a patient
Authors: Turkyilmaz Zafer , Yesil Suleyman , Karabulut Ramazan , Polat Fazli , Seref Kivanc , Oral Hayrunnisa , Sonmez Kaan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Uroterocele causes atony and stagnation in the ureter, thus predisposing the patient to stone formation. Multiple calculi in uroteroceles are common in adults but very rare in children.

Case presentation
We describe the case of a 3-year-old boy who presented with hematuria and was found to have multiple ureteral and ureterocele stones. The diagnosis was made during endoscopic lithotripsy. A holmium/yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Ho–YAG) laser was used to excise the uroterocele and for lithotripsy.

Conclusions
In appropriate cases, minimally invasive techniques, for example, Ho–YAG laser lithotripsy and ureterocele excision may be preferred.
High mobilization of CD133+/CD34+ cells expressing HIF-1α and SDF-1α in septic abdominal surgical patients
Authors: Cotoia Antonella , Cela Olga , Palumbo Gaetano , Altamura Sabrina , Marchese Flavia , Mangialetto Nicoletta , La Bella Daniela , Lizzi Vincenzo , Capitanio Nazzareno , Cinnella Gilda 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
The control of endothelial progenitor cells (CD133+/CD34+ EPCs) migrating from bone marrow to peripheral blood is not completely understood. Emerging evidence suggests that stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) mediates egression of EPCs from bone marrow, while the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) transcriptional system regulates SDF-1α expression. Our study aimed to investigate the time course of circulating CD133+/CD34+ EPCs and its correlation with the expression of HIF-1α protein and SDF-1α in postoperative laparoscopic abdominal septic patients.

Methods
Postoperative patients were divided in control (C group) and septic group (S group) operated immediately after the diagnosis of sepsis/septic shock. Blood samples were collected at baseline (0), 1, 3 and 7 postoperative days for CD133+/CD34+ EPCs count expressing or not the HIF-1α and SDF-1α analysis.

Results
Thirty-two patients in S group and 39 in C group were analyzed. In C group CD133+/CD34+ EPCs count remained stable throughout the study period, increasing on day 7 (173 [0–421] /μl vs baseline: P = 0.04; vs day 1: P = 0.002). In S group CD133+/CD34+ EPCs count levels were higher on day 3 (vs day 1: P = 0.006 and day 7: P = 0.026). HIF-1α expressing CD133+/CD34+ EPCs count decreased on day 1 as compared with the other days in C group (day 0 vs 1: P = 0.003, days 3 and 7 vs 1: P = 0.008), while it was 321 [0–1418] /μl on day 3 (vs day 1; P = 0.004), and 400 [0–587] /μl on day 7 in S group. SDF-1α levels were higher not only on baseline but also on postoperative day 1 in S vs C group (219 [124–337] pg/ml vs 35 [27–325] pg/ml, respectively; P = 0.01).

Conclusion
Our results indicate that sepsis in abdominal laparoscopic patients might constitute an additional trigger of the EPCs mobilization as compared with non-septic surgical patients. A larger mobilization of CD133+/CD34+ EPCs, preceded by enhanced plasmatic SDF-1α, occurs in septic surgical patients regardless of HIF-1α expression therein.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov no. NCT02589535. Registered 28 October 2015.
The Promotoer, a brain-computer interface-assisted intervention to promote upper limb functional motor recovery after stroke: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial to test early and long-term efficacy and to identify determinants of response
Authors: Mattia Donatella , Pichiorri Floriana , Colamarino Emma , Masciullo Marcella , Morone Giovanni , Toppi Jlenia , Pisotta Iolanda , Tamburella Federica , Lorusso Matteo , Paolucci Stefano , Puopolo Maria , Cincotti Febo , Molinari Marco 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundStroke is a leading cause of long-term disability. Cost-effective post-stroke rehabilitation programs for upper limb are critically needed. Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) which enable the modulation of Electroencephalography (EEG) sensorimotor rhythms are promising tools to promote post-stroke recovery of upper limb motor function. The “Promotoer” study intends to boost the application of the EEG-based BCIs in clinical practice providing evidence for a short/long-term efficacy in enhancing post-stroke hand functional motor recovery and quantifiable indices of the participants response to a BCI-based intervention. To these aims, a longitudinal study will be performed in which subacute stroke participants will undergo a hand motor imagery (MI) training assisted by the Promotoer system, an EEG-based BCI system fully compliant with rehabilitation requirements.MethodsThis longitudinal 2-arm randomized controlled superiority trial will include 48 first ever, unilateral, subacute stroke participants, randomly assigned to 2 intervention groups: the BCI-assisted hand MI training and a hand MI training not supported by BCI. Both interventions are delivered (3 weekly session; 6 weeks) as add-on regimen to standard intensive rehabilitation. A multidimensional assessment will be performed at: randomization/pre-intervention, 48 h post-intervention, and at 1, 3 and 6 month/s after end of intervention. Primary outcome measure is the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA, upper extremity) at 48 h post-intervention. Secondary outcome measures include: the upper extremity FMA at follow-up, the Modified Ashworth Scale, the Numeric Rating Scale for pain, the Action Research Arm Test, the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, the Manual Muscle Test, all collected at the different timepoints as well as neurophysiological and neuroimaging measures.DiscussionWe expect the BCI-based rewarding of hand MI practice to promote long-lasting retention of the early induced improvement in hand motor outcome and also, this clinical improvement to be sustained by a long-lasting neuroplasticity changes harnessed by the BCI-based intervention. Furthermore, the longitudinal multidimensional assessment will address the selection of those stroke participants who best benefit of a BCI-assisted therapy, consistently advancing the transfer of BCIs to a best clinical practice.Trial registrationName of registry: BCI-assisted MI Intervention in Subacute Stroke (Promotoer).Trial registration number:NCT04353297; registration date on the ClinicalTrial.gov platform: April, 15/2020.