bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EBV load is associated with cfDNA fragmentation and renal damage in SLE patients
Authors: Truszewska Anna , Wirkowska Agnieszka , Gala Kamila , Truszewski Piotr , Krzemień-Ojak Łucja , Mucha Krzysztof , Pączek Leszek , Foroncewicz Bartosz 
Published: April 2021

Background For long Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) has been suspected to be involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to verify the association between EBV, cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and kidney disease in SLE. Methods Blood samples were obtained from 43 SLE patients and 50 healthy individuals. EBV load was measured via real-time PCR assay. Sizing and quantification of plasma cfDNA was performed on Bioanalyzer. We proposed that the uniformity of cfDNA fragmentation can be described using cfDNA fragmentation index. Results SLE patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD +) had higher EBV load compared to CKD(–) patients (P = 0.042). Patients with high cfDNA level had higher EBV load (P = 0.041) and higher cfDNA fragmentation index (P < 0.001) compared to patients with low cfDNA level. Among patients with high cfDNA level, EBV load was higher in CKD(+) group compared to CKD(–) group (P = 0.035). EBV load was positively correlated with the fragmentation index in all SLE patients (P = 0.028, R2 = 0.13), and the correlation was even more pronounced in CKD (+) patients (P < 0.001, R2 = 0.20). Conclusions We showed that EBV load was associated with non-uniform cfDNA fragmentation, higher cfDNA levels, and kidney disease in SLE patients. Although the causality of this relationship could not be determined with the current study, it brings rationale for further investigations on the role of EBV and cfDNA interplay in SLE pathogenesis.
Impact of cumulative experience on the quality of screening colonoscopy: A 13-year observational study
Authors: Naumann David N , Kavanagh Cheryl , Hipkiss Gaynor , Potter-Concannon Sarah , Budhoo Misra , Ahmed Monzur , Karandikar Sharad 
Published: April 2021

Objective To investigate trends in quality of screening colonoscopy (using the Global Rating Score) in the 13 years since introduction of the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in England. Setting An English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme colonoscopy service from 2007 to 2019. Methods A retrospective observational study was undertaken using a prospectively collected database in order to analyse trends in screening endoscopies (including patients following positive faecal occult blood test or with high-risk findings on flexible sigmoidoscopy). The Global Rating Score quality indicators for Bowel Cancer Screening Programme colonoscopy were used as outcome measures, and trends over time were analysed. These included caecal intubation rate, adenoma detection rate, colorectal cancer detection rate, proportion of patients with minimal or mild discomfort scores, proportion of patients who required intravenous sedation, and adverse events. Results There were 5352 colonoscopies included, performed by 3 endoscopists; 73.8% were index procedures (i.e. first Bowel Cancer Screening Programme colonoscopy) and the remainder were follow-up or surveillance colonoscopies. The mean age of patients was 66 (standard deviation 5) years, and 59.8% were male. Mean age increased over time ( R2=0.033; p < 0.001). There were significant trends over time towards higher caecal intubation rate ( p = 0.015), higher adenoma detection rate ( p < 0.001), lower proportion requiring intravenous sedation ( p < 0.001). There were no significant trends in comfort scores ( p = 0.606), adverse events ( p = 0.503) or colorectal cancer detection ( p = 0.089). Conclusion There was a consistent improvement in the Global Rating Score for Bowel Cancer Screening Programme colonoscopies since the start of the programme, even when quality was already high at the start. Patients can expect high-quality colonoscopy when participating in the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.
Impact of Removing the Race Coefficient in Renal Function Estimate Equations on Drug Dosage Recommendations
Authors: Miller Janine , Knorr John P. 
Published: April 2021

Background The appropriateness of including the race coefficient in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) equations in Black patients is debated, and the impact on drug dosing is unknown. Objective This study explored the impact of removing the race coefficient on drug dosing in Black patients in comparison to conventional methods. Methods This was a retrospective study of hospitalized patients who self-identified as Black/African American and were prescribed an antimicrobial that includes renal dosage recommendations in the product labeling. The primary end point was the discordance between drug dosing recommendations derived by body surface area deindexed GFR estimated by the CKD-EPI equation (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology study) with and without race versus recommendations derived from Cockcroft-Gault (CG). Results A total of 210 Black patients were included. There was an 18% rate of discordance when GFR was estimated with the race coefficient (GFR w/Race) versus without the race coefficient (GFR w/out Race). GFR w/out Race had a higher level of agreement with dosing by creatinine clearance (CrCl; κ = 0.779) than GFR w/Race versus CrCl (κ = 0.651). GFR w/out Race had less within-patient difference than GFR w/Race in comparison to CrCl (mean difference: −6.3 vs −18.0 mL/min). Conclusions and Relevance This represents the first report to examine the removal of the race coefficient and its implication on drug dose discordance. GFR w/out Race had a higher level of agreement and less drug dose discordance than GFR w/Race, in comparison to CrCl estimates. If GFR equations are considered comparable to CrCl for the purposes of guiding drug dosing, GFR w/out Race should be considered.
Sexual Health Interventions for Racial/Ethnic Minorities Using Community-Based Participatory Research: A Systematic Review
Authors: McCuistian Caravella , Peteet Bridgette , Burlew Kathy , Jacquez Farrah 
Published: April 2021

Background Racial/ethnic minorities (REMs) continue to carry the burden of sexual health disparities in the United States, including increased health risks and lower proportions of preventative care. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) has been useful in developing interventions aimed at reducing these disparities. Specifically, partnership with the target group members has resulted in more culturally relevant intervention strategies. Aim The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the existing research on sexual health interventions targeting U.S. REMs that were developed using CBPR, to highlight the role target group members played in the development of these interventions, and to explore the benefits and outcomes of these partnerships. Method Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guided the search of 46 thesauri terms for CBPR, sexual health, and REMs across six databases. Results The initial search yielded 805 identified studies. After applying limiters, reviewing abstracts, and doing a full-text review, 24 appropriate studies were retained. The key findings indicated significant intervention outcomes such as increased health knowledge, attitude change, and behavioral intention that could reduce sexual risk-taking behaviors. Twelve studies detailed the methods for partnering with target group members to formulate interventions, highlighting the benefits related to recruitment, retention, and cultural relevance. Discussion CBPR is well-positioned to address sexual health disparities among REMs. While community partnership strategies vary, the findings yield evidence that CBPR addressing sexual health disparities is achievable, can influence the effectiveness of interventions, and should be considered as an orientation in future sexual health research.
Sleep time and homework hours/daily are associated with reduced visual acuity among school students aged 9–18 in Shenyang in 2016
Authors: Liu Hezuo , Ren Shi , Sun Qi , Bai Yinglong , Zhai Lingling , Wei Wei , Jia Lihong 
Published: April 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this survey was to explore the prevalence of reduced visual acuity and its associated factors among school students in Shenyang in 2016. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using data from the Ministry of Education’ Student Physical Fitness (MESPF) monitoring in 2016. A total of 13,642 students aged 9–18 years were surveyed in Shenyang. The unaided distance visual acuity was measured, and questionnaire on lifestyle behaviors that may affect visual acuity was investigated among students. The prevalence of reduced visual acuity and its associated factors were analyzed. Results: The average prevalence of reduced visual acuity among students aged 9–18 years was 65.8%, and severe reduced visual acuity was main (42.9%), and there were statistical effect of age, gender, and region on the prevalence of reduced visual acuity. Binary and multi variable logistic regression results revealed that students sleeping <8 h, homework hours ⩾1 h, and parental myopia had an increased risk of reduced visual acuity. Conclusions: Sleep time <8 h and homework time ⩾1 h may be associated with reduced visual acuity among students in Shenyang. Therefore, it is benefit for student to get enough sleep and decreasing studying time in order to prevent and reduce poor vision.
Optic disc morphometry using spectral domain optical coherence tomography in a Nigerian population
Authors: Awe Oluwaseun Olaniyi , Onakpoya Oluwatoyin Helen , Adeoye Adenike Odunmorayo 
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To assess morphological optic disc dimensions using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) in a Nigerian population. Materials and method: Good quality SD-OCT scans of the optic disc of 147 eyes of 88 participants were selected, enrolled, and retrospectively reviewed. All subjects had optic nerve head and retinal nerve fibre layer OCT imaging, as well as analysis, done using the Topcon 3D OCT-1 Maestro®. The age, sex, and some OCT-generated optic disc dimensions namely disc area (DA), vertical disc diameter (VDD), horizontal disc diameter (HDD) were retrieved from the database and analyzed. Results: The mean age of the study subjects was 52.6±20.9 years with a range of 8–90 years; male to female ratio was 1:1.3. The right eye and left eye accounted for 75 and 72 of the 147 scans respectively. The mean DA, VDD, and HDD were 2.54 ± 0.48 mm2, 1926.5 ± 189.6 μm and 1673.9 ± 173.9 μm, respectively. Males had significantly larger DA than females (2.56 ± 0.53 mm2 vs 2.51 ± 0.44 mm2, p = 0.043). The mean DA and VDD of eyes of subjects aged 21–40 years were significantly higher compared to subjects aged 60 years and more ( p = 0.008 and 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The mean optic disc area and diameters are larger than those reported in similar studies involving blacks and other races. The mean disc area reduces with increasing age.
Eye pain and blurred vision as main complaints in a new case with MDPL syndrome
Authors: Zhou Lin , Lv Zhiqing , Tian Xuelian , Zhang Yi , Xu Zhuping 
Published: April 2021

Introduction: We report a novel phenotype of mandibular hypoplasia, deafness, and progeroid features with lipodystrophy (MDPL) syndrome with POLD1 mutation in a Chinese girl. Case description: Diabetic retinopathy was detected as the primary manifestation in a Chinese girl with MDPL syndrome carrying a known POLD1 mutation (c.1812_1814delCTC, p.Ser605del). Typical characteristics of the syndrome including mandibular hypoplasia, deafness, progeroid features, and diabetes were detected after comprehensive examinations. The patient suffered from blurred vision and eye pain due to the neovascularization of the retina (vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment) and iris (neovascular glaucoma). The literature review revealed that the prevalence of hepatomegaly and abnormal triglyceride levels were significantly higher in female than in male with MDPL syndrome carrying POLD1 mutations. Conclusion: These results expand our knowledge regarding the clinical phenotypes of MDPL syndrome with POLD1 mutations. Diabetic retinopathy is a non-negligible complication of MDPL syndrome. The phenotype varies among female and male patients with the syndrome. Hepatomegaly and abnormal triglyceride levels are more common in female patients with MDPL syndrome.
Contrast sensitivity assessment for early detection of hydroxychloroquine toxicity
Authors: Singla Ekta , Ichhpujani Parul , Sharma Urvashi , Kumar Suresh 
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), is known to cause visual dysfunction during its prolonged course of administration. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and field tests are the commonly used screening tests. Not much is known about the role of contrast sensitivity (CS) as method for early detection of HCQ toxicity. This pilot study was designed to study the change in central and peripheral contrast sensitivity for detecting early signs of HCQ toxicity. Design: Prospective study conducted at Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh, India. Participants: Twenty eyes of 10 treatment naïve, autoimmune patients. Methods: All patients underwent functional tests, contrast sensitivity tests: Pelli Robson and Spaeth Richman Contrast Sensitivity (SPARCS). Average and quadrant wise SPARCS score; Pelli Robson score and structural parameters viz., macular OCT parameters were compared at baseline, 3- and 6-month post treatment with HCQ. Main outcome measures: Change in CS using SPARCS and Pelli Robson were recorded at each visit and compared with the baseline. Structural and functional parameters were correlated. Results: The average SPARCS scores at baseline, 3-month post HCQ and at 6-month post HCQ were 82.37 ± 8.40, 73.17 ± 9.63 and 70.37 ± 10.08, respectively. Quadrant wise change from first visit to third visit was statistically significant only in superotemporal ( p = 0.002), inferotemporal ( p = 0.02) and central ( p = 0.01) quadrants. There was no correlation between SPARCS and Pelli Robson ( S = 0.1454, p = 0.466). Similarly, there was no significant correlation between the structural and functional parameters. Conclusions: HCQ affect the CS by virtue of its action on bipolar and ganglion cells. Decrease in central and peripheral CS as measured by SPARCS can be a sign of early visual dysfunction, hence must be considered as an early indicator of HCQ toxicity.
Exploring anhedonia in adolescents with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): A mixed-methods study
Authors: Smith Lucie , Crawley Esther , Riley Madeleine , McManus Megan , Loades Maria Elizabeth 
Published: April 2021

Background: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) may get in the way of enjoying activities. A substantial minority of adolescents with CFS/ME are depressed. Anhedonia is a core symptom of depression. Anhedonia in adolescents with CFS/ME has not been previously investigated. Method: One hundred and sixty-four adolescents, age 12 to 18, with CFS/ME completed a diagnostic interview (K-SADS) and questionnaires (HADS, RCADS). We used a mixed-methods approach to explore the experience of anhedonia and examine how common it is, comparing those with clinically significant anhedonia to those without. Results: Forty-two percent of adolescents with CFS/ME reported subclinical or clinical levels of anhedonia. Fifteen percent had clinically significant anhedonia. Thematic analysis generated two themes: (1) stopping activities that they previously enjoyed and (2) CFS/ME obstructs enjoyment. Most (72%) of those who reported clinically significant anhedonia met the depression diagnostic criteria. Those who were depressed used more negative language to describe their experience of activities than in those who were not depressed, although the themes were broadly similar. Conclusions: Experiencing pleasure from activities may be affected in CFS/ME, particularly in those who are depressed. Anhedonia may get in the way of behavioural strategies used within CFS/ME treatments.
Randomized pilot study of a special education advocacy program for Latinx/minority parents of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Luelmo Paul , Kasari Connie ,   Fiesta Educativa, Inc
Published: April 2021

This study reports on a randomized controlled pilot intervention study examining the effectiveness and feasibility of a low-intensity (i.e. three sessions), low-cost, parent advocacy intervention. The intervention study employed community-partnered research methods and targeted a low-income community of mostly Latinx, immigrant-origin parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. The study was designed to test a parent-to-parent advocacy mentorship program in order to increase parent’s special education advocacy knowledge and empowerment. The educational intervention was delivered in Spanish to Spanish-speaking parents. Results indicated significantly increased in parent’s knowledge in the immediate intervention group, but this knowledge did not lead to greater sense of parent’s empowerment. Increases in knowledge about special education rights of their children are the first step toward advocating for services for their children. While parents from low-income, racial/ethnic minority backgrounds, particularly Latinx parents, can significantly increase their advocacy skills with a low-intensity, low-cost program, they may need more support in changing their self-perceptions of empowerment and advocacy. Lay abstract Persistent racial and ethnic disparities in obtaining an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and services have been documented for Latinx children and other racial/ethnic minorities. This study reports on an educational intervention examining the effectiveness and feasibility of a low-intensity (i.e. three sessions), low-cost, parent advocacy for Latinx and other minority parents of children with autism. Results indicated significantly increased parental knowledge and in the immediate intervention group, but this knowledge did not lead to greater empowerment. While parents from low-income, racial/ethnic minority backgrounds, particularly Latinx parents, can significantly increase their advocacy skills with a low-intensity, low-cost program, they may need more support in changing their self-perceptions of empowerment and advocacy.
Researching death, dying and bereavement: tales of grounded theory, reflexivity and compassion
Authors: Kennedy Carla Jane , Gardner Fiona 
Published: April 2021

Immersing researchers in sensitive and emotive topics such as death, dying and bereavement may result in periods of conflicting logical thoughts and subjective feelings that need to be acknowledged and supported. The question to be answered in this research was ‘How do we create compassionate schools?’ which led to the interviewing of bereaved school community members in regional areas in Victoria, Australia. As anticipated, Carla, one of the researchers who had experienced recent family deaths was challenged by particular issues arising in interviews and through the transcribing process. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to discuss this complexity, with grounded theory as a conduit, reflexivity and critical reflection as combined tools and compassion as a way forward. We draw upon Carla’s methodological reflective journal and current health literature concerning sensitive topics in qualitative research. Recommendations of how to support researchers and research teams managing sensitive topics are provided and suggestions of how compassion can be achieved and extended to researchers are offered.
Strategies for facilitating the delivery of cluster randomized trials in hospitals: A study informed by the CFIR-ERIC matching tool
Authors: Weir Arielle , Presseau Justin , Kitto Simon , Colman Ian , Hatcher Simon 
Published: April 2021

Background Recruitment and engagement of clusters in a cluster randomized controlled trial can sometimes prove challenging. Identification of successful or unsuccessful strategies may be beneficial in guiding future researchers in conducting their cluster randomized controlled trial. This study aimed to identify strategies that could be used to facilitate the delivery of cluster randomized controlled trials in hospitals. Methods The study employed the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research–Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change matching tool. The barriers and enablers to cluster randomized controlled trial conduct identified in our previously conducted studies served as a means of determinant identification for the conduct of cluster randomized controlled trials. These determinants were mapped to Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research constructs and then matched to Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change compilation strategies using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research–Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change matching tool. Results The Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change strategies matched to at least one determinant Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research construct were as follows: (1) ‘Identify and prepare champions’, (2) ‘Conduct local needs assessment’, (3) ‘Conduct educational meetings’, (4) ‘Inform local opinion leaders’, (5) ‘Build a coalition’, (6) ‘Promote adaptability’, (7) ‘Develop a formal implementation blueprint’, (8) ‘Involve patients/consumers and family members’, (9) ‘Obtain and use patients/consumers and family feedback’, (10) ‘Develop educational materials’, (11) ‘Promote network weaving’, (12) ‘Distribute educational materials’, (13) ‘Access new funding’ and (14) ‘Develop academic partnerships’. Conclusion This study was intended as a step in the research agenda aimed at facilitating cluster randomized controlled trial delivery in hospitals and can act as a resource for future researchers when planning their cluster randomized controlled trial, with the expectation that the strategies identified here will be tailored to each context.
A review of bone grafting techniques for glenoid reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Jeffrey A , Lam Patrick H , Beretov Julia , Murrell George AC 
Published: April 2021

Background Traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations can cause bony defects of the anterior glenoid rim and are often associated with recurrent shoulder instability. For large glenoid defects of 20–30% without a mobile bony fragment, glenoid reconstruction with bone grafts is often recommended. This review describes two broad categories of glenoid reconstruction procedures found in literature: coracoid transfers involving the Bristow and Latarjet procedures, and free bone grafting techniques. Methods An electronic search of MEDLINE and PubMed was conducted to find original articles that described glenoid reconstruction techniques or modifications to existing techniques. Results Coracoid transfers involve the Bristow and Latarjet procedures. Modifications to these procedures such as arthroscopic execution, method of graft attachment and orientation have been described. Free bone grafts have been obtained from the iliac crest, distal tibia, acromion, distal clavicle and femoral condyle. Conclusion Both coracoid transfers and free bone grafting procedures are options for reconstructing large bony defects of the anterior glenoid rim and have had similar clinical outcomes. Free bone grafts may offer greater flexibility in graft shaping and choice of graft size depending on the bone stock chosen. Novel developments tend towards minimising invasiveness using arthroscopic approaches and examining alternative non-rigid graft fixation techniques.