bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound grayscale ratio: a reliable parameter for differentiating papillary thyroid microcarcinoma from micronodular goiter
Authors: Xu Chenke , Yu Lifang , Fang Jianhua , Han Zhijiang , Luo Dingcun , Li Mingkui 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the reliability and diagnostic efficacy of the ultrasound grayscale ratio (UGSR) for differentiating papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMC) from micronodular goiters (diameter ≤ 1.0cm).Methods: The ultrasound data of 241 pathologically-confirmed cases of patients with 265 PTMC and 141 patients with 168 micronodular goiters were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent outpatient ultrasonic examination and preoperative ultrasonic positioning. The RADinfo radiograph reading system (Zhejiang RAD Information Technology Co., Ltd., China) was used to measure and calculated the UGSR of PTMC, micronodular goiters. Patients were divided into the outpatient examination, preoperative positioning, and mean value groups, and the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were calculated to obtain the optimal UGSR threshold for distinguishing PTMC from micronodular goiters.Results: The UGSR values of the PTMC and micronodular goiters were 0.56±0.14 and 0.80±0.19 (t=5.84, P<0.01) in the outpatient examination group, 0.55±0.14 and 0.80±0.19 (t=18.74, P<0.01) in the preoperative positioning group, and 0.56±0.12 and 0.80±0.18 (t=16.49, P<0.01) in the mean value group. The areas under the ROC curves in the outpatient examination, preoperative positioning, and mean value groups were 0.860, 0.856, and 0.875, respectively. When the cut-off UGSR values for the outpatient examination, preoperative positioning, and mean value groups were 0.649, 0.646, and 0.657, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting PTMC were 78.9% and 86.9%, 79.2% and 83.9%, 82.6%, and 85.7%, respectively. A reliable UGSR value was obtained between the outpatient examination and preoperative positioning groups (ICC=0.79, P=0.68).Conclusion: The UGSR is an accurate and feasible tool for differentiating PTMC from micronodular goiters with better diagnostic efficacy.
MRI Characteristic of Cerebral White Matter Maturation Patterns in Normal Infants of Assisted Reproductive
Authors: Wu Xiaoming , Wang Junfeng , Zou Libo , Cui Xiaojian , Wang Youcheng , Xu Qiulian , Zhang Zhiqin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET) has been essential in the treatment of infertility, and the number of children born after these procedures has now passed 5 million worldwide. Children born after medically assisted reproduction are at higher risk of adverse birth outcomes than are children conceived naturally. In this study, we leveraged MRI technology to investigate whether ART pregnancy methods: intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and ET have any effect on the brain development of offspring by comparing with the NAT pregnancy method. Methods A total of 75 infants were recruited in the study from 3 conception groups: 25 children born after ICSI, 25 children born after IVF-ET and 25 children born after natural pregnancy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans provide exceptionally detailed information on how the human brain changes throughout childhood, adolescence, and old age. The use of MRI in the evaluation of the developing brain is well established. Results The results of routine brain scans on T1WI and T2WI showed that there was no significant difference among the 5-7, 11-13, and 23-25 months of infants among ET, ICSI, and NAT groups. The MRI values fluctuate at different time points indicating that they may change with the development of the brain. However, they are on a similar level for different conception groups supporting our previous statistical analysis that MRI values of ICSI and ET groups are not significantly different from NAT. Conclusions The results showed that there was no significant difference in brain development patterns between different modes of conception, which proved that ART does not affect the development of brain myelin in fetuses and infants.
Shear wave elastography of the upper trapezius muscle in patient with chronic neck pain: is there a correlation between elastic modulus and intensity of pain?
Authors: Ge Junsheng , Zhang Jun , Zhang Zhi Jie 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Chronic neck pain is a common discomfort and the alteration of elasticity of the upper trapezius in pathological conditions is unknown. Therefore, the aims of this investigation were (1) to determine the intra- and inter-operator reliability of evaluating the elasticity of the upper trapezius by shear wave elastography in individuals with chronic neck pain; (2) to examine the alteration for the upper trapezius during cervical flexion; and (3) to explore the correlation between elasticity of the upper trapezius and pain intensity. Methods Thirty individuals with chronic neck pain were recruited for this study. Alteration in elasticity of upper trapezius was evaluated by shear wave elastography during cervical flexion at 0°and 50°. Results The intra- and inter-operator reliability was excellent with the intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.92 to 0.98. An increase of 30.80% was shown in the elasticity of the upper trapezius during cervical flexion of the painful side. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between elasticity of the upper trapezius and intensity of pain (rho=0.647, P <0.05). Conclusion Shear wave elastography is a feasible tool for assessing changes of elasticity in muscles, and the findings in this investigation might be a good reference of evaluating upper trapezius elastic alterations in chronic neck pain.
Utility of FDG PET/CT for Assessment of Lung Nodules Identified During Low Dose Computed Tomography Screening
Authors: Hadique Sarah , Jain Pranav , Hadi Yousaf , Baig Aneeqah , Parker John E 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Many clinical guidelines recommend FDG PET/CT for the evaluation of pulmonary nodules ≥ 8mm detected during low dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening. However, its added value in this setting requires confirmation. We evaluated the clinical utility of FDG PET/CT, including incidental findings, during the evaluation of lung nodules detected on LDCT screening. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed among 75 patients who completed FDG PET/CT between January 2010 and December 2017, after lung nodules > 8mm had been detected on LDCT lung cancer screening. We report demographic variables, characteristics of the initial nodules on LDCT and FDG PET/CT, incidental findings on FDG PET/CT, as well as further work up performed and the influence of FDG PET/CT findings on management. Results: Nodules were reported to be benign on FDG PET/CT in 38/75 (50.6%) patients. Physicians chose either radiological follow-up or no further work up in all 38. FDG PET/CT was indeterminate or suggested malignancy in 37 (49.3%) patients. Biopsy was performed in 32 (86%) of these patients. Incidental findings on FDG PET/CT were reported in 37/75 (49%) patients. Further work-up of incidental findings was performed in 21/75 (28%) of patients. Conclusions: In this study, for majority of individuals with lung nodules identified during LDCT lung cancer screening, FDG PET/CT results were able to guide physicians in choosing between routine follow up or invasive biopsies. Conversely, 28% of these patients required additional investigations to address incidental findings.
The association of dietary patterns with endocannabinoids levels in overweight and obese women
Authors: Yagin Neda Lotfi , Aliasgharzadeh Soghra , Aliasghari Fereshteh , Mahdavi Reza , Hajarzadeh Samaneh 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Higher levels of AEA and 2-AG the main arachidonic acid-derived endocannabinoids are frequently reported in overweight and obese individuals. A dietary approach to reduce endocannabinoid levels may be a safer. The relation between endocannabinoids and dietary patterns is poorly understood. This study was evaluated the AEA and 2-AG levels across dietary patterns quintiles in overweight and obese women. Methods: In this cross sectional study 183 overweight and obese female (19–50 years old) were recruited. The participants were interviewed, the anadamide and 2-AG levels were measured and the dietary patterns were assessed using a validated semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire. To extract the dietary patterns factor analysis was applied. The association between AEA and 2-AG levels and dietary patterns was analyzed by linear regression. Results: Three major dietary patterns including “western”, “healthy” and “traditional” were extracted. After adjusting for BMI, waist circumference and fat mass higher levels of AEA and 2-AG were observed in those who were in the highest quintile of the western pattern (P for trend <0.05). Also, in both unadjusted and adjusted model, significantly lower AEA and 2-AG levels were detected in women in the highest quintile of the healthy pattern (P for trend <0.01). Also, the association between AEA and 2- AG levels and traditional pattern became significant after controlling for confounders (P for trend <0.01). Conclusion: Regarding the lower levels of endocannabinoids in healthy dietary pattern, modification of the endocannabinoids tones by changes in diet can be a promising approach in prevention and treatment of obesity.
Development, characterization, and cross-amplification of polymorphic microsatellite markers for North American Trachymyrmex and Mycetomoellerius ants
Authors: Matthews Alix E. , Rowan Chase , Stone Colby , Kellner Katrin , Seal Jon N. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objective The objective of this study is to develop and identify polymorphic microsatellite markers for fungus-gardening (attine) ants in the genus Trachymyrmex sensu lato . These ants are important ecosystem engineers and have been a model group for understanding complex symbiotic systems, but very little is understood about the intraspecific genetic patterns across most North American attine species. These microsatellite markers will help to better study intraspecific population genetic structure, gene flow, mating habits, and phylogeographic patterns in these species and potentially other congeners. Results Using next-generation sequencing techniques, we identified 17 and 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci from T. septentrionalis and Mycetomoellerius (formerly Trachymyrmex ) turrifex , respectively, and assessed the genetic diversity of each locus. We also analyzed the cross-amplification success of the T. septentrionalis markers in two other closely related Trachymyrmex species, and identified 10 and 12 polymorphic markers for T. arizonensis and T. pomonae , respectively.
Highly-selective μ-opioid receptor antagonism does not block L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in a rodent model
Authors: Bartlett Mitchell J. , So Lisa Y. , Szabò Lajos , Skinner David P. , Parent Kate L. , Heien Michael L. , Vanderah Todd W. , Polt Robin , Sherman Scott J. , Falk Torsten 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objectives Dopamine-replacement utilizing L-DOPA is still the mainstay treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD), but often leads to development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID), which can be as debilitating as the motor deficits. There is currently no satisfactory pharmacological adjunct therapy. The endogenous opioid peptides enkephalin and dynorphin are important co-transmitters in the direct and indirect striatofugal pathways and have been implicated in genesis and expression of LID. Opioid receptor antagonists and agonists with different selectivity profiles have been investigated for anti-dyskinetic potential in preclinical models. In this study we investigated effects of the highly-selective μ-opioid receptor antagonist CTAP (>1,200-fold selectivity for μ- over δ-opioid receptors) and a novel glycopeptide congener (gCTAP5) that was glycosylated to increase stability, in the standard rat LID model. Results Intraperitoneal administration (i.p.) as low as 0.5 mg/kg CTAP and 0.1 mg/kg gCTAP5 blocked morphine’s antinociceptive effect (10 mg/kg; i.p.) in the warm water tail-flick test, showing in vivo activity in rats after systemic injection. Neither treatment with CTAP (10 mg/kg; i.p.), nor gCTAP5 (5 mg/kg; i.p.) had any effect on L-DOPA-induced limb, axial, orolingual, or locomotor abnormal involuntary movements. The data indicate that highly-selective μ-opioid receptor antagonism alone might not be sufficient to be anti-dyskinetic.
Heart Rhythm Complexity as Predictors for the Prognosis of End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Liu Hongyun , Zhan Ping , Shi Jinlong , Hu Minlu , Wang Guojing , Wang Weidong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objective Heart rhythm complexity, a measure of heart rate dynamics and a risk predictor in various clinical diseases, has not been systematically studied in patients with end-stage renal disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the heart rhythm complexity and its prognostic value for mortality in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis.Methods To assess heart rhythm complexity and conventional heart rate variability measures, 4-hour continuous electrocardiography for a retrospective cohort of 202 ostensibly healthy control subjects and 51 hemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease were analyzed. Heart rhythm complexity was quantified by the complexity index from the measurement of the multiscale entropy profile.Results During a median follow-up of 13 months, 8 people died in the patient group. Values of either traditional heart rate variability measurements or complexity indices were found significantly lower in patients than those in healthy controls. In addition, the complexity indices (Area 1-5, Area 6-15 and Area 6-20) in the mortality group were significantly lower than those in the survival group, while there were no significant differences in traditional heart rate variability parameters between the two groups. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, Area 6-20 (AUC = 0.895, p<0.001) showed the strongest predictive power between mortality and survival groups.Conclusion The results suggest that heart rhythm complexity is impaired for patients with end-stage renal disease. Furthermore, the complexity index of heart rate variability quantified by multiscale entropy may be a powerful independent predictor of mortality in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Prevalence and factors predicting anemia in sudanese hemodialysis patients
Authors: Abdelkarim Omalhassan Amir , Abdelraheem Mohammed Babikir , Abubakar Usman , Ekheir Habab Khalid 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Anemia is a deleterious complication of end stage renal disease (ESRD). It is highly prevalent in sub-saharan Africa. The predictors of control of hemoglobin levels in ESRD patients in Sudan are unknown. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of anemia and factors affecting the control of hemoglobin levels in ESRD patients. A standardized data collection form was used for collecting patient information. A total of 1015 hemodialysis patients were recruited from twelve centers. Results: The 534 (52.6%) patients were included in the final analysis. Those were excluded, including, 194 (19.1%) patients were transferred to other centers before completion of the study, 165 (16.3%) died, 38 (3.7%) underwent renal transplantation and 84 (8.3%) were lost to follow-up. Among the patients who included in the final analysis, 307 (57.5%) were males and the mean age was 48.7±16.1 years. All the analyzed patients were anemic (hemoglobin level<12 g/dL), 67% had a hemoglobin level <10 g/dL. In multivariate analysis the variables which had statistically significant associations with hemoglobin levels equal or higher than 10 g/dL were insured patients [OR = 1.53, 95% CI (1.04–2.25)]; and two drug combinations: "Erythropioesis simulating agent (ESA), intravenous (IV) iron, oral iron, and vitamins" [OR = 1.87, (1.27–2.76)] and "ESA, oral iron and vitamins" [OR = 6.67, (2.98–14.94)]. While, a family history of ESRD [OR = 0.57, (0.35–0.94)] and duration of hypertension for "6-9 years" [OR = 0.47, (0.25–0.87)]; Female patients were identified as being more likely to have lower hemoglobin in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Conclusion: There was suboptimal treated anemia requiring attention in this population. Patients with a family history of ESRD and duration of hypertension for "6-9 years" were predicted to have lower hemoglobin levels. More concern should be paid to uninsured patients and anemia drugs, including the ESA and iron preparations. The results of this study increase our knowledge about the prevalence of anemia and the factors that contribute to control of hemoglobin levels in Sudan. Keywords: Prevalence, Anemia in ESRD, Hemodialysis, Erythropioesis Stimulating Agents, Hemoglobin Level, Health Insurance, Hypertension, Family History of ESRD, Sudan, Khartoum.
Prevalence and related factors of internet addiction among undergraduate university students, Northeastern Ethiopia. A community university-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Zenebe Yosef , Kunno Kunuya , Mekonnen Meseret , Bewuket Ajebush , Birkie Mengesha , Necho Mogesie , Seid Muhammed , Tsegaw Million , Akele Baye 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Globally, more than three billion persons using the Internet daily, with the common being youths and young persons. Internet addiction among university students in Ethiopia has not been studied. The current study aims to explore the magnitude and related factors of internet addiction among Wollo University students in Ethiopia.Objectives: The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and related factors of internet addiction among Wollo University students, Northeast, Ethiopia, 2019.Methods: A community university-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Wollo University students from April 10 to May 10, 2019, G.C. A total of six hundred three students were participated in the study using a pretested and self-administered structured questionnaire. The Young’s Internet Addiction Test instrument was used to assess the level of internet addiction. Results: Generally, the prevalence of internet addiction (IA) among the current internet users was 85 % (n=466) with 55.7 %( n=305) mild internet addiction, 27.9% (n=153) moderate internet addiction and 1.5% (n= 8) severe internet addiction. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, using the internet greater than five hours daily, having mental distress, playing online games, current khat chewing and current alcohol use were positively related to internet addiction. Using the internet for more than twelve months and using the internet by mobile internet were negatively related to internet addiction.Conclusions: The current study documents a high prevalence of internet addiction among Wollo University students. Factors independently associated with internet addiction were using the internet greater than five hours daily, having mental distress, playing online games, current khat chewing and current alcohol use.
Predictors of metabolic syndrome among people living with HIV in the Gedeo-Zone, Southern-Ethiopia: an unmatched case-control study
Authors: Bune Girma Tenkolu , Yalew Alemayehu Worku , Kumie Abera 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MS) among people living with HIV (PLHIVs) is a global public health issue. However, there is no primary data about predictors of MS in the SSA and Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine predictors of MS, among PLHIVs in the Gedeo-Zone,Southern-Ethiopia.MethodsUnmatched case-control study approach, among PLHIVs who served at randomly chosen two hospitals and health centers in the zone, in between (December 29th-2017 and January 22nd-2019) was done. WHO-steps tools were used to gather the data, finally handled with (Epidata-V-3.1 and SPSS-V-22) software’s. Lastly, using a multivariable conditional-LR-model, 4-models with AOR (95%CI) were computed to arrived at the final model, and then variables accepted as significant at (p-value < 0.05)level. ResultOverall, 633 PLHIVs (139 cases and 494 controls) were included in the analysis. The leading factors associated with MS were Age(>/=45years-old)(AOR=4.0,95%CI: 1.4-11.9), completed secondary school education (AOR=0.1,95% CI:0.01-0.5), un-employed(a home-maker AOR=0.1,95%CI:0.03-0.7 vs able to work AOR=0.1,95%CI:0.06-0.5)),Antiretroviral-therapy-exposed(AOR=0.1,95%CI:1.0-8.5),WHO-stage(>/=III)(AOR=4.4,95% CI:1.4-13.4), total physically activity (AOR=0.1,95% CI:0.04- 0.35), history of blood sugar measured (AOR=10.7,95%CI:3.3-34.6), elevated waist-circumference(AOR=6.9,95%CI:2.5-18.7),raised body mass index(AOR=5.4 95% CI: 1.6,18.4),fasting-glucose(AOR=29.3,95%CI:10.0-85.4),raisedtriglyceride(AOR=4.8,95%CI:2.0-11.3), and low high density lipoprotein(AOR=12.3 95% CI: 5.2,29.3). ConclusionThe finding implicated, the significance of planning intervention actions that targets the above factors in to account.
Multilevel model on longitudinal data analysis in determinants of cd4 cell count among antiretroviral therapy attendant of hiv infected adults follow up in gondar teaching referral hospital, Gonder, Ethiopia.
Authors: Kebede Kindu 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Human immunodeficiency virus attacked an immune cell and the CD4 cell which is responsible for the body’s immune to infectious agents. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is one of the major public health problems in Sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. The main objective of this study to identify the determinants of CD4 cell count among antiretroviral therapy attendants of infected adults follow up in Gonder teaching referral hospital, Gonder, Ethiopia implemented by SAS version 94. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 216 regular follow up patients whose age greater than 14 years from December 1, 2012, to December 30, 2017. A multilevel model was used to identify the factors of CD4 cell count of patients and it considered variability between and within patients. Results: The mean with a standard deviation of weight, and a hemoglobin level of patients were 55.48(10.21), and 18.25(33.028) respectively. This study concluded that the variation for CD4 cell count existed between patients was 63 % and the remaining 37 % of variation existing within patients. In this study, the random coeﬃcient time-varying covariate model was well fitted which shows weight and hemoglobin level were statistically significant predictors at a 5% level of significance for the log of CD4 cell count of patients. Conclusion: This study shows the hemoglobin level and weight of patients were statistically significant for the log of CD4 cell count of patients follow up in Gonder teaching referral hospital, Gonder, Ethiopia. Moreover, the result of the study shows that the log of CD4 count of patients increased when hemoglobin level and weight of patients increased. Hence, intervention should be given the ways to increase weight and hemoglobin levels of patients during follow up antiretroviral therapy.