bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes and Surgical Strategies of Minimally Invasive Chevron/Akin Procedures
Authors: Neufeld Steven K. , Dean Daniel , Hussaini Syed 
Published: January 2021

Background: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is increasingly being used for bunion correction, but limited patient outcome data have been reported for third-generation minimally invasive chevron/Akin (MICA) techniques. The aim of this study was to report on radiographic outcomes, pain control, satisfaction, learning curve, and complication rates in a consecutive series of 94 patients undergoing MICA procedures for hallux valgus. It also describes strategies for avoiding perioperative complications that may arise with MIS bunionectomies. Methods: The treating surgeon’s first 94 MICA procedures were included in the study. Radiographs were reviewed to measure pre- and postoperative intermetatarsal angles (IMAs), hallux valgus angles (HVAs), and soft tissue/bony foot width. Outcome measures, including visual analog scale (VAS) scores and Coughlin satisfaction scores, were obtained. Complication rates were retrospectively assessed though chart review. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t test for continuous variables and χ2 test for categorical variables. Average patient follow-up was 11.2 months. Results: VAS scores dropped 1 week postoperatively, from 5.2 preoperatively to 2.4 ( P < .001). IMA improved from 12.6 degrees to 5.7 degrees at final follow-up ( P < .001), while HVA improved from 26.8 degrees to 10.3 degrees ( P < .001). Bony foot width improved from 92.4 mm to 87.2 mm ( P < .001), and soft tissue foot width improved from 104.1 mm to 100.1 mm ( P < .001). The reoperation rate was 5%, including 3 hardware removals, 1 irrigation and debridement, and 1 neurolysis. Ninety-four percent of patients reported good or excellent satisfaction with the procedure. Complication rates and patient satisfaction scores were similar between the first and second half of patients ( P > .05), suggesting the learning curve was not a factor. Conclusion: In our experience, the MICA osteotomy was a safe and reproducible technique, associated with rapid improvement in pain scores, early weightbearing, significant deformity correction, high patient satisfaction, and low frequency of complications. In addition, the learning curve for the procedure was not as steep as previously reported. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Minimal renal pelvis dilation in cats diagnosed with benign ureteral obstruction by antegrade pyelography: a retrospective study of 82 cases (2012–2018)
Authors: Lemieux Charles , Vachon Catherine , Beauchamp Guy , Dunn Marilyn E 
Published: January 2021

Objectives The aim of the study was to describe renal pelvis (RP) and ureteral ultrasonographic measurements in a population of cats with confirmed benign ureteral obstruction (UO) by antegrade pyelography. The secondary objective was to further describe clinical findings associated with minimally dilated obstructed kidneys in an attempt to better understand its occurrence. Methods Retrospective case series of cats diagnosed with benign UO were confirmed by antegrade pyelography. Medical records were reviewed and signalment, diagnostic imaging results, serum creatinine (SCr) concentration and urine culture results were recorded. Each obstructed kidney was categorized into two groups: group 1 included all RP measurements ⩽4 mm and group 2 included all RP measurements >4 mm. Results A total of 82 cats with 114 obstructed ureters met the inclusion criteria. Fifty (61%) cats had a unilateral UO and 32 (39%) had a bilateral UO. Thirty (26%) kidneys were included in group 1 while 84 (74%) were included in group 2. Nine (8%) kidneys had an RP dilation ⩽2 mm. Median RP and ureteral diameters were 6.6 mm (range 1.1–37.0 mm) and 3.2 mm (range 0.0–11.0 mm), respectively. RP size correlated positively with ureteral diameter in the study population ( P <0.0001), but not in group 1 when analyzed separately ( P = 0.47). UO was secondary to stones in 80 (70%) ureters. Seventeen (21%) cats had a positive urine culture. At admission, 79 (96%) cats were azotemic with a median preoperative SCr concentration of 444 µmol/l (range 108–1326 μmol/l). The mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) preoperative SCr concentration was significantly higher in group 1 (762 µmol/l [498–1165 μmol/l]) than in group 2 (409 µmol/l [333–502 μmol/l]). RP size in the two groups correlated negatively with preoperative SCr concentration ( P = 0.0002). Conclusions and relevance Feline UO may be associated with minimal RP dilation and the severity of RP and ureteral dilation can be highly variable. Absence of significant RP dilation does not rule out UO in cats.
Comparison between Latanoprost, Travoprost, and Tafluprost in reducing intraocular pressure fluctuations in patients with glaucoma
Authors: Faseeh Ahmed Essam , Allam Riham SHM , Shalash Ahmed B , Abd Elmohsen Mai Nasser 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To compare the efficacies of latanoprost 0.005%, travoprost 0.004%, and tafluprost 0.0015% in reducing diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations in patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: In this prospective randomized clinical trial, 60 patients who were newly diagnosed with POAG were divided into three equal groups. Patients were examined at presentation and at second and sixth weeks. Diurnal phasing of IOP was conducted using a calibrated Goldmann applanation tonometer. IOP measurements were recorded from 8:00 am to 9:00 am, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Results: The study groups were distributed similarly in terms of age and gender ( p-values: 0.76) and the participants had a mean age of 52.98 ± 13.43 years. The IOP at the day of inclusion was not statistically significant among the three groups ( p-values 0.27, 0.51, and 0.64 at 8 am, 2 pm, and 8 pm, respectively). Similar nonsignificant differences were noticed on the follow-up visits. However, the tafluprost group showed a significant reduction in IOP on the follow-up visit at the second week at 8 pm (30.5% reduction, p-value: 0.03). All three drugs showed a comparable and significant reduction in IOP and IOP fluctuations. The pattern of side effects was similar in all the groups. Conclusion: Latanoprost, travoprost, and tafluprost show a similar effectiveness in reducing the mean IOP and the diurnal IOP fluctuation in POAG. Importantly, the three drugs have comparable tolerability with insignificant differences regarding the pattern of their side effects.
Post audio-visual biofeedback training visual functions and quality of life in paediatric idiopathic infantile nystagmus: A pilot study
Authors: Daibert-Nido Monica , Pyatova Yulia , Markowitz Michelle , Taheri-Shirazi Maryam , Markowitz Samuel N 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: Biofeedback training (BT) was adapted to idiopathic infantile nystagmus syndrome (IINS) cases to enhance visual functions and quality of life (QoL). Methods: 10 patients (age 9 ± 3.2 years) treated with the audio-visual BT module of the MAIA microperimeter (Centervue, Padova, Italy) were assessed in two baseline visits and 1week post-BT (BT 80 min in total). The outcomes were distance and near binocular best corrected visual acuity (BBCVA), fixation stability, reading speed, contrast sensitivity, stereopsis and Children’s Visual Function Questionnaire. One-way repeated measured ANOVA and paired t-tests were used. Results: Distance BBCVA improved from 0.46 ± 0.21 and 0.43 ± 0.18 pre-BT to 0.33 ± 0.2 logMAR post-BT ( F (2,27) = 13.75, p = 0.0002). Post-BT was better than baseline ( p = 0.0001) and pre-BT ( p = 0.001). Near BBCVA improved from 0.23 ± 0.09 and 0.21 ± 0.14 pre-BT to 0.04 ± 0.08 post-BT (F (2,27) = 22.12, p = 0.000014), post-BT was better than baseline ( p = 0.0001) and pre-BT ( p = 0.0006). Stereopsis improved from 283 ± 338″ to 39 ± 32.2″ ( p = 0.04), contrast sensitivity from 0.26 ± 0.17 to 0.08 ± 0.12 log units ( p = 0.01), and reading speed improved from 74.7 ± 51.2 wpm to 104.7 ± 53.6 wpm ( p = 0.0006). Fixation stability improved from 33.6 ± 28.1 to 14.3 ± 10.1 sq. QoL increased from 23.8 ± 2.2 to 26.3 ± 2.3 units ( p = 0.001). Conclusion: BT benefited all visual functions and QoL in this pilot study, heralding a new possibility for Low Vision Rehabilitation in IINS.
Covid-19 and acute conjunctivitis: Controversial data from a tertiary refferral Italian center
Authors: D’Amico Ricci Giuseppe , Del Turco Claudia , Belcastro Elena , Palisi Marco , Romano Mario R , Pinna Antonio , Panico Claudio , La Spina Carlo 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: Although acute conjunctivitis has been listed from the beginning as a possible sign of COVID-19, the likelihood of this association remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 and conjunctivitis. Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, we recruited all patients with signs and symptoms of acute conjunctivitis seen at the Eye Emergency Department (ED), Turin Eye Hospital, between 01/01/2020 and 12/05/2020 and cross-checked our data with the Piedmont Region online COVID-19 registry in the same period. Results: Among 10,065 patients seen at our ED during the timespan considered, 88 underwent a nasopharyngeal swab (NS) for SARS-CoV-2 detection within 4 weeks before/after our examination. On average, NS was performed −0.72 ± 1.8 weeks before/after eye examination. Of the 77 patients with a negative NS, 26 (33.8%) had a diagnosis of acute conjunctivitis, whereas the remaining 51 (66.2%) had other eye disorders. Among the 11 patients with COVID-19, 7 (63,6%) had a diagnosis of acute conjunctivitis. We found a non-statistically significant increase in NS positivity rate (21.2%) among cases examined at our ED for acute conjunctivitis, compared to the NS positivity rate (7.3%) in patients examined for all other eye conditions ( p = 0.092). The Odds Ratio of having a positive NS in patients with acute conjunctivitis was 3.43 (95% I.C. = 0.9–12.8, p = 0.06). Considering online-registry data of Turin population during the same time-span, among 2441 positive NS cases only 27 (1.1%) presented with acute conjunctivitis. Conclusion: Our results do not reveal a statistically significant correlation between COVID-19 and acute conjunctivitis. Synopsis The present study analyzes retrospectively data from a tertiary eye referral center to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 infection and conjunctivitis.
The epidemiology of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection in our renal units is changing
Authors: Mandolfo Salvatore , Anesi Adriano , Rognoni Vanina 
Published: January 2021

Recent reports have shown an increase in the rate of Gram-negative bacteremia in several settings, including catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). To analyze if the epidemiology of CRBSI is also changing in hemodialysis patients, we revisited the etiology of CRBSIs in our renal unit over 8 years. During the observed periods, 149 episodes of CRBSIs were reported and the CRBSI incidence rate, ranged between 0.67 and 0.82 episodes/1000 tCVC days. Of these 149 episodes, 84 (56.3%) were due to Gram-positive bacteria, 62 (41.6%) to Gram-negative bacteria, and 3 (2.1%) to polymicrobial flora, no episodes of fungi were found. There was a trend, but not statistically significative, increase over time in the number of Gram-negative CRBSIs among the total CRBSIs, rising from 37.8% in the first period to 41.2% in the second period and to 44.3% in the last period, with a parallel decrease in the percentage of Gram-positive CRBSIs (from 59.5% to 56.9% and subsequently to 54.1%). Between Gram-negative, we reported an intensification of CRBSI due to Enterobacterales, particularly Escherichia coli. Among the Gram-negative, we have isolated germs rarely reported in the literature, such as Burkholderia cepacia, Pantoea agglomerans, and Rhizobium radiobacter. Regarding Gram-positive bacteria, a triplicate incidence of Staphylococcus aureus was reported with MRSA accounting for 42% in the third period. Among the Gram-positive bacteria, we reported two episodes of Kocuria kristinae and two of Bacillus spp. Our data demonstrated that the epidemiology of CRBSI in the same center, will change over time and Gram-negative strains are an increasing cause of CRBSI. The limitation of the present report is that statistical significance has not been reached, probably due to the limited number of CRBSI. New bacteria, both Gram-negative and Gram-positive, are emerging. Collaboration with the Microbiology Department appears essential to an appropriate diagnosis.
Assessment of dental pain in children with intellectual disability using the dental discomfort questionnaire
Authors: Senirkentli Güler Burcu , Tirali Resmiye Ebru , Bani Mehmet 
Published: January 2021

Objective: This study aimed to compare the Dental Discomfort Questionnaire (DDQ) scores in children with and without intellectual disability (ID) and to measure correlation between the total DDQ and the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT/dmft) scores, as well as the condition of the tooth causing pain. Method: This cross-sectional study included 81 children with normal intellectual development who attended the Departments of Pediatric Dentistry at two Turkish Universities and 80 children with different levels of intellectual disability who reported dental pain in special education centers. The 12-question DDQ (Turkish version) was applied to the parents of the patients with their consent. The relationship of the DDQ scores with tha of the DMFT/dmft, dental status, and demographic data was evaluated. Results: When the DDQ scores of children with intellectual disabilities were evaluated, it was found that the majority of the answers given to the questions were statistically similar (p < 0.05) to those of children with normal cognitive level. In the questions in which “pain when eating and brushing teeth” was evaluated, a higher score was obtained, which led to an increase in the total DDQ score (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the distribution of dental conditions (p < 0.001). When compared to the normal cognitive group, patients with mild and severe intellectual disabilities had more deep dentin caries, thoughy, frequent periapical abscess was less common in those groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.022). There was no statistically significant relationship between DMFTscores. Conclusion: The DDQ was found to be a descriptive, functional, and easy-to-use questionnaire for children with intellectual disabilitiesin terms of detecting the presence of dental pain. No correlation was found between DMFT/dmft, dental status and DDQ scores.
Defining quality of life for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders: Challenges within an inpatient population
Authors: Harriman Emma , Oyefeso Adenekan 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: The concept of Quality of Life (QoL) for people with neurodevelopmental disorders primarily focuses on deinstitutionalisation and community inclusion. This population, however, often presents with comorbid diagnoses and is sectioned to treatment facilities under the Mental Health Act. The aim of this paper is to review the existing literature on QoL and discuss the consideration of this specialised population and the environment when measuring QoL. Methods: Databases were searched using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure literature reviewed was relevant to the defined population. The challenges identified from the literature were categorised into interpersonal and intrapersonal factors. Results: A total of 30 articles were retrieved and considered in this review. Conclusions: This paper discusses how these individuals present with different behaviours and opportunities, which subsequently make it difficult to apply existing knowledge of QoL. The need to further examine the QoL in this specific population is discussed.
Therapeutic plasma exchange in steroid-refractory multiple sclerosis relapses. A retrospective two-center study
Authors: Blechinger Stephan , Ehler Johannes , Bsteh Gabriel , Winkelmann Alexander , Leutmezer Fritz , Meister Stefanie , Santer Agnes , Hecker Michael , Berger Thomas , Rommer Paulus , Zettl Uwe Klaus 
Published: January 2021

Background: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is frequently used in glucocorticosteroid (GCS)-refractory multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses. Data regarding predictors of treatment response are scarce. The objective of this study was to analyze predictive factors for response to TPE in GCS-refractory MS patients. Methods: A total of 118 MS patients in two tertiary MS centers were analyzed. Primary outcome was TPE response defined as marked, mild, or no improvement. Secondary outcome was change in expanded disability status scale (ΔEDSS). ΔEDSS and relapse activity within 6 months after TPE were studied. Results: Marked or mild improvement was observed in 78.8% of patients. ΔEDSS correlated significantly inversely with time from relapse to start of TPE (τ = –0.239, p = 0.001), age (τ = 0.182, p = 0.009) and disease duration (τ = –0.167, p = 0.017). In multivariate analysis, TPE response was predicted by diagnosis of relapsing MS [odds ratio (OR): 3.1], gadolinum-enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (OR 3.2), age (OR 0.5 per 5 years older) and time from relapse onset to TPE (OR 0.7 per 7 days longer). Conclusion: Patients with longer disease duration and higher EDSS pre and post-TPE were more likely to show further disability progression or relapses within 6 months after TPE. No sustained effects were observed during the follow-up period.
Modified Temporal Incision for the Management of Zygomatic Arch fractures—A Retrospective Study for 7 Years
Authors: Devakumari S. , Dominic Neil , Vijhayapriya T. , Dinesh D. S. , Devameena S. 
Published: January 2021

Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Objective: The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of Modified temporal incision in the management of zygomatic arch fractures (ZAF). Patients and Methods: Records of 34 patients who underwent open reduction for zygomatic arch fractures were retrieved and included in the study between 2011 and 2018. These patients were followed up at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks respectively. Clinical parameters such as post-operative infection, hematoma, scarring, degree of mouth opening, palpability of plates, alopecia and weakness of temporal branch of Facial nerve recorded were analyzed for complications of modified temporal incision in the management of ZAF. Results: A thorough analysis of the clinical parameters revealed that at the end of 4 weeks scarring was present in 4 patients and temporal branch of Facial nerve weakness was present in 21 patients. None of the patients had hematoma, infection or palpability of miniplates. At the end of 8 weeks the only complication recorded was weakness of temporal branch of Facial nerve in 21 patients. By 12 weeks, all patients had complete recovery and none of the patient had weakness of temporal branch of Facial nerve. Conclusion: The results obtained proved that the Modified temporal incision can be considered as a reliable method in the management of zygomatic arch fractures. The incision can be adopted with confidence in suitable cases of zygomatic arch fractures without any permanent morbidity.
The potential role of incretin-based therapies for polycystic ovary syndrome: a narrative review of the current evidence
Authors: Abdalla Mohammed Altigani , Deshmukh Harshal , Atkin Stephen , Sathyapalan Thozhukat 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Metabolic consequences associated with PCOS include, but are not limited to, insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential therapeutic roles of the incretin-based therapies in the management of PCOS. Methods: We performed a systematic search of databases including PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE up to 1 October 2020. We developed a search string of medical subject headings (MeSH) including the terms PCOS, incretin mimetics, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonists (GLP-1 RAs), liraglutide, exenatide, semaglutide, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, combined with IR, testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Results: We identified 854 relevant articles and, after the initial screening, eight interventional animal studies, one observational animal study, 14 interventional human studies, two case–control studies and one systematic review were included. These studies showed the potential significant roles of GLP-1 RAs and DPP-4 inhibitors in the management of PCOS, with significant improvements in the metabolic parameters, including substantial weight reduction and improved insulin sensitivity. These agents also improved the hormonal parameters through decreased free androgen and increased SHBG. Moreover, they improved menstrual regularity, increased fertility with enhanced ovulation and pregnancy in obese women with PCOS. Conclusion: GLP-1 RAs and DPP-4 inhibitors have a promising therapeutic role in PCOS; however, larger clinical trials are needed to establish the role of incretin-based therapies in the management of PCOS.
The effect of specific binding proteins on immunoassay measurements of total and free thyroid hormones and cortisol
Authors: Gant Kanegusuku Anastasia , Araque Katherine A. , Nguyen Hung , Wei Bin , Hosseini Saman , Soldin Steven J. 
Published: January 2021

Background: Immunoassay (IA) measurements of thyroid hormones have previously given inaccurate results of triiodothyronine (T3), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) when concentrations of TBG are low. We evaluate the hypothesis that abnormal concentrations of specific binding proteins (BPs) affect IA measurements and provide results which might misguide the diagnosis and treatment of patients. This study assesses IAs for the measurement of T3, FT3, and cortisol when levels of TBG and CBG are high or low. Comparisons are made between IA and LC-MS/MS. Methods: Serum or plasma samples with high (>95th percentile, n = 25) or low (<5th percentile, n = 27) concentrations of BP were collected. The concentrations of T3, FT3, and cortisol were measured by validated IA and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods. Spearman correlation and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank analyses were used to compare the two methods. Results: When TBG levels are <5th percentile, the differences between the IA and LC-MS/MS results for T3 and FT3 are statistically significant (T3, p = 0.0011; FT3, p = 0.0003). When CBG levels are >95th percentile, the difference between the IA and LC-MS/MS measurements of cortisol is statistically significant ( p = <0.0001). Conclusion: Abnormal BP concentrations appear to affect the accuracy of IA measurements of T3, FT3, and cortisol. The population of patients with either high or low levels of BPs is significant. Our samples reflect that 65% of women aged between 15 and 49 years are taking oral contraceptives in the US, and thus have elevated levels of BPs. In this group, IA results for cortisol are falsely low. Our samples reflect that patients with protein losing diseases have low BP concentrations. Among a group with renal complications, IA measurements of T3 are overestimated, while those of FT3 are underestimated. Are the Food and Drug Administration and diagnostic companies adequately assessing the accuracy of IA tests?