bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urine β-2-glycoprotein 1 as a biomarker for diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lee Jung Sun , Lee Eun-Ju , Yeom Jeonghun , Oh Ji Seon , Hong Seokchan , Lee Chang-Keun , Yoo Bin , Kim Kyunggon , Kim Yong-Gil 
Published: May 2021

Objective The need for a biomarker with robust sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains unmet. Compared with blood samples, urine samples are more easily collected; thus, we aimed to identify such a biomarker based on urinary proteomics which could distinguish patients with SLE from healthy controls (HCs). Methods Urine samples were collected from 76 SLE patients who visited rheumatology clinic in 2019 at Asan medical center and from 25 HCs. Urine proteins were analyzed using sequential windowed acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra-mass spectrometry, and the candidate marker was confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the diagnostic value of the candidate biomarker. Results Of 1157 proteins quantified, 153 were differentially expressed in urine samples from HCs. Among them were previously known markers including α-1-acid glycoprotein 1, α-2-HS-glycoprotein, ceruloplasmin, and prostaglandin-H2 D-isomerase. Moreover, the amount of β-2 glycoprotein (APOH) was increased in the urine of patients with SLE. The ELISA results also showed the level of urine APOH was higher in patients with SLE than in HCs and patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, the level was not different between SLE patients with and without nephritis. The urine APOH had an area under the curve value of 0.946 at a cut-off value of 228.53 ng/mg (sensitivity 91.5%, specificity 92.0%) for the diagnosis of SLE. Conclusion The results indicate that the urine APOH level can be an appropriate screening tool in a clinical setting when SLE is suspected.
Combining maintenance therapy with hydroxychloroquine increases LLDAS achievement rates in individuals with stable systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Yoshida Mai , Minowa Kentaro , Amano Hirofumi , Asai Yuki , Yamaji Ken , Tamura Naoto 
Published: May 2021

Background Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been positioned as an anchor drug for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There is evidence supporting the benefits of HCQ; however, the effect of additional HCQ in maintenance therapy remains unclear. Methods Thirty patients with SLE who visited Juntendo University Hospital were receiving maintenance therapy before HCQ treatment and were able to complete more than 104 weeks of HCQ treatment were analyzed. Anti-DNA antibody titers, IgG and CH50 levels, the maintenance dose of corticosteroids, the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), and the achievement of the Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) were evaluated at baseline and at 12, 24, 52, and 104 weeks after HCQ initiation. Results We observed improvements in the anti-DNA antibody titers, IgG and CH50 levels, maintenance dose of corticosteroids, and SLEDAI at week 104 relative to baseline. Moreover, the LLDAS achievement rate increased over time from 10% at baseline to 43% and 80% at week 52 and week 104, respectively. Conclusion Two years of continuous HCQ treatment led to improvements in SLE disease activity and corticosteroid dose and an increase in LLDAS achievement, thereby demonstrating the significance of the maintenance dose of HCQ for the management of SLE.
Women screened for breast cancer are dying from lung cancer: An opportunity to improve lung cancer screening in a mammography population
Authors: Sandler Kim L , Haddad Diane N , Paulson Alexis B , Osterman Travis J , Scott Carolyn C , Poulos Eric A , Deppen Stephen A 
Published: May 2021

Objective Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in women, resulting in more deaths than breast, cervical and ovarian cancer combined. Screening for lung cancer has been shown to significantly reduce mortality, with some evidence that women may have a greater benefit. This study demonstrates that a population of women being screened for breast cancer may greatly benefit from screening for lung cancer. Methods Data from 18,040 women who were screened for breast cancer in 2015 at two imaging facilities that also performed lung screening were reviewed. A natural language-processing algorithm followed by a manual chart review identified women eligible for lung cancer screening by U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) criteria. A chart review of these eligible women was performed to determine subsequent enrollment in a lung screening program (2016–2019), current screening eligibility, cancer diagnoses and cancer-related outcomes. Results Natural language processing identified 685 women undergoing screening mammography who were also potentially eligible for lung screening based on age and smoking history. Manual chart review confirmed 251 were eligible under USPSTF criteria. By June 2019, 63 (25%) had enrolled in lung screening, of which three were diagnosed with screening-detected lung cancer resulting in zero deaths. Of 188 not screened, seven were diagnosed with lung cancer resulting in five deaths by study end. Four women received a diagnosis of breast cancer with no deaths. Conclusion Women screened for breast cancer are dying from lung cancer. We must capitalize on reducing barriers to improve screening for lung cancer among high-risk women.
Purchase Intention for Electric Vehicles Among Young Adults in Thailand
Authors: Brinkmann Daniel , Bhatiasevi Veera 
Published: May 2021

In response to environmental problems such as air pollution in cities and climate change in general, passenger car and other motorized vehicle, manufacturers have started to produce new sustainable driving mechanisms. Electric car sales have been increasing in countries such as China, Germany and the United States. However, customers in Thailand seem reluctant to embrace various types of electric vehicles (EVs), including battery EVs, hybrid EVs and plug-in hybrid EVs. Focusing on Thailand, this study aims to investigate the key factors that influence young-adult consumers’ purchasing intentions regarding EVs. It applies the political, economic, social and technological factors analysis model as a conceptual framework to analyse how governmental subsidies, purchase price, environmental consciousness, and charging infrastructure influence young people to buy EVs. The sample size consists of 195 young adults, most of whom were master’s degree students living in Bangkok. Data collection was conducted by self-administered printed questionnaires. The result (analysed by ordinary least squares regression) shows that purchase price and environmental consciousness are crucial factors that influence consumers’ purchasing intention. Governmental subsidies and insufficient charging infrastructure do not have a significant relationship with willingness to buy EVs. Vehicle manufacturers need to lower the initial purchase price to make their vehicles more attractive for a younger customer base. Furthermore, government institutions need to promote the positive impact on the environment of new sustainable driving technologies.
Prevalence of Reading Difficulties in 9- to 10-Year Old Children in Sweden Born With Cleft Palate
Authors: Weinfeld Justin Parry , Johnels Jakob Åsberg , Persson Christina 
Published: May 2021

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of reading difficulties in children born with cleft palate at ages 9 and 10 in Sweden. Design: Using a cross-sectional design, a parental questionnaire assessing dyslexia-like reading difficulties (Short Dyslexia Scale, SDS) was administered together with separate questions regarding background data. Participants: Families with a child born with overt cleft palate with or without cleft lip in 4 regions of Sweden. A total of 245 families were approached of which 138 families responded. Data from 136 (56%) were complete with information on cleft type and could be analyzed. Results: Twenty-two percent (95% CI, 15-30) of the whole study group displayed risk for dyslexic reading difficulties on the SDS corresponding to the 7th to 10th percentiles in the population. Children with cleft palate only had a significantly higher prevalence of reading difficulties (37%) compared to children with unilateral cleft palate (19%) and bilateral cleft palate (10%). The frequency of reading difficulties in participants with comorbidity was 32%. Among a subgroup with reported comorbidity in areas of attention, language, and learning problems, there was a 2.5 times higher risk of reading disability compared to participants without this reported comorbidity. Conclusion: The prevalence of reading difficulties in the cleft palate population was higher than in the general population. Results showed that co-occurring difficulties were common in the cleft group and that reading difficulties often appear together with other, co-occurring neurodevelopmental difficulties.
Different types of macular telangiectasia in two eyes of a patient
Authors: Venkatesh Ramesh , Reddy Nikitha Gurram , Pereira Arpitha , Yadav Naresh Kumar , Chhablani Jay 
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To report a case of macular telangiectasia (MacTel) showing the features of type 3 disease in one eye and type 2 disease in the other eye. Methods: Descriptive case report Case description: A 50-year-old well-controlled diabetic man presented with complaints of distorted vision in the right eye for the past 1 year. His best-corrected visual acuity in both eyes was 20/20, N6. His anterior segment findings were normal. The right eye fundus showed an irregular perifoveal greying and a localised dark patch temporally inside the perifoveal region. Few microaneurysms were seen on clinical examination. No hard exudates were noted. The left eye fundus showed a few microaneurysms with minimal perifoveal greying temporally. Imaging with confocal blue reflectance, fluorescein and optical coherence tomography angiography confirmed the diagnosis of MacTel type 3 in the right eye and type 2A stage 2 in the left eye with mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy in both eyes. Conclusion: This case raises the possibility that type 3 disease could be a progressive non-proliferative form of a pre-existing type 2 MacTel disease.
Optic chiasm involvement in AQP-4 antibody–positive NMO and MOG antibody–associated disorder
Authors: Tajfirouz Deena , Padungkiatsagul Tanyatuth , Beres Shannon , Moss Heather E , Pittock Sean , Flanagan Eoin , Kunchok Amy , Shah Shailee , Bhatti M Tariq , Chen John J 
Published: May 2021

Background: Optic neuritis (ON) is often the presenting symptom in inflammatory central nervous system demyelinating disorders. Objective: To compare the frequency and pattern of optic chiasm involvement in patients with aquaporin-4-immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG)-associated ON to patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-immunoglobulin G (MOG-IgG)-associated ON. Methods: Retrospective review of all patients evaluated at Mayo Clinic, Stanford University and Ramathibodi Hospital who were found to have: (1) ON, (2) either MOG-IgG or AQP4-IgG by cell-based assay, and (3) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the time of ON. MRI was reviewed for contrast enhancement of the optic chiasm and the pattern of involvement. Results: One hundred and fifty-four patients (74 AQP4-IgG and 80 MOG-IgG) were included. Among patients with AQP4-IgG-ON, 20% had chiasmal involvement, compared with 16% of patients with MOG-IgG-ON ( p = 0.66). In patients with chiasmal involvement, longitudinally extensive optic nerve enhancement (from orbit extending to chiasm) was identified in 54% of MOG-IgG-ON patients, compared with 7% of AQP4-IgG-ON patients ( p = 0.01). Conclusion: Chiasmal involvement of MOG-IgG-ON and AQP4-IgG-ON occur at more similar frequencies than previously reported. Furthermore, MOG-IgG-ON chiasmal involvement is more likely to be part of a longitudinally extensive optic nerve lesion.
A novel approach utilizing laser acupuncture teletherapy for management of elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Adly Aya Sedky , Adly Afnan Sedky , Adly Mahmoud Sedky , Ali Mohammad F 
Published: May 2021

Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease is a systemic progressive inflammatory autoimmune disorder. Elderly-onset RA can be assumed as a benign form of RA. Until recently, face-to-face therapeutic sessions between health professionals and patients are usually the method of its treatment. However, during pandemics, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), teletherapeutic sessions can extensively increase the patient safety especially in elderly patients who are more vulnerable to these infections. Thus, the aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate a novel teletherapy approach for management of elderly patients suffering from RA by utilizing laser acupuncture. Methods A teletherapy system was used for management of elderly patients suffering from RA. Sixty participants were allocated randomly into two groups and the ratio was 1:1. Patients in the first group were treated with laser acupuncture and telerehabilitation sessions, which consisted of aerobic exercise and virtual reality training. Patients in the second group received telerehabilitation sessions, which consisted of aerobic exercise and virtual reality training. Evaluation of patients was done by using the Health Assessment questionnaire (HAQ), the Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life (RAQoL) questionnaire, and the analysis of interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum C-reactive protein (CRP), plasma adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA). Results A statistically significant difference was found in CRP, RAQoL, IL-6 and MDA between the pre- and post-treatments in the first group ( p < 0.05) favouring the post-treatment group, while the HAQ showed a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-treatments ( p < 0.05) in both groups. Statistically significant post-treatment differences were also observed between the two groups ( p < 0.05) in RAQoL, CRP, ATP and MDA, favouring the first group. Discussion Laser acupuncture teletherapy could be suggested as a reliable treatment method for elderly patients suffering from RA, as it can provide a safe and effective therapeutic approach. Teletherapy provided safer access to health professionals and patients while giving a high patient satisfaction value with a relatively lower cost (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04684693).
Medication adherence early after stroke: using the Perceptions and Practicalities Framework to explore stroke survivors’, informal carers’ and nurses’ experiences of barriers and solutions
Authors: Gibson Josephine , Coupe Jacqueline , Watkins Caroline 
Published: May 2021

Background Secondary prevention medication after stroke reduces risk of recurrence, but adherence is often poor. Stroke survivors’, carers’ and nurses’ perspectives of early post-stroke medication adherence are unexplored. Aim The aim of this study was to explore stroke survivors’, carers’ and nurses’ views and experiences about adhering to medication early after post-stroke hospital discharge. Methods Qualitative individual and group interviews, utilising the Perceptions and Practicalities Framework, were employed. Nine people <2 months post-stroke, three carers and 15 nurses from one UK stroke unit participated. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Results There were four main themes with two sub-themes. (1) Perceptions of medication taking after stroke. Factors affecting adherence included depression, imperceptible benefits and concerns about adverse effects. (2) Perceptions about those at higher risk of poor medication adherence. Nurses suggested that poor adherence might be more likely in those living alone or with previous non-adherence. (3) Practicalities of taking medication early after stroke; these included post-stroke disabilities, cognition, polypharmacy and lack of information. (4a) Practicalities of addressing poor medication adherence during the hospital stay. Solutions included multidisciplinary co-ordination, but nurses and stroke survivors described suboptimal use of opportunities to promote adherence. (4b) Practicalities of addressing poor medication adherence post-discharge. Solutions included modifications and support from carers, but stroke survivors reported difficulties in evolving systems for taking medications. Conclusions Stroke survivors and informal carers lack knowledge and support needed to manage medication early after discharge. Nurses’ opportunities to promote medication adherence are under-exploited. Medication adherence strategies to support stroke survivors early after discharge are needed.
Afatinib as first-line treatment in patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer in routine clinical practice
Authors: Brückl Wolfgang M. , Reck Martin , Griesinger Frank , Schäfer Harald , Kortsik Cornelius , Gaska Tobias , Rawluk Justyna , Krüger Stefan , Kokowski Konrad , Budweiser Stephan , Ficker Joachim H. , Hoffmann Christopher , Schüler Andrea , Laack Eckart 
Published: May 2021

Background: Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in Germany and worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) comprises ~80% of lung cancer diagnoses; in White patients, around 10% of NSCLC cases are epidermal growth factor receptor mutation-positive ( EGFRm+). Head-to-head clinical trials have demonstrated superior efficacy with second-/third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) versus first-generation EGFR TKIs in EGFRm+ NSCLC. Data from routine clinical practice are necessary to confirm that clinical trial findings are transferable to real-world populations. Methods: In NCT02047903, a prospective non-interventional study in Germany, patients with EGFRm+ NSCLC received first-line afatinib until disease progression or intolerable adverse events. Key objectives were progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 12 months, objective response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS). Safety/tolerability was also assessed. Results: Of 152 patients, 106 (69.7%) were female, 20 (13.1%) patients had an uncommon EGFR mutation and 51 patients (33.6%) had brain metastases. A starting dose of <40 mg was received by 39 (25.7%) patients. Overall, the 12-month PFS rate was 50.2% while the median PFS was 12.2 months. The ORR was 74.6% and the median OS was 30.4 months. In patients with brain metastases and uncommon mutations, the median PFS was 10.5 and 10.7 months, and the ORR was 77.3% and 83.3%, respectively. Treatment effectiveness was similar in patients with a starting dose of <40 mg (median PFS: 16.4 months; ORR, 81.3%) and a starting dose of 40 mg (median PFS: 10.8 months; ORR, 72.1%). Adverse drug reactions were manageable and consistent with the known afatinib safety profile. Conclusion: The results support clinical trial data for afatinib in routine clinical practice, including in patients generally excluded from clinical trials. Outcomes were positive in patients with uncommon EGFR mutations and in those with brain metastases. Treatment benefit was also seen in patients receiving a <40 mg afatinib starting dose, supporting patient-tailored dosing.
Impact of Carbohydrate Counting Error on Glycemic Control in Open-Loop Management of Type 1 Diabetes: Quantitative Assessment Through an In Silico Trial
Authors: Roversi Chiara , Vettoretti Martina , Del Favero Simone , Facchinetti Andrea , Choudhary Pratik , Sparacino Giovanni 
Published: May 2021

Background: In the management of type 1 diabetes (T1D), systematic and random errors in carb-counting can have an adverse effect on glycemic control. In this study, we performed an in silico trial aiming at quantifying the impact of different levels of carb-counting error on glycemic control. Methods: The T1D patient decision simulator was used to simulate 7-day glycemic profiles of 100 adults using open-loop therapy. The simulation was repeated for different values of systematic and random carb-counting errors, generated with Gaussian distribution varying the error mean from -10% to +10% and standard deviation (SD) from 0% to 50%. The effect of the error was evaluated by computing the difference of time inside (∆TIR), above (∆TAR) and below (∆TBR) the target glycemic range (70-180mg/dl) compared to the reference case, that is, absence of error. Finally, 3 linear regression models were developed to mathematically describe how error mean and SD variations result in ∆TIR, ∆TAR, and ∆TBR changes. Results: Random errors globally deteriorate the glycemic control; systematic underestimations lead to, on average, up to 5.2% more TAR than the reference case, while systematic overestimation results in up to 0.8% more TBR. The different time in range metrics were linearly related with error mean and SD ( R2>0.95), with slopes of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] for ∆TIR, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] for ∆TAR, and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] for ∆TBR. Conclusions: The quantification of carb-counting error impact performed in this work may be useful understanding causes of glycemic variability and the impact of possible therapy adjustments or behavior changes in different glucose metrics.
Epidemiology of Acute Extensor Mechanism Injuries in Collegiate-Level Athletes in the United States
Authors: Chen Kevin K. , Chan Jimmy J. , Ranson William , Debellis Nicholas , Huang Hsin-Hui , Vulcano Ettore , Colvin Alexis 
Published: May 2021

Background: Extensor mechanism injuries involving the quadriceps tendon, patella, or patellar tendon can be a devastating setback for athletes. Despite the potential severity and relative frequency with which these injuries occur, large-scale epidemiological data on collegiate-level athletes are lacking. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: Knee extensor mechanism injuries across 16 sports among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men and women during the 2004-2005 to 2013-2014 academic years were analyzed using the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program (NCAA-ISP). Extensor mechanism injuries per 100,000 athlete-exposures (AEs), operative rate, annual injury and reinjury rates, in-season status (pre-/regular/postseason), and time lost were compiled and calculated. Results: A total of 11,778,265 AEs were identified and included in the study. Overall, 1,748 extensor mechanism injuries were identified, with an injury rate (IR) of 14.84 (per 100,000 AEs). N = 114 (6.5%) injuries were classified as severe injuries with a relatively higher median time loss (44 days) and operative risk (18.42%). Male athletes had higher risk of season-ending injuries in both all (3.20% vs 0.89%, P < 0.01) and severe (41.54% vs 16.33%, P < 0.01) extensor mechanism injuries. Similarly, contact injuries were more frequently season-ending injuries (4.44% vs 1.69%, P = 0.01). Women’s soccer (IR = 2.59), women’s field hockey (IR = 2.15), and women’s cross country (IR = 2.14) were the sports with the highest rate of severe extensor mechanism injuries. Conclusion: Extensor mechanism injuries in collegiate athletes represent a significant set of injuries both in terms of volume and potentially to their athletic careers. Male athletes and contact injuries appear to have a greater risk of severe injuries. Injuries defined as severe had a higher risk of operative intervention and greater amount of missed playing time. Clinical Relevance: Knowledge of the epidemiology of extensor mechanism injuries may help clinicians guide their athlete patients in sports-related injury prevention and management.