bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Five-Year Trend in Issuing Disability Certificates from a General Hospital Psychiatric Unit in South India
Authors: Nagarajan Padmavathi , Bharadwaj Balaji , Kattimani Shivanand 
Published: August 2020

Background: Mental disability is a common condition but is considered as an invisible disability. The disability certificate in psychiatry remains underexplored. Some reasons are issues of confidentiality, stigma, lack of awareness in the public, and the hesitancy in the mental health professionals. We aim to provide a brief profile of patients with mental illness issued disability certificates from a psychiatric unit over a five-year period (2013–2017). Methods: Our retrospective study is based on the data available from the copies of the issued disability certificates from a psychiatric unit that functions in a multispecialty tertiary care teaching government hospital in Southern India. Patients undergoing treatment in psychiatry apply for a disability certificate to the medical superintendent of the hospital. Each applicant undergoes a detailed workup to ascertain the diagnosis, and the mental disability is assessed using Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale (IDEAS). Those with intellectual developmental disorder (IDD) are assessed by a clinical psychologist for quantifying intelligence quotient, based on which the disability certificate is issued. Data were extracted and analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: Over five years, 258 disability certificates were issued. A total of 218 were for mental illness and 40 were for IDD. Schizophrenia was the commonest primary diagnosis. There was no gender predominance, nor the influence of gender on different domains of IDEAS except on work domain dysfunction due to mental illness. The validity period was not mentioned in 81% of the issued certificates for mental illness. Conclusions: This descriptive study found a lower number of certificates issued from the psychiatric unit. Schizophrenia remains the main psychiatric diagnosis for which a disability certificate was issued. We did not assess the utilization pattern of the issued certificates.
Use of Isolated Tight Epithelia to Study the Site and Mode of Drug Action on Cell Membrane Transport: Effect of the Antipsychotic Agent Trifluoperazine
Authors: Bjerregaard Henning F. 
Published: August 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate the site and mode of trifluoperazine (TFP) action on cell membrane transport by the use of isolated frog skin. This cellular system gives access to the apical (outer) and basolateral (inner) membranes of the polarised epithelial cells. Both apical and basolateral TFP addition induced a dose-dependent stimulation of Na transport, and depolarised the cellular potential. The data indicate that TFP acts by increasing the Na permeability of the apical membrane. However, the mechanisms localised in the apical and basolateral membranes are quite different. Basolateral TFP addition increased Na transport due to a stimulation of PGE2 synthesis, whereas apical TFP addition abolished Na inhibition of the apical Na channels, and thereby enhanced the Na transport. An acute toxic effect on the electrophysiological parameters was noted after addition of high apical TFP concentrations (50–100μM). This toxic effect was dependent on the presence of Na in the apical solution.
Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity of 18 Compounds in Six Rat Cell Lines
Authors: Garza-Oeañas Lourdes , Torres-Alanís Oscar , Piñeyro-López Alfredo 
Published: August 2020

A comparison of the potential of different cell lines as a screening system for predicting general toxicity was made by measuring the cytotoxicities (CT50) of 18 compounds in six rat cell lines. The criterion for cytotoxicity was failure of the cells to attach to the substratum, which was assessed at two incubation times: 24 hours and 7 days (168 hours). For nine of the compounds tested, an increased incubation time resulted in increased cytotoxicity; in these cases, the CT50 values at 168 hours were lower than those at 24 hours. For the majority of the compounds, the CT50 values obtained using liver, lung, intestine, kidney, heart or skin rat cell lines did not differ markedly from one line to another. These results are discussed in terms of the similar in vitro susceptibilities of different cell types obtained from the same species.
In Vitro Methods as a Tool in Neurotoxicity Studies
Authors: Tähti Hanna , Vaalavirta Leila , Toimela Tarja 
Published: August 2020

— There are several hundred industrial chemicals with neurotoxic potential. The neurotoxic risks of most of these chemicals are unknown. Additional methods are needed to assess the risks more effectively and to elucidate the mechanisms of neurotoxicity more accurately than is possible with the conventional methods. This paper deals with general tasks concerning the use of in vitro models in the evaluation of neurotoxic risks. It is based on our previous studies with various in vitro models and on recent literature. The induction of glial fibrillary acidic protein in astrocyte cultures after treatment with known neurotoxicants (mercury compounds and aluminium) is discussed in more detail as an important response which can be detected in vitro. When used appropriately with in vivo tests and with previous toxicological data, in vitro neurotoxicity testing considerably improves risk assessment. The incorporation of in vitro tests into the early stages of risk evaluation can reduce the number of animals used in routine toxicity testing, by identifying chemicals with high neurotoxic potential.
Adverse remodeling in atrial fibrillation following isolated aortic valve replacement surgery
Authors: Oliveira João Pedro , Fragão-Marques Mariana , Lourenço André , Falcão-Pires Inês , Leite-Moreira Adelino 
Published: August 2020

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia with adverse clinical outcomes. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is one of the most frequently performed cardiac surgeries, although there is scarce evidence on arrhythmic outcomes. We aimed to evaluate AF during the first year post- isolated aortic valve replacement surgery and its clinical, analytical, and echocardiographic predictors. Methods: Severe aortic stenosis patients with no prior atrial fibrillation submitted to isolated aortic valve replacement surgery were included in our study, of which 316 remained in sinus rhythm and 24 developed AF. We performed logistic regression searching for AF predictors and a longitudinal comparison between pre and post-operative echocardiographic data. Results: Postoperative AF (POAF), diabetes, and follow-up indexed Left Atrium Diameter (iLAD) were significantly higher in the group of patients developing AF. POAF and iLAD were independent AF predictors at follow-up. No differences between groups were found regarding baseline and follow-up echocardiographic data except for indexed Left Ventricle End-diastolic Diameter (LVED), which failed to decrease after surgery in the AF group. Conclusions: POAF and iLAD independently predicted AF at 1 year following isolated AVR surgery in aortic stenosis patients with no AF history. iLVED did not decrease significantly at follow-up in AF patients, possibly reflecting adverse ventricular remodeling.
Association between fish intake and glioma risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lei Honcho , To Chiho , Lei Unpeng 
Published: August 2020

Objectives We investigated the association between the consumption of fresh and processed fish and glioma risk using a meta-analysis approach. Methods We selected and analyzed observational studies that discussed the relationships between fresh and processed fish intake on glioma risk from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the SinoMed and Wanfang databases from inception to 31 March 2020. Studies were selected according to pre-established eligibility criteria and data were extracted separately by two researchers. A meta-analysis was conducted based on a random-effects model to provide pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Eight studies considered the relationship between fish intake (seven fresh and seven processed fish) and glioma risk and were included in this meta-analysis. The OR effect size for fresh fish intake and glioma risk was 0.72 (95%CI 0.53–0.97) and the overall OR effect size for processed fish intake and glioma risk was 1.88 (95%CI 1.06–3.34). Conclusion Dietary intake of fresh fish may reduce the risk of glioma, but consumption of processed fish may increase the risk of glioma. This study had some limitations, and further studies are therefore required to clarify the associations between fish intake and glioma risk.
Evaluation of stability of deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities using Doppler ultrasound
Authors: Zhang Shefang , Chu Wen , Wang Hua , Liang Yajun , Fan Yajuan , Liu Hui , Wei Guoshi 
Published: August 2020

Objective This study aimed to assess using Doppler ultrasound for analyzing stability of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities. Methods Patients with DVT of the lower extremities who were treated from August 2017 to December 2019 were selected. The patients were divided into stable and unstable groups according to whether thrombus was collected in a filter. Related ultrasound and blood test results were analyzed and compared. Results A total of 126 patients with DVT of the lower extremities were included, of whom 74 were in the stable group and 52 were in the unstable group. There were significant differences in the prothrombin time (PT), and lipoprotein alpha, D-dimer, and triglyceride levels between the groups. D-dimer levels >2800 ug/L, smoking, history of venous thrombosis, PT >13.15 s, and body mass index >24.45 kg/m2 were independent risk factors for stability of DVT of the lower extremities. The area under the curve with combined detection of DVT was significantly higher than that for body mass index, PT, and D-dimer alone. Conclusion Doppler ultrasound may be reliable for analyzing the stability of DVT of the lower extremities. Related strategies targeting risk factors are required for reducing DVT of the lower extremities.
Neurophysiological correlates of abnormal auditory processing in episodic migraine during the interictal period
Authors: Vilà-Balló Adrià , Marti-Marca Angela , Torres-Ferrús Marta , Alpuente Alicia , Gallardo Victor José , Pozo-Rosich Patricia 
Published: August 2020

Background The characteristics of the hypersensitivity to auditory stimuli during the interictal period in episodic migraine are discussed. The combined use of event-related potentials, time-frequency power and phase-synchronization can provide relevant information about the time-course of sensory-attentional processing in migraine and its underlying mechanisms. Objective The aim of this nested case-control study was to examine these processes in young, female, episodic migraine patients interictally and compare them to controls using an active auditory oddball task. Method We recorded, using 20 channels, the electrophysiological brain activity of 21 women with episodic migraine without aura and 21 healthy matched controls without family history of migraine, during a novelty oddball paradigm. We collected sociodemographic and clinical data as well as scores related to disability, quality of life, anxiety and depression. We calculated behavioural measures including reaction times, hit rates and false alarms. Spectral power and phase-synchronization of oscillatory activity as well as event-related potentials were obtained for standard stimuli. For target and novel stimuli, event-related potentials were acquired. Results There were no significant differences at the behavioural level. In migraine patients, we found an increased phase-synchronization at the theta frequency range and a higher N1 response to standard trials. No differences were observed in spectral power. No evidence for a lack of habituation in any of the measures was seen between migraine patients and controls. The Reorienting Negativity was reduced in migraine patients as compared to controls on novel but not on target trials. Conclusion Our findings suggest that migraine patients process stimuli as more salient, seem to allocate more of their attentional resources to their surrounding environment, and have less available resources to reorient attention back to the main task.
A Tool to Predict Readmission to the Intensive Care Unit in Surgical Critical Care Patients—The RISC Score
Authors: Hammer Maximilian , Grabitz Stephanie D. , Teja Bijan , Wongtangman Karuna , Serrano Marjorie , Neves Sara , Siddiqui Shahla , Xu Xinling , Eikermann Matthias 
Published: August 2020

Background: Readmission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is associated with a high risk of in-hospital mortality and higher health care costs. Previously published tools to predict ICU readmission in surgical ICU patients have important limitations that restrict their clinical implementation. We sought to develop a clinically intuitive score that can be implemented to predict readmission to the ICU after surgery or trauma. We designed the score to emphasize modifiable predictors. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we included surgical patients requiring critical care between June 2015 and January 2019 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, MA, USA. We used logistic regression to fit a prognostic model for ICU readmission from a priori defined, widely available candidate predictors. The score performance was compared with existing prediction instruments. Results: Of 7,126 patients, 168 (2.4%) were readmitted to the ICU during the same hospitalization. The final score included 8 variables addressing demographical factors, surgical factors, physiological parameters, ICU treatment and the acuity of illness. The maximum score achievable was 13 points. Potentially modifiable predictors included the inability to ambulate at ICU discharge, substantial positive fluid balance (>5 liters), severe anemia (hemoglobin <7 mg/dl), hyperglycemia (>180 mg/dl), and long ICU length of stay (>5 days). The score yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.78 (95% CI 0.74-0.82) and significantly outperformed previously published scores. The performance of the underlying model was confirmed by leave-one-out cross-validation. Conclusion: The RISC-score is a clinically intuitive prediction instrument that helps identify surgical ICU patients at high risk for ICU readmission. The simplicity of the score facilitates its clinical implementation across surgical divisions.
Performance and psychometric properties of lupus impact tracker in assessing patient-reported outcomes in pediatric lupus: Report from a pilot study
Authors: Ganguli Suhas K , Hui-Yuen Joyce S , Jolly Meenakshi , Cerise Jane , Eberhard Barbara Anne 
Published: August 2020

Objective To evaluate the reliability, validity, feasibility and psychometric performance of the Lupus Impact Tracker (LIT) as a patient reported outcome (PRO) measure tool in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE). Methods This is a prospective, observational, pilot study where patients aged between 12 and 25 years, fulfilling the 1997 ACR classification criteria for SLE, were enrolled. Over 3 consecutive, routine, clinical visits, the patients completed the LIT alongside the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Short Forms (PROMIS-SFs), Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ). Rheumatologists completed the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC-ACR) Damage Index. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were also collected. Results Of 46 patients enrolled, 38 patients completed 2 visits and 31 completed all 3 visits. Seventy-eight percent were female, 33% African American, 28% Asian, 15% Caucasian and 17% Hispanic. The mean (SD) age was 17.2 (2.7) years, with a mean (SD) disease duration of 4.6 (3.1) years. The mean (SD) SLEDAI-2K at enrollment was 3.54 (2.96). In the 38 patients who completed two or more visits, intra-class correlation coefficient and Cronbach alpha were calculated to be 0.70 and 0.91 respectively, signifying good reliability of LIT. The LIT showed positive correlation with CHAQ-Disability Index and majority of the PROMIS-SFs parameters. Construct validity was established against clinical disease activity (SLEDAI-2K). Conclusion The preliminary results indicate that the LIT is a reliable and valid instrument to capture PRO in p-SLE. Prospective validation with a larger, multicenter cohort is the next step.
Integrins α4β1 and αVβ3 are Reduced in Endothelial Progenitor Cells from Diabetic Dyslipidemic Mice and May Represent New Targets for Therapy in Aortic Valve Disease
Authors: Filippi Alexandru , Constantin Alina , Alexandru Nicoleta , Voicu Geanina , Constantinescu Cristina Ana , Rebleanu Daniela , Fenyo Madalina , Simionescu Dan , Simionescu Agneta , Manduteanu Ileana , Georgescu Adriana 
Published: August 2020

Diabetes reduces the number and induces dysfunction in circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) by mechanisms that are still uncovered. This study aims to evaluate the number, viability, phenotype, and function of EPCs in dyslipidemic mice with early diabetes mellitus and EPC infiltration in the aortic valve in order to identify possible therapeutic targets in diabetes-associated cardiovascular disease. A streptozotocin-induced diabetic apolipoprotein E knock-out (ApoE−/−) mouse model was used to identify the early and progressive changes, at 4 or 7 days on atherogenic diet after the last streptozotocin or citrate buffer injection. Blood and aortic valves from diabetic or nondiabetic ApoE−/−animals were collected.EPCs were identified as CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 positive monocytes, and the expression levels of α4β1, αVβ3, αVβ5, β1, αLβ2, α5integrins, and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 chemokine receptor on EPC surface were assessed by flow cytometry. The number of CD34 positive cells in the aortic valve, previously found to be recruited progenitor cells, was measured by fluorescence microscopy. Our results show that aortic valves from mice fed 7 days with atherogenic diet presented a significantly higher number of CD34 positive cells compared with mice fed only 4 days with the same diet, and diabetes reversed this finding. We also show a reduction of circulatory EPC numbers in diabetic mice caused by cell senescence and lower mobilization. Dyslipidemia induced EPC death through apoptosis regardless of the presence of diabetes, as shown by the higher percent of propidium iodide positive cells and higher cleaved caspase-3 levels. EPCs from diabetic mice expressed α4β1 and αVβ3integrins at a lower level, while the rest of the integrins tested were unaffected by diabetes or diet. In conclusion, reduced EPC number and expression of α4β1 and αVβ3 integrins on EPCs at 4 and 7 days after diabetes induction in atherosclerosis-prone mice have resulted in lower recruitment of EPCs in the aortic valve.
Attitudes and Perceptions of End-of-Life Dreams and Visions and Their Implication to the Bereaved Family Caregiver Experience
Authors: Grant Pei C. , Levy Kathryn , Lattimer Tahleen A. , Depner Rachel M. , Kerr Christopher W. 
Published: August 2020

Background: While the majority of research assesses the impact of end-of-life dreams and visions (ELDVs) on patients, more recent research has begun to explore their impact on family caregivers (FCG). Objective: This study evaluates the relationship between general attitudes about dreams, perspectives of ELDV and their role the bereaved FCG experience. Design: Mixed-methods using a cross-sectional survey and five focus groups. Settings/Subjects: A total of 500 FCGs of patients who died under hospice care were recruited for the survey. Focus group members were self-selected through identified interest from the survey. Measurements: In addition to demographics and ELDV prevalence, general attitude toward dreams, ELDV perspectives, and impact on grief were assessed using ad hoc surveys. Results: Participants reporting ELDVs were significantly more validating of everyday dreams ( p < .001). Positive attitudes toward dreams strongly correlated with comfort from ELDVs for both patients and FCGs. Openness correlated positively with comfort from the ELDV for both the patient ( r = .149, p = .038) and FCG ( r = .217, p = 0.002) and negatively with fear/anxiety ( r = −.141, p = 0.050). Negative ELDV perceptions (ex. ELDVs were caused by medications) affected grief in areas such as accepting the loss ( r = −.235, p = .010) or maintaining connection ( r = −.255, p = .010) with the deceased. Focus group discussions were thematically analyzed resulting in 4 themes: ELDV narrative, Connection, Reflection, and Other Experiences. Conclusions: Positive general attitudes toward dreams and positive ELDV perceptions are correlated with better bereavement outcomes. Therefore, patient and family education on ELDVs that focuses on awareness and understanding of ELDVs may enhance clinical outcomes for both family and patients.
Pazopanib-related secondary polycythemia in metastatic myxofibrosarcoma: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Fanelli Martina , Caputo Francesco , Cerma Krisida , Gelsomino Fabio , Bari Alessia , Dominici Massimo , Pozzi Samantha 
Published: August 2020

Introduction Pazopanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is a standard treatment for various tumours, including metastatic non-adipocytic soft-tissue sarcomas. In literature, erythrocytosis has been described as a TKI-related condition. Case report A 59-year-old man underwent surgical removal of a sub-scapular mass consistent with myxofibrosarcoma. After distant relapse, he first started chemotherapy, and then Pazopanib. He was found to have increased levels of hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct). He was asymphtomatic, with no history of pulmonary disease nor smoking habit. Erythropoietin (EPO) level was higher than normal. A polycythemia vera was ruled out. Management & outcome: The patient started a prophylactic therapy with lysine acetylsalicylate, and we observed a reduction of Hb, but not Hct. Due to disease progression, we interrupted Pazopanib. After a week from drug discontinuation, Hb levels got back to the normal range, Hct was lowering. We decided not to perform phlebotomy, considering the declining trend in Hb and Hct values and the absence of symptoms. Discussion We postulated a Pazopanib-related secondary erythrocytosis, since Hb and Hct levels increased from baseline during treatment, then normalized when Pazopanib was discontinued. We used the Naranjo Nomogram to assess the correlation between the adverse effect and Pazopanib, the correlation was “Probable”, a score of 5. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of Pazopanib-related secondary polycythemia in a patient with sarcoma. It is important to pay attention to blood count and to any symptoms potentially related to erythrocytosis in patients treated with TKIs.