bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain and spinal MRI features distinguishing MS from different AQP4 antibody serostatus NMOSD at disease onset in a cohort of Latin American patients
Authors: Carnero Contentti Edgar , Marques Vanessa Daccach , Soto de Castillo Ibis , Tkachuk Verónica , Barreira Amilton Antunes , Caride Alejandro , Castillo Maria C , Cristiano Edgardo , de Aquino Cruz Camila , Braga Diégues Serva Gabriel , Santos Antonio Carlos dos , Labarca Rossanny , Lavigne Moreira Carolina , López Pablo A , Miguez Jimena , Molina Omaira , Pettinicchi Juan Pablo , Rojas Juan Ignacio 
Published: May 2019

Objective: We aimed to evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) previously used criteria (Matthews’s criteria, MC) for differentiating multiple sclerosis (MS) from neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) in Caucasian and non-Caucasian populations (Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela) with positive (P-NMOSD), negative (N-NMOSD), and unknown (U-NMOSD) aquaporin-4 antibody serostatus at disease onset and to assess the added diagnostic value of spinal cord MRI in these populations. Methods: We reviewed medical records, and MRIs were assessed by two blinded evaluators and were scored using MC. Short-segment transverse myelitis (STM) was added as a new criterion. MC sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were determined. Results: We included 282 patients (MS = 188 and NMOSD = 94). MC applied to the entire cohort showed 97.8% sensitivity, 82.9% specificity, 92.0% PPV, and 95.1% NPV for differentiating MS from NMOSD. A subanalysis applied only to non-Caucasian (MS = 89 and NMOSD = 47) showed 100% sensitivity, 80.8% specificity, 90.8% PPV, and 100% NPV. Similar sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of MC for MS versus P-NMOSD ( n = 55), N-NMOSD ( n = 28), and U-NMOSD ( n = 21) were observed. Conclusion: MC distinguished MS from NMOSD of all serostatus in a Latin American cohort that included non-Caucasian populations. Addition of STM to MC did not raise the accuracy significantly.
Resilience and depression among the survivors of the 2013 Yaan earthquake
Authors: Huang Yunong , Wong Hung , Fu Yao 
Published: May 2019

Summary Recent research on disaster survivors has increasingly emphasized the concept of resilience. Little is known, however, about the relationship between community resilience and mental health and about the moderating effects of personal and community resilience on the relationship between disaster impact and mental health among disaster survivors. Based on a cross-sectional survey of the survivors of the 2013 Yaan earthquake (N = 495) conducted in June 2014, this research examined the relationship between community economic resilience and mental health and the moderating effects of personal and community economic resilience on the relationship between disaster impact and mental health among disaster survivors. Findings Regression analysis indicated that community economic resilience (β = −.19, p < .001) is significantly associated with depression. The relationship between earthquake impact on income and depression is moderated by community economic resilience (β = .12, p < .01) but not by personal resilience. Applications To buffer depression among disaster survivors, social workers and other mental health professionals may help enhance their personal resilience though encouraging them to develop positive attitudes toward adversities and improve community economic resilience through promoting a more effective disaster management system.
Evaluating the Scope of Malignant Bone Tumor Using ADC Measurement on ADC Map
Authors: Chen Haisong , Wu Zengjie , Xu Wenjian , Pang Jing , Jia Meng , Dong Cheng , Li Xiaoli 
Published: May 2019

Background: It is very important for surgeons to know the accurate borders of malignant bone tumors before they can precisely resect the tumors. The objective of the study is to investigate the usefulness of apparent diffusion coefficient value for estimating the extent of malignant bone tumor. Methods: VX2 tumor fragments were implanted into the tibiae of 30 rabbits. After 4 weeks, magnetic resonance plain scans were performed and then tumor specimens were cut into sagittal sections and partitioned into histology slices for dot-to-dot comparisons with microscopic findings. The sizes of the tumors measured separately on specimen, conventional magnetic resonance imaging sequences, and diffusion-weighted imaging (by measuring apparent diffusion coefficient value on apparent diffusion coefficient mapping) were compared statistically with each other. Results: The mean tumor sizes measured on specimen and apparent diffusion coefficient mapping (by calculating apparent diffusion coefficient value) were 5.20 ± 0.89 cm and 5.31 ± 0.87 cm, respectively; there was no significant difference between the 2 ( P > .05). The tumor sizes measured on T1WI, T2WI, T2WI with fat suppression were 4.82 ± 0.87 cm, 5.58 ± 0.87 cm, 5.63 ± 0.85 cm, respectively, and these values were significantly different from that measured on specimen (5.20 ± 0.89 cm, P < .05). Conclusion: The extent of the VX2 malignant bone tumor can be estimated accurately by measurement of apparent diffusion coefficient value.
A national economic and clinical model for ischemic stroke care development in Saudi Arabia: A call for change
Authors: Al-Senani Fahmi , Al-Johani Mohammed , Salawati Mohammad , ElSheikh Souda , AlQahtani Maha , Muthana Jamal , AlZahrani Saeed , Shore Judith , Taylor Matthew , Ravest Valeska S , Eggington Simon , Cuche Matthieu , Davies Heather , Lobotesis Kyriakos , Saver Jeffrey L 
Published: May 2019

Background Stroke is a significant burden in Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Ministry of Health's stroke committee has identified an urgent need to improve care. Aim The purpose of this study was to undertake a health-economic analysis to quantify the impact of developing stroke care in the country. Methods An economic model was developed to assess the costs and clinical outcomes associated with an ischemic stroke care development program compared with current stroke care. Based on Saudi epidemiological data, cohorts of ischemic stroke patients enter the model each year for the first 10 years based on increasing incidence. Four treatment options were modeled including reperfusion and non-reperfusion treatments. The development scenario estimates the impact of gradually increasing uptake of more effective treatments over 10 years. Changes in the stroke care organization are considered along with resources required to increase capacity, allowing more patients to be admitted to stroke hospitals and access effective treatments. Results The stroke care development program is associated with an increase in functionally independent patients and a decrease in disabling strokes compared with current stroke care. Additionally, the development program is associated with estimated cost savings of $602 million over 15 years ($255 million direct costs, $348 million indirect costs). Conclusions The model predicts that the stroke care development program is associated with improved patient outcomes and lower overall costs compared with the current stroke care program.
Remote Temperature Monitoring in Patients With Visual Impairment Due to Diabetes Mellitus: A Proposed Improvement to Current Standard of Care for Prevention of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Killeen Amanda L. , Brock Kara M. , Dancho James F. , Walters Jodi L. 
Published: May 2019

Background: Two debilitating sequelae of diabetes are foot ulcerations and vision impairing conditions including retinopathy, open-angle glaucoma, and cataracts. Current standard of care recommends daily visual screening of feet. Despite willingness, many patients are impeded by visual impairment. We investigate whether once-daily remote temperature monitoring can improve self-screening for patients at risk for diabetic foot complications. Methods: We followed four male veterans with diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, impaired visual acuity, and at least one other diabetes-related visual impairment in a high-risk podiatry clinic. Patients received a telemedicine remote temperature monitoring mat and instructed on proper daily use. Each patient developed a “hotspot,” defined as a 1.75°C localized temperature difference between matched pedal locations, which resulted in telephone triage outreach. Results: In three cases, outreach resulted in a sooner appointment where patients were found to have a relevant outcome at the hotspot. Patients in cases 1-3 had University of Texas (UT) 1A ulcerations. The patient in case 4 had inflammation from trauma. All patients had refractive errors plus another vision impairing condition that potentially delayed identification of lesions. Patients in cases 1 and 2 have cataracts, patients in cases 2 and 3 have retinopathy, and patient in case 4 has glaucoma. Conclusions: As an adjunct to daily preventative diabetic self-care, once-daily remote temperature monitoring technology can augment self-screening to prompt necessary outreach and treatment and potentially prevent costly and debilitating diabetic foot complications. This case series serves as a pilot study for real-world application of thermometry, where further large-scale research is needed.
The Perceptions of Nurses About the Behavioral Needs for Daylighting and View to the Outside in Inpatient Facilities
Authors: Gharaveis Arsalan , Yekita Hamed , Shamloo Gholamreza 
Published: May 2019

Objectives: This research aims to explore the perceptions of nursing staff regarding the effects of daylighting on behavioral factors including mood, stress, satisfaction, medical error, and efficiency. Background: In spite of an extensive body of literature seeking to investigate the impact of daylighting on patients, a limited number of studies have been done for the sake of nurses’ perceptions and behavioral responses. Method: A mixed-methods approach, comprised of qualitative explorations (structured interviews) and a validated survey, was applied and the results were compared and triangulated. Five nurses were interviewed and 156 nurses volunteered for a lighting survey from six departments of three inpatient facilities in Iran. Results: The findings of this study are consistent with the existing evidence that daylighting and view to the outside enhance nurses’ perceptions regarding satisfaction, mood, stress, medical error, and alertness, while reducing fatigue and stress. Conclusion: Patient rooms and work stations are the most crucial areas to provide daylighting from nurses’ perspectives.
Adverse effects of BMPR2 suppression in macrophages in animal models of pulmonary hypertension
Authors: West James , Chen Xinping , Yan Ling , Gladson Santhi , Loyd James , Rizwan Hamid , Talati Megha 
Published: May 2019

Inflammatory cells contribute to irreversible damage in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We hypothesized that in PAH, dysfunctional BMPR2 signaling in macrophages contributes to pulmonary vascular injury and phenotypic changes via proinflammatory cytokine production. Studies were conducted in: (1) Rosa26‐rtTA2 3 X TetO7‐Bmpr2delx4 FVB/N mice (mutant Bmpr2 is universally expressed, BMPR2delx4 mice) given a weekly intra‐tracheal liposomal clodronate injections for four weeks; and (2) LysM‐Cre X floxed BMPR2 X floxed eGFP monocyte lineage‐specific BMPR2 knockout (KO) mouse model (Bmpr2 gene expression knockdown in monocytic lineage cells) (BMPR2KO) following three weeks of sugen/hypoxia treatment. In the BMPR2delx4 mice, increased right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP; P < 0.05) was normalized by clodronate, and in monocyte lineage‐specific BMPR2KO mice sugen hypoxia treatment increased (P < 0.05) RVSP compared to control littermates, suggesting that suppressed BMPR2 in macrophages modulate RVSP in animal models of PH. In addition, in these mouse models, muscularized pulmonary vessels were increased (P < 0.05) and surrounded by an increased number of macrophages. Elimination of macrophages in BMPR2delx4 mice reduced the number of muscularized pulmonary vessels and macrophages surrounding these vessels. Further, in monocyte lineage‐specific BMPR2KO mice, there was significant increase in proinflammatory cytokines, including C‐X‐C Motif Chemokine Ligand 12 (CXCL12), complement component 5 a (C5a), Interleukin‐16 (IL‐16), and secretory ICAM. C5a positive inflammatory cells present in and around the pulmonary vessels in the PAH lung could potentially be involved in pulmonary vessel remodeling. In summary, our data indicate that, in BMPR2‐related PAH, macrophages with dysfunctional BMPR2 influence pulmonary vascular remodeling and phenotypic outcomes via proinflammatory cytokine production.
Five-year results of endovascular aortic repair used according to instructions for use give a good general outcome for abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Unsgård Runa G , Altreuther Martin , Lange Conrad , Hammer Tommy , Mattsson Erney 
Published: May 2019

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the rate of sac enlargement and secondary procedures after 5 years when instructions for use are strictly applied with endovascular aortic repair. The secondary aim was to investigate if strict indications with endovascular aortic repair, rendering more open operations, would change the general outcome of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm. Materials and methods: Patients having their abdominal aortic aneurysm procedure in a single institution between 01 January 2002 and 31 December 2006 were included. Indications for endovascular aortic repair were as follows: aortic neck: length 15 mm or more, diameter 32 mm or less and straight configuration; iliac arteries: length > 10 mm, 7.5–20 mm in diameter. Sac enlargement was defined as an increase in diameter of 5 mm or more. Results: A total of 123 patients were intended to be treated electively with endovascular aortic repair from 2002 to 2007 using Cook Zenith stent grafts. In the same period, 147 patients were treated with elective open repair. At 5 years, 7.3% (N = 9) of the elective intended-to-treat patients with endovascular aortic repair had a sac enlargement. Thirty-five percent of the patients were registered with endoleaks, 13% of the patients had secondary procedures, 12.2% of the patients had early and 6.5% late complications during the follow-up period. Aneurysm rupture was seen in 1.6% of the patients. During the 5-year follow-up period, 34 (27.6%) of the endovascular aortic repair patients died. Five-year mortality for open repair was 23.8%, and 12.2% of the open repair patients had secondary procedures. Conclusion: Endovascular aortic repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm in accordance with instructions for use gives a low long-term risk for increased diameter and low rate of secondary procedures. There was similar mortality after elective endovascular aortic repair and open repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Applying endovascular aortic repair according to instructions for use does not seem to change the general outcome of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm but improves the outcome with the method.
Accidental Laser-Induced Macular Holes: A Case Series
Authors: Alnuaimi Rawdha , Issa Sharif 
Published: May 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to report various types of maculopathy caused by momentary exposure to a high-power handheld blue laser. Methods: The design included a consecutive case series of 4 patients. Evaluation included a full ophthalmic examination and macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Main outcome measures included an analysis of the types of maculopathy and vitreoretinal pathological features. Results: All patients were young men. The most common setting for injury was accidental at play. The types of maculopathies encountered were a full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) in 4 eyes, a premacular subhyaloid hemorrhage in 5 eyes, premacular sub–internal limiting membrane hemorrhage in 2 eyes, an outer retinal disruption at the fovea in 1 eye, an epimacular membrane in 1 eye, and a schisis-like cavity in 1 eye. Snellen best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at presentation ranged from 20/40 to 4/200 (mean, 20/290). Only 4 eyes (29%) improved spontaneously with increase in vision, whereas 10 eyes (71%) required intervention. All 4 FTMHs were closed successfully after pars plana vitrectomy. Final mean BCVA in all cases was 20/35. Conclusions: Exposure to high-power handheld laser devices can cause a variety of maculopathies that can reduce central vision permanently. Although vision may improve spontaneously, most cases require intervention. Unrestricted access to commercially available high-power handheld laser devices is dangerous, and public awareness should be encouraged.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Ranking the Symptoms and Severity in Indian College Students
Authors: Bansal Deepali , Raman Rajesh , Rao T. S. Sathyanarayana 
Published: May 2019

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are common conditions causing significant impairment in various domains of life. Both the conditions are associated with physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. There is dearth of studies regarding symptomatology and severity of the condition in Indian college students. Aim: Aim of this study is to categorize and rank the symptoms and severity of PMDD in college students in India. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in various colleges of Mysuru. A total of 600 girls were approached over a period of 1 year. Confidentiality was assured and written informed consent was taken. Girls with irregular periods and those who had an absence of menstruation since last 3 consecutive menstrual cycles were excluded. A total of 571 filled up forms were taken for analysis. Data was analyzed using SPSS 22 version software. Chi-square test was used as the test of significance for qualitative data. Results: The mean age of participants was 21.12 ± 2.6 years. Majority of the subjects were unmarried and were from urban background. The prevalence of PMS/PMDD was 46.1%, out of which 10.2% met the criteria for PMDD. Physical symptoms (91.4%) were the most commonly reported symptom domain in the PMDD category, followed by anger or irritability (84.5%). Almost half of the subjects with no or mild PMS had reported physical symptoms. The least reported symptom was insomnia. PMDD group had reported maximum impairment in the domain of relationship with family members (77.6%), followed by home responsibilities and relationship with coworkers. Conclusion: This study suggests that the prevalence of clinically relevant PMS/PMDD is higher than widely cited estimates and is a cause of concern for health care authorities in India. Physical complaints are the most commonly reported among all the symptoms in all groups. There is a need to actively assess for premenstrual symptoms in young women for comprehensive treatment and good outcome.
Tranexamic acid modulates the immune response and reduces postsurgical infection rates
Authors: Draxler Dominik F. , Yep Kah , Hanafi Gryselda , Winton Anoushka , Daglas Maria , Ho Heidi , Sashindranath Maithili , Wutzlhofer Lisa M. , Forbes Andrew , Goncalves Isaac , Tran Huyen A. , Wallace Sophia , Plebanski Magdalena , Myles Paul S. , Medcalf Robert L. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent that blocks plasmin formation. Because plasmin is known to promote inflammatory and immunosuppressive responses, we explored the possibility that plasmin-mediated immunosuppression in patients undergoing cardiac surgery can be directly reversed by TXA and decrease postoperative infection rates. The modulatory effect of TXA on inflammatory cytokine levels and on innate immune cell activation were evaluated with multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Postoperative infection rates were determined in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and randomized to TXA (ACTRN12605000557639; http://www.anzca.edu.au). We demonstrate that TXA-mediated plasmin blockade modulates the immune system and reduces surgery-induced immunosuppression in patients following cardiac surgery. TXA enhanced the expression of immune-activating markers while reducing the expression of immunosuppressive markers on multiple myeloid and lymphoid cell populations in peripheral blood. TXA administration significantly reduced postoperative infection rates, despite the fact that patients were being administered prophylactic antibiotics. This effect was independent of the effect of TXA at reducing blood loss. TXA was also shown to exert an immune-modulatory effect in healthy volunteers, further supporting the fibrin-independent effect of TXA on immune function and indicating that baseline plasmin levels contribute to the regulation of the immune system in the absence of any comorbidity or surgical trauma. Finally, the capacity of TXA to reduce infection rates, modulate the innate immune cell profile, and generate an antifibrinolytic effect overall was markedly reduced in patients with diabetes, demonstrating for the first time that the diabetic condition renders patients partially refractory to TXA.
Palbociclib Plus Letrozole as First-Line Therapy in Postmenopausal Asian Women With Metastatic Breast Cancer: Results From the Phase III, Randomized PALOMA-2 Study
Authors: Im Seock-Ah , Mukai Hirofumi , Park In Hae , Masuda Norikazu , Shimizu Chikako , Kim Sung-Bae , Im Young-Hyuck , Ohtani Shoichiro , Huang Bartlett Cynthia , Lu Dongrui R. , Iyer Shrividya , Mori Yuko , Mori Ave , Gauthier Eric , Finn Richard S. , Toi Masakazu 
Published: May 2019

PURPOSE In PALOMA-2, palbociclib plus letrozole significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) as initial treatment of estrogen receptor–positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative advanced breast cancer. We assessed the benefit of palbociclib plus letrozole in Asians. PATIENTS AND METHODS Of 666 enrolled postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor–positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative advanced breast cancer (no prior treatment of advanced disease), 95 were Asian. Patients were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive palbociclib plus letrozole or placebo plus letrozole. The primary end point was investigator-assessed PFS. Secondary end points were overall survival, objective response, patient-reported outcomes, pharmacokinetics, and safety. RESULTS Median PFS was significantly longer in Asian patients who received palbociclib plus letrozole versus placebo plus letrozole (25.7 months [95% CI, 19.2 months to not estimable] v 13.9 months [95% CI, 7.4 to 22.0 months]; hazard ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.87; P = .007). The most common toxicities with palbociclib were hematologic and more frequent among Asians versus non-Asians: neutropenia (any grade, 95.4% v 76.8%; grade 3/4, 89.2% v 62.5%), leukopenia (43.1% v 38.3%; 32.3% v 23.5%), and thrombocytopenia (27.7% v 13.5%; 4.6% v 1.1%). No Asians had febrile neutropenia. Discontinuation rates as a result of adverse events were similar among Asian and non-Asian patients who received palbociclib plus letrozole (10.8% and 9.5%). In Asians, quality of life (QOL) was maintained with no significant differences observed between treatments from baseline in breast cancer–specific QOL and general health status scores. Change from baseline in EuroQol five dimensions index scores was significantly higher with palbociclib plus letrozole (0.013 v –0.069; P = .0132). Geometric mean palbociclib trough concentration values were higher in Asians versus non-Asians (93.8 v 61.7 ng/mL). CONCLUSION Consistent with the overall study population, the addition of palbociclib to letrozole significantly improved PFS in Asians. Hematologic toxicities were more frequent in Asians versus non-Asians but manageable with early dose modifications while maintaining QOL.