bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ophthalmology-focused publications and findings on COVID-19: A systematic review
Authors: Jin Ya-Ping , Trope Graham E , El-Defrawy Sherif , Liu Elin Y , Buys Yvonne M 
Published: February 2021

Purpose: To summarize COVID-19 research endeavors by ophthalmologists/researchers in terms of publication numbers, journals and author countries, and to detail key findings. Methods: The LitCovid database was systematically reviewed for ophthalmology-focused COVID-19 articles. The quality of the evidence was assessed for articles investigating conjunctivitis in COVID-19 patients. Results: There were 21,364 articles in LitCovid on June 12, 2020, of which 215 (1%) were ophthalmology-focused. Of articles on COVID-19 transmission, 3.3% were ophthalmology-focused. Ophthalmology-focused articles were published in 68 journals and originated from 25 countries. The top five countries publishing ophthalmology-focused articles (China, India, United States of America, Italy, and United Kingdom) produced 145/215 (67%) articles. A total of 16 case reports/series from eight countries reported that conjunctivitis can be the initial or the only symptom of COVID-19 infection. Conjunctivitis may occur in the middle phase of COVID-19 illness. A total of 10 hospital-based cross-sectional studies reported that between 0% and 31.6% of COVID-19 patients have conjunctivitis or other ocular conditions, with a pooled prevalence of 5.5% reported in a meta-analysis. Viral RNA was detected in conjunctival swabs of patients with and without ocular manifestations, after resolution of conjunctivitis, after nasopharyngeal swabs turned negative and in retina of deceased COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: Within 3 months of declaring the COVID-19 pandemic, 215 ophthalmology-focused articles were published in PubMed, concentrating on disease manifestations and transmission. The reported presence of conjunctivitis or other ocular conditions in COVID-19 patients is varied. Clinicians should be alert for ocular involvement in COVID-19 infections and possible ocular transmission even in patients without ocular symptoms.
Does Exercise Influence Kynurenine/Tryptophan Metabolism and Psychological Outcomes in Persons With Age-Related Diseases? A Systematic Review
Authors: Lim Anthony , Harijanto Christel , Vogrin Sara , Guillemin Gilles , Duque Gustavo 
Published: February 2021

Background: The kynurenine (KYN) pathway has been implicated in many diseases associated with inflammation and aging (“inflammaging”). Targeting the kynurenine pathway to modify disease outcomes has been trialled pharmacologically, but the evidence of non-pharmacological means (ie, exercise) remains unclear. Objective: We aim to assess the evidence of the effects of exercise on the kynurenine pathway and psychological outcomes. Methods: Under Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMCARE, and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials. The main outcomes were changes in kynurenine pathway metabolite levels and psychological outcomes. Results: Six studies were analyzed (total n = 379) with exercise demonstrating significant concomitant effects on kynurenine pathway metabolite levels and associated psychological outcomes in domains of somatization, anxiety, and depression. Conclusion: Exercise has significant concomitant effect on kynurenine pathway metabolite levels and psychological outcomes. However, clear limitations exist in determining if the changes in the kynurenine pathway can fully explain the changes in psychological outcomes, or whether different diseases and exercise interventions act as confounding factors.
Impact of a telemonitoring intervention in patients with chronic heart failure in Germany: A difference-in-difference matching approach using real-world data
Authors: Rabbe Stefan , Blankart Carl R , Franz Wolfgang-Michael , Hager Lutz , Schreyögg Jonas 
Published: February 2021

Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a non-invasive telemonitoring intervention on mortality, healthcare costs, and hospital and pharmaceutical utilisation in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) of a large statutory health insurer in Germany. Methods In a retrospective observational cohort study using real-world data, we assessed differences between 635 patients who received a telemonitoring intervention versus 635 receiving usual care covering 36 months after intervention. We used propensity score matching on a set of 102 parameters collected in the 24-month pre-intervention period to correct for observed differences, as well as difference-in-difference (DiD) estimators to account for unobserved differences. We analysed the effect of the intervention for up to three years on (i) all-cause mortality; (ii) costs (i.e. inpatient stays, ambulatory care, pharmaceuticals, and medical aids and appliances); and (iii) healthcare utilisation (i.e. length and number of hospital stays, number of prescriptions). Results DiD estimates suggest lower inpatient costs of the telemonitoring group of up to €1160 (95% confidence interval (CI): –2253 to –69) in year three. Ambulatory care costs increased significantly in all three years up to €316 (95% CI: 1267 to 505) per year. Telemonitoring had a positive effect on survival (hazard ratio = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.51 to 0.99) and increased the number of prescriptions for diuretics. Effects were more prominent for patients with severe CHF. Discussion The study suggests that the telemonitoring intervention led to a significant decrease in mortality and a shift in costs from the inpatient to the ambulatory care sector 36 months after intervention.
Psychometric validation of a pre-existing questionnaire used to measure patient satisfaction following orthodontic treatment in a UK population
Authors: Tidbury Katy , Sayers Mark , Andiappan Manoharan , Newton Jonathon T 
Published: February 2021

Objective: To determine the psychometric properties of a pre-existing orthodontic satisfaction questionnaire and to assess patient satisfaction of their orthodontic treatment. Design: Psychometric assessment of a pre-existing orthodontic satisfaction questionnaire. Setting: Two sites at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Participants: Individuals aged 12–15 years who had completed fixed orthodontic treatment. Methods: An expert panel assessed a pre-existing orthodontic treatment satisfaction questionnaire for validity and readability. As a result, revisions were made to the questionnaire and it was distributed to 103 participants aged 12–15 years, on completion of their fixed orthodontic treatment (T1). Test–retest reliability of the questionnaire was assessed through completion of a second questionnaire by 17 participants, at a two-week interval (T2). The questionnaire was assessed for reliability using item-total correlations (I-TC) and Cronbach’s alpha. Factor analysis allowed exploration of the underlying factor structure of the questionnaire. Test–retest reliability was assessed using Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Multiple regression analysis was used to find out the significant demographic variables that predicts the satisfaction level of treatment. Results: Following validity and readability assessment by the expert panel, the questionnaire was revised. Eleven items were removed following item analysis (with I-TC ⩽ 0.3). Factor analysis was deemed uninterpretable. The overall scale demonstrated greater reliability than the underlying sub-scales. Therefore, the sub-scales were removed, resulting in one scale which assessed overall orthodontic satisfaction, comprising 37 items, with a Cronbach alpha of 0.92. The test–retest reliability of the revised 37-item scale was deemed to be poor (kappa coefficient = 0.39). Multiple regression analysis identified ethnicity as a significant predictor of orthodontic treatment satisfaction ( P = 0.01). Conclusion: This study provides a valid measure to assess orthodontic treatment satisfaction for use in a UK population aged 12–15 years on completion of fixed orthodontic treatment.
Hyperglycemia compromises the ischemia-provoked dedifferentiation of cerebral pericytes through p21–SOX2 signaling in high-fat diet-induced murine model
Authors: Wang Hao-Kuang , Huang Chih-Yuan , Chen Yun-Wen , Sun Yuan-Ting 
Published: February 2021

Aim: Diabetes-related cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) causes neurological deficits. Patients with diabetes showed pericyte loss as a hallmark of retinopathy. Cerebral pericytes, which densely localize around brain capillaries, are quiescent stem cells regulating regeneration of brain and may have a role in CSVD development. This study investigated whether diabetes impairs ischemia-provoked dedifferentiation of pericytes. Methods: A murine high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetes model was used. After cerebral ischemia induction in the mice, pericytes were isolated and grown for a sphere formation assay. Results: The sphere counts from the HFD group were lower than those in the chow group. As the spheres formed, pericyte marker levels decreased and SOX2 levels increased gradually in the chow group, but not in the HFD group. Before sphere formation, pericytes from the HFD group showed high p21 levels. The use of a p21 inhibitor rescued the reduction of sphere counts in the HFD group. At cellular level, hyperglycemia-induced ROS increased the level of p21 in cerebral pericytes. The p21-SOX2 signaling was then activated after oxygen-glucose deprivation. Conclusion: HFD-induced diabetes compromises the stemness of cerebral pericytes by altering p21–SOX2 signaling. These results provide evidence supporting the role of pericytes in diabetes-related CSVD and subsequent cerebral dysfunction.
Experience With Unfavorable Iliac Access When Performing Fenestrated/Branched Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Hertault Adrien , Bianchini Aurélia , Daniel Guillaume , Martin-Gonzalez Teresa , Sweet Birgit , Sgorlon Giada , Fabre Dominique , Sobocinski Jonathan , Haulon Stéphan 
Published: February 2021

Purpose: To review a single-center experience with fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (f/bEVAR) in patients with challenging iliac anatomies. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of the department’s database identified 398 consecutive patients who underwent complex endovascular repair f/bEVAR between January 2010 and June 2018; of these, 67 had challenging accesses. The strategies implemented to overcome access issues were reviewed, using a dedicated scoring system to evaluate the access (integrating diameter, tortuosity, calcification, and previous open or endovascular repair). Results: In this subgroup of patients, the most common graft design was a 4-vessel fenestrated endograft (27, 40.3%). Hostile access was due to small diameter (<7 mm) in 25 patients (37.3%) and/or concentric calcifications in 19 patients (26.9%). Mean iliac diameter was 5.5±2.6 mm on the right side and 6.0±2.5 mm on the left side. Previous open or endovascular aortoiliac repair had been performed in 15 patients (22.4%), and 20 patients (29.9%) had a stent previously implanted in at least 1 iliac artery, resulting in the inability to perform standard fenestrated repair with access from both sides. Five patients (7.5%) had a single patent iliac access. Eight distinctive strategies were identified to overcome these access issues, including the use of preloaded renal catheters in the endograft delivery system, angioplasty, graft modification (branches instead of fenestrations or 4 preloaded fenestrations), a conduit via a retroperitoneal approach, iliac artery recanalization, and/or the multiple puncture technique. Technical success was achieved in 62 cases (92.5%). Four patients had access complications and 1 died in the early postoperative period of multiorgan failure. Median follow-up was 24.6 months (IQR 7.2, 41.3). Clinical success at the end of follow-up was achieved in 57 patients (85.1%). During follow-up, 14 patients died, including 4 from an aorta-related cause. Conclusion: Dedicated strategies can be implemented to overcome hostile iliac access in patients with complex aneurysms when f/bEVAR is required. Typically, these maneuvers are associated with favorable outcomes.
MicroRNA-144 Suppresses Prostate Cancer Growth and Metastasis by Targeting EZH2
Authors: Sun Xin-bo , Chen Yong-wei , Yao Qi-sheng , Chen Xu-hua , He Min , Chen Cong-bo , Yang Yong , Gong Xiao-xin , Huang Li 
Published: February 2021

Background: Prostate cancer is a common malignant tumor with a high incidence. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be important post-transcriptional regulators during tumorigenesis. This study aimed to explore the effect of miR-144 on PCa proliferation and apoptosis. Material and Methods: The expression of miR-144 and EZH2 were examined in clinical PCa tissues. PCa cell line LNCAP and DU-145 was employed and transfected with miR-144 mimics or inhibitors. The correlation between miR-144 and EZH2 was verified by luciferase reporter assay. Cell viability, apoptosis and migratory capacity were detected by CCK-8, flow cytometry assay and wound healing assay. The protein level of EZH2, E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin and vimentin were analyzed by western blotting. Results: miR-144 was found to be negatively correlated to the expression of EZH2 in PCa tissues. Further studies identified EZH2 as a direct target of miR-144. Moreover, overexpression of miR-144 downregulated expression of EZH2, reduced cell viability and promoted cell apoptosis, while knockdown of miR-144 led to an inverse result. miR-144 also suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition level of PCa cells. Conclusion: Our study indicated that miR-144 negatively regulate the expression of EZH2 in clinical specimens and in vitro. miR-144 can inhibit cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis in PCa cells. Therefore, miR-144 has the potential to be used as a biomarker for predicting the progression of PCa.
A Novel 10-Gene Signature Predicts Poor Prognosis in Low Grade Glioma
Authors: Liu Wentao , Zou Jiaxuan , Ren Rijun , Liu Jingping , Zhang Gentang , Wang Maokai 
Published: February 2021

Aim: Low grade glioma (LGG) is a lethal brain cancer with relatively poor prognosis in young adults. Thus, this study was performed to develop novel molecular biomarkers to effectively predict the prognosis of LGG patients and finally guide treatment decisions. Methods: survival-related genes were determined by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis using the expression and clinical data of 506 LGG patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and independently validated in a Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) dataset. A prognostic risk score was established based on a linear combination of 10 gene expression levels using the regression coefficients of the multivariate Cox regression models. GSEA was performed to analyze the altered signaling pathways between the high and low risk groups stratified by median risk score. Results: We identified a total of 1489 genes significantly correlated with patients’ prognosis in LGG. The top 5 protective genes were DISP2, CKMT1B, AQP7, GPR162 and CHGB, the top 5 risk genes were SP1, EYA3, ZSCAN20, ITPRIPL1 and ZNF217 in LGG. The risk score was predictive of poor overall survival and relapse-free survival in LGG patients. Pathways of small cell lung cancer, pathways in cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia, colorectal cancer were the top 4 most enriched pathways in the high risk group. SP1, EYA3, ZSCAN20, ITPRIPL1, ZNF217 and GPR162 were significantly up-regulated, while DISP2, CKMT1B, AQP7 were down-regulated in 523 LGG tissues as compared to 1141 normal brain controls. Conclusions: The 10-gene signature may become novel prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers to considerably improve the prognostic prediction in LGG.
Absent hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign is associated with poor functional outcome after mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Ume Kiddy L , Dandapat Sudeepta , Weber Matthew W , Zevallos Cynthia B , Fifer Amber , Levy Abigail , Delfino Kristin , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago , Siddiqui Fazeel M 
Published: February 2021

Background The hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign on computed tomography indicates proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion. Recent reports suggest an association between the hyperdense sign and successful reperfusion. The prognostic value of the hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign in patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy has not been extensively studied. Aims Our study aims to evaluate the association between the hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign and functional outcome in patients with M1 occlusions that had undergone mechanical thrombectomy. Methods We conducted a single-center retrospective observational cohort study of 102 consecutive patients presenting with acute M1 occlusions that had undergone mechanical thrombectomy. Patients were stratified into cohorts based on the presence of hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign visually assessed on computed tomography by two readers. The outcomes of interests were functional disability measured by the ordinal Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days, mortality, reperfusion status and hemorrhagic conversion. Results Out of the 102 patients with M1 occlusions, 71 had hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign. There was no significant difference between the cohorts in age, baseline mRS, NIHSS, ASPECTS, and time to reperfusion. The absence of hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign was associated with increased odds of being dependent or dying (higher mRS) (OR: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.30–8.06, p = 0.011) after adjusting for other significant predictors, including age, female sex, hypertension, presenting serum glucose, ASPECTS, CTA collateral score, and successful reperfusion. Conclusion The absence of hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign is associated with worse functional outcome in patients presenting with M1 occlusions undergoing thrombectomy.
Effect of Spatial Ambiances on the Patient Satisfaction and Well-Being in Hospitals: The Case of UHC Ibn Sina Annaba and UHC Benbadis Constantine—Algeria
Authors: Talantikite Soundouss I. , Bencherif Meriama 
Published: February 2021

Objectives: In this work, we aim to have a better understanding of the impact of the architectural ambiance on patient well-being, by exploring patient’s perception of physical ambiantal factors in their rooms. Background: Perception of ambiantal factors is beginning to be relatively documented in space psychology, including health. There is no research in this field in Algeria; therefore, we would like to fill this gap and draw attention to the importance of the ambiantal physical factors in our hospitals. Methods: We conducted a practical study via a 19-item questionnaire at the neurology hospitalization department of two hospitals. This is complemented by in situ observations and reactivated observations. Descriptive, principal component analysis and statistical tests were applied on the responses. Results: Thirteen ambiantal physical items studied were all classified relatively medium with mean scores ranging between −0.55 < mean < 1.34, with SD 0.765, on a scale of −2 to 2. Patients therefore consider the room ambiance medium. Patients’ satisfaction and well-being results meet with findings about ambiantal physical factors. Neurological diseases affect patient cognition, which increase the importance of space-sensitive perception. The bad general condition of the building is negatively pointed in all testimonies of the questioned, especially spatial organization with multiple occupation room. Conclusion: The results indicate that reflection should be oriented on the design of single or double rooms, taking into account the emotional (sensitive) state of the patient, by integrating ambiantal physical factors (natural lighting variable, sound variable, thermal variable, olfactory variable), to contribute significantly to their well-being.
Upregulated Expression of Toll-Like Receptor 7 in Peripheral Blood Basophils of Patients With Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Wang Lihong , Zhan Mengmeng , Wang Junling , Chen Dong , Zhao Nan , Wang Ling , Wang Wei , Zhang Xiaowen , Huang Yixia , Zhang Huiyun , He Shaoheng 
Published: February 2021

Background Recently, it has been reported that Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonists can improve allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms by up-regulation of Th1 cytokine release and suppression of Th2 cell functions. However, little is known of the expression of TLR7 in basophils of AR. Objective To explore the expression of TLR7 in basophils of AR, and influence of allergens on TLR7 expression. Methods The expression levels of TLR7 in basophils of patients with AR were determined by flow cytometry, and the influence of allergens on TLR7 expression was examined by real time (q) PCR. Results The percentages of TLR7+CCR3+ cells ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.011), TLR7+CD123+HLA-DR− cells ( P = 0 .016 and P = 0.042) and TLR7+CCR3+CD123+HLA-DR− cells ( P = 0.046 and P = 0.035) in blood granulocyte and mononucleated cell populations of the patients with AR were increased, respectively compared with HC subjects. TLR7 MFI on CCR3+ cells ( P = 0.050 and P = 0.043), CD123+HLA-DR− cells ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.002) and CCR3+CD123+HLA-DR− cells ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.003) were enhanced compared with HC subjects. Allergens Der p1 and OVA provoked upregulation of TLR7 expression at both protein and mRNA levels and IL-13 production in KU812 cells. House Dust Mite extract (HDME), Artemisia sieversiana wild allergen extract (ASWE), IL-31, IL-33, IL-37, and TSLP provoked elevation of IL-6 release from KU812 cells following 2 h incubation period. Conclusions The percentage of TLR7+ basophils and TLR7 expression intensity in a single basophil are both increased in the blood of patients with AR, indicating that basophils likely contribute to the pathogenesis of AR via TLR7.
Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma with osseous metaplasia
Authors: Zondo Mfundiso , Mukendi Alain Mwamba , Dhoodhat Faizel , Mtshali Nompumelelo , Mosiane Pulane 
Published: February 2021

Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma is an uncommon and distinctive subtype of renal neoplasm. Osseous metaplasia with renal cell carcinoma is extremely rare and only less than 20 cases have been reported in the literature distinctly in clear cell, papillary and chromophobe subtypes. There has only been one report of Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma with osseous metaplasia in an elderly woman. We present the first case of this unusual renal neoplasm associated with osseous metaplasia in an adolescent male with no history of previous exposure to chemotherapy who presented with symptomatic anemia due to painless haematuria. Level of evidence: Level 4.
Brain atrophy and clinical characteristics predicting SDMT performance in multiple sclerosis: A 10-year follow-up study
Authors: Jacobsen Cecilie , Zivadinov Robert , Myhr Kjell-Morten , Dalaker Turi O , Dalen Ingvild , Benedict Ralph HB , Bergsland Niels , Farbu Elisabeth 
Published: February 2021

Objectives To identify Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), clinical and demographic biomarkers predictive of worsening information processing speed (IPS) as measured by Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Methods Demographic, clinical data and 1.5 T MRI scans were collected in 76 patients at time of inclusion, and after 5 and 10 years. Global and tissue-specific volumes were calculated at each time point. For the primary outcome of analysis, SDMT was used. Results Worsening SDMT at 5-year follow-up was predicted by baseline age, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), SDMT, whole brain volume (WBV) and T2 lesion volume (LV), explaining 30.2% of the variance of SDMT. At 10-year follow-up, age, EDSS, grey matter volume (GMV) and T1 LV explained 39.4% of the variance of SDMT change. Conclusion This longitudinal study shows that baseline MRI-markers, demographic and clinical data can help predict worsening IPS. Identification of patients at risk of IPS decline is of importance as follow-up, treatment and rehabilitation can be optimized.