bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term effect of cataract phacoemulsification on the inflammation control and clinical outcome in uveitis patients,
Authors: Sharief Lazha , Lightman Sue , Baltinas Julijana , Tomkins‐Netzer Oren 
Published: August 2018

AbstractImportanceCataract is one of the most common complications associated with uveitis, and is the leading cause of vision loss in these patients.BackgroundThe study aimed to evaluate the effect of phacoemulsification on the long‐term clinical outcome and inflammation control in uveitis patients.DesignLongitudinal study.ParticipantsOf 1907 eyes with uveitis, 309 eyes underwent phacoemulsification were compared to a control group of 300 phakic eyes with uveitis.MethodThe risk of vision loss and macular oedema in pseudophakic eyes were compared to the phakic group. The rates of corticosteroids administration and uveitis relapse were also measured in pseudophakic eyes and compared to preoperative period.Main Outcome MeasuresChange in uveitis activity post phacoemulsification by measuring rate of uveitis relapse and use of topical and systemic steroids. Also, to measure the risk of vision loss and macular oedema post surgery.ResultsOver a median follow‐up time of 6.7 years or 2249 eye‐years (EY), pseudophakic eyes had a greater risk of vision loss (hazard ratio [HR] 2.4, CI 1.4 to 4.0; P < 0.001) and macular oedema (HR 2.2, CI 1.4 to 3.4, P < 0.001) compared to the phakic uveitis group. Over 5 years post‐surgery, the annual rate of uveitis relapses was less than the same period pre surgery (−1.2, 95% CI −2.0 to −0.2, P = 0.012) with no significant change in the annual rate of using topical and systemic prednisolone >7.5 mg/day.Conclusions and RelevanceThere was no significant increase in uveitis relapse rate post‐phacoemulsification with the use of current prophylactic inflammation control measures.
Ten‐year trends in contact allergy to formaldehyde and formaldehyde‐releasers
Authors: Fasth Ida M. , Ulrich Nina H. , Johansen Jeanne D. 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundPreservatives such as formaldehyde and formaldehyde‐releasers are common causes of contact allergy.ObjectivesTo examine trends in contact allergy to formaldehyde and formaldehyde‐releasers in patch tested patients in Denmark over a 10‐year period (2007‐2016), and to investigate relevant sources of formaldehyde among the patients.MethodsA cross‐sectional registry study on patch test data from patients tested with formaldehyde and formaldehyde‐releasers (N = 8463) was performed. The presence of released formaldehyde in products from formaldehyde‐allergic patients was identified with chemical analyses (chromotropic acid or acetylacetone test).ResultsThe prevalence of contact allergy to formaldehyde 1% was 1.5%, and ranged between 0.97% and 2.3%, with a decreasing trend in this 10‐year period. Contact allergy to formaldehyde 2% was found in 2.4%, and no significant trend was observed. Quaternium‐15 was the formaldehyde‐releaser most often positive (0.86%). Patients allergic to formaldehyde often had simultaneous positive patch test reactions to formaldehyde‐releasers (36%). Almost 63% of the patients with formaldehyde allergy used products that released formaldehyde; cosmetics were the most common sources.ConclusionsAlthough contact allergy to formaldehyde 1% decreased in this 10‐year time period, contact allergies to formaldehyde and formaldehyde‐releasers overall remain frequent in patients. In most cases, formaldehyde‐allergic patients are exposed to ≥1 products containing formaldehyde. Improved regulation on permitted amounts of free formaldehyde in cosmetics is still warranted, including direct labelling of formaldehyde when it is present in small but relevant amounts.
More Than the Eye Can See: A Computational Model of Color Term Acquisition and Color Discrimination
Authors: Beekhuizen Barend , Stevenson Suzanne 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe explore the following two cognitive questions regarding crosslinguistic variation in lexical semantic systems: Why are some linguistic categories—that is, the associations between a term and a portion of the semantic space—harder to learn than others? How does learning a language‐specific set of lexical categories affect processing in that semantic domain? Using a computational word‐learner, and the domain of color as a testbed, we investigate these questions by modeling both child acquisition of color terms and adult behavior on a non‐verbal color discrimination task. A further goal is to test an approach to lexical semantic representation based on the principle that the more languages label any two situations with the same word, the more conceptually similar those two situations are. We compare such a crosslinguistically based semantic space to one based on perceptual similarity. Our computational model suggests a mechanistic explanation for the interplay between term frequency and the semantic closeness of learned categories in developmental error patterns for color terms. Our model also indicates how linguistic relativity effects could arise from an acquisition mechanism that yields language‐specific topologies for the same semantic domain. Moreover, we find that the crosslinguistically inspired semantic space supports these results at least as well as—and in some aspects better than—the purely perceptual one, thus confirming our approach as a practical and principled method for lexical semantic representation in cognitive modeling.
Cathepsin B regulates non‐canonical NLRP3 inflammasome pathway by modulating activation of caspase‐11 in Kupffer cells
Authors: Chen Nan , Ou Zhibing , Zhang Wenfeng , Zhu Xiwen , Li Peizhi , Gong Jianping 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe non‐canonical inflammasome pathway was described which engages caspase‐11 to mediate pyroptosis and the subsequent release of IL‐1α, IL‐1β and IL‐18 in TLR4‐independent way. Cathepsin B is capable of activating caspase‐11 under cell‐free conditions which may regulate non‐canonical NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. In this study, we aimed to further investigate cathepsin B as potential activators of proinflammatory caspases which may be released upon proinflammatory stimuli and regulate non‐canonical NLRP3 inflammasome pathway by modulating the activity of caspase‐11.MethodsPharmacological and gene‐silencing approaches were used to evaluate the impact of cathepsin B on regulating non‐canonical NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in wild‐type and TLR4–/– Kupffer cells. A sepsis model was also created to investigate the effect of cathepsin B on survival. Meanwhile, cathepsin B activity and the expression level of caspase‐4 were detected in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) which were separated from patients suffered from SIRS or sepsis and healthy volunteers.ResultsLPS stimulation caused cathepsin B activity and caspase‐11 expression increase in TLR4–/– mice. Cathepsin B activity inhibition reduced the activation of caspase‐11 and inflammasome and benefited survival in TLR4–/– mice. Upregulation of cathepsin B activity and caspase‐4 activation was found in PBMC of patients with SIRS or sepsis.ConclusionOur results suggest a critical role for cathepsin B as activators of proinflammatory caspases‐11 and the regulatory effect in LPS‐induced caspases‐11‐dependent necrosis.
RNA‐binding protein PUM2 suppresses osteosarcoma progression via partly and competitively binding to STARD13 3′UTR with miRNAs
Authors: Hu Ruixi , Zhu Xiaodong , Chen Chao , Xu Ruijun , Li Yifan , Xu Wei 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesThis work aims to reveal the roles and related mechanisms of RNA binding protein PUM2 in osteosarcoma progression.Materials and methodsTranscriptome analysis based on RNA sequencing data, real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR), and western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of RBPs and miRNAs in OS and normal adjacent tissues, and the correlation between them in OS tissues. RT‐qPCR, western blot, cell viability, transwell migration, tumour spheres formation and in vivo tumour formation assays were used to examine the effects of RBP PUM2 on OS progression. Additionally, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay combined with RNA sequencing was performed to determine the binding site of RBP PUM2 on STARD13 3′UTR. Luciferase reporter and RIP assays were used to confirm the binding of miRNAs or PUM2 on STARD13 3′UTR.ResultsPUM2 and STARD13 expression was significantly decreased in OS tissues, and positively correlated. Overexpression of PUM2 or STARD13 3′UTR inhibited OS cells proliferation, migration, and stemness. Mechanistically, PUM2 competitively bound to STARD13 3′UTR with miR‐590‐3p and miR‐9. The inhibition of PUM2 on OS cells progression was attenuated by STARD13 knockdown or related miRNAs overexpression.ConclusionPUM2 suppresses OS progression via partly and competitively binding to STARD13 3′UTR with miRNAs.
A case‐control study of the risk factors for developing aspergillosis following cardiac transplant
Authors: Cook Jennifer C. , Cook Abigail , Tran Richard H. , Chang Patricia P. , Rodgers Jo E. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundInvasive aspergillosis (IA) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following cardiac transplantation; however, data regarding the predictors of IA in this patient population are limited.MethodsWe conducted a case‐control study to identify the risk factors for IA in patients who underwent cardiac transplantation at a single center from 1986 to 2008 (Cohort 1) and 2009 to 2015 (Cohort 2). Cases of IA were matched to two controls from the same year of transplantation, and data were collected from the date of cardiac transplantation to the date of documented Aspergillus infection for each case, or for an equivalent number of days for each control. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify independent predictors of IA in Cohort 1. After 2009, targeted antifungal prophylaxis with oral voriconazole was initiated in patients with risk factors for IA. The incidence of IA was compared pre‐ and postintervention.ResultsIA was identified in 23 of 189 (8.0%) patients within Cohort 1. Significant risk factors for IA on multivariate analysis included an increased number of pretransplant hospitalizations (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.19‐2.76) and posttransplant acute cellular allograft rejection (ACR) (OR 1.99, 95% 1.06‐3.75). Following the implementation of targeted antifungal prophylaxis in 2009, IA was identified in 2 of 107 (2.0%) patients in Cohort 2.ConclusionsIncreased pretransplant hospitalizations and posttransplant ACR episodes represent significant risk factors for IA following cardiac transplant. Targeted antifungal prophylaxis in at‐risk patients reduces the incidence of IA.
A national survey of valganciclovir dosing strategies in pediatric organ transplant recipients
Authors: Shaikh Suhail , Jasiak‐Panek Natalia , Park Jeong M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPurposeData remain limited on the most appropriate valganciclovir (VGCV) dosing strategy for cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis and treatment in pediatric organ transplant recipients. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe methods used to calculate VGCV dosing among pediatric transplant centers.MethodsA survey of pharmacists was conducted to assess VGCV dosing strategies for CMV prophylaxis and treatment among pediatric organ transplant centers in the U.S.FindingsOf 54 centers that perform pediatric organ transplants, 22 (40.7%) centers responded to the survey. Fourteen centers (53.8%) utilize the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended VGCV dosing strategy of 7 × body surface area (BSA) × creatinine clearance (CrCl) for CMV prophylaxis. Other dosing strategies reported included weight based and 520 mg/m2 × BSA per day. Dosing strategies of VGCV for the treatment of CMV also differed across centers, with a majority (43.5%) using 7 × BSA × CrCl twice daily.ConclusionLess than two‐thirds of centers utilize the FDA‐approved daily dosing regimen with various methods of CrCl calculation and serum creatinine assay measurements used. More retrospective and prospective studies with clinical outcomes associated with VCGV dosing strategies are warranted to determine the most appropriate prophylaxis and treatment strategies for CMV.
Laparoscopic left lateral section procurement in living liver donors: A single center propensity score‐matched study
Authors: Gautier Sergey , Monakhov Artem , Gallyamov Eduard , Tsirulnikova Olga , Zagaynov Evgeny , Dzhanbekov Timur , Semash Konstantin , Khizroev Khizry , Oleshkevich Denis , Chekletsova Elena 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic living donor liver procurement for transplantation has increased in popularity over the past decade. The purpose of this study was to compare the laparoscopic and open approaches in living donor left lateral sectionectomy (LLS) and to assess the safety and feasibility of this laparoscopic approach.MethodsA total of 103 living donor LLSs were performed at our center from May 2016 to December 2017. Of these, 35 were completely laparoscopic procedures, which represented the subject of this study. An additional 68 open living donor LLSs performed during the same period were studied as a comparison group. To overcome selection bias, LLS donors were balanced on a 1:1 ratio (laparoscopic [n = 35]: open [n = 35]) according to covariates with similar values. The PSM was based on the operation date, recipient age, diagnosis, recipient weight, and donor age.ResultsThere were significant differences between the laparoscopic and open LLS groups (P < 0.001) in terms of blood loss (96.8 ± 16.5 vs 155.8 ± 17.8 mL) as well as the duration of hospital stay (4 ± 0.4 vs 6.9 ± 0.5 days).ConclusionLaparoscopic LLS is a feasible and efficacious in the setting of a developed program with advanced laparoscopic expertise.
Quality of life and treatment goals in psoriasis from the patient perspective: results of an Austrian cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Wolf Peter , Weger Wolfgang , Legat Franz , Painsi Clemens , Saxinger Werner , Müllegger Robert , Sator Paul , Ratzinger Gudrun , Selhofer Sylvia , Richter Leo , Salmhofer Wolfgang , Lange‐Asschenfeldt Bernhard , Trautinger Franz , Mlynek Alexander , Strohal Robert , Augustin Matthias , Quehenberger Franz 
Published: August 2018

SummaryBackgroundPatients with psoriasis experience impairment in quality of life. Thus, high‐quality dermatological care is of particular importance.Patients and methodsWe performed a nationwide cross‐sectional survey in Austria (BQSAustria Psoriasis 2014/2015) with a special focus on quality of life and satisfaction with treatment among psoriasis patients predominantly treated at tertiary care centers.ResultsOverall, 70.2 % of 1,184 patients reported impaired quality of life (DLQI 2–5: 29.4 %; 6–10: 19.3 %; 11–15: 11.5 %; 16–20: 5.2 % and > 20: 4.9 %) despite treatment over the preceding four weeks (topical treatment in 88.2 % of cases and/or systemic treatment in 38.7 %). On average, none of the 25 defined subjective treatment goals was achieved to a sufficient degree. In particular, 82.2 % of patients continued to have pruritus despite treatment, which was highly significantly associated with a poor general health status over the preceding week (Spearman's rank correlation; p = 1.1e‐45), the extent of body surface area (p = 3.2e‐11) and scalp area (p = 3.2e‐11) affected, as well as pain (p = 2.3e‐22). Treatment with a biologic was significantly correlated with higher patient satisfaction (Wilcoxon‐Test, p = 2.0e‐16).ConclusionsDespite dermatological care, the majority of Austrian psoriasis patients continues to experience impaired quality of life; there is potential for improvement in the achievement of treatment goals.
Nonmelanoma skin cancer – from actinic keratosis to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Schmitz Lutz , Oster‐Schmidt Claus , Stockfleth Eggert 
Published: August 2018

SummaryActinic keratoses (AKs) are defined as intraepithelial proliferation of atypical keratinocytes. Given their potential for progression to invasive squamous cell carcinoma, they may eventually evolve into a life‐threatening disease. In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of AKs, primarily due to changes in recreational activities and demographic trends in industrialized countries. As it is currently impossible to predict if and when a given AK might progress to invasive carcinoma, rigorous treatment of field cancerization is a key component in preventing potential progression. In addition to a broad armamentarium of procedures as well as pharmaceutical treatment options, primary prevention through diligent UV protection likewise plays a crucial role. New clinical, histomorphological, or molecular classifications are needed to be able to reliably stratify patients based on their individual risk. Especially in light of socio‐economic aspects, such a step might prevent over‐ and undertreatment of an ever‐growing patient population and help develop treatment concepts based on individual patient needs.
‘Bioethical Realism’: A Framework for Implementing Universal Research Ethics
Authors: Barugahare John 
Published: August 2018

AbstractImplementation of existing ethical guidelines for international collaborative medical and health research is still largely controversial in sub‐Saharan Africa for two major reasons: One, they are seen as foreign and allegedly inconsistent with what has been described as an ‘African worldview’, hence, demand for their strict implementations reeks of ‘bioethical imperialism’. Two, they have other discernible inadequacies – lack of sufficient detail, apparent as well as real ambiguities, vagueness and contradictions. Similar charges exist(ed) in other non‐Western societies. Consequently, these guidelines have been correctly judged as an inadequate response to the complex and ever shifting dilemmas met by researchers and research regulators in the field. This paper proposes a framework for effective implementation of existing guidelines without much worry about bioethical imperialism and other inadequacies. This framework is proposed using an analogy of Legal Realism, specifically its key assertions on how, in reality, judicial systems operate using general legal rules to settle specific cases. Legal realists assert that in judicial decision‐making, general legal rules do not totally dictate court decisions in specific cases. This analogy is used to coin a new term, ‘Bioethical Realism.’ The framework suggests that local Research Ethics Committees ought to be construed as analogues of judicial courts with the resulting implications. Consequently, just like legal rules are general rules that do not always dictate court decisions, similarly international bioethical guidelines are general ethical rules that should not always dictate local RECs’ decisions and such decisions (ought to) enjoy considerable immunity from outsiders.
Maternal obesity and risk of cerebral palsy in children: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Jian , Peng Linrui , Chang Qingxian , Xu Ruoting , Zhong Nanbert , Huang Qitao , Zhong Mei , Yu Yanhong 
Published: August 2018

AimSeveral studies have examined the links between maternal obesity and the risk of cerebral palsy (CP) in children, with inconsistent results. The aim of our study was to investigate whether maternal obesity is associated with increased risk of CP in offspring by using meta‐analysis.MethodPubMed and Web of Science were searched until August 2017. Observational studies relevant to the maternal obesity and risk of CP in children were extracted and compiled. Meta‐analyses were performed for different obesity levels and pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.ResultsA total of five cohort studies involving 12 324 cases and 7 919 288 participants were included in our meta‐analysis. The pooled crude and adjusted ORs (95% CIs) were 1.65 (1.38–1.98) and 1.51 (1.24–1.84) respectively. Additionally, the pooled OR (95% CI) for CP in offspring in relation to maternal obesity class I (body mass index [BMI] 30.0–34.9), class II (BMI 35.0–39.9), and class III (BMI≥40.0) compared with normal weight during prepregnancy or pregnancy was 1.31 (1.15–1.50), 1.65 (1.34–2.02), and 2.37 (1.91–2.94) respectively.InterpretationThis meta‐analysis demonstrated that increasing grades of maternal obesity are associated with a higher risk of CP in offspring.What this paper adds

Meta‐analysis demonstrates a significant positive association between maternal obesity and the risk of cerebral palsy (CP) in children.

Subgroup analysis indicates that higher grades of maternal obesity are associated with increasing risk of CP.
Efficacy and safety of fixed‐dose combination therapy with gemigliptin (50 mg) and rosuvastatin compared with monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidaemia (BALANCE): A multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, controlled, phase 3 trial
Authors: Bae Ji Cheol , Min Kyung Wan , Kim Yong Hyun , Kim Kyoung‐Ah , Hong Eun‐Gyoung , Park Cheol‐Young , Han Song , Cha Bong‐Soo 
Published: August 2018

AimTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed‐dose combination (FDC) of gemigliptin and rosuvastatin in patients with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidaemia.Research Design and MethodsA total of 33 hospitals in Korea participated in this randomized, double‐blind trial of diabetic patients with dyslipidaemia. A total of 290 participants were randomly assigned at a 1:1:1 ratio to receive an FDC of gemigliptin (50 mg) and rosuvastatin (20 mg) (GEMI/ROSU FDC group), gemigliptin (50 mg) (GEMI group) or rosuvastatin (20 mg) (ROSU group). Rosuvastatin was up‐titrated from 5 to 20 mg/d throughout the study period. Primary efficacy measures were changes in HbA1c and LDL‐C from baseline to Week 24 between the GEMI/ROSU FDC and ROSU groups and between the GEMI/ROSU FDC and GEMI groups, respectively. Secondary efficacy measures were changes in HbA1c and LDL‐C between the GEMI/ROSU FDC and GEMI groups and between the GEMI/ROSU FDC and ROSU groups, respectively.ResultsAfter 24 weeks of treatment, a significant reduction in HbA1c from baseline was noted in the GEMI/ROSU FDC group (−0.81% of LS mean; P < 0.0001 vs ROSU group), in addition to a significant reduction in LDL‐C concentration (−51.9% of LS mean percentage changes, P < 0.0001 vs GEMI group). HbA1c was significantly reduced from baseline in both the GEMI/ROSU FDC and GEMI groups, but the reduction in HbA1c was significantly greater in the GEMI group than in the GEMI/ROSU FDC group, despite receiving the same dose of gemigliptin. The decrease in LDL‐C over time was similar between the GEMI/ROSU FDC and ROSU groups. There were no significant differences in adverse events among the groups.ConclusionThe FDC of gemigliptin and rosuvastatin is safe and is effective in reducing both blood glucose and LDL‐C levels; thus, it could be a good therapeutic choice for type 2 diabetic patients with dyslipidaemia.