bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macular telangiectasia type II with pachychoroid spectrum of macular disorders
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Kumar Pradeep , Ravani Raghav , Gupta Prasad 
Published: April 2018

Purpose: To report the cases with features of macular telangiectasia type II and pachychoroid spectrum of macular disorders simultaneously. Methods: It is a retrospective case series from a tertiary eye care center. Multimodal imaging features of these eyes including color fundus photographs, red free imaging, short-wave autofluorescence, fundus fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and optical coherence tomography were studied. Results: Six eyes of three patients having combination of macular telangiectasia type II and pachychoroid group of disorders were found. Three eyes showed features of central serous chorioretinopathy, one eye had polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, one eye had pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy and one had thickened choroid. Conclusion: This is the first report of macular telangiectasia type II in association with the pachychoroid spectrum of macular disorders and provides insight into possible common etiopathogenetic mechanisms.
Associations of Grip Strength and Change in Grip Strength With All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in a European Older Population
Authors: Prasitsiriphon Orawan , Pothisiri Wiraporn 
Published: April 2018

Objective: (1) To examine the associations between 3 measures of grip strength: static grip strength, change in grip strength, and the combination of grip strength and its change, with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and (2) to determine which measure is the most powerful predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among the European older population. Method: Data come from the first 4 waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). A Cox proportional hazard model and a competing risk regression model were used to assess the associations. To determine the best predictor, Akaike information criterion was applied. Results: Grip strength and the combination of grip strength and its change were associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Change in grip strength was correlated with only all-cause mortality. Among the 3 measures, the static measure of grip strength was the best predictor of cardiovascular mortality whereas the combined measure is that of all-cause mortality. Discussion: Grip strength is a significant indicator of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The combination of grip strength and its change can be used to increase the accuracy for prediction of all-cause mortality among older persons.
Trends of Gallbladder Cancer in Jordan Over 2 Decades: Where Are We?
Authors: Al Manasra Abdel Rahman , Bani Hani Mohammed , Qandeel Haitham , Al Asmar Samer , Alqudah Mohammad , Al-Zoubi Nabil , Nadig Satish , Hamouri Shadi , Obeidat Khaled , Al-Muqaimi Nada 
Published: April 2018

Background and Study Aims: The prevalence of gallbladder cancer (GBC) varies between different parts of the world. This study is a review of literature and an update of a previously published study conducted in our university and aims to reassess the incidence of GBC over the past 2 decades. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study between 2002 and 2016. Data regarding demographics, clinical presentation, risk factors, histopathology, investigations, and treatments were obtained. A diagnosis of GBC established during surgery or primarily detected in the surgical specimen was classified as incidental. Results: Of 11 391 cholecystectomies performed, 31 cases (0.27%) of GBC were found. The mean age of patients with GBC was 68 years (43-103 years), 74% were women. The annual incidence of GBC was 0.2/100 000 (men: 0.1/100 000; women: 0.3/100 000). Biliary colic and acute cholecystitis were the main presentations. Diagnosis of GBC was “incidental” in 67% of cases. About 75% of patients with GBC had gallstones, 13% had polyps, and 3% had porcelain gallbladder. Adenocarcinoma was the dominant (87%) histologic type. Conclusions: The GBC rate in our region, similar to others parts of the world, is still low and has not changed over the past 2 decades. This study consolidates the previously published recommendations regarding the high index of suspicion of GBC in elderly with cholelithiasis.
Divergence in heritage Ambon Malay in the Netherlands: The role of social-psychological factors
Authors: Moro Francesca R 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions: This article examines the role of social-psychological factors in the development of heritage Ambon Malay in the Netherlands. More specifically, it aims to answer this question: Can social-psychological factors account for the different frequency of Dutch-like structures among heritage speakers? Design/Methodology/Approach: Data from 32 Ambon Malay heritage speakers and 27 Ambon Malay homeland speakers were collected by means of video stimuli and a sociolinguistic interview. Data and Analysis: The database provides six linguistic variables and three social-psychological factors. The linguistic variables are as follows: the pre-verbal marker ada; the definite marker = nya; the double object construction; the prepositional phrase and adjectival phrase in resultative constructions; the pre-nominal order for the demonstrative itu and the numeral satu ‘one’. The social-psychological factors are where the speaker lives, onset of Dutch bilingualism and attitude. The effect of the social-psychological factors on the linguistic variables was assessed using a multivariate general linear model. Findings/Conclusions: The results show that place where the speaker lives is the best predictor. Heritage speakers living outside a Moluccan ward have a higher rate of Dutch-like features than speakers living inside a Moluccan ward. In some cases, sequential bilinguals are more innovative than simultaneous bilinguals. Finally, speakers with only a mild positive attitude towards the heritage language have a higher rate of Dutch-like features. Originality: Unlike previous studies, this article does not test the role of social-psychological factors against self-ratings of heritage language proficiency, but it uses real language data. Significance/Implications: The theoretical significance of this study is to bridge the gap between the sphere of language structure and the sphere of language use and language attitude. An additional value lies in its findings that frequent use of the heritage language means not only a higher rate of maintenance but also accelerated change.
Invisible networked publics and hidden contention: Youth activism and social media tactics under repression
Authors: Lee Ashley 
Published: April 2018

Social media create new channels for young people to engage with civic and political issues outside the confines of traditional public institutions. While social media present new opportunities for youth who were previously excluded from formal channels of political participation, increasingly, these platforms also subject youth to surveillance, censorship, and other forms of repression. In this study, I examine digitally active, young civic actors in Cambodia, an authoritarian regime with a demographic youth bulge and rapidly increasing uptake of social media. Specifically, I focus on social media tactics employed by youth to navigate contentious politics and express dissent under state control and surveillance. The findings show how young activists rely heavily on hidden tactics to exert influence on public issues using social media in highly contentious, high-risk political climates. This study offers insights into the dynamics of digitally mediated civic action and state power situated in broader social, cultural contexts.
20-year trends of characteristics and outcomes of stroke patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ntaios George , Sagris Dimitrios , Gioulekas Fotios , Galanis Petros , Pardali Christianna , Vemmou Anastasia , Koroboki Eleni , Papavasileiou Vasileios , Vassilopoulou Sofia , Manios Efstathios , Makaritsis Konstantinos , Spengos Konstantinos , Mitsikostas Dimos-Dimitrios , Milionis Haralambos , Vemmos Konstantinos 
Published: April 2018

Background The accurate knowledge of secular trends in prevalence, characteristics and outcomes of patients with ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation allows better projections into the future. Aim We aimed to report the overall, age- and sex-specific secular trends of characteristics and outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and atrial fibrillation between 1993 and 2012 in the Athens Stroke Registry. Methods We used Joinpoint regression analysis to calculate the average annual percent changes and 95% confidence intervals. Results Among 3314 stroke patients, 1044 (31.5%) had atrial fibrillation. Between 1993 and 2012, there was an average annual reduction of 0.8% (95% CI: −1.5%; 0.0%) in the proportion of atrial fibrillation patients among all AIS patients, whereas the proportion of newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation patients among all atrial fibrillation patients increased annually by an average of 7.1% (95% CI: 5.4%;8.9%). Among all atrial fibrillation patients, there was an average annual reduction of 2.9% (95% CI: −2.7; −3.2%) in the proportion of previously known atrial fibrillation patients, followed by an annual average reduction of 2.4% (95% CI: −1.2; −3.6%) in the proportion of previously known atrial fibrillation patients not receiving any antithrombotic treatment at admission. During that period, there was an increase in the average annual proportion of previously known atrial fibrillation patients treated with anticoagulants (6.4%, 95% CI: 1.2;11.9%) and aspirin (2.3%, 95% CI: −0.4;5.0%) at admission; an average annual increase in the proportion of atrial fibrillation patients who were prescribed anticoagulant was apparent both for patients with mRS<4 (3.5%) and mRS: 4–5 (7.2%), while the proportion of atrial fibrillation patients who were prescribed aspirin or no antithrombotic at discharge was annually reduced (5.8% for mRS<4; 1.6% for mRS: 4–5 and 7.1% for mRS<4;5.3% for mRS: 4–5 respectively). Stroke recurrences were annually reduced by an average of 5.8% (95% CI: −8.6; −3.0%), along with cardiovascular events (6.5%, 95% CI: −8.3; −4.7%) and deaths (7.9%, 95% CI: −9.2; −6.5%). Conclusions Between 1993 and 2012, the proportion of atrial fibrillation patients on proper antithrombotic treatment and the rate of newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation increased significantly. Rates of stroke recurrence, cardiovascular events, and mortality reduced significantly.
Post-stroke social networks, depressive symptoms, and disability in Tanzania: A prospective study
Authors: Saadi Altaf , Okeng’o Kigocha , Biseko Maijo R , Shayo Agness F , Mmbando Theoflo N , Grundy Sara J , Xu Ai , Parker Robert A , Wibecan Leah , Iyer Geetha , Onesmo Peter M , Kapina Boniphace N , Regenhardt Robert W , Mateen Farrah J 
Published: April 2018

Background Evidence suggests that social networks improve functional recovery after stroke, but this work has not been extended to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Post-stroke depression interferes with functional outcome but is understudied in LMICs. Aims To determine the relationships between social networks, disability, and depressive symptoms in patients surviving 90-days post-stroke in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods Participants ≥ 18 years, admitted ≤ 14 days of stroke onset, were enrolled. Disability was measured using the modified Rankin Scale, social networks by the Berkman-Syme social network index, and depressive symptoms by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) by telephone interview at 90 days. A Kruskal-Wallis test or Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess the associations between social networks, depressive symptoms, and disability. Results Of 176 participants, 43% (n = 75) died, with an additional 11% (n = 20) lost to follow-up by 90 days. Among 81 survivors, 94% (n = 76, 57% male, average age 54 years) had complete information on all scales (mean and median follow-up time of 101 and 88 days). Thirty percent (n = 23, 41.9%, 95% confidence interval 20.2) had at least mild depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 5 points). Nearly two-thirds (n = 46, 61%) reported ≥ 3 close friends. A higher social network index score was associated with fewer depressive symptoms (p < 0.0001) and showed a trend towards significance with lower disability (p = 0.061). Higher depressive symptom burden was correlated with higher disability (r = 0.52, p < 0.0001). Conclusion Post-stroke social isolation is associated with more depressive symptoms in Tanzania. Understanding social networks and the associated mechanisms of recovery in stroke is especially relevant in the context of limited resources.
Level of agreement between medical record and ICD-10-AM coding of mental health, alcohol and drug conditions in trauma patients
Authors: Nguyen Tu Q , Simpson Pamela M , Braaf Sandra C , Cameron Peter A , Judson Rodney , Gabbe Belinda J 
Published: April 2018

Background: Despite the reliance on administrative data in epidemiological studies, there is little information on the completeness of co-morbidities in administrative data coded from medical records. Objective: The aim of this study was to quantify the agreement between the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM) administrative coding of mental health, drug and alcohol co-morbidities and medical records in a severely injured patient population. Method: A random sample of patients ( n = 500) captured by the Victorian State Trauma Registry and definitively managed at the state’s adult major trauma services was selected for the study. Retrospective medical record review was conducted to collect data about documented co-morbidities. The agreement between ICD-10-AM data generated from routine hospital coding and medical record–based co-morbidities was determined using Cohen’s κ and prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK) statistics. Results: The percentage of agreement between the medical record and ICD-10-AM coding for mental health, drug and alcohol co-morbidities was 72.8%, and the PABAK showed moderate agreement (PABAK = 0.46; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37, 0.54). There was no difference in agreement between unintentional injury patients (PABAK = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.42, 0.62) compared with intentional injury patients (PABAK = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.49), and no change in agreement for patients admitted before (PABAK = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.50) and after the introduction of mandatory co-morbidity coding (PABAK = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.54). Conclusion: Despite documentation in the medical record, a large proportion of mental health, drug and alcohol conditions were not coded in ICD-10-AM. Acknowledgement of these limitations is needed when using ICD-10-AM coded co-morbidities in research studies and health policy development. Implications: This work has implications for researchers of drug and alcohol abuse; mental health; accidents and injuries; workers' compensation; health workforce; health services; and policy decisions for healthcare, emergency services, insurance industry, national productivity and welfare costings reliant on those research outcomes.
Patient-Reported Outcomes and Patient-Reported Satisfaction After Surgical Treatment for Cervical Radiculopathy
Authors: Andresen Andreas Kiilerich , Paulsen Rune Tendal , Busch Frederik , Isenberg-Jørgensen Alexander , Carreon Leah Y. , Andersen Mikkel Ø. 
Published: April 2018

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objectives: It is estimated that 10 000 patients seek medical care due to cervical radiculopathy every year in Denmark. Although the natural course is usually favorable, around 20% undergo surgery for cervical degenerative disease every year in Denmark. We aim to evaluate the patient-reported results and satisfaction of anterior cervical decompression and fusion over a 5-year period from a single Danish center for spine surgery. Methods: This study is a retrospective study based on prospectively collected data from 318 consecutive patients treated with anterior cervical decompression and fusion over 1 to 3 levels. Data in the DaneSpine registry was collected pre- and postoperatively, and at 1 year after surgery. The outcome measures were Neck Disability Index (NDI), European Quality of Life 5D (EQ-5D), visual analogue score (VAS), and Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary (SF-36 PCS). Results: Of 318 cases enrolled, 272 (85.5%) had follow-up data available at a minimum 1-year postoperatively. The mean preoperative NDI was 40.0 and improved to 22.7. Mean EQ-5D was 0.50 and improved to 0.70, and mean VAS arm was 60.4 improved to 26.4. All improvements were statistically significant. A total of 74.3% were back to work 1 year after surgery. Achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in VAS neck and SF-36 PCS was strongly correlated to patient satisfaction. Conclusion: Patients who undergo anterior cervical discectomy and fusion can expect improvement in their pain and disability, with 74.3% of patients reporting a positive change in health status after surgery.
Postoperative Complications Associated With Spine Surgery in Patients Older Than 90 Years: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Imagama Shiro , Sato Koji , Kato Fumihiko , Kanemura Tokumi , Yoshihara Hisatake , Sakai Yoshihito , Shinjo Ryuichi , Hachiya Yudo , Osawa Yoshimitsu , Matsubara Yuji , Ando Kei , Nishida Yoshihiro , Ishiguro Naoki 
Published: April 2018

Study Design: A review of a prospective database. Objectives: Surgery for elderly patients is increasing yearly due to aging of society and the desire for higher quality of life. The goal of the study was to examine perioperative complications in spine surgery in such patients. Methods: A multicenter study of surgical details and perioperative complications was performed in 35 patients aged older than 90 years who underwent spinal surgery, based on a review of a prospective database. The frequency and severity of complications were assessed, and the effects of patient-specific and surgical factors were examined. Major complications were defined as those that were life threatening, required reoperation in the perioperative period or left a permanent injury. Ambulatory function before and after surgery was also analyzed. Results: Perioperative complications occurred in 19 of the 35 cases (54%), and included 11 cases of postoperative delirium, most of which occurred after cervical spine surgery. There were 8 major complications (23%), including cerebral infarction (n = 3), coronary heart disease (n = 3), pulmonary embolism (n = 1), and angina (n = 1). Preoperative motor deficit, operative time, estimated blood loss, and instrumented fusion were significantly associated with major complications. An improved postoperative ambulatory status occurred in 61% of cases, with no change in 33%, and worsening in 2 cases (6%). Conclusions: Timing of surgery before paralysis progression and reduced surgical invasiveness are important considerations in treatment of the very elderly. Improved outcomes can be obtained with better management of spine surgery for patients aged 90 years or older.
Patterns of care and outcomes in adolescent and young adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a population-based study
Authors: Muffly Lori , Alvarez Elysia , Lichtensztajn Daphne , Abrahão Renata , Gomez Scarlett Lin , Keegan Theresa 
Published: April 2018

Key Points
Two-thirds of AYA ALL are treated in the adult cancer setting; one-quarter of AYAs in this setting receive front-line pediatric ALL therapy. Survival was superior for AYA ALL patients treated in pediatric cancer settings and in NCI-designated cancer centers.
Vitamin D status and its influence on outcomes following major burn injury and critical illness
Authors: Al-Tarrah Khaled , Hewison Martin , Moiemen Naiem , Lord Janet M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractVitamin D deficiency is common among the general population. It is also observed in up to 76% of critically ill patients. Despite the high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in critical illness, vitamin D is often overlooked by medical staff as the clinical implications and consequences of vitamin D deficiency in acute contexts remain to be fully understood. Vitamin D has a broad range of pleotropic effects on various processes and systems including the immune-inflammatory response. 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), has been shown to promote a tolerogenic immune response limiting deleterious inflammatory effects, modulation of the innate immune system, and enhancement of anti-microbial peptides. Vitamin D deficiency is frequently observed in critically ill patients and has been related to extrinsic causes (i.e., limited sunlight exposure), magnitude of injury/illness, or the treatment started by medical doctors including fluid resuscitation. Low levels of vitamin D in critically ill patients have been associated with sepsis, organ failure, and mortality. Despite this, there are subpopulations of critical illness, such as burn patients, where the literature regarding vitamin D status and its influence on outcomes remain insufficient. Thermal injury results in damage to both burned and non-burned tissues, as well as induces an exaggerated and persistent immune-inflammatory and hypermetabolic response. In this review, we propose potential mechanisms in which burn injury affects the vitamin D status and summarizes current literature investigating the influence of vitamin D status on outcomes. In addition, we reviewed the literature and trials investigating vitamin D supplementation in critically ill patients and discuss the therapeutic potential of vitamin D supplementation in burn and critically ill patients. We also highlight current limitations of studies that have investigated vitamin D status and supplementation in critical illness. Thermal injury influences vitamin D status. More studies investigating vitamin D depletion in burn patients and its influence on prognosis, via standardized methodology, are required to reach definitive conclusions and influence clinical practice.
Temporal order of cancers and mental disorders in an adult population
Authors: Cawthorpe David , Kerba Marc , Narendran Aru , Ghuttora Harleen , Chartier Gabrielle , Sartorius Norman 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundPopulation-based examination of comorbidity is an emerging field of study.AimsThe purpose of the present population level study is to expand our understanding of how cancer and mental illness are temporally associated.MethodA sample of 83 648 056 physician billing records for 664 838 (56% female) unique individuals over the age of 18 was stratified on ages 19–49 years and 50+ years, with temporal order of mental disorder and cancer forming the basis of comparison.ResultsMental disorders preceded cancers for both genders within each age strata. The full range of cancers and mental disorders preceding or following each pivot ICD class are described in terms of frequency of diagnosis and duration in days, with specific examples illustrated.ConclusionsThe temporal comorbidity between specific cancers and mental disorders may be useful in screening or clinical planning and may represent indicators of disease mechanism that warrant further screening or investigation.Declaration of interestNone.