bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Use of Humor in Palliative Care: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Pinna Miguel Ángel Cuervo , Mahtani-Chugani Vinita , Sánchez Correas Miguel Ángel , Sanz Rubiales Alvaro 
Published: March 2018

Background: Humor has its own place in the context of medicine. Nevertheless, its acceptance by terminal stage patients and health-care professionals has not been studied in depth and is not free from controversy. Objectives: To understand the significance, appropriateness, and pertinence of the use of humor in palliative care and to analyze its applicability. Design: A narrative systematic review was undertaken and included in PROSPERO. Data Sources: Online searches were carried out on PUBMED, PSYCINFO, EBSCO (CINHAL), EMBASE, SCIELO, SCOPUS, TESEO, WEB of SCIENCE, and COCHRANE between their launch date and December 31, 2015, complemented with manual searches with queries to experts. A total of 156 studies were identified, which were then filtered in pairs by means of an established hierarchy, selecting studies that discussed the use of humor specifically in palliative care from all perspectives and designs, and finally published in Spanish, English, French, or Portuguese. Critical reading of all the selected studies took place, with no exclusions due to quality evaluation. Results: Thirty-four studies were included. Five main topics were identified: (1) definition of humor, (2) use and functions of humor in palliative care, (3) how to use humor, (4) when not to use humor, and (5) humor before and after the diagnosis of terminal illness. Conclusions: Humor plays an unquestionable role in palliative care, but its use needs training and appropriate use.
Guideline Values for Minimum Nasal Cross-Sectional Area in Children
Authors: Laine-Alava Maija T. , Murtolahti Siiri , Crouse Ulla K. , Warren Donald W. 
Published: March 2018

Objective: The purpose was to determine age-specific values of the minimum cross-sectional area of the nasal airway in children without cleft lip or palate and to assess whether gender differences occur with growth in order to develop guidelines for assessment in children with clefts. Participants: All schoolchildren aged 8 to 17 years who met the research criteria were studied during rest breathing using the pressure-flow technique. The children came from a rural area of 3800 inhabitants. Consecutive age cohorts were used for comparisons. Results: Nasal cross-sectional area increased in females from 0.38 cm2 in 8-year-olds to 0.58 cm2 in 17-year-olds. There was a decrease in size at ages 10 to 11 and 14 to 15 years. In males, the area increased from 0.40 to 0.68 cm2 and decreased slightly from 9 to 10 and 14 to 15 years. The annual changes were statistically significant in females between 8 and 9 and 11 to 13 years of age, and in males from 11 to 12, 13 to 14, and 15 to 17 years of age. Across gender, the only significant difference occurred at age 16. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the increase in nasal airway size is not consistent during growth. Nasal airway size showed almost equal values for both genders in young children but was systematically larger in boys from 14 years of age on. The results refer that by 17 years of age nasal airway may not have reached adult size in males.
Ocular manifestations of Marfan syndrome in children and adolescents
Authors: Salchow Daniel J , Gehle Petra 
Published: March 2018

Purpose: To study ocular manifestations of Marfan syndrome in children and adolescents. Methods: Retrospective comparative cohort study on consecutive patients up to age 17 years, presenting to the interdisciplinary Marfan clinic of Charité-University Medicine Berlin over a period of 4 years. Results: A total of 52 Marfan syndrome patients and 73 controls were enrolled. In Marfan syndrome eyes, the cornea was flatter (mean keratometry, 40.86 ± 2.13 vs 42.55 ± 1.55 diopters in control eyes, p < .001) and corneal astigmatism was greater (1.50 ± 1.22 vs 0.88 ± 0.49 diopters in control eyes, p < .001). The central cornea was thinner in Marfan syndrome eyes (537.35 ± 40.64 vs 552.95 ± 38.57 μm, p = 0.007) and Marfan syndrome eyes were more myopic than control eyes (spherical equivalent, –2.77 ± 4.77 vs −0.64 ± 1.92 diopters, p < .001). Visual acuity was reduced (logMAR 0.11 ± 0.17 vs 0.04 ± 0.26, p = 0.014) and intraocular pressure was lower in Marfan syndrome eyes. Iris transillumination defects were more common in Marfan syndrome eyes (19.6% vs 4.3% in control eyes, odds ratio for Marfan syndrome in the presence of iris transillumination defects = 7.2). Ectopia lentis was only found in Marfan syndrome eyes (25 Marfan syndrome patients, 49% with available data, bilateral in 68%). Conclusion: Iris transillumination defects and ectopia lentis are characteristic ocular findings in children and adolescents with Marfan syndrome. Myopia is more common and corneal curvature, central corneal thickness, and visual acuity are reduced in Marfan syndrome eyes. Children with Marfan syndrome need regular comprehensive eye examinations to identify potential complications.
CyberKnife radiotherapy for orbital metastases: A single-center experience on 24 lesions
Authors: Riva Giulia , Augugliaro Matteo , Piperno Gaia , Ferrari Annamaria , Rondi Elena , Vigorito Sabrina , Ciardo Delia , Orecchia Roberto , Jereczek-Fossa Barbara Alicja 
Published: March 2018

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility, in terms of acute toxicity and symptom control, of CyberKnife (Accuray, Sunnyvale, CA)-based stereotactic radiotherapy (CyberKnife-SRT) for metastatic orbital lesions. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with symptomatic metastases wholly located within the orbit. Palliative radiation treatment was performed using CyberKnife image-guided technology. Gross tumor volume was defined on a pre-radiotherapy magnetic resonance imaging. Acute and late toxicity was recorded according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Scale. Results: Between April 2012 and July 2016, 21 patients underwent CyberKnife-SRT for 24 orbital metastases from different primary tumors. Median treatment dose was 18 Gy (15–24 Gy) given in a median of 3 fractions (2–3 fractions) with a median dose of 6 Gy/fraction (5–10 Gy/fraction). Acute grade 1 toxicity was observed in eight cases. No local recurrence occurred after median follow-up of 6.2 months (1.1–30.0 months) among 16 lesions that underwent post-stereotactic radiotherapy magnetic resonance imaging. All patients reported decreasing pre-stereotactic radiotherapy symptoms without late toxicity. Follow-up >6 months (median 22.8 months) was available for nine lesions; complete and partial radiological response was registered in four and five of them, respectively. Conclusion: In our experience, CyberKnife-SRT is a well-tolerated treatment that offers high local and symptom control in patients with intraocular and periocular malignant lesions.
Utility of Standing Maneuvers during Abdominal Duplex Ultrasound Examination to Diagnose Median Arcuate Ligament Compression
Authors: Downing Mary C. , Ayoub Kathryn , Sakarwala Abizer , Whitelaw Susan M. , Yesenko Sandra , Gornik Heather L. 
Published: March 2018

Introduction Median arcuate ligament compression (MALC) may present with abdominal pain as the result of dynamic compression of the celiac artery and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). An asymptomatic patient may also demonstrate dynamic stenosis consistent with MALC on duplex examination. Duplex examination with maneuvers may differentiate fixed stenosis attributable to atherosclerosis (ASO) from dynamic stenosis caused by MALC. In MALC, elevated velocities normalize during deep inspiration. Performance of the Doppler examination with the patient standing may lead to improved diagnosis of MALC. Methods We performed a database query for all abdominal duplex examinations performed from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007 in which a standing (or seated) Doppler examination was reported. Studies were performed with a curved 5–2 MHz transducer (Philips iU22, Bothell, WA) with the patient in the fasting state. A peak systolic velocity (PSV) of ≥ 250 cm/sec in the celiac artery and a PSV of ≥ 275 cm/sec in the SMA were consistent with 70–99% stenosis. Results Ten patients were identified. Mean age was 51.2 years. A total of 60% of patients were female. Four patients presented for evaluation of abdominal pain and/or weight loss; six patients for other indications. Nine patients had increased PSV in the celiac artery at rest. The abnormality resolved with maneuvers in seven out of nine patients, consistent with MALC. In two patients, celiac artery PSV normalized with inspiration while they were supine; four patients in whom celiac artery velocity did not normalize with inspiration while they were supine had normal PSV while standing; one patient had normal celiac artery velocity while seated (no supine inspiration maneuvers performed); two patients had persistent celiac artery stenosis, likely because of ASO, although one normalized partially with standing. One patient had elevated velocities in the hepatic and splenic arteries that normalized with standing. Two patients had evidence of MALC of the SMA demonstrated with standing maneuvers. Conclusion Among patients with elevated velocities in the celiac artery and the SMA, repeated Doppler examination with the patient standing may demonstrate normalized velocities, consistent with MALC. The value of incorporating standing views into the abdominal duplex protocol to avoid false positive diagnoses of ASO merits prospective evaluation.
Arterial Duplex Ultrasound is the Most Cost-Effective, Noninvasive Diagnostic Imaging Modality before Treatment of Lower-Extremity Arterial Occlusive Disease
Authors: Schwarcz Thomas H. , Gatz Vicki L. , Little Stephen , Geddings Chrisa F. 
Published: March 2018

Introduction Multiple noninvasive imaging modalities (duplex ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography, and computed tomographic angiography) are now available for diagnostic evaluation of lower-extremity arterial occlusive disease (LEOD). This study was performed to determine the effectiveness of duplex ultrasound as the primary diagnostic imaging test before endovascular treatment and to estimate the potential cost-savings compared with the use of other technologies. Methods The diagnostic evaluations of all patients treated for LEOD by a single vascular specialist between July 2004 and February 2008 were reviewed. The medical records were reviewed for the initial noninvasive diagnostic imaging study, type of intervention, and patency of revascularization. Medicare reimbursement rates (2007) for each imaging modality were used to compare costs of diagnostic testing. Results A total of 128 endovascular interventions were performed in 89 patients. Arterial duplex imaging was the primary and only diagnostic study performed prior to endovascular treatment in 108 (84%) of procedures. If preintervention magnetic resonance angiography or computed tomographic angiography had been used in these patients instead of duplex, the costs for diagnostic imaging alone would have increased by $96,064 and $44,762, respectively. Conclusion Arterial duplex ultrasound can be effectively used as the preferred modality for noninvasive imaging of LEOD, resulting in substantial cost savings.
Detection and characterization of colorectal polyps using high‐definition white light and i‐Scan: Evidence‐based consensus recommendations using a modified Delphi process
Authors: Bhandari Pradeep , Thayalasekaran Sreedhari , Keisslich Ralf , Bisschops Raf , Hoffmann Arthur , Haidry Rehan , Esteban Jose , López Viedma Bartolomé , Godzhello Elina , Almadi Majid , Neumann Helmut , Sanduleanu Silvia 
Published: March 2018

Backgroundi‐Scan is an image enhancement modality, which provides enhanced views of mucosal structures and vascular patterns.MethodsA modified Delphi process was used to develop a series of evidence‐based statements on the role of high‐definition white light (HDWL) and i‐Scan for the detection and diagnosis of colorectal neoplasms. Each statement was voted to achieve consensus (i.e. >80% agreement).ResultsSeven proposed statements achieved consensus: (1) HDWL is recommended rather than standard definition (SD) for detection and diagnosis of colorectal neoplasms; (2) HDWL colonoscopy with i‐Scan improves polyp and adenoma detection rates when compared with SD colonoscopy; (3) HDWL + i‐Scan is superior to HDWL alone for the optical diagnosis of colorectal neoplasms; (4) HDWL + i‐Scan in expert hands meets American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) in the Preservation and Incorporation of Valuable Endoscopic Innovations (PIVI) standards for optical diagnosis of diminutive neoplasms; (5) HDWL + i‐Scan in non‐expert hands does not meet ASGE PIVI standards for optical diagnosis of diminutive neoplasms; (6) optical diagnosis of polyps with i‐Scan has a learning curve and needs systematic training; and (7) the performance of i‐Scan for the in vivo diagnosis of colorectal neoplasms is similar to Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) and Fuji Intelligent Chromo Endoscopy (FICE).ConclusionsSeven proposed statements on the use of HDWL and i‐Scan for the detection and diagnosis of colorectal neoplasms achieved consensus.
Antifibrotic effect of Ocimum basilicum L. and linalool on arecoline-induced fibrosis in human buccal fibroblasts
Authors: Adtani Pooja , Malathi Narasimhan , Ranganathan Kannan , Lokeswari Sivaswamy , Punnoose Alan Mathew 
Published: March 2018

Aim: To explore Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) and linalool for their antifibrotic activity in an arecoline-induced in vitro fibrotic model. Methods: Leaf extract of O. basilicum L. (LEOB) and linalool were used as experimental agents to test their antifibrogenic activity in vitro. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for arecoline, ethanolic LEOB, and linalool was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. To evaluate the antifibrotic effect of ethanolic LEOB and linalool on pretreatment, that is, both the testing agents were added to the human buccal fibroblasts (HBFs) prior to induction with arecoline, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out to study the response of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), collagen 1 subtype A2 (COL1A2), and collagen 3 subtype A1 (COL3A1). To appreciate the morphological alterations in HBFs on treatment with arecoline, ethanolic LEOB, and linalool, Masson’s trichrome staining was performed. Results: Arecoline enhanced fibrotic activity by upregulating TGFβ1, COL1A2, and COL3A1 levels, whereas ethanolic LEOB and linalool on pretreatment significantly downregulated the increased levels of TGFβ1, COL1A2, and COL3A1 in primary HBF cell cultures. Conclusion and implication to clinic: Both ethanolic LEOB and linalool exhibited significant antifibrotic activity in an in vitro model. Further studies in an in vitro model can help attain a foundation for an herbal formulation in gel form that can be prescribed to patients diagnosed with oral submucous fibrosis for topical application. It can also be used synergistically with Western medicine.
Third-party fecal microbiota transplantation following allo-HCT reconstitutes microbiome diversity
Authors: DeFilipp Zachariah , Peled Jonathan U. , Li Shuli , Mahabamunuge Jasmin , Dagher Zeina , Slingerland Ann E. , Del Rio Candice , Valles Betsy , Kempner Maria E. , Smith Melissa , Brown Jami , Dey Bimalangshu R. , El-Jawahri Areej , McAfee Steven L. , Spitzer Thomas R. , Ballen Karen K. , Sung Anthony D. , Dalton Tara E. , Messina Julia A. , Dettmer Katja , Liebisch Gerhard , Oefner Peter , Taur Ying , Pamer Eric G. , Holler Ernst , Mansour Michael K. , van den Brink Marcel R. M. , Hohmann Elizabeth , Jenq Robert R. , Chen Yi-Bin 
Published: March 2018

Key PointsThe administration of third-party FMT capsules early after allogeneic HCT is feasible and appears safe. FMT is associated with early expansion of microbiome diversity in transplant recipients.
Absence of cerebrospinal fluid antineuronal antibodies in schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Authors: Oviedo-Salcedo Tatiana , de Witte Lot , Kümpfel Tania , Kahn René S. , Falkai Peter , Eichhorn Peter , Luykx Jurjen , Hasan Alkomiet 
Published: March 2018

SummaryAntibody-mediated encephalitis has been discussed as one possible cause for isolated psychotic syndromes. Mostly based on serum samples, findings have been controversial. We present the results of a retrospective study of 124 clinically diagnosed psychotic patients without documented relevant neurological symptoms. All were tested for different antineuronal antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) while 81 received serum testing. Antineuronal antibodies in CSF were negative across the sample. 3.7% showed low positive serum antibodies. Our findings highlight the importance of a deeper discussion about the relevance of low positive serum antibodies without concurrent findings in CSF or clinical signs for autoimmune encephalitis.Declaration of interestNone.
Depression and hopelessness as risk factors for suicide ideation, attempts and death: meta-analysis of longitudinal studies
Authors: Ribeiro Jessica D. , Huang Xieyining , Fox Kathryn R. , Franklin Joseph C. 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundMany studies have documented robust relationships between depression and hopelessness and subsequent suicidal thoughts and behaviours; however, much weaker and non-significant effects have also been reported. These inconsistencies raise questions about whether and to what degree these factors confer risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviours.AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the magnitude and clinical utility of depression and hopelessness as risk factors for suicide ideation, attempts and death.MethodWe conducted a meta-analysis of published studies from 1971 to 31 December 2014 that included at least one longitudinal analysis predicting suicide ideation, attempt or death using any depression or hopelessness variable.ResultsOverall prediction was weaker than anticipated, with weighted mean odds ratios of 1.96 (1.81–2.13) for ideation, 1.63 (1.55–1.72) for attempt and 1.33 (1.18–1.49) for death. Adjusting for publication bias further reduced estimates. Effects generally persisted regardless of sample severity, sample age or follow-up length.ConclusionsSeveral methodological constraints were prominent across studies; addressing these issues would likely be fruitful moving forward.Declaration of interestNone.
Prospective International Randomized Phase II Study of Low-Dose Abiraterone With Food Versus Standard Dose Abiraterone In Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Szmulewitz Russell Z. , Peer Cody J. , Ibraheem Abiola , Martinez Elia , Kozloff Mark F. , Carthon Bradley , Harvey R. Donald , Fishkin Paul , Yong Wei Peng , Chiong Edmund , Nabhan Chadi , Karrison Theodore , Figg William D. , Stadler Walter M. , Ratain Mark J. 
Published: March 2018

Purpose Abiraterone acetate (AA) is a standard of care for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Despite a large food effect, AA was administered under fasting conditions in its pivotal trials. We sought to test the hypothesis that low-dose AA (LOW; 250 mg with a low-fat meal) would have comparable activity to standard AA (STD; 1,000 mg fasting) in patients with CRPC. Patients and Methods Patients (n = 72) with progressive CRPC from seven institutions in the United States and Singapore were randomly assigned to STD or LOW. Both arms received prednisone 5 mg twice daily. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was assessed monthly, and testosterone/dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were assessed every 12 weeks with disease burden radiographic assessments. Plasma was collected for drug concentrations. Log change in PSA, as a pharmacodynamic biomarker for efficacy, was the primary end point, using a noninferiority design. Progression-free survival (PFS), PSA response (≥ 50% reduction), change in androgen levels, and pharmacokinetics were secondary end points. Results Thirty-six patients were accrued to both arms. At 12 weeks, there was a greater effect on PSA in the LOW arm (mean log change, −1.59) compared with STD (−1.19), and noninferiority of LOW was established according to predefined criteria. The PSA response rate was 58% in LOW and 50% in STD, and the median PFS was approximately 9 months in both groups. Androgen levels decreased similarly in both arms. Although there was no difference in PSA response or PFS, abiraterone concentrations were higher in STD. Conclusion Low-dose AA (with low-fat breakfast) is noninferior to standard dosing with respect to PSA metrics. Given the pharmacoeconomic implications, these data warrant consideration by prescribers, payers, and patients. Additional studies are indicated to assess the long-term efficacy of this approach.
Health-Related Quality-of-Life Analysis From KEYNOTE-045: A Phase III Study of Pembrolizumab Versus Chemotherapy for Previously Treated Advanced Urothelial Cancer
Authors: Vaughn David J. , Bellmunt Joaquim , Fradet Yves , Lee Jae Lyun , Fong Lawrence , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Climent Miguel A. , Petrylak Daniel P. , Choueiri Toni K. , Necchi Andrea , Gerritsen Winald , Gurney Howard , Quinn David I. , Culine Stephane , Sternberg Cora N. , Mai Yabing , Li Haojie , Perini Rodolfo F. , Bajorin Dean F. , de Wit Ronald 
Published: March 2018

Purpose In the phase III KEYNOTE-045 study ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02256436), pembrolizumab significantly prolonged overall survival compared with investigator’s choice of chemotherapy in patients with previously treated advanced urothelial cancer. Here, we report the results of health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) analyses from the KEYNOTE-045 trial. Patients and Methods Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to pembrolizumab 200 mg or investigator’s choice of docetaxel 75 mg/m2, paclitaxel 175 mg/m2, or vinflunine 320 mg/m2 administered intravenously every 3 weeks. Key prespecified HRQoL analyses were time to deterioration (TTD) and mean change from baseline to week 15 in European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 global health status/quality-of-life score. Results Of 542 patients who were randomly assigned, 519 were included in HRQoL analyses (pembrolizumab, n = 266; chemotherapy, n = 253). HRQoL compliance was > 95% at baseline and approximately 88% at week 15 for both groups. Pembrolizumab prolonged TTD in global health status/quality-of-life score compared with chemotherapy (median, 3.5 months v 2.3 months; hazard ratio, 0.72; nominal one-sided P = .004). Mean (95% CI) change from baseline to week 15 in global health status/quality-of-life score was 0.69 (−2.40 to 3.77) with pembrolizumab and −8.36 (−11.84 to −4.89) with chemotherapy (mean difference, 9.05 points; 95% CI, 4.61 to 13.50; nominal two-sided P < .001). Conclusion Pembrolizumab prolonged TTD in HRQoL compared with chemotherapy. Patients who were treated with pembrolizumab had stable or improved global health status/quality of life, whereas those who were treated with investigator’s choice of chemotherapy experienced declines in global health status/quality of life. Combined with efficacy and safety outcomes, these data support pembrolizumab as standard of care for patients with platinum-refractory advanced urothelial cancer.