bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between glucose-related variables and plaque morphology in patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction
Authors: Liu Jinxin , Wang Shanjie , Cui Can , Cai Hengxuan , Sun Rong , Pan Weili , Fang Shaohong , Yu Bo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundPlaque rupture (PR) and plaque erosion (PE) are main causes of acute myocardial infarction with different demographic and histology characteristics and need different treatment strategy. PR and PE can be identified with optical coherence tomography (OCT) accurately, but convenient and effective noninvasive markers for them are rarely found. History of diabetes mellitus (DM) was reported to be a potential predictor of PR in ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, but the predictive value of other glucose-related variables for it is still uncertain. Present study aimed to clear the relationship between some glucose-related variables and plaque morphology in patients with STEMI.MethodsWe consecutively enrolled 872 STEMI patients and divided them into PR group (n = 616) and PE group (n = 256) based on OCT diagnostic criteria. The relationship of glucose-related variables, including random plasma glucose on admission (ARPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), post-PCI fasting plasma glucose (PFPG), DM history, glucose variable tendency (GVT) and the acute-to-chronic glycemic ratio (A/C), to the PR risk of STEMI patients was analyzed. The correlation between the glucose-related variables and plaque morphology was analyzed meanwhile.ResultsAmong the glucose-related variables, ARPG and GVT were confirmed to be independent predictors for PR after adjusting for other traditional risk factors in nondiabetic patients. The higher the ARPG level, the more PR risk the STEMI patients had. And high HbA1c and APPG were demonstrated to have a weak and positive correlation with lipid constituents and stenosis degree of culprit vessel.ConclusionsCompared to HbA1c, DM history, and some other glucose-related variables, ARPG and GVT were risk factors for PR in STEMI patients, especially those without DM. And high HbA1c and ARPG were positively correlated with the development of vulnerable plaque in culprit vessels.Trial registrationPresent study is a retrospective one and the population came from the EROSION study of our center previously. It was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (Approval reference number, KY2017-249), and all patients provided written informed consent prior to the inclusion in the study and the investigation conformed to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki.
Measuring health-related quality of life in chronic otitis media in a Chinese population: cultural adaption and validation of the Zurich Chronic Middle Ear Inventory (ZCMEI-21-Chn)
Authors: Yang Ruizhe , Zhang Ying , Han Weiju , Li Yi , Li Shan , Ke Jia , Song Yu , Liu Junxiu , Röösli Christof , Huber Alexander M. , Bächinger David , Ma Furong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The demand for assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in chronic otitis media (COM) is increasing globally. The currently available Chinese-language patient-reported outcome measurement (PROM) specific for COM includes merely a limited range of related symptoms and dimensions. Hence, in this study, we aim to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Zurich Chronic Middle Ear Inventory (ZCMEI-21) in Chinese, to enable a comprehensive evaluation of the patients’ subjective health outcome in COM.

Methods
We sampled and surveyed 223 COM patients at three tertiary referral centers in China, using the Chinese translation of ZCMEI-21 (ZCMEI-21-Chn) and the EQ-5D questionnaire, a generic measure of HRQoL. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to investigate the structural model fit to the dataset. Cronbach’s α and test-retest reliability coefficient were calculated to establish reliability, and correlation was tested between ZCMEI-Chn scores and EQ-5D scores for convergent validity.

Results
A total of 208 adult patients with COM were included, with a mean age of 46 years (SD 14 years) and a male proportion of 41% (85/208). A modified bifactor model with ωH of 0.65 and ECV of 0.47 was found to fit the scale scores, indicating fair general factor saturation and multidimensionality of the instrument. ZCMEI-21-Chn demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.88, test-retest reliability = 0.88). The total scores of ZCMEI-21-Chn had a moderate correlation with a question directly addressing HRQoL (r = 0.40, p < 0.001), EQ-5D descriptive system score (r = 0.57, p < 0.001), and EQ-5D visual analogous scale (r = 0.30, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
The ZCMEI-21-Chn is valid, reliable and culturally adapted to Chinese adult patients with COM. This study offers clinicians an efficient and comprehensive instrument to quantify COM patients’ self-reported health outcomes, which could facilitate the standardization of HRQoL data aggregation in COM on a global scale.
A comparison between pylorus-preserving and distal gastrectomy in surgical safety and functional benefit with gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mao Xinyu , Xu Xinlei , Zhu Hua , Ji Chunpeng , Lu Xu , Wang Baolin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Due to better functional outcomes, pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) has been widely applied for early gastric cancer (EGC) patients as an alternative to distal gastrectomy (DG). However, controversies still persist regarding the surgical efficacy and oncological safety of PPG.

Methods
Original studies comparing PPG and DG for EGC were searched in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials up to December 2019. The weight mean difference, standardized mean difference, or odds risk was used to calculate the short-term and long-term outcomes between the two groups.

Results
Twenty-one comparative studies comprising 4871 patients (1955 in the PPG group and 2916 in the DG group) were enrolled in this systematic review and meta-analysis. PPG showed longer hospital day, decreased harvested lymph nodes, and more delayed gastric emptying. However, PPG had the benefits of lower incidence of anastomosis leakage, early dumping syndrome, gastritis and bile reflux, and better recovery of total protein, albumin, hemoglobin, and weight. No difference was found in operative time, blood loss, and overall complications. Moreover, the long-term survival and recurrence rate were similar in two groups.

Conclusion
Owing to the non-inferiority of surgery and oncology outcomes and the superiority of function outcomes in PPG, we revealed that PPG can be clinically applicable instead of DG in EGC. However, more high-quality comparative studies and randomized clinical trials would be required for further confirmation.
Survival benefit of surgical resection after first-line triplet chemotherapy and bevacizumab in patients with initially unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Elshenawy Mahmoud A. , Badran Ahmed , Aljubran Ali , Alzahrani Ahmed , Rauf M. Shahzad , Eldali Abdelmoneim , Bazarbashi Shouki 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
Surgical resection of metastatic disease in patients with initially non-resectable colorectal cancer (CRC) has improved overall survival. Intensified chemotherapy regimens have increased the probability of converting unresectable metastasis to resectable. Here, we report the result of combining intensive chemotherapy (triplet) and surgical resection of metastatic lesions in patients with metastatic CRC.

Patients and methods
Patients with unresectable metastatic CRC were enrolled in phase I/II trial of triplet chemotherapy consisting of capecitabine, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and bevacizumab. Patients were given 5–8 cycles induction chemotherapy of the above regimen followed by maintenance capecitabine and bevacizumab until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or patient request. All patients were assessed at a multidisciplinary conference for possible surgical resection of their metastatic disease at the time of inclusion in the trial and 2 monthly intervals thereafter.
Patients who underwent R0 resection of their metastatic disease received adjuvant oxaliplatin and capecitabine to complete a total of 6 months of chemotherapy.

Results
Fifty-three patients were enrolled. The median age was 52 years (range 23–74), 29 (55%) were males, ECOG PS 0-1 was 13 (66%), 11 (42%) had a right-sided tumor, 29 (55%) had resection of their primary tumor, 22 (42%) had a single metastatic site, and 8 (15.1%) had a liver-limited disease.
Thirteen patients (24.5%) underwent surgical resection of residual metastatic disease +/− the primary tumor with 10 (18.9%) of them were R0.
The surgical group had a higher incidence of males compared to the non-surgical group (69.3% vs 47.2%, p = 0.2), equal performance status, lower median number of metastatic sites (1 vs 2, p = 0.09), higher mutant Kras (53.8% vs 34.2%, p = 0.3), and higher response rate (84.6% vs 56.2%, p = 0.3).
With a median follow-up duration of 89 months, the median PFS for the whole group was 16.1 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 9.1–20] and the median OS was 28.2 months (95% CI 22.5–53.3).
The median PFS for the surgery group was 18.9 months (95% CI 12.6–not reached) compared to 9.6 months (95% CI 7.0–18.3) for the non-surgical group, log-rank p = 0.0165. The median OS for both groups was not reached (95% CI 53.3–not reached) and 23.2 months (95% CI 17.0–28.4) respectively, log-rank p = 0.0006. Five-year PFS and OS for the surgery group were 46.2% and 67.6% respectively.

Conclusions
Patients with unresectable metastatic CRC and fit for triplet chemotherapy should have the benefit of combining this intensified regimen and surgical resection of their metastatic disease if possible.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01311050, registered March 6, 2011, retrospectively registered.
Global Fund financing and human resources for health investments in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Okunogbe Adeyemi , Bowser Diana , Gedik Gulin , Naseri Saha , Abu-Agla Ayat , Safi Najibullah 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Despite the large investments in donor-related health activities in areas of the globe prone to tension and conflict, few studies have examined in detail the role of these donor investments in human resources for health (HRH).

Methods
We used a mixed-methods research methodology comprising both quantitative and qualitative analyses to analyze the Enhanced Financial Reporting System of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria budget and expenditure data from 2003 to 2017 for 13 countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). We analyzed additional detailed budgetary data over the period 2015–2017 for a sub-set of these countries. Two country-case studies were conducted in Afghanistan and Sudan for a more in-depth understanding of the HRH-related activities that occurred as a result of Global Fund grants.

Results
The results show that US$2.2 billion Global Fund dollars had been budgeted and US$1.6 billion were expended over the period 2003–2017 in 13 Eastern Mediterranean countries. The average expenditures for human resources for health (training and human resources) as a percentage of total expenditure are 28%. Additional detailed budgetary data analysis shows a more conservative investment in HRH with 13% of total budgets allocated to “direct” HRH activities such as salaries, training costs, and technical assistance. HRH-related activities supported by the Global Fund in Afghanistan and Sudan were similar, including pre-service and in-services training, hiring of program coordinators and staff, and top-ups for clinical staff.

Conclusions
HRH remains a key issue in strengthening the health systems of low- and middle-income countries. While this study suggests that Global Fund’s HRH investments in the EMR are not lagging behind the global average, there appears to be a need to further scale up these investments considering this region’s unique HRH challenges.
Phospho-Tyr705 of STAT3 is a therapeutic target for sepsis through regulating inflammation and coagulation
Authors: Xu Shunyao , Pan Xiaojun , Mao Lingjie , Pan Hao , Xu Wenwei , Hu Yufeng , Yu Xueshu , Chen Zhiqiang , Qian Songzan , Ye Yincai , Huang Yueyue , Pan Jingye 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Sepsis is an infection-induced aggressive and life-threatening organ dysfunction with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Infection-associated inflammation and coagulation promote the progression of adverse outcomes in sepsis. Here, we report that phospho-Tyr705 of STAT3 (pY-STAT3), not total STAT3, contributes to systemic inflammation and coagulopathy in sepsis.

Methods
Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced septic mice were treated with BP-1-102, Napabucasin, or vehicle control respectively and then assessed for systemic inflammation, coagulation response, lung function and survival. Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) and Raw264.7 cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with pharmacological or genetic inhibition of pY-STAT3. Cells were assessed for inflammatory and coagulant factor expression, cell function and signaling.

Results
Pharmacological inhibition of pY-STAT3 expression by BP-1-102 reduced the proinflammatory factors, suppressed coagulation activation, attenuated lung injury, alleviated vascular leakage and improved the survival rate in septic mice. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of pY-STAT3 diminished LPS-induced cytokine production in macrophages and protected pulmonary endothelial cells via the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3, NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Moreover, the increase in procoagulant indicators induced by sepsis such as tissue factor (TF), the thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) and D-Dimer were down-regulated by pY-STAT3 inhibition.

Conclusions
Our results revealed a therapeutic role of pY-STAT3 in modulating the inflammatory response and defective coagulation during sepsis.
Towards a better estimation of prevalence of female genital mutilation in the European Union: a situation analysis
Authors: De Schrijver L. , Van Baelen L. , Van Eekert N. , Leye E. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundFemale genital mutilation (FGM) is a harmful cultural practice that is predominantly documented in Africa, but also occurs in other parts of the world. Due to migration, women who have undergone FGM can also be found in the European Union (EU). Due to a lack of systematic representative surveys on the topic in EU, the prevalence of FGM and the number of women and children subjected to the practice remains unknown. However, information on the magnitude of the problem in the EU is necessary for policy makers to design and track preventive measures and to determine resource allocation.MethodsBetween March 2015 and May 2015, we performed a situation analysis consisting of a critical interpretive synthesis and SWOT-analysis of available at the time peer reviewed and grey literature document on national prevalence studies on FGM in the EU. Studies estimating the prevalence of FGM and the number of girls and women subjected to the practice in the EU were mapped to analyse their methodologies and identify their Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT). Distinction was made between direct and indirect estimation methods.ResultsThirteen publications matched the prioritized inclusion criteria. The situation analysis showed that both direct and indirect methodologies were used to estimate FGM prevalence and the number of girls and women subjected to FGM in the EU. The SWOT-analysis indicated that due to the large variations in the targeted population and the available secondary information in EU Member States, one single estimation method is not applicable in all Member States.ConclusionsWe suggest a twofold method for estimating the number of girls and women who have undergonefgmin the EU. For countries with a low expected prevalence of women who have undergonefgm, the indirect method will provide a good enough estimation of the FGM prevalence. The extrapolation-of-fgm-countries-prevalence-data-method, based on the documented FGM prevalence numbers in DHS and MICS surveys, can be used for indirect estimations of girls and women subjected to FGM in theeu. For countries with a high expected prevalence of FGM in the EU Member State, we recommend to combine both a direct estimation method (e.g. in the form of a survey conducted in the target population) and an indirect estimation method and to use a sample design as developed by the FGM-PREV project. The choice for a direct or indirect method will ultimately depend on available financial means and the purpose for the estimation.
The newly emerged COVID-19 disease: a systemic review
Authors: Abebe Endeshaw Chekol , Dejenie Tadesse Asmamaw , Shiferaw Mestet Yibeltal , Malik Tabarak 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCoronaviruses are large family-RNA viruses that belong to the orderNidovirales, familyCoronaviridae, subfamilyCoronavirinae. The novel COVID-19 infection, caused by a beta coronavirus calledSARS-CoV-2, is a new outbreak that has been emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and dyspnea. As per the March 12, 2020, WHO report, more than 125,048 confirmed COVID-19 cases and over 4613 deaths have been identified in more than 117 countries. It is now regarded as a pandemic that seriously spread and attack the world. The primary means of transmission is person to person through droplets that occurred during coughing or sneezing, through personal contact (shaking hands), or by touching contaminated objects. So far, there is no effective therapy and vaccine available against this novel virus and therefore, only supportive care is used as the mainstay of management of patients with COVID-19. The mortality rate of COVID-19 is considerable. This work aimed to provide insight on the newly emerged COVID-19, in the hope to gain a better understanding on the general overview, epidemiology, transmission, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical outcomes as well as the prevention and control of COVID-19.
Left atrial cardiac Tamponade complicating radical nephrectomy – case report
Authors: Thompson Dominic , Ali Ihab , Gilbert Michael , Zaidi Afzal 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
We present an unusual case of pericardial tamponade occurring subsequent to a radical right nephrectomy performed entirely through a laparotomy.

Case presentation
A 43 year old gentleman who presented with large loculated posterior pericardial effusion compressing the left atrium, following a radical nephrectomy performed entirely through a laparotomy. He required an emergency sternotomy, pericardial and pleural drainage.

Conclusion
Cardiac tamponade is an extremely rare complication of radical nephrectomy. However, any procedure that involves opening of the pericardium does carry a risk of bleeding and therefore cardiac tamponade, particularly in the context of post-operative full anticoagulation.
Case report: uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic resection of a solitary fibrous tumor preoperatively predicted visceral pleura origin using dynamic chest radiography
Authors: Tamura Masaya , Matsumoto Isao , Saito Daisuke , Yoshida Shuhei , Takata Munehisa , Takemura Hirofumi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Dynamic chest radiography (DCR) is a flat-panel detector (FPD)-based functional X-ray imaging, which is performed as an additional examination in chest radiography. DCR provides objective and quantifiable information, such as diaphragm movement, pulmonary ventilation and circulation, and is reasonable for detecting tumor invasion or adhesion.

Case presentation
We present a case of Solitary Fibrous Tumor of Pleura (SFTP), preoperatively predicted visceral pleura origin using Dynamic chest radiography (DCR) and surgically resected through single-access (uniportal) video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (UVATS).

Conclusions
UVATS may be a suitable surgical option for pedunculated SFTPs. Dynamic chest radiography provides information, such as tumor invasion or adhesion and helpful for predicting origin of the tumor.
Factors associated with refractory autoimmune necrotizing myopathy with anti-signal recognition particle antibodies
Authors: Zhao Yawen , Zhang Wei , Liu Yilin , Wang Zhaoxia , Yuan Yun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Autoimmune necrotizing myopathy with anti-signal recognition particle antibodies (ANM-SRP) is regarded as refractory myositis, whereby some patients respond poorly to conventional immunosuppression and require B cell depletion treatment. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with refractory ANM-SRP.

Results
Clinical and pathological data from 48 patients with ANM-SRP were collected. We followed up clinical symptoms and image changes over 12 months. Univariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken to determine the associations between variables of interest and poor response to therapy. Refractory ANM-SRP appeared in 32.5% of patients who showed no or minimal improvement after 12 months of steroid therapy. The clinical risk factors for refractory patients were being male (OR, 19.57; P < 0.001), severe muscle weakness (OR, 7.51; P < 0.001) and concurrent interstitial lung disease (OR, 39.70; P < 0.001). The imaging refractory-related factor was the fatty infiltration rate of thigh muscles over 3 months (P = 0.022) and the pathological factor associated with refractory ANM-SRP was the high expression of B cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) in muscle (P = 0.036).

Conclusion
Being male, severe muscle weakness, concurrent interstitial lung disease, quick development of muscle fatty infiltration and more BAFF-R and B lymphocyte infiltration in muscle indicate a poor response to immunosuppressive therapy in patients with ANM-SRP.
Association between recipient survival and blood donor age after blood transfusion in a surgery intensive care unit: a multicenter randomized controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Zeng Xianfei , Liao Yan , Wu Xiaoshuang , Xu Jinmei , Da Chenxing , Tan Zhijun , Feng Fan , Yin Wen , Wang Dongjian , Hu Xingbin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Blood from younger individuals has been shown to improve physiological function in recipients in laboratory research, and many proteins from human peripheral blood show antisenescence capabilities. Thus, researchers have questioned whether blood from young donors is superior to blood from older donors. Blood transfusion is a key supportive therapy for trauma patients, and recent studies have reported the influence of blood donor age on recipient patient prognosis. Although some retrospective results found that blood from young donors improves survival, no influence of blood donor age was observed on outcomes in other study groups. The reasons for this discrepancy are complicated, but the fact that data were not obtained from randomized controlled trial (RCT) data should be considered. The current protocol and analysis method provide a feasible RCT design to evaluate the prognosis of severely ill surgery patients who were transfused with blood products from blood donors of different ages.

Methods
The current study is a pragmatic multicenter RCT (open, parallel-group, non-masked, superiority trial). Recruited surgery intensive care unit patients will be randomized into three groups and transfused with blood products from male donors of different ages (< 25, 25–45, and > 45 years). Survival time will be measured within 28 days. The survival characteristics, possible interaction between variables, and potential factors associated with death will be analyzed by Kaplan–Meier analysis, two-way ANOVA, and Cox proportional hazards model, respectively.

Trial registration
ChiCTR: ChiCTR190002. Registered on 22 March 2019. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=36867.