bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of an ocular wound chamber for the prevention of exposure keratopathy in a guinea pig model
Authors: Holt Andrew W. , McDaniel Jennifer S. , Bramblett Gregory T. , Eriksson Elof , Johnson Anthony J. , Griffith Gina L. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractCurrent therapies available to treat and heal ocular surface injuries and periocular burns are frequently inadequate, costly, and labor intensive. To address these limitations, we have employed a flexible, semitransparent ocular wound chamber (OWC) to provide protection as well as a watertight seal to allow for the constant delivery of therapeutics to the ocular surface and surrounding periocular tissue. This study demonstrates the safety and utilization of the OWC on uninjured eyes and in our exposure keratopathy model. For initial safety studies (N = 3 per group), the eyelids remained intact and the eye uninjured. A blepharotomy (N = 6 per group) was performed to remove the upper and lower eyelids surrounding the left (OS) eye to create our exposure keratopathy model. Right (OD) eyes served as uninjured controls in all studies. Following OWC placement, 0.5 mL HPMC gel or balanced saline solution (BSS) was injected into the chamber. Animals were monitored daily and fully assessed via white light, fluorescein, and OCT imaging at least through 72 hours post OWC placement. In studies that included a blepharotomy, skin samples were analyzed by multiplex cytokine analysis. Results of safety experiments revealed no significant differences between treatment groups in corneal thickness, fluorescein staining, OCT imaging, or histological eye or skin sections when compared to control eyes. In our exposure keratopathy model, OWC treated eyes showed significantly less fluorescein uptake and also were found to have significantly lower levels of cytokines IL‐13 and IL‐5 in skin samples. These results demonstrate for the first time that treatment using the OWC device is not only safe, but significantly protects against blepharotomy‐induced exposure keratopathy. As a whole, this study advances our overall efforts to develop a feasible solution to treat ocular surface injuries, infections, and periocular burns.
Gastrointestinal sequelae after surgery for necrotising enterocolitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hau Eva-Maria , Meyer Sarah C , Berger Steffen , Goutaki Myrofora , Kordasz Marcin , Kessler Ulf 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesTo document what types of gastrointestinal sequelae were described after surgery for necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and to analyse their frequency.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesMedline, EMBASE and the Cochrane library (CENTRAL) from 1990 to October 2016.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesWe included studies, which provided original data on the occurrence of gastrointestinal sequelae in patients surviving surgery for NEC. Meta-analysis and metaregression to assess heterogeneity were performed for studies including 10 or more patients with gastrointestinal strictures, recurrence of NEC, intestinal failure (IF) and adhesion ileus.ResultsAltogether 58 studies, including 4260 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Strictures were reported to occur in 24% (95% CI 17% to 31%) of surviving patients, recurrence of NEC in 8% (95% CI 3% to 15%), IF in 13% (95% CI 7% to 19%) and adhesion ileus in 6% (95% CI 4% to 9%). Strictures were more common following enterostomy (30%; 95% CI 23% to 37%) than after primary anastomosis (8%; 95% CI 0% to 23%) and occurred more often after enterostomy without bowel resection than with bowel resection. We found considerable heterogeneity in the weighted average frequency of all sequelae (I2range: 38%–90%). Intestinal outcomes were poorly defined, there were important differences in study populations and designs, and the reported findings bear a substantial risk of bias.ConclusionsGastrointestinal sequelae in neonates surviving surgery for NEC are frequent. Long-term follow-up assessing defined gastrointestinal outcomes is warranted.
Prevalence of refractive errors in Colombia: MIOPUR study
Authors: Galvis Virgilio , Tello Alejandro , Otero Johana , Serrano Andres A , Gómez Luz María , Camacho Paul A , López-Jaramillo José Patricio 
Published: June 2018

PurposeTo determine the prevalence of refractive errors in Colombia and its relations with demographic and socioeconomic variables.MethodsA cross-sectional study performed in 10 Colombian administrative districts (MIOPUR study), including children and adolescents from 8 to 17 years old and adults from 35 to 55 years old.Results3608 individuals (100% of whom agreed to participate) were included. Prevalence estimates of refractive errors were: hyperopia 32.3% (95% CI 30.7 to 33.8), myopia 12.9% (95% CI 11.8 to 14.0), mixed astigmatism 2.8% (95% CI 2.2 to 3.3) and anisometropia 1.9% (95% CI 1.4 to 2.3). Prevalence of myopia in 15-year-old adolescents was 14.7%. In children and adolescents, the hyperopia prevalence decreased while myopia prevalence increased with age. In the adults group, the tendency was the contrary. Myopia prevalence reached 15.7% in urban and 9.2% in rural areas, and for hyperopia, the rates were 29.4% in urban and 36.1% in rural areas. In the multivariate analysis, living in an urban area significantly increased the risk of having myopia (OR: 1.45 (1.12 to 1.89); p<0.01). There were significant regional differences among diverse zones of the country.ConclusionsPrevalence estimates of myopia and hyperopia in Colombia were found to be at an intermediate point compared with global data. In adults, myopia frequency was lower than in European and Asian studies. The prevalence of myopia increased during childhood and adolescence and was higher in middle-aged adults (35–39 years) than in older adults. On the other hand, hyperopia rates increased with age, findings that suggest a cohort effect. In the multivariate analysis, residence in urban areas and living in a medium-high socioeconomic status were linked to myopia.
Risk factors and health consequences of physical and emotional violence against children in Zimbabwe: a nationally representative survey
Authors: Chigiji Handrick , Fry Deborah , Mwadiwa Tinashe Enock , Elizalde Aldo , Izumi Noriko , Baago-Rasmussen Line , Maternowska Mary Catherine 
Published: June 2018

IntroductionThis study provides, for the first time, comparable national population-based estimates that describe the nature and magnitude of physical and emotional violence during childhood in Zimbabwe.MethodsFrom August to September 2011, we conducted a national population-based survey of 2410 respondents aged 13–24 years, using a two-stage cluster sampling. Regression models were adjusted for relevant demographics to estimate the ORs for associations between violence, risk factors and various health-related outcomes.ResultsRespondents aged 18–24 years report a lifetime prevalence (before the age of 18) of 63.9% (among girls) to 76% (among boys) for physical violence by a parent or adult relative, 12.6% (girls) to 26.4% (boys) for humiliation in front of others, and 17.3% (girls) to 17.5% (boys) for feeling unwanted. Almost 50% of either sex aged 13–17 years experienced physical violence in the 12 months preceding the survey. Significant risk factors for experiencing physical violence for girls are ever experiencing emotional abuse prior to age 13, adult illness in the home, socioeconomic status and age. Boys’ risk factors include peer relationships and socioeconomic status, while caring teachers and trusted community members are protective factors. Risk factors for emotional abuse vary, including family relationships, teacher and school-level variables, socioeconomic status, and community trust and security. Emotional abuse is associated with increased suicide attempts for both boys and girls, among other health outcomes.ConclusionPhysical and emotional violence often work in tandem causing poor mental and physical health outcomes. Understanding risk factors for violence within the peer or family context is essential for improved violence prevention.
Trends in the theory that inflammation plays a causal role in tendinopathy: a systematic review and quantitative analysis of published reviews
Authors: Mosca Michael J , Rashid Mustafa S , Snelling Sarah J , Kirtley Shona , Carr Andrew Jonathan , Dakin Stephanie Georgina 
Published: June 2018

Background/aimsThe contribution of inflammation to tendinopathy has been debated in the scientific literature. Several factors may contribute to this lack of clarity, including inconsistent definitions of inflammation. We hypothesised that the adoption and/or rejection of a causal link between inflammation and tendinopathy varied as a function of the ‘inflammatory component’ (eg, immune cell and molecular mediators included in published reviews).MethodsTwenty data items were collected from each review to determine conclusions about the role of inflammation in tendinopathy, specific definitions of the ‘inflammatory component,’ quality of the review and other potential correlates. Associations between correlates and a review’s conclusion about the role of inflammation in tendinopathy were tested using binomial logistic regression. The database searches retrieved 2261 unique publications: 137 fulfilled inclusion criteria after full text screenings.ResultsThere has been little support for an inflammatory component to tendinopathy until recently (2012–2015). Prior to 2012, the majority of published reviews did not discuss monocytes, macrophages or lymphocytes in tendinopathy; rather they focused on the lack of neutrophils, often referred to as ‘the inflammatory infiltrate’, or immune cells were not discussed. Reviews including monocytes and lymphocytes in their discussions were 5.23 times more likely to conclude inflammation was important than reviews that did not, p<0.001.ConclusionsData collected show growing support for an inflammatory component to tendinopathy, particularly among high-quality reviews and those that used more robust definitions of inflammation. This finding may have implications for explaining dissonance in the literature regarding a causal role for inflammation in the pathogenesis of tendinopathy.
The Integration of Radiotherapy with Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Ko Eric C. , Raben David , Formenti Silvia C. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Five-year survival rates for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) range from 14% to 49% for stage I to stage IIIA disease, and are &lt;5% for stage IIIB/IV disease. Improvements have been made in the outcomes of patients with NSCLC due to advancements in radiotherapy (RT) techniques, the use of concurrent chemotherapy with RT, and the emergence of immunotherapy as first- and second-line treatment in the metastatic setting. RT remains the mainstay treatment in patients with inoperable early-stage NSCLC and is given concurrently or sequentially with chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced unresectable disease. There is emerging evidence that RT not only provides local tumor control but also may influence systemic control. Multiple preclinical studies have demonstrated that RT induces immunomodulatory effects in the local tumor microenvironment, supporting a synergistic combination approach with immunotherapy to improve systemic control. Immunotherapy options that could be combined with RT include programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death ligand-1 blockers, as well as investigational agents such as OX-40 agonists, toll-like receptor agonists, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 inhibitors, and cytokines. Here, we describe the rationale for the integration of RT and immunotherapy in patients with NSCLC, present safety and efficacy data that support this combination strategy, review planned and ongoing studies, and highlight unanswered questions and future research needs.
Endoglin Expression on Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Regulates Invasion and Stimulates Colorectal Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Paauwe Madelon , Schoonderwoerd Mark J.A. , Helderman Roxan F.C.P. , Harryvan Tom J. , Groenewoud Arwin , van Pelt Gabi W. , Bor Rosalie , Hemmer Danielle M. , Versteeg Henri H. , Snaar-Jagalska B. Ewa , Theuer Charles P. , Hardwick James C.H. , Sier Cornelis F.M. , ten Dijke Peter , Hawinkels Lukas J.A.C. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Purpose:
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are a major component of the colorectal cancer tumor microenvironment. CAFs play an important role in tumor progression and metastasis, partly through TGF-β signaling pathway. We investigated whether the TGF-β family coreceptor endoglin is involved in CAF-mediated invasion and metastasis.

Experimental Design:
CAF-specific endoglin expression was studied in colorectal cancer resection specimens using IHC and related to metastases-free survival. Endoglin-mediated invasion was assessed in vitro by transwell invasion, using primary colorectal cancer–derived CAFs. Effects of CAF-specific endoglin expression on tumor cell invasion were investigated in a colorectal cancer zebrafish model, whereas liver metastases were assessed in a mouse model.

Results:
CAFs specifically at invasive borders of colorectal cancer express endoglin and increased expression intensity correlated with increased disease stage. Endoglin-expressing CAFs were also detected in lymph node and liver metastases, suggesting a role in colorectal cancer metastasis formation. In stage II colorectal cancer, CAF-specific endoglin expression at invasive borders correlated with poor metastasis-free survival. In vitro experiments revealed that endoglin is indispensable for bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-9–induced signaling and CAF survival. Targeting endoglin using the neutralizing antibody TRC105 inhibited CAF invasion in vitro. In zebrafish, endoglin-expressing fibroblasts enhanced colorectal tumor cell infiltration into the liver and decreased survival. Finally, CAF-specific endoglin targeting with TRC105 decreased metastatic spread of colorectal cancer cells to the mouse liver.

Conclusions:
Endoglin-expressing CAFs contribute to colorectal cancer progression and metastasis. TRC105 treatment inhibits CAF invasion and tumor metastasis, indicating an additional target beyond the angiogenic endothelium, possibly contributing to beneficial effects reported during clinical evaluations.
See related commentary by Becker and LeBleu, p. 6110.
An Observational Study Evaluating the Performance of LENT Score in the Selected Population of Malignant Pleural Effusion from Lung Adenocarcinoma in Singapore
Authors: Abisheganaden John , Verma Akash , Dagaonkar Rucha S. , Light Richard W. 
Published: June 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) secondary to lung cancer have been associated with poor prognosis historically. LENT score developed to risk-stratify unselected patients with MPE predicts prognosis of &#x3c; 6 months in patients with lung cancer. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> To assess the performance of LENT score in predicting prognosis in selected population of MPE secondary to lung adenocarcinoma alone. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A retrospective observational study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of patients managed for MPE in the year 2012. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Seventy patients with lung adenocarcinoma presenting with MPE were studied. The median (range) LENT score at initial diagnosis was 5 (2–7), and the median survival 7.9 (0.13–40) months. Thirty-nine patients received epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKIs). The median LENT score and median survival was 4 (2–7) and 14.4 months, respectively, in this group. Those in high-risk category by LENT in this group (<i>n</i> = 19) had a median survival and 6-month survival of 17.4 months and 73.6%, respectively. Thirty-one patients were treated with conventional chemotherapy. The median LENT score and median survival was 5 (2–7) and 4.1 (0.13–34.3) months, respectively, in this group. The median survival and 6-month survival rate in patients in high-risk category and moderate-risk category by LENT score was 6.2 months and 52.7%, and 11.4 months and 70.5%, respectively. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> LENT score underestimates prognosis in patients having MPE secondary to lung adenocarcinoma. This disparity particularly applies to the lung adenocarcinoma patients carrying EGFR mutation. Hence, LENT score may not be applicable to, or may need modification before applying to such patients.
Treatment of Active Crohn’s Disease with Exclusive and Partial Enteral Nutrition: A Pilot Study in Adults
Authors: Wall Catherine L. , Gearry Richard B. , Day Andrew S. 
Published: June 2018

Background and Aim: Enteral nutrition (EN) is not commonly used for the treatment of adults with active Crohn’s disease (CD), despite patient interest in nutrition-based alternatives to corticosteroids and evidence of efficacy in paediatric CD. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of 2 different EN regimens on disease symptoms, nutrition and inflammatory markers in young adults with active CD. Methods: A prospective non-randomized pilot study of adults aged 16–40 years with active CD on endoscopy or imaging was undertaken. Patients were sequentially recruited to use 2 weeks of exclusive EN (EEN) followed by either 6 weeks of EEN or partial EN (PEN) with usual diet. Assessments of disease symptoms, nutrition and inflammatory markers were undertaken at baseline and throughout the treatment. Results: Thirty-eight patients with active disease were recruited. Thirty-two (84%) patients completed 2 weeks of EEN and had significant improvements in disease symptoms (p = 0.003), serum c-reactive protein (CRP; p = 0.005), insulin-like growth factor-1 (p = 0.006) and faecal calprotectin (FC; p = 0.028). During the following 6 weeks, 21 patients continued EEN (14 [67%] completed treatment) and 11 patients used PEN (9 [82%] completed treatment). Initial improvements in symptoms, CRP and nutrition markers were sustained over the next 6 weeks on both treatments. FC non-significantly increased in 5 out of 9 patients who used PEN and at week 8 FC was greater than 500 µg/g in 9 out of 14 and 7 out of 9 patients who used exclusive or PEN respectively. There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the 2 groups at week 8. Conclusion: Two weeks of EEN significantly improved disease symptoms, nutrition and inflammatory markers. Further treatment with exclusive or PEN maintained initial improvements.
Patterns of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent Use in European Hemodialysis Patients: The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study
Authors: Fuller Douglas S. , Robinson Bruce M. , Locatelli Francesco , Pisoni Ronald L. 
Published: June 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Clinicians providing dialysis care have numerous erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) available for treating anemia. We sought to provide a contemporary description of ESA types used in hemodialysis (HD) settings in nine European countries. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Our study uses Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study phase 5 (2012–2015) data from nine European countries (Belgium, France, ­Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the United Kingdom). A total of 164 facilities and 3,281 patients contributed cross-sectional data. ESA types captured included short-acting epoetins (e.g., epoetin alfa, beta, etc., including biosimilars), darbepoetin alfa, and continuous erythropoietin receptor agonist (CERA; methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta). <b><i>Results:</i></b> We observed broad variability across countries in prescription of ESA types: prescription of epoetin alfa or epoetin beta ranged from 22% (France) to 78% (Russia), darbepoetin alfa prescription ranged from 13% (Russia) to 53% (UK), and CERA prescription ranged from &#x3c;3% (Sweden) to 26% (France). Prescription of different ESA types varied substantially within some European countries from 2012–2015 but not across all countries in aggregate. Number of ESA types prescribed by a facility varied from 1, 2, 3, or 4 different ESA types in 32, 40, 21, and 8% of facilities, respectively. No differences were seen in the unadjusted distributions of achieved hemoglobin values by ESA type. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> A variety of short- and long-acting ESAs are commonly used in European HD facilities to maintain hemoglobin at remarkably similar levels with each ESA type. The availability of numerous ESA options for managing anemia has allowed European providers to optimize anemia management according to the particular circumstances of each patient.
<b>Distribution and population status of <I>Kingiodendron pinnatum</I> (Angiosperms: Fabaceae) an endemic and endangered legume tree in southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India</b>
Authors: Jose P. A. , Kuruvila Siju Tom , Binoy N. M. 
Published: June 2018

An extensive survey and population analysis of the endemic and endangered tree Kingiodendron pinnatum, was carried out in the Kerala area of the Western Ghats. The aim was to assess the pattern of distribution, population size and natural regeneration of the species. The fragmented and patchy populations of the species are distributed in evergreen/semi evergreen habitats within an altitudinal range of 176-680m elevation. The tree attained a first layer/canopy species with a height range from 24–30m. Altogether 17 populations were identified and mapped in 13 forest locations in the region. A total of 140 adult individuals of the species were enumerated within the 13 forest locations. Natural regeneration of the species recorded from three zones among the 13 forest locations covering 21,000m2 area representing the Kerala state. The flowering trees displayed a height and dbh range of 10-30m and 85-320cm, respectively. The individuals are spatially arranged in aggregation among patchy populations. The populations are well represented by reproductive individuals with 77% and pre reproductive with 23%. Seedlings of 35.9% attained a height below 1m and 64.01% of a height above 1m. Considering the extent of distribution in the state, increase in the number of mature individuals (in addition to the enumerated area), and fair count of seedlings suggests a healthier conservation status of the species in the region. The economic and medicinal values, occurrence of isolated and fragmented populations, irregularities in the flowering and fruiting period among populations, however, extends urgent concerns over the pollination biology, detection of diverse genotypes subsequent multiplication and restoration of dwindling populations for the effective conservation and management of the species in situ.
<b>Floristic enumeration of Torna Fort (Western Ghats, India): a storehouse of endemic plants</b>
Authors: Nandikar Mayur D. , Giranje Priyanka T. , Jadhav Durga C. 
Published: June 2018

The forts on hilltops of the Sahyadri (northern Western Ghats) have seen a turbulent historical past and are famous for their architectural style and cultural heritage. Besides this, these hilltops are home to an incredible plant diversity. One of the highest hilltop forts (ca. 1,403m) the Torna, has been explored since 2012 for floral assessment. The study documented ca. 399 plant species of which about 28% are endemic to the Western Ghats and 16 monotypic species were recorded. A brief account of the immense floristic diversity and new findings from Torna fort are summarized in the present article.