bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential Effects of Telbivudine Versus Entecavir on Renal Function in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Receiving Glucocorticoids Therapy
Authors: Liu Baolian , Shen Bingbing , Mei Mei , Li Lina , Wang Xiaohong , Zhao Hongwen 
Published: May 2019

AbstractData remains limited about the optimal nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy for patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) while treated with glucocorticoids because of kidney diseases. We aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of long‐term antiviral therapy with telbivudine (LdT) and entecavir (ETV) in this specific population. In this prospective randomized controlled study, a total of 60 patients with both kidney diseases and chronic hepatitis B were randomly divided into LdT group and ETV group. We analyzed changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), variation in HBV DNA, seroconversion of hepatitis B e antigen (HbeAg) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). During the 18 month follow‐up period, serum HBV DNA load was decreased significantly at 3, 6, 12, 18 months, compared to the pre‐treatment value in both LdT and ETV cohorts. No patients achieved HBeAg loss‐seroconversion or HBsAg loss‐seroconversion with ETV therapy whilst one patient experienced HBeAg and HBsAg loss‐seroconversion with LdT therapy. No significant changes in eGFR were seen in patients with ETV therapy compared to baseline. However, eGFR increased 7.43, 18.97 mL/min/1.73m2, respectively at 12 and 18 months in LdT group and the changes were significant compared to baseline. Further analysis also demonstrated that eGFR significantly improved 11.8, 23.25 mL/min/1.73m2 at 12 and 18 months in LdT group for patients with impaired renal function. LdT is superior to ETV in patients with chronic hepatitis B and kidney diseases because of the renal protection it confers by increasing eGFR.
Assessing adequacy of informed consent for elective surgery by student‐administered interview
Authors: Chia Clement L. K. , Chan Kai Siang , Ng Marcus J. M. , Rao Anil D. , Singaporewalla Reyaz 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundStudies show that patients often sign consent documents without fully comprehending the risks, benefits and potential complications. There is currently no Asian study performed analysing adequacy of informed consent. This study aims to assess adequacy of informed consent by evaluating patient understanding and retention of key information and complications pertaining to surgery via medical student‐administered interview.MethodsA prospective study was performed on 48 patients undergoing groin hernia surgery, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and total thyroidectomy from 2017 to 2018 in a teaching hospital. Standardized assessment forms including major common complications and key details of the surgery were prepared. Structured one‐to‐one interviews between students and patients were performed and recorded on the morning of surgery.ResultsAlthough 93.8% of the patients claimed to have understood the information regarding their surgery, only 19.4%, 44.4% and 62.5% of the patients could actually recall the serious complications of groin hernia surgery, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and thyroidectomy, respectively. Elderly patients (>65 years) had poorer understanding of surgical procedure compared to the young (80% versus 100%, respectively, P = 0.008) with 26.7% of elderly patients claiming that they did not understand the indication for surgery. High satisfaction rates with this preoperative interview were reported by both patients and students (95.8% and 97.9%, respectively). Time interval from informed consent to surgery did not make any difference.ConclusionUnderstanding of information and key complications was generally low, especially in the elderly population. The structured preoperative interview achieved the dual goal of reinforcing patient gaps in knowledge and improving student communication skills.
Outcomes following radical cystectomy: a population‐based study from Queensland, Australia
Authors: Coughlin Geoffrey D. , Youl Philippa H. , Philpot Shoni , Wright Matthew J. , Honore Matthew , Theile David E. ,   for Cancer Alliance Queensland
Published: May 2019

BackgroundRadical cystectomy (RC) is a complex uro‐oncology surgical procedure with high surgical morbidity. We report on outcomes following RC for bladder cancer using a population‐based cohort of patients.MethodsPatients receiving an RC from 2002 to 2016 were included and linked to their cancer‐related surgical procedures. Hospitals were categorized as high (>7 RCs/year) and low (≤7 RCs/year). Outcomes included 30‐ and 90‐day mortalities and 2‐year overall survival (OS). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine factors associated with the outcomes of interest. OS was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier survival function.ResultsDuring the 15‐year study period, 1230 patients underwent an RC for invasive bladder cancer. In‐hospital mortality was 1.1%, and 30‐ and 90‐day mortality was 1.4% and 2.9%, respectively. Both 30‐ and 90‐day mortalities were significantly higher for older versus younger patients (P = 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively), and lymph node involvement was significantly associated with 90‐day mortality (P = 0.002). Patients treated more recently were about 80% less likely to die within 90 days. The 2‐year OS was 71.5%, with significant improvements observed over time (P < 0.001). While we found no evidence of a hospital‐volume relationship for post‐operative mortality or survival, patients treated in low‐volume compared to high‐volume hospitals were more likely to have surgical margin involvement (10.9% versus 7.1%, respectively, P = 0.03).ConclusionWe observed low post‐operative mortality rates overall, with rates decreasing significantly over time. Some subgroups of patients experience poorer post‐operative outcomes. Reporting on post‐operative outcomes, and survival over time helps monitor clinical progress and identify areas for improvement.
Long‐term cognition and behavior in children born at early term gestation: A systematic review
Authors: Nielsen Trine M. , Pedersen Mette V. , Milidou Ioanna , Glavind Julie , Henriksen Tine B. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIntroductionRecent recommendations characterize deliveries at 37+0 weeks through 38+6 weeks as early term. We aimed to review the literature systematically on long‐term cognition, school performance and behavior in children born early term (37+0 to 38+6 weeks) compared with full term (39+0 to 40+6 weeks).Material and methodsThe review was performed according to the PRISMA Statement. The final literature search was performed on 31 January 2019. We located studies in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Library. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials, cohort studies and case‐control studies, with outcome assessment performed at 2‐19 years. We collected information using a structured data form and evaluated study quality using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS).ResultsWe included 42 observational studies published between 2006 and 2018. No restriction on year of publication was made. The mean NOS score was 5.8 with a range from 3 to 9. Compared with children born full term, children born early term had a lower intelligence score in early adulthood and up to some 30% increased risk of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Furthermore, we found some 10%‐40% increased risk of cognitive problems, some 25% higher risk of language impairments and another 8%‐75% with poorer overall school performance. No meta‐analysis was conducted due to heterogeneity in the outcome measures. Only 10 studies presented subgroup analyses in spontaneous deliveries or adjusted for type of labor onset/induction.ConclusionsChildren born early term are at increased risk of cognitive deficits, poorer school performance and behavioral problems compared with children born full term.
Influence of presbyopia on smartphone usage among Chinese adults: A population study
Authors: Wang Congyao , Wang Xiuqin , Jin Ling , Tang Bobby , Zhu Wenhui , Zhang Guoshan , Chen Tingting , McAneney Helen , Kassalow Jordan , Congdon Nathan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractImportancePresbyopia, an essentially universal, age‐related loss of the ability to focus un‐aided on near objects, is the world's leading cause of visual impairment.BackgroundSmartphone use is widespread in China, but little is known about the prevalence, determinants and correction of difficulties with smartphone use in the setting of presbyopia.DesignCross‐sectional data from a population‐based longitudinal cohort study.ParticipantsA total of 1817 persons aged ≥35 years in Guangzhou, Southern China.MethodsParticipants underwent near visual acuity (NVA) testing and completed questionnaires on smartphone usage detailing knowledge of their own presbyopia status, frequency (hours/day) and subjective difficulties with use of mobile and smartphones. Presbyopia was defined as uncorrected bilateral NVA ≤6/12 with best‐corrected bilateral NVA >6/12.Main Outcome MeasuresDifficulty in smartphone use associated with uncorrected presbyopia.ResultsAmong 1427 respondents (78.5%) undergoing examination, 1191 (83.5%) completed questionnaires (mean age 52.3 ± 11.6 years; 54.9% women). Among 451 persons (37.8%) with presbyopia owning smartphones, 290 (64.3%) reported difficulty using them. Multiple ordinal logistic regression modelling showed difficulty in smartphone use due to presbyopia was associated with higher educational level (P = .013), worse NVA (P < .001) and more time spent using smartphones (P = .002 for 1‐3 hours/day). Among persons with presbyopia owning smartphones, 353 (78.0%) said they would pay >US$15 (median US$45) for innovations making smartphone use easier.Conclusions and RelevanceDifficulty in using smartphones in the presence of presbyopia is common and affected persons are willing to pay for useful solutions to the problem.
Ethical issues with testing and treatment for Krabbe disease
Authors: Ehmann Paul , Lantos John D 
Published: May 2019

Early‐infantile Krabbe disease (EIKD) is an autosomal recessive, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that usually leads to death in infancy. A study published in 2005 indicated that hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation (HSCT) was effective in the treatment for EIKD when used before the onset of symptoms. This finding suggested that newborn screening for EIKD, which would allow earlier diagnosis, might lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes. In 2006, New York was the first state to implement newborn screening for Krabbe disease; however, the results were not as good as proponents had hoped. In this paper, we present the history of efforts to diagnose and treat EIKD. Based on our findings, we question the efficacy of newborn screening for Krabbe disease. We present two arguments. First, testing itself is too imprecise. Even with the most rigorous testing standards, such as those used in New York, many of the children who are identified as being ‘at risk’ for EIKD remain asymptomatic. It is unclear if they will remain asymptomatic forever and, thus, whether the tests should be considered ‘false positives’, or whether they will eventually develop the disease. Second, we question the efficacy of early HSCT. We recommend placing a moratorium on mandatory newborn screening for EIKD.What this paper adds

Current tests to identify which children are likely to develop Krabbe diseased are inadequate.

Many children identified as being ‘at risk’ for early infantile Krabbe disease remain asymptomatic.

Psychosine appears to be more specific than low galactosylceramidase levels for diagnosing early infantile Krabbe disease.
Unravelling the global invasion routes of a worldwide invader, the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)
Authors: Oficialdegui Francisco J. , Clavero Miguel , Sánchez Marta I. , Green Andy J. , Boyero Luz , Michot Thomas C. , Klose Kristie , Kawai Tadashi , Lejeusne Christophe 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Understanding how introduced species succeed and become widely distributed within non‐native areas is critical to reduce the threats posed by them. Our goal was to reconstruct the main invasion routes and invasion dynamics of a global freshwater invader, the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, through the analysis of its genetic variability in both native and invasive ranges.

We inferred invasion routes and population structure from the analysis of a fragment (608 base pairs) of the mitochondrial marker cytochrome c oxidase subunit I from 1,062 individuals of P. clarkii in addition to 354 GenBank sequences, for a total of 122 populations (22 natives and 100 invaded). Genetic structure was assessed using analysis of molecular variance and non‐metric multidimensional scaling analyses. We analysed haplotype frequencies for the genetic variability in each locality and region. The haplotype network was depicted by using PopART software.

A high haplotype diversity was found in the native range (haplotype diversity [Hd]: 0.90), but also in some non‐native areas, such as western U.S.A. (Hd: 0.80), areas of Mexico (Hd: 0.78), and some hotspots in Europe (e.g. southern Spain or Italy), suggesting a complex pattern of multiple introductions. We grouped all localities in five differentiated groups according to biogeographic origin: the native area, west Americas, east U.S.A., Asia, and Europe. Additionally, the identification of 15 haplotypes shared between at least two localities, the phylogenetic network estimation and indices of genetic differentiation among localities allowed us to identify a large genetic admixture in the native range; the two independent invasion routes (i.e. westwards and eastwards) in U.S.A. from the native range (Louisiana and Texas) with translocations within each area; a stepping‐stone introduction from U.S.A. to Japan (involving few individuals) themselves introduced to China afterwards; the entry of P. clarkii from Louisiana (U.S.A.) into southern Spain and their multiple secondary introductions over Europe as well as other possible introductions in central Europe.

Our study emphasises the need for unravelling the global invasion routes and the demographic processes underlying the introduction of exotic species (i.e. admixture, bridgehead invasion effect, and propagule pressure) to control the spread of invasive species. Our findings highlight the value of genetic analyses to identify the geographic origin of source populations as well as the variability of invaded areas in order to reconstruct invasion dynamics and facilitate management of invasive species (e.g. through environmental DNA monitoring).
Suburban studies: State of the field and unsolved knots
Authors: De Vidovich Lorenzo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractOver the last two decades, suburban studies have emerged from a call for a new conceptual order to go beyond the traditional dichotomies of the urban realm, namely, the centre‐periphery division. Such an approach distinguishes the city and suburbs as two separate entities, which hampers a better understanding of urbanization overall. Previously, studies of suburban areas have been interested in urban growth and regional development, albeit peripheral to the core themes of the research field. Yet a continuity of studies focusing on suburbs is appearing, and a proliferation of concepts has been produced to describe the diverse suburban forms according to specific features. Furthermore, suburbanization has now assumed a global dimension, as demonstrated by several recent studies and different new urban theories including “post‐metropolis,” “planetary urbanization,” and “polycentric metropolis.” This article aims at pursuing a “suburban debate” by providing an overview of the current state of research while pointing out the main frictions and unsolved issues of this proliferating discussion. First, conceptual frictions that travel worldwide are addressed and discussed. Then, contemporary issues and challenges regarding the governance of areas at the “urban edges” are highlighted as fundamental aspects to cope with while observing the socio‐spatial and socio‐economic polarizations that are occurring in the constant (sub)urban expansion, as recently addressed by several scholars.
How has the environment shaped geographical patterns of insect body sizes? A test of hypotheses using sphingid moths
Authors: Beerli Nicolas , Bärtschi Florian , Ballesteros‐Mejia Liliana , Kitching Ian J. , Beck Jan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimWe mapped the geographical pattern of body sizes in sphingid moths and investigated latitudinal clines. We tested hypotheses concerning their possible environmental control, that is, effects of temperature (negative: temperature size rule or Bergmann's rule; positive: converse Bergmann rule), food availability, robustness to starvation during extreme weather and seasonality.LocationOld World and Australia/Pacific region.MethodsBody size data of 950 sphingid species were compiled and related to their distribution maps. Focusing on body length, we mapped the median and maximum size of all species occurring in 100 km grid cells. In a comparative approach, we tested the predictions from explanatory hypotheses by correlating species' size to the average environmental conditions encountered throughout their range, under univariate and multivariate models. We accounted for phylogeny by stepwise inclusion of phylogenetically informed taxonomic classifications into hierarchical random‐intercept mixed models.ResultsMedian body sizes showed a distinctive geographical pattern, with large species in the Middle East and the Asian tropics, and smaller species in temperate regions and the Afrotropics. Absolute latitude explained very little body size variation, but there was a latitudinal cline of maximum size. Species' median size was correlated with net primary productivity, supporting the food availability hypothesis, whereas support for other hypotheses was weak. Environmental correlations contributed much less (i.e. <10%) to explaining overall size variation than phylogeny (inclusion of which led to models explaining >70% of variability).Main conclusionThe intuitive impression of larger species in the tropics is shaped by larger size maxima. Median body sizes are only very weakly related to latitude. Most of the geographical variation in body size in sphingid moths is explained by their phylogenetic past. NPP and forest cover correlate positively with the body size, which supports the idea that food availability allowed the evolution of larger sizes.
Use of aspirin in the prevention of colorectal cancer through TIGIT‐CD155 pathway
Authors: Ma Bin , Duan Xiangguo , Zhou Qiunan , Liu Juanxi , Yang Xiaojuan , Zhang Dong , Yang Shaoqi , Du Yong , Li Hai , Su Chunxia 
Published: May 2019

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most widespread malignant cancers, with a high incidence and mortality all over the world. Aspirin (ASA) otherwise known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug that has shown promising results in the prevention of chronic diseases, including several cancers. In previous studies, aspirin has been shown to reduce the incidence of CRC. Immune checkpoint blockade of T cell Ig and ITIM domain receptor (TIGIT) alone or combined with other immune checkpoint blockades moleculars has gained impressive results in the treatment of the melanoma and glioblastoma. Here, we found that TIGIT and Poliovirus receptor (PVR, CD155) are expressed in tumour cells; the TIGIT and CD155 protein expression in cancer tissue has been found to be significantly higher than that in the precancerous tissue. T cell Ig and ITIM domain receptor and CD226 were expressed in the lymphocytes near the tumour tissue and the adjacent tissues. Aspirin has been found to inhibit cancer cell viability and promote CRC cell apoptosis.Similarly, aspirin has also been found to increase pro‐apoptotic protein Bax's expression. We found that the expression of TIGIT decreased with an increase in the concentration of aspirin and that the suppression of TIGIT can affect the effect of aspirin on cell proliferation. In this paper, we found that aspirin attenuates cancer cell proliferation and induces CRC cells apoptosis by down‐regulating the expression of TIGIT, which provides new evidence for the application of aspirin in cancer treatment.
Human liver regeneration following massive hepatic necrosis: Two distinct patterns
Authors: Dezső Katalin , Nagy Péter , Paku Sándor 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackground and AimMassive hepatic necrosis is a rare but often fatal complication of various liver injuries. Nevertheless, some patients can survive by spontaneous hepatic regeneration. It is known that surviving hepatocytes and/or progenitor cells can participate in this process but the mechanism of hepatic recovery is vague.MethodsWe examined 13 explanted human livers removed for acute liver failure. Combined immunohistochemistry, digital image analysis, and three‐dimensional reconstruction of serial sections were applied.ResultsTwo patterns of regeneration could be distinguished. In livers with centrilobular necrosis, the surviving injured periportal hepatocytes started to proliferate and arrange into acinar structures and expressed α‐fetoprotein. If the injury wiped out almost all hepatocytes, large areas of parenchymal loss were invaded by an intense ductular reaction. The cells at the distal pole of the ductules differentiated into hepatocytes and formed foci organized by the branches of the portal vein. The expanding foci often containing complete portal triads were arranged around surviving central veins. Their fusion eventually could be an attempt to re‐establish the hepatic lobules.ConclusionsRegeneration of human livers following massive hepatic necrosis can occur in two ways—either through proliferation of α‐fetoprotein‐positive acinary‐arranged hepatocytes or through ductular progenitor cells, with the latter being less efficient. Further investigation of these regenerative pathways may help identify biomarkers for likelihood of complete regeneration and hence have therapeutic implications.
Risk factors associated with 30‐day all‐cause unplanned hospital readmissions at a tertiary children's hospital in Western Australia
Authors: Zhou Huaqiong , Della Phillip R , Porter Paul , Roberts Pamela A 
Published: May 2019

AimTo identify risk factors associated with 30‐day all‐cause unplanned hospital readmission at a tertiary children's hospital in Western Australia.MethodsAn administrative paediatric inpatient dataset was analysed retrospectively. Patients of all ages discharged between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014 were included. Demographic and clinical information at the index admission was examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsA total of 3330 patients (4.55%) experienced at least one unplanned readmission after discharge. Readmission was more likely to occur in patients who were either older than 16 years (odds ratio (OR) = 1.46; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.98), utilising private insurance as an inpatient (OR = 1.16; 95% CI 1.00–1.34), with greater socio‐economic advantage (OR = 1.20; 95% CI 1.02–1.41), admitted on Friday (OR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.05–1.39), discharged on Friday/Saturday/Sunday (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.10–1.44; OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.15–1.57; OR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.05–1.47, respectively), with four or more diagnoses at the index admission (OR = 2.41; 95% CI 2.08–2.80) or hospitalised for 15 days or longer (OR = 2.39; 95% CI 1.88–2.98). Area under receiver operating characteristic curve of the predictive model is 0.645.ConclusionsA moderate discriminative ability predictive model for 30‐day all‐cause same hospital readmission was developed. A structured discharge plan is suggested to be commenced from admission to ensure continuity of care for patients identified as being at higher risk of readmission. A recommendation is made that a designated staff member be assigned to co‐ordinate the plan, including assessment of patients' and primary carers' readiness for discharge. Further research is required to establish comprehensive paediatric readmission rates by accessing linkage data to capture different hospital readmissions.