bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of dialysis centres: Values and criteria of the stakeholders
Authors: Parra Eduardo , Arenas María Dolores , Luis María José Fernandez-Reyes , Forcén Angel Blasco , Alvarez-Ude Fernando , Joven Juan Aguarón , Casas Alfredo Altuzarra , Moreno-Jiménez José María 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Bacground Evaluation of renal replacement therapy with haemodialysis is essential for its improvement. However, the methods used have important epistemological limitations. The present study aimed to determine the opinions and preferences of stakeholders (patients, clinicians, and managers) and establish their relative importance to facilitating an adequate evaluation. Methods Successive working groups (WGs) were established using a multicriteria methodology. WG1 created a draft of criteria and sub-criteria, WG2 agreed, and WG3 was composed of three face-to-face subgroups (WG3-A, WG3-B, and WG3-C) that weighted them using two methodologies: weighting sum (WS) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Subsequently, they determined a preference for the WS or AHP results. Finally, via the Internet, WG4 weighted the criteria and sub-criteria by the method preferred by WG3, and WG5 analysed the results. Results WG1 and WG2 identified and agreed on the following evaluation criteria: evidence-based variables (EBVs), annual morbidity, annual mortality, PROMs, and PREMs. The EBVs consisted of five sub-criteria: type of vascular access, dialysis dose, haemoglobin concentration, ratio of catheter bacteraemia, and bone mineral disease. The patients rated the PROMs with greater weight than the other stakeholders in both face-to-face WG3 (WS and AHP) and WG4 via the Internet. The type of vascular access was the most valued sub-criterion. A performance matrix of each criterion and sub-criterion is presented as a reference for assessing the results based on the preferences of the stakeholders. Conclusions The use of a multicriteria methodology allows the relative importance of the indicators to be determined, reflecting the values of the different stakeholders. In a performance matrix, the inclusion of values and intangible aspects in the evaluation could help in making clinical and organizational decisions.
Toric Intraocular Lens Implantation in Cataract Patients with Corneal Opacity.
Authors: Ra Ho , Hwang Ho Sik , Kim Hyun Seung , Kim Man Soo , Kim Eun Chul 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the effect of toric intraocular lens implantation in cataract patient with corneal opacity and high astigmatism. Methods: 31 eyes of 31 patients who underwent cataract surgery with toric intraocular lens implantation were included. All patients had corneal opacity with astigmatism. Preoperative total corneal astigmatism was determined considering posterior astigmatism using a rotating Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam®: Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany). At 2 months after toric intraocular lens implantation, we evaluated residual astigmatism, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results: Postoperative UCVA and BCVA (0.30 ± 0.17, 0.22 ± 0.16LogMAR) statistically improved compared to preoperative UCVA and BCVA (1.2 ± 0.34, 1.1 ± 0.30LogMAR, respectively) (P<0.01). Postoperative residual refractive astigmatism (1.2 ± 0.35D) was statistically reduced compared to preoperative refractive astigmatism (2.4 ± 0.65D) (P<0.05). Preoperative and postoperative total corneal astigmatism values were not statistically different. All eyes achieved postoperative visual acuity as good as or better than preoperative one. The size of corneal opacity covering pupil had significant negative correlation with postoperative UCVA and BCVA (logMAR) (R=0.91 P<0.05 and R=0.92 P<0.05, respectively). Conclusion: Toric intraocular lens implantation can improve UCVA, BCVA, and refractive astigmatism in cataract patient with corneal opacity. The size of corneal opacity covering pupil is the major prognostic factor for postoperative visual improvement. Therefore, toric intraocular lens implantation should be considered for cataract patients who have corneal opacity with high astigmatism.
Heart rate and heart rate variability comparison between postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome versus healthy participants; a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Authors: Swai Joel Dominic , Hu Zixuan , Zhao Xiexiong , Rugambwa Tibera , Ming Gui 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: A number of published literature has reported that, physiologically, heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) to be greatly confounded by age, sex, race, physical fitness, and circadian rhythm. The purpose of this study was to compare between POTS patients versus healthy participants, in terms of heart rate (HR) and HRV after Head-Up tilt test (HUTT), by systematic review and meta-analysis of available published literature. Methods: MEDLINE (using PubMed interphase), EMBASE and SCOPUS were systematically searched for observational studies comparing POTS patients versus healthy patients, in terms of HR and HRV. HRV was grouped into Time and frequency domain outcome measurements. The time domain was measured as mean RR- interval and mean the square root of the mean of squares of successive R-R waves (rMSSD) in milliseconds. The frequency domain was measured as mean values of Low frequency power (LF), High frequency power (HF), LF/HF-ratio, LF-normalized units (LF(n.u)) and HF-normalized units (HF(n.u)). Demographic data, comorbidities, and mean values of HR, RR- interval, rMSSD, LF, HF, LF/HF-ratio, LF-(n.u) and H.F-n.u were extracted from each group and compared, by their mean differences as an overall outcome measure. Computer software, RevMan 5.3 was utilized, at a 95% significance level. Results: Twenty (20) eligible studies were found to report 717 POTS and 641 healthy participants. POTS group had a higher mean HR (p<0.05), lower mean RR-Interval (p<0.05), lower rMSSD (p<0.05) than healthy participants. Furthermore, POTS group had lower mean HF(p>0.05), lower mean LF(p>0.05), and lower mean HF(n.u) (p>0.05), higher LF/HF-Ratio (p>0.05) and higher LF(n.u) (p>0.05) as compared to healthy participants. Conclusion: POTS patients have a higher HR than healthy patients after HUTT and lower HRV in terms of time domain measure but not in terms of frequency domain measure. HR and time domain analyses of HRV are more reliable than frequency domain analysis in differentiating POTS patients from the healthy participants. We call upon sensitivity and specificity studies.
Increasing pelvic incidence is associated with more global sagittal imbalance in ankylosing spondylitis with thoracolumbar kyphosis
Authors: Song Diyu , Zheng Guoquan , Wang Tianhao , Qi Dengbin , Wang Yan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients with kyphosis have an abnormal spinopelvic alignment and pelvic morphology. Most studies focus on the relationship of pelvic tilt (PT) or sacral slope (SS) and deformity, and relatively few studies have addressed the relationship between pelvic incidence (PI) and kyphosis in AS patients. The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between pelvic incidence (PI) and the spinopelvic parameters describing local deformity or global sagittal balance in AS patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis. Methods: A total of 94 patients with AS (91 males and 3 females) and 30 controls were reviewed. Sagittal spinopelvic parameters, including PI, PT, SS, thoracic kyphosis (TK), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), lumbar lordosis(LL), sagittal vertical axis(SVA), the first thoracic vertebra pelvic angle(TPA), spinosacral angle(SSA) and spinopelvic angle(SPA) were measured. Pearson correlation (r) and unary linear regression model were used to analysis the relationship between PI and other spinopelvic parameters. Results: Compared with the control group, the AS patients had significantly higher PI(47.4˚ vs. 43.2˚, P<0.001). PI in AS patients was found to be significantly positively correlated with TPA(r=0.533, R2=0.284, P<0.001), and negatively correlated with SPA(r=-0.504, R2=0.254, P<0.001). However, no correlations were found between PI and SVA, SSA, TK, TLK or LL in AS patients. Conclusion: This study revealed that increasing PI was significantly correlated with more global sagittal imbalance, not with the local deformity in AS patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis. Key Words: ankylosing spondylitis, pelvic incidence, sagittal spinopelvic parameters, global sagittal balance
Prognostic value and clinicopathological characteristics of PD-L1 overexpression in non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Liu Zhigang , Liu Ting 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has already been detected in various carcinomas. In non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), however, the prognostic value of PD-L1 overexpression remains unclear.Methods: A meta-analysis of 2,321 NHL patients from 12 studies was performed. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the correlation between PD-L1 overexpression and prognosis of NHL, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were used to assess the association of PD-L1 overexpression with clinicopathological factors.Results: The results showed that no significant difference between PD-L1 positive and negative groups was detected in NHL (HR: 1.40, 95% CI: 0.90–2.19; P = 0.137). Nevertheless, the results indicated that PD-L1 overexpression was associated with poor prognosis in the subtype of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (HR: 1.70, 95%CI: 1.05–2.74; P = 0.031). We also performed subgroup analyses and meta-regression. The pooled OR showed that PD-L1 overexpression was associated with B symptoms, higher international prognostic index (IPI) score (3, 4, and 5 points) and Ann Arbor Stages III and IV.
Conclusions: The meta-analysis demonstrated that PD-L1 expression was not associated with prognosis of NHL but was associated with prognosis of DLBCL.
Children with Autism spectrum disorder are associated with gut microbiota disorder
Authors: Sun Hairong , You Zhong , Jia Libo , Wang Fang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and clinical characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) associated to the stable state of the gut microbiota. Methods A total of 9 children with ASD and 6 healthy children used as control were selected and feces samples were collected from all of them. The 16S gene ribosomal RNA sequencing was used to analyze the difference in gut microbiota between healthy control children and ASD patients. Results The results of 16S sequencing based on operational taxonomic units (OTUs) analysis showed that the ASD group and the healthy control (HC) group had a large difference in the abundance of microbiota at the level of family, genus and species. The abundance of Bacteroidales and Selenomonadales was significantly lower in the ASD group than in the HC group (p=0.0110 and p=0.0076, respectively). The abundance of Ruminococcaceae in the ASD group was higher than that in the HC group (p=0.0265), while the amount of Prevotellaceae was significantly lower in the ASD group than in the HC group (p=0.0265). The Tax4Fun analysis based on Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) data indicated differentially expressed functional pathway between the ASD group and healthy control group associated to the nervous system, environmental information processing and cellular processing. Conclusions The abundance of gut microbiota in the ASD group is different from that in the healthy control children. These differences affect the biological function of the host. These results suggest that a disorder in the gut microbiota may be associated, at least in part, with ASD in children.
Rising serum CA-125 levels within the normal range is strongly associated recurrence risk and survival of ovarian cancer
Authors: Piatek Szymon , Panek Grzegorz , Lewandowski Zbigniew , Bidzinski Mariusz , Piatek Dominika , Kosinski Przemyslaw , Wielgos Miroslaw 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: In clinical practice alterations in CA125 concentration within normal range in patients with ovarian cancer after first-line treatment are common. Even minor increase in CA125 concentration is associated with patients’ anxiety and difficult interpretation and counselling for clinicians. The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of CA125 fluctuations within reference level in patients who suffered from ovarian cancer with complete response after first-line treatment.Results: 168 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, who achieved complete remission after first line treatment were enrolled in the study. CA125 concentration assessment was carried out during follow up visits. The recurrence of the disease was diagnosed on the first appearance of symptoms: clinical, radiological or histopathological/cytological. PFS and 5-year survival rate was calculated with Kaplan-Meier plots. Statistical analysis was performed with SAS / STAT® 9.4 / 14.4, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA, 2017. Median concentration of CA125 after first-line therapy was 10 U/ml. Increasing CA125 concentration by > 5U/ml, 3 and 6 months after the treatment was associated with higher risk of relapse (HR=7.6, p<0.0001 and HR=5.29, p<0.0001 respectively). 5-year survival rate was significantly lower in patients with increased CA125 by 5 U/ml, 3 and 6 months after therapy (56.79% vs 0% and 50.62% vs 15.55%).Conclusions: Increased concentration of CA125 by > 5 U/ml within normal range, 3 and 6 months after treatment was unfavorable prognostic factor in ovarian cancer patients with complete response to primary therapy.
Incidence, risk factors and outcomes of postoperative acute kidney injury in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery
Authors: Shen Jianghua , Zhao Simiao , Ma Denglei , Chen Minghui , Yan Suying 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Objectives To investigate the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of acute kidney injury (AKI) in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Methods A retrospective study exploring the incidence of AKI in patients older than 75 years within 48 hours after abdominal surgery was conducted. Patients' preoperative characteristics, intraoperative management including medication and outcomes were evaluated for associations with AKI using a logistic regression model.Results During the 2.5-year period, a total of 409 abdominal surgeries were performed. Both pre- and post-operative SCr measurements were available for 329 (80.4%) cases. 26 patients (7.9%) developed AKI, of whom 25 (7.6%) and 1 (0.3%) reached the AKI stages 1 and 2 respectively. Older age (83.0 vs 80.4 years; p=0.002), preoperative liver function damage represented by AST (47.5 vs 21.0 IU/L; p=0.023), intraoperative combined administration of hydroxyethyl starch(HES) and furosemide (15.38% vs 1.65%; p=0.003) were independent risk factors for the development of postoperative AKI. Furthermore, AKI patients had significantly longer ICU stay (3 vs 0 days; p<0.001) and higher in-hospital mortality (23.08% vs 2.31%; p<0.001)Conclusion Intraoperative combined administration of HES and furosemide is an independent factor which can be controlled by anesthesiologists and surgeons for AKI. This provides important recommendations for reducing the incidence of postoperative AKI.
Arg72Pro polymorphism in P53 gene and Breast Cancer Risk Population: a meta-analysis of case-control studies matched
Authors: Diakite Brehima , Kassogue Yaya , Dolo Guimogo , Wang Jun , Neuschler Erin , Kassogue Oumar , Keita Mamadou , Traore Cheick Bougari , Kamate Bakarou , Dembele Etienne , Sellama Nadifi , Murphy Robert , Doumbia Seydou , Hou Lifang , Maiga Mamoudou 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The effect of the Arg72Pro variant of the P53 gene on the risk of developing breast cancer remains variable in populations. However, using strategies like grouping age-matched controls with disease cases may provide a strong meta-analysis. Our goal was to perform a meta-analysis in order to study the association of Arg72Pro variant of P53 gene and breast cancer.
Methods: Databases such as PubMed, Genetics Medical Literature, Harvard University Library, Web of Science and Genesis Library were used to search articles. Age-matched control studies on breast cancer that evaluated the genotype frequencies of the Arg72Pro P53 gene were selected. Fixed and random effects (Mantel-Haenszel) were calculated using pooled odds ratio of 95% CI to determine the disease risk. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test was used to measure deviation in the distribution of genotypes in controls. Inconsistency was calculated to determine heterogeneity among the studies. Estimated publication bias was performed through the funnel plot and Egger’s test.
Results: Nine publications with controls age-matched cases including 4684 disease cases and 4636 controls were evaluated in this meta-analysis, all were in the Caucasian population. Our results suggested that Arg72Pro P53 was associated with a risk for breast cancer in the dominant model (Pro/Pro+Arg/Pro vs. Arg/Arg: OR= 1.16, 95% CI = 1.04-1.31) and the additive model (Pro vs. Arg: OR= 1.13, 95% CI = 1.03-1.24, P= 0.007), but not in the recessive model (Pro/Pro vs. Arg/Arg + Arg/Pro, OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 0.96-1.44; P= 0.12).
Conclusions: This meta-analysis found significant association between the Arg72Pro polymorphism in the P53 gene and the breast cancer risk. Individuals carrying at least one Pro allele of the P53 gene are more likely to have breast cancer with dominant and additive models than individuals carrying the Arg allele.
Sex-on-Premise Venues, Associated Risk Behaviors, and Attitudes toward Venue-Based HIV Testing among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Lima, Perú
Authors: Lankowski Alexander , Sánchez Hugo , Hidalgo José , Cabello Robinson , Duerr Ann 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: In Perú, HIV disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM). Despite widespread access to treatment, the rate of new HIV infections has not slowed over the last decade. Low knowledge of HIV status is a key factor underlying the high HIV incidence observed in this setting – creating conditions for efficient onward transmission in the population. Improving access to HIV testing and prevention services for those at highest risk is an important public health priority. Sex-on-premise venues (SOPVs) – saunas, sex clubs, pornographic movie theaters, hourly hotels, and bars/discos with areas where sex is permitted – may be opportune sites for outreach; however, further research on SOPVs and the populations who frequent them is needed to inform such efforts. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of adult MSM in Lima, Perú to evaluate patterns of SOPV attendance, associated sexual risk behaviors, and attitudes toward SOPV-based interventions. Participants were recruited through outreach to social media networks affiliated with local LGBTQ-aligned community groups. Our primary analytic objective was to estimate the association of HIV-related sexual risk behaviors and SOPV attendance. Additionally, we performed exploratory analyses to describe risk behavior stratified by SOPV category and to examine the relationship between SOPV attendance and the use of online platforms to meet sex partners.Results: Overall, 389 MSM completed the survey from November 2018 through May 2019, of whom 68% reported attending an SOPV in the last three months. SOPV attendance was associated with multiple sexual risk behaviors, including transactional sex, group sex, sex while intoxicated, and higher number of total partners. Over two thirds of SOPV attendees indicated they would accept HIV testing if offered at SOPVs. Conclusions: SOPV attendance was common among MSM in Lima who participated in our survey, and SOPV attendees reported significantly greater engagement in sexual risk behaviors related to HIV transmission. Attitudes toward hypothetical SOPV-based interventions were generally favorable. These findings suggest that outreach at SOPVs may be an effective mechanism for reaching a particularly high-risk sub-population of MSM in Perú to deliver targeted HIV testing and prevention interventions.
Comparative analyses on epidemiological characteristics of dengue fever in Guangdong and Yunnan, China, 2004-2018
Authors: Yue Yujuan , Liu Qiyong , Liu Xiaobo , Wu Haixia 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Dengue fever occurred most severely in Guangdong and Yunnan, accounting for 93.7% of indigenous cases and 65.9 % of imported cases in mainland China. Epidemiological and spatial-temporal analysis methods were used to compare epidemiological characteristics of dengue cases in Guangdong and Yunnan, China, 2004-2018, including time-series, spatial and crowd features. Much more indigenous cases were widely distributed in Guangdong, while imported cases were more common in Yunnan. 55,970 and 5,938 indigenous cases occurred in 108 counties, Guangdong and 25 counties, Yunnan. 1,146 and 3,050 imported cases occurred in 84 counties, Guangdong and 72 counties, Yunnan. There existed similar seasonal characteristics from July to November for indigenous cases, but there was a longer peak period for imported cases in Guangdong (May to December) than that in Yunnan (July to December). There existed clustering characteristics for dengue fever. 85.1% of indigenous cases in Yunnan were located in Ruili City and Jinghong City along the southwestern border. Most dengue cases in Guangdong occurred in the Pearl River Delta region, especially with more than 70.0% in Guangzhou City. 93.9% of imported cases in Guangdong and Yunna were from 9 countries of Southeast Asia. Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia were the main imported origins in Guangdong. Myanmar and Laos were the main imported origins in Yunnan. There was a strong male predominance among imported cases and an almost equal gender distribution for indigenous cases. Most dengue cases were from individuals in 21-50 years old, with 57.3% and 62.8% for indigenous cases and 83.2% and 62.6% for imported cases in Guangdong and Yunnan, respectively. There existed differences in main occupation compositions of dengue cases. However, there were similar major occupations as housework or unemployment, retiree and businessman for indigenous cases, and similar major occupation as businessman for imported cases. Farmers accounted for a larger proportion of dengue cases in Yunnan. The findings of epidemiological characteristics and differences of dengue fever in Guangdong and Yunnan are helpful to formulate targeted, strategic plans and implement effective public health prevention and control measures in China.