bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical, Radiographic, and Patient-Related Risk Factors for Proximal Junctional Kyphosis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kim Jun S. , Phan Kevin , Cheung Zoe B. , Lee Nam , Vargas Luilly , Arvind Varun , Merrill Robert K. , Gidumal Sunder , Di Capua John , Overley Samuel , Dowdell James , Cho Samuel K. 
Published: June 2018

Study Design: Meta-analysis. Objective: Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a complication of surgical management for adult spinal deformity with a multifactorial etiology. Many risk factors are controversial and their relative importance are not fully understood. We aimed to identify the surgical, radiographic, and patient-related risk factors associated with PJK and proximal junctional failure (PJF). Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and EMBASE. The inclusion criteria included prospective randomized control trials and prospective/retrospective cohort studies of adult patients with radiographic evidence of PJK, which was defined as a proximal junctional sagittal Cobb angle ≥10° and at least 10° greater than the preoperative measurement. Studies required a minimum of 10 patients and 12 months of follow-up. Results: A total of 14 unique studies, including 1908 patients were included. The pooled analysis showed significant differences between the PJK and non-PJK groups in age (weighted mean difference [WMD] −3.80; P = .03), prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis (odds ratio [OR] 1.99; P = .0004), preoperative sagittal vertical axis (SVA) (WMD −17.52; P = .02), preoperative lumbar lordosis (LL) (WMD −1.22; P = .002), pedicle screw instrumentation at the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) (OR 1.67; P = .02), change in SVA (WMD −11.87; P = .01), fusion to sacrum/pelvis/ilium (OR 2.14; P < .00 001), change in LL (WMD −5.61; P = .01), and postoperative SVA (WMD −7.79; P = .008). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggests that age, osteopenia/osteoporosis, high preoperative SVA, high postoperative SVA, low preoperative LL, use of pedicle screws at the UIV, SVA change/correction, LL change/correction, and fusion to sacrum/pelvis/iliac region are risk factors for PJK.
Clinical Evaluation of an Arthroscopic Knotless Suprapectoral Biceps Tenodesis Technique: Loop ’n’ Tack Tenodesis
Authors: Duerr Robert A. , Nye Darin , Paci James M. , Akhavan Sam 
Published: June 2018

Background: Pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon is a well-known cause of shoulder pain that is commonly managed with arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis when conservative treatment fails. Purpose: To present an arthroscopic knotless suprapectoral biceps tenodesis technique known as “Loop ’n’ Tack” tenodesis and to report the clinical outcomes of patients with a minimum 2 years of follow-up. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients who had undergone Loop ’n’ Tack tenodesis between January 2009 and May 2014 was completed. Charts were reviewed, and patients were contacted for demographic data, time from surgery, concomitant procedures, and workers’ compensation status, as well as visual analog scale for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scores. Results: Complete follow-up evaluations were performed for 59 of 68 patients (87%). Mean follow-up was 43 months. A majority (88%) of patients had at least 1 additional procedure performed at the time of biceps tenodesis. The mean ASES shoulder score improved from 42.6 preoperatively to 91.0 postoperatively ( P < .001), and 54 of 59 patients (91.5%) had a good/excellent outcome, with a UCLA shoulder score >27 and ASES shoulder score >70. Three patients (5%) reported biceps cramping pain with overuse, and 2 (3.3%) reported intermittent anterior shoulder pain. No patients had developed a “Popeye” deformity at final clinical examination, and 97% reported that they were overall satisfied with the procedure. Conclusion: The Loop ’n’ Tack tenodesis technique results in a high rate of patient satisfaction, significant improvement in shoulder outcome scores, and a low incidence of postoperative pain, with no reoperations for biceps-related pathology.
Do Articular-Sided Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears After a First-Time Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Dislocation in Young Athletes Influence the Outcome of Surgical Stabilization?
Authors: Rahu Madis , Kartus Jüri-Toomas , Põldoja Elle , Pedak Kirsti , Kolts Ivo , Kask Kristo 
Published: June 2018

Background: Because of the high risk for redislocations after a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation with conservative treatment, recent publications have recommended early arthroscopic intervention, especially for young athletes. Concomitant rotator cuff tendon damage may occur when the shoulder dislocates; however, its presence and influence on clinical results have not been well described in this patient category. Hypothesis: In opposition to current opinion, a substantial number of articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (APTRCTs) would be found at surgery after a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation in young athletes. However, the impact of these injuries on 2-year postoperative results would be negligible. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Sixteen male patients (mean age, 21 years [range, 16-25 years]) with a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation without bony Bankart lesions were included in this study. The indications for surgical treatment were age less than 25 years and being active in collision or contact sports at a competitive level. Arthroscopic surgery was performed at a mean 7.8 days (range, 2-14 days) after injury. Rowe and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores as well as range of motion were evaluated at a minimum 2 years after an arthroscopic Bankart procedure, and a comparison of the clinical results between patients with and without APTRCTs was conducted. Results: An anterior-inferior capsulolabral injury was found in all patients. There were no bony Bankart lesions. An APTRCT was found in 9 of the 16 patients. At 2 years after surgical treatment, there were no significant differences between the patients with and without APTRCTs in terms of the Rowe score (90.0 and 87.1, respectively; P = .69) and ASES score (94.6 and 90.4, respectively; P = .67). Conclusion: APTRCTs were found in the superior part of the shoulder joint after a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation in a majority of young male athletes treated with surgical stabilization. There were no significant differences found between patients with and without APTRCTs in terms of the Rowe and ASES scores at 2 years after surgical treatment.
Distinct roles of mesenchymal stem and progenitor cells during the development of acute myeloid leukemia in mice
Authors: Xiao Pingnan , Sandhow Lakshmi , Heshmati Yaser , Kondo Makoto , Bouderlique Thibault , Dolinska Monika , Johansson Anne-Sofie , Sigvardsson Mikael , Ekblom Marja , Walfridsson Julian , Qian Hong 
Published: June 2018

Key Points
MLL-AF9 AML cell–induced BM niche alteration is correlated with leukemia burden. Ebf2 + MSPCs participate in AML niche formation, and Ebf2+ cell depletion accelerates AML development.
Risk stratification of smoldering multiple myeloma: predictive value of free light chains and group-based trajectory modeling
Authors: Wu Vernon , Moshier Erin , Leng Siyang , Barlogie Bart , Cho Hearn Jay , Jagannath Sundar , Madduri Deepu , Mazumdar Madhu , Parekh Samir , Chari Ajai 
Published: June 2018

Key Points
FLCr ≥100 and BMPC ≥60% identify high-risk SMM, although with more modest median TTP and 2-year PD than previously published. Baseline immunoparesis, eMP, eHb, and edFLC can help identify an ultra-high-risk SMM cohort.
Anaerobic bacteria cultured from cystic fibrosis airways correlate to milder disease: a multisite study
Authors: Muhlebach Marianne S. , Hatch Joseph E. , Einarsson Gisli G. , McGrath Stef J. , Gilipin Deirdre F. , Lavelle Gillian , Mirkovic Bojana , Murray Michelle A. , McNally Paul , Gotman Nathan , Davis Thomas Sonia , Wolfgang Matthew C. , Gilligan Peter H. , McElvaney Noel G. , Elborn J. Stuart , Boucher Richard C. , Tunney Michael M. 
Published: June 2018

Anaerobic and aerobic bacteria were quantitated in respiratory samples across three cystic fibrosis (CF) centres using extended culture methods. Subjects aged 1–69 years who were clinically stable provided sputum (n=200) or bronchoalveolar lavage (n=55). 18 anaerobic and 39 aerobic genera were cultured from 59% and 95% of samples, respectively; 16 out of 57 genera had a ≥5% prevalence across centres.Analyses of microbial communities using co-occurrence networks in sputum samples showed groupings of oral, including anaerobic, bacteria, whereas typical CF pathogens formed distinct entities.Pseudomonaswas associated with worse nutrition and F508del genotype, whereas anaerobe prevalence was positively associated with pancreatic sufficiency, better nutrition and better lung function. A higher total anaerobe/total aerobe CFU ratio was associated with pancreatic sufficiency and better nutrition. Subjects grouped by factor analysis who had relative dominance of anaerobes over aerobes had milder disease compared with aPseudomonas-dominated group with similar proportions of subjects that were homozygous for F508del.In summary, anaerobic bacteria occurred at an early age. In sputum-producing subjects anaerobic bacteria were associated with milder disease, suggesting that targeted eradication of anaerobes may not be warranted in sputum-producing CF subjects.
Profiling of healthy and asthmatic airway smooth muscle cells following interleukin-1β treatment: a novel role for CCL20 in chronic mucus hypersecretion
Authors: Faiz Alen , Weckmann Markus , Tasena Haitatip , Vermeulen Corneel J. , Van den Berge Maarten , ten Hacken Nick H.T. , Halayko Andrew J. , Ward Jeremy P.T. , Lee Tak H. , Tjin Gavin , Black Judith L. , Haghi Mehra , Xu Cheng-Jian , King Gregory G. , Farah Claude S. , Oliver Brian G. , Heijink Irene H. , Burgess Janette K. 
Published: June 2018

Chronic mucus hypersecretion (CMH) contributes to the morbidity and mortality of asthma, and remains uncontrolled by current therapies in the subset of patients with severe, steroid-resistant disease. Altered cross-talk between airway epithelium and airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs), driven by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, provides a potential mechanism that influences CMH. This study investigated mechanisms underlying CMH by comparing IL-1β-induced gene expression profiles between asthma and control-derived ASMCs and the subsequent paracrine influence on airway epithelial mucus productionin vitro.IL-1β-treated ASMCs from asthmatic patients and healthy donors were profiled using microarray analysis and ELISA. Air–liquid interface (ALI)-cultured CALU-3 and primary airway epithelial cells were treated with identified candidates and mucus production assessed.The IL-1β-inducedCCL20expression and protein release was increased in ASMCs from moderate compared with mild asthmatic patients and healthy controls.IL-1β induced lowerMIR146Aexpression in asthma-derived ASMCs compared with controls. DecreasedMIR146Aexpression was validatedin vivoin bronchial biopsies from 16 asthmatic patientsversus39 healthy donors. miR-146a-5p overexpression abrogated CCL20 release in ASMCs. CCL20 treatment of ALI-cultured CALU-3 and primary airway epithelial cells induced mucus production, while CCL20 levels in sputum were associated with increased levels of CMH in asthmatic patients.Elevated CCL20 production by ASMCs, possibly resulting from dysregulated expression of the anti-inflammatory miR-146a-5p, may contribute to enhanced mucus production in asthma.
Development and validation of a radiological diagnosis model for hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: Salisbury Margaret L. , Gross Barry H. , Chughtai Aamer , Sayyouh Mohamed , Kazerooni Ella A. , Bartholmai Brian J. , Xia Meng , Murray Susan , Myers Jeffrey L. , Lagstein Amir , Konopka Kristine E. , Belloli Elizabeth A. , Sheth Jamie S. , White Eric S. , Holtze Colin , Martinez Fernando J. , Flaherty Kevin R. 
Published: June 2018

High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) may be useful for diagnosing hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Here, we develop and validate a radiological diagnosis model and model-based points score.Patients with interstitial lung disease seen at the University of Michigan Health System (derivation cohort) or enrolling in the Lung Tissue Research Consortium (validation cohort) were included. A thin-section, inspiratory HRCT scan was required. Thoracic radiologists documented radiological features.The derivation cohort comprised 356 subjects (33.9% hypersensitivity pneumonitis) and the validation cohort comprised 424 subjects (15.5% hypersensitivity pneumonitis). An age-, sex- and smoking status-adjusted logistic regression model identified extent of mosaic attenuation or air trapping greater than that of reticulation (“MA-AT>Reticulation”; OR 6.20, 95% CI 3.53–10.90; p<0.0001) and diffuse axial disease distribution (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.31–4.16; p=0.004) as hypersensitivity pneumonitis predictors (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.814). A model-based score >2 (1 point for axial distribution, 2 points for “MA-AT>Reticulation”) has specificity 90% and positive predictive value (PPV) 74% in the derivation cohort and specificity 96% and PPV 44% in the validation cohort. Similar model performance is seen with population restriction to those reporting no exposure (score >2: specificity 91%).When radiological mosaic attenuation or air trapping are more extensive than reticulation and disease has diffuse axial distribution, hypersensitivity pneumonitis specificity is high and false diagnosis risk low (<10%), but PPV is diminished in a low-prevalence setting.
Prevalence, characteristics and management of frequently exacerbating asthma patients: an observational study in Sweden (PACEHR)
Authors: Janson Christer , Lisspers Karin , Ställberg Björn , Johansson Gunnar , Thuresson Marcus , Telg Gunilla , Larsson Kjell 
Published: June 2018

The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence, management and characteristics of asthma patients with frequent exacerbations.Data from asthma patients (aged ≥18 years) identified in primary care medical records were linked to Swedish national health registries. Exacerbations were defined as hospitalisations, emergency visits and/or collection of oral steroids. Frequent exacerbations were defined as two or more exacerbations per year during the 3-year observation period.Of 18 724 asthma patients, 81.49% had no exacerbations and 6.3% had frequent exacerbations in the year prior to the index date. Frequent exacerbations were observed yearly for 1.8% of the patients. Frequent exacerbators were older, more often females, and had increased eosinophil and neutrophil counts, lower lung function, and more comorbidities than patients without exacerbations. There was a slight increase in asthma medication claims and a slight decrease in physician visits compared with baseline, both in the group with and the group without frequent exacerbations.Patients with frequent exacerbations were characterised by greater age, female predominance, high eosinophil and neutrophil counts, and high prevalence of comorbidities. This study indicates that the Swedish healthcare system lacks efficiency to adjust treatment and management for this patient group. With new treatment options targeting severe asthma available, identification of these patients should be in focus to ensure reduction of exacerbations.
Impaired efferocytosis and neutrophil extracellular trap clearance by macrophages in ARDS
Authors: Grégoire Murielle , Uhel Fabrice , Lesouhaitier Mathieu , Gacouin Arnaud , Guirriec Marion , Mourcin Frederic , Dumontet Erwan , Chalin Arnaud , Samson Michel , Berthelot Laure-Line , Tissot Adrien , Kerjouan Mallorie , Jouneau Stéphane , Le Tulzo Yves , Tarte Karin , Zmijewski Jaroslaw W. , Tadié Jean-Marc 
Published: June 2018

Exaggerated release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) along with decreased NET clearance and inability to remove apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) may contribute to sustained inflammation in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Recent studies in experimental models of ARDS have revealed the crosstalk between AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), which may contribute to effectiveness of efferocytosis, thereby reducing inflammation and ARDS severity.We investigated neutrophil and NET clearance by macrophages from control and ARDS patients and examined how bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from control and ARDS patients could affect NET formation and efferocytosis. Metformin (an AMPK activator) and neutralising antibody against HMGB1 were applied to improve efferocytosis and NET clearance.Neutrophils from ARDS patients showed significantly reduced apoptosis. Conversely, NET formation was significantly enhanced in ARDS patients. Exposure of neutrophils to ARDS BAL fluid promoted NET production, while control BAL fluid had no effect. Macrophage engulfment of NETs and apoptotic neutrophils was diminished in ARDS patients. Notably, activation of AMPK in macrophages or neutralisation of HMGB1 in BAL fluid improved efferocytosis and NET clearance.In conclusion, restoration of AMPK activity with metformin or specific neutralisation of HMGB1 in BAL fluid represent promising therapeutic strategies to decrease sustained lung inflammation during ARDS.
Stability or improvement in forced vital capacity with nintedanib in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Flaherty Kevin R. , Kolb Martin , Vancheri Carlo , Tang Wenbo , Conoscenti Craig S. , Richeldi Luca 
Published: June 2018

In the Phase III INPULSIS® trials, nintedanib reduced the annual rate of decline in forced vital capacity (FVC)versusplacebo in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).We conductedpost hocanalyses of the distribution of changes in FVC in the INPULSIS® trials and FVC changes in the open-label extension trial INPULSIS®-ON in subgroups of patients based on whether patients had shown an improvement or no decline in FVC in INPULSIS®. Analyses were descriptive.Based on the annual rate of change in FVC, 158 of 638 patients (24.8%) treated with nintedanib and 38 of 423 patients (9.0%) treated with placebo had an improvement/no decline in FVC in the INPULSIS® trials. In patients whose FVC improved/did not decline, median (interquartile range) improvements in FVC at week 52 were 76.5 (31–152) mL and 57.5 (31–103) mL in the nintedanib and placebo groups, respectively. Changes in FVC from baseline to week 48 of INPULSIS®-ON were similar in patients whose FVC improved or declined in the preceding INPULSIS® trial.In the INPULSIS® trials, treatment with nintedanib resulted in a greater proportion of patients with IPF showing an improvement/no decline in FVC compared to taking placebo. Mechanisms underlying improvement in FVC in patients with IPF are unknown.
Cannons and sparrows: an exact maximum likelihood non-parametric test for meta-analysis of k 2 × 2 tables
Authors: Paul Lawrence M. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Background
The use of meta-analysis to aggregate multiple studies has increased dramatically over the last 30 years. For meta-analysis of homogeneous data where the effect sizes for the studies contributing to the meta-analysis differ only by statistical error, the Mantel–Haenszel technique has typically been utilized. If homogeneity cannot be assumed or established, the most popular technique is the inverse-variance DerSimonian–Laird technique. However, both of these techniques are based on large sample, asymptotic assumptions and are, at best, an approximation especially when the number of cases observed in any cell of the corresponding contingency tables is small.

Results
This paper develops an exact, non-parametric test based on a maximum likelihood test statistic as an alternative to the asymptotic techniques. Further, the test can be used across a wide range of heterogeneity. Monte Carlo simulations show that for the homogeneous case, the ML-NP-EXACT technique to be generally more powerful than the DerSimonian–Laird inverse-variance technique for realistic, smaller values of disease probability, and across a large range of odds ratios, number of contributing studies, and sample size. Possibly most important, for large values of heterogeneity, the pre-specified level of Type I Error is much better maintained by the ML-NP-EXACT technique relative to the DerSimonian–Laird technique. A fully tested implementation in the R statistical language is freely available from the author.

Conclusions
This research has developed an exact test for the meta-analysis of dichotomous data. The ML-NP-EXACT technique was strongly superior to the DerSimonian–Laird technique in maintaining a pre-specified level of Type I Error. As shown, the DerSimonian–Laird technique demonstrated many large violations of this level. Given the various biases towards finding statistical significance prevalent in epidemiology today, a strong focus on maintaining a pre-specified level of Type I Error would seem critical.
Sustained complete response of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with metronomic capecitabine: a report of three cases
Authors: Brandi Giovanni , Venturi Michela , De Lorenzo Stefania , Garuti Francesca , Frega Giorgio , Palloni Andrea , Garajovà Ingrid , Abbati Francesca , Saccoccio Gioconda , Golfieri Rita , Pantaleo Maria Abbondanza , Barbera Maria Aurelia 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent causes of cancer‐related death. Sorafenib, a multitarget angiogenesis inhibitor, is an approved frontline treatment for advanced HCC in Western countries, although a complete response (CR) to treatment is infrequently reported. Capecitabine, an oral fluoropyrimidine, has been shown to be effect in both treatment‐naïve patients and those previously treated with sorafenib. To date, however, only one case of sustained CR to metronomic capecitabine has been reported.Case presentationWe describe three cases of advanced HCC treated with metronomic capecitabine where a CR was obtained. In the first case, capecitabine was administered as first line therapy; in the second case, capecitabine was used after intolerance to sorafenib; while in the third case, capecitabine was administered after sorafenib failure.ConclusionCapecitabine is a potentially important treatment option for patients with advanced HCC and may even represent a cure in certain cases.