bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diabetes impacts liver stiffness in chronic hepatitis C patients with and without virological cure: a longitudinal study
Authors: Pontual Daniela Malta , Nabuco Leticia Cancella , Luiz Ronir Raggio , Cardoso Ana Carolina , Perez Renata M. , Villela-Nogueira Cristiane Alves 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Transient elastography is controversial as a follow-up tool in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. The aim was to assess the variation of liver stiffness measures and its associated factors on a cohort of CHC individuals composed of naïve, sustained virological response (SVR) and non-responder patients (NR).Methods: This was a longitudinal study in CHC patients who were followed with clinical, laboratorial and serial elastography (Fibroscan®). The rate of progression of liver stiffness was calculated and the associated factors for progression were assessed by multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Four hundred and six patients were included: 29% naïve, 24% NR and 47% SVR who were followed for 44 (35-53) months. There was a significant decrease in liver stiffness among SVR patients [11.8 (9.2) kPa vs 8.8 (8.4) kPa (p<0.001)], a trend for liver stiffness increasing in NR group [6.6 (5.2) kPa vs 7.1 (4.5) kPa; p=0.069)] and no change of liver stiffness in naïve group [6.3 (3.0) vs 6.0 (3.8); p=0.22]. The related factors for liver stiffness progression were lack of SVR (p=0.002) and diabetes (p=0.05). In non-diabetic SVR group, a negative rate of progression (- 0.047 kPa/month) was found compared to the highest rate in diabetic non-responder patients (+ 0.044 kPa/month). Diabetics with SVR showed a rate of (+) 0.037 kPa/month while in non-diabetic non-responder patients the ratio was (+) 0.028 kPA/month.Conclusion: Despite SVR, liver stiffness in diabetic patients progresses, suggesting that a close follow-up of diabetic patients should remain even after SVR.
Molecular Detection, not Extended Culture Incubation, Contributes to Diagnosis of Fungal Infection
Authors: Zhu Alex , Qi Chao 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background. Despite of low sensitivity, fungal culture remains one of the key methods for diagnosing and treatment of fungal infections as it identifies etiology at genus and species level and offers susceptibility testing. The Manual of Clinical Microbiology recommends that fungal cultures screening for all pathogens should routinely be held for 4 weeks to maximize the recovery of slow growing species. Information on the optimal fungal culture time in the era of expansion of immunocompromised populations is lacking. The goal is to review our experience with fungal culture in order to determine the optimal culture incubation time; to review our experience of broad-range ITS PCR for diagnosis of culture negative fungal infections. Methods. Fungal culture and ITS PCR results from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017 were reviewed.Results. Ninety six percent of positive cultures (4058) were detected in the first seven days of incubation. During the second week of incubation, 2.8% of positives (111) were detected from day 8 to 10, and 1.7% (71) were detected from day 11 to 14. Only 0.1% of positive culture were detected in the third week of incubation, and no positive culture was detected in the fourth week of incubation. No Clinical significance of fungal isolates recovered after 14 days. Clinical significant pathogens were detected in 0.2% culture negative samples.Conclusion. Extending culture incubation beyond two weeks did not generate clinical relevant results. When culture failed to make laboratory diagnosis, ITS PCR produced clinical significant results.
Original Paper Relationships Between Indices of Arm Anthropometry, Bioimpedance, and Laboratory in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Wang Jenn-Yeu , Chen Shu- Chin , Hwang Betau 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Maintenance hemodialysis patients often experience protein- calorie malnutrition. Our aim is to evaluate the independent prediction accuracy of bioelectrical impedance analysis derived variables by the measurements of upper arm anthropometry and clinical laboratory indexes for evaluation of nutritional status of hemodialysis patients. Furthermore, the relationship between measurements of upper arm anthropometry and clinical laboratory indexes and cross –sectional evaluation of the prevalence of malnutrition with the use of the norms and thresholds were done. Methods In a cross- sectional survey of 32 stable hemodialysis patients (aged 28 to 82 years) in hemodialysis unit of Taipei Municipal Zhongxiao Hospital, we evaluated measurements of upper arm anthropometry with measurements of single frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis and clinical laboratory indexes. Results The comparisons between measurements of upper arm anthropometry with measurements of single frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis and some of clinical laboratory indexes were statistically significant. This study further found that both mid-arm fat area and triceps skin-fold thickness were independent contributors to percent fat mass after adjustment for body mass index and gender in the multiple regression models. This study also demonstrated that mid-arm muscle circumference, or mid-arm muscle area, or corrected mid-arm muscle area independently predicted height normalized indices of fat-free mass respectively after adjustment for body mass index and gender in the multiple regression models. The prevalence of protein wasting measured by mid-arm muscle circumference (50%) appears to be equivalent to that measured by serum albumin concentration (50%). Conclusions Mid-arm muscle and fat variables by upper arm anthropometry correlated with nutritional variables of single frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis and clinical laboratory indexes. Mid-arm muscle and fat variables by upper arm anthropometry were independent predictors of body composition regarding height-normalized indices of fat-free mass and percent fat mass of hemodialysis patients even after adjustment of gender and BMI.
Definition, classification and morphometry of entrance of the bicipital groove and its associations with lesions of adjacent structures
Authors: Yuan Shiguo , Zou Yucong , Zheng Kai , Huang Xuecheng , Zhang Zhiwei , Gao Yanping , Li Yikai , Bai Xiaochun 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

The definition of the entrance of the bicipital groove (EBG) is still unclear, and the relationships between the EBG and lesions of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon (LBT) and biceps pulley complex (BPC) have long been controversial. The purpose of this anatomic and imaging study was to define the EBG and to examine morphological parameters, classifications, and their relationships with lesions of the LBT and BPC.
Methods

One hundred thirteen unpaired intact dry humeri, 34 cadaveric shoulder specimens and 278 shoulder images were collected, measured, and classified based on morphological characteristics. Soft tissue and bony landmarks of the EBG were classified into different types. The relationships between the types and lesions of the LBT and BPC were analyzed through an anatomic and imaging study.
Results

Type II, type A and type i of the EBG and type b of the adjacent articular surface accounted for most of the dry humeri, cadavers, and images. Based on the EBG classification in the superoinferior image view, all of the subluxations and dislocations were classified as type B (61/120, 50.83%; χ2 = 16.55, P < 0.001), and most LBT and BPC lesions were type B (65/117, 55.56%; χ2 = 26.05, P < 0.001). LBTs were injured in (χ2=, P < 0.001) 83.56% of type B, 100% of type C, and 95.83% of type iii EBGs (χ2 = 135.69, 31.89, all P < 0.001). Similarly, BPCs were injured in 89.04% of type B and 93.10% of type C EBGs (χ2 = 153.14, P < 0.001), while BPCs were injured in 95.8% of type iii EBGs (χ2 = 33.79, P < 0.001).
Conclusions

The EBG is an anatomical concept worthy of clinical attention. Anatomical variations in the EBG correlated with lesions of the LBT and BPC. LBT and BPC lesions correlated with type B and C EBGs by imaging analysis.
Combining Targeted IASTM Applications and Neuromuscular Exercises can Correct forward Head Posture and Improve Functionality of Patients with Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Control Study
Authors: Mylonas Konstantinos , Angelopoulos Pavlos , Billis Evdokia , Tsepis Elias , Fousekis Konstantinos 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Backround: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of the combined application of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) techniques, and neuromuscular exercises of the cervical and thoracic area on the improvement of the functionality of patients with mechanical neck pain and accompanying forward head posture (FHP).Methods: Twenty patients with neck pain and FHP were randomized and received eight treatment sessions of either targeted IASTM in combination with neuromuscular exercises (Group A), or classical massage and the same set of exercises (Group B). The cervical vertebral angle, cervical range of motion (ROM) and strength, and pain and disability were measured throughout the treatment period and in the two and four week post-treatment period.Results: The combined application of IASTM and neuromuscular exercise (Group A) contributed to a significant improvement in FHP and disability. Both interventions improved cervical ROM and strength in the short term. Pain was also improved for both groups in both short and long term.Conclusions: Combining IASTM and exercises for the cervical and thoracic area can induce positive postural adaptations and improve the neck pain patient's functional status.Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN54231174. Registered 19 March 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN54231174
Insert Nails When Flexing the Knee in the Femoral Fracture External Fixation: A Technical Report
Authors: Wang Jinkui , Wang ZhongLiang , Qin JiaQiang , Nan Guoxin , Su Yuxi , He Bo , Cai Wenquan , Chen Kai , Gu Kai , Niang Xun , Yan Ge 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The application of external femoral fixation techniques often causes complications of knee flexion dysfunction. We report on technical modifications in the complications of external femoral fixation leading to knee flexion disorders.Methods: We flexed the knee joint 90 degrees during the operation, and then placed the external fixation nail. A retrospective review was performed for all patients undergoing repair by this technique. Results: A total of 52 children with femoral shaft fractures were included, the flexion of the knee joint measured at the time of discharge was 80 degrees (70-90 degrees) on average; when the external fixation is removed, the knee flexion can reach an average of 95 degrees (90-115 degrees), no children have stiff knees.Conclusion: This technique is simple and easy to implement, and it is worthy of popularization and application in clinical practice.
Association Between Specific Indoor Air Pollutants and Pneumonia Episodes in Children Under Five in Abuja, Nigeria: A Case-control Study
Authors: Adaji Enemona Emmanuel , Clifford Michael , Gibson Jack , Breton Magdalena Opazo , Phalkey Revati 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Pneumonia causes most death in children under five globally. Indoor air pollution has been reported to increase the risk of children to pneumonia. ObjectiveTo investigate the association between specific indoor air pollutants and pneumonia episodes in children under five.MethodsUsing a case-control study design, we compared exposure of cases and controls to specific pollutants (PM2.5, CO, BC and PM1), using battery operated aerosol monitors. Data was analysed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test.ResultsThe mean PM2.5 was higher in controls compared to cases. PM2.5 highest mean recorded for controls was 177 µg/m3. There was a significant difference between cases and controls for 10 hours (p-value 0.0147), 15 hours (p-value 0.0111) and 20-24 hours (p-value 0.0296) for PM2.5. No significant difference in CO concentration between cases and controls, the highest CO mean concentration recorded being 2930 µg/m3. Similarly, PM1 was consistently higher in controls compared to cases. However, this difference was not significant from exposure to PM1 between cases and controls (P-value>0.05), with the highest PM1 mean concentration recorded being 91 µg/m3. There was a significant difference (p-value 0.0260) in exposure to Black Carbon between cases and controls. BC was higher in households of cases compared to controls, with the mean average of BC for cases 4350 µg/m3 and controls 4126 µg/m3. In this study, BC is positively associated with a pneumonia episode. We also report the importance of unmodifiable and behaviourally modifiable factors on pneumonia episode in children.Discussion: In conclusion, we show that children present during cooking, number of available windows and MUAC increased the likelihood of a pneumonia episode. We recommend household level behaviour changes and targeted IMCI including early effective detection and treatment of childhood pneumonia particularly in high pollution areas in Nigeria.
Estimating and forecasting the spread of COVID-19 in South Korea: A Bayesian SIHR-based dynamic model with non-pharmaceutical interventions
Authors: Choi Hyunho , Kang Dayun , Lee Unkyoung , Kim Jong-Hun , Choi Sungwha , Choi Jungsoon 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: As of May 22, 2020, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is over 5 million worldwide and more than 300 thousand people have lost their lives to the virus. South Korea also experienced a sharp increase in late February, but owing to non-pharmaceutical interventions, the number of confirmed cases has been decreasing since March. In this study, we aimed to investigate the transmission dynamics with these effects as well as forecast the spread of COVID-19 in South Korea, using a flexible statistical model.Methods: We analyzed the COVID-19 data obtained at the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from Feb 18 to April 30. Using a Bayesian susceptible-infectious-hospitalized-removed (SIHR) dynamic model, we estimated the dynamic transmission rate considering the non-pharmaceutical intervention effects and forecast the confirmed cases.Results: The estimated transmission rate without any control effects was 0.4605 with 95% credible interval (0.4468, 0.4745). During the days with effects between February 26 and March 6, the daily transmission rate decreased by about 89.48% of that of the previous day. With consistent control effects, it remained at 0.1549 with 95% credible interval (0.1497, 0.1602). Based on the estimated transmission rate, the forecast number of COVID-19 infections in South Korea showed an overall decreasing pattern.Conclusions: We considered and estimated the dynamic effects of the non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 using a Bayesian SIHR-based model. This study shows that non-pharmaceutical interventions including active testing, quarantine and isolation, personal preventive measures, and social distancing are crucial to curb the transmission. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of non-pharmaceutical interventions in COVID-19.
The Development and Validation of a Prognostic Nomogram and Nomogram Application Software Among Men Treated with Abiraterone Acetate and/or Enzalutamide for Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kawahara Takashi , Saigusa Yusuke , Yoneyama Shuko , Kato Masashi , Kojima Ippei , Yamada Hiroshi , Kamihira Osamu , Tabata Kenichi , Tsumura Hideyasu , Iwamura Masatsugu , Yao Masahiro , Uemura Hiroji , Miyoshi Yasuhide 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background:With widespread medication choices for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is now available, on the other hand biomarker to predict the efficacy of each mCRPC treatment has not been established.Objective:This study developed prognostic nomogram to predict prognosis in CRPC patients who received abiraterone acetate (ABI) and/or enzalutamide (ENZ).Design, Setting, and Participants:A total of 568 mCRPC patients received ABI and/or ENZ from 2012 to 2017 were enrolled in this study. We developed prognostic nomogram based on the risk factors by Cox proportional hazards regression model.Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis:The nomogram was also assessed for discriminatory ability with the concordance index (C-index). We repeated 5-fold cross-validation 2000 times to estimate the C-index and reported the means of the estimated C-index for the training and validation sets. And we also developed nomogram application software (app) based on this nomogram.Results and Limitations:The median overall survival (OS) was 24.7 months. A multivariable analysis showed that the time to CRPC, pre-chemotherapy, baseline PSA, baseline ALP, and baseline LDH were independent risk factors for the OS (HR: 0.521, 1.681, 1.439, 1.827, 12,123, p:0.001, 0.001, <0.001, 0.019, <0.001)). C-index was 0.72 in training cohort and 0.71 in validation cohort.Conclusion:We developed nomograms to predict the OS for Japanese mCRPC patients who received ABI and/or ENZ. The advent of mCRPC prognosis prediction app will facilitate greater accessibility for clinical use.Patient SummaryThis study developed and validated a nomogram for predicting the prognosis of mCRPC patients who receive ABI/ENZ treatment using clinical information. This study also developed mobile app to facilitate clinical usage.
Operando Unraveling Photothermal-Promoted Dynamic Active Sites Generation in Spinel NiFe2O4 for Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Gao Likun , Cui Xun , Wang Zewei , Sewell Christopher , Li Zili , Liang Shuang , Zhang Mingyue , Li Jian , Hu Yingjie , Lin Zhiqun 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The ability to develop highly active and low-cost electrocatalysts represents an important endeavor toward accelerating sluggish water-oxidation kinetics. Herein, we report, for the first time, the implementation and unravelling of photothermal effect of spinel nanoparticles (NPs) on promoting dynamic active sites generation to markedly enhance their oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity via an integrated operando Raman and density functional theory (DFT) study. Specifically, NiFe2O4 (NFO) NPs are first synthesized by capitalizing on amphiphilic star-like diblock copolymers as nanoreactors. Upon the NIR light irradiation, the photothermal heating of the NFO-based electrode progressively raises the temperature, accompanied by a marked decrease of overpotential. Accordingly, only an overpotential of 309 mV is required to yield a high current density of 100 mA cm-2, greatly lower than recently-reported earth-abundant electrocatalysts. More importantly, photothermal effect of NFO NPs not only significantly reduces the activation energy necessitated for water splitting, but also facilitates surface reconstruction into high-active oxyhydroxides at lower potential (1.36 V) under OER conditions, as revealed by operando Raman spectra-electrochemistry. Moreover, the DFT calculation corroborates that these reconstructed (Ni,Fe)oxyhydroxides are electrocatalytically active sites as the kinetics barrier is largely reduced over pure NFO without surface reconstruction. Given the diversity of materials (metal oxides, sulfides, phosphides, etc.) possessing the photo-to-thermal conversion, this effect may thus provide a unique and robust platform to boost highly-active surface species in nanomaterials for fundamental understanding of enhanced performance that may underpin future advances in electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, solar energy conversion and renewable energy production.
Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae from Clinical Bacterial Isolates: A Multicenter Retrospective Chart Review Study in western of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Taha Rbab , Alamri Abdulfattah W , Mufti Areej H , thaqafi Abdulhakim Al , Fatani Asif Jiman Fatani , El-Hossary Dalia , Ossenkopp John , AlhajHussein Baraa , Kaaki Mai M , Jawi Noha , Hassanien Ashraf , Alsaedi Asim 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
A Patient Satisfaction Survey Investigating Pre- and Post-Operative Information Provision in Lower Limb Surgery
Authors: Renna Maxwell Stanley , Metcalfe Andrew , Ellard David , Davies David 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPlanned lower limb surgery is common, with over 90,000 hip replacements, 95,000 knee replacements and 15,000 anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions performed in the UK each year. Patient satisfaction an important element of healthcare provision that is usually measured by functional outcomes but influenced by many other factors. Few studies have assessed patients’ views on the information given to them pertaining surgery and patients are infrequently consulted when designing leaflets and information packs which can lead to confusion during the recovery period and poor long-term outcomes. We aimed to assess if patients were satisfied with the information they received around their operations and identify potential improvements.MethodsSet in a major trauma centre in the West Midlands, a multiple choice and free-text answer survey was administered to patients who used the orthopaedic service over the course of one month. Surveys were designed in Qualtrics and administered face-to-face on paper. Thematic content analysis was performed. ResultsEighty patients completed the survey, of which 88.8% of patients were satisfied with the information they received. Discussions with surgeons were the most useful resource and 53% of patients requested more internet resources. Post-operative patients were statistically more likely to be dissatisfied with information provision. Over 20% of patients requested more information on post-op pain and recovery timelines. ConclusionsAlthough patients were satisfied in general, areas for change were identified. Suggested improvements take the form of webpages, a mobile platform or forum for asking healthcare professionals questions. Extra resources could contain educational videos, patient experiences and an interactive recovery timeline. These suggestions may enable NHS Trusts to “get into the digital age”, however, more research on patient satisfaction around information provision and the impact it has on recovery and decision making is needed.