bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of narrow band imaging for diagnosis of unilateral nasal lesions
Authors: Fan Dachuan , Hou Jinxiao , Zhang Tianhong , Ye Yijing 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the effect of narrow band imaging (NBI) examination on differentiating diagnosis between benign and malignant neoplasms involving nasal cavity.Design, Setting, ParticipantsA retrospective study was conducted to analyse cases from January 2018 to December 2019 at a single centre. A total of 188 consecutive patients who were newly diagnosed with lesions in unilateral nasal cavity underwent complete examination with white light endoscopy (WLE) and NBI endoscopy. Biopsy specimens were harvested from the target lesions and sent to the pathologist for definite diagnosis. Participants with a history of congenital malformation, trauma and surgery in nasal cavity were excluded from the study.Main outcome measuresEndoscopic diagnosis was assessed using sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively).ResultsIn identifying benign and malignant lesions of nasal cavity, NBI had a significant higher sensitivity (92.7% vs 70.7%, P = .020) and NPV (98% vs 92.3%, P = .032) than WLE, but there were no significant differences between NBI and WLE in specificity (98.6% vs 97.3%, P = .684), accuracy (97.3% vs 91.5%, P = .416) and PPV (95% vs 87.9%, P = .400).ConclusionNBI as an emerging technique can improve the diagnostic accuracy by distinguishing benign and malignant lesions in nasal cavity and remains a promising and helpful adjunct to the endoscopy techniques.
Prognostic value of the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and systemic immune‐inflammation index in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Zhilin , Qu Yi , Yang Yang , An Wei , Li Shaoqing , Wang Bin , He Ying , Li Jing , Shao Qi , Qin Lizheng 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesWe aimed to determine the prognostic value of the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC).Design and settingA retrospective analysis of patients with LSCC was conducted in our hospitals. Clinical information, including age, sex, TNM classification and other demographic and clinical data, was acquired and analysed. Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated and compared using the Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank test.ParticipantsA total of 147 patients with LSCC were included.ResultsAccording to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the optimal cut‐off points for NLR, PLR and SII were 1.88, 117.36 and 517.64. The analysis revealed NLR, PLR and SII to be independent predictors for OS and PFS (P < .05).ConclusionsPreoperative NLR, PLR and SII are promising prognostic predictors for patients with LSCC.
Outcomes of kidney donors with pre‐ and post‐donation kidney stones
Authors: Murad Dina N. , Nguyen Hana , Hebert Sean A. , Nguyen Duc T. , Graviss Edward A. , Adrogue Horacio E. , Ibrahim Hassan N. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractRoughly 25% of US transplant centers exclude donor candidates with kidney stones fearing future obstructive consequences and the possible association between stones and CKD. We compared the development of hypertension, proteinuria, and reduced eGFR in 227 kidney donors with kidney stones to 908 propensity score‐matched donor controls without kidney stones using data from The Renal and Lung Donor Evaluation (RELIVE) Study which studied intermediate and long‐term outcomes of 8922 donors who donated between 1963 and 2007. 200 donors had kidney stones prior to donation, 21 had post‐donation stones, and 6 had pre‐ and post‐donation stones. Donors with stones were older, more likely to be Caucasian, less likely to be related to the recipient and had a higher fasting glucose. After 16.5 ± 10.9 years (range 0–44 years) from donation to study close, no ESKD occurred in donors with stones. The multivariable risks of hypertension, proteinuria, and reduced GFR were similar in donors with and without kidney stones. We could not demonstrate an association between stones and adverse renal outcomes in kidney donors, and the occurrence of post‐donation stones was distinctly rare. These data may provide a rationale for possibly a wider acceptance of donor candidates with low kidney stones burden.
Saethre–Chotzen syndrome: long‐term outcome of a syndrome‐specific management protocol
Authors: Den Ottelander Bianca K , Van Veelen Marie‐Lise C , De Goederen Robbin , Van De Beeten Stephanie DC , Dremmen Marjolein HG , Loudon Sjoukje E , Versnel Sarah L , Van Den Ouweland Ans MW , Van Dooren Marieke F , Joosten Koen FM , Mathijssen Irene MJ 
Published: December 2020

AimTo assess the long‐term outcomes of our management protocol for Saethre–Chotzen syndrome, which includes one‐stage fronto‐orbital advancement.MethodAll patients born with Saethre–Chotzen syndrome between January 1992 and March 2017 were included. Evaluated parameters included occipital frontal head circumference (OFC), fundoscopy, neuroimaging (ventricular size, tonsillar position, and the presence of collaterals/an abnormal transverse sinus), polysomnography, and ophthalmological outcomes. The relationship between papilledema and its associated risk factors was evaluated with Fisher’s exact test.ResultsThirty‐two patients (21 females, 11 males) were included. Median (SD) age at first surgery was 9.6 months (3.1mo) for patients who were primarily referred to our center (range: 3.6–13.0mo), the median (SD) age at last follow‐up was 13 years (5y 7mo; range: 3–25y). Seven patients had papilledema preoperatively, which recurred in two. Two patients had papilledema solely after first surgery. Second cranial vault expansion was indicated in 20%. Thirteen patients had an OFC deflection, indicating restricted skull growth, one patient had ventriculomegaly, and none developed hydrocephalus. Eleven patients had emissary veins, while the transverse sinus was aberrant unilaterally in 13 (hypoplastic n=10 and absent n=3). Four patients had mild tonsillar descent, one of which was a Chiari type I malformation. Four patients had obstructive sleep apnoea (two mild, one moderate, and one severe). An aberrant transverse sinus was associated with papilledema (p=0.01).InterpretationSingle one‐stage fronto‐orbital advancement was sufficient to prevent intracranial hypertension for 80% of our patients with Saethre–Chotzen syndrome. Follow‐up should focus on OFC deflection and venous anomalies.
The effects of diabetes self‐management interventions on physiological outcomes in people living with diabetes in Africa: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Diriba Dereje Chala , Leung Doris Y.P. , Suen Lorna K.P. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimTo examine the effects of diabetes self‐management interventions on physiological outcomes among people living with diabetes in Africa compared with patients receiving usual care.MethodsRelevant databases including PubMed, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were searched from inception to 28 September 2019, for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults living with diabetes in Africa. Nine RCTs were included in the review, and the quality of the studies was assessed using Cochrane's collaboration risk of bias tools.ResultsA meta‐analysis of the outcomes showed the significant effects of diabetes self‐management interventions on blood pressure, total cholesterol and body mass index, whereas non‐significant and inconclusive results were obtained for waist circumference and glycosylated haemoglobin, respectively.ConclusionsThe diabetes self‐management interventions (DSM) effectively improved many physiological outcomes, but their effectiveness in HbA1c was inconclusive, suggesting a need for modifications in DSM interventions for African people living with diabetes.
COVID‐19’s impacts on global value chains, as seen in the apparel industry
Authors: Castañeda‐Navarrete Jennifer , Hauge Jostein , López‐Gómez Carlos 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMotivationThe COVID‐19 pandemic has massively disrupted international trade and global value chains. Impacts, however, differ across regions and industries. This article contributes to a better understanding of the scale of disruptions to industries and value chains integral to the economies of and livelihoods in developing countries, and what role policy can play to mitigate harm.PurposeThis article aims to: (1) analyse and characterize disruptions to the global apparel value chain caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic, focusing on how developing countries have been impacted, and; (2) identify key policies to support a resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery.Approach and methodsWe review COVID‐19 related reports published by international and non‐governmental organizations, international trade and production statistics, industry surveys and media reports. We frame our analysis predominantly within the Global Value Chains literature.FindingsThe global apparel value chain has been severely disrupted by the pandemic, owing to direct effects of sickness on workers in factories, reduced output of materials—cloth, thread, etc.—used to fabricate clothing, and to reduced demand for apparel in high‐income countries. Developing countries are suffering disproportionately in terms of profits, wages, job security and job safety. Women workers in the apparel chain have been hit especially hard, not only because most workers in the chain are women, but also because they have experienced increasing unpaid care work and higher risk of gender‐based violence.Policy implicationsFive key areas of policy to support a resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery stand out: (1) delivering emergency responses to ensure firm survival and the protection of workers’ livelihoods; (2) reformulating FDI attraction strategies and promoting market diversification; (3) supporting technology adoption and skills development; (4) deploying labour standards to improve workers’ conditions and strengthening social protection systems; and (5) adopting gender‐sensitive responses.
Aid instability, aid effectiveness and economic growth
Authors: Liu Qiaoqiao , Li Zenggang 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMotivationDespite large flows of official development assistance, the performance of recipient economies has been discouraging. Aid effectiveness, including the effect of instability of aid flows, has thus become a central concern.PurposeThis article assesses the effect of unstable aid flows on aid effectiveness and economic growth.Approach and MethodsWe divide the aid effect into two stages: without‐aid and with‐aid. The impact of aid volatility is determined by the direction of volatility, the paths of aid and the incidence of its impact on the economy. The generalized method of moments (GMM) is applied to the panel data of 78 aid recipients from 2003 to 2017.FindingsAn open economy magnifies the impact of aid fluctuations (both positive and negative) for recipients highly dependent on aid. No statistically significant influence of aid volatility on growth can be seen. Volatility may however matter, since positive and negative impacts may offset each other. Aid unpredictability weakens aid efficiency and thus cripples growth.Policy ImplicationsDonor agencies should make their assistance more predictable, above all in countries that depend heavily on aid.
L‐homoarginine is associated with decreased cardiovascular‐ and all‐cause mortality
Authors: Mokhaneli Maserame Cleopatra , Botha‐Le Roux Shani , Fourie Carla Maria Theresia , Böger Rainer , Schwedhelm Edzard , Mels Catharina Martha Cornelia 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests that L‐homoarginine, an endogenous analogue of the amino acid L‐arginine, may have beneficial effects on vascular homeostasis. We examined whether L‐homoarginine is associated with 10‐year risk of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in a black South African population.MethodsWe included 669 black South African participants (mean age 59.5 years), 143 of whom died during the 10‐year follow‐up period. Mortality data were acquired via verbal autopsy. Plasma L‐homoarginine (and other related markers) were analysed with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsSurvivors had higher L‐homoarginine levels compared with nonsurvivors (1.25 µM vs. 0.89 µM; P < .001). Multivariable Cox regression analyses revealed that higher plasma L‐homoarginine predicted a reduction in 10‐year cardiovascular (hazard ratio [HR] per SD increment, 0.61; 95% CI 0.50 to 0.75) and all‐cause (hazard ratio [HR] per SD increment, 0.59; 95% CI 0.41 to 0.84) mortality risk.ConclusionHigher L‐homoarginine levels are associated with reduced risk of 10‐year cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality. Regulation of L‐homoarginine levels as a therapeutic target in the management of cardiovascular disease should be investigated.
Combination of brentuximab‐vedotin and ifosfamide, carboplatin, etoposide in relapsed/refractory peripheral T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Van de Wyngaert Zoé , Coppo Paul , Cervera Pascale , Fabiani Bettina , Lemonnier Marie‐Paule , Corre Elise , Marjanovic Zora , Aoudjhane Malek , Mohty Mohamad , Duléry Rémy 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesRelapsed/refractory peripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCL) have a poor prognosis. We aimed at assessing efficacy of ifosfamide, carboplatin, etoposide (ICE) regimen, a known therapeutic option, to which we added brentuximab‐vedotin (BV).MethodsIn this study, we retrospectively analyzed patients with PTCL treated with BV‐ICE in our center between July 2014 and March 2018.ResultsFourteen patients received BV‐ICE. Median age was 62 years (range, 31‐73). Main histological subtypes were PTCL‐not otherwise specified (29%), angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (21%), follicular‐T helper (21%), or anaplastic large‐cell (15%) lymphomas, all were CD30 positive. Overall response was seen in four (29%) patients, and complete response (CR) in two (14%). Most frequent adverse events were infections, and cytopenia. 2‐year progression‐free and overall survival were 14% and 17.5%, respectively.ConclusionPatients with relapsed/refractory PTCL treated with BV‐ICE can achieve CR, but few had a sustained response. This association should preferably be used as a bridge to stem cell transplant or be followed by maintenance therapy.
Blinatumomab in pediatric patients with relapsed/refractory B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Queudeville Manon , Schlegel Patrick , Heinz Amadeus T. , Lenz Teresa , Döring Michaela , Holzer Ursula , Hartmann Ulrike , Kreyenberg Hermann , von Stackelberg Arend , Schrappe Martin , Zugmaier Gerhard , Feuchtinger Tobias , Lang Peter , Handgretinger Rupert , Ebinger Martin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivePediatric patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia have a poor prognosis. We here assess the response rates, adverse events, and long‐term follow‐up of pediatric patients with relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia receiving blinatumomab.MethodsRetrospective analysis of a single‐center experience with blinatumomab in 38 patients over a period of 10 years.ResultsThe median age at onset of therapy was 10 years (1‐21 years). Seventy‐one percent of patients had undergone at least one hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) prior to treatment with blinatumomab. We observed a response to blinatumomab in 13/38 patients (34%).The predominant side effect was febrile reactions, nearly half of the patients developed a cytokine release syndrome. Eight events of neurotoxicity were registered over the 78 cycles (15%). To date, nine patients (24%) are alive and in complete molecular remission. All survivors underwent haploidentical HSCT after treatment with blinatumomab.ConclusionsDespite heavy pretreatment of most of our patients, severe adverse events were rare and response rates encouraging. Blinatumomab is a valuable bridging salvage therapy for relapsed or refractory patients to a second or even third HSCT.
Allostatic gene regulation of inhibitory synaptic factors in the rat ventral hippocampus in a juvenile/adult stress model of psychopathology
Authors: Albrecht Anne , Segal Menahem , Stork Oliver 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEarly life stress is an important vulnerability factor for the development of anxiety disorders, depression and late‐onset cognitive decline. Recently, we demonstrated that juvenile stress (JS) lastingly enhanced long‐term potentiation via reduction of steady‐state glutamine synthetase mRNA expression and the associated dysregulation of the astrocytic glutamate‐glutamine cycle in the rat ventral CA1. We now investigated the regulation of steady‐state mRNA expression of neuronal gene products that determine GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission in layers of the ventral and dorsal CA1 after JS. We further studied their interaction with stress in young adult age (AS) to address their putative role in psychopathology development. Strikingly, mRNA levels of the glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) isoforms GAD65 and of the GABA‐A receptor α2 (Gabra2) were increased after single JS or AS, but not after combined JS/AS stress experience. In fact, JS/AS resulted in layer‐specific reduction of Gabra2 and also of Gabra1 mRNA levels in the ventral CA1. Furthermore, GAD65 and Gabra2 mRNAs were correlated with glutamatergic AMPA and NMDA receptor subunit mRNAs after single JS and AS, but not after combined JS/AS. Together, these data indicate a loss of allostatic regulation of steady‐state mRNA levels of key GABAergic components that may result in a dysregulation of excitation/ inhibition balance in the ventral CA1 upon dual stress exposure. Finally, individual differences in local glucocorticoid receptor mRNA expression may contribute to this regulation.
The APOE ε4 allele in relation to pre‐ and postsurgical cognitive functioning of patients with primary brain tumors
Authors: Butterbrod Elke , Sitskoorn Margriet , Bakker Marjan , Jakobs Bernadette , Fleischeuer Ruth , Roijers Janine , Rutten Geert‐Jan , Gehring Karin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies suggest a relationship between the APOE ε4 allele and cognitive outcome in patients treated for malignant brain tumors. Still, longitudinal investigations that include a pretreatment cognitive assessment are lacking and APOE’s effects in patients with benign tumors are understudied. This study investigated presurgical cognitive performance and postsurgical change in ε4‐carrying and non‐carrying patients with glioma and meningioma.MethodsNeuropsychological test scores (CNS Vital Signs battery [seven measures], Digit Span Forward/Backward, Letter Fluency test) were obtained as part of a prospective study in which patients with meningioma and glioma underwent cognitive assessment 1 day before (T0,n = 505) and 3 (T3,n = 418) and 12 months after (T12,n = 167) surgery. APOE isoforms were identified retrospectively. ε4 carriers and non‐carriers were compared with regard to pretreatment cognitive performance on the group and individual level. Changes in performances over time were compared with longitudinal mixed model analysis in the total sample and the subgroup receiving adjuvant treatment.ResultsCarriers and non‐carriers did not differ with regard to pretreatment performance. No significant main effect of ε4 carrier status or interaction between time (T0–T12) and carrier status was found on any of the tests in the whole sample nor in the sample receiving adjuvant treatment.ConclusionsThis study found no evidence of increased vulnerability for pretreatment cognitive dysfunction or cognitive decline within 1 year after surgery in APOE ε4‐carrying meningioma and glioma patients. Investigations that include larger samples at longer‐term follow‐up are recommended to investigate potential late treatment effects.
Automated identification and quality measurement for pediatric convulsive status epilepticus
Authors: Hess‐Homeier David L. , Parikh Karishma , Basma Natasha , Vella Adam E. , Grinspan Zachary M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveTreatment delays for refractory convulsive status epilepticus (RCSE) are associated with worse outcomes. In the United States, treatment for pediatric RCSE is slower than guidelines recommend. To address this gap, the American Academy of Neurology and Child Neurology Society (AAN/CNS) developed a quality measure: the percentage of RCSE patients that receive third‐line treatment within 60 minutes. We aimed to develop computable phenotypes for convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) and RCSE to automate calculation of the quality measure.MethodsFrom an observational cohort of children presenting to the emergency department for seizures or epilepsy, we identified presentations of RCSE and its precursors: CSE and benzodiazepine‐resistant status epilepticus (BRSE). These served as a gold standard for computable phenotype development. Using multivariate analyses, we constructed and evaluated statistical models for case identification. We then evaluated adherence to the AAN/CNS RCSE quality measure.ResultsFrom 664 charts, we identified 56 patients with CSE, 36 with BRSE, and 18 with RCSE. Four predictors were used: International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes, and receiving first‐, second‐, or third‐line agents shortly after presentation to the emergency department (ED). Combinations of these predictors identified CSE with 84% sensitivity and 81% positive predictive value (PPV), BRSE with 67% sensitivity and 89% PPV, and RCSE with 94% sensitivity and 85% PPV. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) time to treatment for first‐line agent was 13 (5‐27) minutes for CSE, second‐line for BRSE was 24 (9.5‐43.5) minutes, and third‐line for RCSE was 52 (27‐87) minutes. Sixty percent of RCSE patients received a third‐line agent within 60 minutes of ED arrival.SignificanceRCSE and its precursors can be identified automatically with high fidelity allowing automated calculation of time to treatment and the RCSE quality measure. This has the potential to facilitate quality improvement work and improve care for RCSE.
Unmet Mental Health Needs of Jailed Parents With Young Children
Authors: Milavetz Zoe , Pritzl Kaitlyn , Muentner Luke , Poehlmann‐Tynan Julie 
Published: December 2020

ObjectiveMental health symptoms in jailed parents with young children were examined in relation to gender, race, trauma, parenting stress, and supports.BackgroundMost U.S. incarceration occurs in jails, which are notorious for high rates of mental illness. Jail incarceration is a significant stressor for families because most incarcerated individuals are parents.MethodThe sample included 165 jailed parents with children (aged 2–6 years) who completed an interview and questionnaires. Relative risk analyses determined symptom severity, and multivariate analysis of variance tested differences in White and non‐White mothers and fathers. Ordinary least squares regression examined predictors of mental health symptoms.ResultsDepression and thought problems (hallucinations, strange thoughts, self‐harm) were the most common problems. Jailed mothers reported more depression, anxiety, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and drug abuse than fathers. Childhood physical abuse and parenting stress were associated with more symptoms, whereas family support related to fewer symptoms.ConclusionJailed parents experienced 3 to 5 times the odds of symptoms compared with norms, with a high rate of comorbidities relative to the low proportion of parents who received any mental health treatment.ImplicationsMental health interventions for jailed parents are needed, especially gender‐responsive, trauma‐informed services that decrease parenting stress and foster positive family connections.