bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prognostic role of optical coherence tomography in diabetic macular edema patients undergoing early dexamethasone implant shift
Authors: Uzel Mehmet Murat , Karahan Eyyup , Koroglu Canli Melek , Guler Cenap 
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To determine the prognostic characteristics of optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters by evaluating diabetic macular edema (DME) patients with early dexamethasone (DEX) shift after three doses of intravitreal ranibizumab (RNB) injection. Methods: Fifty-four eyes of 34 patients who had DEX implant after three doses of RNB were included in this retrospective study. Early DEX shift includes patients who received direct DEX implant replacement after three doses of RNB load. Baseline OCT values and factors affecting best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) response were analyzed with logistic regression analyses. Results: The presence of subretinal fluid and hyperreflective spot (HRS) >20 were found to be a negative predictive factor for anatomical response. ( p = 0.009, p = 0.001, respectively) Low initial BCVA creates a positive effect on visual gain.( p = 0.041) Giant outer nuclear layer cysts, completely disrupted inner segment-outer segment and HRS > 20 have a negative effect on visual gain. ( p = 0.025, p = 0.043, p = 0.023, respectively) According to the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the subretinal fluid volume threshold at which >20% reduction in CMT occurs was determined to be 0.85 mm3. (sensitivity 70%, specificity 84% area under the curve 0.817, p = 0.021). Conclusion: The presence of high number of HRS and high subretinal fluid volume at the baseline negatively affect prognosis even in patient groups with early DEX shift.
Attention Dysregulation in Breast Cancer Patients Following a Complementary Alternative Treatment Routine: A Double-Blind Randomized Trial
Authors: Dolev Talya , Ben-David Merav , Shahadi Ilanit , Freed Yaakov , Zubedat Salman , Aga-Mizrachi Shlomit , Brand Zev , Galper Shira , Jacobson Galia , Avital Avi 
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Breast cancer patients and survivors frequently report fatigue, emotional, and cognitive disturbances, which reduce performance at all levels of occupation and make life quality issues a considerable clinical concern. The aim of this study is to evaluate attention and emotion regulation across radiotherapy period and the possible effects of complementary alternative medicine (CAM). Methods: Fifty-seven patients with unilateral breast cancer underwent surgery and systemic chemotherapy before participating in this double-blind randomized study. Two thirds were given CAM (n = 38) while the rest received placebo (carrier only, n = 19). Patients’ attention and anxiety were physiologically tested at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks during the radiation period as well as 1-month after the end of radiation session. Results: Both groups showed similar levels of anxiety with no significant differences at baseline nor post-radiotherapy. Long-term significant recovery of attention performance was observed in the CAM patients, accompanied by a similar tendency in anxiety level, measured by the eye-blink probability. Conclusions: This study physiologically validates the attention impairment reported among breast cancer survivors; also, it depicted a beneficial late-effect of a routine CAM on attention dysregulation. The suggested non-invasive physiological measures can physiologically monitor patients’ psychological and cognitive well-being as well as evaluate the beneficial effect of CAM in breast cancer patients by assessing their coping ability to support the treatment plan. Thus, the results have potential clinical implications on patients’ and survivors’ quality of life. Trial Registration: NIH, NCT02890316. Registered July 2016, http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov
Comparison Between Isometric and Concentric Motor Fatigability in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis and Healthy Controls – exploring central and peripheral contributions of motor fatigability
Authors: Gaemelke Tobias , Riemenschneider Morten , Dalgas Ulrik , Kjølhede Tue , Rasmussen Cuno , Stenager Egon , Overgaard Kristian , Hvid Lars G. 
Published: May 2021

Background Motor fatigability (i.e. contraction-induced reduction in muscle strength) from a concentric task associate stronger to walking and perception of fatigue in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), compared with an isometric task. However, the central and peripheral contributions of motor fatigability between these tasks have not been investigated. Objective Compare the central and peripheral contributions of motor fatigability in the knee extensors in a sustained isometric fatigability protocol versus a concentric fatigability protocol and in pwMS versus healthy controls (HCs). Methods Participants (n=31 pwMS; n=15 HCs) underwent neuromuscular testing before and immediately after two knee extensor fatigability tasks (sustained isometric and concentric) in an isokinetic dynamometer. Neuromuscular testing of fatigability consisted of maximal voluntary contraction, voluntary activation (central/neural contributor), and resting twitch (peripheral/muscular contributor) determined by the interpolated twitch technique. Results Sustained isometric and concentric fatigability protocols resulted in motor fatigability for both pwMS and HCs, with no between-protocols differences for either group. Regression analysis showed that motor fatigability variance in pwMS was mainly attributed to central fatigability in the sustained isometric protocol and to both central and peripheral fatigability in the concentric protocol. In HCs, the variance in sustained isometric and concentric fatigability were attributed to both peripheral and central fatigability. Conclusion Central and peripheral contributions of motor fatigability differed between sustained isometric and concentric protocols as well as between pwMS and HCs. These between-protocol differences in pwMS provide a neuromuscular dimension to the reported difference in the strength of associations of concentric and isometric tasks to walking and perception of fatigue in pwMS.
Effects of a Tailored Physical Activity Intervention on Cardiovascular Structure and Function in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Williams Alexandra M. , Ma Jasmin K. , Martin Ginis Kathleen A. , West Christopher R. 
Published: May 2021

Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to a loss of descending motor and sympathetic control below the level of injury (LOI), which ultimately results in chronically altered cardiovascular function and remodeling. While supervised, laboratory-based exercise training can generate cardiovascular adaptations in people with SCI, it is unknown whether behavioral community-based interventions effectively generate such adaptations for individuals with SCI. Objective Examine the effects of a tailored behavioral physical activity (PA) intervention on cardiac and vascular structure and function in individuals with SCI. Methods In this randomized controlled trial, 32 participants with SCI (18-65 years, SCI >1 year) were assigned to PA (8-week behavioral intervention) or control (CON) groups. At baseline and postintervention, measures of resting left ventricular (LV) structure and function, carotid intima-media thickness and pulse-wave velocity were assessed with ultrasound and tonometry. Results Twenty-eight participants completed the study (n = 14/group). Across the full study cohort there were no significant changes in indices of LV or vascular structure and function, despite notable improvements in peak power and oxygen uptake in the PA group. However, in a subanalysis for LOI, individuals in the PA group with LOIs below T6 had evidence of altered LV geometry (ie, increased LV internal diameter, reduced sphericity index and relative wall thickness; group × time P < 0.05 for all), which was not seen in individuals with higher LOIs at or above T6. Conclusion An 8-week behavioral PA intervention appears to promote adaptations in cardiac geometry more readily in individuals with lower level SCI than those with higher-level SCI.
VariClose® vein sealing system is inferior to endovenous laser ablation for the treatment of varicose veins
Authors: Balaz Peter , Rokosny Slavomir , Whitley Adam 
Published: May 2021

Background One of the three commercially available cyanoacrylate venous glues used for the treatment of saphenous vein insufficiency is the VariClose® vein sealing system. Previous studies have documented a high rate of occlusion and minimal postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to compare occlusion rates and clinical outcomes of endovenous laser treatment with the VariClose® vein sealing system in the treatment of truncal vein insufficiency. Patients and methods Retrospective non-randomized single center study with prospectively collected data comparing endovenous laser treatment and VariClose® procedures between April 2018 and November 2019. Results VariClose® was used in 27 patients (30 veins) and endovenous laser treatment in 42 patients (51 veins). The occlusion rate at one, three, and six months were 96%, 85%, and 65% for VariClose® procedures and 100%, 100%, and 97% for endovenous laser treatment procedures ( p = 0.01), respectively. Reduction of VCSS scores before treatment and at the last postoperative follow-up visit in the VariClose® group dropped by an average of 1.8 ± 1.6 and in the endovenous laser treatment by an average of 3.3 ± 2.9 ( p = 0.01). Conclusion VariClose® vein sealing system is inferior to endovenous laser treatment as a treatment option for varicose veins as it has a higher recanalization rate.
Microarray profile of circular RNAs identifies hsa_circ_000455 as a new circular RNA biomarker for deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Lou Zhenkai , Li Xing , Li Chengyong , Li Xingguo , Du Kaili , Zhang Fan , Wang Bing 
Published: May 2021

Objects Deep vein thrombosis is a type of severe venous thromboembolism that can result in high mortality and morbidity. The expression alternation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been found in various diseases. However, the function of circRNAs in deep vein thrombosis still remains unknown. Method The blood samples of deep vein thrombosis patients and health control were selected, circRNA microarray was performed, and qPCR was used to verify the expression of circRNAs. Also, GO/KEGG analysis was performed, and hsa_circ_RNA_000455-targeted miRNA–mRNA network was predicted. Result Here, we found that 303 circRNAs were differentially expressed in deep vein thrombosis using microarray, of which 83 circRNAs were upregulated and 220 circRNAs were downregulated. The expression of five circRNAs verified by quantitative real-time PCR was consistent with the result of microarray. GO analysis showed that the top 100 differentially expressed circRNAs in deep vein thrombosis patients were closely related to protein transport, cytoplasm, and Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) binding. The most significantly enriched pathways by KEGG analysis included thyroid hormone-signaling pathway, endocytosis, proteoglycans in cancer, Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, focal adhesion, insulin-signaling pathway, p53-signaling pathway, biosynthesis of antibiotics, bacterial invasion of epithelial cells, and AMP-activated protein kinase-signaling pathway. Then, hsa_circ_000455 was selected, and the function of hsa_circ_000455 in the pathogenesis of deep vein thrombosis was analyzed via circRNA–miRNA–mRNA network. We therefore hypothesized that hsa_circRNA_000455/hsa-miR-22-3p/NLRP3 may involve in the development of deep vein thrombosis. Conclusion This study provided valuable information on circRNA profile in deep vein thrombosis for the first time and gave clues on the possible role and mechanism of hsa_circRNA_000455 in deep vein thrombosis.
The relative importance of predictive factors for single first-generation EGFR-TKI use for more than 5 years in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: Taiwan multicenter TIPS-5 study
Authors: Huang Yen-Hsiang , Hung Jen-Yu , Ko How-Wen , Su Po-Lan , Lai Chun-Liang , Chang Huang-Chih , Hsia Te-Chun , Lin Sheng-Hao , Wu Kuan-Li , Yang Cheng-Ta , Su Wu-Chou , Chu Yi-Chun , Wang Chin-Chou , Liao Wei-Yu , Lin Yen-Ting , Lin Ching-Hsiung , Lin Meng-Chih , Hsu Kuo-Hsuan , Tseng Jeng-Sen , Yang Tsung-Ying , Chen Kun-Chieh , Lee Mei-Hsuan , Yu Sung-Liang , Ho Chao-Chi , Chang Gee-Chen 
Published: May 2021

Background: The relative importance of predictive factors for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment remains unclear. Materials and methods: We retrospectively enrolled advanced NSCLC patients with single first-generation EGFR-TKI treatment for ⩾5 years (Y) in Taiwan. Clinical data was collected and compared with those of another cohort with single first-line EGFR-TKI treatment for <5 Y. Plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) samples were collected from patient subsets, pre- and post-TKI, in the >5 Y group. Results: Overall, 128 and 278 patients were enrolled in the ⩾5 Y and <5 Y groups, respectively. Significant factors in the multivariate analysis of patients’ characteristics including Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0–1, postoperative recurrence, without brain metastasis, oligometastasis (each score of 2), female sex, erlotinib use, and without bone metastasis (each score of 1), were incorporated into a risk scoring system. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.82 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.78–0.86]. Of the plasma cfDNA samples from 33 patients in the ⩾5 Y group, only 1 had a T790M in 25 patients without progressive disease. In 27 patients with single agent use for ⩾96 months, 22 (81.5%) received local treatment (surgery or radiotherapy) for the primary lung tumor before and during TKI treatment. Conclusion: For NSCLC patients with single first-generation EGFR-TKI use for ⩾5 Y, factors with different relative importance exist and the risk-scoring model is feasible with modest accuracy. The role of local treatment for primary tumors in patients with long-term TKI use requires further investigation.
A proximal interphalangeal joint custom-made orthosis in trigger finger: Functional outcome
Authors: Pataradool Kawee , Lertmahandpueti Chayanin 
Published: May 2021

Introduction Trigger finger is a common and functionally limiting disorder. Finger immobilization using an orthotic device is one of the conservative treatment options for treating this condition. The most common orthosis previously described for trigger finger is metacarpophalangeal joint immobilization. There are limited studies describing the effectiveness of proximal interphalangeal joint orthosis for treatment of trigger finger. Methods This study was a single group pretest-posttest design. Adult patients with single digit idiopathic trigger finger were recruited and asked to wear a full-time orthoses for 6 weeks. The pre- and post-outcome measures included Quick-DASH score, the Stages of Stenosing Tenosynovitis (SST), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, the number of triggering events in ten active fists, and participant satisfaction with symptom improvement. Orthotic devices were made with thermoplastic material fabricated with adjustable Velcro tape at the dorsal side. All participants were given written handouts on this disease, orthotic care and gliding exercises. Paired t-tests were used to determine changes in outcome measures before and after wearing the orthosis. Results There were 30 participants included in this study. Evaluation after the use of PIP joint orthosis at 6 weeks revealed that there were statistically significant improvements in Quick-DASH score from enrolment (mean difference −29.0 (95%CI −34.5 to −23.4); p < 0.001), SST (mean difference −1.4 (95%CI −1.8 to −1.0); p < 0.001) and VAS (mean difference −3.4 (95%CI −4.3 to −2.5); p < 0.001). There were no serious adverse events and patient satisfaction with the treatment was high. Conclusions Despite our small study size, the use of proximal interphalangeal joint orthosis for 6 weeks resulted in statistically significant improvements in function, pain and triggering, and also high rates of acceptance in patients with isolated idiopathic trigger finger.
Limiting factors to Boolean remission differ between autoantibody-positive and -negative patients in early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Bugatti Serena , De Stefano Ludovico , Manzo Antonio , Sakellariou Garifallia , Xoxi Blerina , Montecucco Carlomaurizio 
Published: May 2021

Background: The patient global assessment of disease activity (PGA) is the major limiting factor to Boolean remission in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we investigated the limiting variables to disease remission in patients with early RA treated with conventional synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, also in relation to autoantibody status. Methods: Data were retrieved from 535 early RA patients (<12 months of symptoms) with an observation period of 6–12 months upon initiation of therapy with methotrexate aimed at the achievement of low disease activity based on the 28-joints disease activity score. Near-remission was defined as any of the four core items of Boolean remission >1 with the remaining three all ⩽1. Reasons for missing Boolean remission and predictors of near-remission subcategories were analyzed in relation to baseline disease variables. Results: After 6 and 12 months, near-remission was two-times more frequent than Boolean remission (25.6% and 26.9% at the two time-points). A 28-swollen joint count (SJC28) >1 was responsible for the majority of near-remission (56.2% and 57.6% at 6 and 12 months, respectively), and PGA > 1 accounted for approximatively 35% of the cases. Autoantibody-positivity independently predicted the risk of missing remission because of SJC28 > 1 [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.81 (1.59–4.9) at 6 months and 1.73 (1.01–3.01) at 12 months], whilst autoantibody-negativity was an independent predictor of PGA near-remission [adjusted OR (95% CI) 2.45 (1.25–4.80) at 6 months and 5.71 (2.47–13.2) at 12 months]. Conclusion: In early RA, Boolean remission is more frequently missed because of persistent swollen joints. However, barriers to full-remission vary in relation to the autoantibody status. Autoantibody-positive patients more commonly experience residual swollen joints, whilst PGA more frequently impairs remission in autoantibody-negative patients. Efforts to target full-remission in early RA may thus require different strategies according to autoantibody profile.
A qualitative examination of the impacts of financial stress on college students’ well-being: Insights from a large, private institution
Authors: Moore Andrea , Nguyen Annie , Rivas Sabrina , Bany-Mohammed Ayah , Majeika Jarod , Martinez Lauren 
Published: May 2021

Objective: This qualitative research aims to provide deeper insight into college students’ experiences by examining the impact of financial stress on their well-being. Methods: Four focus groups were conducted at a large, private, urban university in the United States over the course of 1 month, each lasting approximately 1 h. Facilitators used a structured moderator guide to maintain consistency. Four focus groups were conducted and a total of 30 students participated. Students were primarily Asian (66.7%) and White (30.0%), and a majority were female (86.7%). Student participants were 43.3% undergraduate and 56.6% graduate. Transcripts were analyzed in Atlas.ti 8 software using line-by-line open coding guided by the principles of qualitative content analysis. An inductive approach was utilized to code the data. Emergent categories and concepts were then organized hierarchically into themes and subthemes. Results: Two overarching themes emerged from the focus group analysis. In these students’ perspectives, financial stress impedes their ability to succeed academically. Another major theme is the impact of finances on students’ social lives. Students experiencing financial stress find it challenging to navigate relationships with wealthier peers, often leading to feelings of isolation and embarrassment. Conclusion: Given the reported negative impact on students’ well-being, further research is needed to determine methods for mitigating financial stress.
The contribution of teledentistry in detecting tooth erosion in patients with eating disorders
Authors: Giraudeau Nicolas , Camman Paul , Pourreyron Laurence , Inquimbert Camille , Lefebvre Patrick 
Published: May 2021

Objective The aim of this study was to demonstrate that including a teledentistry consultation in the standard care provided to patients in an eating disorder day hospital could be beneficial, notably for screening for particular pathologies and preventing dental erosion. Methods We included 50 patients from the eating disorders unit of the University Hospital of Montpellier, all of whom underwent a dental examination using asynchronous telemedicine. We recorded the data using teledentistry software for the medical file and an intraoral camera for the clinical videos. Remote diagnosis was performed using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination index. In addition, the participants completed a questionnaire to assess their risk factors for dental pathologies. Results We found dental erosion in 92% of the patients, and 50% had at least one tooth with BEWE 2 or 3 type erosion. Conclusions Despite the fact that there can be wide variety within a group of individuals with similar risk factors, dental telemedicine could promote awareness within this at-risk population, as well as provide personalised prevention advice to each patient. Above all, it would make it possible to treat these patients' lesions at the earliest possible moment, thereby improving their outcomes.
Distinguishing atrial fibrillation from sinus rhythm using commercial pulse detection systems: The non-interventional BAYathlon study
Authors: Müller Christian , Hengstmann Ulf , Fuchs Michael , Kirchner Martin , Kleinjung Frank , Mathis Harald , Martin Stephan , Bläse Ingo , Perings Stefan 
Published: May 2021

Objective Early diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a priority for stroke prevention. We sought to test four commercial pulse detection systems (CPDSs) for ability to distinguish AFib from normal sinus rhythm using a published algorithm (Zhou et al., PLoS One 2015;10:e0136544), compared with visual diagnosis by electrocardiogram inspection. Methods BAYathlon was a prospective, non-interventional, single-centre study. Adult cardiology patients with documented AFib or sinus rhythm who were due to have a routine 5-min electrocardiogram were randomized to undergo a parallel 5-min pulse assessment with a Polar V800, eMotion Faros 360, TomTom heart rate monitor, or Adidas miCoach Smart Run. Results 144 patients (73 with AFib, 71 with sinus rhythm (based on electrocardiograms); median age: 73 years; 53.5% male) were analysed. Algorithm sensitivities (primary endpoint) and specificities for AFib when applied to CPDS recordings were 93.3% and 94.1% with the Polar V800, 90.0% and 84.2% with the eMotion Faros 360, and 0% and 100% with the other CPDSs (analysis period: 127 heart rate signals + 2 min). When applied to routine electrocardiograms, the algorithm correctly detected AFib in 71/73 patients. Different analysis periods (127 heart rate signals +1 or 3 min) only slightly changed the sensitivities with the Polar V800 and eMotion Faros 360 and had no effect on the sensitivities with the other CPDSs. Conclusion AFib screening using the applied algorithm is feasible with the Polar V800 and eMotion Faros 360 (which provide RR interval data) but not with the other CPDSs (which provide pre-processed heart rate time series). ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02875106