bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pressure Phosphene Tonometry Versus Goldmann Applanation Tonometry for Measuring Intraocular Pressure Before and After LASIK
Authors: Shemesh Gabi , Man Oran , Michaeli Adi , Varssano David , Lazar Moshe 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To compare pressure Phosphene tonometry with Goldmann applanation tonometry for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) before and after LASIK.
METHODS: Forty-three (18 men and 25 women) consecutive healthy patients underwent complete pre- and postoperative LASIK ophthalmologic assessments including manifest and cycloplegic refraction, keratometry, and central corneal thickness. Three repetitive sets of pressure phosphene tonometry and Goldmann applanation tonometry measurements were performed the day before and 3 months following uneventful LASIK.
RESULTS: Mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -4.70±2.50 diopters (D) (range: -1.50 to -12.90 D) and mean preoperative keratometry was 43.95±1.08 D. After LASIK, spherical equivalent refraction was +0.23±0.11 D and mean keratometry was 39.46±2.28 D. Preoperative pressure Phosphene tonometry (12.16±1.58 mmHg) and Goldmann applanation tonometry (12.01±1.55 mmHg) IOP measurements were similar. Postoperative IOP was 10.30±1.16 mmHg with Goldmann applanation tonometry and 12.20±1.62 mmHg with pressure phosphene tonometry. The postoperative IOP difference between Goldmann applanation tonometry and pressure phosphene tonometry was 0.15±1.12 mmHg (P=.41). The mean change in pachymetry after LASIK was 68.73±73 µm. The change in Goldmann applanation between preoperative and postoperative LASIK values was 1.71±1.43 mmHg (P<.0001), a change that was strongly correlated with changes in corneal thickness (R=0.75, P<.0001) and keratometry (R=0.72, P<.0001). No such correlations were found with pressure phosphene tonometry.
CONCLUSIONS: Goldmann applanation tonometrymeasured IOP decrease after LASIK is strongly correlated with a decrease in central corneal thickness and changes in keratometry, whereas pressure phosphene tonometry-measured IOP is independent of corneal thickness. Pressure phosphene tonometry appears to be a more reliable method for recording tonometry in these patients. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:405-409.]
HIV Interferes with the Dendritic Cell–T Cell Axis of Macrophage Activation by Shifting Mycobacterium tuberculosis–Specific CD4 T Cells into a Dysfunctional Phenotype
Authors: Singh Susmita K. , Larsson Marie , Schön Thomas , Stendahl Olle , Blomgran Robert 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
HIV coinfection is the greatest risk factor for transition of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection into active tuberculosis (TB). Epidemiological data reveal both the reduction and the impairment of M. tuberculosis–specific CD4 T cells, although the cellular link and actual mechanisms resulting in immune impairment/suppression need further characterization. M. tuberculosis–specific CD4 T cells play a central role in development of protective immunity against TB, in which they participate in the activation of macrophages through the dendritic cell (DC)–T cell axis. Using an in vitro priming system for generating Ag-specific T cells, we explored if HIV–M. tuberculosis–infected (coinfected) human DCs can dysregulate the M. tuberculosis–specific CD4 T cell phenotype and functionality and subsequently mediate the failure to control M. tuberculosis infection in macrophages. After coculture with coinfected DCs, M. tuberculosis Ag-specific CD4 T cells lost their ability to enhance control of M. tuberculosis infection in infected macrophages. Coinfection of DCs reduced proliferation of M. tuberculosis Ag-specific CD4 T cells without affecting their viability, led to increased expression of coinhibitory factors CTLA-4, PD-1, and Blimp-1, and decreased expression of costimulatory molecules CD40L, CD28, and ICOS on the T cells. Expression of the regulatory T cell markers FOXP3 and CD25, together with the immunosuppressive cytokines TGF-β and IL-10, was also significantly increased by coinfection compared with M. tuberculosis single infection. Our data suggest a pattern in which HIV, through its effect on DCs, impairs the ability of M. tuberculosis-specific CD4 T cells to maintain a latent TB within human macrophages, which could play an early role in the subsequent development of TB.
Leishmania donovani Exploits Macrophage Heme Oxygenase-1 To Neutralize Oxidative Burst and TLR Signaling–Dependent Host Defense
Authors: Saha Shriya , Basu Moumita , Guin Subham , Gupta Purnima , Mitterstiller Anna-Maria , Weiss Guenter , Jana Kuladip , Ukil Anindita 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Suppression of host oxidative burst is essential for survival of the intracellular parasite Leishmania donovani. Screening of macrophage antioxidant enzymes during infection revealed marked upregulation of the heme-degrading enzyme, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Moreover, HO-1–silenced RAW macrophages depicted increased superoxide production and decreased parasite survival. HO-1 induction decreased cellular heme content, thereby inhibiting the heme-dependent maturation of gp91phox, a catalytic component of major reactive oxygen species–producing enzyme NAD(P)H oxidase. Decreased gp91phox expression resulted in reduced stability of p22phox, another component of the catalytic center of NAD(P)H oxidase. Replenishing infected cells with exogenous heme reversed these effects and restored NAD(P)H oxidase activity. Persistent HO-1 expression at late hour of infection prompted us to investigate its effect on other host defense parameters, and inhibition study revealed a reciprocal relationship of HO-1 with host proinflammatory responses. Among all the HO-1–mediated heme degradation products (CO, Fe, and biliverdin), only CO documented potent anti-inflammatory effects. Quenching of CO during infection increased the production of disease-resolving cytokines IL-12 and TNF-α. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that CO inhibited the interaction of TLR4 with MyD88 and TIR domain–containing adapter-inducing IFN-β, thereby dampening the activation of NF-κB and IFN regulatory factor 3–mediated production of proinflammatory cytokines. Administration of HO-1 inhibitor tin protoporphyrin IX dichloride in infected BALB/c mice led to a decrease in liver and spleen parasite burden along with increased production of IL-12 and TNF-α. These results suggest that HO-1 on one hand inhibits reactive oxygen species generation and on the other hand downregulates host favorable cytokine responses, thereby facilitating intramacrophage parasite survival.
Investigation on the status of radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer in Chongqing city
Authors: Zhu Ying , Wang Ge , Li Guanghui , Li Jianjun , Jin Fu , Zhang Tao , Liu Xuefen , Sun Jianguo 
Published: December 2018

Objective:
The objective of the study is to investigate the regional capacity and implementation of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in Chongqing city.

Materials and Methods:
The questionnaires, self-designed electronic forms in a uniform format, were distributed to 37 radiotherapy institutions, which covered all the medical units equipped with radiotherapy equipment in this city.

Results:
Of the 37 radiotherapy units in Chongqing, 27 could deliver radiotherapy for NPC, but the remaining 10 institutions could not due to equipment limitations. From January to December 2017, a total of 2904 patients with NPC were treated with radiotherapy. Patients from the five teaching hospitals in the main districts of the city accounted for 86% of the participants. There were four representative types of radiotherapy plan based on radiation technology among these units. Of the 37 units, 18 used intensity-modulated radiotherapy, 6 adopted three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, 2 chose volumetric modulated arc therapy, and 1 delivered two-dimensional traditional radiotherapy; only 10 units applied magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-computed tomography registration and fusion for gross tumor volume delineation in NPC treatment, and only 3 units routinely acquired nasopharyngeal and neck MRI scans to evaluate tumor shrinkage during treatment.

Conclusion:
Obvious distinctions exist between various units in Chongqing city in radiotherapeutic strategy, radiotherapy plan, frequency of image-guided radiation therapy, and mid-treatment evaluation for NPC radiotherapy. We need to learn and apply NPC guideline and consensus to improve NPC radiotherapy in Chongqing and to construct a rule with regional characteristics.
Análisis gráfico-sonoro como fuente de conocimiento de la obra musical en estudiantes de la Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR)
Authors: Vela González Marta 
Published: December 2018

<p style="margin-top: 0.2cm; margin-bottom: 0.2cm; font-style: normal; line-height: 0.2cm; widows: 2; orphans: 2;" align="JUSTIFY"> </p><p style="margin-top: 0.2cm; margin-bottom: 0.2cm; line-height: 0.2cm; widows: 2; orphans: 2;" align="JUSTIFY"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">En el arte de la interpretación y su enseñanza, el análisis musical resulta una herramienta imprescindible como fuente de conocimiento intelectual de la obra. A través de la enseñanza de la metodología de análisis-gráfico sonoro, los estudiantes pueden obtener, simultáneamente, una visión global de la obra y otra fragmentada en distintos parámetros analíticos. De esta forma, pueden obtener una herramienta que les permita apreciar con claridad las relaciones internas de la obra musical. En el presente estudio, con una muestra de alumnos matriculados en la asignatura Análisis de la música de los siglos XX y XXI (Análisis III) del Grado de Música de la Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR), se ha estudiado, entre otras relaciones de variables, el grado de aprendizaje por parámetros y la satisfacción por la metodología utilizada. Mediante técnicas estadísticas como la correlación de variables, la regresión lineal y la consistencia de datos, se ha elaborado un diseño ex-post-facto retrospectivo y de corte transversal. Los parámetros analíticos en que los estudiantes basaron el grueso de su aprendizaje en las asignaturas de Análisis I, Análisis II y Análisis III –impartidas en tres cursos escolares consecutivos– fueron estructura formal, textura, forma de la frase y rasgos de estilo. Los resultados de las pruebas estadísticas muestran una mayor sensación de aprendizaje en función de la valoración de las asignaturas cursadas, frente a la calificación obtenida. </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0.2cm; margin-bottom: 0.2cm; font-style: normal; line-height: 0.2cm; widows: 2; orphans: 2;" align="JUSTIFY"><span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span></p>
Entorno Virtual de Aprendizaje (EVA) como herramienta didáctica para la docencia de Sociología de la Educación con metodología CLIL
Authors: Roblizo Colmenero Manuel , Cózar Gutiérrez Ramón 
Published: December 2018

En la práctica docente inspirada por la metodología CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) suelen aparecer dificultades en la comunicación derivadas tanto de las diferencias en competencias lingüísticas existentes entre docentes y alumnos como de la complejidad del lenguaje propio de cada una de las materias. En este artículo recogemos una experiencia de uso de entornos virtuales de aprendizaje (EVA) como elemento facilitador en la docencia de Sociología de la Educación orientada a la formación de maestros en Educación Primaria. En esta práctica docente, que se desarrolla en un país de habla hispana, el inglés es usado como lengua vehicular. Hemos utilizado los datos de encuestas que recogimos de alumnos matriculados en la misma asignatura y centro en dos cursos académicos distintos. Mientras en uno de los grupos de alumnos la docencia se basó en entornos virtuales de aprendizaje, en el segundo de ellos solo se utilizaron de manera complementaria. Hemos observado que los alumnos otorgaban una mejor valoración a la metodología CLIL cuando se desarrollaba con el primero de los enfoques citados, lo que, a su vez, propiciaba una percepción menos problemática del uso del inglés como lengua vehicular –con lo que ello implica a efectos de mejora en todo el proceso formativo-. De esta manera, hemos apreciado que los entornos virtuales de aprendizaje son unos medios eficaces para la implementación de una formación del profesorado activa y de corte inductivo, que conjugue adecuadamente el aprendizaje de Sociología de la Educación con la práctica de un segundo idioma.
Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of costs of rheumatoid arthritis therapy with selected biological treatment
Authors: Kowalik Krzysztof , Węgierska Małgorzata , Barczyńska Tacjana , Jeka Sławomir 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesAmong autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common chronic inflammatory disease of the joints. Its pathogenesis is still not fully understood, but the gained knowledge has contributed to the development of modern treatment. The introduction of biological therapy for RA has been a breakthrough in the standard approach to the treatment of this disease.Material and methodsThe study material was retrospectively collected in the Rheumatology and Systemic Tissue Diseases Clinic and Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic in dr. Jan Biziel University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz. Patients were divided into 3 groups: patients receiving infliximab – 43 patients, etanercept – 27 patients and adalimumab – 34 patients. In the study, the pharmacoeconomic analysis included direct and indirect medical costs. Direct medical costs analyzed in the study included costs for the purchase of medications, diagnostic and imaging costs, and medical consultations and hospitalization costs. The analysis included all direct medical costs incurred by the hospital and the patient, as well as indirect costs outside the healthcare sector – that is, the Polish Social Insurance Institution benefits (disability benefits, rehabilitation benefits, sickness absences). Direct medical costs are also presented from the perspective of the payer – The Polish National Health Fund – taking into account the cost and percentage share of medical expenses.ResultsThe analysis concerned resources used since the beginning of treatment with a given biological medication for 24 months or earlier if disease remission occurred.
A cost-benefit analysis was carried out in the study using biosimilar medications present on the market in relation to the treatment regimens. Considering the total cost, if only Inflectra were used in therapy, PLN 18 151.98 per patient could be saved, and in the case of Remsima, PLN 16 385.14. In less than 19 months, to use infliximab for 43 patients, PLN 780 475.80 more would have to be spent than in the case of the biosimilar medication Inflectra, and PLN 704 561 in the case of Remsima.
The highest total cost is generated by treatment with adalimumab, followed by etanercept, and infliximab. Of the costs analyzed, a significant majority was for biological treatment.ConclusionsGiven the Polish financial conditions, the best solution now is to reduce the prices of biological medications. This is possible through the introduction of biosimilar medications that, when placed on the market, reduce the price of the original medication, as is currently the case with Remicade and Enbrel. The introduction of Inflectra and Remsima, as well as Benepali and Erelzi, has reduced the price base of original medications to similar levels of treatment with biosimilar medications. The wider use of biological treatment would also reduce indirect costs.
Benefits of wrist splinting in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sadura-Sieklucka Teresa , Sokołowska Beata , Prusinowska Agnieszka , Trzaska Anna , Księżopolska-Orłowska Krystyna 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesThe goal was to present the use of a functional wrist splint and its impact on hand function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Material and methodsThe study group comprised 104 women aged 18–65 and diagnosed with RA, who were treated in the Rheumatology Clinic and Outpatient Department of the National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation in Warsaw. The control group consisted of 40 healthy women in the same age group. Assessment of the hand function was the research method.ResultsOur results revealed substantially deteriorated function of the rheumatoid hand in relation to the healthy hand. The use of a wrist stabiliser is justified in patients with RA due to its beneficial impact, such as improved hand strength and dexterity and reduced pain. Based on the results obtained, it may be assumed that it is mainly patients with moderate and high disease activity who require stabilisation. The small number of patients in remission and with low disease activity was a limitation of the study. Hands with RA require an individual approach, and the most effective methods slowing down development of deformation should be sought. The results presented in this article may provide a starting point for further research on the most favourable wrist stabilisation in order to improve hand function in RA.ConclusionsOur study showed that the hand function of women with RA is limited due to deteriorated grip quality and manual dexterity in comparison to healthy persons. Wrist stabilisation improves hand function in patients with RA.
Evaluation of coping with chronic rheumatic disease, in the context of socio-demographic factors and disease duration, based on the example of patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Piekutin Anna , Sierakowska Matylda , Doroszkiewicz Halina , Krajewska-Kułak Elżbieta 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) impairs patients’ functioning, reducing their quality of life. The author of salutogenesis, Antonovsky, claims that maintaining an inner balance in a chronic disease is possible through a high sense of coherence. The aim of the current study was to identify socio-demographic factors and disease duration related to the feeling of coherence of patients with AS, acceptance of disease and risk of depression.Material and methodsThe study was conducted on 82 patients with diagnosed AS. The research method was a diagnostic survey using the Life Orientation Questionnaire (SOC-29), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS).ResultsIn the study, the majority of the patients were male (89%), aged 42 (±11.3). The average duration of AS is 13 (±7.8) years. It was reported that with age, illness acceptance got worse (r<sub>p</sub> = –0.567, p < 0.0001), and the risk of depressive disorders increased (r<sub>p</sub> = 0.648, p < 0.0001). The longer the patient suffered from AS, the weaker was their illness acceptance (r<sub>p</sub> = –0.446, p < 0.0001) and sense of coherence (r<sub>p</sub> = –0.448, p < 0.001) whereas the risk of depressive disorder increased (r<sub>p</sub> = 0.479, p < 0.0001). A high linear correlation between illness acceptance and sense of coherence (r<sub>p</sub> = 0.638, p < 0.0001) and a very high negative correlation between overall sense of coherence and risk of depression (r<sub>p</sub> = –0.857, p < 0.0001) were observed.ConclusionsPatients with low sense of coherence demonstrated poorer adaptation to the illness and a greater risk of depressive disorders. Factors lowering the sense of coherence and illness acceptance and increasing risk of depression in the studied patients with AS were progressing illness, older age and lower education level.
Vitamin D serum concentration is not related to the activity of spondyloarthritis – preliminary study
Authors: Guła Zofia , Kopczyńska Anna , Hańska Karolina , Słomski Maciej , Nowakowski Jarosław , Kwaśny-Krochin Beata , Gąsowski Jerzy , Korkosz Mariusz 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveVitamin D plays an important role in mineral turnover and bone remodeling and there are increasing data about its immunomodulatory potential in different rheumatologic disorders. Deficiency of vitamin D is frequent in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and some data suggest its association with increased disease activity and structural damage. However, its exact role in the pathogenesis of SpA and its association with disease activity are still a matter of debate.Material and methodsA cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and peripheral spondyloarthritis (perSpA) according to Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society classification criteria was performed. The correlation between concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D – 25(OH)D – and disease activity scores (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index – BASDAI, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score – ASDAS), inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein – CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate – ESR) and clinical symptoms (arthritis, enthesitis, dactylitis) was performed.ResultsWe included 40 patients with axSpA and 23 patients with perSpA. The mean concentration of 25(OH)D was 24.9 ng/ml (SD 12.49). Forty-seven (74.6%) patients had 25(OH)D below the recommended threshold (< 30 ng/ml). We found no statistically significant negative correlation between the level of 25(OH)D and disease activity of axSpA and perSpA in terms of clinical symptoms (arthritis, enthesitis, dactylitis), inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) and disease activity scores (BASDAI, ASDAS). These results did not change after adjustment for supplementation of vitamin D and seasonal variation.ConclusionsOur data show no correlation between the concentration of 25(OH)D in the serum and disease activity in two subgroups of SpA. However, this does not exclude the potential role of vitamin D in pathogenesis of SpA. Further studies are required to evaluate the optimal range of 25(OH)D serum concentration in axSpA and perSpA patients with its possible immunomodulatory potential and influence on disease activity.
Current behavioral, socioeconomic and demographic determinants of lifetime HIV testing among African Americans in the deep south
Authors: Ogunsina Kemi , Padilla Luz A. , Simmons Jazmyne V. , McGwin Gerald 
Published: December 2018

Objective: The Southern region of the United States (US) experiences higher HIV related disparities, majority of new HIV infections are transmitted by individuals who are unaware of their status. African Americans constitute 44% of HIV diagnosis in the US, and African American gay and bisexual men accounted for the largest number of new HIV diagnosis in 2016. Methods: Data from nine southern states in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2016 was analyzed using logistic regression.Results: We found Individuals less likely to test for HIV included: heterosexuals, married individuals, living in a nonMetropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), others (retirees, students and homemakers), older than 65 years and/or with less than high school education.Conclusion: Amid finite resources, interventions for HIV testing among African Americans should focus more on theseindividuals who are less likely to be aware of their HIV status, further contributing to new HIV infections.