bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A JAK1 Selective Kinase Inhibitor and Tofacitinib Affect Macrophage Activation and Function
Authors: De Vries L C S , Duarte J M , De Krijger M , Welting O , Van Hamersveld P H P , Van Leeuwen-Hilbers F W M , Moerland P D , Jongejan A , D’Haens G R , De Jonge W J , Wildenberg M E 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Background
Janus kinases (JAKs) mediate cytokine signaling involved in inflammatory bowel disease. The pan-JAK inhibitor tofacitinib has shown efficacy in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. However, concerns regarding adverse events due to their wide spectrum inhibition fueled efforts to develop selective JAK inhibitors. Given the crucial role of myeloid cells in intestinal immune homeostasis, we evaluated the effect of pan-JAK and selective JAK inhibitors on pro- and anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization and function (M1/M2) and in experimental colitis.

Methods
Murine bone marrow–derived macrophages or human monocytes were treated using JAK1 and JAK3 selective inhibitors (JAK1i;JAK3i) and tofacitinib and were evaluated by transcriptional, functional, and metabolic analyses. In vivo, oral administration of JAK1i and tofacitinib (10 or 30 mg/kg) was tested in both acute and acute rescue dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) colitis.

Results
Both tofacitinib and JAK1i but not JAK3i effectively inhibited STAT1 phosphorylation and interferon gamma–induced transcripts in M1 polarized macrophages. Strikingly, transcriptional profiling suggested a switch from M1 to M2 type macrophages, which was supported by increased protein expression of M2-associated markers. In addition, both inhibitors enhanced oxidative phosphorylation rates. In vivo, JAK1i and tofacitinib did not protect mice from acute DSS-induced colitis but ameliorated recovery from weight loss and disease activity during acute rescue DSS-induced colitis at the highest dose.

Conclusion
JAK1i and tofacitinib but not JAK3i induce phenotypical and functional characteristics of anti-inflammatory macrophages, suggesting JAK1 as the main effector pathway for tofacitinib in these cells. In vivo, JAK1i and tofacitinib modestly affect acute rescue DSS-induced colitis.
Optimal control of elliptic surface PDEs with pointwise bounds on the state
Authors: Ahmad Ali Ahmad , Hinze Michael , Kröner Heiko 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
We consider a linear–quadratic optimal control problem for elliptic surface partial differential equations (PDEs) with additional state constraints. We approximate the optimization problem by a family of discrete problems and prove convergence rates for the discrete controls and the discrete states. With this we extend results known in the Euclidean setting to the surface case. We present numerical examples confirming our theoretical findings, with measures concentrated in points and measures concentrated on a line.
Does It work in Clinical Practice? A Comparison of Colonoscopy Cleansing Effectiveness in Clinical Practice Versus Efficacy from Selected Prospective Trials
Authors: Wang Chang (Nancy) , Yang Ruobing , Hookey Lawrence 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundAdequate bowel preparation is essential for a high-quality colonoscopy. Many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated bowel preparation protocols, including split-dose and low-volume regimens. However, RCTs are conducted in an ideal, controlled setting, and translation of trial results to clinical practice is challenging. In this study, we compared the quality of bowel preparations of real-world patients from clinical practice with those enrolled in several prospective trials.MethodsBowel preparation quality, defined by the Ottawa Bowel Preparation Scale (OBPS), from four RCTs and one prospective trial were compared with two observational diary studies. Bowel preparations were polyethylene glycol preparation (PEG) or sodium picosulfate plus magnesium citrate (P/MC) taken via traditional or split-dose timing regimen. Age, sex, average number of bowel movements per day, comorbidities, colonoscopy indication and colonoscopy completion rates were also collected.ResultsPatients enrolled in prospective trials had a better OBPS by one point when compared with those in observational clinical practice studies (P&lt;0.049), after controlling for age, sex, colonoscopy indication and type of bowel preparation used. We also found that each 10-year increase in age was associated with a 0.2 point increase in OBPS (P=0.008), and men were associated with a 0.5 increase in OBPS when compared with women P=0.014).ConclusionPatients from clinical practice have higher OBPS than prospective trial patients. Increased age and male sex were also associated with increased OBPS. We believe increased patient motivation and education around bowel preparation regimen plays an important role in the success of bowel preparations.
Eleven Years of Cataract Surgery in Veterans Without Pre-existing Ocular Comorbidities
Authors: Magone M Teresa , Kueny Laura , Singh Gemini A , Chin Loy Katrina , Kim Caroline H , Grover Will , Shin Soo Y 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Introduction
In 2017, over 75,000 cataract surgeries were performed within the Veterans Health Administration System (VHA). Previous reports of outcomes of cataract surgery in veterans include patients with pre-existing ocular disease, which can affect vision. To exclude the confounding factor of pre-existing ocular comorbidities, we investigated the long-term visual outcomes and complications associated with small incision cataract surgery performed on veterans without any pre-existing eye disease.

Materials and Methods
Institutional Review Board approved cohort study with detailed retrospective chart review of all phacoemulsification (small incision) cataract surgeries performed at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington D.C. over 11 years, including all pre-and postoperative visits until postoperative month 12.

Results
A total of 1,513 consecutive surgical cases without any pre-existing ocular disease except the cataract were included. Vision improved significantly after cataract surgery compared to the preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (p = 0.0001) and remained stable over the first intra- and postoperative year. All eyes without complicated surgery and 99.1% of eyes with complications achieved 20/40 or better final vision postoperatively. The most common intra-and postoperative complications were vitreous loss (3.1%) and cystoid macular edema (CME; 1.4%). Patients with complications achieved final mean BCVA of 0.04 (20/22, vitreous loss) and 0.06 (20/23, CME) mean logMAR (Snellen).

Conclusion
Analysis of 11 years of small incision cataract surgery in eyes without pre-existing ocular disease within the VHA showed significant improvement in vision and stability 12 months after uncomplicated and complicated surgery in veterans.
Development of Cohesion in Mixed-Gender Recruit Training
Authors: Orme Geoffrey J , Kehoe E James 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Introduction
With the removal in 2016 of restrictions on recruiting women to the combat arms in the all-volunteer Australian Army, a key question has been whether adding women to small combat teams will reduce the sense of cohesion among their members, which entails their subjective bonds with each other, their leader, and wider organization. Despite recent initiatives in Australia and the USA, there are too few women in combat units in any country to answer this question and how these subjective bonds affect a team’s ability to stick together under pressure.
Men and women recruits in the Australian Army have undertaken basic soldier training in mixed-gender teams since 1995. Recruit training provides the foundation of teamwork and cohesion in all types of units. The present study capitalized on this well-established practice as an avenue for illuminating the development of cohesion in the form of subjective bonds within mixed-gender teams.

Materials and Methods
The respondents were 89 females and 434 males, who were members of 46 teams denoted as “sections,” each consisting of 9–12 recruits. The gender mix of the sections varied from 0% female (all males) up to 55.6% females. The recruits were surveyed on three occasions during the 81-day recruit training (Days 10, 46, 80). The questionnaire comprised 18 items asking the recruits’ ratings of “vertical” bonding with their instructor/leaders, “horizontal” bonding within their sections, and “organizational” bonding with the wider Australian Army. This study was conducted under Defence ethics approval DPR-LREP 069-15.

Results
At the start of training, vertical bonding of the recruits with their instructor/leaders was significantly higher than horizontal and organizational bonding, which were similar. During training, all three types of bonding as rated by both female and male recruits increased and largely converged to a high level. Any apparent gender-related differences were not statistically significant.
Bonding scores for females did decline slightly as the proportion of women increased, but only significantly for vertical bonding. Even these declines all occurred within a band of high scores. For male recruits, there was no discernible relationship of bonding scores with the percentage of females in a section; the lines of best fit appeared flat.

Conclusions
Within the Australian Army, women and men have been trained in mixed-gender sections since 1995 with sustained success, at least anecdotally. The present findings provide the first independent confirmation that all three dimensions of cohesion increase in strength during recruit training much to the same degree in women and men alike. To the extent that felt cohesion translates into effective teamwork, mixed-gender training establishes a sound foundation for integrating women into combat units as well as support units, where they have traditionally served.
Sero-Prevalence Surveillance to Predict Vaccine-Preventable Disease Outbreaks; A Lesson from the 2014 Measles Epidemic in Northern Vietnam
Authors: Choisy Marc , Trinh Son Tung , Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep , Nguyen Tran Hien , Mai Quynh Le , Pham Quang Thai , Tran Nhu Duong , Dang Duc Anh , Horby Peter W , Boni Maciej F , Bryant Juliet , Lewycka Sonia O , Nadjm Behzad , Van Doorn H Rogier , Wertheim Heiman F L 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundDuring the first half of 2014, a severe outbreak of measles occurred in northern Vietnam, causing 15 033 confirmed cases and 146 deaths.MethodsTo evaluate the population-level seroprevalence of protection against measles in the period before the outbreak, we made use of an existing age-stratified serum bank, collected over the year before the outbreak, between November 2012 and December 2013, from 4 sites across the country (Hanoi, Hue, Dak Lak, and Ho Chi Minh City). Data from the UNICEF’s Multiple Indicator Clustered Surveys (MICS), carried out in Vietnam during the first quarter of 2014, were used to assess the vaccine coverage in 6 ecological regions of Vietnam.ResultsResults revealed a large discrepancy between levels of protection, as estimated from the serology and vaccine coverage estimated by UNICEF’s MICS. Variation in seroprevalence across locations and age groups corresponded with reported numbers of measles cases, most of which were among the 0–2-year-old age group and in the northern part of the country.ConclusionsOur study presents a strong case in favor of a serosurveillance sentinel network that could be used to proactively tune vaccination policies and other public health interventions.
Impact of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy on obstetrical practice
Authors: Chan Yiu-man , Li Tin-chiu , Poon Liona C.Y. 
Published: January 2019

Purpose of review
To provide updated information on preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), focusing on its implications on prenatal diagnostic approaches after transferal of mosaic aneuploid embryos.

Recent findings
PGT-A is a technology to screen for chromosome aneuploidy or major chromosome structural rearrangement in embryos before implantation using different cytogenetic analyses. PGT-A has been shown to reduce the negative effect of increasing maternal age on in-vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. PGT-A also encourages clinicians and patients to accept single embryo transfer after IVF-PGT-A to reduce the chance of multiple pregnancies. However, mosaic aneuploid embryo may be encountered following PGT-A. Recent discussions have focused on the consideration of transferal of mosaic aneuploid embryos in couples with no euploid embryo following multiple trials of IVF-PGT-A. A risk score for each chromosome has been developed to prioritize which mosaic embryos should be considered for transfer. However, there is a lack of long-term outcome data following mosaic aneuploid embryo transfer.

Summary
Recent advances in PGT-A increase the detection of embryos with mosaicism, which is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, fetal mosaic aneuploidy, and uniparental disomy. Strategy in prenatal diagnostic testing after mosaic aneuploid embryo transfer is discussed in this review.
Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Review of Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Tumor Treatment on Quality of Life
Authors: Taylor Lawrence A. , Lewis Victor L. 
Published: January 2019

Background:
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is the most common type of neurogenetic disorder with a worldwide incidence of between 1 in 2,600 and 1 in 3,000. NF1 has a wide range of manifestations; as a result, NF1 has no “public persona.” Beginning at puberty and continuing thereafter patients may grow cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors (neurofibromas) in large numbers, which cause severe problems with appearance, which are similar in severity to those of psoriasis. Appearance concerns due to tumors affect NF1 patients’ Quality of Life (QoL). NF1 patients are at increased risk for depression and treatment for depression and significantly enhance QoL. Improving appearance and QoL by decreasing the number of tumors is the NF1 patient’s greatest concern. Improving QoL is an end in itself.

Methods:
There are no currently available medical or pharmacological treatments for cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors of NF1. Surgery is the only treatment option for cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors. High Quantity (HQ) surgical removal by several methods has been used.

Results:
HQ electrosurgical (ES) allows removal of large numbers of tumors, hundreds per surgical session, appears to be highly effective, and most patients are happy with their results. Other surgical techniques, such as scalpellic surgery, are not effective. Inadequate insurance payments, few plastic surgeons performing HQ tumor removal, lack of support from nonsurgeon physicians, few if any NF clinics providing HQ tumor removal, pediatric orientation, focus on basic research, and a dismissive attitude toward NF1 patients are all components in the unavailability of HQ NF tumor removal. Such surgery is not cosmetic but restoration of normal appearance from disfigurement due to a congenital, neoplastic disease.

Conclusions:
National legislation is required to mandate insurance companies to provide coverage for HQ tumor removal. Payments by health insurance companies to plastic surgeons must be reasonable and comparable with other procedures. Effort by neurologists and other nonsurgeons is needed to gain support of plastic surgeons. Strong pressure is needed by support groups of NF for providing NF1 HQ surgery at institutions with NF clinics and for proper payments for surgeons and others.
Biomechanical Efficacy of Shear-Reducing Diabetic Insoles: Elaborations on Future Design Criteria
Authors: Yavuz Metin , Ersen Ali , Richardson Mike , Adams Linda S. , Holmes Clayton F. , Wijesundara Muthu B.J. , Wukich Dane K. , La Fontaine Javier 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Increasing evidence suggests that plantar shear forces and related stresses play a major role in diabetic foot ulcerations. Several orthotic devices are commercially available to reduce plantar shear forces within the shoe. The biomechanical efficacy of these devices was not tested in vivo. To measure spatiotemporal characteristics of gait to assess the efficacy of such shear-reducing insoles (SRIs), control insoles were also tested for comparison purposes.

Material and Methods
Eighteen healthy volunteers walked along a 30.5-m line while wearing three types of insoles in randomized order. Spatiotemporal parameters of gait were quantified. Statistical comparisons between the control and SRIs were conducted using repeated measures analysis of variance. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were also calculated to reveal the repeatability of the trials. Step length, gait speed, and cadence of the subjects remained similar regardless of the insole type.

Results
No significant difference was observed in any variable. The ICC values revealed excellent repeatability.

Conclusions
The lack of changes in gait parameters in these results suggest that shear-reducing diabetic inserts did not decrease plantar shear forces as intended. This might be caused by unrealistic in vitro testing conditions during the prototype development. Future designs should also consider friction at the lateral walls of the inserts, an increase in step repetition that accompanies a decrease in gait speed and/or step length, and a possible temperature increase within the shoe. We conclude that the future SRIs need to be redesigned based on comprehensive biomechanical guidelines.
A Digital Photogrammetric Method to Enhance the Fabrication of Custom-Made Spinal Orthoses
Authors: Grazioso Stanislao , Selvaggio Mario , Caporaso Teodorico , Di Gironimo Giuseppe 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT

Introduction and Objectives
Fabrication processes for spinal orthoses require accurate three-dimensional (3D) models of the patients' trunk. Current methods for 3D reconstruction used in this field mainly include laser or structured light scanning; these methods are time expensive and invasive, especially for patients with partial disabilities. Therefore, a theoretically instant system for data acquisition of anatomical structure is highly desirable. The objective of this work is to show the feasibility of using digital photogrammetry for human body digitization to generate accurate 3D models of the patients' trunk for spinal orthoses fabrication.

Materials and Methods
Multiple synchronized two-dimensional images of the human torso are captured from different points of view using a photogrammetric scanner. A 3D model is generated using the state-of-the-art algorithms for point cloud and surface reconstruction. The digitized model is then used as input for the standard computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) process of fabrication. R4D from Rodin4D is used as prosthetics and orthotics CAD software. A robotic cell constituted by a six-axis KUKA KR 30–3 is used for milling a polyurethane foam. Vacuum forming is then adopted to generate the orthosis. Two spinal orthoses are fabricated using this approach and a classical one; then, they are evaluated using quantitative and qualitative metrics.

Results
The data acquisition using this approach lasts 50 milliseconds. The 3D reconstruction accuracy averages 0.21 ± 1.27 mm, which suits for the considered health care scenario. Results of the initial fitting of the orthoses fabricated with the presented method show better performances in terms of time (44%), product quality (35%), and patient experience (30%).

Conclusions
Digital photogrammetry can be used to enhance the data acquisition and data processing of anatomical surfaces for the CAD/CAM process of spinal orthoses. The data acquisition time, almost instant, allows an easy compliance of many patients. The data processing allows generating accurate models of the patient's body. The overall process generates orthoses with a better quality with respect to those manufactured using conventional procedures.
Parosteal osteosarcoma of the fibula in a middle-aged patient
Authors: Chen Guiping , Xu Qiang , Zhang Bin , Dai Min 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Parosteal osteosarcoma (PO) is relatively rare, accounting for about 1% of primary malignant bone tumors and 4% of all osteosarcomas. Onset is generally at approximately 20 to 40 years of age; the distal posterior surface of femur is the most common site, accounting for more than 60% cases. However, PO in middle-aged or elderly patients is extremely rare and PO occurring in the fibula is even rarer. To our knowledge, this is the first case of PO occurring in the fibula of a middle-aged adult.

Patient concerns:
We present a case of a 47-year-old female who had a lateral mass on her left knee for 3 months with no obvious cause.

Diagnoses:
The patient was initially diagnosed with a proximal left fibula tumor via x-ray scan at a local hospital. Subsequently, osteochondroma was highly suspected through computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) obtained at our hospital. Finally, the postoperative pathological report confirmed PO.

Interventions:
She underwent a complete resection of the left fibula tumor and received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy.

Outcomes:
The patient recovered well and was discharged on the 10th day after admission. Additionally, there was no evidence of recurrence at the 4-year follow-up after surgery.

Lessons:
In middle-aged or elderly patients, early diagnosis of PO in the fibula is difficult and misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis is common. In clinical practice, PO is uncommon in middle-aged or elderly patients, occurs more rarely in the peroneal bone, and should be carefully identified. CT and MRI are essential for diagnosis, with pathological examination being effective for confirmation. Because of the limited reports of PO of the fibula in middle-aged or elderly adults, the present case raises awareness of this rare condition.
Effects of theophylline therapy on respiratory muscle strength in patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation
Authors: Yu Teng-Jen , Liu Yu-Chih , Chu Chien-Min , Hu Han-Chung , Kao Kuo-Chin 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Mechanical ventilation may cause diaphragm weakness an effect termed ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD). The prevalence of VIDD among patients receiving mechanical ventilation is very high, with the degree of diaphragmatic atrophy being associated with the length of mechanical ventilation. Theophylline is known to increase diaphragmatic contractility and reduce fatigue, so in this study, we evaluated the effect of theophylline in patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation.
Patients who depended on mechanical ventilation were included in the study. We compared the maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax) values, rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) values, and successful weaning rates of theophylline-treated and non-theophylline-treated patients.
Eighty-four patients received theophylline and 76 patients did not. These 2 groups’ clinical characteristics, including their PImax and RSBI at initial admission, were similar. The results showed that the theophylline-treated group had significantly better PImax and RSBI, with a higher last PImax (30.1 ± 9.7 cmH2O vs 26.9 ± 9.1 cmH2O; P = .034) and lower last RSBI (107.0 ± 68.4 vs 131.4 ± 77.7; P = .036). The improvements to each respective patient's PImax and RSBI were also significantly higher in the theophylline-treated group (PImax: 20.1 ± 5.7% vs 3.2 ± 1.1%, P = .005; RSBI: 11.2 ± 3.0% vs 2.7 ± 1.6%, P = .015). The weaning success rate of the theophylline-treated group was also higher, but not significantly so.
Theophylline might improve respiratory muscle strength in patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation and it needs further prospective studies to confirm.