bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macular Hole Closure Without Endotamponade Application
Authors: Stopa Marcin , Ciesielski Maksym , Rakowicz Piotr 
Published: May 2020

Purpose:
We describe an alternative vitreoretinal technique that allows for the macular hole closure without filling the vitreous cavity with gas.

Methods:
A prospective interventional one-center case series from March 2019 to January 2020. The patients underwent the formation of viscoelastic-assisted temporal internal limiting membrane flap without any gas endotamponade. Preoperative and postoperative visual acuity and foveal structure in optical coherence tomography images were evaluated.

Results:
Macular hole closure was achieved with a single procedure in 11 of 12 eyes with no endotamponade application. Preoperative, mean best-corrected visual acuity was 1.11 (Snellen equivalent 20/258) ± 0.28 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (range 1.398–0.523). We were able to assess visual acuity as early as on the first postoperative day in all patients. It ranged from 1.398 to 0.523 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (Snellen equivalent 20/500–20/67) with a mean of 0.97 (20/186) ± 0.29. Final best-corrected visual acuity was 0.31 (Snellen equivalent 20/40) ± 0.18 (range 0.699–0.1) at the end of the 3-month follow-up.

Conclusion:
This technique avoids the application of any tamponade, does not require positioning, and seems to provide macular hole closure rates similar to those of traditional vitrectomy with gas.
A Systematic Review of Emerging Therapeutic Strategies in the Management of Chemical Injuries of the Ocular Surface
Authors: Poon Stephanie Hiu Ling , Wong William Ho Lam , Bu Yashan , Lo Amy Cheuk Yin , Jhanji Vishal , Chan Yau Kei , Shih Kendrick Co 
Published: May 2020

Objectives:
To evaluate recent in vivo studies on emerging therapies for managing corneal epithelial injuries.

Methods:
The search was conducted on PubMed for articles published between January 2015 and September 2019 and in English language.

Results:
Thirty studies were identified for evaluation, including those on mesenchymal stem cells, amniotic membrane-derived therapies, endogenous peptides and their inhibitors, as well as hydrogel therapies. Intermediate to strong levels of evidence are presented regarding the use of these strategies on chemically injured cornea, including their effects on healing of corneal epithelial defect, anti-inflammatory properties, prevention of corneal neovascularization, as well as restoration of anatomy and functions of the anterior eye, although clinical trials are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of these strategies on humans.

Conclusion:
Recent advances and understanding in various novel therapeutic methods for corneal epithelial chemical injuries should provide potential alternatives to current standard treatment regimens and help reduce risks of complications, hence improve patient outcomes.
Acanthamoeba Keratitis Versus Mixed Acanthamoeba and Bacterial Keratitis: Comparison of Clinical and Microbiological Profiles
Authors: Singh Arshi , Sahu Srikant K. , Sharma Savitri , Das Sujata 
Published: May 2020

Purpose:
To compare the clinical profiles and outcomes of patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis with or without mixed bacterial infection.

Methods:
A retrospective analysis of microbiologically confirmed AK cases presenting to a tertiary care center over a 9-year period was conducted. Fourteen eyes in the coinfected group (group 1) and 24 eyes in the AK group (group 2) were analyzed to study the differences in these 2 groups of patients. The cases were diagnosed using a conventional microscopic analysis with staining techniques confirmed by cultural methods and were treated, which tailored to the microbiology report.

Results:
There was no difference in the demographic profile and presenting features in the 2 groups. Duration of symptoms and history of ocular trauma, contact lens wear, and previous steroid usage were also similar for both the groups. Dense central corneal infiltrate was the common presentation for both groups (7/14 vs. 16/24 in group 1 vs. group 2). Epithelial defect without dense stromal infiltrate was significantly more common in group 1 (42.9% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.003) as a presenting clinical feature. Hypopyon was present in 8/14 of group 1 versus 9/24 of group 2 eyes (P = 0.25). No significant difference was found in the final visual acuity in pure and mixed AK cases, and the need for surgical intervention was comparable. The most common bacterial pathogen isolated in the mixed group was the Staphylococcus species.

Conclusions:
Bacterial coinfection is common in patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis. Coinfection did not point toward a worse clinical disease at presentation or outcome.
Isolation and Characterization of a New Human Corneal Epithelial Cell Line: HCE-F
Authors: Cristaldi Martina , Olivieri Melania , Spampinato Giorgia , Anfuso Carmelina Daniela , Scalia Marina , Lupo Gabriella , Rusciano Dario 
Published: May 2020

Purpose:
To isolate and characterize an epithelial cell (EC) line from a human donor cornea, which may serve as a reliable test cell line to address biomolecular issues and study the response of corneal epithelium to stressing events and therapeutic treatments.

Methods:
A corneal button from a donor patient was treated with enzymes to separate the epithelial sheet and to free EC, which were put in tissue culture. ECs were characterized by optic and electronic microscopies, cytokeratins and PAX6 were detected by SDS-PAGE and western immunoblotting, the barrier function was evaluated by transepithelial electric resistance and by the immune detection of membrane junction proteins, and the karyotype was characterized according to the classical methods.

Results:
Morphological analyses returned the picture of classical homogeneous polygonal morphology as expecetd by EC that was maintained over time and several in vitro passages. Transepithelial electric resistance values were characteristic of a typical barrier-forming cell line. The cytokeratin expression pattern was the one expected for corneal EC with a predominance of CK3 and CK5 and different from a human keratocyte cell line. The male karyotype showed 2 trisomies, of chromosomes 8 and 11.

Conclusions:
All the data so far obtained with the HCE-F cells concur to certify this cell line as a stable, true primary human corneal EC line, which could then be used as a test cell line to study and address the questions concerning the biological response of human corneal epithelium to stressing and/or therapeutic treatments and as a term of comparison for EC derived from pathological corneas.
In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of a New Ophthalmic Solution Containing Hexamidine Diisethionate 0.05% (Keratosept)
Authors: Pinna Antonio , Donadu Matthew Gavino , Usai Donatella , Dore Stefano , Boscia Francesco , Zanetti Stefania 
Published: May 2020

Purpose:
To assess the in vitro antimicrobial activity of a new commercial ophthalmic solution containing hexamidine diisethionate 0.05% (Keratosept).

Methods:

Staphylococcus aureus American Type Culture Collection (ATCC 43300), Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, 3 ocular bacterial isolates (1 Staphylococcus epidermidis, 1 S. aureus, and 1 P. aeruginosa), and 5 Candida species were used. The bacterial and fungal isolates were cultured on Columbia blood agar base and Sabouraud-dextrose agar plates, respectively, and incubated overnight at 37°C. Suspensions were prepared in a sterile saline solution with optical density equal to 0.5 McFarland standard (∼108 CFU/mL). Isolate suspensions were made in Keratosept solution to obtain a concentration of 106 CFU/mL. The suspensions were then distributed in conical tubes with a final volume of 1 mL and incubated at 37°C. After 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 minutes, and 24 hours, 10 μL of each suspension was removed, seeded on Columbia blood agar base and Sabouraud-dextrose agar plates and then incubated for 24 hours at 37°C.

Results:
After 1-minute incubation, there was no growth on the plates seeded with S. aureus ATCC 43300, S. aureus clinical isolate, S. epidermidis clinical isolate, and all 5 Candida species tested. Conversely, Keratosept solution failed to kill the Pseudomonas isolates after 30 minutes exposure and needed 24 hours to eradicate the organisms.

Conclusions:
Keratosept ophthalmic solution showed in vitro antimicrobial activity against S. epidermidis, S. aureus, and Candida species. Results suggest that it may be a potential candidate for the treatment of staphylococcal and Candida infections of the ocular surface and have some role in antimicrobial prophylaxis before intravitreal injections.
A New Surgical Approach for the Management of Acute Corneal Hydrops Complicated With Corneal Perforation
Authors: Petrelli Myrsini , Cohen Judith , Hashemi Kattayoon , Grentzelos Michael A. , Kymionis George D. 
Published: May 2020

Purpose:
To report an unusual case of a patient with keratoconus and acute hydrops complicated with corneal perforation and describe its management using a new surgical approach.

Methods:
A case report and new surgical approach description.

Results:
A 47-year-old female patient with a history of keratoconus and implantable contact lens surgery presented at our institute with symptoms of acute corneal hydrops in her right eye. On examination, best corrected visual acuity was of counting fingers in the involved eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed a small inferotemporal corneal perforation, surrounded by marked corneal edema and a positive Seidel test. Initial attempts of conservative treatment with cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive application and bandage soft contact lens placement were ineffective. We decided to proceed with an inferior, lamellar wedge resection of the diseased corneal tissue. One month postoperatively, the cornea remained clear, whereas best corrected visual acuity was 0.1.

Conclusions:
Lamellar wedge resection could represent an alternative surgical approach for keratoconic patients, with eccentric acute hydrops and subsequent corneal perforation that provides rapid visual rehabilitation.
Steep Declines in Pediatric AIDS Mortality in South Africa, Despite Poor Progress Toward Pediatric Diagnosis and Treatment Targets
Authors: Johnson Leigh F. , Patrick Mark , Stephen Cindy , Patten Gabriela , Dorrington Rob E. , Maskew Mhairi , Jamieson Lise , Davies Mary-Ann 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Few attempts have been made to monitor progress toward HIV diagnosis and antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage targets in children, and the impact that ART and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs have had on pediatric HIV incidence and mortality.

Methods:
A multiparameter evidence synthesis approach was adopted to integrate South African pediatric HIV data sources. A previously developed model of HIV in South Africa was calibrated to household survey HIV prevalence data, routine antibody testing data, data on numbers and ages of children on ART, vital registration data and data on HIV diagnosis at death. The impact of ART and PMTCT was estimated by comparing validated model outputs against model predictions of the trends that would have been expected in the absence of ART and PMTCT.

Results:
By mid-2018, the model estimated that 75.2% (95% CI: 73.9%–76.8%) of HIV-positive children were diagnosed, substantially lower than the corresponding estimates in HIV-positive adults (91.0%). ART coverage in children in 2018 (51.2%, 95% CI: 49.4%–52.7%) was also lower than that in adults (62.0%). In 2017–2018, the numbers of new cases of mother-to-child transmission and pediatric AIDS deaths were reduced by 84% and 94%, respectively, relative to what would have been expected in the absence of interventions, but reductions in mortality were driven largely by PMTCT.

Conclusions:
Although levels of AIDS mortality in children have declined dramatically in South Africa, this has mostly been due to successful PMTCT programs, and progress toward the 90-90-90 targets appears relatively poor when compared with that in adults.
Persistent pain and cognitive decline in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis from longitudinal studies
Authors: de Aguiar Gabriella Pequeno Costa Gomes , Saraiva Marcos Daniel , Khazaal Eugênia Jatene Bou , de Andrade Daniel Ciampi , Jacob-Filho Wilson , Suemoto Claudia Kimie 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBoth persistent pain and cognitive decline prevalence increase with advancing age and are associated with functional decline. However, the association of pain and cognitive decline has not been evaluated yet by a systematic assessment of longitudinal studies. We aimed to assess the association of persistent pain as a risk factor for cognitive decline in community older adults, using data from longitudinal studies in a systematic review and meta-analysis. Publications were identified using a systematic search on PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to June 2019. Because heterogeneity across studies was high, we used random-effects meta-analysis to calculate the pooled relative risk (RR) for the association between persistent pain and cognitive decline incidence. We investigated sources of heterogeneity among studies using meta-regression and stratified analyses. We included 10 prospective longitudinal studies with 57,495 participants with a mean age at the baseline ranging from 61.8 to 88.4 years and mean follow-up times ranging from 2.75 to 11.8 years. Persistent pain at baseline was not associated with the development of cognitive decline during the follow-up (pooled RR = 1.05, 95% confidence interval = 0.92-1.21). In sensitivity analyses, only length of follow-up time ≤4.5 years was associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment (pooled RR = 1.19, 95% confidence interval = 1.10-1.28). Persistent pain was not associated with the incidence of cognitive decline.
Patterns of prescription opioid utilization among adolescents and adults with comorbid chronic pain and mental health diagnosis
Authors: Olopoenia Abisola , Onukwugha Eberechukwu , Simoni-Wastila Linda , Camelo-Castillo Wendy , Villalonga-Olives Ester , Gandhi Aakash Bipin , Slejko Julia 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Our goal was to examine the association between mental health disorders (MHD) and subsequent risk of opioid use among commercially insured youth and adults (aged 14-64 years) with comorbid chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) conditions. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using IQVIA Health Plan Claims database from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2015. Chronic noncancer pain was defined as any diagnosis of back, head, neck, arthritis, or chronic pain (index date). Mental health disorders were assessed in the 12 months before the index pain diagnosis. Based on days supply (none, acute, and chronic) and average daily dose (none, low, medium, and high), we constructed a 7-level categorical dependent measure of opioid use. We estimated the overall prevalence of MHD and opioid receipt. Among those with CNCP, multinomial logistic regression (AOR; 95 confidence interval) was used to estimate the association of MHD with opioid receipt. Among 879,815 individuals diagnosed with CNCP, 143,923 (16.4%) had comorbid MHD. Chronic/high-dose use of opioids was more common among those with CNCP and MHD compared to those with only CNCP. After adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, individuals with comorbid CNCP and MHD were significantly more likely to be prescribed opioids compared to those with only CNCP conditions. This effect varied by average daily dose and days supply: acute/low dose (1.08; 1.07-1.08); chronic/low dose (1.49; 1.49-1.50); acute/medium dose (1.07; 1.07-1.08); chronic/medium dose (1.61; 1.61-1.62); acute/high dose (1.03; 1.02-1.03); and chronic/high dose (1.53; 1.53-1.54). In individuals with CNCP, having a MHD was a strong predictor of prescription opioid use, particularly chronic use.
TAS2R38 Haplotype Predicts 24-Hour Urinary Sodium Excretion in Patients With Heart Failure and Their Family Caregivers
Authors: Smith Jennifer L. , Mudd-Martin Gia , Estus Steven , Lennie Terry A. , Chung Misook L. 
Published: May 2020

Background
Adherence to a low-sodium diet is essential to self-care of heart failure (HF). Genetic determinants of preference for high-sodium foods may impede adherence but have not been well-studied.

Objective
Our purpose was to examine if TAS2R38 haplotype predicted salt taste sensitivity and dietary sodium intake among patients with HF.

Method
This pilot study used baseline data from a large interventional randomized control trial to support adherence to a low-sodium diet in patients with HF and their family caregivers. Participants were tested for salt taste sensitivity and provided a 24-hour urinary sodium sample and a blood sample for DNA analysis at baseline. Fungiform papillae were counted. χ
2 Test and 1-way analysis of variance were used to compare haplotype groups. Linear regression was performed to examine predictors of salt taste sensitivity and 24-hour urinary sodium excretion, controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, smoking status, and fungiform papillae density.

Results
There were 42 patients with HF and their family caregivers (age, 64.6 ± 13.4 years, 46.5% male, 97.7% white, and 90.7% nonsmoker). Pronine-alanine-valine homozygous haplotype predicted lower urinary sodium excretion (b = −1780.59, t
41 = −2.18, P = .036), but genotype was not a significant predictor of salt taste sensitivity.

Conclusions
The results of our study partially supported our hypothesis that PAV homozygous haplotype predicts 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. With our small sample size, more research is needed. Understanding genetic influences on taste can lead to development of educational interventions tailored to patients with HF and their family caregivers to better support dietary adherence.
Pneumonitis associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors among patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Shannon Vickie R. 
Published: May 2020

Purpose of review
Patients with lung cancer are particularly vulnerable to lung injury associated with immune checkpoint inhibition and often present with more frequent and more severe manifestations of lung disease compared to patients with other tumor types. The present review explores the reasons for increased susceptibility to immune checkpoint-related lung injury among this group of patients and focuses on the current knowledge of the clinical and radiologic manifestations of lung injury associated with immune checkpoint blockade and current treatment strategies.

Recent findings
Recent investigations have shown that pneumonitis risk associated with immune checkpoint blockade may be stratified according to the tumor type that is being targeted. Patients with lung cancer have the highest rates of pneumonitis associated with this class of agents.

Summary
Pneumonitis associated with immune checkpoint blockade among patients with lung cancer has the highest prevalence of all cancer types. In this patient population, the additional insult to the lungs imposed by immune-checkpoint therapies is often poorly tolerated because of tumor burden within the lung, sequelae from prior treatment and frequent comorbid lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thus, early recognition and treatment is critical in this patient population to successful outcome.
Hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor in the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kurata Yu , Tanaka Tetsuhiro , Nangaku Masaomi 
Published: May 2020

Purpose of review
Hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs) are orally active small molecules and are launched as novel therapeutic agents for anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD). In contrast to conventional exogenous erythropoietin (EPO) administration, HIF-PHIs stimulate endogenous EPO production and improve iron metabolism via stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). This review summarizes the mechanism of action, the results of clinical trials, and future perspectives of HIF-PHIs.

Recent findings
Six HIF-PHIs are currently under phase III studies, some of which have been already completed. According to the results of clinical trials, HIF-PHIs increased and maintained hemoglobin levels in both nondialysis-dependent and dialysis-dependent CKD patients with physiological EPO concentrations. HIF-PHIs also improved iron utilization and were comparably effective regardless of underlying inflammation and iron status.

Summary
HIF-PHIs have several advantages including oral administration, physiological EPO secretion, and improved iron utilization. Undoubtedly, HIF-PHIs will pave the new way in the field of treatment of anemia in CKD, but it should be noted that HIFs have pleiotropic effects on a plethora of cellular functions, which might lead to either beneficial or undesirable off-target effects. Intensive postmarketing surveillance is crucially important to identify unexpected consequences.
Spinal Accessory and Suprascapular Nerve Injury After Human Bite
Authors: Dididze Marine , Jimsheleishvili Sopiko , Ward William B. , Ramos-Vargas Kathya E. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This is a unique clinical case of spinal accessory and suprascapular nerve injury related to a human bite not yet described elsewhere. The case emphasizes the importance of considering local trauma of the posterior triangle of the neck in case of shoulder weakness with electrophysiologic evidence of combined spinal accessory and suprascapular nerve injury.
Comparing Operative Performance between Independent and Integrated Plastic Surgery Residents
Authors: Cooney Carisa M. , Meyer Meredith L. , Aravind Pathik , Bello Ricardo J. , Rosson Gedge D. , Lifchez Scott D. , Cooney Damon S. 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Anecdotally, faculty report that independent residents’ operative skills differ from those of their integrated peers. This study compared operative competency between integrated (postgraduate years 4 to 6) and independent plastic surgery residents.

Methods:
The authors compared independent (postgraduate years 1 to 3) and integrated (postgraduate years 4 to 6) plastic surgery residents at their institution using operative performance data from the Operative Entrustability Assessment, a validated five-point assessment tool that provides residents with real-time feedback about their operative performance, documenting performance at the point of care. Independent postgraduate year 1, 2, and 3 residents were categorized as postgraduate year 4, 5, and 6 residents, respectively, for comparison. The authors analyzed attending physician (evaluator) Operative Entrustability Assessment scores over time using the independent t test.

Results:
From July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2018, Operative Entrustability Assessments were completed at one training program for residents in postgraduate years 4 to 6: 1886 (47.4 percent) by independent [n = 12 (37.5 percent)] and 2094 (52.6 percent) by integrated [n = 20 (62.5 percent)] residents. Evaluator scores were lower for independent track residents throughout the first two quarters of postgraduate year 4 (quarter 1 delta, −0.49 point, p < 0.001; quarter 2 delta, −0.36 point, p < 0.001). However, this difference was no longer statistically significant during the third and fourth quarters of postgraduate year 4 (p = 0.192 and p = 0.228, respectively). No difference was detectable at postgraduate year 5 (p = 0.095) or postgraduate year 6 (p = 0.877).

Conclusions:
Operative Entrustability Assessment data demonstrate that differences between independent and integrated plastic surgery residents regarding operative skills (0.49 of 5 points) and amount of time needed for independent residents to catch up (6 months) is minimal and resolves during the third quarter of independent postgraduate year 1. Programs can design curricula to facilitate independent residents’ plastic surgery skill acquisition during their first two quarters.