bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Altered Corneal Sensation in Patients With Chronic Migraine
Authors: Aykut Veysel , Elbay Ahmet , Esen Fehim , Kocaman Gulsen , Savran Elibol Emine , Oguz Halit 
Published: September 2018

Objective:
Migraine is a central sensitization disease characterized by recurrent unilateral headache. The aim of this study was to evaluate corneal sensitivity and associated findings in patients with migraine.

Methods:
In this study, we included 58 patients with migraine (52 female and 6 male, mean age: 32.98±8.51 years) and 30 healthy control subjects (27 females and 3 males, mean age: 35.29±8.00 years). Only patients who did not have any eye disease were included in this study. Corneal sensation was evaluated with Cochet–Bonnet esthesiometer in five different regions of the cornea.

Results:
There was no significant difference between the groups for age, sex, and visual acuity. Increased mean sensitivity of the nasal cornea in the patients with migraine was found (55.0 vs. 53.75 mm, P=0.020). There was no significant difference in mean sensitivity for central (57.5 vs. 55 mm, P=0.163), temporal (57.5 vs. 55 mm, P=0.066), superior (52.5 vs. 52.5 mm, P=0.551), and inferior cornea (48.75 vs. 47.5 mm, P=0.818), or mean overall sensation (54.0 vs. 52.75, P=0.14), although there was a trend toward increased sensitivity in the patients with migraine. Among the subgroup of patients with unilateral migraine, mean overall sensation (54.0 vs. 53.0 mm, P=0.049) and temporal sensation (57.5 vs. 55.0 mm, P=0.043) were increased on the affected side.

Conclusion:
In this study, we have demonstrated that patients with migraine have increased corneal sensation, especially in the cornea of the affected side. This finding supports the idea that corneal sensation is altered in patients with migraine.
Compliance With Primary Open-angle Glaucoma and Primary Open-angle Glaucoma Suspect Preferred Practice Patterns in a Retail-based Eye Clinic
Authors: Stanley Jordan , Huisingh Carrie E. , Swain Thomas A. , McGwin Gerald , Owsley Cynthia , Girkin Christopher A. , Rhodes Lindsay A. 
Published: September 2018

Purpose:
To determine the level of adherence to the American Academy of Ophthalmology preferred practice pattern (PPP) guidelines for quality primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and POAG suspect (POAGS) care among retail-based optometrists.

Methods:
Patients with a diagnosis of POAG or POAGS who participated in a telemedicine pilot project were included. Patients’ charts were evaluated for 15 elements of PPP guidelines for glaucoma care. Results were further stratified by number of follow-up visits and diagnosis.

Results:
Of 360 identified patients, 10 elements were documented in over 98%. Documentation of the remaining 5 components was as follows: dilated fundus examination 91.1%, central corneal thickness (CCT) 88.6%, visual field 78.9%, gonioscopy 47.5%, and target intraocular pressure (IOP) 15.6%. in total, 32.8% of patients were seen once, whereas the remaining 67.2% had multiple visits. In patients with multiple visits, providers were more likely to document systemic history (100.0% vs. 97.5%; P=0.0346), review of systems (100.0% vs. 97.5%; P=0.0346), gonioscopy (60.0% vs. 22.0%; P<0.001), CCT (94.2% vs. 77.1%; P<0.001), visual field (97.5% vs. 40.7%; P<0.001), and target IOP (22.4% vs. 1.7%; P<0.001) compared with single visit patients. In stratifying results by diagnosis, POAG patients more often received visual field testing (92.7% vs. 68.9%; P<0.001) and had an established target IOP (35.1% vs. 1.4%; P<0.001) compared with POAGS patients.

Conclusions:
Compliance with PPP guidelines for glaucoma care was very high for most elements but lower for performing dilated fundus examination, CCT, visual field, gonioscopy, and target IOP. This study highlights deficiencies in care likely to hamper the detection of glaucoma progression.
Antituberculosis Drug-induced Liver Injury in Children
Authors: Gafar Fajri , Arifin Helmi , Jurnalis Yusri D. , Yani Finny F. , Fitria Najmiatul , Alffenaar Jan-Willem C. , Wilffert Bob 
Published: September 2018

Background:
As one of the most frequent and serious adverse reactions during tuberculosis (TB) treatment, antituberculosis drug-induced liver injury (ATLI) in children has been studied insufficiently compared with adults. We aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors of ATLI in children during the first 2 months of TB therapy.

Methods:
A total of 41 children with TB and treated with first-line anti-TB drugs were prospectively followed-up for the development of ATLI. Liver function tests were performed at baseline and after 2 weeks of therapy. Subsequent tests were conducted at 4, 6 and 8 weeks if the initial 2-week measurement was abnormal or if symptoms of hepatotoxicity were reported.

Results:
ATLI was detected in 11 (27%) patients within 14 to 42 days from the start of therapy, with most of them (54%) occurred after 2 weeks. TB treatment was stopped immediately in 6 of 11 patients who developed ATLI, and no recurrent hepatotoxicity after drug reintroductions in these patients. Univariate analysis showed that ATLI was significantly associated with TB meningitis (P < 0.01), hypoalbuminemia (P < 0.05) and hepatotoxic comedications (P < 0.01). Age, sex, nutritional status, HIV status and baseline liver function abnormalities were not associated with ATLI. Multivariate analysis identified hypoalbuminemia and hepatotoxic comedications (both P < 0.1) tend to be independently associated with ATLI.

Conclusions:
Children with hypoalbuminemia and use of hepatotoxic comedications are suggested to be monitored closely for the development of ATLI.
Nevirapine Concentrations During the First Month of Life and Maternal Efavirenz Washout in High-Risk HIV-Exposed Infants Receiving Triple Antiretroviral Prophylaxis
Authors: Anugulruengkitt Suvaporn , Cressey Tim R. , Suntarattiwong Piyarat , Ounchanum Pradthana , Srirompotong Ussanee , Jantarabenjakul Watsamon , Sophonphan Jiratchaya , Tawon Yardpiroon , Punnahitanon Sunti , Pancharoen Chitsanu , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya , Puthanakit Thanyawee 
Published: September 2018

Background:
Triple-drug infant antiretroviral prophylaxis containing nevirapine (NVP) is increasingly used to prevent HIV transmission among neonates at high risk of HIV infection. Our aim was to describe NVP concentration from birth through the first month of life.

Methods:
High-risk HIV-exposed neonates were enrolled in a prospective cohort in Thailand. High-risk neonates defined as maternal HIV RNA >50 copies/mL before delivery or mother received antiretroviral treatment for <12 weeks before delivery. Neonates received zidovudine (4 mg/kg) and lamivudine (2 mg/kg) twice daily, plus NVP (4 mg/kg) once daily (no lead-in) from birth to 6 weeks of life. Infant plasma samples were collected at 1, 2, 14 or 2, 7, 28 days of life. NVP trough concentrations (C24) were estimated using a population pharmacokinetic model and target C24 was ≥0.1 mg/L. “Washout” efavirenz (EFV) concentrations were assessed in infants whose mother received EFV-based antiretroviral treatment.

Results:
A total of 48 infants were included: 25 (52%) were male and 12 (25%) were preterm (gestational age 34–37 weeks). Median (interquartile range) predicted NVP C24 were 1.34 mg/L (1.13–1.84), 2.24 (2.00–2.59), 2.78 (2.61–3.12), 2.20 (1.86–2.44) and 0.81 (0.58–0.98) on days 1, 2, 7, 14 and 28 of life, respectively. NVP C24 was not significantly different between term and preterm infants. All infants maintained NVP C24 ≥0.1 mg/L. EFV via placental transfer remained detectable in infants up to 7 days of life.

Conclusions:
NVP 4 mg/kg daily from birth provided adequate prophylactic concentrations during the first month of life in high-risk HIV-exposed neonates.
Isolation and Characterization of New Probiotic Strains From Chinese Babies
Authors: Zhang Di , Zhang Shiqi , Guidesi Elena , Zonenschain Daniela , Sagheddu Valeria , Lee Soowon , Lim Chong-Yoon , Elli Marina 
Published: September 2018

Goals:
The aims of this study were to isolate, to identify, and to characterize new potential probiotic strains from the feces of Chinese neonates.

Background:
Probiotic strains approved in China for use in infants were declared to originate from the human gut of Western subjects. Diet is listed among the main factors affecting the composition of the human gut along with other factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and health status. On the basis of this, the lifestyle of mothers, including dietary habits, could have an impact on the bacterial strains that colonize the gut of their babies.

Study:
Starting from fecal samples, plated onto selective media, of 26 babies, a total of 38 Lactobacillus and 45 Bifidobacterium colonies were isolated and subcultured, identified at the specie level with the partial sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene, and assessed for safety according to international guidelines for probiotics and European guidance. Only 6 Lactobacillus and 5 Bifidobacterium spp. were included for further analysis for the evaluation of survival rate within the gastrointestinal tract and for adhesive properties on the Caco-2 cell line. Some tests for prebiotic metabolism and growth on reconstituted skimmed milk were also performed.

Results:
Three Lactobacillus strains and 1 Bifidobacterium strain showing interesting adhesive abilities were included in the in vitro immune-stimulatory test with dendritic cells. Among these isolates, the Bifidobacterium breve 2TA showed the most interesting probiotic properties.

Conclusions:
The results obtained led to the identification of 4 new potential probiotic strains from Chinese babies to be submitted to further investigations about their metabolic and functional features.
Bowel Preparation With Polyethylene Glycol 3350 or Fasting Only Before Peroral Single-balloon Enteroscopy
Authors: Lenze Frank , Nowacki Tobias , Schöppner Sabine , Ullerich Hansjörg , Bettenworth Dominik , Soriani Paola , Gabbani Tommaso , Mirante Vincenzo G. , Domagk Dirk , Manno Mauro , Lenz Philipp 
Published: September 2018

Background:
Although bowel preparation before colonoscopy and capsule endoscopy is widely evaluated and usually follows established guidelines, a standard preparation regime for peroral small bowel enteroscopy is yet to be defined.
The aim of the present study was to compare small bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and “fasting only” (FO) before peroral single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE).

Study:
We compared small bowel preparation with PEG versus “FO” for peroral SBE in a randomized European multicenter trial. Patients’ and procedural characteristics were documented and carefully analyzed. Primary endpoint was the oral intubation depth of the small bowel. A modified Boston preparation scale was used to assess bowel cleansing as a secondary endpoint.

Results:
In total, 43 patients were enrolled in this study (FO group: n=25; PEG group: n=18). In both groups, patients’ characteristics were comparable. The indications for oral enteroscopy were equally distributed in both groups (P=0.894). The oral intubation depth was significantly higher in the PEG versus the FO group (261±87 vs. 203±66 cm; P=0.019; mean±SD), while the quality of bowel preparation was equally sufficient in both groups [complete visualization of the mucosa (Boston preparation scale) 83% versus 76% (P=1.000)].

Conclusions:
Small bowel preparation with PEG for SBE yields significantly deeper intubation as compared with “FO” preparation. As patient comfort and safety was similar in both groups, PEG preparation might be favored, especially if deep intubation of the small bowel is desired. For patients requiring visualization of the proximal jejunum, a FO preparation seems to be sufficient.
Intestinal Hyperpermeability in Gulf War Veterans With Chronic Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Authors: Zhang Buyi , Verne Meghan L. , Fields Jeremy Z. , Verne G. Nicholas , Zhou QiQi 
Published: September 2018

Background:
Well over 700,000 United States military personnel participated in the Persian Gulf War in which they developed chronic health disorders of undetermined etiology. Up to 25% of Veterans had persistent and chronic gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, which they suspected were related to their military service in the Gulf.

Aim:
The overall aim of the current study was to evaluate intestinal permeability in previously deployed Gulf War Veterans who developed chronic GI symptoms during their tour in the Persian Gulf.

Methods:
To accomplish this, we evaluated intestinal permeability (IP) using the urinary lactulose/mannitol test. Measurements of intestinal permeability were then correlated with mean ratings of daily abdominal pain, frequency of bowel movements, and consistency of bowel movements on the Bristol Stool Scale in all Veterans.

Results:
A total of 73 veterans had documented chronic GI symptoms (diarrhea, abdominal pain) and were included in the study. A total of 29/73 (39%) of veterans has increased IP and had a higher average daily stool frequency (P<0.05); increased liquid stools as indicated by a higher Bristol Stool Scale (P<0.01); and a higher mean M-VAS abdominal pain rating (P<0.01). Pearson correlation coefficients revealed that there was a positive correlation between increased IP and stool frequency, Bristol Stool Scale, and M-VAS abdominal pain rating.

Conclusions:
Our study demonstrates that deployed Gulf War Veterans with persistent GI symptoms commonly have increased intestinal permeability that potentiates the severity of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and stool consistency. These new findings in our study are important as they may lead to novel diagnostic biomarkers for returning Gulf War Veterans who suffer from chronic functional gastrointestinal disorders. These advances are also important for an increasing number of veterans who are now serving in the Persian Gulf and are at a high risk of developing these chronic pain disorders.
Impact of new direct-acting antiviral drugs on hepatitis C virus-related decompensated liver cirrhosis
Authors: Essa Mohamed , Sabry Aliaa , Abdelsameea Eman , Tharwa El-Sayed , Salama Mohsen 
Published: September 2018

Background
The benefits of treatment of hepatitis C virus with direct-acting antiviral drugs in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (DLC) are still unclear.

Aim
To evaluate the degree of improvement in hepatic decompensation events and quality of life (QOL) in treated patients with DLC.

Patients and methods
One hundred and fifty patients with hepatitis C virus-related DLC were included; 75 of these patients received treatment (group I) [sofosbuvir (SOF) with either daclatasvir or ledipasvir for 24 weeks without ribavirin (RBV) or for 12 weeks with RBV] and 75 patients did not receive treatment as a comparable group (group II). Patients who achieved a sustained virological response at 12 weeks were assessed in terms of decompensation events, model for end-stage liver disease score, Child–Turcotte–Pugh score, biochemical changes, and QOL (applied on Mcguill QOL questionnaire) before starting treatment and 6 months after end of treatment, and were compared with untreated patients.

Results
Forty-two (56%) patients received SOF/daclatasvir for 24 weeks without RBV and 19 (25.3%) patients received SOF/ledipasvir for 24 weeks without RBV. The model for end-stage liver disease score improved in treated patients (mean change –1.73), but worsened in untreated patients (mean change +11.8) before and after 6 months. Also, the Child–Turcotte–Pugh score improved significantly (P<0.001). Serum albumin, prothrombin time, bilirubin, α-fetoprotein, and alanine aminotransferase improved in treated patients (P<0.001). Health-related QOL improved in treated patients (mean change +17.65) and worsened in untreated ones (mean change −18.68; P<0.001).

Conclusion
Treated patients with DLC showed an improvement in liver tests and health-related QOL. Longer durations of follow-up for decompensation events are needed.
Different kinetics of liver stiffness using shear wave elastography in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection treated with interferon-free regimens
Authors: Attia Dina , Deterding Katja , Cornberg Janet , Gebel Michael J. , Cornberg Markus , Manns Michael P. , Wedemeyer Heiner , Potthoff Andrej 
Published: September 2018

Background
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) lead to a high rate of sustained virologic response (SVR) in chronic hepatitis C infection. The aim was to evaluate liver stiffness kinetics, using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging elastography, during and after DAAs in patients who had reached SVR.

Patients and methods
A total of 275 consecutive chronic hepatitis C virus-infected patients were included in this longitudinal prospective single-centre study. All patients received DAAs for 8 to 24 weeks, and liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) by ARFI at baseline, at week 4, week 12, week 24, and 24 weeks (SVR24) and 48 weeks (FU48) after the end of treatment were recorded. Transient elastography was performed at baseline and at SVR24.

Results
A decrease in LSM was detected at SVR24 by ARFI and transient elastography (P<0.001 and <0.001, respectively). A continuous gradual decrease in ARFI was observed in patients with cirrhosis versus a nonsignificant change in patients without cirrhosis until FU48 (P<0.001 vs. 0.877, respectively). At SVR24, higher baseline ARFI values (P=0.038) were associated with a decrease in LSM in patients with cirrhosis versus normal international normalization ratio (P=0.003), lower bilirubin (P=0.003), and higher albumin (P=0.007) in patients without cirrhosis. The incidence of liver stiffness decrease from baseline was higher in patients with cirrhosis than in those without cirrhosis (P<0.001), whereas the incidence of liver stiffness progression was more pronounced in advanced than in compensated cirrhosis (P<0.001).

Conclusion
After DAAs in patients with SVR, liver stiffness improves in patients with cirrhosis, whereas non-cirrhotic patients show no true change in liver stiffness. Liver stiffness worsens in patients with advanced liver disease.
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma with histologically proven portal vein infiltration: what is the outcome?
Authors: Martin David , Petermann David , Fontanella Sara , Pu Yan , Halkic Nermin , Demartines Nicolas , Schäfer Markus 
Published: September 2018

Objectives
Technical feasibility and safety of portal vein (PV) and superior mesenteric vein (SMV) resection during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for cancer has been confirmed, but oncological benefits remain unclear. The present study aimed to explore the long-term outcomes of PD with PV/SMV resection and proven histologically invasion.

Patients and methods
A total of 95 consecutive PD were performed between January 2008 and August 2013, and 29 patients underwent PV/SMV resection with histologically proven venous tumor infiltration. Patients were matched 1 : 1 to controls who did not undergo venous resection, based on demographic and tumor characteristics.

Results
Disease-free survival (DFS) of the PV/SMV invasion group and control group was 9.5 and 7.6 months, respectively (P=0.51). Median survival and survival at 1, 3, and 5 years were 12.9 months, 59, 17, and 10%, respectively, in case of PV/SMV invasion compared with 20.3 months, 72, 31, and 10%, respectively in control group (P=0.13). Patients with complete transmural infiltration presented nonsignificantly shorter DFS (9.0 months) compared with those with partial venous wall infiltration (18.4 months, P=0.78).

Conclusion
Histologically proven portal venous invasion in patients undergoing PD for adenocarcinoma seemed not to have an effect on both DFS and overall long-term survival.
Health Care Access and Physical and Behavioral Health Among Undocumented Latinos in California
Authors: Ortega Alexander N. , McKenna Ryan M. , Kemmick Pintor Jessie , Langellier Brent A. , Roby Dylan H. , Pourat Nadereh , Vargas Bustamante Arturo , Wallace Steven P. 
Published: September 2018

Background:
This paper provides statewide estimates on health care access and utilization patterns and physical and behavioral health by citizenship and documentation status among Latinos in California.

Methods:
This study used data from the 2011–2015 California Health Interview Survey to examine health care access and utilization and physical and behavioral health among a representative sample of all nonelderly Latino and US-born non-Latino white adults (N=51,386). Multivariable regressions estimated the associations between the dependent measures and citizenship/documentation status among Latinos (US-born, naturalized citizen, green card holder, and undocumented).

Results:
Adjusted results from multivariable analyses observed worse access and utilization patterns among immigrant Latinos compared with US-born Latinos, with undocumented immigrants using significantly less health care. Undocumented Latinos had lower odds of self-reporting excellent/very good health status compared with US-born Latinos, despite them having lower odds of having several physical and behavioral health outcomes (overweight/obesity, physician-diagnosed hypertension, asthma, self-reported psychological distress, and need for behavioral health services). Among those reporting a need for behavioral health services, access was also worse for undocumented Latinos when compared with US-born Latinos.

Conclusions:
Patterns of poor health care access and utilization and better physical and behavioral health are observed across the continuum of documentation status, with undocumented immigrants having the worst access and utilization patterns and less disease. Despite fewer reported diagnoses and better mental health, undocumented Latinos reported poorer health status than their US-born counterparts.
Lack of Health Insurance Associated With Lower Probability of Head Computed Tomography Among United States Traumatic Brain Injury Patients
Authors: Renson Audrey , Schubert Finn D. , Bjurlin Marc A. 
Published: September 2018

Background:
Uninsured traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients have higher mortality than their insured counterparts. One possible reason is disparities in receipt of appropriate diagnostic imaging.

Objective:
Examine the association between lack of insurance and use of diagnostic imaging.

Research Design:
This is a retrospective cohort study.

Subjects:
All adult patients admitted with severe (AIS>4 and GCS<15) TBI, in the National Trauma Data Bank 2010–2015.

Measures:
Primary outcome was receipt of head computed tomography (CT) and number of CT scans received. Secondary outcomes included head x-ray, angiography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were classified as uninsured if their payment method was self-pay or not billed.

Results:
Of 59,540 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 18.9% were uninsured. After adjusting for demographic, clinical, and facility characteristics, compared with patients with any insurance, 4.47 per 100 (95% confidence interval, 1.60–7.34) fewer uninsured patients had a head CT, with uninsured patients receiving 13% (95% confidence interval, 3–21) fewer head CTs. There were no differences in x-ray, angiography, or magnetic resonance imaging receipt.

Conclusions:
Findings suggest lower receipt of guideline-indicated head CT among uninsured TBI patients. Mechanisms could include unconscious provider bias or institutional financial constraints. Further research is warranted to elucidate mechanisms and assess mediation by diagnostic imaging use of the insurance-mortality association.