bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, causes and risk factors of reduced VA and persistent reduced VA among preschool children in Eastern China
Authors: Zhang Xiaohan , Li Rui , Wang Yue , Zhao Xiaoyan , Hao Qingfeng , Tong Haohai , Chen Ping , Yu Yingqing , Liu Hu 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimsTo determine prevalence, causes, and risk factors of reduced uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), reduced presenting visual acuity (PVA), and persistent reduced visual acuity (VA) among Chinese preschool children.MethodsThe longitudinal, population‐based Nanjing Eye Study (NES) was carried out. Children underwent baseline comprehensive ocular examinations in 2016 (at 48–60 months old) and the follow‐up ocular examinations in 2017. A comprehensive questionnaire about children and their families was completed by their legal guardians. For children having reduced PVA at baseline, a follow‐up questionnaire about potential factors concerning VA correction was completed. Reduced VA was defined as VA worse than 0.30 logMAR (Snellen equivalent 6/12, 20/40), and persistent reduced VA was defined as reduced PVA in both 2016 and 2017.ResultsAmong 1448 participants with both eye examinations and questionnaires completed, prevalence of reduced UCVA, reduced PVA, and persistent reduced VA at age of 60–72 months were 5.94%, 3.04%, and 1.59% respectively. Causes for reduced PVA were refractive error (79.5%), amblyopia (18.2%), and amblyopia combined nystagmus (2.3%). Among 23 children having persistent reduced VA, causes of reduced PVA remained unchanged in 13 children and 4 children developed amblyopia from refractive error. Younger age (OR = 1.09 for each month decrease, p = 0.01) and non‐breastfeeding (OR = 2.08, p = 0.03) were risk factors for reduced UCVA. Younger children with reduced UCVA were at higher risk of having reduced PVA (OR = 1.18 for each month decrease, p = 0.04). Children with siblings (OR = 5.95, p = 0.02) were more likely to have persistent reduced VA.ConclusionsFuture vision health promotion strategies among preschool children should focus on early vision‐screening and timely refractive correction. Apart from children of non‐breastfeeding mothers, attention should also be paid to children with siblings.
Biomechanical Study on the Stress Distribution of the Knee Joint After Tibial Fracture Malunion with Residual Varus–Valgus Deformity
Authors: Li Ming , Chang Hengrui , Wei Ning , Chang Wenli , Yan Ying , Jin Zeyue , Chen Wei 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of residual varus and valgus deformity on the stress distribution of the knee joint after tibial fracture malunion.MethodsFourteen adult cadaver specimens were selected to establish the models of tibial fractures, which were fixed subsequently at neutral position (anatomical reduction) and malunion positions (at 5°, 10°, and 15° valgus positions, and 5°, 10°, and 15° varus positions). The stress distribution on the medial and lateral plateau of the tibia was quantitatively measured using ultra‐low‐pressure sensitive film technology. The changes in the stress distribution of the knee joint after tibial fracture malunion and the relationship between the stress values and the residual varus or valgus deformity were analyzed.ResultsUnder 400 N vertical load, the stress values on the medial and lateral plateau of the tibia at the neutral position were 1.137 ± 0.139 MPa and 1.041 ± 0.117 MPa, respectively. When compared with the stress values measured at the neutral position, the stress on the medial plateau of the tibia was significantly higher at varus deformities and lower at valgus deformities, and the stress on the lateral plateau was significantly higher at valgus deformities and lower at varus deformities (all P < 0.05). The stress values on the medial plateau of the tibia were significantly higher than the corresponding data on the lateral plateau at neutral and 5°, 10°, and 15° varus deformities, respectively (all P < 0.05), and significantly lower than the corresponding data on the lateral plateau at 5°, 10°, and 15° valgus deformities, respectively (all P < 0.05).ConclusionResidual varus and valgus deformity after tibial fracture malunion can lead to obvious changes of the stress distribution of the knee joint. Therefore, tibial fractures should be reduced anatomically and fixed rigidly to avoid residual varus–valgus deformity and malalignment of lower limbs.
Synergistic Effects of Kartogenin and Transforming Growth Factor‐β3 on Chondrogenesis of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Vitro
Authors: Zhao Yanhong , Teng Binhong , Sun Xun , Dong Yunsheng , Wang Shufang , Hu Yongcheng , Wang Zheng , Ma Xinlong , Yang Qiang 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of kartogenin (KGN) on proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSC) in vitro, and the synergistic effects of KGN and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β3 on hUCMSC.MethodsHuman umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured. Then the differentiation properties were identified by flow cytometry analysis. HUCMSC were divided into four groups: control group, KGN group, TGF‐β3 group, and TK group (with TGF‐β3 and KGN added into the medium simultaneously). Cells in all groups were induced for 21 days using the suspension ball culture method. Hematoxylin and eosin, immunofluorescence, and Alcian blue staining were used to analyze chondrogenic differentiation. Real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed to investigate genes associated with chondrogenic differentiation.ResultHematoxylin and eosin staining showed that cells in the TGF‐β3 group and the TK group had formed cartilage‐like tissue after 21 days of culture. The results of immunofluorescence and Alcian blue staining showed that compared with the control group, cells in the KGN and TGF‐β3 groups demonstrated increased secretion of aggrecan after 21 days of culture. In addition, cells in the group combining KGN with TGF‐β3 (5.587 ± 0.27, P < 0.01) had more collagen II secretion than cells in the TGF‐β3 alone group (2.86 ± 0.141, P < 0.01) or the KGN group (1.203 ± 0.215, P < 0.01). The expression of aggrecan (2.468 ± 0.097, P < 0.05) and SRY‐Box 9 (4.08 ± 0.13, P < 0.05) in cells in the group combining KGN with TGF‐β3 was significantly higher than those in the TGF‐β3 group (2.216 ± 0.09, 3.02 ± 0.132, P < 0.05).’ConclusionThe combination of KGN and TGF‐β3 had synergistic effects and induced hUCMSC chondrogenesis. This could represent a new approach for clinical application and studies on cartilage repair and regeneration.
Comparing clinical acne vulgaris severity to adolescent and parent perceptions of acne severity and impact on quality of life
Authors: Sadowsky Lauren M. , Yang Connie Y. , Sorrell Jennifer , Bayers Stephanie , O'Neill Lauren B. , Chamlin Sarah L. , Schlosser Bethanee J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesLittle research has compared clinician acne severity assessment with either adolescent‐ or parent‐rated scales of acne severity or impact on quality of life (QOL). We sought to assess how adolescents and their parents perceive the severity and impact of acne on the adolescent's QOL and correlate this with clinical severity.MethodsEach adolescent and a parent completed a validated QOL survey regarding the adolescent's acne and rated the adolescent's acne severity and QOL impact using a Likert scale. Clinicians assessed the adolescent's acne using a standardized acne severity scale. Statistical analysis compared adolescent scores with respective parent scores or with clinician assessment using a paired t test or Spearman rank‐order correlation test.ResultsThe Likert impact score more accurately reflected acne impact on QOL for adolescents than for parents when considering the validated QOL survey as the gold standard (r2 = .56 vs r2 = .36). Likert scores for adolescents and parents were weakly correlated for acne severity but not for acne QOL impact (r2 = .36 vs r2 = .18). Correlations of acne severity scores between clinician and either adolescent or parent were weak.ConclusionsParents and adolescents are in relative agreement regarding acne severity and QOL impact. However, parent and adolescent perceptions are disparate from clinician acne assessment. It is important that physicians identify and consider adolescent and parent perceptions in addition to clinical assessment to better inform the approach to acne management.
Simple Rules to Guide Expert Classifications
Authors: Jung Jongbin , Concannon Connor , Shroff Ravi , Goel Sharad , Goldstein Daniel G. 
Published: May 2020

SummaryJudges, doctors and managers are among those decision makers who must often choose a course of action under limited time, with limited knowledge and without the aid of a computer. Because data-driven methods typically outperform unaided judgements, resource-constrained practitioners can benefit from simple, statistically derived rules that can be applied mentally. In this work, we formalize long-standing observations about the efficacy of improper linear models to construct accurate yet easily applied rules. To test the performance of this approach, we conduct a large-scale evaluation in 22 domains and focus in detail on one: judicial decisions to release or detain defendants while they await trial. In these domains, we find that simple rules rival the accuracy of complex prediction models that base decisions on considerably more information. Further, comparing with unaided judicial decisions, we find that simple rules substantially outperform the human experts. To conclude, we present an analytical framework that sheds light on why simple rules perform as well as they do.
Lexical Variation in Degree wh‐questions in Spanish and the Internal Structure of wh‐phrases1
Authors: Eguren Luis 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis paper provides a formal account of the pattern of lexical variation found in adjectival degree wh‐questions in current Spanish. It is proposed that Spanish degree wh‐forms heading an interrogative clause (cuán ‘how much’, qué tan ‘what so’, cómo de ‘how of’, and cuánto de ‘how much of’) share an internal structure including (at least) two components, a wh‐operator and a (degree) variable, which are both phonetically realized in the Old and American Spanish degree wh‐expression qué tan. This analysis is extended to the American Spanish nominal wh‐form qué tanto(s) ‘what so much/many’ and to the general Spanish manner wh‐expression qué tal ‘what such’. It is further argued that all interrogative wh‐forms in Spanish comprise a wh‐quantifier and an overt or covert variable ranging over different types of entities (individuals, amounts, manners, degrees, etc.), also tentatively suggesting that this could apply across languages.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Johnson Patricia 
Published: May 2020

Studies in Media and Communication (SMC) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether SMC publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 8, Number 1Andreas Veglis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GreeceAntonio García Gómez, University of Alcalá de Henares, SpainAslı Sezgin, Osmaniye Korkut Ata University, TurkeyBegoña Montero-Fleta, Universitat Poltècnica de València, SpainCamelia Cmeciu, Danubius University of Galati, RomaniaCarmen Pérez-Sabater, Universitat Politècnica de València, SpainDaniel Nkrumah, Pentecost University College, GhanaDorina Ticu, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, RomaniaGholamreza Azarbouyehdinaki, Shiraz Art University, AustraliaImed Ben Labidi, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, USAJavier Serrano Puche, University of Navarra, SpainJenny-Ann Danell, Umea University, SwedenKunle Olufemi Aramide, The Polytechnic Ibadan, NigeriaMaría José Serrano, Universidad de La Laguna, SpainNina Gunnarsson, Jönköping university, SwedenPhilemon Bantimaroudis, University of Cyprus, CyprusShiza Nisar, Lahore School of Economics, PakistanWilliam Thomas Howe, University of Oklahoma, USAYi Luo, Montclair State University, USAYoung Joon Lim, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, USA Patricia JohnsonEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Studies in Media and CommunicationRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://smc.redfame.com
Role of fructosamine-3-kinase in protecting against the onset of microvascular and macrovascular complications in patients with T2DM
Authors: Sartore Giovanni , Ragazzi Eugenio , Burlina Silvia , Paleari Renata , Chilelli Nino Cristiano , Mosca Andrea , Avemaria Francesca , Lapolla Annunziata 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionMicroangiopathic and macroangiopathic complications are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the diabetic population. Numerous publications have highlighted the role of glycation in the onset of complications of diabetes. In this context, the detection of fructosamine-3-kinase (FN3K)—an enzyme capable of counteracting the effect of hyperglycemia by intervening in protein glycation—has attracted great interest. Several studies have linkedFN3Kgenetic variability to its enzymatic activity and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Here, we investigated the role ofFN3Kpolymorphisms in the development of microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes.Research design and methodsThe anthropometric and biochemical parameters, and any medical history of microangiopathic and macroangiopathic complications, were documented in a sample of 80 subjects with type 2 diabetes. All subjects were screened forFN3Kgene and analyzed for the combination of three polymorphisms known to be associated with its enzymatic activity (rs3859206 and rs2256339 in the promoter region and rs1056534 in exon 6).ResultsThe combination of allelic variants ofFN3Kpolymorphisms resulted in 13 distinct genotypic variants within the cohort. Comparison between genotypes showed no significant differences in terms of demographic, anthropometric and biochemical parameters, risk markers and long-term complications, except for a higher age and vitamin E levels associated with the genotype presenting GG at position −385, TT at position −232, and CC at c.900 A. Evaluating the microangiopathic and macroangiopathic complications as a whole, we found that they appeared significantly less present in this genotype compared with all other genotypes (p=0.0306).ConclusionsThe group of patients carrying the favorable allele for the three polymorphisms of theFN3Kgene revealed less severe microangiopathy and macroangiopathy, suggesting a protective role of this genotype against the onset of the complications of diabetes.
Retinal arteriolar oxygen saturation predicts the need for intravitreal aflibercept in patients with diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Blindbæk Søren Leer , Peto Tunde , Grauslund Jakob 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveGiven the increasing burden of repetitive intravitreal injections in diabetic macular oedema (DMO) treatment, non-invasive markers of treatment outcome are needed. Hence, we aimed to examine retinal oximetry parameters as markers of need for intravitreal aflibercept in patients with DMO.MethodsThis study was based on data from a 12-month clinical trial including 35 eyes of 25 patients with centre involving DMO. Retinal oximetry, visual acuity (VA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were performed at baseline (BL). Patients then received 3 monthly injections of aflibercept followed by focal/grid laser photocoagulation. From month 4 (M4) through 12 (M12), patients were followed monthly and additional injections were given pro re nata if criteria of retreatment were met. We evaluated the difference in need for intravitreal aflibercept in groups of eyes with the highest and lowest retinal arteriolar and venular oxygen saturations, respectively.ResultsFrom BL-M12, overall VA letter score improved by 8.7 (7.2–10.2). Likewise CRT reduced by 100.7 (68.2–133.3) µm and the mean number of injections was 4.3 (3.8–4.8). Overall retinal arteriolar and venular oxygen saturations were 95.7 (93.0–98.4)% and 62.7 (59.4–65.9)% at BL. Eyes with the highest retinal arteriolar oxygen saturations had significantly more injections between BL and M12 compared with eyes with the lowest retinal arteriolar oxygen saturations (5.0 (4.2–5.8) vs 3.6 (3.1–4.0), p=0.002).ConclusionHigher retinal arteriolar oxygen saturation independently predicted the need for more intravitreal aflibercept during the first year of DMO treatment and may serve as a valuable adjunctive to established procedures for retinal imaging in terms of individualised treatment plans.Trial registration numberNCT02554747
Number of reflux episodes on pH-impedance monitoring associates with improved
symptom outcome and treatment satisfaction in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
patients with regurgitation
Authors: Rogers Benjamin D , Valdovinos Luis R , Crowell Michael D , Bell Reginald , Vela Marcelo F , Gyawali C Prakash 
Published: May 2020

Objective
Number of reflux episodes, an adjunctive metric on pH-impedance monitoring, is
incompletely studied. We aimed to determine if number of reflux episodes associates
with therapeutic outcome in regurgitation predominant gastro-oesophageal reflux
disease (GERD).

Design
We performed post hoc analysis of postintervention pH-impedance data from adult
patients with moderate/severe regurgitation despite QD proton pump inhibitor (PPI),
randomised to either two times a day PPI or magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) in
2:1 allocation. After 6 and 12 months, symptom response was defined by improvement in
Foregut Symptom Questionnaire (FSQ) regurgitation score to none or minimal, ≥50%
reduction in GERD health-related quality of life (HRQL) score and satisfaction with
therapy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine predictors
of symptom improvement.

Results
Of 152 randomised patients, 123 (age 46.9±1.2 year, 43% female) had complete
data. Symptom and satisfaction scores significantly improved after MSA compared with
two times a day PPI. Both acid exposure time (13.4%±0.7% to 1.3±0.2%, p<0.001) and
reflux episodes (86±4 to 48±4, p<0.001) declined with therapy. Reduction to <40
reflux episodes was significantly more frequent in those with symptom response by FSQ
regurgitation score, GERD HRQL score and satisfaction with therapy (p≤0.03 for each);
<35 episodes performed better on receiver operating characteristic analysis. On
multivariate analysis, improvement in regurgitation score remained independently
predictive of satisfaction with therapy (p<0.001 for each). In patients crossing
over to MSA, >80 episodes pretreatment predicted improvement.

Conclusions
Reduction of reflux episodes on pH-impedance to physiological levels associates
with improved outcomes, while pathological levels predict improvement with MSA in
regurgitation predominant GERD.

Trail registration number
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02505945.
Performance of gastrointestinal pathologists within a national digital review panel for Barrett’s oesophagus in the Netherlands: results of 80 prospective biopsy reviews
Authors: Klaver Esther , van der Wel Myrtle , Duits Lucas , Pouw Roos , Seldenrijk Kees , Offerhaus Johan , Visser Mike , ten Kate Fiebo , Biermann Katharina , Brosens Lodewijk , Doukas Michael , Huysentruyt Clément , Karrenbeld Arend , Kats-Ugurlu Gursah , van der Laan Jaap , van Lijnschoten Ineke , Moll Freek , Ooms Ariadne , Tijssen Jan , Meijer Sybren , Bergman Jacques 
Published: May 2020

AimsThe histopathological diagnosis of low-grade dysplasia (LGD) in Barrett’s oesophagus (BO) is associated with poor interobserver agreement and guidelines dictate expert review. To facilitate nationwide expert review in the Netherlands, a web-based digital review panel has been set up, which currently consists of eight ‘core’ pathologists. The aim of this study was to evaluate if other pathologists from the Dutch BO expert centres qualify for the expert panel by assessing their performance in 80 consecutive LGD reviews submitted to the panel.MethodsPathologists independently assessed digital slides in two phases. Both phases consisted of 40 cases, with a group discussion after phase I. For all cases, a previous consensus diagnosis made by five core pathologists was available, which was used as reference. The following criteria were used: (1) percentage of ‘indefinite for dysplasia’ diagnoses, (2) percentage agreement with consensus diagnosis and (3) proportion of cases with a consensus diagnosis of dysplasia underdiagnosed as non-dysplastic. Benchmarks were based on scores of the core pathologists.ResultsAfter phase I, 1/7 pathologists met the benchmark score for all quality criteria, yet three pathologists only marginally failed the agreement with consensus diagnosis (score 68.3%, benchmark 69%). After a group discussion and phase II, 5/6 remaining aspirant panel members qualified with all scores within the benchmark range.ConclusionsThe Dutch BO review panel now consists of 14 pathologists, who—after structured assessments and group discussions—can be considered homogeneous in their review of biopsies with LGD.
Expression of cathepsins B, D and K in thymic epithelial tumours
Authors: Yamaguchi Naoko , Tomaru Utano , Kiuchi Takayuki , Ishizu Akihiro , Deguchi Takahiro , Otsuka Noriyuki , Tanaka Satoshi , Marukawa Katsuji , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Kitagawa Masanobu , Kasahara Masanori 
Published: May 2020

AimCathepsins are proteases that regulate a wide range of physiological processes, including protein turnover, cell signalling and antigen presentation. Recent studies have shown that cathepsins are highly upregulated in many types of tumours. Of the 15 cathepsins in humans, cathepsins V and S are abundantly expressed in the thymus, and we previously showed that the immunostaining of these cathepsins could serve as diagnostic markers for thymic epithelial tumours. However, little is known about the expression of other cathepsins in thymic epithelial tumours. To determine the diagnostic implications of cathepsins, we performed immunohistochemical analysis of cathepsin B (CTB), cathepsin D (CTD) and cathepsin K (CTK), all of which have been reported to correlate with the progression of squamous cell carcinoma.MethodsThe association between cathepsin expression and clinicopathological features was evaluated in 122 cases of thymoma and thymic carcinoma.ResultsCTB and CTD were frequently expressed in type A and type AB thymomas. In contrast, CTB and CTD were significantly less common in type B thymomas than in type A or AB thymomas. In type AB thymomas, the expression of CTB correlated with histological features, and was found predominantly in the type A component. Notably, CTK was expressed most commonly in thymic carcinomas, and patients who died of the disease showed increased expression of CTK.ConclusionsThe expression of CTB and CTD correlated with the histological subtype of thymoma. In addition, the expression of CTK appears to be useful for the diagnosis of thymic carcinomas and as a prognostic marker.