bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring for Lithium and the Impact of Regulatory Warnings: Analysis Using Japanese Claims Database
Authors: Ooba Nobuhiro , Tsutsumi Daisuke , Kobayashi Naoko , Hidaka Shinji , Hayashi Hiroyuki , Obara Taku , Satoh Michihiro , Kubota Kiyoshi , Fukuoka Noriyasu 
Published: February 2018

Background:Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for lithium is recommended in guidelines; however, the prevalence of TDM for lithium is seldom reported. We have therefore investigated the prevalence of TDM for lithium and evaluated the impact of the regulatory warnings requiring routine TDM for lithium.Methods:Monthly claims data covering around 1.7 million persons aged 20–74 years old during the period January 1, 2005, and March 31, 2015, were evaluated. All patients who had at least one prescription for lithium were selected and included to calculate the annual prevalence of TDM for lithium. Also we assessed whether the 2 regulatory warnings requiring routine TDM for lithium and issued in April 2012 and September 2012 had an impact on TDM for lithium, using segmented regression analysis.Results:Between 2005 and 2014, 136,956 prescriptions of lithium were issued to 5823 patients, and the annual prevalence of TDM for lithium was 14.9% (95% confidence interval, 14.7%–15.1%). The analysis revealed that the mean prevalence increased abruptly by 6.9% (P= 0.001) after the regulatory warning in April 2012, whereas that the warning in September 2012 decreased by 1.2% (P= 0.47). There was no significant change in trends of period prevalence after the warning in April 2012 (April 2012–August 2012) compared with prevalence before the warning (April 2010–March 2012). Similarly, no significant change was observed in the trends before (April 2012–August 2012) and after (September 2012–March 2014) the subsequent warning in September 2012.Conclusions:Results showed that the prevalence of TDM for lithium was low, although TDM for lithium was strongly recommended by the guidelines. Regulatory warnings requiring compliance with the measurement of blood levels during treatment with lithium, issued twice during the five-month period, were associated with an increase in the prevalence of TDM for lithium. However, the impact of the second warning was not remarkable compared with the first warning.
Variation of Coma Aberration With Prismatic Soft Contact Lenses
Authors: Carpena-Torres Carlos , López-Alonso José Manuel , Burgos-Martínez Mercedes , Carracedo Gonzalo , Carballo-Álvarez Jesús 
Published: February 2018

Purpose:
To analyze the variation in vertical coma and the rest of ocular aberrations before and after fitting prismatic soft contact lenses (PSCL).

Methods:
Thirty-seven eyes of 20 healthy subjects (24.30±2.03 years) were evaluated to analyze the variation in ocular wavefront aberrations before and after fitting PSCL of different base-down prism values (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 prism diopters [PD]), designed to study its influence in the compensation of vertical coma aberration. A Hartmann–Shack sensor with a wavelength of 780 nm was used, considering a pupil size of 3 mm. In addition, the influence of PSCL in visual function under photopic conditions in terms of high-contrast visual acuity and contrast sensitivity was evaluated.

Results:
There was statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in ocular aberrations from first to seventh order after fitting PSCL, but only the differences in vertical tilt, horizontal tilt, defocus, vertical astigmatism, and vertical coma were clinically relevant (Strehl ratio <0.8). The mean of vertical coma (μm) was 0.022±0.030 for control, 0.045±0.064 for 1.0 PD (P=0.645), 0.048±0.053 for 1.5 PD (P=0.037), and 0.074±0.047 for 2.0 PD (P<0.001). The changes in visual function under photopic conditions were not clinically relevant.

Conclusions:
PSCL induce a magnitude of vertical coma aberration directly proportional to prism value without affecting the rest of ocular high-order aberrations.
Acetyl Cholinesterase Inhibitors and Cell-Derived Peripheral Inflammatory Cytokines in Early Stages of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Kokras Nikolaos , Stamouli Evangelia , Sotiropoulos Ioannis , Katirtzoglou Everina A. , Siarkos Kostas T. , Dalagiorgou Georgia , Alexandraki Krystallenia I. , Coulocheri Stavroula , Piperi Christina , Politis Antonios M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundClinical and preclinical studies firmly support the involvement of the inflammation in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Despite acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) being widely used in AD patients, there is no conclusive evidence about their impact on the inflammatory response.MethodsThis study investigates peripheral proinflammatory cytokines (interferon gamma [IFN-γ], tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], and interleukins 1β [IL-1β] and 6 [IL-6]) by firstly comparing peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)–derived secretion in drug-naïve and AChEI-treated AD patients versus healthy controls. A subset of those drug-naïve AD patients, who were prescribed the AChEI donepezil, was followed-up for 6 months to investigate if donepezil suppresses proinflammatory cell-derived cytokine secretion.ResultsPatients with AD showed higher levels of PBMC-derived proinflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in comparison with healthy controls. On reexamination, previously drug-naïve AD patients who received donepezil treatment for 6 months displayed a decrease in cell-derived IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.ConclusionsProinflammatory PBMC-derived cytokines were increased in patients with AD in comparison with healthy controls and donepezil-reduced proinflammatory cytokines when examining drug-naïve AD patients before and after AChEI treatment.
State Laws Related to Billing Third Parties for Health Care Services at Public Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics in the United States
Authors: Cramer Ryan , Loosier Penny S. , Krasner Andee , Kawatu Jennifer 
Published: February 2018

Background
Health departments (HDs) cite state laws as barriers to billing third parties for sexually transmitted disease (STD) services, but the association between legal/policy barriers and third-party HD billing has not been examined. This study investigates the relationship between laws that may limit HDs’ ability to bill, clinic perceptions of billing barriers, and billing practices.

Methods
Two surveys, (1) clinic managers (n = 246), (2) STD program managers (n = 63), conducted via a multiregional needs assessment of federally funded HD clinics’ capacity to bill for STD services, billing/reimbursement practices, and perceived barriers were combined with an analysis of state laws regarding third-party billing for STD services. Statistical analyses examined relationships between laws that may limit HDs’ ability to bill, clinic perceptions, and billing practices.

Results
Clinic managers reported clinics were less likely to bill Medicaid and other third parties in jurisdictions with a state law limiting their ability to bill compared with respondents who billed neither or 1 payer (odds ratio [OR], 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10–0.97) and cited practical concerns as a primary barrier to billing (OR, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.50–5.37). The STD program managers report that the staff believed that STD services should be free (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.13–0.90) was associated with not billing (not sure versus no resistance to billing); confidentiality concerns was not a reported barrier to billing among either sample.

Conclusions
Practical concerns and clinic staff beliefs that STD services should be free emerged as possible barriers to billing, as were laws to a lesser extent. Attempts to initiate HD billing for STD services may benefit from staff education as well as addressing perceived legal barriers and staff concerns.
Major Depressive Disorder: Longitudinal Analysis of Impact on Clinical and Behavioral Outcomes in Uganda
Authors: Kinyanda Eugene , Levin Jonathan , Nakasujja Noeline , Birabwa Harriet , Nakku Juliet , Mpango Richard , Grosskurth Heiner , Seedat Soraya , Araya Ricardo , Shahmanesh Maryam , Patel Vikram 
Published: February 2018

Background:
There is still wide variability in HIV disease course and other HIV-related outcomes, attributable in part to psychosocial factors such as major depressive disorder (MDD), a subject that has received little attention in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods:
Using a longitudinal cohort of 1099 HIV-positive antiretroviral therapy–naive persons, we investigated the impact of MDD on 4 HIV-related negative outcome domains in Uganda. MDD was assessed using a Diagnostic Statistical Manual IV–based tool. Also collected were data on surrogate measures of the HIV-related outcome domains. Data were collected at the 3 time points of baseline, 6, and 12 months. Multiple regression and discrete time survival models were used to investigate the relationship between MDD and indices of the HIV outcomes.

Results:
MDD was a significant predictor of “missed antiretroviral therapy doses” [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.87 to 12.04, P = 0.001], “time to first visit to healthy facility” (aOR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.73; P = 0.024), “time to first self-reported risky sexual activity” (aOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.27 to 3.49; P = 0.004) but not of “CD4 counts at months 6 and 12” (estimated effect 29.0; 95% CI: −7.8 to 65.7; P = 0.12), and “time to new WHO stage 3 or 4 clinical event” (aOR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.12 to 2.20, P = 0.37).

Conclusions:
MDD significantly impacted 3 of the 4 investigated outcome domains. These results by demonstrating the adverse consequences of an untreated mental health disorder (MDD) on HIV-related outcomes further strengthen the need to urgently act on WHO's call to integrate mental health care in general HIV care.
Differences in Local and Systemic TFV PK Among Premenopausal Versus Postmenopausal Women Exposed to TFV 1% Vaginal Gel
Authors: Thurman Andrea Ries , Chandra Neelima , Yousefieh Nazita , Kimble Thomas , Anderson Sharon M. , Cottrell Mackenzie , Sykes Craig , Kashuba Angela , Schwartz Jill L. , Doncel Gustavo F. 
Published: February 2018

Objective:
We describe and compare the local and systemic pharmacokinetics (PK) of tenofovir (TFV) and TFV-diphosphate (TFV-DP) in healthy premenopausal (PRE) and postmenopausal (POST) women using TFV 1% gel and correlate local PK with other mucosal end points.

Methods:
PRE (n = 20) and POST (n = 17) women used 2 doses of TFV 1% vaginal gel, separated by 2 hours. Blood and cervicovaginal samples were obtained 3 and 23 hours after the second dose. PRE women used gel in the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. POST women used gel at baseline and again after approximately 2 months of treatment with 0.01% vaginal estradiol (E2) cream.

Results:
Median TFV concentrations in cervicovaginal aspirate (ng/mL) and vaginal tissue (ng/mg) were significantly higher in PRE (4.3E106, 49.8) versus POST women (2.6E106, 2.2). POST women had significantly higher median molecular ratios of TFV-DP to TFV (3.7%) compared with PRE (0.19%). After vaginal E2 treatment, the local and systemic PK end points in POST women were generally similar to PRE women (all P values > 0.05). Importantly, median vaginal tissue TFV-DP concentrations (fmol/mg) among PRE, POST, and POST women after E2 therapy were similar (292.5, 463.3, and 184.6, respectively). Vaginal tissue TFV concentrations were significantly positively correlated with vaginal epithelial thickness, whereas vaginal tissue TFV-DP concentrations were positively correlated with density of vaginal CD4+ and CD8+ immune cells.

Conclusions:
The state of the cervicovaginal mucosa has a significant impact on local and systemic PK of a topically applied microbicide.
Orthognathic Surgery and Implant-Supported Bridge in a Class III Patient Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident
Authors: Honda Koji , Hirota Makoto , Iwai Toshinori , Fujita Koichi , Omura Susumu , Ono Takashi , Tohnai Iwai 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Occlusal and esthetic rehabilitation of jaw deformities in patients with partially edentulous maxilla are challenging procedures. This article describes a patient involving a skeletal Class III, 36-year-old male patient with a single bilateral anterior partially edentulous maxilla resulting from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident; his anterior teeth had been lost for more than 10 years. His lip protruded from the lateral view due to the proclined upper incisors and mandibular protrusion.
Because of the facial deformity and inadequate prosthesis of the maxilla, the prosthesis had dropped out repeatedly. Bone deficiency was prominent in the area of the anterior maxillary region and required augmentation for implant restoration.
Consultation among the prosthodontist, orthodontist, and patient led to a decision to perform an orthognathic surgery and bone graft before implant treatment. After orthodontic treatment combined with orthognathic surgery, 3 dental implants were placed with simultaneous iliac bone graft for prosthetic rehabilitation. The treatment restored the maxillary dental arch, which supported the upper lip with appropriate occlusion, both esthetically and functionally. After a 2-year clinical follow-up, the orthoprosthesis of the maxilla remained stable, and the patient was satisfied with the outcome of treatment. The combination of orthodontic, surgical, and dental implant treatment could be an option for skeletal Class III patients with bone-deficient, edentulous jaws.
Primitive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Pterygopalatine Fossa
Authors: Mauvais Olivier , Badet Cécile , Lestrade Laetitia , Tavernier Laurent 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Primitive tumors of pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) are often benign tumors or extension of a malignant sinonasal tract. Primitive tumors may rarely occur in PPF.
The authors present a 71-year-old woman with a 6-month history of left cranial nerve palsy. Magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography–computed tomography showed an enhancing isolated lesion at the PPF. A transmaxillary biopsy was performed, leading to diagnosis of primitive squamous cell carcinoma. The patient underwent radiotherapy treatment.
Primitive tumors of PPF are rare and diagnosis may be difficult. Endoscopic access for diagnosis can be performed. Squamous cell carcinoma occurring in PPF is associated with poor prognosis.
A Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Approach to Midcheek Mass: Showcase for Technical Description
Authors: Abbate Vincenzo , Dell’Aversana Orabona Giovanni , Romano Antonio , Maglitto Fabio , Iaconetta Giorgio , Califano Luigi 
Published: February 2018

Background:
Surgical approaches to the midcheek area are challenging. This area is included between the lower eyelid above, and the upper lip below. The peculiar anatomical location makes it really important for attractiveness, thus the need to obtain a correct balance between the operation's safety and minimally invasive aspect. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first showcase and technical description of a novel minimally invasive endoscopic approach for midcheek mass removal.

Methods:
Making 3 incisions in concealed area an endoscopically aided facial dissection was performed to remove a solitary venus malformation of the left midcheek region.

Results:
After the surgical procedure was performed, no hematoma, no edema, or facial nerve paralysis were observed. To date, during the follow-up period, no recurrence of the lesion has been observed, and the quality of life of the patient was good with a minimally scar outcome. Magnetic resonance imaging, performed 2 weeks postoperatively, demonstrated a complete removal of the mass

Conclusion:
The authors’ finding experience suggests that the minimally invasive approach provides an excellent surgical window that achieves greater exposure for the dissection of the midcheek area. Further clinical applications are required to assess advantages and/or limitations of this procedure.
Tacrolimus Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Rasool Nailyn , Boudreault Katherine , Lessell Simmons , Prasad Sashank , Cestari Dean M. 
Published: February 2018

Background:
Tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf) is a potent immunosuppressant, which inhibits cytokine synthesis and blocks T-cell development. Optic neuropathy from tacrolimus toxicity is very uncommon but, when present, can result in severe vision loss.

Methods:
Case series and review of the literature.

Results:
We present 3 patients with tacrolimus optic neuropathy after bone marrow transplantation complicated by graft-vs-host disease and demonstrate the differing clinical and radiologic presentation of this presumed toxic optic neuropathy.

Conclusions:
Tacrolimus optic neuropathy can manifest in a multitude of clinical presentations and can have devastating visual consequences.
Fluorescence and photophysical properties of xylene isomers in water: with experimental and theoretical approaches
Authors: Khan Muhammad Farooq Saleem , Wu Jing , Liu Bo , Cheng Cheng , Akbar Mona , Chai Yidi , Memon Aisha 
Published: February 2018

A thorough analysis of the photophysical properties involved in electronic transitions in excitation–emission spectra of xylene isomers has been carried out using the time-dependent density functional theory (PBEPBE/6-31 + G(d,p)) method. For the first time a structural and spectroscopic investigation to distinguish isomers of xylene, a widespread priority pollutant, was conducted experimentally and theoretically. The fluorescence properties of xylene isomers (sole and mixture (binary and ternary)) in water were studied. The fluorescence peak intensities of xylenes were linearly correlated to concentration, in the order of
p
-xylene >
o
-xylene >
m
-xylene at an excitation/emission wavelength (ex/em) of 260 nm/285 nm for
o
-,
m
-xylene and ex/em 265 nm/290 nm for
p
-xylene at the same concentration. The theoretical excitation/emission wavelengths were at ex/em 247 nm/267 nm, 248 nm/269 nm and 251 nm/307 nm for
o
-,
m
- and
p
-xylene, respectively. The vertical excitation and emission state energies of
p
-xylene (ex/em 4.94 eV/4.03 eV) were lower and the internal conversion energy difference (0.90 eV) was higher than those of
m
-xylene (ex/em 5.00 eV/4.60 eV) (0.4 eV) and
o
-xylene (ex/em 5.02 eV/4.64 eV) (0.377 eV). The order of theoretical emission and oscillator strength (0.0187 > 0.0175 > 0.0339) for
p
-xylene >
o
-xylene >
m
-xylene was observed to be in agreement with the experimental fluorescence intensities. These findings provide a novel fast method to distinguish isomers based on their photophysical properties.
Identifying Critical Points of Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms From Childhood to Young Adulthood: Evidence of Sex Differences from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)
Authors: Kwong Alex S. F. , Manley David , Timpson Nicholas J. , Pearson Rebecca M. , Heron Jon , Sallis Hannah , Stergiakouli Evie , Davis Oliver S.P. , Leckie George 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDepression is a common mental illness associated with increased substance misuse and risk of suicide. Potential risk factors for depression include sex and depressive symptoms in early life, however the mechanisms responsible are not yet understood. Research has focused on late childhood and adolescence as this developmental period may be a modifiable risk factor that prevents or reduces depression at a later stage. It is also important to establish at what ages the level of depression is changing as this will help identify critical points to intervene with treatment. We used multilevel growth-curve models to explore adolescent trajectories of depressive symptoms in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a UK based pregnancy cohort. Using data from 9301 individuals, trajectories of depressive symptoms were constructed for males and females between 10.6 and 22.8 years old. We calculated the age of peak velocity for depressive symptoms (the age at which depressive symptoms increases most rapidly) and the age of maximum depressive symptoms. Adjusted results suggested that being female was associated with a steeper trajectory compared to being male (per 1 year increase in relation to depressive symptoms: 0.128, SE = 0.035, [95% CI: 0.059, 0.198];p<0.001). We found evidence suggesting that females had an earlier age of peak velocity of depressive symptoms (females 13.7 years old, SE = 0.321, [95% CI: 12.9, 14.4] and males 16.4 years old, SE = 0.096, [95% CI: 16.2, 16.6];p<0.001), but weak evidence of an earlier age of maximum depressive symptoms (p= 0.125). Possible mechanisms that underlie this sex difference include the roles of pubertal development and timing. Using multilevel growth curve models to estimate the age of peak velocity and maximum depressive symptoms for different population subgroups may provide useful knowledge for treating and preventing later depression.
Detection of Pro-apoptotic BaxΔ2 Proteins in the Human Cerebellum
Authors: Mañas Adriana , Davis Aislinn , Lamerand Sydney , Xiang Jialing 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBaxΔ2 is a pro-apoptotic protein originally discovered in colon cancer patients with high microsatellite instability. Unlike most pro-apoptotic Bax family members, BaxΔ2 mediates cell death through a non-mitochondrial caspase 8-dependent pathway. In the scope of analyzing the distribution of BaxΔ2 expression in human tissues, we examined a panel of human brain samples. Here, we report 4 cerebellar cases in which the subjects had no neurological disorder or disease documented. We found BaxΔ2 positive cells scattered in all areas of the cerebellum, but most strikingly concentrated in Purkinje cell bodies and dendrites. Two out the four subjects tested had strong BaxΔ2- positive staining in nearly all Purkinje cells; one was mainly negative; and one had various levels of positive staining within the same sample. Further genetic analysis of the Purkinje cell layer, collected by microdissection from two subjects, showed that the samples contained G7 and G9 Bax microsatellite mutations. Both subjects were young and had no diseases reported at the time of death. As the distribution of BaxΔ2 is consistent with that known for Baxa, but in a less ubiquitous manner, these results may imply a potential function of BaxΔ2 in Purkinje cells.
Haplotypes associated to gene expression in breast cancer: can they lead us to the susceptibility markers?
Authors: Edvardsen Hege , Kulle Bettina , Tsalenko Anya , Grenaker Alnӕs Grethe Irene , Ekeberg Johansen Fredrik , Enerly Espen , Vailaya Aditya , Lønning Per-Eystein , Helland Åslaug , Syvänen Ann-Christine , Yakhini Zohar , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Frigessi Arnoldo , Kristensen Vessela N. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe have undertaken a systematic haplotype analysis of the positional type of biclusters analysing samples collected from 164 breast cancer patients and 86 women with no known history of breast cancer. We present here the haplotypes and LD patterns in more than 80 genes distributed across all chromosomes and how they differ between cases and controls. We aim by this to 1) identify genes with different haplotype distribution or LD patterns between breast cancer patients and controls and 2) to evaluate the intratumoral mRNA expression patterns in breast cancer associated particularly to the cancer susceptibility haplotypes. A significant difference in haplotype distribution between cases and controls was observed for a total of 35 genes includingABCC1, AKT2, NFKB1, TGFBR2andXRCC4. In addition we see a negative correlation between LD patterns in cases and controls for neighboring markers in 8 genes such asCDKN1A, EPHX1andXRCC1.