bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapy for antiphospholipid miscarriages: Throwing the baby out with the bathwater?
Authors: Chighizola Cecilia Beatrice , Shoenfeld Yehuda , Meroni Pier Luigi 
Published: November 2017

ProblemThe association of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) with low‐dose aspirin (LDASA) provides the therapeutic cornerstone of obstetric anti‐phospholipid syndrome (APS). This combo approach is not effective in all patients, and few women still experience recurrences.Method of StudyIn an elegant in vitro study, Chiombori Quao and colleagues demonstrated that anti‐phospholipid antibodies (aPL) affect the functionality of endometrial endothelial cells interfering with angiogenesis. LMWH and LDASA, in combination or alone, did not display any protective activity but exacerbated aPL‐mediated effects.ResultsThe above data were advocated as a demonstration of the inefficacy of LMWH and LDASA in obstetric APS. Given the lack of thrombotic lesions in APS placentae, this treatment is mainly empirical. However, clinical practice clearly shows that LMWH and LDASA are effective in most patients. Non‐responsive women represent a peculiar subgroup, with a high‐risk aPL profile. All experimental models, including in vitro models of obstetric APS, display limitations that should be considered before translating data to patients. In particular, the use of a monoclonal antibody specific for Domain (D) 5 does not fit with the evidence that anti‐D1, but not anti‐D4,5, are associated with both vascular and obstetric APS manifestations.ConclusionThe association of LMWH and LDASA is the most effective therapeutic option for pregnant aPL‐positive women. The lack of a clear demonstration of the pharmacological action of LMWH/LDASA should urge to further invtrestigate the pathophysiology of aPL‐associated miscarriages.
Teaching Anthropology with Primate Documentaries: Investigating Instructors’ Use of Films and Introducing the Primate Films Database
Authors: Riley Koenig Crystal M. , Koenig Bryan L. , Sanz Crickette M. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTNonhuman primate appearance and behavior can be better understood through documentary footage than through verbal explanation alone. Many college instructors show primate documentary films in their courses, but little research has evaluated primate documentaries as teaching tools. We sought to determine the prevalence of documentary use in teaching and which characteristics of documentaries affect their use. An online survey queried 219 college‐level anthropology instructors about their use and perceptions of primate documentary films. Most instructors (96.3 percent) showed documentaries in the classroom, incorporating new documentaries when available. Several multispecies documentaries were widely used. Documentaries rated high in usefulness for teaching purposes were seen as more entertaining and accurate, and as less anthropomorphic and misleading, with usefulness unrelated to perceptions that films were conservation oriented. Documentary selection was driven by teaching usefulness, availability, and the number of species in the film. In addition, we created the Primate Films Database, a comprehensive database of primate documentary films with reviews, runtimes, featured‐species identifications, and teaching‐usefulness ratings provided both by our participants and us. It is a publicly available online resource designed to raise awareness of primate documentary films as educational tools and to facilitate more widespread use of high‐quality multimedia resources in anthropology classrooms. [biological anthropology, documentary film, primates, visual anthropology]
Exploring literature‐based definitions of hypotony following glaucoma filtration surgery and the impact on clinical outcomes
Authors: Abbas Ali , Agrawal Pavi , King Anthony J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeTo highlight the variations in published definitions of hypotony and their impact on reported clinical outcomes. To propose a revised definition, focusing on clinically significant hypotony (CH).MethodsLiterature review of hypotony definitions published between January 2010 and December 2015 was carried out. Numerical definitions for hypotony, its onset, duration and associated clinical signs were recorded. Each definition was applied to surgical outcomes data collected prospectively from a cohort of 300 glaucoma patients treated at a single centre. The sensitivity and specificity of each definition in identifying CH [defined as low intraocular pressure (IOP) with signs of maculopathy hypotony and choroidal detachment] were calculated.ResultsA total of 128 eligible papers were identified, and 14 different definitions for hypotony were extracted. In 53 (41.4%), hypotony was not defined. In the remaining 75 (58.6%), the numerical definitions varied between 4 and 8 mmHg, and of these, 24 (32%) included the onset and duration of hypotony as part of the definition. Definition‐dependent hypotony rates within the cohort varied between 1% and 59.3%. No statistical differences were found between the groups based on corneal thickness or axial length. Clinically significant hypotony (CH) was identified in 37 (12.3%), with large differences in the sensitivity and specificity among published definition.ConclusionVariations in defining postoperative hypotony can have a large impact on the reported success and failure rates among studies. There is a need for a more robust universal definition, focusing on clinically important signs, to allow better comparison between different treatment modalities.
Temporal changes in retinal vascular parameters associated with successful panretinal photocoagulation in proliferative diabetic retinopathy: A prospective clinical interventional study
Authors: Torp Thomas Lee , Kawasaki Ryo , Wong Tien Yin , Peto Tunde , Grauslund Jakob 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeWe aimed to investigate changes in retinal vascular geometry over time after panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).MethodsThirty‐seven eyes with PDR were included. Wide‐field fluorescein angiography (Optomap, Optos PLC., Dunfermline, Scotland, UK) was used to diagnose PDR at baseline and to assess activity at follow‐up month three and six. At each time‐point, a trained grader measured retinal vessel geometry on optic disc (OD) centred images using semiautomated software (SIVA, Singapore I Vessel Assessment, National University of Singapore, Singapore) according to a standardized protocol.ResultsAt baseline, the mean age and duration of diabetes were 52.8 and 22.3 years, and 65% were male. Mean HbA1c was 69.9 mmol/mol, and blood pressure was 155/84 mmHg. Of the 37 eyes with PDR, eight (22%) eyes had progression at month three and 13 (35%) progressed over six months. Baseline characteristics, including age, sex, duration of diabetes, HbA1c, blood pressure, vessel geometric variables and total amount of laser energy delivered did not differ by progression status. However, compared to patients with progression of PDR, patients with favourable treatment outcome had alterations in the retinal arteriolar structures from baseline to month six (calibre, 154.3 μm versus 159.5 μm, p = 0.04, tortuosity 1.12 versus 1.10, p = 0.04) and in venular structures from baseline to month three (fractal dimension 1.490 versus 1.499, p = 0.04, branching coefficient (BC) 1.32 versus 1.37, p = 0.01).ConclusionIn patients with PDR, successful PRP leads to alterations in the retinal vascular structure. However, baseline retinal vascular geometry characteristics did not predict treatment outcome.
Exophiala phaeomuriformis keratitis in a subarctic climate region: a case report
Authors: Vicente André , Pedrosa Domellöf Fátima , Byström Berit 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeTo report a case of Exophiala phaeomuriformis mycotic keratitis in a patient from a subarctic climate region. Dematiaceous fungi (black yeasts) have been gaining importance as corneal keratitis and ulcer causative agents in certain regions, but no cases have been described in Scandinavia.MethodsCase report of a patient with a persistent corneal erosion that eventually presented a brown‐pigmented infiltrate. The patient had a history of several months of topical therapy comprising medication for glaucoma, corticosteroids and antibiotics. A therapeutic contact lens was used, and amniotic membrane transplantation was performed before the development of the pigmented infiltrate.ResultsExophiala phaeomuriformis was identified on the microbiological cultures from the surgically obtained infiltrate scrapes. The patient responded to topical amphotericin and fluconazole, the erosion was cured and a stromal scar subsided. During follow‐up, sequential slit‐lamp images and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were obtained.ConclusionThis is the first described case of keratitis caused by E. phaeomuriformis in a subarctic region, the first in Europe and, to our knowledge, the second reported case in the literature. It is important to remember that superficial corneal brown‐pigmented infiltrates should raise the suspicion of an unusual fungal infection even in this climate. This is particularly important in patients with ocular surface disease treated with steroids and antibiotics for a long time.
Review shows that using surfactant a number of times or as a vehicle for budesonide may reduce the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Hascoët JM , Picaud JC , Ligi I , Blanc T , Daoud P , Zupan V , Moreau F , Guilhoto I , Rouabah M , Alexandre C , Saliba E , Storme L , Patkai J , Pomedio M , Hamon I 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimBronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains the most common respiratory morbidity in immature infants. This review describes the diagnosis of BPD has evolved and summarises the therapeutic approaches that have made it possible to limit the incidence of BPD.MethodWe reviewed the literature from the first definition of BPD by Northway in 1967 to the surfactant treatment policies that are currently in use, drawing on more than 50 papers up to 2017.ResultsOur review showed that improvements in neonatal survival have been associated with an increased risk of severe BPD, significant levels of long‐term morbidity and the increased use of healthcare resources. These issues have encouraged researchers to explore potential new treatments that limit the incidence of BPD. Repeated surfactant instillation and the use of surfactant as a vehicle for budesonide are promising strategies for alleviating the burden of chronic lung disease. Ongoing research on surfactant or stem cell therapy may further improve the respiratory prognosis for prematurely born children.ConclusionConsiderable research has been carried out into the increase in BPD, which has resulted from improvements in neonatal survival. Key areas of research include repeated surfactant administration, using surfactant as a vehicle for budesonide and stem cell therapy.
Review article: gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Broers C. , Tack J. , Pauwels A. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundWhen gastro‐oesophageal reflux is causing symptoms or lesions in the oesophagus, this is referred to as gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).GERDcan manifest itself through typical symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation) or may lead to extra‐oesophageal symptoms. Extra‐oesophageal manifestations ofGERDgained increasing attention over the last decade, especially respiratory disorders, because of the prevalent co‐occurrence withGERD. The role ofGERDin the pathogenesis of respiratory disorders has become a topic of intense discussion.AimTo provide an overview of the current knowledge on the role ofGERDin asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodsPubMed was searched for relevant articles using the keywords:GERD, asthma,COPD, prevalence, treatment. Case reports were excluded, only English language articles were considered.ResultsEstimates for the prevalence ofGERDin asthma range from 30% to 90%, compared to an average of 24% in controls. InCOPDpatients, the prevalence ofGERDranges from 19% to 78% compared to an average of 18% in controls. These data indicate an increased prevalence ofGERDin patients with asthma andCOPD, although causality is not established andGERDtreatment yielded inconsistent effects. Literature supportsGERDas a risk factor forCOPD‐exacerbations and a predictor of the ‘frequent‐exacerbator’–phenotype.ConclusionsDespite the high prevalence ofGERDin asthma andCOPD, a causal link is lacking. The results of anti‐reflux therapy on pulmonary outcome are inconsistent and contradictory. Future studies will need to identify subgroups of asthmatics andCOPDpatients that may benefit from anti‐reflux therapy (nocturnal or silent reflux).
Reversibility of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia after Helicobacter pylori eradication ‐ a prospective study for up to 10 years
Authors: Hwang Y.‐J. , Kim N. , Lee H. S. , Lee J. B. , Choi Y. J. , Yoon H. , Shin C. M. , Park Y. S. , Lee D. H. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundAtrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia are premalignant conditions for gastric cancer. Their reversibility by Helicobacter pylori eradication remains controversial.AimTo evaluate the reversibility of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia by H. pylori eradication with long‐term follow‐up.Methods598 subjects were prospectively enrolled and followed for up to 10 years. They were categorised as H. pylori‐negative (n = 65), H. pylori non‐eradicated (n = 91), and H. pylori‐eradicated (n = 442). Histological assessment was performed for antrum and corpus by Sydney classification.ResultsHistological follow‐up was performed regularly at 1, 2, 3‐4 and ≥5 years, with mean follow‐up of 1.07 ± 0.21, 2.29 ± 0.83, 3.93 ± 1.02, and 6.45 ± 1.28 years, respectively. Atrophic gastritis in antrum and corpus gradually and significantly (both P < .05 for all timepoints) improved only in the H. pylori‐eradicated group compared to that at baseline. Significant difference in atrophic gastritis between H. pylori‐eradicated and H. pylori‐negative groups disappeared from 1‐year follow‐up. Similarly, intestinal metaplasia in antrum and corpus improved significantly (both P < .05 for all timepoints) only in the H. pylori‐eradicated group in comparison with that at baseline. Significant difference in intestinal metaplasia between H. pylori‐eradicated and H. pylori‐negative groups disappeared from ≥5 years of follow‐up in the antrum and from 3 years of follow‐up in the corpus.ConclusionH. pylori eradication may be a preventative strategy for intestinal‐type gastric cancer by regression of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia.
Generic daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir, with or without ribavirin, in treatment of chronic hepatitis C: real‐world results from 18 378 patients in Egypt
Authors: Omar H. , El Akel W. , Elbaz T. , El Kassas M. , Elsaeed K. , El Shazly H. , Said M. , Yousif M. , Gomaa A. A. , Nasr A. , AbdAllah M. , Korany M. , Ismail S. A. , Shaker M. K. , Doss W. , Esmat G. , Waked I. , El Shazly Y. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundTreatment of chronic hepatitis C using combination of sofosbuvir (SOF) and daclatasvir (DCV) was used in several clinical trials and multicentre studies, which were somewhat limited to genotypes 1‐3. The national program in Egypt is using SOF‐DCV combination for large scale treatment.AimTo assess the efficacy and safety of combined SOF‐DCV in treating patients with HCV‐G4 in a real‐world setting.MethodsData and outcome of chronic HCV patients who were treated for 12 weeks with generic medications: DCV 60 mg plus SOF 400 mg ± ribavirin (RBV) within the national hepatitis C treatment program in Egypt are presented. Treatment‐naïve patients without cirrhosis were treated without RBV, and those who had cirrhosis or were treatment‐experienced (interferon experienced or SOF experienced) received RBV. Efficacy and safety were assessed, and baseline factors associated with sustained virological response at post‐treatment week 12 (SVR12) were explored.ResultsDuring the first 2 months of the programme, 18 378 patients with HCV‐G4 started treatment with SOF‐DCV with or without RBV. Overall, 95.1% achieved SVR12 (95.4% among patients treated without RBV and 94.7% for patients treated with RBV, P = .32). Treatment was prematurely discontinued in only 1.5% of patients. The most common events leading to discontinuation were patient withdrawal (n = 76) and pregnancy (n = 5). Five deaths occurred within this group.ConclusionsReal‐world experience of generic SOF‐DCV in patients with chronic HCV‐G4 proved to be safe and associated with a high SVR12 rate, in patients with different stages of fibrosis.
Alpha-defensins (α-Defs) in Crohn's disease: decrease of ileal α-Def 5 via permanent methylation and increase in plasma α-Def 1-3 concentrations offering biomarker utility
Authors: Cerrillo E , Moret I , Iborra M , Ramos D , Busó E , Tortosa L , Sáez-González E , Nos P , Beltrán B 
Published: November 2017

Summary
An impaired expression of α-defensins (α-Defs) in the ileal mucosa and, conversely, increased levels in plasma, have been reported in Crohn's disease (CD). However, the specificity and correlation of these findings with the degree of inflammation are unclear. We aimed to characterize the concentration and utility of ileal and plasma α-Defs in CD and to analyse a potential epigenetic mechanism of α-Def expression. Peripheral blood samples and ileal biopsies were obtained from patients at disease onset (aCD), from those who achieved remission (iCD) and from two control groups (healthy controls and non-CD-aetiology ileitis patients). Plasma α-Defs 1–3 and 4 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); α-Def 5 by immunolocalization. Methylation analysis of the α-Def 5 gene was performed using the MassARRAY EpiTYPER system. Plasma α-Defs 1–3 concentrations were significantly higher in aCD with ileal involvement (L1, L3) versus iCD or the control groups. The α-Defs 1–3 concentrations were also similar to healthy controls in patients with non-CD ileitis. There was a significant positive correlation between plasma α-Defs 1–3 levels in aCD and the endoscopic index, as well as with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. The immunopositivity scoring showed significantly reduced α-Def 5 expression in ileal inflamed (aCD) versus non-inflamed mucosa (iCD and healthy controls). The α-Def 5 gene showed a higher methylation status in CD patients than controls, regardless of the inflammation. Plasma α-Defs 1–3 concentrations correlate with the degree of inflammation and appear to be specific biomarkers of ileal-CD at diagnosis. Ileal α-Def 5 expression is down-regulated permanently by methylation.
Short dental implants as compared to maxillary sinus augmentation procedure for the rehabilitation of edentulous posterior maxilla: Three‐year results of a randomized clinical study
Authors: Taschieri Silvio , Lolato Alessandra , Testori Tiziano , Francetti Luca , Del Fabbro Massimo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundSeveral treatment options exist for the implant‐supported rehabilitation of edentulous posterior maxilla.PurposeTo compare maxillary sinus floor augmentation associated to standard length implants, with direct placement of implants of reduced length in the available residual bone.Materials and MethodsPatients with edentulous posterior maxilla and a residual height of 4‐7 mm were randomly allocated to the test (short implants [SIs], 6.5 to 8.5mm long) or the control (sinus augmentation [SA] and implants ≥10mm long) group. Anorganic bovine bone was the grafting material for the control group. In both groups pure platelet‐rich plasma was used to bioactivate implant surface prior to insertion. Implant and prosthesis survival, clinical variables, radiographic bone level change, quality of life, and patient satisfaction were assessed.ResultsTwenty‐five patients were treated in the control group (58 standard length implants) and 27 in the test group (42 SIs). After 3 years of follow‐up no implant failure and biological or mechanical complications were recorded. Marginal bone loss, soft tissue, and oral hygiene parameters were similar in the 2 groups at both 1 and 3 years' follow‐up. Postoperative pain, swelling and other symptoms and daily activities were better in the SIs group than in the SA group, while patients' satisfaction after 1 year was similar.ConclusionsIn spite of comparable medium‐term clinical and radiographic outcomes, when the residual ridge height is sufficient for a safe placement, SIs may be preferred due to simplified protocol, less invasiveness, shorter treatment time, and reduced postoperative discomfort as compared to SA.
Is venous blood gas performed in the Emergency Department predictive of outcome during acute on chronic hypercarbic respiratory failure?
Authors: Domaradzki Lisa , Gosala Sahithi , Iskandarani Khaled , Van de Louw Andry 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundDuring acute on chronic hypercarbic respiratory failure (AHRF), arterial pH is associated with non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) failure and mortality. Venous blood gas (VBG) has been proposed as a substitute for arterial blood gas, based on a good agreement between venous and arterial values. We assessed the predictive value of admission VBG on intubation rate, NIV failure and mortality during AHRF.MethodsRetrospective chart review of inpatients admitted between 2009 and 2015 with AHRF who had VBG performed on admission. Demographic, clinical and biological data were collected throughout the hospital course.Results196 patients were included and hospital survival was not significantly associated with initial venous pH, PCO2 or
. Patients requiring intubation had significantly lower venous pH [7.29 (7.24–7.33) vs 7.31 (7.28–7.36), P = .04] while venous PCO2 and
did not differ as compared to non‐intubated patients. Intubation within 48 h of admission was associated with significantly lower venous pH [7.28 (7.24–7.30) vs 7.32 (7.28–7.37), P = .002] and higher PCO2 [72 (63–92) mm Hg vs 62 (52–75) mm Hg, P = .04]. Among 69 patients receiving NIV, there were no differences in venous pH [7.29 (7.25–7.31) vs 7.30 (7.27–7.35), P = .3] or PCO2 [68 (44–74) mm Hg vs 70 (55–97) mm Hg, P = .23] associated with subsequent intubation. Using c statistics, we observed poor performances of venous pH, PCO2 or
for prediction of NIV failure, intubation or hospital mortality.ConclusionsOur results do not support the use of VBG on admission as a predictor for NIV failure, intubation and mortality during AHRF.
Clinical Implementation of Pharmacogenetic Testing in a Hospital of the Spanish National Health System: Strategy and Experience Over 3 Years
Authors: Borobia Alberto M. , Dapia Irene , Tong Hoi Y. , Arias Pedro , Muñoz Mario , Tenorio Jair , Hernández Rafael , García García Irene , Gordo Gema , Ramírez Elena , Frías Jesús , Lapunzina Pablo , Carcas Antonio J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn 2014, we established a pharmacogenetics unit with the intention of facilitating the integration of pharmacogenetic testing into clinical practice. This unit was centered around two main ideas: i) individualization of clinical recommendations, and ii) preemptive genotyping in risk populations. Our unit is based on the design and validation of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray, which has allowed testing of 180 SNPs associated with drug response (PharmArray), and clinical consultation regarding the results. Herein, we report our experience in integrating pharmacogenetic testing into our hospital and we present the results of the 2,539 pharmacogenetic consultation requests received over the past 3 years in our unit. The results demonstrate the feasibility of implementing pharmacogenetic testing in clinical practice within a national health system.