bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Propensity score-matched analysis of systemic chemotherapy versus salvage hysterectomy for persistent cervical cancer after definitive radiotherapy/concurrent chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Takekuma Munetaka , Takahashi Fumiaki , Mabuchi Seiji , Kudaka Wataru , Horie Koji , Ikeda Mariko , Shikama Ayumi , Mitsuhashi Akira , Nagao Shoji , Suzuki Shiro , Mizuno Mika , Nishio Shin , Tokunaga Hideki , Ota Yukinobu , Kasamatsu Takahiro , Kitagawa Ryo , Toita Takafumi , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Ishikawa Mitsuya , Yaegashi Nobuo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
The aim of the current study was to evaluate oncologic outcomes of patients who were treated with salvage hysterectomy (HT), compared to systemic chemotherapy (CT) for persistent cervical cancer after definitive radiotherapy (RT)/ concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

Methods
Patients with persistent cervical cancer treated with definitive RT/CCRT at 35 institutions from 2005 to 2014 were reviewed retrospectively (n = 317). Those who underwent a HT for persistent cervical cancer after definitive RT/CCRT were matched with propensity scores for patients who underwent systemic CT. Oncologic outcomes between the two groups using a propensity score matched–cohort analysis were compared.

Results
A total of 142 patients with persistent cervical cancer after definitive RT/CCRT were included after matching (HT: 71, systemic CT: 71). All background factors between HT and CT groups were well balanced. Median overall survival was 3.8 and 1.5 years in the HT and CT groups, respectively (p = 0.00193, hazards ratio [HR] 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23–0.73), Increasing residual tumor size was significantly associated with a high incomplete resection rate (p = 0.016, Odds Ratio 1.11, 95%CI 1.02–1.22). Severe late adverse events occurred in 7 patients (9.9%) in the HT cohort.

Conclusion
The current study demonstrated that, when compared to systemic CT, the adoption of salvage HT for patients with persistent cervical cancer after definitive RT/CCRT reduced mortality rate by about 60%. This indicates that salvage HT could be curative treatment for those patients. Further prospective clinical trials with regard to salvage HT after RT/CCRT are warranted.
Development and internal validation of risk prediction model of metabolic syndrome in oil workers
Authors: Wang Jie , Li Chao , Li Jing , Qin Sheng , Liu Chunlei , Wang Jiaojiao , Chen Zhe , Wu Jianhui , Wang Guoli 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome continues to rise sharply worldwide, seriously threatening people’s health. The optimal model can be used to identify people at high risk of metabolic syndrome as early as possible, to predict their risk, and to persuade them to change their adverse lifestyle so as to slow down and reduce the incidence of metabolic syndrome.

Methods
Design existing circumstances research. A total of 1468 workers from an oil company who participated in occupational health physical examination from April 2017 to October 2018 were included in this study. We established the Logistic regression model, the random forest model and the convolutional neural network model, and compared the prediction performance of the models according to the F1 score, sensitivity, accuracy and other indicators of the three models.

Results
The results showed that the accuracy of the three models was 82.49,95.98 and 92.03%, the sensitivity was 87.94,95.52 and 90.59%, the specificity was 74.54, 96.65 and 94.14%, the F1 score was 0.86,0.97 and 0.93, and the area under ROC curve was 0.88,0.96 and 0.92, respectively. The Brier score of the three models was 0.15, 0.08 and 0.12, Observed-expected ratio was 0.83, 0.97 and 1.13, and the Integrated Calibration Index was 0.075,0.073 and 0.074, respectively, and explained how the random forest model was used for individual disease risk score.

Conclusions
The study showed that the prediction performance of random forest model is better than other models, and the model has higher application value, which can better predict the risk of metabolic syndrome in oil workers, and provide corresponding theoretical basis for the health management of oil workers.
Effect of WeChat consultation group on residents staying at home in Sichuan and Chongqing regions during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hu Xiaolei , Li Xuejun , Lü Yang , Tang Jing , Li Hai Rong , Tang Min 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
After the outbreak of Coronavirus in Wuhan, Hubei, in 2019, the disease rapidly spread to other parts of China as well as outside of China. Since the pandemic outbreak, the general public has been responsive to the national call to stay at home in quarantine. However, since doubts and anxiety related to the disease have been detected in the general public, in this study, we established the WeChat platform “Coronavirus Disease 2019 Voluntary Assistance Group in Sichuan and Chongqing regions” in January 2020, which was committed to providing professional consultation and psychological counseling services for residents in Sichuan and Chongqing during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 outbreak. Our aim was to analyze the consultation practices of residents in the WeChat assistance group and provide a reference for the similar “non-contact” voluntary service platforms aiming to implement consultations during the late pandemic period.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted using the records containing the consultation content from the WeChat assistance groups in Sichuan and Chongqing between January 30 and March 1, 2020. Data on consultation content, changes in a number of consultation items, answers, knowledge on popular science, and expert advice were summarized, and the Pareto chart was used to analyze the primary and secondary factors of consultation content.

Results
The constituent ratio of “respiratory symptoms, masks, and disinfection” in consultation content ranked as the top three factors. Cumulatively, they occupied 49.77% of the content, thus resulting as the primary factors in the consultation content. The number of consultation items suddenly increased from 10 on the first day to 116 on the 7th day, resulting in a 1060% increased rate. There were 151 consultation factors, among which 130 (86.1%) were related to the Coronavirus Disease 2019, and 21 (13.9%) were unrelated to the Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Conclusion
WeChat groups may be used as an effective means for providing assistance services for the public during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 outbreak.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of the Chinese public with respect to coronavirus disease (COVID-19): an online cross-sectional survey
Authors: Gao Huiming , Hu Rujun , Yin Ling , Yuan Xiaoli , Tang Hao , Luo Lan , Chen Mei , Huang Di , Wang Ying , Yu Anyong , Jiang Zhixia 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a pandemic. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the public play a major role in the prevention and control of infectious diseases. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the KAP of the Chinese public and to assess potential influencing factors related to practices.

Methods
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in China in February 2020 via a self-designed questionnaire comprising 33 questions assessing KAP.

Results
For the 2136 respondents from 30 provinces or municipalities in China, the accurate response rate for the knowledge section ranged from 72.7 to 99.5%, and the average was 91.2%. Regarding attitude section, the percentage of positive attitudes (“strongly agree” and “agree”) ranged from 94.7 to 99.7%, and the average value was 98.0%. The good practices (“always” and “often”) results ranged from 76.1 to 99.5%, and the average value was 96.8%. The independent samples t-test revealed that gender and ethnic differences had no effect on knowledge, attitude or behaviour (P > 0.05). However, knowledge was associated with age (t = 4.842, p < 0.001), marital status (t = − 5.323, p < 0.001), education level (t = 8.441, p < 0.001), occupation (t = − 10.858, p < 0.001), and place of residence (t = 7.929, p < 0.001). Similarly, attitude was associated with marital status (t = − 2.383, p = 0.017), education level (t = 2.106, p = 0.035), occupation (t = − 4.834, p < 0.001), and place of residence (t = 4.242, p < 0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis results showed that the factors influencing practices were knowledge (t = − 3.281, p = 0.001), attitude (t = 18.756, p < 0.001), occupation (t = − 3.860, p < 0.001), education level (t = 3.136, p = 0.002), and place of residence (t = 3.257, p = 0.001).

Conclusions
The Chinese public exhibited a good level of knowledge of COVID-19, a positive attitude, and high adherence to good practices. COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes and practices were affected by age, marital status, education level, occupation, and place of residence to varying degrees. In addition, practices were affected by knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19.
Orofaciodigital syndrome type II (Mohr syndrome): a case report
Authors: Malekianzadeh Bita , Vosoughi Fardis , Zargarbashi Ramin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Orofacial digital syndrome is a rare genetic disorder with oral cavity, facial and digits anomalies. Orofacial digital syndrome type II, also called the “Mohr syndrome” is a very rare subtype that has been reported scarcely in Asia especially in Japanese patients.

Case presentation
The case is an Iranian 5-year old girl who had been admitted for orthopedic surgery. She surprisingly had pre and postaxial polydactyly of all the four limbs concurrent with syndromic face and most of the features of Orofaciodigital syndrome type II.

Conclusion
Mohr syndrome, anesthesia and surgical considerations are discussed in this case report. It is recommended to consider these considerations and the possibility of OFDS in every child with pre and postaxial polydactyly of the four limbs and to try to distinguish type II from other types of ODFS.
Prediction of the incubation period for COVID-19 and future virus disease outbreaks
Authors: Gussow Ayal B. , Auslander Noam , Wolf Yuri I. , Koonin Eugene V. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundA crucial factor in mitigating respiratory viral outbreaks is early determination of the duration of the incubation period and, accordingly, the required quarantine time for potentially exposed individuals. At the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, optimization of quarantine regimes becomes paramount for public health, societal well-being, and global economy. However, biological factors that determine the duration of the virus incubation period remain poorly understood.ResultsWe demonstrate a strong positive correlation between the length of the incubation period and disease severity for a wide range of human pathogenic viruses. Using a machine learning approach, we develop a predictive model that accurately estimates, solely from several virus genome features, in particular, the number of protein-coding genes and the GC content, the incubation time ranges for diverse human pathogenic RNA viruses including SARS-CoV-2. The predictive approach described here can directly help in establishing the appropriate quarantine durations and thus facilitate controlling future outbreaks.ConclusionsThe length of the incubation period in viral diseases strongly correlates with disease severity, emphasizing the biological and epidemiological importance of the incubation period. Perhaps, surprisingly, incubation times of pathogenic RNA viruses can be accurately predicted solely from generic features of virus genomes. Elucidation of the biological underpinnings of the connections between these features and disease progression can be expected to reveal key aspects of virus pathogenesis.
Machine learning approaches classify clinical malaria outcomes based on haematological parameters
Authors: Morang’a Collins M. , Amenga–Etego Lucas , Bah Saikou Y. , Appiah Vincent , Amuzu Dominic S. Y. , Amoako Nicholas , Abugri James , Oduro Abraham R. , Cunnington Aubrey J. , Awandare Gordon A. , Otto Thomas D. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Malaria is still a major global health burden, with more than 3.2 billion people in 91 countries remaining at risk of the disease. Accurately distinguishing malaria from other diseases, especially uncomplicated malaria (UM) from non-malarial infections (nMI), remains a challenge. Furthermore, the success of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) is threatened by Pfhrp2/3 deletions and decreased sensitivity at low parasitaemia. Analysis of haematological indices can be used to support the identification of possible malaria cases for further diagnosis, especially in travellers returning from endemic areas. As a new application for precision medicine, we aimed to evaluate machine learning (ML) approaches that can accurately classify nMI, UM, and severe malaria (SM) using haematological parameters.

Methods
We obtained haematological data from 2,207 participants collected in Ghana: nMI (n = 978), SM (n = 526), and UM (n = 703). Six different ML approaches were tested, to select the best approach. An artificial neural network (ANN) with three hidden layers was used for multi-classification of UM, SM, and uMI. Binary classifiers were developed to further identify the parameters that can distinguish UM or SM from nMI. Local interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME) were used to explain the binary classifiers.

Results
The multi-classification model had greater than 85% training and testing accuracy to distinguish clinical malaria from nMI. To distinguish UM from nMI, our approach identified platelet counts, red blood cell (RBC) counts, lymphocyte counts, and percentages as the top classifiers of UM with 0.801 test accuracy (AUC = 0.866 and F1 score = 0.747). To distinguish SM from nMI, the classifier had a test accuracy of 0.96 (AUC = 0.983 and F1 score = 0.944) with mean platelet volume and mean cell volume being the unique classifiers of SM. Random forest was used to confirm the classifications, and it showed that platelet and RBC counts were the major classifiers of UM, regardless of possible confounders such as patient age and sampling location.

Conclusion
The study provides proof of concept methods that classify UM and SM from nMI, showing that the ML approach is a feasible tool for clinical decision support. In the future, ML approaches could be incorporated into clinical decision-support algorithms for the diagnosis of acute febrile illness and monitoring response to acute SM treatment particularly in endemic settings.
Dietary supplementation of Ascophylum nodosum improved kidney function of mink challenged with Aleutian mink disease virus
Authors: Farid A. Hossain , Smith Nancy J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundFeed additives which can ease the negative effects of infection by the Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) are of interest to mink farmers. The effects of kelp meal (Ascophylum nodosum) supplementation on immune response, virus replication and blood parameters of mink inoculated with AMDV were assessed. AMDV-free black mink (n = 75) were intranasally inoculated with a local strain of AMDV and fed a commercial pellet supplemented with kelp meal at the rates of 1.5% or 0.75% of the feed or were kept as controls (no kelp) for 451 days. Blood was collected on days 0 (pre-inoculation), 31, 56, 99, 155, 366 and 451 post-inoculation (dpi).ResultsNo significant difference was observed among the treatments for the proportion of animals positive for antibodies against the virus measured by the counter-immunoelectrophoresis (CIEP), viremia measured by PCR, antibody titer measured by quantitative ELISA, total serum protein measured by a refractometer or elevated levels of gamma globulin measured by iodine agglutination test at the sampling occasions. At the termination of the experiment on 451 dpi, there were no differences among treatments for antibody titer measured by CIEP, total serum protein, albumin, globulins, albumin:globulin ratio, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and proportions of PCR positive spleen, lymph node or bone marrow samples, but blood urea nitrogen and creatine levels were significantly lower in the 1.5% kelp supplemented group than in the controls.ConclusionKelp supplementation improved kidney function of mink infected with AMDV with no effect on liver function, immune response to infection by AMDV or virus replication.
Cryptic Plasmodium chronic infections: was Maurizio Ascoli right?
Authors: Monteiro Wuelton , Brito-Sousa José Diego , Elizalde-Torrent Aleix , Bôtto-Menezes Camila , Melo Gisely Cardoso , Fernandez-Becerra Carmen , Lacerda Marcus , del Portillo Hernando A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCrypticPlasmodiumniches outside the liver possibly represent a major source of hypnozoite-unrelated recrudescences in malaria. Maurizio Ascoli, an Italian physician and scientist, suggested that infection was maintained as a result of the persistence of endoerythrocytic parasites in the circulatory bed of some internal organs, mainly the spleen. This would explain a proportion of the recurrences in patients, regardless of thePlasmodiumspecies. Ascoli proposed a method that included the co-administration of adrenaline, in order to induce splenic contraction, and quinine to clear expelled forms in major vessels. Driven by controversy regarding safety and effectiveness, along with the introduction of new drugs, the Ascoli method was abandoned and mostly forgotten by the malaria research community. To date, however, the existence of cryptic parasites outside the liver is gaining supportive data. This work is a historical retrospective of cryptic malaria infections and the Ascoli method, highlighting key knowledge gaps regarding these possible parasite reservoirs.
New psychoactive substances in Eurasia: a qualitative study of people who use drugs and harm reduction services in six countries
Authors: Kurcevič Eliza , Lines Rick 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
This study examines the use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and the harm reduction response in six Eurasian countries: Belarus, Moldova, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Georgia. The aim is to identify current patterns of NPS use and related harms in each country through recording the perspectives and lived experience of people who use drugs and people who provide harm reduction services in order to inform the harm reduction response.

Methodology
The study involved desk-based research and semi-structured interviews/focus groups with 124 people who use drugs and 55 health and harm reduction service providers across the six countries.

Results
People who use drugs in all countries were aware of NPS, primarily synthetic cathinones and synthetic cannabinoids. NPS users generally reflected two groups: those with no prior history of illicit drug use (typically younger people) and those who used NPS on an occasional or regular basis due to the lack of availability of their preferred drug (primarily opiates). In many cases, these respondents reported they would not use NPS if traditional opiates were available. Common factors for choosing NPS included cost and accessibility. Respondents in most countries described NPS markets that use the DarkNet and social media for communication, secretive methods of payment and hidden collection points. A recurring theme was the role of punitive drug policies in driving NPS use and related harms. Respondents in all countries agreed that current harm reduction services were important but needed to be enhanced and expanded in the context of NPS.

Conclusions
The study identified patterns and drivers of NPS use, risk behaviours and drug-related harms. It identified gaps in the current harm reduction response, particularly the needs of non-injectors and overdose response, as well as the harmful effects of punitive drug policies. These findings may inform and improve current harm reduction services to meet the needs of people who use NPS.
Analysis of long-term oncological results of clinical versus pathological responses after neoadjuvant treatment in locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Coraglio Mariana F. , Eleta Martin A. , Kujaruk Mirta R. , Oviedo Javier H. , Roca Enrique L. , Masciangioli Guillermo A. , Mendez Guillermo , Iseas Ilma S. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundNonoperative management after neoadjuvant treatment in low rectal cancer enables organ preservation and avoids surgical morbidity. Our aim is to compare oncological outcomes in patients with clinical complete response in watch and wait strategy with those who received neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery with a pathological complete response.MethodsPatients with non-metastatic rectal cancer after neoadjuvant treatment with clinical complete response in watch and wait approach (group 1,n= 26) and complete pathological responders (ypT0N0) after chemoradiotherapy and surgery (group 2,n= 22), between January 2011 and October 2018, were included retrospectively, and all of them evaluated and followed in a multidisciplinary team. A comparative analysis of local and distant recurrence rates and disease-free and overall survival between both groups was carried out. Statistical analysis was performed using log-rank test, Cox proportional hazards regression model, and Kaplan-Meier curves.ResultsNo differences were found between patient’s demographic characteristics in both groups. Group 1: distance from the anal verge mean 5 cm (r= 1–12), 10 (38%) stage III, and 7 (27%) circumferential resection margin involved. The median follow-up of 47 months (r= 6, a 108). Group 2: distance from the anal verge mean 7 cm (r= 2–12), 16 (72%) stage III, and 13 (59%) circumferential resection margin involved. The median follow-up 49.5 months (r= 3, a 112). Local recurrence: 2 patients in group 1 (8.3%) and 1 in group 2 (4.8%) (p= 0.6235). Distant recurrence: 1 patient in group 1 (3.8%) and 3 in group 2 (19.2%) (p= 0.2237). Disease-free survival: 87.9% in group 1, 80% in group 2 (p= 0.7546). Overall survival: 86% in group 1 and 85% in group 2 (p= 0.5367).ConclusionOncological results in operated patients with pathological complete response were similar to those in patients under a watch and wait strategy mediating a systematic and personalized evaluation. Surgery can safely be deferred in clinical complete responders.
A systematic review of the budget impact analyses for antitumor drugs of lung cancer
Authors: Han Lu , Zhang Xin , Fu Wen-Qi , Sun Cheng-Yao , Zhao Xian-Ming , Zhou Liang-Ru , Liu Guo-Xiang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Budget impact analyses (BIAs) are used for reimbursement decisions and drug access medical insurance, as a supplement to cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs).

Objectives
We systematically reviewed BIAs for antitumor drugs of lung cancer to provide reference for high-value drug budget impact analyses and decision making.

Methods
We conducted a literature search on PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform from 2010 to 2019. The methodological indicators and result information of the budget impact analyses were extracted and evaluated for quality.

Results
A total of 14 studies on the budget impact for antitumor drugs of lung cancer were included, and the overall quality was good. Half of studies were from developed countries. Nine of the studies were designed using the BIA cost calculation model, and two were simulated using the Markov model Monte Carlo model. From all studies, only 14.3% reported model validation. The budget impact results of the same drug in different countries were inconsistent.

Conclusions
Included studies evaluating budget impact analyses for anti-tumor drugs of lung cancer showed variability in the methodological framework for BIAs. The budget impact analyses of high-value drugs need to be more stringent to ensure the accuracy of the parameters, and should provide reliable results based on real data to decision-making departments, which should carefully consider access to lung cancer drugs.