bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validity and sensitivity to change of laser Doppler imaging as a novel objective outcome measure for cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Authors: Md Yusof MY , Britton J , Edward S , Hensor E M A , Goodfield M J , Laws P M , Emery P , Wittmann M , Vital E M 
Published: September 2019

Objectives The objectives of this study were to assess the reliability of a novel objective outcome measure, laser Doppler imaging (LDI), its validity against skin biopsy histology and other clinical instruments, including localized cutaneous lupus disease area and severity index (L-CLASI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) score of photographs, and its responsiveness to clinical change with therapy. Methods A prospective observational cohort study was conducted in 30 patients with active cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). At baseline and 3 months, disease activity was assessed using L-CLASI and a high resolution LDI system by two assessors. Skin biopsy was scored as 0 = non-active, 1 = mild activity and 2 = active. Photographs were assessed by two clinicians using 100 mm VAS. Inter-rater reliability was analyzed using Bland–Altman limits of agreement. Correlation between histology and LDI, L-CLASI and VAS and sensitivity to change of LDI with physician subjective assessment of change (PSAC) at 3 months were analyzed using Kendall’s tau-a. Results Of 30 patients with CLE, 28 (93%) were female, mean (SD) age 48.4 (11.5) y, 25 (83%) were Caucasians, 25 (83%) had concurrent systemic lupus erythematosus and 16 (53%) were smokers. CLE subtypes were acute = 9, subacute = 8 and chronic = 13. Inter-rater agreement for LDI was fair but for VAS score of photographs was poor. In 20 patients with biopsy, correlation with histology was better for LDI (tau-a = 0.53) than L-CLASI (tau-a = 0.26) (difference = 0.27; 90% CI 0.05–0.49) or VAS score of photographs (tau-a = 0.17) (difference = 0.36; 90% CI 0.04–0.68). There was a moderate correlation between PSAC score and change in LDI (tau-a = 0.56; 90% CI 0.38–0.74; p < 0.001, n = 15). Conclusion LDI provides a reliable, valid and responsive quantitative measure of inflammation in CLE. It has a better correlation with histology compared to clinical instruments. LDI provides an objective outcome measure for clinical trials.
Third-Generation Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus
Authors: Holme Thomas J. , Sivaloganathan Sivan S. , Patel Beejal , Kunasingam Kumar 
Published: September 2019

Background: Multiple operative techniques have been developed for hallux valgus with varying success. The most recent developments in minimally invasive surgery have evolved into the third-generation minimally invasive chevron Akin (MICA) osteotomy. Good results have been shown from originator centers, but this is one of the first series from a nonoriginator center, and the first to use a validated patient-reported outcome measure. Methods: Forty consecutive patients undergoing third-generation MICA for hallux valgus were included. Primary outcome measures included Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores and Coughlin satisfaction rates at 12 months. Secondary outcome measures included radiographic parameters, complications, and recurrence rates. Results: At 12 months, the MOXFQ score improved from 58 to 10 and the AOFAS score improved from 48 to 93, with 70% of patients reporting excellent outcomes and 30% good ones. Two cases started as mild, 29 cases as moderate, and 9 cases as severe as defined by radiographic criteria. Hallux valgus angles improved from 32 degrees to 12 degrees, and intermetatarsal angles improved from 13 degrees to 7 degrees. There were 4 cases of Akin screw removal for soft tissue irritation. There were no other complications, including recurrence. Conclusion: The third-generation MICA technique was a safe and effective approach to treating hallux valgus. Further research should focus on long-term outcomes and comparative data with other commonly performed operative techniques. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Knot of Henry Variation and the Effect on Plantar Flexion Strength
Authors: Thomas Danielle , Thordarson David , Nelson Trevor J. , Charlton Timothy P. , Eberlein Samuel , Metzger Melodie F. 
Published: September 2019

Background: The flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendons are commonly used for tendon transfer in reconstructive foot and ankle procedures. Some patients experience great toe weakness and loss of push-off strength. The objective of this biomechanical study was to quantify plantarflexion force after FHL and FDL harvest and correlate it to variations in tendon crossover patterns at the knot of Henry to determine if specific patterns have an increased tendency toward forefoot weakness. Methods: Simulated loads through the Achilles, FHL, and FDL were applied to cadaveric specimens while plantarflexion force was measured using a pressure mapping system. Force was recorded with the FDL and FHL unloaded to simulate tendon transfer. Afterward, specimens were dissected to classify the tendinous slips between the FHL and FDL based on a previously determined system. Functional and anatomical relationships between the classification type and loading patterns were analyzed. Results: There were no statistical differences between the tendon crossover patterns in forefoot force reduction after FHL or FDL harvest. Average decrease in great toe and total forefoot pressure after FHL harvest was 31% and 22%, respectively. Average decrease in lesser toe and total forefoot push-off force after FDL harvest was 23% and 9%, respectively. Conclusion: This study quantified loss of plantarflexion force after simulated FHL and FDL harvest and correlated these losses to variations in anatomic crossover patterns at the knot of Henry. Variations at the knot of Henry do not contribute to differences in forefoot weakness. Clinical Relevance: The decrease in forefoot pressure seen here would help explain the clinical scenario where a patient does note a loss of great toe strength after FHL transfer.
Identifying approaches for synthesizing and summarizing information to support informed citizen deliberations in health policy: a scoping review
Authors: Wilson Michael G , Nidumolu Aditya , Berditchevskaia Inna , Gauvin Francois-Pierre , Abelson Julia , Lavis John N 
Published: September 2019

Objective Public deliberations are an increasingly popular tool to engage citizens in the development of health policies and programmes. However, limited research has been conducted on how to best synthesize and summarize information on health policy issues for citizens. To begin to address this gap, our aim was to map the literature on the preparation of information to support informed citizen deliberations related to health policy issues. Methods We conducted a scoping review where two reviewers screened the results of electronic database searches, grey literature searches and hand searches of organizational websites to identify empirical studies, scholarly commentaries, and publicly available organizational documents focused on synthesizing and summarizing information to inform citizen deliberation about health policy issues. Two reviewers categorized each included document according to themes/topics of deliberation, purpose of deliberation and the form of deliberation, and developed a summary of the key findings related to synthesizing and summarizing information to support informed citizen deliberations. Results There was limited reporting about whether and how information was synthesized. Evidence was typically organized based on the source used (e.g. by comparing the views of stakeholders or experts) or according to the areas that policymakers need to consider when making decisions (e.g. benefits, harms, costs and stakeholder perspectives related to policy options). Information was presented primarily through written materials (e.g. briefs and brochures), audiovisual resources (e.g. videos or presentations from stakeholders), but some interactive presentation approaches were also identified (e.g. through interactive arts-based approaches). Conclusions The choice and framing of information to inform citizen deliberations about health policy can strongly influence their understanding of a policy issue, and has the potential to impact the discussions and recommendations that emerge from deliberations. Our review confirmed that there remains a dearth of literature describing methods of the preparation of information to inform citizen deliberations about health policy issues. This highlights the need for further exploration of optimal strategies for citizen-friendly approaches to synthesizing and summarizing information for deliberations.
Influence of increased body mass index on orthodontic tooth movement and related parameters in children and adolescents: A systematic review of longitudinal controlled clinical studies
Authors: Michelogiannakis Dimitrios , Rossouw P Emile , Khan Junad , Akram Zohaib , Menenakos Evangelos , Javed Fawad 
Published: September 2019

Objectives: To assess the impact of increased body mass index (BMI) on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and related parameters in children and adolescents. Search sources: A search of six electronic databases and manual searching were performed up to June 2019 without language and time restrictions. Data selection: Eligibility criteria were as follows: (1) longitudinal controlled clinical studies; (2) children and adolescents undergoing orthodontic therapy (OT); (3) no systemic diseases; (4) experimental group: patients with increased BMI; and (5) control group: patients with normal BMI. Data extraction: Screening, study selection and data extraction were performed; bias within studies was assessed using the Risk of Bias In Non-randomised Studies (ROBINS-I) tool. Results: Seven studies were included. One study showed that an increased BMI is associated with less wear-time of removable orthodontic appliances and one study found no significant association. One study showed that an increased BMI is associated with less cooperation during OT; however, not with the treatment results. One study reported higher pain experience during OT in adolescents with than without increased BMI. Two studies showed that increased BMI in adolescents is related to OTM, one with increased and one with decreased rates of OTM, respectively. One study reported an association between increased BMI and incidence of white spot lesions and gingivitis during OT. The ROBINS-I tool showed low to moderate risk of bias within studies. Conclusions: The influence of BMI on OTM and related parameters in children and adolescents remains debatable.
Factors that influence the intention to use mobile phone caller tunes for patient reporting of adverse drug reactions: a qualitative study
Authors: Appiah Bernard , Poudyal Anubhuti , Burdine James N. , Asamoah-Akuoko Lucy , Anum David Anidaso , Kretchy Irene Akwo , Sabblah George , Dodoo Alexander N.O. , McKyer E. Lisako J. 
Published: September 2019

Background: Patient reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is low in low- and middle-income countries, in part because of poor awareness to report. With the increase in mobile subscription, mobile phones can be used as a platform to disseminate information on ADRs. The aim of this study was to qualitatively assess the potential of using mobile phone caller tunes (the message or sound the caller hears before the receiver answers the call) to encourage patient reporting of ADRs. Methods: A total of 38 key informant interviews and 12 focus group discussions (57 participants in groups of 4–5) were conducted in Accra, Ghana. The transcripts were analysed using key constructs of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) including perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and behavioural intention to use caller tunes for patient reporting of ADRs. Results: Respondents mentioned lack of knowledge on reporting ADRs, and their willingness to use mobile phone caller tunes to promote patient reporting of ADRs. Many respondents pointed out how ADRs usually led to discontinuity in medication use, usually without consultation with health professionals. Caller tunes were regarded an innovative, accessible and convenient platform to disseminate information on ADRs. Most respondents intended to use caller tunes with drug safety information to promote ADR reporting, particularly to help their friends and family members. Simplicity of the message, use of songs or messages in local languages and price of downloading the caller tunes were important considerations. Conclusion: There is a need for the creation and testing of caller tunes on ADRs in Ghana to promote patient or consumer reporting of ADRs. Further studies are needed to assess factors that could influence the creation and use of caller tunes to disseminate information on drug safety.
Short-term prediction of secondary progression in a sliding window: A test of a predicting algorithm in a validation cohort
Authors: Skoog B , Link J , Tedeholm H , Longfils M , Nerman O , Fagius J , Andersen O 
Published: September 2019

Introduction The Multiple Sclerosis Prediction Score (MSPS, www.msprediction.com ) estimates, for any month during the course of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), the individual risk of transition to secondary progression (SP) during the following year. Objective Internal verification of the MSPS algorithm in a derivation cohort, the Gothenburg Incidence Cohort (GIC, n =  144) and external verification in the Uppsala MS cohort (UMS, n = 145). Methods Starting from their second relapse, patients were included and followed for 25 years. A matrix of MSPS values was created. From this matrix, a goodness-of-fit test and suitable diagnostic plots were derived to compare MSPS-calculated and observed outcomes (i.e. transition to SP). Results The median time to SP was slightly longer in the UMS than in the GIC, 15 vs. 11.5 years ( p = 0.19). The MSPS was calibrated with multiplicative factors: 0.599 for the UMS and 0.829 for the GIC; the calibrated MSPS provided a good fit between expected and observed outcomes (chi-square p = 0.61 for the UMS), which indicated the model was not rejected. Conclusion The results suggest that the MSPS has clinically relevant generalizability in new cohorts, provided that the MSPS was calibrated to the actual overall SP incidence in the cohort.
PRSS1 mutation: a possible pathomechanism of pancreatic carcinogenesis and pancreatic cancer
Authors: Liu Qicai , Guo Ling , Zhang Sheng , Wang Jingwen , Lin Xinhua , Gao Feng 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Previous studies revealed somatic mutations of the cationic trypsinogen gene (PRSS1) in patients with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. However, whether PRSS1 mutations trigger pancreatic cancer and/or promote malignant proliferation and metastasis in pancreatic cancer remains largely unclear, as well as the potential underlying mechanisms.

Methods
In the present study, whole-exome sequencing was applied for screening, and the R116C mutation was validated by Sanger sequencing. Phosphorylation antibody array, RNA-Seq, and RT-qPCR were adopted to screen and validate that R116C mutation promoted pancreatic cancer progression via the JAK1-STAT5 pathway.

Results
It showed that migration and invasion were significantly increased in R116C-bearing PANC-1 cells compared with wild type counterparts. In a transgenic mouse model of iZEG-PRSS1_R116C, primary pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanINs) was observed in the pancreatic duct.

Conclusions
These findings suggested a novel pathway mediating pancreatic cancer development, with PRSS1 mutation and overexpression playing an “inside job” role in pancreatic carcinogenesis and tumor development.
The effects of hookah/waterpipe smoking on general health and the cardiovascular system
Authors: Qasim Hanan , Alarabi Ahmed B. , Alzoubi Karem H. , Karim Zubair A. , Alshbool Fatima Z. , Khasawneh Fadi T. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractHookah or waterpipe smoking or use is an emerging trend in the US population, especially among the youth. The misperception of hookah being less harmful than cigarettes and the availability of different but “appealing” flavors are considered among the main reasons for this trend. Hookah users however are exposed to many of the same toxic compounds/by-products as cigarette users, but at dramatically higher levels, which might lead to more severe negative health effects. In fact, hookah users are at risks of infections, cancers, lung disease, and other medical conditions. Moreover, because of the overlapping toxicant/chemical profile to conventional cigarettes, hookah smoke effects on the cardiovascular system are thought to be comparable to those of conventional cigarettes. A major source of tobacco addiction is nicotine, whose levels in hookah are extremely variable as they depend on the type of tobacco used. Taken together, in this review of literature, we will provide insights on the negative health effects of hookah in general, with a focus on what is known regarding its impact on the cardiovascular system.
A multiscale mathematical model of cell dynamics during neurogenesis in the mouse cerebral cortex
Authors: Postel Marie , Karam Alice , Pézeron Guillaume , Schneider-Maunoury Sylvie , Clément Frédérique 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Neurogenesis in the murine cerebral cortex involves the coordinated divisions of two main types of progenitor cells, whose numbers, division modes and cell cycle durations set up the final neuronal output. To understand the respective roles of these factors in the neurogenesis process, we combine experimental in vivo studies with mathematical modeling and numerical simulations of the dynamics of neural progenitor cells. A special focus is put on the population of intermediate progenitors (IPs), a transit amplifying progenitor type critically involved in the size of the final neuron pool.

Results
A multiscale formalism describing IP dynamics allows one to track the progression of cells along the subsequent phases of the cell cycle, as well as the temporal evolution of the different cell numbers. Our model takes into account the dividing apical progenitors (AP) engaged into neurogenesis, both neurogenic and proliferative IPs, and the newborn neurons. The transfer rates from one population to another are subject to the mode of division (proliferative, or neurogenic) and may be time-varying. The model outputs are successfully fitted to experimental cell numbers from mouse embryos at different stages of cortical development, taking into account IPs and neurons, in order to adjust the numerical parameters. We provide additional information on cell kinetics, such as the mitotic and S phase indexes, and neurogenic fraction.

Conclusions
Applying the model to a mouse mutant for Ftm/Rpgrip1l, a gene involved in human ciliopathies with severe brain abnormalities, reveals a shortening of the neurogenic period associated with an increased influx of newborn IPs from apical progenitors at mid-neurogenesis. Our model can be used to study other mouse mutants with cortical neurogenesis defects and can be adapted to study the importance of progenitor dynamics in cortical evolution and human diseases.
Ploidy level and nucleotide variations in inflorescence dichotomous cultivars of plantain (Musa spp. AAB genome)
Authors: Brisibe Ebiamadon Andi , Ekanem Norah Godwin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundInflorescence dichotomy inMusaspecies is a rare developmental event which leads to the production of multiple bunches on a single pseudostem at fruiting. In spite of its fascinating attraction and seductive appeal, little is known about the cytogenetic basis and molecular mechanisms that could be ascribed to this phenomenon. To bridge this gap in information, an integrative approach using cytological fingerprinting and DNA ploidy level profiling (based on chromosome counting and flow cytometry) were assayed on five inflorescence dichotomous plantain varieties and a single-bunching cultivar that served as control. This was done to assess the number and behaviour of chromosomes on the one hand and single nucleotide polymorphisms identified during analysis of nucleotide variations on the other.ResultsChromosomes stained with aceto-orcein were very tiny, compact, metacentric and acrocentric, and differed both in number and ploidy level between the inflorescence dichotomous and single-bunching cultivars. The dichotomous plantains were mainly diploid (2n = 2x = 22) while the single-bunching ‘Agbagba’ cultivar was consistently a triploid (2n = 3x = 33), as revealed by histological chromosome counting and flow cytometry, implying that there was a high incidence of genomic divergence on account of ploidy variations among the differentMusacultivars. Molecular genotyping using single nucleotide polymorphisms detected on theGTPase-protein bindinggene of the leaf tissue gene complex provided further evidence indicating that differences in the number of bunches among the inflorescence dichotomous cultivars could be ascribed to nucleotide diversity that was elicited by changes in amino acid sequences in the genome of the crops. Non-synonymous nucleotide substitutions resulted mainly from transversion (from purine to pyramidine and vice versa), tacitly implying that these changes were crucial and promoted a cascade of reactions in the genome that were, probably, responsible for the non-persistence of the dichotomization event(s) or the reversals in the bunch phenotype detected among the inflorescence dichotomous cultivars.ConclusionsThis is the first report of cytogenetic fingerprints and nucleotide diversity detection among single- and multiple-bunchingMusacultivars. A clear distinction between the two groups was found that is indicative of variations both in ploidy level and nucleotide sequences. The pattern of single nucleotide polymorphisms provided profound clues suggesting that there was a high incidence of genomic divergence, due to random and unstable genetic events that were triggered by frequent spontaneous somatic mutations.