bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pediatric Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis in Southern China: Analysis of 107 Cases
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Hou Chi , Wu Wenlin , Liang Huici , Zheng Kelu , Zhang Yani , Zeng Yiru , Chen Lianfeng , Zhu Haixia , Tian Yang , Gao Yuanyuan , Peng Bingwei , Yang Sida , Wang Xiuying , Ning Shuyao , Liao Yinting , Lin Haisheng , Chen Wen-Xiong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Research on pediatric anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is limited. We studied clinical features of children with anti-NMDAR encephalitis in southern China.Methods: Pediatric anti-NMDAR encephalitis between 2014 and 2019 from one tertiary medical center was analyzed. The Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was adopted to evaluate outcomes.Results: 107 children (M/F=50/57; mean onset age=6.3 y) with anti-NMDAR encephalitis were involved. Boys significantly showed earlier onset age, higher ratio of fever, longer hospital day, more courses of steroid treatment, higher mRS score after treatment. 48.6% of patients had prodromal events with infectious events most common. The most common symptom at onset and during whole course was seizures and psychiatric symptoms respectively. Initial median white cell count of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) was 22.0x106/L. 12.1% of patients had positive herpes simplex virus DNA of CSF. All patients had CSF positive NMDAR antibodies, although 86.9% of patients had serologically positive. 9.3% of patients had overlapped other neuronal antibodies. Electroencephalograph showed abnormalities with slow wave (95.3%) and epileptic activity (41.5%). Delta brush was revealed in 3.8% of patients. 36.4% of patients had lesions in brain MRI, with local lesions most common. No tumor was found in all. 84.9% of patients responded well to the first line therapy (steroid plus immunoglobulin), while 12 patients accepted second-line therapy (Rituximab) with 91.7% of effective rate. 12.1% of patients relapsed. 2 male patients died. The median length of hospital stay was 28 days. The mRS score was significantly improved after treatment. 51.0% of patients had a full recovery. 76.6% of patients had mild neurological disability (mRS≤2). Male, speech disorder, initial score of mRS and administration of second-line therapy were independent risk factors associated with the outcome.Conclusions: Of pediatric anti-NMDAR encephalitis in southern China: the mean onset age was about 6-year-old, earlier in boys; boys remained slower to recover and with a worse prognosis; the most common respective symptom at onset and during whole course was seizures and psychiatric symptoms; combination with tumor was rare; most patients respond well to the immunotherapy; relapse and fatality rate were relatively low; most patients had a good prognosis.
A difference in a transfer function of two horizontal components between the ground level and the borehole at KiK-net Mashiki Station Anisotropy of shear wave propagation in Kyushu area based on seismic interferometry
Authors: Motoki Kentaro , Kato Kenichi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the travel time of S-wave between the vertical array stations based on seismic interferometry, focusing on the difference in transfer function due to two horizontal components at the KiK-net Mashiki station (KMMH16). At that time, we surveyed the differences by back azimuth (BAZ) and the polarization direction of seismic waves. Furthermore, we expanded the survey to all KiK-net stations in the Kyushu district, to confirm whether the phenomena seen at KMMH16 is specific to this location.
The result shows that the difference by the polarization direction in the travel time was larger than the difference by the BAZ. This result suggests that the difference in transfer function at KMMH16 were affected by the anisotropy of the S-wave velocity. We evaluated the leading S-wave polarization directions (LSPDs) and the strength of anisotropy (ΔV) for all KiK-net stations in the Kyushu district. The LSPDs roughly correspond to the results of previous studies. The LSPDs in the forearc area are nearly perpendicular to the crustal deformation whereas those in the back-arc area are nearly parallel to it. This characteristic is similar to one found by Nakajima and Hasegawa (2008) in the Tohoku district. We examined the change in anisotropy before and after the Kumamoto earthquake at two stations, KMMH16 and KMMH14 that are located near the source region. The changes in the LSPD and the ΔV before and after the earthquake were not notable.
At stations that observed weak anisotropy, transfer functions of two horizontal components show similar shape. At stations that observed strong anisotropy, however, the shape of the transfer function differs greatly, depending on the horizontal direction. This suggests that an evaluation of site amplification using a single velocity model may reduce the reproducibility of ground motions.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility in the Mycobacteroides abscessus Complex is Restored by an Imipenem-Clarithromycin Combination
Authors: Ihara Hiroaki , Takei Satomi , Togo Shinsaku , Nakamura Ayako , Fujimoto Yuichi , Watanabe Junko , Kurokawa Kana , Kohei Shibayama , Sumiyoshi Issei , Ochi Yusuke , Iwai Moe , Okabe Takahiro , Chonan Masayoshi , Misawa Shigeki , Ohsaka Akimichi , Takahashi Kazuhisa 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous organisms and the incidence of NTM infections has been increasing in recent years. Mycobacteroides abscessus (M. abscessus) is one of the most antimicrobial-resistant NTM; however, no reliable antibiotic regimen can be officially advocated. We evaluated the efficacy of clarithromycin in combination with various antimicrobial agents against the M. abscessus complex. Twenty-nine clinical strains of M. abscessus were isolated from various clinical samples. Of the isolates, 10 (34.5%) were of M. abscessus subsp. abscessus, 18 (62.1%) of M. abscessus subsp. massiliense, and 1 (3.4%) of M. abscessus subsp. bolletii. MICs of three antimicrobial agents (amikacin, imipenem, and moxifloxacin) were measured with or without clarithromycin. The imipenem-clarithromycin combination significantly reduced MICs compared to clarithromycin and imipenem monotherapies, including against resistant strains. The association between susceptibility of the M. abscessus complex and each combination of agents was significant (p = 0.001). Adjusted residuals indicated that the imipenem-clarithromycin combination had the synergistic effect (adjusted residual = 3.1) and suppressed the antagonistic effect (adjusted residual = -3.1). In subspecies of M. abscessus complex, the association with susceptibility of M. abscessus subsp. massiliense was similarly statistically significant (p = 0.036: adjusted residuals of synergistic and antagonistic effect respectively: 2.6 and -2.6). The association with susceptibility of M. abscessus subsp. abscessus also showed a similar trend but did not reach statistical significance. Our data suggest that the imipenem-clarithromycin combination could be the recommended therapeutic choice for the treatment of M. abscessus complex owing to its ability to restore antimicrobial susceptibility.
Lack of Benefit in COVID-19 Patients Treated with Hydroxychloroquine or Chloroquine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Liang , An Shuoyan , Yao Guangyu , Xiong Jiasheng , Xiong Haiyan , Zhao Ping , Jiang Lufang , Hua Wei , Xiong Chenglong , Duru Firat , Jiang Qingwu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and chloroquine (CQ) have been widely used for the treatment of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), despite limited clinical evidence and controversial early reports. The aim of this report was to provide a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis on the use of HCQ/CQ with respect to safety and clinical efficacy of these medications.
Methods

We performed a systematic search of the medical databases and included studies if they focused on patients with COVID-19 who received HCQ or CQ alone, or in combination with other treatments, and were compared with a control group. We analyzed two important clinical objectives; viral clearance rate by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) negativity and all-cause mortality.
Results

A total of 14 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. The use of HCQ/CQ was associated with higher viral clearance rate compared with control group (OR: 3.12, 95% CI: 2.17–4.49 p < 0.0001). In the sensitivity analysis, the effect on viral clearance disappeared (OR 1.44, 95% CI: 0.87–2.37, p = 0.155). The use of HCQ/CQ was associated with a higher risk of mortality (OR 1.26, 95% CI: 1.05–1.51, p < 0.0001). Due to huge heterogeneity between the studies (I2 = 86%, p < 0.01), we performed a meta regression analysis. Both treatment within 24 hours (p = 0.047) and comorbidities [hypertension (p = 0.025), diabetes (p = 0.049) and chronic lung disease (p = 0.0064)] contributed to the heterogeneity. HCQ/CQ daily dose (p = 0.61) and age (p = 0.62) had no impact on effect size. Higher rate of comorbidities led to a higher risk of mortality by using HCQ/CQ. Overall, the use of HCQ/CQ resulted in longer QTc intervals.
Conclusions

Our meta-analysis did not reveal a clinical benefit of HCQ/CQ on in-hospital outcomes for patients with COVID-19. The use of HCQ/CQ did not result in rapid viral clearance on RT-PCR. Moreover, our results showed that HCQ/CQ treatment even increase in-hospital mortality, and higher rate of comorbidities led to a higher risk of mortality by using HCQ/CQ.
Clinical Efficacy of a Single-dose of Platelet Rich Plasma in the Management of Early Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Study With Mri Assessment and Evaluation of Optimal Dose
Authors: Bansal Himanshu , Leon Jerry , Pont Jeremy L. , Wilson David A. , ST Sathya Meonah , Bansal Anupama , Preoteasa Iustin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) causes substantial physical disability that limits a person's ability to indulge in daily activities. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs provide only minimal symptomatic benefit and are associated with mild to severe side effects, thus limiting its continuous use. This being the case, new alternate healing strategies with minimal adverse effects are being explored scientifically. In our study we have attempted to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a single dose of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) in treating osteoarthritis. Our primary objectives are:i) To optimise the correct dose of PRP preparation to achieve therapeutic relief in knee OAii) To identify the therapeutic efficacy of PRP in selected patients suffering from symptomatic primary knee OA through Randomized Clinical Trials and analyse the possible outcome using MRI analysis.Methods: A randomized, double-blind, 12-month, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 100 outpatients. PRP was prepared from the blood drawn from the subjects and administered intra-articularly guided by ultrasound. The degree of pain was assessed using WOMAC scores, the International Knee Documentation Committee score (IKDC) and six-minute pain free walking distance. The joint space width and articular cartilage thickness was evaluated through x-ray, ultrasonagraphy and MRI.Result: PRP with absolute count of approximately 100 billion platelets brings out significant therapeutic relief. The WOMAC scores showed reduction from 54.7 at baseline to 28.8 at one month, and 29.9 at 3 months showing efficacy of PRP over placebo. Improvement was evident in one month scores of IKDC tests (Baseline- 53.6; 1 month - 76.9) and VAS (Baseline - 5.8; 1 month - 2.46) followed by slight decline at 3, 6-month and one-year scores. Similarly, the pain-free distance covered during a 6-min walk was significantly improved at one month in both the groups (PRP-146 ft.; placebo-122 ft; p value <0.001). No change is seen on MRI and Joint space width.Conclusion: 7 times Concentration and absolute count of 100 billion platelets is crucial in a PRP formulation to be therapeutically effective in alleviating symptoms in moderate knee OA. The results indicate prevention of structural modification in the PRP group and better chondroprotective effects compared to placebo group.Trial Registration: This study has been registered in the US Clinical Trial Registry (U.S. National Library of Medicine) with Trial registration no. 04198467. Date of registration: December 13, 2019. (Retrospectively registered) URL - https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04198467?term=04198467&draw=2&rank=1
Weight Loss is Associated With Sustained Improvement of Disease Activity and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis and Obesity: a Prospective Intervention Study With Two Years of Follow-up
Authors: Klingberg Eva , Björkman Sofia , Eliasson Björn , Larsson Ingrid , Bilberg Annelie 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Backgroun Obesity is overrepresented in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and associated with increased disease activity. We have previously shown in 41 patients with PsA (Caspar criteria) and obesity (body mass index; BMI ≥33 kg/m2) that weight loss treatment with Very Low Energy Liquid Diet (VLED), 640 kcal/day during 12-16 weeks, followed by a structured reintroduction of an energy restricted diet resulted in a median weight loss of 18.6% and concomitantly a significant improvement of the disease activity in joints, entheses and skin.The objectives of this follow-up were to study the effects of the weight loss treatment on disease activity in longer term (12 and 24 months) and to study the effects on cardiovascular risk factors.Methods The patients were assessed with 66/68 joints count, Leeds enthesitis index (LEI), body surface area, blood pressure, BMI, questionnaires and fasting blood samples at the 12- and 24-month visits.Results In total, 39 and 35 PsA patients attended the 12- and the 24-month visits, respectively. Median weight loss since baseline was 16.0 % (IQR 10.5–22.4) and 7.4% (IQR 5.1–14.0) at the 12- and 24-months follow-up. The 66/68 swollen/tender joints score, LEI, CRP and HAQ score were still significantly reduced at the 12- and 24-month visits compared to baseline. The number of patients with Minimal Disease Activity increased from 28.2% (11/39) at baseline, to 38.5% (15/39; p=0.008) and 45.7 % (16/35; p=0.016) at the 12- and 24-month visits.The weight loss was also associated with improved levels of serum lipids, glucose and urate and the antihypertensive treatment was reduced or stopped in five patients during the follow-up.Conclusions Weight loss treatment with VLED included in the program was associated with long-term improvement of measures of disease activity, function and markers of the metabolic syndrome after 24-months follow-up.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02917434, Registered September 28, 2016- Retrospectively registered. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02917434
Can artificial intelligence predict the need for oxygen therapy in early stage COVID-19 pneumonia?
Authors: Obinata Hirofumi , Ruan Peiying , Mori Hitoshi , Zhu Wentao , Sasaki Hisashi , Tatsuya Kodama , Wakana Murakami , Tanaka Masumi , Hsu Pin-Lun , Yang Dong , Xu Ziyue , Xu Daguang , Tamura Kaku , Yokobori Shoji 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This study investigated the utility of artificial intelligence in predicting disease progression. We analysed 194 patients with COVID-19 confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Among them, 31 patients had oxygen therapy administered after admission. To assess the utility of artificial intelligence in the prediction of disease progression, we used three machine learning models employing clinical features (patient’s background, laboratory data, and symptoms), one deep learning model employing computed tomography (CT) images, and one multimodal deep learning model employing a combination of clinical features and CT images. We also evaluated the predictive values of these models and analysed the important features required to predict worsening in cases of COVID-19. The multimodal deep learning model had the highest accuracy. The CT image was an important feature of multimodal deep learning model. The area under the curve of all machine learning models employing clinical features and the deep learning model employing CT images exceeded 90%, and sensitivity of these models exceeded 95%. C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase were important features of machine learning models. Our machine learning model, while slightly less accurate than the multimodal model, still provides a valuable medical triage tool for patients in the early stages of COVID-19.
Predictors of Outpatients’ No-Show: Big Data Analytics using Apache Spark
Authors: Daghistani Tahani , AlGhamdi Huda , Alshammari Riyad , AlHazme Raed H. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Outpatients who fail to attend their appointments have a negative impact on the healthcare outcome. Thus, healthcare organizations facing new opportunities, one of them is to improve the quality of healthcare. The main challenges is predictive analysis using techniques capable of handle the huge data generated. We propose a big data framework for identifying subject outpatients’ no-show via feature engineering and machine learning (MLlib) in Spark platform. The aim of this paper is exploring factors that affect no-sow rate then can be used to formulate predictions using big data machine learning techniques.
Identification of an autophagy-related gene signature for survival prediction in patients with cervical cancer
Authors: Chen Hengyu , Deng Qingchun , Wang Wenwen , Tao Huishan , Gao Ying 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Autophagy controls the survival and death of cancerous cells by regulating the degradation process of cytoplasm and cellular organelle. In the present study, the differentially expressed autophagy-related genes (ARGs) between healthy and cancerous cervical tissues (squamous cell neoplasms) were obtained using data from GTEx and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The functionalities of the differentially expressed ARGs were analyzed using GO and KEGG database. After univariate and multivariate cox regression assay, we got a six ARG-related prognostic signature for the survival prediction of patients with squamous cell cervical cancer (Risk score= -0.63*ATG3-0.42*BCL2+0.85*CD46-0.38*IFNG+0.23*NAMPT+0.82*TM9SF1). Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrated that patients with a high-risk score tend to have a poor prognosis (P<0.001). The value for area under the curves corresponding to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was 0.740. As observed, the expression of IFNG was negatively associated with lymph node metastasis (P=0.026), while a high-risk score was significantly associated with increased age (P=0.008). To further validate the prognostic signature, we carried out a permutation test and confirmed the performance of the risk score.
Stratifying Malaria Receptivity In Bangladesh Using Archived Rapid Diagnostic Tests
Authors: Sagna André Barembaye , Kibria Mohammad Golam , Naher Shamsun , Islam Shayla , Aktaruzzaman M. M. , Alam Mohammad Shafiul , Koepfli Cristian 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Surveillance on low-density infections and exposure to vectors is crucial to understand where malaria elimination might be feasible, and where the risk of outbreaks is high. Archived rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), used by national malaria control and elimination programs for clinical diagnosis, present a valuable, yet rarely used resource for in-depth studies on malaria epidemiology.

Methods

We screened 1,022 RDTs from two sub-Districts in Bangladesh (Alikadam and Kamalganj) by qPCR for low-density Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections, and by ELISA for Anopheles salivary gland antibodies as a marker for exposure to vectors.

Results

Concordance between RDT and qPCR was moderate. qPCR detected 31/1022 infections compared to 36/1022 diagnosed by RDT. Exposure to Anopheles was significantly higher in Kamalganj despite low transmission, which could be explained by low bed net use.

Conclusions

Archived RDTs present a valuable source of antibodies for serological studies on exposure to vectors. In contrast, the benefit of screening archived RDTs to obtain a better estimate of test positivity is moderate. Kamalganj could thus be prone to outbreaks.
Comparative Analysis of Molecular Identification and Wing Morphometrics of Forensically Important Blow Flies in China
Authors: li xiangrong , Chen Tingjun , Shang Yajie , Ren Lipin , Pang Pengliang , Guo Yadong , wang yong , Zhang Changquan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Correct species identification is the most crucial step in applying entomological evidence to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI) since death of decomposed corpses. Wing morphometrics have been proposed in species classification as an alternative method of traditional morphology and molecular approaches. However, so far, this method has not been applied to the identification of Chinese Calliphoridae and few studies compare the two identification methods.Methods: We used landmark-based geometric morphometrics of wings to identify nine medically and forensically important blow fly species of China. 270 specimens representing nine species and eight genera were sampled, 18 landmarks on the right wing were measured and analyzed using canonical variates analysis and discriminant function analysis. Then, a cross-validation test was used to evaluate reliability of the method. Moreover, in order to further assess the validity of this method, molecular identification is used for comparative analysis. Eighty sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) of Calliphoridae isolated from different countries were downloaded from Genbank, including the data previously submitted by our team. Results: Different species and genera can be well separated through morphometric analysis with an overall classification accuracy of 80~100%, but discrimination between sexes was less effective. The results indicated that the discriminative efficiency of the two methods is almost identical.Conclusions: Wing morphometrics can be used as a complementary method of molecular identification for the geographical location and gender identification of certain species as a simple and cheap method.