bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Treatment with a Combination of Mycophenolate Mofetil and Prednisolone in Dogs with Meningoencephalomyelitis of Unknown Etiology: a retrospective study of 86 cases (2009-2017)
Authors: Song Joong-Hyun , Yu Do-Hyeon , Lee Hee-Chun , Hwang Tae-Sung , Kim Young Joo , An Su-Jin , Jung Dong-In 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Combination therapy with glucocorticoids and adjunctive immunomodulating drugs has been generally accepted as a standard treatment regimen for meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology (MUE). Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been considered a comparable alternative option to other previously reported immunosuppressive agents. We hypothesized that treatment with MMF as an adjunctive agent along with glucocorticoids would be effective in dogs with MUE and safer than other immunosuppressive protocols. Eighty-six dogs with MUE were included. The medical records of dogs with MUE treated with prednisolone and MMF were retrospectively evaluated to determine the response, survival time, and treatment-related adverse effects. A partial or complete response (CR) was recorded for 75 dogs. Results The overall median survival time from the initiation of treatment was 558 days. Dogs that showed CR with no relapse over the treatment period had significantly longer median survival times. A significantly higher mortality hazard ratio of 4.546 was recorded in dogs that failed to achieve CR. The interval between the onset of clinical signs and the presentation was not significantly associated with CR, relapse rate, and survival time. Adverse effects included gastrointestinal upsets in 26 dogs, sporadic infections in 17 dogs, and pancreatitis in seven dogs. Conclusions The results suggest that adjunctive MMF treatment for MUE is safe and comparable to other immunosuppressive protocols. The treatment should focus on the achievement of CR and preventing relapse for successful management.
The association of low serum salivary and pancreatic amylases with the increased use of lipids as an energy source in non-obese healthy women
Authors: Nakajima Kei , Higuchi Ryoko , Iwane Taizo , Iida Ayaka 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is unknown whether serum levels of salivary and pancreatic amylases are associated with the high combustion of carbohydrates or lipids for energy. Elevated blood ketones and a low respiratory quotient (RQ) can reflect the preferential combustion of lipids relative to carbohydrates. Therefore, we investigated if low levels of serum salivary and pancreatic amylases were associated with a high serum ketone level and low RQ in healthy people. RESULTS Using the data from our previous study, we reanalysed clinical parameters, including serum salivary and pancreatic amylases, serum 3-hydroxybutyric acid (3-HBA) and acetoacetic acid (AA), and RQ in 60 healthy non-obese young women aged 20–39 years old. Serum ketones were inversely correlated with RQs, but not body mass index (BMI) or glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Logistic regression analysis showed that high levels of serum ketones and a low RQ were significantly associated with low serum salivary (<60 U/L) and pancreatic (<29 U/L) amylase levels. These associations were not altered by further adjustments for age, BMI, HbA1c, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. These results confirm the high combustion of lipids for energy in individuals with low serum amylase levels, suggesting a close relationship between circulating amylases and internal energy production.
Interprofessional Collaboration and Smartphone Use as Promising Strategies to Improve Prenatal Oral Health Care Utilization among US Underserved Women – Results from a Qualitative Study
Authors: Wang Lin , Ren Johana , Fiscella Kevin , Bullock Sherita , Sanders Mechelle R , Loomis Elizabeth , Eliav Eli , Mendoza Michael , Cacciato Rita , Thomas Marie , Kopycka-Kedzierawski Dorota T , Billings Ronald J , Xiao Jin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objectives: Data on barriers and facilitators to prenatal oral health care among low-income US women are lacking. The objective of this study was to understand barriers/facilitators and patient-centered mitigation strategies related to use of prenatal oral health care among underserved US women.Methods: We used community-based participatory research to conduct two focus groups with eight pregnant/parenting women; ten individual in-depth interviews with medical providers, dental providers and community/social workers; and one community engagement studio with five representative community stakeholders in 2018-2019. Using an interpretive description research design, we conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups, which were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for thematic content.Results: We identified individual and systemic barriers/facilitators to utilization of prenatal oral health care by underserved US women. Strategies reported to improve utilization included healthcare system-wide change to promote inter-professional collaborations, innovative educational programs to improve dissemination and implementation of prenatal oral health care guidelines, and specialized dental facilities providing prenatal oral health care to underserved groups. Furthermore, use of smartphones offers an innovative entry point to promote utilization of prenatal oral care at the individual level.Conclusions for practice: Low-income women face multiple, addressable barriers to receipt of oral health care during pregnancy. Inter-professional collaboration holds strong promise for improving prenatal oral health care utilization.
A new 3D printing porous trabecular titanium metal acetabular cup for primary total hip arthroplasty: a minimum 2-year follow-up of 92 consecutive patients
Authors: Geng Xiao , Li Yang , Li Feng , Wang Xinguang , Zhang Ke , Liu Zhongjun , Tian Hua 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAseptic cup loosening is still one of the main reasons leading to acetabular cup failures. 3D printing porous trabecular titanium metal acetabular cup may provide good initial stability and secondary fixation because of its highly interconnected, porous structure. Few large sample studies have reported the clinical outcomes of Electron Beam Melting (EBM) porous titanium acetabular cup in Chinese population.MethodsWe retrospectively collected and analyzed the clinical data of a total of 92 consecutive patients between January 2013 and November 2017, with an average follow-up of 48.2±3.6 months. Clinical outcomes included Harris Hip Score (HHS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index, satisfaction rate and cup survival rate were evaluated. Radiographic assessments were conducted to evaluate osteointegration. ResultsHHS scores improved significantly while the WOMAC score decreased significantly at the latest follow-up (p<0.001). The satisfaction rate (prevalence of satisfied or very satisfied) was 91.3%. No acetabular cup failures occurred. Radiolucent lines appeared in 15 cases (18 hips), and disappeared in six months. No cup loosening signs found until the last follow up. The overall survival rate of implantation is 99.1% (cup survival rate 100%).ConclusionThe new EBM-produced 3D AC™ cup demonstrated us its favorable short to mid-term clinical outcomes in Chinese THA patients. It can provide high acetabular cup survival rate, great clinical improvements and excellent biological fixation. Further investigations are needed to confirm its long-term outcomes.
Establishing a diagnostic scale of subacute thyroiditis without radioisotope scanning
Authors: Xiong Zhouyi , Luo Chunying , Wang Li , Xiong Bin , Wu Jianneng 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Radioisotope scanning is important to diagnose subacute thyroiditis(SAT),but it’s not always available.So we aim to establish a diagnostic scale for SAT without radioisotope scanning. Methods: The suspected SAT patients hospitalized in Yuebei people's Hospital from January 2012 to December 2016 were selected and divided into study group and control group according to whether they were diagnosed as SAT. The clinical indexes of two groups were collected and the diagnostic scale of SAT was established by using binary logistic regression analysis.The effectiveness of the scale was evaluated by ROC curve. Results: Of 261 patients,69% of patients were confirmed with SAT and the remaining 31% of patients were not diagnosed with SAT. After univariate analysis,variables which were considered statistically different( P <0.05) between the two groups were selected as independent variables and the diagnosis of SAT was taken as dependent variable in the binary logistic regression model. The logistic regression model consisted of 4 variables, each was thyroid tenderness,firm on palpation, increased ESR and hyperthyroidism.The P value of Omnibus tests was ≤0.001 and the Nagelkerke R Square was 0.894. The diagnostic scoring scale was established with these four variables according to their regression coeffient.The area under the ROC curve for this diagnostic scale was 0.989(95% confidence interval, 0.978-1.0).The highest Youden index was 0.908,the corresponding cut-off point was 5.5.Internally validation shows a sensitivity of 93.33% and a specificity of 97.53% of our scale. Conclusions: We established and validated a diagnostic scale for SAT without the need for radioisotope scanning for the first time.It has good application in institutions that do not have radioisotope machines or among pregnant and lactating women.
Neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio is positively associated with subclinical diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Huang Xiaoli , Qin Zihan , Xu Min , Zhang Feifei , Jiang Xiaohong , Hua Fei , Tao Lichan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Subclinical diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) occurs frequently in asymptomatic subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is widely known that inflammation is related to T2DM, but few studies have shown a direct relationship between the immune system and DCM using reliable biomarkers.Methods: 507 subjects with T2DM were recruited from April 2018 to October 2019. Myocardial function was evaluated with standard echocardiography, and ischemia was excluded by gated-myocardial perfusion imaging (including rest and stress). Adjusted logistic regression models were used to evaluate relationship between NLR and subclinical DCM (covariates: age, sex, BMI, duration of diabetes, and hyperlipidemia). Furthermore, to determine time-dependent changes of NLR, blood samples were collected from T2DM mice in different age groups.Results: The incidence of DCM was 8.88%. The adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of the highest NLR quartile was 14.32 (2.92-70.31) compared to the lowest quartile of NLR after multiple adjusted. Neutrophil and lymphocyte counts did not significantly relate to the incidence of DCM in T2DM patients. Moreover, NLR was upregulated in blood samples of T2DM mouse model and the upregulation preceded cardiac dysfunction.Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that NLR was related to the incidence and progression of subclinical DCM, suggesting that NLR may be an efficient and accurate prognostic biomarker for DCM.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900027080).&nbsp;Registered 30 October 2019. Retrospectively registered: www.medresman.org*These authors contributed equally to this work.
Bone Metabolic Biomarkers-Based Diagnosis of Osteoporosis Caused by Diabetes Mellitus using Support Vector Machine
Authors: Wang Chuan , Zhang Taomin , Liu Xuan , Miao Lei , Zhou Deyu , Wang Peng , Zhang Yibo , Jiang Qing , Hu Yezi , Yin Han , Jin hui , Sun Jianfei 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Diabetes has significant effects on bone metabolism. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause osteoporotic fracture. However, it remains challenging to diagnose osteoporosis in type 2 diabetes by bone mineral density which lacks regular changes. Seen another way, osteoporosis can be ascribed to the imbalance of bone metabolism, which is closely related to diabetes as well. Method: Here, to assist clinicians in diagnosing osteoporosis in type 2 diabetes, an efficient and simple SVM model was established based on different combinations of biochemical indices, including bone turnover makers, calcium and phosphorus, etc. The classification performance was measured using several evaluations. Results: The predicting accuracy rate of final model is above 88%, with feature combination of Sex, Age, BMI, TP1NP and OSTEOC. Conclusion: Experimental results show that the model has come to an anticipant result for early detection and daily monitoring on type 2 diabetic osteoporosis.
Comparing effects of two higher intensity feedback interventions with simple feedback on improving staff communication in nursing homes – The INFORM cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hoben Matthias , Ginsburg Liane R , Easterbrook Adam , Norton Peter G , Anderson Ruth A , Andersen Elizabeth A , Boström Anne-Marie , Cranley Lisa A , Lanham Holly J , Weeks Lori E , Cummings Greta G , Holroyd-Leduc Jayna M , Squires Janet E , Wagg Adrian S , Estabrooks Carole A 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
BackgroundEffective communication among interdisciplinary healthcare teams is essential for quality healthcare, especially in nursing homes (NHs). Care aides provide most direct care in NHs, yet are rarely included in formal communications about resident care (e.g., change of shift reports, family conferences). Audit and feedback is a potentially effective improvement intervention. This study compares the effect on improving formal staff communication in NHs of simple and two higher intensity levels of feedback based on Goal Setting Theory.MethodsThis pragmatic three-arm parallel cluster-randomized controlled trial included NHs participating TREC (Translating Research in Elder Care) across the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. Facilities with at least one care unit with 10 or more care aide responses on the TREC baseline survey were eligible. At baseline, 4,641 care aides and 1,693 nurses cared for 8,766 residents in 67 eligible NHs. NHs were randomly allocated to a simple (control) group (22 homes, 60 care units) or one of two higher intensity feedback intervention groups (based on Goal Setting Theory): basic assisted feedback (22 homes, 69 care units) and enhanced assisted feedback 2 (23 homes, 72 care units). Our primary outcome was the amount of formal communication about resident care that involved care aides, measured by the Alberta Context Tool and presented as adjusted mean differences [95% confidence interval] between study arms at 12-month follow-up.ResultsBaseline and follow-up data were available for 20 homes (57 care units, 751 care aides, 2,428 residents) in the control group, 19 homes (61 care units, 836 care aides, 2,387 residents) in the basic group, and 14 homes (45 care units, 615 care aides, 1,584 residents) in the enhanced group. Compared to simple feedback, care aide involvement in formal communications at follow-up was 0.17 points higher in both the basic ([0.03; 0.32], p=0.021) and enhanced groups ([0.01; 0.33], p=0.035). We found no difference in this outcome between the two higher intensity groups.ConclusionsTheoretically informed feedback was superior to simple feedback. This underlines that prior estimates for efficacy of audit and feedback may be constrained by the type of feedback intervention tested.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02695836), https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02695836, registered on March 1, 2016
Changes in the clinical characteristics of severe Corona Virus Disease 2019 in Jiangxi Province
Authors: Yu Jingjing , Xiang Tianxin , Xu Xinping , Zuo Wei , Zhou Congyang , Liu Yu , Liu Yang , Peng Dechang , Zhang Ning , Liu Fen , Cheng Na , Xu Fei , Xie Siguang , Yang Jibin , Shao Yi , Qian Kejian , Zhang Wei 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Backgrounds: To determine the differences in clinical manifestations and biomarker levels of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, including common patients and severe (serious and critical) patients.Methods: A total of 89 COVID-19 patients were diagnosed and treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. We clinically classified the patients and collected data. Findings: There was a higher proportion of confirmed cases in patients with type A blood (44.8%). There were no obvious differences in number of lung lobes involved in the lesion between the patients with or without a positive nucleic acid test (p>0.05).There were obvious differences in contact history (p<0.001), duration of symptoms (p=0.004), and respiratory rate (p=0.029) between the patients with or without a positive nucleic acid test. According to the results of the nucleic acid diagnosis test, there were no obvious differences in the number of lung lobes involved in the lesion and all items of routine blood, liver, and kidney function tests between the patients with or without positive nucleic acid tests (all p>0.05). Between the common patients and severe patients, there were obvious differences in age (p=0.006), duration of symptoms (p=0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p=0.046), lymphocyte count (p＜0.0001), neutrophil count (p=0.019), albumin (p=0.002), lactate dehydrogenase (p=0.007), calcium (p＜0.0001), C-reactive protein (CRP) (p=0.004), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p=0.021), international standard ratio (p=0.020), and CD3 (p=0.001), CD3+CD4 (p=0.006), and CD3+CD8 (p=0.001) levels. In patients infected with SARS-COV-2, the number of lung lobes involved in the lesion were positively correlated with lymphocytes (R=0.261, p=0.044); the body mass index (BMI) values were positively correlated with the number of lung lobes involved in the lesion (R=0.320, P=0.034); the age (R=0.391, p<0.001) and respiratory rate (R=0.352, p=0.001) were positively correlated with neutrophil count; and the age (R=0.349, p=0.001) and the number of lung lobes involved in the lesion (R=0.422, p=0.001) were positively correlated with CRP.Conclusion: Patients with blood type A may be more susceptible to SARS-COV-2. The decrease in lymphocytes may indicate the aggravation of COVID-19, whereas the number of lung lobes involved in the lesion may not be a valid criterion for COVID-19 diagnosis.
A seroepidemiological study of respiratory syncytial virus infection in the Littoral Region of Cameroon
Authors: Mandi Henshaw Eyambe , Yimer Solomon Abebe , Bekolo Cavin Epie , Eyoh Agnes , Jan Sindhiya , Clemens Ralf 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
BackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible for about 300 000 deaths in young children per year, and 99% of these occur in low-income countries. This study aimed to assess the burden of RSV infection among children less than two years with acute respiratory infections (ARI) in the littoral region of Cameroon. MethodsWe carried out a cross-sectional study in seven health facilities in the littoral region of Cameroon. Venous blood was collected using serum separation tubes from eligible children who visited these healthcare facilities with acute respiratory infections. ELISA determined the seroprevalence of anti-IgM RSV. Factors associated with RSV infection were ascertained using logistic regression. ResultsOut of 100 study participants, the overall RSV-associated ARI seroprevalence was 33% (95%CI:23.6-42.3). Factors significantly associated with RSV acquisition were age below six months (p=0.000) and mixed feeding (p=0.015). ConclusionsThe RSV burden is high among children less than two years with ARI in the littoral region of Cameroon. There is a need for an effective public health RSV surveillance system with standard laboratory techniques and equipment to better understand the RSV disease age-specific incidence, seasonality, and RSV burden among patients in the communities in Cameroon.
Gastrointestinal Ultrasonographic Findings In Cats With Feline Panleukopenia Virus: A Case Series
Authors: Isaya Rosaria , Ciccarelli Stefano , Enache Daniela , Specchi Swan , Pesaresi Marco , Ferri Filippo , Porporato Federico , Auriemma Edoardo , Contiero Barbara , Coppola Luigi M , Zini Eric 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a very resistant and highly contagious virus that infects domestic cats and other felids. FPV is particularly widespread among sheltered cats, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality, causing a severe gastroenteritis characterized by anorexia, lethargy, fever, dehydration, hemorrhagic diarrhea, and vomiting. No data is yet available on the ultrasonographic features of cats affected with FPV. This case series describes abdominal ultrasonographic findings in shelter cats with naturally occurring FPV and assesses if they are associated with clinical and laboratory findings. Cats affected by FPV were enrolled if an abdominal ultrasound was performed within 12 hours from diagnosis. Clinical and laboratory data as well as survival were collected from medical records. Ultrasonographic examinations were reviewed for gastrointestinal abnormalities and their associations with the above variables were explored.

Results

Twenty-one cats were included. Nine cats (43%) died and 12 (57%) recovered. Based on ultrasonography, duodenum and jejunum had thickening of the muscular layer in 42.8% and 57.1%, hyperechogenicity of the mucosa in 41.2% and 33.3%, respectively. Hyperechoic mucosal band paralleling the submucosa was observed only in the jejunum, in 33.3% of cats. Survival was positively associated with increased jejunal mucosal echogenicity ( P =0.003) and hyperechoic mucosal band ( P =0.003). Peritoneal free fluid was positively associated with vomiting ( P =0.002) and negatively associated with thrombocytopenia ( P =0.005).

Conclusion

This study provides sonographic features of naturally-occurring FPV cats, that, as expected, are compatible with gastroenteritis; frequent findings were diffuse small intestine muscular layer thickening, hyperechoic mucosal band paralleling the submucosa, and mucosal hyperechogenicity. At diagnosis, some sonographic features may be useful to assess the severity of the disease and survival.