bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between varicocele and platelet indices: changes of mean platelet volume before and after operation
Authors: Zhang Q.‐F. , Liang J.‐H. , He T.‐H. , Huang Z.‐X. , Liu Q.‐L. , Zhang X. , Shen S.‐L. , Li G.‐Y. , Song W.‐R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe correlation between the increased mean platelet volume and varicocele is controversial.ObjectivesWe designed this research to demonstrate the correlation relationship between varicocele and mean platelet volume by studying the changes of mean platelet volume in patients with varicocele before and after operation.Materials and methodsA total of 317 patients with left unilateral varicocele underwent operation, and 293 healthy adult males were enrolled in the study. We collected diagnostic data for preoperative patients through physical examination, color Doppler ultrasonography, and blood routine, and recorded the follow‐up data at 6 months after operation for varicocele. Platelet indices and the degree of varicocele or the diameter of spermatic vein correlation analysis were performed. Mean platelet volume values of preoperative and 6‐month postoperative were statistically evaluated.ResultsWe found that the degree of varicocele and the diameter of spermatic vein were positively correlated with mean platelet volume (p = 0.001 or p < 0.001). When the left unilateral varicocele patients and healthy subjects were compared, there was a significant increase in mean platelet volume (p = 0.003). Mean platelet volume values of 96 varicocele patients who were cured by operation for varicocele after 6 months were decreased significantly more than preoperative (p = 0.039), but 32 varicocele patients of 6‐month postoperative recurrence could not prove this change (p = 0.930).Discussion and conclusionOur research proves that mean platelet volume was positively correlated with the degree of varicocele and the diameter of spermatic vein and varicocele patients showed significantly higher mean platelet volume than healthy subjects. The mean platelet volume of varicocele patients cured by operation for varicocele after 6 months was lower than before, but there was no difference in mean platelet volume between 6‐month postoperative recurrent patients with preoperative.
Propensity score‐matched analysis of early outcomes after laparoscopic‐assisted versus open pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Tan Jarrod K. H. , Ng Jun Jie , Yeo Melissa , Koh Frederick H. X. , Bonney Glenn K. , Ganpathi Iyer S. , Madhavan Krishnakumar , Kow Alfred W. C. 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundMinimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a feasible option for periampullary tumours. However, it remains a complex procedure with no proven advantages over open PD (OPD). The aim of the study was to compare the outcomes between laparoscopic‐assisted PD (LAPD) and OPD using a propensity score‐matched analysis.MethodsRetrospective review of 40 patients who underwent PD for periampullary tumours between January 2014 and December 2016 was conducted. The patients were matched 1:1 for age, gender, body mass index, Charlson comorbidty index, tumour size and haematological indices. Peri‐operative outcomes were evaluated.ResultsLAPD appeared to have a longer median operative time as compared to OPD (LAPD, 425 min (285–597) versus OPD, 369 min (260–500)) (P = 0.066). Intra‐operative blood loss was comparable between both groups. Respiratory complications were five times higher in the OPD group (LAPD, 5% versus OPD, 25%) (P = 0.077), while LAPD patients required less time to start ambulating post‐operatively (LAPD, 2 days versus OPD, 2 days) (P = 0.021). Pancreas‐specific complications and morbidity/mortality rates were similar.ConclusionLAPD is a safe alternative to OPD in a select group of patients for an institution starting out with minimally invasive PD, and can be used to bridge the learning curve required for total laparoscopic PD.
Safety of single‐anaesthetic versus staged bilateral primary total knee replacement: experience from the New Zealand National Joint Registry
Authors: Wyatt Michael C. , Hozack Joan , Frampton Chris , Hooper Gary J. 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundSurgical management options for bilateral knee osteoarthritis comprise staged or single‐anaesthetic bilateral total knee replacements (SABTKRs). We examined the New Zealand Joint Registry hypothesizing there would be no difference between these practices compared to unilateral total knee replacement (TKR) examining 30‐day mortality, all‐cause revision rate and function.MethodsFor this study, 84 946 primary TKRs were identified. We compared three groups: unilateral TKRs, all SABTKRs and all staged bilateral TKRs with intervals of 1 to 90 days, 91 days to 1 year and >1 year. Cumulative revision rates were calculated (Kaplan–Meier method). Mortality risks were compared to unilateral TKR and hazard ratios (HRs) calculated. Six‐month Oxford scores were compared using analysis of variance.ResultsThirty‐day mortality for SABTKR was 0.219%: unilateral TKR 0.236% (HR 0.43; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38–0.48; P < 001). Staged TKR had lower mortality than unilateral TKR at three time interval groups unless performed within 90 days (adjusting for age and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade) TKR (<90 days HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.703–1.371; P = 0.915; 91–365 days HR 0.783; 95% CI 0.687–0.891; P < 0.001; >365 days HR 0.394; 95% CI 0.344–0.451; P < 0.001). Revision risk with SABTKR was lower at 0.43/100 component years (95% CI 0.37–0.49/100 component years) compared to unilateral 0.56/100 component years (95% CI 0.53–0.59; P < 0.05). Six‐month Oxford scores were superior in SABTKR versus unilateral TKR (38.6 (95% CI 38.2–39) versus 36.9 (95% CI 36.8–37.1); P < 0.001).ConclusionsSABTKR is at least as safe as unilateral TKR or staged bilateral TKR in appropriately selected cases. Surgeons should wait at least 90 days before the second procedure.
Reading deficits in diabetic patients treated with panretinal photocoagulation and good visual acuity
Authors: Omari Amro , Niziol Leslie M , Gardner Thomas W 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPurposePatients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) treated with panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) can have abnormal visual functioning that may be missed by Snellen visual acuity alone. We investigated reading deficits in patients treated with PRP for PDR using the Minnesota reading (MNREAD) test.MethodsThirty patients treated with PRP and 15 controls underwent best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the MNREAD, frequency doubling perimetry (FDP), and fundus photography. Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP)‐treated subjects were compared to controls on MNREAD results by two‐sample t‐tests and Wilcoxon tests and Pearson correlations were used to assess the association between performance on MNREAD and other central visual function tests within PRP subjects.ResultsPanretinal photocoagulation (PRP)‐treated patients had reduced MNREAD acuity (p < 0.0001) and increased critical print size (p = 0.01) compared to controls but not a significantly reduced maximum reading speed (p = 0.06). Logmar MNREAD acuity was strongly positive correlated with logMAR BCVA (r = 0.58, p = 0.0098) and strongly negatively correlated with FDP foveal threshold (r = −0.63, p = 0.0030). Maximum reading speed was positively correlated with FDP foveal threshold (r = 0.57, p = 0.0143) and FDP mean deviation (r = 0.51, p = 0.0432). Visual acuity did not correlate with the sensitivities on the FDP.ConclusionThe MNREAD test reveals that PRP reduces reading ability and other aspects of macular function, and thus provides new understanding of how vision‐related quality of life is impaired. These findings may lead to improved means to evaluate and enhance vision following treatment for PDR.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis in a randomized trial of late in‐the‐bag intraocular lens dislocation surgery: repositioning versus exchange
Authors: Kristianslund Olav , Dalby Marius , Moe Morten C. , Drolsum Liv 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPurposeTo compare the cost‐effectiveness of two operation methods for late in‐the‐bag intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation.MethodsIn this randomized clinical trial, 104 patients were randomly assigned toIOLrepositioning by scleral suturing (n = 54) orIOLexchange with a retropupillary iris‐claw lens (n = 50). A cost‐effectiveness analysis (CEA) was performed in conjunction with previously published 6‐month efficacy and safety results. An incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was calculated as the cost difference between the operation groups relative to their difference in postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) (mean and 95% confidence interval: minimum and maximum), reported as the cost difference in United States Dollars ($) per logMARdifference.ResultsExchange surgery was $281.20 ± 17.66 more expensive than repositioning, mainly explained by the newIOLand the frequent use of anterior vitrectomy. A previous trial publication revealed no significant difference in the 6‐month postoperativeCDVAbetween the groups. In theCEA, the mean group difference yielded an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of −$281.20 per −0.11 logMAR(‐$1108/QALY) in favour of repositioning, ranging from −$281.20 per −0.29 logMAR(‐$406/QALY) in favour of repositioning to +$281.20 per −0.08 logMAR(+$1522/QALY) in favour of exchange. TheCEAdid not include the mean 9.5 min shorter operation time for exchange.ConclusionRepositioning tended to be more cost‐effective than exchange; however, this is modified if also considering the operation time. Overall, it seems the cost‐effectiveness is not alone sufficiently different to recommend one of the operation methods over the other for late in‐the‐bagIOLdislocation.
Frenotomy for tongue‐tie (frenulum linguae breve) showed improved symptoms in the short‐ and long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Ramoser Gabriele , Guóth‐Gumberger Márta , Baumgartner‐Sigl Sara , Zoeggeler Thomas , Scholl‐Bürgi Sabine , Karall Daniela 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimTo evaluate clinical manifestations of tongue‐tie as well as short‐term and long‐term outcomes following frenotomy.MethodsIn this retrospective study, for 329 patients (295 infants and 34 children) who underwent frenotomy between 2011 and 2017, symptoms, short‐term and long‐term outcomes were evaluated.ResultsOf the 295 infants (median age six weeks), 199 (=60%) showed inadequate breastfeeding. Symptoms were painful or sore maternal nipples, poor weight gain, dribbling milk from the corner of the mouth, reduced milk supply, inadequate latch during bottle‐feeding and maternal mastitis. In the 34 children, predominant symptoms were articulation disorders, misaligned teeth and problems with swallowing solid food. Of the 141 patients with short‐term feedback, 86% reported improvement, 13% an unchanged situation. In a former premature, the reported worsening of symptoms (‘breath spells’) are likely related to prematurity. Of the 164 patients where the questionnaire for long‐term outcome was provided, 82% reported improvement, 16% an unchanged situation. For two infants worsening was reported, referring to refusal to drink from breast or bottle for two hours after the procedure and fever for one day, respectively.ConclusionFrenulum breve is a potential cause of breastfeeding difficulties and can be treated safely and efficiently by frenotomy.
Citrullinated histone H3, a biomarker for neutrophil extracellular trap formation, predicts the risk of mortality in patients with cancer
Authors: Grilz Ella , Mauracher Lisa‐Marie , Posch Florian , Königsbrügge Oliver , Zöchbauer‐Müller Sabine , Marosi Christine , Lang Irene , Pabinger Ingrid , Ay Cihan 
Published: April 2019

SummaryPrior studies indicate that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are associated with arterial thromboembolism (ATE) and mortality. We investigated the association between NET formation biomarkers (citrullinated histone H3 [H3Cit], cell‐free DNA [cfDNA], and nucleosomes) and the risk of ATE and all‐cause mortality in patients with cancer. In this prospective cohort study, H3Cit, cfDNA and nucleosome levels were determined at study inclusion, and patients with newly diagnosed cancer or progressive disease after remission were followed for 2 years for ATE and death. Nine‐hundred and fifty‐seven patients were included. The subdistribution hazard ratios for ATE of H3Cit, cfDNA and nucleosomes were 1·0 per 100 ng/ml increase (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0·7–1·4, P = 0·949), 1·0 per 100 ng/ml (0·9–1·2, P = 0·494) increase and 1·1 per 1‐unit increase (1·0–1·2, P = 0·233), respectively. Three‐hundred and seventy‐eight (39·5%) patients died. The hazard ratio (HR) for mortality of H3Cit and cfDNA per 100 ng/ml increase was 1·1 (1·0–1·1, P < 0·001) and 1·1 (1·0–1·1, P < 0·001), respectively. The HR for mortality of nucleosome levels per 1‐unit increase was 1·0 (1·0–1·1, P = 0·233). H3Cit, cfDNA and nucleosome levels were not associated with the risk of ATE in patients with cancer. Elevated H3Cit and cfDNA levels were associated with higher mortality in patients with cancer.
What happens next? A 2‐year follow‐up study into the outcomes and experiences of an adapted Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills training group for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Hewitt Olivia , Atkinson‐Jones Katherine , Gregory Hannah , Hollyman Jonathan 
Published: April 2019

Accessible summary

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a therapy to help people manage their feelings.

We ran a DBT group for people with an intellectual disability. The group seemed to help people feel better and manage their feelings, even after the group ended.

The group was 2 years ago. We talked to three people who went to the group to see what people still remembered from the group and if DBT was still helping them.

We think having a top‐up session might help people to remember and practise ideas from the group.

AbstractBackgroundThis paper reports quantitative and qualitative follow‐up data from three participants who attended a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) group for people with an intellectual disability.Materials and MethodsQuantitative data regarding psychological well‐being, psychological distress (measured using the Psychological Therapies Outcome Scales; PTOS) and quality of life (measured using the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales—Learning Disability; HONOS‐LD) are reported for pre‐group, post‐group and at 6‐month and 2‐year follow‐up. Interviews were conducted with participants post‐group and at 2‐year follow‐up. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsImprovements in scores on measures of psychological well‐being, psychological distress and quality of life appear to be maintained at 6‐month follow‐up, but scores at 2‐year follow‐up suggest a return to baseline. Qualitative self‐report data suggest a number of interesting ways participants adapted and individualised techniques from the group, as well as suggesting possible barriers to maintaining change in the longer term.ConclusionsClinical implications are considered to improve effectiveness of similar interventions, as well research implications in order to improve knowledge about the longer term impact of group DBT interventions.
Do phytogeographic patterns reveal biomes or biotic regions?
Authors: Murphy Daniel J. , Ebach Malte C. , Miller Joseph T. , Laffan Shawn W. , Cassis Gerasimos , Ung Visotheary , Thornhill Andrew H. , Kerr Nunzio , Tursky Melinda L. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe present the largest comparative biogeographical analysis that has complete coverage of Australia's geography (20 phytogeographical subregions), using the most complete published molecular phylogenies to date of large Australian plant clades (Acacia, Banksia and the eucalypts). Two distinct sets of areas within the Australian flora were recovered, using distributional data from the Australasian Virtual Herbarium (AVH) and the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA): younger Temperate, Eremaean and Monsoonal biomes, and older southwest + west, southeast and northern historical biogeographical regions. The analyses showed that by partitioning the data into two sets, using either a Majority or a Frequency method to select taxon distributions, two equally valid results were found. The dataset that used a Frequency method discovered general area cladograms that resolved patterns of the Australian biomes, whereas if widespread taxa (Majority method, with >50% of occurrences outside a single subregion) were removed the analysis then recovered historical biogeographical regions. The study highlights the need for caution when processing taxon distributions prior to analysis as, in the case of the history of Australian phytogeography, the validity of both biomes and historical areas have been called into question.
Diversity in the structure of action potential‐mediated neural connectivity within rat supra chiasmatic nucleus
Authors: Min Cheolhong , Kim Hyun , Choi Wonshik , Lee Kyoung J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAction potential (AP)‐mediated cell‐to‐cell communication is essential for the frequency‐locking and phase‐synchronization of the clock cells within the biological master clock, suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Nevertheless, the morphology of its network connectivity is largely unexplored. Here, with an optimized optogenetic light‐stimulation and scanning protocol, we report some key characteristics of the inhibitory receptive field (IRF), the area which brings inhibitory synaptic currents to a given target cell, and basic statistics of the inhibitory network connections of rat SCN clock cells. ChR2 transfected, slice cultures of rat SCN were stimulated by a blue power LED light in a repetitive box‐scanning modes, while a target cell was whole‐cell patched. The registered inhibitory postsynaptic currents, which were brought by light‐induced APs of presynaptic neurons, were mostly GABAergic. The sizes and shapes of IRFs of SCN cells were very diverse, and the number of presynaptic cells making up the IRF of a given target cell followed an exponential distribution with an average value of 8.9 approximately, according to our clustering analysis which is based on a hybrid measure D, combining the physical distance r and the difference in the current amplitudes of two different sites. Although this estimate inevitably depends on the construct of the measure D, it is found not so sensitive on the parameter w, which weighs the relative significance of the current amplitude different with respect to the physical distance r: The average number of presynaptic neurons varies < 26% over a significant range of 0 < w < 30. On average, the presynaptic connection number density around a target cell falls off as an exponentially decreasing function of r. But, its space constant (~210.7 μm) is quite large that long‐range (>210.7 μm) neural connections are abundant (>66.9%) within the SCN.
Estimating dementia cases amongst migrants living in Europe
Authors: Canevelli M. , Lacorte E. , Cova I. , Zaccaria V. , Valletta M. , Raganato R. , Bruno G. , Bargagli A. M. , Pomati S. , Pantoni L. , Vanacore N. 
Published: April 2019

Background and purposeThe phenomenon of dementia amongst migrants and ethnic minorities represents an emerging concern for European healthcare systems, posing additional challenges in terms of clinical approach, access to care and resource utilization. The aim of the present study was to estimate the cases of dementia amongst immigrant older subjects living in Europe and in each European country.MethodsThe estimated cases of dementia amongst older (i.e. 65+) migrants living in the European Union (EU‐28) and European Free Trade Association member states were calculated by multiplying the number of migrants (obtained through the data provided by Eurostat) with the age‐ and sex‐specific prevalence rates (derived by a recent meta‐analysis).ResultsOverall, 6 507 360 older migrants lived in Europe in 2017. In addition, 1 204 671 migrants were registered in Germany in 2010. Nearly 475 000 dementia cases (329 028 women, 147 410 men) were estimated in this population by applying age‐ and sex‐specific prevalence rates. When considering each European country, the number of estimated cases ranged from 108 (Iceland) to 119 161 (France). In parallel, the proportion of dementia cases occurring in migrants ranged from 0.9% (Czech Republic) to 51.2% (Liechtenstein).ConclusionsThe issue of dementia in migrants and ethnic minorities is emerging but already relevant for European healthcare systems. The magnitude of this phenomenon and its complexities reinforce the need for coordinated initiatives both at a national and continental level. These epidemiological data should ideally be integrated with those coming from ‘real world’ services in order to better calibrate these actions.
Transnasal endoscopic treatment of equine sinus disease in 14 clinical cases
Authors: Kološ F. , Bodeček Š. , Vyvial M. , Krisová Š. , Mráčková M. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryTransnasal endoscopic sinus treatment was used in four horses diagnosed with primary sinusitis and 10 horses with dental sinusitis. Pre‐existing (n = 5) or surgically created (n = 9) sinonasal fistulae were used as portals for transnasal endoscopic exploration, debridement and lavage of the inflamed sinus cavities. Endoscopic sinonasal fistulation was performed using either trans‐endoscopic diode laser fibre (four cases) or an electrocautery instrument under endoscopic control (five cases). All procedures were performed on standing sedated horses with the use of local anaesthesia. In six cases, the ventral concha was fenestrated in order to gain a portal into the ventral conchal and rostral maxillary sinus. In two cases the dorsal concha was fenestrated to access the caudal group of the paranasal sinuses. One case required fenestration of the ventral conchal bulla due to its empyema. Post‐operative bleeding was controlled with a nasal cavity tamponade for 24 h. Endoscopic lavage and debridement of the inflamed sinuses were performed every 2–3 days. Medical treatment consisted of antibiotic and anti‐inflammatory drugs. In the cases of dental sinusitis, the underlying dental pathology was addressed. Median hospitalisation time was 10 days (range 5–25 days) and the median number of endoscopic procedures (including the initial procedure) was 4 (range 3–7). Cases were followed‐up by telephone consultations with their owners. Intervals between discharge and last follow‐up ranged from 4 to 22 months (median 9.5 months). Complete recovery was reported in 10 cases, clinical improvement (occasional nonpurulent discharge) in two cases. Two cases were readmitted due to recurrence of the purulent nasal discharge; both subsequently underwent trephination of the affected sinuses and made a full recovery after removal of the remaining pathological sinus content.