bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soluble CD44 and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in patients with acute primary angle closure
Authors: Chen Shida , Huang Wenbin , Wang Jiawei , Zhang Jing , Wang Wei , Zhou Minwen , Gao Xinbo , Zhang Xiulan 
Published: October 2014

AbstractPurposeAcute elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) in acute primary angle closure (APAC) can cause huge damage to the variable cells in the eye; however, the mechanisms that connect the two processes still remain unclear. In this study, we aim to evaluate the levels of soluble CD44 (sCD44) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the aqueous humour of acute primary angle closure patients.MethodsThis study included 24 eyes of 24 APAC patients (11 eyes with current APAC and 13 eyes with previous APAC) and 15 eyes of 15 cataract subjects. Clinical data were acquired, and aqueous humour was collected. The levels of sCD44 and VEGF in the aqueous humour were determined by ELISA and magnetic bead immunoassay technique.ResultsThe concentrations of the sCD44 and VEGF in the current APAC were 9.9 ± 8.8 ng/ml and 2440.2 ± 2107.1 ng/ml, respectively, which were significantly higher when compared to the previous APAC group (p = 0.001) and cataract (p < 0.001); however, there were no significant differences between the group with previous APAC and with cataract. Higher IOP was associated with higher concentration of sCD44 (Rho = 0.617, p = 0.001). The concentration of the VEGF in aqueous humour of APAC patients was closely related to the sCD44 levels (Rho = 0.752, p < 0.001).ConclusionAfter acute increase of IOP in the APAC, the level of sCD44 and VEGF increased significantly in the aqueous humour. The damage due to high IOP may therefore be mediated through the release of sCD44.
Outcome of surgical treatment of primary and secondary glaucoma in young children
Authors: Zetterberg Madeleine , Nyström Alf , Kalaboukhova Lada , Magnusson Gunilla 
Published: October 2014

AbstractPurposeTo describe a paediatric cohort surgically treated for primary or secondary glaucoma (PG/SG), with regard to incidences, visual outcome and control of intraocular pressure (IOP).MethodsAll children (n = 29, 42 eyes in total) surgically treated for PG or SG at the age of 4 years or younger between January 2002 and December 2010 at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Mölndal were retrospectively studied through medical records. Median follow‐up time after initial surgery was 5.9 years (range 2.4–11.2 years).ResultsThe incidence of primary congenital glaucoma was 4.3 cases per 100 000 live births in the county of Västra Götaland. For glaucoma secondary to cataract surgery, the incidence was 13% with a median postoperative duration to diagnosis of glaucoma of 3.8 months (range 1.6 months to 4.3 years). Preoperative mean IOP was 31.5 (SD 8.1) mmHg, and mean IOP at last visit was 17.1 (SD 4.4) mmHg. For the entire cohort, 30% of the glaucoma eyes required more than two IOP‐lowering surgical procedures during the study period. BCVA was ≥0.3 (decimal) in 45% of glaucomatous eyes at last follow‐up with no statistically significant difference between PG and SG. Analysis of functional visual outcome, that is BCVA in the better eye, showed that 83% of all patients attained a BCVA of ≥0.5.ConclusionsThe incidences and outcome of surgically treated paediatric glaucoma were in accordance with previous studies. Chamber angle surgery, and if necessary, tube implantation without the use of antimetabolites, is a favourable approach leaving most sites needed for future glaucoma surgery unaffected.
Quantifying and Comparing Dynamic Predictive Accuracy of Joint Models for Longitudinal Marker and Time-to-Event in Presence of Censoring and Competing Risks
Authors: Blanche Paul , Proust-Lima Cécile , Loubère Lucie , Berr Claudine , Dartigues Jean-François , Jacqmin-Gadda Hélène 
Published: October 2014

Summary
Thanks to the growing interest in personalized medicine, joint modeling of longitudinal marker and time-to-event data has recently started to be used to derive dynamic individual risk predictions. Individual predictions are called dynamic because they are updated when information on the subject's health profile grows with time. We focus in this work on statistical methods for quantifying and comparing dynamic predictive accuracy of this kind of prognostic models, accounting for right censoring and possibly competing events. Dynamic area under the ROC curve (AUC) and Brier Score (BS) are used to quantify predictive accuracy. Nonparametric inverse probability of censoring weighting is used to estimate dynamic curves of AUC and BS as functions of the time at which predictions are made. Asymptotic results are established and both pointwise confidence intervals and simultaneous confidence bands are derived. Tests are also proposed to compare the dynamic prediction accuracy curves of two prognostic models. The finite sample behavior of the inference procedures is assessed via simulations. We apply the proposed methodology to compare various prediction models using repeated measures of two psychometric tests to predict dementia in the elderly, accounting for the competing risk of death. Models are estimated on the French Paquid cohort and predictive accuracies are evaluated and compared on the French Three-City cohort.
Increased post‐induction intensification improves outcome in children and adolescents with a markedly elevated white blood cell count (≥200 × 109/l) with T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia but not B cell disease: a report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Hastings Caroline , Gaynon Paul S. , Nachman James B. , Sather Harland N. , Lu Xiaomin , Devidas Meenakshi , Seibel Nita L. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryChildren and adolescents presenting with a markedly elevated white blood cell (ME WBC) count (WBC ≥200 × 109/l) comprise a unique subset of high‐risk patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). We evaluated the outcomes of the 251 patients (12% of the study population) with ME WBC treated on the Children's Cancer Group‐1961 protocol. Patients were evaluated for early response to treatment by bone marrow morphology; those with a rapid early response were randomized to treatment regimens testing longer and stronger post‐induction therapy. We found that ME WBC patients have a poorer outcome compared to those patients presenting with a WBC <200 × 109/l (5‐year event‐free survival 62% vs. 73%, P = 0·0005). Longer duration of therapy worsened outcome for T cell ME WBC with a trend to poorer outcome in B‐ALL ME WBC patients. Augmented therapy benefits T cell ME WBC patients, similar to the entire study cohort, however, there appeared to be no impact on survival for B‐ALL ME WBC patients. ME WBC was not a prognostic factor for T cell patients. In patients with high risk features, B lineage disease in association with ME WBC has a negative impact on survival.
A systematic review of experience of 180‐W XPS GreenLight laser vaporisation of the prostate in 1640 men
Authors: Brunken Claus , Seitz Christian , Woo Henry H. 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo systematically review the literature regarding clinical outcomes of 180‐W XPS GreenLight® laser (GL) vaporisation for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).MethodsRecent publications were identified in the field of 180‐W GL vaporisation for the treatment of LUTS due to BPH. We searched for peer‐reviewed original articles in the English language. Search items were: ‘180W lithium triborate laser’ or ‘180W greenlight laser’ or ‘180 watt lithium triborate laser’ or ‘180 watt greenlight laser’ or ‘XPS greenlight laser’. In all, 30 papers published between 2012 and 2014 matched this search. Of these, 10 papers were identified dealing with consecutive cohorts of patients treated with the 180‐W XPS GLResultsThe 10 papers included a total experience of 1640 patients. The only randomised controlled trial in this field compares 180‐W with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Functional outcomes and prostate volume reduction after GL vaporisation were similar to TURP. Catheterisation time and hospital stay were shorter in patients undergoing 180W XPS GL vaporisation (41 and 66 h vs 60 and 97 h, respectively). Four papers compared the 180‐W XPS system to former GL devices showing increased operation time efficiency and comparable postoperative voiding results and adverse events. One paper defined the learning curve to achieve an expert level according to the speed of the procedure and the effectiveness of volume reduction was met after 120 procedures.ConclusionThe 180‐W XPS GL offers shorter operation times than former devices. In the one randomised controlled trial comparison with TURP, volume reduction and functional results were comparable to those of TURP. Longer term studies are required.
Pterygium and conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence in young Australian adults: the Raine study
Authors: McKnight Charlotte M , Sherwin Justin C , Yazar Seyhan , Forward Hannah , Tan Alex X , Hewitt Alex W , Smith Elliot , Turton David , Byrd Pippa , Pennell Craig E , Coroneo Minas T , Mackey David A 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundSun exposure is associated with several ophthalmic diseases, including pterygium which may develop in adolescence. This study reports the prevalence of pterygium and its associations in a large cohort of young Australian adults. Conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence, a biomarker of ocular sun exposure, has recently been characterized in some Australian populations.DesignCross‐sectional population‐based study.ParticipantsOne thousand three hundred forty‐four subjects aged 18–22 years in the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study.MethodsStandardized colour and ultraviolet autofluorescence photographs of the nasal and temporal conjunctiva were taken, and assessed for presence of pterygium and area of autofluorescence. Sun exposure and protective factors were assessed by structured questionnaire.Main Outcome MeasuresArea of conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence in square millimetre (mm2) and presence of pterygium.ResultsMedian total conjunctival autofluorescence was 44.2 mm2 (interquartile range 20.2–69.8 mm2). Median conjunctival autofluorescence was higher in nasal than in temporal quadrants (23.8 mm2 vs. 18.9 mm2, P < 0.001), but did not differ according to age or gender. Higher body mass index was associated with lower levels of autofluorescence. Total autofluorescence increased with increasing time spent outdoors. Prevalence of pterygium was 1.2% (95% confidence interval 0.6–1.8%), and was associated with male gender (odds ratio 6.71, P = 0.012). Participants with pterygium had significantly more conjunctival autofluorescence than those without (median 73.4 mm2 vs. 44.0 mm2, P = 0.001).ConclusionsConjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence is associated with increased time spent outdoors, and increased prevalence of pterygium. The association of this biomarker with other ophthalmohelioses, including cataract, ocular surface squamous neoplasia and eyelid malignancy, has yet to be determined.
Recurrent Stroke was Associated with Poor Quality of Life in Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack or Minor Stroke: Finding from the CHANCE Trial
Authors: Wang Yi‐Long , Pan Yue‐Song , Zhao Xing‐Quan , Wang David , Johnston S Claiborne , Liu Li‐Ping , Meng Xia , Wang An‐Xin , Wang Chun‐Xue , Wang Yong‐Jun ,   the CHANCE investigators
Published: October 2014

SummaryAimsTo examine the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke and assess the impact of recurrent stroke on HRQOL.MethodsHealth‐related quality of life data on patients participated in the Clopidogrel in High‐risk patients with Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events (CHANCE) trial were analyzed. The available 90‐day EuroQoL data (EQ‐5D) were used to calculate EQ‐5D index score. Poor HRQOL was defined as an EQ‐5D index score ≤0.5. The characteristics of HRQOL and factors predicting poor HRQOL in these patients were then explored.ResultsAmong the total 5170 patients enrolled, 90‐day HRQOL data were obtained from 5104 patients for analysis. The mean EQ‐5D index score at day 90 was 0.88 ± 0.21 for all patients, but only 0.42 ± 0.35 for those with recurrent strokes. Poor 90‐day HRQOL was found in 294 (5.8%) patients. Patients with poor HRQOL had more strokes during follow‐up than patients with good HRQOL (94.9 vs. 4.7%, P < 0.001). Age, history of hypertension and diabetes, and NIHSS at baseline were independent risk factors for predicting poor HRQOL. Stroke recurrence, NIHSS at baseline, age, and minor stroke on admission became independent risk factors once stroke recurrence was added into the model.ConclusionsStroke recurrence was associated with poor HRQOL in patients with TIA or minor strokes. Interventions focusing on controlling risk factors and prevention of worsening of neurological function may prevent poor HRQOL in these patients.
Relationship between non‐invasive haemodynamic responses and cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Sperling Milena Pelosi Rizk , Caruso Flávia Cristina Rossi , Mendes Renata Gonçalves , Dutra Daniela Bassi , Arakelian Vivian Maria , Bonjorno José Carlos , Catai Aparecida Maria , Arena Ross , Borghi‐Silva Audrey 
Published: October 2014

SummaryBackgroundNon‐invasive assessment of haemodynamic function by impedance cardiography (IC) constitutes an interesting approach to monitor cardiac function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, such measurements are most often performed at rest, whereas symptoms are also possible during exertion, particularly at higher intensities. In addition, the association between IC during exertion and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) is not well understood in these patients, which was the aim of this study.MethodsNineteen men (age = 62 ± 6 years) with CAD [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) = 61 ± 10%] underwent a CPX using an incremental protocol on a cycle ergometer, with simultaneous measurement of IC. Cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), cardiac index (CI), peak oxygen consumption (VO2), the oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), circulatory power and ventilatory power were determined.ResultsPearson product‐moment correlation analysis revealed peak VO2 (r = 0·46) was significantly related to CO. Peak oxygen pulse (0·52) was associated with SV. OUES was associated with resting SV (0·47) and with peak SV (r = 0·52).ConclusionThese findings suggest that IC indices are associated with certain, but not all, established CPX measures in patients with stable CAD.
Adherence to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines for management of COPD: a hospital‐base study
Authors: Masoompour Seyed Masoom , Mohammadi Abbas , Mahdaviazad Hamideh 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsTo determine the level of adherence to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines, we compared our inpatient management of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to these guidelines.MethodThis cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted from January 2011 to April 2012 in a 360‐bed teaching hospital in Shiraz, Iran. We recorded the management data for 96 consecutive patients with COPD exacerbation. SPSS 11.5 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for all statistical analyses.ResultsThe mean (standard deviation) age of our patients was 67.3 (14) years, and more than 75% of them were men. Adherence for starting antibiotics was 84.4%. Most of our patients (82.3%) received oxygen therapy, for a level of adherence to GOLD recommendations of 74%. Nearly 95% received a short‐acting bronchodilator, and 12.5% received a long‐acting bronchodilator. Adherence to the guidelines was 19.8% for oral and 61.4% for inhaled steroids. Adherence to the guidelines was 49% for starting N‐acetylcysteine, 77.1% for antitussives and 13.5% for xanthine derivatives (aminophylline and theophylline). The overall adherence to GOLD guidelines was 67.2% at our hospital.ConclusionThe level of adherence to GOLD guidelines for the management of COPD exacerbation was suboptimal at our teaching hospital. Further improvements in adherence to these guidelines are needed.
Sertraline hydrochloride treatment for patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with depression: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: He Yuanqiang , Zheng Yulong , Xu Chuanqin , Yang Haichen , Wang Ziyu , Zhou Liyang , Wan Yufeng , Zheng Donghui , Zhu Jing 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundThere is a lack of randomized controlled trials to assess the effects of pharmacological treatments in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) complicated with moderate or severe depression.AimsTo assess the efficacy of sertraline hydrochloride on improving the quality of life of patients with stable COPD complicated with depression.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial, conducted from May to November 2013 in the Huai'an Second Hospital, Huai'an, China, enrolled 120 patients with stable COPD who had moderate or severe depression. Patients were randomly assigned to control and interventional groups (n = 60 in each group). In addition to the treatment for COPD, interventional group also received sertraline hydrochloride tablets 50 mg/day for 6 weeks, while the control group received placebo. The primary end point included COPD assessment test (CAT) scores and the secondary endpoint included 6‐min walk distance and 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD‐17) scores. Parameters of spirometry and adverse events were also observed.ResultsThere was no significant difference in improvements in the parameters of spirometry tests before and after the treatment with sertraline hydrochloride tablets between the placebo and interventional groups (P > 0.05). Patients in the sertraline hydrochloride group showed more changes in the HAMD‐17 scores and CAT scores after treatment (P < 0.05) and travelled longer distances in the 6‐min walk test than in the placebo group (P < 0.05).ConclusionAntidepressant treatment can improve the quality of life and exercise capacity of patients with depression, and it can also improve depression scores, but not lung function.
A rare case of multinodular pulmonary amyloidosis
Authors: Feng Jizhen , Li Jiamei , Ling Chunxiang , Liu Qingwei 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsPulmonary amyloidosis is usually associated with systemic amyloidosis. Localized pulmonary amyloidosis without systemic amyloidosis is even rare. We reported a rare case of multinodular pulmonary amyloidosis to improve the understanding of the disease.MethodsReport of a case.ResultsWe present an unusual case of primary pulmonary multinodular amyloidosis in a middle‐aged woman. She presented our hospital with cough and chest distress only. Results of computed tomography (CT) showed multiple nodules with diffused calcification and thick‐walled cavity in bilateral lung parenchyma. And the diagnosis of nodular amyloidosis was established by a CT‐guided core needle biopsy.ConclusionsThe case clearly shows it is difficult to distinguish parenchymal nodular amyloidosis from malignant primary lung neoplasm in radiology because of their similar images. Thus, the role of CT‐guided core needle biopsy in diagnosis of pulmonary mutinodular amyloidosis is very important.
Autoimmune symptoms in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: clinical significance
Authors: Alhamad Esam Hamad , Cal Joseph Galindo , AlBoukai Ahmad Amer , Shaik Shaffi Ahmed , Omair Mohammed Ahmed 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsInformation regarding autoimmune symptoms that do not meet the diagnostic criteria for connective tissue disease in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate differences in the clinical characteristics and prognosis of IPF patients with and without autoimmune symptoms.MethodsConsecutive patients diagnosed with IPF (N = 96) from January 2008 to December 2012 were included. We compared the clinical characteristics of patients with and without autoimmune symptoms. Survival was compared by log‐rank and Cox proportional hazard analyses.ResultsThirty‐six (38%) patients reported autoimmune symptoms. There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between those with and without autoimmune symptoms. Patients with autoimmune symptoms had a better survival rate than those without symptoms [hazard ratio (HR) 0.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09–0.82; P = 0.020]. After adjusting for age, gender and smoking status, the presence of autoimmune symptoms was associated with improved survival (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09–0.89; P = 0.032). However, after adjusting for other covariates, including per cent predicted forced vital capacity and high‐resolution computed tomography total extent score, the presence of autoimmune symptoms did not influence survival (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.15–1.61; P = 0.240). The median follow‐up period for the studied cohort was 31.5 months.ConclusionIt appears that autoimmune symptoms are associated with better prognosis among IPF patients. However, future studies are needed to validate our findings.
Measurement of eNO with portable analyser might improve the management of persistent cough at primary care practice in Japan
Authors: Watanabe Keisuke , Shinkai Masaharu , Shinoda Masahiro , Hara Yu , Yamaguchi Nobuhiro , Rubin Bruce K. , Ishigatsubo Yoshiaki , Kaneko Takeshi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsThere are some controversial reports that investigated the usefulness of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) to predict the efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in chronic cough patients. Therefore, we retrospectively analysed the usefulness of eNO measurement with portable analyser to predict the requirement of ICS therapy in persistent cough (defined as lasting for 3 weeks or more) patients in Japan and investigated whether it might improve the management of persistent cough at primary care practice.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of adult patients who had been referred to our hospital for persistent cough from 1 June 2009 to 30 April 2011.ResultsForty‐two patients had the requirement of ICS (group S) and 35 patients had no requirement of ICS (group N). Forty‐three per cent of the patients who required ICS had not received ICS, and 29% of the patients who did not required ICS had received ICS. In the steroid‐naive patients without current smoking, mean eNO level was significantly higher in group S [60.6 ± 14.1 perts per billion (ppb) vs 22.2 ± 2.3 ppb, P = 0.001] and the sensitivity and the specificity of eNO for predicting the requirement of ICS were 78.6% and 80.0%, respectively. The rate of the patients who received inappropriate treatment about ICS tended to be reduced from 41% to 21% if the eNO was used to predict the requirement of ICS with cut‐off value of eNO 26.5 ppb (P = 0.118).ConclusionMeasurement of eNO could be one of the management tools for persistent cough at primary care practice.