bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GPX3 methylation is associated with hematologic improvement in low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome patients treated with Pai-Neng-Da
Authors: Yang Shujun , Gao Tong , Zheng Zhonghua , Lai Binbin , Sheng Lixia , Xu Zhijuan , Yan Xiao , Wang Jiaping , Duan Shiwei , Ouyang Guifang 
Published: September 2020

Objective The aim of this prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was to explore the relationship between GPX3 methylation and Pai-Neng-Da (PND) in the treatment of patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Methods There were 82 low-risk MDS patients who were randomly divided into the following two groups: androl, thalidomide, and PND capsule (ATP group, n = 41); or androl and thalidomide (AT group, n = 41). Hemoglobin and neutrophil and platelet counts and changes in GPX3 methylation level were assessed. Results The plasma hemoglobin level increased in both groups after treatment. However, the platelet count increased only in the ATP group. Patients in the ATP group had a better platelet response than the AT group, and GPX3 methylation markedly decreased after treatment with ATP but not after treatment with AT. Moreover, male patients had a significantly lower GPX3 methylation level than female patients, while platelet counts from male patients increased dramatically after the ATP regimens compared with female patients. GPX3 methylation changes were negatively correlated with platelet changes in ATP group. Conclusion PND can improve hematological parameters and decrease the GPX3 methylation level. Decreasing GPX3 methylation is associated with the hematologic response that includes platelet in GPX3 methylation. China Clinical Trial Bureau (ChiCTR; http://www.chictr.org.cn/ ) registration number: ChiCTR-IOR-15006635.
Psychological state of patients with sudden deafness and the effect of psychological intervention on recovery
Authors: Sun Bin , Liu Liangliang , Ren Xiaoyong , Wang Zhenghui 
Published: September 2020

Objective To determine the effect of personalized psychological interventions on the recovery of patients with sudden deafness. Methods Participants were 438 patients with sudden deafness who were randomly allocated to observation and control groups. Patients in the control group received routine nursing care and drug treatment. Patients in the observation group received personalized psychological interventions, routine nursing care and drug treatment. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to measure anxiety and depression. The Simple Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) were used to evaluate coping styles, attitude toward life and quality of life. Results Patients in both groups had similar SAS and SDS scores at the time of admission. After treatment, there was a significant difference in SAS and SDS scores between the observation and control groups, indicating that the observation group had less anxiety and depression. Both groups had increased SCSQ and SWLS scores following treatment, indicating improvements in positive coping and satisfaction with life. Conclusion Effective psychological interventions may change negative thoughts, increase response rate and improve quality of life.
Dexmedetomidine is superior to midazolam for sedation and cerebral protection in postoperative hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Gong Weiyi , Zhang Shuguang , Li Xiaoliang , Shi Lei 
Published: September 2020

Objective Dexmedetomidine has a good sedative effect and does not affect the judgment of the patient's consciousness level. However, its effectiveness for sedation and cerebral protection after craniotomy in hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) patients is unknown. Methods A retrospective study of 164 postoperative HICH patients who underwent sedation with dexmedetomidine or midazolam was conducted. The Ramsay sedation score, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2), and respiratory rate were measured at the indicated time points. Human soluble protein-100β (S-100β) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels were also compared between the two groups. Results Dexmedetomidine treatment showed a significantly better effect than midazolam on decreasing the frequency of apparent agitation. The MAP and HR, but not the SpO2, were significantly decreased and lower than those in midazolam group. Detection of plasma S-100β and NSE proteins revealed a significant decrease in the dexmedetomidine group compared with the midazolam group. The 6-month follow-up evaluation indicated a significantly better prognosis of postoperative HICH patients treated with dexmedetomidine than for those treated with midazolam. Conclusions Dexmedetomidine is effective for sedation in postoperative HICH patients and may be beneficial for their outcome.
Soft-tissue Cephalometric Norms of Kashmiri Population with Normal Occlusion and Well-balanced Faces
Authors: Kalgotra Sneh , Mushtaq Mohammad , Khajuria Abhishek 
Published: September 2020

Objective: To establish soft-tissue cephalometric norms of Kashmiri population and to compare them with European-American norms. Material and Methods: A total of 102 subjects falling in the age group of 19 to 25 years were selected from random and representative sample of 5317. Reference lines were traced according to the definitions given by Holdaway, Rickett, Steiners, Merrifield, and nasiolabial angle. Thirteen linear and 4 angular measurements were analyzed on the lateral cephalogram of the sample. Results: Significant differences were found between male and female subjects in measurements of the soft-tissue facial angle, upper lip thickness, upper lip strain, lower sulcus depth and soft-tissue chin thickness, and upper lip to S line and nasiolabial angle. Soft-tissue cephalometric norms of Kashmiri population that were measured in the present study when compared with the norms set by Holdaway’s parameters, Rickett’s E line, Merrifield Z angle, Steiner’s S line, and nasiolabial angle did not fall within the normal range. The facial angle was found to be greater by 1.36°, upper lip sulcus depth was greater by 0.53 mm, convexity at point A was greater by 2.43 mm, the H angle was greater by 5.64°, upper lip thickness and strain were greater by 2.30 and 2.36 mm, respectively, soft-tissue chin thickness was greater by 0.92 mm, upper lip to S line was greater by 0.60 mm, and lower lip was greater by 0.91 mm when compared with the standard European-American norms. Conclusion: According to the present study, the measured soft-tissue cephalometric norms for Kashmiri population differed from the standard norms. When planning orthodontics treatment, it should be kept in mind that the profile may not necessarily be orthognathic.
Peripheral changes of endocannabinoid system components in episodic and chronic migraine patients: A pilot study
Authors: Greco Rosaria , Demartini Chiara , Zanaboni Anna Maria , Tumelero Elena , Icco Roberto De , Sances Grazia , Allena Marta , Tassorelli Cristina 
Published: September 2020

Background Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests a role for the dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system in migraine pain, particularly in subjects with chronic migraine. Methods The gene expression of endocannabinoid system components was assayed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 25 subjects with episodic migraine, 26 subjects with chronic migraine with medication overuse (CM-MO) and 24 age-matched healthy controls. We also evaluated the protein expression of cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 as well as DNA methylation changes in genes involved in endocannabinoid system components. Results Both episodic migraine and CM-MO subjects showed higher cannabinoid receptor 1 and cannabinoid receptor 2 gene and protein expression compared to controls. Fatty acid amide hydrolase gene expression, involved in anandamide degradation, was lower in migraine groups compared to healthy control subjects. N-arachidonoyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D gene expression was significantly higher in all migraineurs, as were monoacylglycerol lipase and diacylglycerol lipase gene expressions. The above markers significantly correlated with the number of migraine days and with the days of acute drug intake. Conclusion The findings point to transcriptional changes in endocannabinoid system components occurring in migraineurs. These changes were detected peripherally, which make them amenable for a wider adoption to further investigate their role and applicability in the clinical field. clinicaltrials.gov NTC04324710.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Usual Cognitive Screening Tests Versus Appropriate Tests for Lower Education to Identify Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Ortega Luciane Viola , Aprahamian Ivan , Martinelli José Eduardo , Cecchini Mário Amore , Cação João de Castilho , Yassuda Mônica Sanches 
Published: September 2020

Introduction: The accuracy of commonly used screening tests for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has not been directly compared to those that could be more appropriate for lower schooling. Objective: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of usual screening tests for AD with instruments that might be more appropriate for lower schooling among older adults with low or no literacy. Methods: The study included a clinical sample of 117 elderly outpatients from a Geriatric Clinic classified as literate controls (n = 39), illiterate controls (n = 30), literate AD (n = 30) and illiterate AD (n = 18). The tests were compared as follows: Black and White versus Colored Figure Memory Test; Clock Drawing Test versus Clock Reading Test; Verbal Fluency (VF) animal versus grocery category; CERAD Constructional Praxis versus Stick Design Test. Results: The means of literate and illiterate controls did not differ in the Black and White Figure Memory Test (immediate recall), Colored Figure Memory Test (delayed recall), Clock Reading Test and VF animals and grocery categories. The means of the clinical groups (controls versus AD), in the 2 schooling levels, differed significantly in most of the tests, except for the CERAD Constructive Praxis and the Stick Design Test. Diagnostic accuracy was not significantly different between the compared tests. Conclusion: Commonly used screening tests for AD were as accurate as those expected to overcome the education bias in a sample of older adults with lower or no education.
Challenges of Dental Hygienists in a Multidisciplinary Team Approach During Palliative Care for Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Nakajima Nobuhisa 
Published: September 2020

Purpose: Palliative care is constructed by various kinds of professionals. This study aimed to identify the challenges that dental hygienists (DHs) encountered when working with other professionals in a multidisciplinary team approach in palliative care for advanced cancer patients. Methods: We conducted the following two studies: (1) a questionnaire-based survey for DHs who belong to Japanese Society for Oral Care (JSOC) on oral care in palliative care settings (n = 1,290), and (2) surveys on education for DHs in universities. Items in this study included the following: 1) a cross-sectional analysis of the curriculum on palliative care at 10 universities and 2) a questionnaire-based survey on palliative care education at 1 of the 10 universities (n = 75). Results: (1) Seventy-three percent had experience in oral care in palliative care settings. The number of DHs with ≥20 years’ experience was significantly higher than those with <10 years’ experience (76% vs 66%, p = 0.042). Further, 92% received no formal palliative care education, and 94% perceived a lack of knowledge on palliative care. These data did not differ based on the years of experience. (2) (a) There was no specific curriculum on the subject of palliative care in 10 universities. Lectures on palliative care were provided at 3 universities. (b) Fifty-five percent of students attended lectures on palliative care. However, 88% of them experienced anxiety, and 78% perceived few classes on palliative care. Conclusions: For DHs, to positively contribute to multidisciplinary palliative care team approach, it is important to establish pregraduate and postgraduate education systems.
Facial Asymmetry in Nonsyndromic and Muenke Syndrome–Associated Unicoronal Synostosis: A 3-Dimensional Study Based on Facial Surfaces Extracted From CT Scans
Authors: Öwall Louise , Darvann Tron A. , Hove Hanne B. , Heliövaara Arja , Dunø Morten , Kreiborg Sven , Hermann Nuno V. 
Published: September 2020

Objective: To quantify soft tissue facial asymmetry (FA) in children with nonsyndromic and Muenke syndrome–associated unicoronal synostosis (NS-UCS and MS-UCS), hypothesizing that MS-UCS presents with significantly larger FA than NS-UCS. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Patients and Methods: Twenty-one children (mean age: 0.6 years; range: 0.1-1.4 years) were included in the study (NS-UCS = 14; MS-UCS = 7). From presurgical computed tomography scans, facial surfaces were constructed for analysis. A landmark guided atlas was deformed to match each patient’s surface, obtaining spatially detailed left-right point correspondence. Facial asymmetry was calculated in each surface point across the face, as the length (mm) of an asymmetry vector, with its Cartesian components providing 3 directions. Mean FA was calculated for the full face, and the forehead, eye, nose, cheek, mouth, and chin regions. Results: For the full face, a significant difference of 2.4 mm ( P = .001) was calculated between the 2 groups, predominately in the transverse direction (1.5 mm; P < .001). The forehead and chin regions presented with the largest significant difference, 3.5 mm ( P = .002) and 3.2 mm ( P < .001), respectively; followed by the eye (2.4 mm; P = .004), cheek (2.2 mm; P = .004), nose (1.7 mm; P = .001), and mouth (1.4 mm; P = .009) regions. The transverse direction presented with the largest significant difference in the forehead, chin, mouth, and nose regions, the sagittal direction in the cheek region, and the vertical direction in the eye region. Conclusions: Muenke syndrome–associated unicoronal synostosis presented with significantly larger FA in all regions compared to NS-UCS. The largest significant differences were found in the forehead and chin regions, predominantly in the transverse direction.
Home Activity-based Interventions for the Neurologically Impaired Upper Extremity: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bell Alison , Grampurohit Namrata , Marino Ralph J. , Duff Susan , Kaplan Gary , Calhoun Thielen Christina , Mulcahey M.J. 
Published: September 2020

Background: Activity-based therapy (ABT) for the upper extremity (UE) enables neurologic recovery with tasks that are functional, intense, and highly repetitive. A large proportion of rehabilitation occurs in the home and there is a gap in literature on the application of ABT within the home. The objective of this scoping review was to describe ABT in the home-setting for the neurologically-impaired UE. Methods: A systematic scoping review included searches of: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane, and OTSeeker. Results: A systematic search yielded 51 final studies. About 61% of ABT studies were exclusively within the home, others included outpatient visits (37%). Telerehabilitation was used in 37% of the studies with live-video and store forward techniques equally represented. ABT supported by technology was used in 61% of studies. Dosing of intervention ranged from 7 to 120 hours, with a mean of 34.5 hours of practice. Adherence with intended dosing was reported in 27% of studies and subjects completed a mean of 86% of the intended practice time. Sixty-seven percent of studies reported some degree of practice without therapist supervision. Conclusions: The results showed wide variability in the intervention methods, dosing and technology used in homebased settings. The high rate of adherence with dosing is encouraging for the application of homebased neurologic UE interventions. This scoping review highlights feasibility of UE ABT within the home and need for further research.
Transcirculation Silk Vista Baby-assisted coiling in half-T configuration for the treatment of posterior communicating artery aneurysms associated with a fetal posterior circulation: An alternative flow diversion strategy
Authors: Martínez-Galdámez Mario , Schüller-Arteaga Miguel , Galván-Fernández Jorge , Kalousek Vladimir , Petra Ezequiel , Pabón Boris , Ortega-Gutiérrez Santiago , Jiménez-Arribas Paloma , Rodríguez-Arias Carlos 
Published: September 2020

Flow diverter devices have become a routine first-line option for treatment of an increasing population of intracranial aneurysms at many neurovascular centers.  Despite the promising results of flow diverter stents on anterior circulation, incomplete occlusion on the presence of fetal posterior circulation has been described on several reports.  Here we describe a novel technical alternative to conventional flow diversion approach for this specific subgroup of aneurysms using the low-profile flow diverter, Silk Vista Baby. The device was selectively placed into the fetal type posterior cerebral artery in half-T configuration for the treatment of a posterior communicating aneurysm using a transcirculation approach through the anterior communicating artery. This represents a useful and effective technique and should be considered when encountering the above-described situation.
Endograft platform does not influence aortic neck dilatation after infrarenal endovascular aneurysm repair with primary endostapling
Authors: Chaudhuri Arindam , Badawy Ayman 
Published: September 2020

Objectives Aortic endografts used for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) are based on varying skeletal platforms such as stainless steel or nitinol stents, using radial force applied to seal at the aneurysm neck, and varying proximal fixation methods, applying either suprarenal or infrarenal fixation. This study assesses whether varying skeleton/fixation platforms affect neck-related outcomes after primary endostapling with Heli-FX EndoAnchors at EVAR. Methods Retrospective analysis of a prospective database of infrarenal EVAR undertaken at a single centre. Chimney-EVAR, secondary cases were excluded. Primary outcomes analysed included neck diameter evolution from pre-EVAR to latest imaging follow-up, including a comparison of stent platforms to see if there was any outcome difference between those using stainless steel or nitinol, as also freedom from type I endoleakage and migration. Secondary outcomes assessed included average number of EndoAnchors, and sac size patterns before and after EVAR. Results A total of 101 patients underwent endostapled infrarenal EVAR between September 2013 and March 2020. After exclusion of ineligible patients, 84 patients (76 male, 8 female, age 73.7 ± 7.8 years) were available for analysis. 57/27 endografts used suprarenal/infrarenal fixation, whilst 16/68 devices were based on stainless steel/nitinol platforms, respectively. Mean oversizing was higher for stainless steel/suprarenal fixation endografts ( p = 0.02). A total of 582 EndoAnchors were deployed, averaging 7 ± 2 per patient. Median neck diameter was 25 mm (IQR 22–31) with 22 necks having non-parallel morphology (conical, tapered or bubble). Median follow-up period was 28.5 (IQR 12–43) months. Neck evolution studies suggested aortic neck dilatation of 5 ± 4 mm ( p <0.001, paired T-test), independent of platforms employed ( p = NS, ANOVA). There was no endograft migration; one immediate post-EVAR endoleak settled by eight weeks. There was a mean 5.7 ± 8.2 mm sac size reduction ( p < 0.001, paired T-test). Conclusion Aortic neck dilatation occurs after EVAR with primary endostapling, but the process may be independent of stainless steel/nitinol platforms, possibly due to the attenuating effect of EndoAnchors. Adjunct aneurysm neck fixation by primary endostapling prevents migration regardless of whether suprarenal/infrarenal fixation is the primary fixative method. Device platform choice therefore may be left to the operator discretion if primary endostapling is applied at EVAR. Freedom from complications such as migration and endoleakage in the intermediate term suggests a higher level of ‘tolerance’ to aortic neck dilatation with primary endostapling. We would therefore suggest routine usage of EndoAnchors at EVAR when not otherwise contraindicated.
The impact of a dedicated contact centre on the clinical outcome of patients with inflammatory bowel disease during the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Nardone Olga Maria , Rispo Antonio , Testa Anna , Imperatore Nicola , Pellegrini Lucienne , Guarino Alessia Dalila , Ricciolino Simona , Patturelli Marta , De Palma Giovanni , Castiglione Fabiana 
Published: September 2020

Background: With the interruption of elective activity during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a reorganisation of health care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was warranted. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a dedicated contact centre service (CCS) on the reorganization of a high-volume IBD centre and on the continuity of care during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: We compared the CCS services provided to 3680 IBD patients and clinical outcomes before (January–February 2020) and during (March–April 2020) the COVID-19 period. We further included, as comparator, data from March to April of the previous year (2019). Results: During the outbreak, the CCS received an increase of 10.2% of contacts, from 881, in January–February 2020, to 971 ( p = 0.02). An increase of 6% in CCS activities was also reported in comparison with March–April 2019 (from 914 to 971 in March–April 2020, p = 0.71). Before COVID-19, in both periods most contacts (67% in January–February 2020 and 60% in March–April 2019) required information about clinical activity, while fewer (33% in January–February 2020 and 40% in March–April 2019) requested logistic information. During the pandemic, most contacts (65.1%) asked to speak with a physician, 23.7% asked for information, while 11.1% wanted to cancel/postpone their appointments. Among all the information, 66% concerned COVID-19. In March–April 2020, 259 outpatient visits were booked, but were all replaced by phone consultations. No difference was detected in the number of intravenous biological administrations (307 versus 296, p = 0.64), surgeries (10 versus 9, p = 0.82) and urgent hospitalisations (10 versus 12, p = 0.67) before and during the COVID-19. Conclusion: The CCS was an effective tool in the reorganization of the IBD centre. Scheduled visits were replaced by phone calls. The main clinical outcomes were maintained in the COVID-19 period. Virtual follow-up using the CCS could be implemented after the pandemic to optimise the resources of the IBD centre.