bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Correlations Between Pain Modulation Paradigms
Authors: Szikszay Tibor M , Lévénez Juliette L M , von Selle Janne , Adamczyk Waclaw M , Luedtke Kerstin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objective
Endogenous pain modulation can be quantified through the use of various paradigms. Commonly used paradigms include conditioned pain modulation (CPM), offset analgesia (OA), spatial summation of pain (SSP), and temporal summation of pain (TSP), which reflect spatial and temporal aspects of pro- and antinociceptive processing. Although these paradigms are regularly used and are of high clinical relevance, the underlying physiological mechanisms are not fully understood.

Design
The aim of this study is therefore to assess the association between these paradigms by using comparable protocols and methodological approaches.

Setting
University campus.

Subjects
Healthy and pain-free volunteers (n = 48) underwent psychophysical assessment of CPM, OA, SSP, and TSP (random order) at the same body area (volar nondominant forearm) with individualized noxious stimuli.

Methods
CPM included heat stimuli before, during, and after a noxious cold-water bath, whereas for OA, three heat stimuli were applied: baseline trial, offset trial, and constant trial. For the SSP paradigm, two differently sized heat stimulation areas were evaluated, whereas for TSP, the first and last stimulus of 10 consecutive short heat stimuli were assessed. A computerized visual analog scale was used to continuously evaluate pain intensity. The magnitudes of all associations between all paradigm pairs were analyzed with Spearman’s correlation, and individual influencing factors were assessed with a multivariate linear regression model.

Results
Weak to moderate correlations among all four paradigms were found (P &gt; 0.05), and no distinct influencing factors were identified.

Conclusions
A limited association between pain modulation paradigms suggests that CPM, OA, SSP, and TSP assess distinct aspects of endogenous analgesia with different underlying physiological mechanisms.
Osteoarthritis and risk of hospitalization for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions: a general population-based cohort study
Authors: Kiadaliri Ali , Englund Martin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objective
To determine the association between OA and risk of hospitalization for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (HACSCs).

Methods
We included all individuals aged 40–85 years who resided in Skåne, Sweden on 31 December 2005 with at least one healthcare consultation during 1998–2005 (n = 515 256). We identified those with a main diagnosis of OA between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2016. People were followed from 1 January 2006 until an HACSC, death, relocation outside Skåne, or 31 December 2016 (whichever occurred first). OA status was treated as a time-varying covariate (those diagnosed before 1 January 2006 considered as exposed for whole study period). We assessed relative [hazard ratios (HRs) using Cox proportional hazard model] and absolute (hazard difference using additive hazard model) effects of OA on HACSCs adjusted for potential confounders.

Results
Crude incidence rates of HACSCs were 239 (95% CI: 235, 242) and 151 (150, 152) per 10 000 person-years among OA and non-OA persons, respectively. The OA persons had an increased risk of HACSCs [HR (95% CI) 1.11 (1.09, 1.13)] and its subcategories of medical conditions except chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [HR (95% CI) 0.86 (0.81, 0.90)]. There were 20 (95% CI: 16, 24) more HACSCs per 10 000 person-years in OA compared with non-OA persons. While HRs for knee and hip OA were generally comparable, only knee OA was associated with increased risk of hospitalization for diabetes.

Conclusion
OA is associated with an increased risk of HACSCs, highlighting the urgent need to improve outpatient care for OA patients.
Challenging the distrust of administrative law: the case for transposition
Authors: Lui Edward , Wong Clara 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
It has often been said that the control of discretionary powers in trust law and administrative law should be segregated and any transposition of principles should be resisted. This article questions this orthodoxy. Two propositions will be made. First, the orthodoxy is not normatively sustainable, since both administrative law and trust law are underpinned and shaped by similar forces. Transposition should be permissible, although identical principles need not apply. Second, the extent to which the transposition of principles should occur can be readily ascertained with reference to the modified ultra vires model.
Distinct Laboratory and Clinical Features of Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in Pediatric Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: López Marcos María , Ruiz Sáez Beatriz , Vílchez Pérez Juan Salvador , Moreno Pérez David , Carazo Gallego Begoña , Falcón Neyra Lola , Goycochea Valdivia Walter Alfredo , Obando Santaella Ignacio , Lucena Soto José Manuel , Díaz Martos Julio , Santos Pérez Juan Luis , Rodríguez Benjumea Margarita , Angulo González de Lara Raquel , Sánchez Codez Mª Isabel , Peromingo Matute Estrella , Cruz Cañete Marta , Calviño Molinero Jennifer , Hurtado Mingo Ángela , Lendínez Molinos Francisco , Medina Claros Antonio F. , Muñoz Vilches Mª José , Neth Olaf , Olbrich Peter ,   on behalf of the GAIP (Grupo Andaluz de Infectología e Inmunopatología Pediátrica) Network
Published: February 2021

Background:
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an endemic in Southern Europe. However, details regarding disease burden, clinical presentations, laboratory markers, management and outcome in children are scarce.

Methods:
Medical records of children (<14 years) admitted with VL to 10 pediatric units in Andalusia (2004–2019) were retrospectively reviewed. VL diagnosis was based on clinical presentation, serology, microscopy and molecular methods. Diagnosis of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) was established using the hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis-2004 criteria.

Results:
A total of 127 patients were identified. Median age was 14.5 months; the main clinical presentations were fever and splenomegaly (95.3% each). Cytopenias were the most common laboratory abnormalities. Diagnostics as well as treatment regimens varied over time and the participating centers. Liposomal amphotericin B was prescribed in 97.6%; relapses as well as adverse events were rarely observed (3.1% each). Thirty-seven patients, diagnosed with sHLH required longer hospital admission (P = 0.001), an increased number of platelet (P < 0.006) and red blood cell (P = 0.0001) transfusions and pediatric intensive care unit admission (P = 0.007). Monocytopenia (P = 0.011) and high C-reactive protein levels (P = 0.031), variables not included in the hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis-2004 criteria, were associated with sHLH. One patient deceased in the context of the Leishmania infection.

Conclusions:
We report data on the largest pediatric VL cohort from Europe, commonly associated with sHLH. Raised C-reactive protein levels and monocytopenia appear to be associated with sHLH. The latter may help to identify these patients and to guide decisions regarding need of additional supportive clinical care and immunomodulatory therapies. The observed high rate of heterogeneity in terms of diagnosis and management warrants the establishment of appropriate guidelines.
Comparison of clinical outcomes of 2 platforms for topography-guided LASIK in primary eyes
Authors: Li Li , Zhang Bo , Liu Shengxu , Xiong Lu , Wang Zheng 
Published: February 2021

Purpose:
To compare differences in visual, refractive, and ablating outcomes between corneal topography-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) by SCHWIND AMARIS and WaveLight Contoura for myopia and myopic astigmatism correction.

Setting:
Department of Refractive Surgery, Guangzhou Aier Eye Hospital, Guangzhou, China.

Design:
Prospective nonrandomized study.

Methods:
Patients treated with LASIK to correct ametropia and corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) with 6.5 mm of plan optical zone were recruited. In the AMARIS platform, there were 2 centration strategies: the symmetric (AA) and asymmetric (AS) offset modes. In the WaveLight platform, there was only symmetric offset (ES) mode. HOAs, contrast sensitivity, effective optical zone (EOZ), ablation depth, and ablating center were evaluated 3 months after the operation.

Results:
The study included 138 eyes. At 3 months after operation, the postoperative manifest refractive spherical equivalent was 0.04 ± 0.34 diopters (D), 0.06 ± 0.25 D, and −0.09 ± 0.21 D in AS, AA, and ES groups, respectively (P = .018). The EOZs of the AS and AA groups were 5.01 mm and 4.96 mm, and both were larger than 4.88 mm in the ES group (P = .04 and .03, respectively). The ablation depth of the AS group was 103.6 μm, which were larger than 86.6 μm in the AA group and 91.2 μm in the ES group.

Conclusions:
The SCHWIND AMARIS and WaveLight EX500 corneal topography-guided LASIK achieved comparable and excellent visual and refractive outcomes. The EX500 Contoura LASIK ablated less corneal tissue because of the smaller EOZ compared with the AMARIS, with a similar plan optical zone.
Cap recovery technique and double-edge sign during small-incision lenticule extraction
Authors: Carp Glenn I. , Reinstein Dan Z. , Stuart Alastair , Vida Ryan S. , Archer Timothy J. , Finkel Jake N. 
Published: February 2021

Purpose:
To describe a new technique for identifying the upper (cap) interface during small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). If the lower interface is dissected first it can be challenging to locate the cap interface and complete the lenticule separation.

Setting:
London Vision Clinic, London, United Kingdom.

Design:
Retrospective analysis.

Methods:
The routine protocol was to open the primary small incision and separate the cap interface, followed by the lenticule interface. If the lenticule interface was dissected first, the modified Sinskey tip was inserted through the superior end of the incision, tangentially along the cap edge interface and then rotated anteriorly to engage the edge of the lenticule adherent to the underside of the cap. The Sinskey tip is then drawn inferiorly, creating a pocket of separation of the lenticule from the cap, enabling the dissection bulb and spatula to be used to dissect the upper interface.

Results:
A total of 629 consecutive eyes undergoing SMILE using the VisuMax femtosecond laser were included. The routine surgical protocol (cap interface first) was followed in 88% of eyes and the lenticule interface first in 12% of eyes. The lenticule was extracted successfully in all cases. Uncorrected distance visual acuity at the 1-day postoperative visit was 20/25 or better in 81% of the cap interface first group and 86% of the lenticule interface first group.

Conclusions:
The visual results using this cap recovery technique were equivalent to those when a routine SMILE dissection was performed. The technique allowed surgeons to rescue more challenging cases where identifying the different interfaces was difficult. This technique meant that separating the lenticule interface first should no longer be considered a complication of SMILE.
Visual outcome and optical quality of a wavefront-engineered extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens
Authors: Greve Daria , Bertelmann Eckart , Pilger Daniel , von Sonnleithner Christoph 
Published: February 2021

Purpose:
To evaluate visual performance and optical quality of an extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens (EDoF IOL) compared with a monofocal aspheric IOL.

Setting:
Department of Ophthalmology, Charité-Medical University Berlin, Germany.

Design:
Prospective case series.

Methods:
After phacoemulsification, a total of 28 patients (56 eyes) underwent bilateral implantation of either the Mini Well (EDoF IOL) or the Mini 4 (monofocal IOL). Assessments including refraction, distance, intermediate and near visual acuity, defocus curves, contrast sensitivity, glare disability, higher-order aberrations (HOAs), and patient satisfaction were performed at 1 month and 3 months postoperatively.

Results:
Both study groups comprised 14 patients (28 eyes) each. At 3-month follow-up, the EDoF IOL showed better results in monocular uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (−0.04 vs 0.10 logMAR, P = .000) and in uncorrected near visual acuity (0.13 vs 0.36 logMAR, P = .000), whereas no statistically significant difference was found between groups in monocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (0.04 vs 0.00 logMAR, P = .110). The monocular depth of focus was 0.8 D greater in the Mini Well IOL group. Measurements of internal HOAs revealed a greater negative primary spherical aberration in the EDoF group at pupil sizes of 2.0 to 5.0 mm. At 5.0 mm, total internal HOAs did not differ statistically significantly (0.376 vs 0.340 μm root mean square, P = .068).

Conclusions:
The Mini Well IOL provided greater depth of focus with superior outcomes at intermediate and near distances and comparable outcomes at far distance. Although inducing higher amounts of spherical aberration, it showed good results under low lighting conditions with little subjective dysphotopsia.
Clinical Validation of Automated and Rapid mariPOC SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test
Authors: Koskinen Juha M. , Antikainen Petri , Hotakainen Kristina , Haveri Anu , Ikonen Niina , Savolainen-Kopra Carita , Sundström Kati , Koskinen Janne O. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNovel SARS coronavirus causing COVID-19 was recognized in late 2019. Diagnostics was quickly ramped up worldwide based on the detection of viral RNA. Based on the scientific knowledge for pre-existing coronaviruses, it was expected that the RNA of this novel coronavirus will be detected from symptomatic and at significant rates also from asymptomatic individuals due to persistence of non-infectious RNA. To increase the efficacy of diagnostics, surveillance, screening and pandemic control, rapid methods, such as antigen tests, are needed for decentralized testing and to assess infectiousness. The objective was to validate the analytical and clinical performance, and usability of a novel automated mariPOC SARS-CoV-2 test, which is based on the detection of structural viral proteins using sophisticated optical laser technology. Clinical performance of the test was evaluated against qRT-PCR with nasopharyngeal swab specimens collected from patients suspected of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Sensitivity of the mariPOC test was 100.0% (13/13) directly from swab specimens and 84.4% (38/45) from swab specimens in undefined transport mediums. Specificity of the test was 100.0% (201/201). The test’s limit of detection was 2.7 TCID50/test and had no cross-reactions with the tested respiratory microbes. Our study shows that the mariPOC can detect infectious individuals already in 20 minutes with clinical sensitivity close to qRT-PCR. The test targets conserved epitopes of SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein, making it robust against strain variations. The new test is a promising and versatile tool for syndromic testing of symptomatic cases and for high capacity infection control screening.
Substantial SF-36 score differences according to the mode of administration of the questionnaire: an ancillary study of the SENTIPAT multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing web-based questionnaire self-completion and telephone interview
Authors: Açma Ayşe , Carrat Fabrice , Hejblum Gilles ,   for the SENTIPAT study group
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundSF-36 is a popular questionnaire for measuring self-perception of quality of life in a given population of interest. Surprisingly, no study compared score values issued from a telephone interview versus an internet-based questionnaire self-completion.MethodsPatients having an Internet connection and returning home after hospital discharge were enrolled in the SENTIPAT multicenter randomized trial the day of discharge. They were randomized to either self-complete a set of questionnaires using a dedicated website (I group) or to provide answers to the same questionnaires administered during a telephone interview (T group). This ancillary study of the trial compared SF-36 data relating to the post-hospitalization period in these two groups. In order to anticipate potential unbalanced characteristics of the respondents in the two groups, the impact of the mode of administration of the questionnaire on score differences was investigated using a matched sample of individuals originating from I and T groups (ratio 1:1), the matching procedure being based on a propensity score approach. SF-36 scores observed in I and T groups were compared with a Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, the score differences between the two groups were also examined according to Cohen’s effect size.ResultsThere were 245/840 (29%) and 630/840 (75%) SF-36 questionnaires completed in the I and T group, respectively (p < 0.001). Globally, score differences between groups before matching were similar to those observed in the matched sample. Mean scores observed in T group were all above the corresponding values observed in the I group. After matching, score differences in six out of the eight SF-36 scales were statistically significant, with a mean difference greater than 5 for four scales and an associated mild effect size ranging from 0.22 to 0.29, and with a mean difference near this threshold for two other scales (4.57 and 4.56) and a low corresponding effect size (0.18 and 0.16, respectively).ConclusionsTelephone mode of administration of SF-36 involved an interviewer effect increasing SF-36 scores. Questionnaire self-completion via the Internet should be preferred and surveys combining various administration methods should be avoided.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.govNCT01769261, registered January 16, 2013.
Survey of symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination in India
Authors: Jayadevan Rajeev , Shenoy Ramesh , TS Anithadevi 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundCOVID-19 vaccines have been rolled out recently in several parts of the world. Although the protective efficacy is frequently discussed, little is known about the real-world post-vaccination experience outside of clinical trial conditions. Knowledge about what to expect after vaccination will help educate the public, dispel misinformation and reduce vaccine hesitancy.AimTo assess the immediate response to the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.To study the spectrum of post-vaccination symptom profile for individual vaccines.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was done which included questions pertaining to the immediate post vaccination experience in India.ResultsA total of 5396 people responded to the survey over a one-week period from 29 January to 4 February. Overall, 65.9 % of respondents reported at least one post-vaccination symptom. Tiredness (45%), myalgia (44%), fever (34%), headache (28%), local pain at injection site (27%), joint pain (12%), nausea (8%) and diarrhea (3%) were the most prevalent symptoms. The chance of having symptoms decreased with advancing age. The frequency of symptoms was 81% (3rd decade or 20-29 years), 80% (4th decade or 30-39 years), 68% (5th decade), 58% (6th decade), 45% (7th decade), 34% (8th decade) and 7% (9th decade, 80-90 years). Post-vaccination symptoms were more likely to be reported by women (74.7%) compared to men (58.6%) (p < 0.001). Among those who reported symptoms, 79% noticed them within the first 12 hours. 472 out of 5396 (8.7%) reported past history of COVID-19. Their symptom profile was not different to those who did not have a past history.ConclusionsTwo-thirds of healthcare professionals who completed the survey reported mild and short-lived post-vaccination symptoms. Tiredness, myalgia and fever were most commonly reported. These symptoms were consistent with an immune response commonly associated with vaccines, and correlated with the findings from previously published phase 2/3 trials. In 90% cases, the symptoms were either milder than expected or meeting the expectation of the vaccine recipient. No serious events were reported. Symptoms were more common among younger individuals. There was no difference in symptoms among those who had a past history of COVID-19.
Association of state social distancing restrictions with nursing home COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 outcomes
Authors: Li Yue , Cheng Zijing , Cai Xueya , Mao Yunjiao , Temkin-Greener Helena 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe COVID-19 poses a disproportionate threat to nursing home residents. Although recent studies suggested the effectiveness of state social distancing measures in the United States on curbing COVID-19 morbidity and mortality among the general population, there is lack of evidence as to how these state orders may have affected nursing home patients or what potential negative health consequences they may have had. In this longitudinal study, we evaluated changes in state strength of social distancing restrictions from June to August of 2020, and their associations with the weekly numbers of new COVID-19 cases, new COVID-19 deaths, and new non–COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes of the US. We found that stronger state social distancing measures were associated with improved COVID-19 outcomes (case and death rates), reduced across-facility disparities in COVID-19 outcomes, but more deaths due to non–COVID-19 reasons among nursing home residents.
Thyroid Function Analysis in COVID-19: A Retrospective Study from a Single Center
Authors: Malik Jahanzeb , Malik Asmara , Javaid Muhammad , Zahid Tayyaba , Ishaq Uzma , Shoaib Muhammad 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an on-going epidemic with a multitude of long-ranging effects on the physiological balance of the human body. It can cause several effects on thyroid functions as well. We aimed to assess the lasting sequelae of COVID-19 on thyroid hormone and the clinical course of the disease as a result.MethodsOut of 76 patients, 48 patients of COVID-19 positive and 28 patients of COVID-19 negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were assessed for thyroid functions, IL-6, and Procalcitonin between moderate, severe, and critical pneumonia on HRCT.ResultsSeventy-five percent of patients with COVID-19 had thyroid abnormalities and higher IL-6 levels (76.10 ± 82.35 vs. 6.99 ± 3.99, 95% CI 52.18-100.01, P-value <0.01). Logistic regression analysis suggested TT3 (P-value 0.01), IL-6 (P-value <0.01), and Procalcitonin (P-value 0.03) as independent risk factors for COVID-19. ROC curve demonstrated IL-6 as the most sensitive marker (P-value <0.01), and TT3, and Procalcitonin as the predictor for COVID-19 disease.ConclusionThis pilot study from Pakistan demonstrates that changes in serum TSH and TT3 levels may be important manifestations of the courses of COVID-19 pneumonia.
Explaining COVID-19 Outbreaks with Reactive SEIRD Models
Authors: Menda Kunal , Laird Lucas , Kochenderfer Mykel J. , Caceres Rajmonda S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCOVID-19 epidemics have varied dramatically in nature across the United States, where some counties have clear peaks in infections, and others have had a multitude of unpredictable and non-distinct peaks. In this work, we seek to explain the diversity in epidemic progressions by considering an extension to the compartmental SEIRD model. The model we propose uses a neural network to predict the infection rate as a function of time and of the prevalence of the disease. We provide a methodology for fitting this model to available county-level data describing aggregate cases and deaths. Our method uses Expectation-Maximization in order to overcome the challenge of partial observability—that the system’s state is only partially reflected in available data. We fit a single model to data from multiple counties in the United States exhibiting different behavior. By simulating the model, we show that it is capable of exhibiting both single peak and multi-peak behavior, reproducing behavior observed in counties both in and out of the training set. We also numerically compare the error of simulations from our model with a standard SEIRD model, showing that the proposed extensions are necessary to be able to explain the spread of COVID-19.