bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of pulsed-light accelerated crosslinking in the treatment of progressive keratoconus: Two-year results
Authors: Belviranli Selman , Oltulu Refik 
Published: September 2019

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the 2-year results of epithelium-off pulsed-light accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking treatment in progressive keratoconus using 30 mW/cm2 ultraviolet A light for 6 min with a total dose of 5.4 J/cm2. Methods: A total of 30 eyes of 22 patients with documented progressive keratoconus and treated with epithelium-off pulsed-light accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking using the KXL® crosslinking device (Avedro Inc, Waltham, MA, USA) were included in this retrospective study. Corneal tomographic measurements and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity were compared using analysis of variance with repeated measurements between the baseline visit (before the corneal collagen crosslinking treatment), and the sixth month, first, and second year visits. Results: Flat keratometry (K1), steep keratometry (K2), and mean keratometry (Km) decreased significantly at sixth month, first, and second years ( p < 0.001, p = 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Maximum keratometry (Kmax) decreased from 55.40 ± 4.90 D at baseline to 54.82 ± 4.68 D, 54.80 ± 5.12 D, and 54.65 ± 5.36 D at sixth month, first year, and second year, respectively ( p = 0.007). The best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.34 ± 0.24 logMAR at baseline to 0.25 ± 0.16 logMAR, 0.22 ± 0.15 logMAR, and 0.17 ± 0.13 logMAR at sixth month, first year, and second year, respectively ( p < 0.001). At the second year visit, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity remained stable (no lines lost) with respect to the baseline in 8 eyes and increased 1 or more lines in 22 eyes. Conclusion: Pulsed-light accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking using 30 mW/cm2 ultraviolet A light for 6 min with a total dose of 5.4 J/cm2 is an effective treatment modality in cases with progressive keratoconus—it stops progression at 2 years also regresses some of the cases.
Accuracy of cup placement in total hip arthroplasty by means of a mechanical positioning device: a comprehensive cadaveric 3d analysis of 16 specimens
Authors: Kievit Arthur J , Dobbe Johannes G G , Mallee Wouter H , Blankevoort Leendert , Streekstra Geert J , Schafroth Matthias U 
Published: September 2019

Introduction: We tested whether a mechanical device (such as Hipsecure) to pinpoint the anterior pelvic plane (APP) as a guide can improve acetabular cup placement. To assess accuracy we asked: (1) is the APP an effective guide to position acetabular cup placement within acceptable ° of divergence from the optimal 40° inclination and 15° anteversion; (2) could a mechanical device increase the number of acetabular cup placements within Lewinnek’s safe zone (i.e. inclination 30° to 50°; anteversion 5° to 25°)? Methods: 16 cadaveric specimens were used to assess the 3D surgical success of using a mechanical device APP to guide acetabular cup placement along the APP. We used the Hipsecure mechanical device to implant acetabular cups at 40° inclination and 15° anteversion. Subequently, all cadaveric specimens with implants were scanned with a CT and 3D models were created of the pelvis and acetabular cups to assess the outcome in terms of Lewinnek’s safe zones. Results: The mean inclination of the 16 implants was 40.6° (95% CI, 37.7–43.4) and the mean anteversion angle was 13.4° (95% CI, 10.7–16.1). All 16 cup placements were within Lewinnek’s safe zone for inclination (between 30° and 50°) and all but 2 were within Lewinnek’s safe zone for anteversion (between 5° and 25°). Conclusion: In cadaveric specimens, the use of a mechanical device and the APP as a guide for acetabular cup placement resulted in good positioning with respect to both of Lewinnek’s safe zones.
Pharmacists’ and older adults’ perspectives on the benefits and barriers of Home Medicines Reviews – a qualitative study
Authors: Weir Kristie Rebecca , Naganathan Vasi , Bonner Carissa , McCaffery Kirsten , Rigby Debbie , McLachlan Andrew J , Jansen Jesse 
Published: September 2019

Objectives Conducting a medication review is one way to optimize medications and support older people to reduce the burden of polypharmacy. In Australia, a service called a Home Medicines Review (HMR) is conducted by pharmacists as part of a nationally funded program. HMRs aim to identify and resolve problems associated with polypharmacy and improve collaboration between patient, pharmacist and general practitioner. The aim of this study was to explore the benefits of and barriers to HMRs from the perspective of older patients and pharmacists. Methods This qualitative study involved observations of HMRs ( n = 12) and telephone interviews with 32 participants including 11 accredited pharmacists, 17 older adults aged 65 years and above, with 4 of their companions, in Australia. The researcher observing took notes during the HMR and added more detail and reflections afterwards. Transcribed audio-recordings and observational notes were thematically coded using framework analysis. Results Older patients and their companions found the HMR useful and they appreciated the opportunity to learn more about their medicines. However, many did not understand the purpose of the HMR, had limited understanding about their medicines and some did not want to know more. Pharmacists found HMRs useful for identifying medication errors and improving adherence. They also reported barriers to effective HMRs relating to patients (resistance to the evaluation of their medicines, misunderstanding about the aim of the HMR) and GPs (limited information upon referral, and limited follow-up afterwards). Conclusions Older patients and pharmacists reported a range of benefits for HMRs in terms of optimizing medicines use. Barriers to effective HMR use need to be addressed, including gaps in inter-professional communication and factors related to patient involvement, such as limited medicines understanding and health literacy.
Coming to understand the child has autism: A process illustrating parents’ evolving readiness for engaging in care
Authors: Gentles Stephen J , Nicholas David B , Jack Susan M , McKibbon K Ann , Szatmari Peter 
Published: September 2019

We report results from a large qualitative study regarding the process of parents coming to understand the child has autism starting from the time of initial developmental concerns. Specifically, we present findings relevant to understanding how parents become motivated and prepared for engaging in care at this early stage. The study included primary data from 45 intensive interviews with 32 mothers and 9 expert professionals from urban and rural regions of Ontario, Canada. Grounded theory methods were used to guide data collection and analysis. Parents’ readiness (motivation and capacity) for engagement develops progressively at different rates as they follow individual paths of meaning making. Four optional steps account for their varied trajectories: forming an image of difference, starting to question the signs, knowing something is wrong, and being convinced it’s autism. Both the nature of the information and professional help parents seek, and the urgency with which they seek them, evolve in predictable ways depending on how far they have progressed in understanding their child has autism. Results indicate the need for sensitivity to parents’ varying awareness and readiness for involvement when engaging with them in early care, tailoring parent support interventions, and otherwise planning family-centered care pathways. Lay Abstract What is already known about the topic? Parents of children with autism often learn about their child’s autism before diagnosis and can spend long periods seeking care (including assessment) before receiving a diagnosis. Meanwhile, parents’ readiness to engage in care at this early stage can vary from parent to parent. What this paper adds? This study revealed how parents come to understand their child has autism—on their own terms, rather than from just talking to professionals. It also explained how parents’ growing awareness of their child’s autism leads them to feel more motivated to engage in care by seeking information and pursuing services. Four “optional steps” described how parents’ growing readiness to engage in care at this early stage can vary, depending on their personal process. Implications for practice, research, or policy The results suggest ways that professionals can be more sensitive (a) to parents’ varying awareness of autism and (b) to their varying readiness for being involved in early care. They also suggest ways to tailor parent supports to their individual situation and design care that is more family centered. Not all parents want high levels of involvement. Depending on their personal process, some parents may need care and support that is directed at them before feeling ready for professionals to engage them in care directed at the child.
Beyond bilingualism in Japan: Examining the translingual trends of a “monolingual” nation
Authors: Turnbull Blake 
Published: September 2019

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions: Japan has traditionally been thought of as a linguistically homogenous and therefore monolingual society. Consequently, very few Japanese people consider themselves bilingual, let alone translingual; however, the reality of Japanese society would suggest otherwise. This paper’s objective was to shed light on the largely unrecognized translanguaging practices prevalent throughout Japanese society. It also attempts to address the question of why Japanese people largely fail to recognize their own translingual status despite their ability to live and act in an increasingly translingual society with few communicative issues. Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper takes a visual ethnography approach to examine an assortment of concrete photographic materials collected by the researcher. A descriptive qualitative framework was employed whereby written explanations and interpretation consolidate visual photographic representations to provide an insight into the translingual practices of Japanese society. Data and Analysis: Based on a descriptive qualitative framework, in which emphasis was placed on understanding the identified phenomena in their own right through analysis of emergent descriptions rather than predetermined options, 10 instances of translanguaging practices were analyzed in depth throughout this paper under six different themes: simple translation, intersentential practices, intrasentential, practices interlexical practices, intralexical practices, and semiotic-reliant practices. Findings/Conclusions: The findings provide concrete evidence of intersentential, intrasentential, interlexical, intralexical, and semiotic-reliant translingual practices working together to create a linguistically rich Japanese society that is undeniably deserving of a translingual accreditation. Originality: This is the first study that has looked at the translanguaging practices of Japanese society and identified it as being deserving of a translingual accreditation. Significance/Implications: This paper contributes toward an epistemological shift away from the erroneous notion that Japan is a monolingual nation, and brings about awareness to celebrate the underlying translingualism that runs prevalent throughout modern Japanese society.
Alcohol industry strategies to influence the reform of the Finnish Alcohol Law
Authors: Sama Thomas Babila , Hiilamo Heikki 
Published: September 2019

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the strategies used by the alcohol industry to influence the reform of the Alcohol Act in Finland during the preparation phase between 2016 and 2017. The study answers the following research question: what strategies were used by the alcohol industry to change the original purpose of the reform on alcohol in Finland? Method: Primary data were collected through 16 expert interviews with experts who had participated in the preparation of the alcohol reform in Finland, while secondary data were collected from prior literature, journal articles and Google databases. Results: The results identified three main political strategies used by the alcohol industry to influence the reform of the law on alcohol in Finland during the preparation phase between 2016 and 2017: “information”, under which the alcohol industry lobbied politicians in Parliament through Members of Parliament of the National Coalition Party due to the close ties between the two; “constituency building”, under which the alcohol industry formed alliances with interest groups in the grocery-retail business in Finland, to advocate for liberalisation of the law, as well as the use of social media – specifically Twitter – to lobby the public; and lastly, “policy substitution” to promote self-regulation. Conclusions: The results suggest that the involvement of the alcohol industry in political decision-making following Finland’s EU membership has given the industry legitimacy and new opportunities to influence alcohol policy, while limiting policies to protect the public from alcohol-related harms. The results may be useful to alcohol policy-makers.
Possible Molecular Mechanisms for the Roles of MicroRNA-21 Played in Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Qiang , Zhang Linyou 
Published: September 2019

Background: We aimed to find the possible molecular mechanisms for the roles of microRNA-21 underlying lung cancer development. Methods: MicroRNA-21-5p inhibitor was transfected into A549 cells. Total RNA was isolated from 10 samples, including 3 in control group (A549 cells), 3 in negative control group (A549 cells transferred with microRNA-21 negative control), and 4 in SH group (A549 cells transferred with microRNA-21 inhibitor), followed by RNA sequencing. Then, differentially expressed genes were screened for negative control group versus control group, SH group versus control group, and SH group versus negative control group. Functional enrichment analyses, protein–protein interaction network, and modules analyses were conducted. Target genes of hsa-miR-21-5p and transcription factors were predicted, followed by the regulatory network construction. Results: Minichromosome maintenance 10 replication initiation factor and cell division cycle associated 8 were important nodes in protein–protein interaction network with higher degrees. Cell division cycle associated 8 was enriched in cell division biological process. Furthermore, maintenance 10 replication initiation factor and cell division cycle associated 8 were significantly enriched in cluster 1 and micro-RNA-transcription factor-target genes regulating network. In addition, transcription factor Dp family member 3 (transcription factor of maintenance 10 replication initiation factor and cell division cycle associated 8) and RAD21 cohesin complex component (transcription factor of maintenance 10 replication initiation factor) were target genes of hsa-miR-21-5p. Conclusions: Micro-RNA-21 may play a key role in lung cancer partly via maintenance 10 replication initiation factor and cell division cycle associated 8. Furthermore, microRNA-21 targeted cell division cycle associated 8 and then played roles in lung cancer via the process of cell division. Transcription factor Dp family member 3 and RAD21 cohesin complex component are important transcription factors in microRNA-21-interfered lung cancer.
An abnormal elevation of serum CA72-4 rather than other tumor markers can be caused by use of colchicine
Authors: Zhao Bing , Zhang Miaomiao , Liang Yan , Yang Zaixing 
Published: September 2019

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of colchicine and other medications for gout treatment on serum CA72-4 and other tumor markers including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA19-9, CYFRA21-1, neuron specific enolase (NSE), prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Methods: A total of 143 gout patients and 40 healthy individuals were randomly recruited. Of these patients, 38 did not receive any treatment; 42 received colchicines; 62 received other medications for gout treatment (Etoricoxib, glucocorticoid, Benzbromarone, allopurinol, Febuxostat, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or their combinations). Of 42 gout patients receiving colchicines, 23 were followed up. All tumor markers were detected by electrochemiluminescence immunoassays. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 17.0 software. Results: The serum CA72-4 level was significantly higher in gout patients receiving colchicine than that in healthy control and gout patients without any treatment or who were receiving other treatments ( P<0.001). There was no significant difference regarding other tumor markers among the various groups. All patients receiving colchicine, but no healthy individuals, patients with no treatment, or those receiving other medications had increased serum CA72-4 levels. Additionally, none or only a few of the subjects had increased AFP, CA19-9, CYFRA21-1, NSE, CEA, or PSA, while the proportion was not significantly different among various groups. Conclusions: Colchicine can cause abnormal elevation of serum CA72-4, but other medications have no effect on serum CA72-4. Furthermore, serum CA72-4 gradually increased and decreased after the initiation and cessation of colchicine therapy, respectively. Other tumor markers are not influenced by colchicine and other medications.
Clinical and neuroimaging criteria to improve the workflow in transfers for endovascular treatment evaluation
Authors: Requena Manuel , Olivé-Gadea Marta , Boned Sandra , Ramos Anna , Cardona Pere , Urra Xabier , Serena Joaquín , Silva Yolanda , Purroy Francisco , Ustrell Xavier , Abilleira Sonia , Tomasello Alejandro , Perez de la Ossa Natalia , Molina Carlos A , Ribo Marc , Rubiera Marta ,   for the Catalan Stroke Code and Reperfusion Consortium (Cat-SCR)
Published: September 2019

Background Transfer protocols from primary to comprehensive stroke centers are crucial for endovascular treatment success. Aim To evaluate clinical and neuroimaging data of transferred patients and their likelihood of presenting a large infarct core at comprehensive stroke center arrival. Methods Retrospective analysis of population-based mandatory prospective registry of acute stroke patients evaluated for endovascular treatment. Consecutive patients evaluated at primary stroke center with suspected large vessel occlusion and PSC-ASPECTS ≥ 6 transferred to a comprehensive stroke center were included. PSC and CSC-ASPECTS, time-metrics, and clinical data were analyzed. Results During 28 months, 1185 endovascular treatment candidates were transferred from PC to comprehensive stroke center in our public stroke network, 477 had an anterior circulation syndrome and available neuroimaging information and were included. Median baseline NIHSS was 13 (8–19). On arrival to comprehensive stroke center, large vessel occlusion was confirmed in 60.2% patients, and 41.2% received endovascular treatment. Median interfacility ASPECTS decay was 1 (0–2) after a median of 150.7 (SD 101) min between both CT-acquisitions. A logistic regression analysis adjusted by age, time from symptoms to PC-CT, and time from PC-CT to CSC-CT showed that only a baseline NIHSS and PSC-ASPECTS independently predicted a CSC-ASPECTS < 6. ROC curves identified baseline NIHSS ≥ 16 and PSC-ASPECTS ≤ 7 as the best cut-off points. The rate of CSC-ASPECTS < 6 increased from 7% to 57% among patients with NIHSS ≥ 16 and PSC-ASPECS ≤ 7. Conclusion After a median transfer time >2 h, only 11.9% showed ASPECTS < 6 at the comprehensive stroke center. Activation of endovascular treatment teams should not require confirming neuroimaging on arrival and repeating neuroimaging at comprehensive stroke center should only be performed in selected cases.
How can the World Stroke Organization (WSO) optimize education in stroke medicine around the world? Report of the 2018 WSO Global Stroke Stakeholder Workshop
Authors: Gubitz Gord , Saini Monica , Belson Sarah , Sahathevan Ramesh , Sandercock Peter 
Published: September 2019

Background Education in stroke is relevant to stroke survivors, clinicians, care providers, and healthcare system administrators and is of special importance in resource-limited settings. The World Stroke Organization Education Committee undertook a program of work, culminating in a focused workshop, to establish the key educational priorities, and work toward maximizing the WSOs impact on the global burden of stroke. Methods A facilitated workshop took place during the World Stroke Congress in Montreal, Canada in October 2018. The workshop was developed using opinions on priority topics for World Stroke Organization educational activities obtained from web-based surveys of World Stroke Organization Members, supplemented by interviews with international stroke support organizations. The workshop included over 50 international participants, selected to represent a balance of age, gender, geographical region, and different levels of health resources. Participants also included members of the World Stroke Organization Education Committee, the World Stroke Academy, stroke support organizations, and the International Journal of Stroke editorial board. The workshop focused on understanding more about educational needs (at all levels), with emphasis on resource-limited settings.  Three broad questions were posed: (1) What are the key educational needs: (a) in your region, (b) from your perspective (e.g. stroke support organization)? (2) Do the current educational activities offered by World Stroke Organization and WSA meet your needs? (3) What could World Stroke Organization/World Stroke Academy offer in your region that would meet your needs? The facilitated discussions were recorded, and the results transcribed and summarized by members of the World Stroke Organization Education Committee. Results Five key needs were identified: 1. Collaborative interdisciplinary, training in both stroke care and how to advocate for stroke. 2. Educational materials provided in a wider range of formats that could be adapted to local circumstances and clinical practices. 3. Educational activities for healthcare providers and stroke support organizations organized regionally, with the World Stroke Organization providing organizational support, and a pool of experts, therapists, nurses, etc. to deliver locally relevant materials. 4. Clear and authoritative online resources, where it is easy to find key policy and protocol guidance. 5. A range of online interactive education and training resources to help build knowledge and competence in stroke care. Conclusion The results of the workshop have been presented to the World Stroke Organization Board and will be used to help to guide the educational initiatives of the World Stroke Organization and World Stroke Academy going forward.