bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Triple therapy combined with ventriculoperitoneal shunts can improve neurological function and shorten hospitalization time in non-HIV cryptococcal meningitis patients with increased intracranial pressure
Authors: Li Min , Liu Jia , Deng Xuhui , Gan Qingzhou , Wang Yijie , Xu Xiaofeng , Jiang Ying , Peng Fuhua 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) and insufficient antifungal regimens are the two main factors result to unsatisfactory outcomes in non-HIV cryptococcal meningitis (CM) patients. In this study, we try to discuss that whether triple therapy of amphotericin B (AmB), fluconazole, 5-flucytosine (5-FC) plus ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) is superior to AmB, 5-FC, fluconazole plus intermittent lumbar puncture in induction therapy in non-HIV CM patients with increased ICP. Methods: We reviewed 66 clinical records from non-HIV CM patients with increased ICP. The demographic and clinical characteristics, BMRC staging, cerebrospinal ﬂuid proﬁles (CSF), brain magnetic resonance imaging, treatment, and outcomes of these individuals were retrospectively analyzed. All non-HIV CM patients with increased ICP (≥ 25 cmH2O) were divided into two groups, including 27 patients treated with triple antifungal agents and 39 patients treated with the same triple therapy plus VPS. Results: Triple therapy plus VPS group had more satisfactory outcomes, and more CSF sterilization at 10 weeks follow-up,lower CSF opening pressure, lower BMRC staging scores one week after VPS, less CSF C. neoformans counts and CSF culture positive. Patients in triple therapy plus VPS group got the improvement in neurological function circumstances evaluated by comparing the BMRC staging before and after VPS. These patients had shorter hospital stay. Conclusions: Triple antifungal agents combined with VPS can effectively reduce ICP, have faster rate of clearance of C. neoformans counts, more improved neurological function, shorten hospitalization time and better outcomes in non-HIV CM patients with increased ICP. Our study indicated that triple therapy plus early VPS is maybe the optimal treatment for non-HIV CM patients with increased ICP.
Frailty is a useful predictive marker of postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: NAKANO YUTAKA , Hirata Yuki , Shimogawara Tatsuya , Yamada Toru , Mihara Koki , Nishiyama Ryo , Nishiya Shin , Taniguchi Hideki , Egawa Tomohisa 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Frailty results in a high risk for disability, hospitalization, and mortality. This study aimed to investigate perioperative details of frail patients who underwent pancreatectomy and whether frailty can be a predictive factor of postoperative complications, especially of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF).METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent pancreatectomy in our hospital between August 2016 and March 2019. The patients were divided into frail and pre-/non-frail groups. The diagnostic criteria were based on the Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study.RESULTS: Of 93 patients, 11 (11.8%) and 82 (88.2%) were frail and pre-/non-frail patients, with median ages of 82 and 72 years, respectively (p=0.041). Postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≧IIIa) were found in 8 and 32 patients (p=0.034), CR-POPF in 3 and 13 patients (p=0.346), and postoperative hospital stays were 21 and 17 days (p=0.041), respectively. On multivariate analysis, frailty was an independent predictive factor (odds ratio [OR] 5.604, 95.0% confidence interval [CI] 1.002-30.734; p=0.047) of postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≧IIIa) after pancreaticoduodenectomy. On multivariate analysis, a soft pancreas (OR 5.696, 95.0% CI 1.142-28.149; p=0.034) was an independent and significant predictive factor of CR-POPF after pancreaticoduodenectomy.CONCLUSIONS: Frailty may be a useful predictive factor of postoperative complications in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Myofibroma/myofibromatosis: MDCT and MR imaging findings in 24 patients with radiological-pathological correlation
Authors: Yi Kun-ming , Chen Kang , Ma Qiang , Wang Lu , Li Ran , Wang Yi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to characterize the radiological features of myofibroma on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and correlate the imaging findings with pathologic features. Methods: The radiological findings of 24 patients with 29 myofibromas were retrospectively reviewed. All images were evaluated with emphasis on density, signal intensity, hypointense area, and enhancement, correlating these with pathologic findings. Results: On plain MDCT scan, 4(26.7%) tumors were homogeneous isodensity, 4(26.7%) tumors were heterogeneous hyperdensity, and 7(46.7%) tumors were heterogeneous hypodensity. On contrast-enhanced MDCT scan, all tumors (9/9) showed heterogeneous enhancement with moderate in 3(33.3%) and marked in 6(66.7%) tumors, and their enhancements were higher compared to adjacent skeletal muscle (P=0.0001). On MRI, heterogeneous slight hyperintensity, homogeneous slight hyperintensity, and heterogeneous hypointensity on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) were observed in 14(82.3%), 1(5.9%) and 2(11.8%) tumors, respectively. On T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and fat-suppressed (FS) T2WI, all tumors demonstrated heterogeneous hyperintensity. All tumors showed heterogeneous marked enhancement on FS contrast-enhanced T1WI. On T1WI, T2WI, FS T2WI, and FS contrast-enhanced T1WI, irregular strip or/and patchy hypointensities were found in 16(94.1%), 12(100%), 17(100%) and 17(100%) tumors, respectively, and pseudocapsule was seen in 5(29.4%) tumors. The hypointensities and pseudocapsule on MRI were exactly corresponding to pathological interlacing collagen fibers and fibrosis. The age of the recurrent group was lower than that of the non-recurrent group (P=0.001) and the tumors without pseudocapsule were more likely to recur than those with pseudocapsule (P=0.034). Conclusion: Myofibromas are characterized by heterogeneous density or signal intensity, with moderate or marked enhancement. The hypointensities and pseudocapsule on MRI may be helpful in diagnosis, and the absence of pseudocapsule and younger age may be risk factors for tumor recurrence.
Health status, lifestyle habits, and perceived social support in long-term cancer survivors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: León-Salas Beatriz , Zabaleta-del-Olmo Edurne , Llobera Joan , Bolíbar-Ribas Bonaventura , López-Jiménez Tomas , Casajuana-Closas Marc , Cantó Magdalena Esteva 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective: To compare the presence of comorbidities and self-perceived health and social support between long-term cancer survivors and people without a history of cancer from a clinical trial examining the effects of a multiple risk behavior intervention.Results: Of the 4259 people studied, 190 (4.46%) were cancer survivors. They had a mean ± SD age of 62.8±7 years vs. 58.7±8 years (P<0.01) for non-cancer people and were more likely to be on long-term sick leave (11.9% vs. 3.5%, P<0.001). No differences were observed for smoking, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, physical activity, obesity, or social support. Cancer survivors were more likely to have worse self-perceived health (OR 1.82; 95% CI 1.02–2.75), more comorbidities (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.18–2.39), COPD (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.25–3.78), and depression (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.06–2.57). Older age and worse self-perceived health were independent predictors of survivorship in the adjusted analysis.
Methods for Testing the Performance of Long-distance Wireless Power Transmission Systems
Authors: WANG Xudong , LU Changbo , WANG Changfu , LIU Panpan , XU Wanli , ZHOU Youjie , WANG Feng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Long-distance wireless power transmission can reduce the dependence of unmanned systems on energy storage systems, which is especially advantageous for unmanned aerial vehicles. This approach is key for building an integrated and uninterrupted air-to-ground power supply network. This paper introduces the technical characteristics of long-distance wireless power transmission systems, reports the development of such systems at home and abroad, and proposes technical indices and methods for performance evaluation of these systems. A test was conducted using a testing device, and the key parameters of the system performance were obtained. This work provides a solid foundation for the performance evaluation studies of long-distance wireless power transmission systems.
Asymptomatic people with SARS-CoV-2 as unseen carriers of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Syangtan Gopiram , Bista Shrijana , Dawadi Prabin , Rayamajhee Binod , Shrestha Lok Bahadur , Tuladhar Reshma , Joshi Dev Raj 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

The asymptomatic patients with SARS-CoV-2 can act as an unseen carrier for magnifying the transmission of COVID-19.
Aims

This study was designed to appraise the burden of asymptomatic individuals and estimate their occurrence among different age groups and gender by reviewing the existing published data on asymptomatic people with COVID-19.
Methods

Three electronic databases: PubMed, Embase and Web of Science (WoS) were used to search studies as per the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) and the search was limited to English language. The study population of this review includes asymptomatic individuals infected by COVID-19. All original articles which have reported cases of the COVID-19 patients with no symptoms until 31 April 2020 were included in the study. Random effects model was applied to analyze pooled data on the prevalence of symptomless cases among total COVID-19 infected patients and also on different age groups and gender.
Results

In the meta-analysis of 16 studies, comprising 2,788 COVID-19 infected patients, the pooled prevalence of asymptomatic cases was 48.2% (95% CI, 30%-67%). Among the asymptomatic patients, 55.5% (95% CI, 43.6%-66.8%) were female and 49.6% (95% CI, 20.5%-79.1%) were children.
Conclusion

About half of the COVID-19 infected patients were asymptomatic cases. Children and females were more apparent to be asymptomatic patient of COVID-19 and could act as unseen carrier of SARS-CoV-2. Symptom based screening only, might fail to identify all SARS-CoV-2 infections escalating the threat of global spread of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, mass surveillance system tracking asymptomatic cases is a pressing need of public health, paying special attention to female and young children, which could aid in prevention and containment of this unprecedented pandemic.
Associations Between Neighborhood Violence During Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes: Evidence From São Paulo’s Western Region Birth Cohort
Authors: Santos Angelica Carreira dos , Brentani Alexandra , Fink Günther 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Low birth weight and prematurity remain leading causes of infant mortality and morbidity globally. Although an extensive literature has highlighted the importance of socioenvironmental characteristics for birth outcomes, the role of indirect violence on health remains fairly understudied.Methods: Using geocoded birth records from the ongoing Western Region Birth Cohort (Região Oeste Coorte – ROC-Cohort) of infants born between 2012-2014 and geocoded crime reports, we assessed the associations between exposure to violent crimes during pregnancy within a 1-km radius of mother’s residence and low birth weight, preterm delivery, and being born small-for-gestational-age. Violent crime exposure was categorized into quintiles. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between violence exposure and birth outcomes. Models were adjusted for sex, maternal age and education, socioeconomic status, and risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and drinking during pregnancy.Results: Among the 5,268 infants included, the average crime exposure during the first two trimesters of pregnancy ranged from 0.44 violent crimes in the least exposed quintile to 12.74 crimes in the most exposed. Compared to children with the lowest violence exposure, children in the highest exposure quintile were at higher odds of being born small-for-gestational-age (1.41[1.06-1.89]), preterm (1.35[1.01-1.80]), and low birth weight (1.42[1.03-1.98]). While socioeconomic status and maternal education were positively associated with lower violence exposure, no associations were found between these characteristics and the birth outcomes.Conclusions: Higher exposure to external violent crimes in the close vicinity are associated with substantial increases in the odds of adverse birth outcomes. Policies to improve neighborhood safety can contribute not only to the short-term well-being of populations but may also have large social, economic, and health benefits in the long run.
Smartphone-based dispatch of Community First Responders to Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest - Statements from an International Consensus Conference
Authors: Metelmann Camilla , Metelmann Bibiana , Kohnen Dorothea , Brinkrolf Peter , Andelius Linn , Böttiger Bernd W , Burkart Roman , Hahnenkamp Klaus , Krammel Mario , Marks Tore , Müller Michael P , Prasse Stefan , Stieglis Remy , Strickmann Bernd , Thies Karl 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Over the past decade Smartphone-based activation (SBA) of Community First Responders (CFR) to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) has gained much attention and popularity throughout Europe. Various programmes have been established, and interestingly there are considerable differences in technology, responder spectrum and the degree of integration into the prehospital emergency services. It is unclear whether these dissimilarities affect outcome. This consensus paper reviews the current state in Europe, reveals similarities and controversies, and aims to help aligning future strategies for SBA of CFR in Europe.Methods: In a consensus conference a three-step approach was used: (i) presentation of current research from five European countries; (ii) workshops discussing evidence amongst the audience to generate consensus statements; (iii) anonymous real-time voting applying the modified RAND-UCLA methodology to adopt or reject the statements. The consensus panel aimed to represent all stakeholders involved in this topic.Results: While 21 of 25 generated statements gained approval, consensus was only found for 5 of them. One statement was rejected but without consensus. Members of the consensus conference confirmed that CFR save lives. They further acknowledged the crucial role of emergency medical control centres and called for nationwide strategies. Conclusions: Smartphone-based alert of CFR to OHCA saves lives. The statement generated by the consensus conference help to advise the public, healthcare services and governments to utilise these systems to their full potential, and direct the research community towards fields that still need to be addressed.
An Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Alters the Dstribution of Photosynthesized Carbon in a Plant-Soil System: A 13C Labeling Microcosm Study
Authors: Bi Yinli , Xiao Li , Cai Yun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Quantification of carbon allocation in mycorrhizal plant parts is an important task in mycorrhizal physiology and ecology, especially for arid and semi-arid barren ecosystem. Here, we investigate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the distribution of photosynthetic carbon in different plant parts and the influence factors. A 13C pulse-labeling method was used to investigate the effects of AMF on the carbon absorption and photosynthate distribution in parts of maize, determined the concentrations of P, K and Mg in plant parts and their correlations with AMF and soil physicochemical properties using redundancy analysis. Results: The total amount of 13C in plants inoculated with AMF was significantly higher than controls. The 13C distribution rates in true leaves 6-7 and 8-12 were higher 26.2% and 41.7% than in the controls indicating that AMF promoted plant fixation of more photosynthetic carbon in plant parts. Soil EEG, HD and SOC were identified as the edaphic factors affecting carbon distribution in different plant part. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that AMF can lead to elevated photosynthetic carbon sequestration and increased transfer of photosynthetic products to roots and soil compared with non-mycorrhizal maize, provide baseline data for assessing carbon accumulation effects of AMF on semi-arid soil.
CitRWP May not be the Major or Only Major Gene that Regulates Apomixis in Citrus and Its Close Related Genus
Authors: Hou Yanhong , Gong Guizhi , Peng Zhuchun , Luo Ai , Cheng Yang , Hong Qinbin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Nucellar embryony in citrus and its close related genus is a kind of apomixis, it interferes the cross breeding and affects the genetic evolution and taxonomy in citrus. Many hypotheses have been suggested on regulation of apomixes in citrus but none of them are able to lock the true regulatory sequence until the recently reported candidate gene citRWP. However, the support evidences for the judgment of citRWP as the major or only major gene are still not very sound.Results: Firstly, M/P (Monoembryonic / Polyembryonic) marker, which was designed according to the upper stream sequence of citRWP, was used to check whether the marker exhibiting consistent segregation in different embryonic genotypes. The result showed that all sweet orange selections either monoembryonic or polyembryonic contained the P-marker, but no P-marker was detected in polyembryonic Poncirus, and a new band pattern was dectected in 9 polyembryonic progenies of W-Murcott × Flying dragon trifoliate orange. Subsequently, CitRWP expressions were analyzed with RT-PCR and Realtime RT-PCR. RT-PCR revealed that CitRWP expressed in ovule of all varieties. Realtime RT-PCR results in ovule were consistent with RT-PCR. The expression value of monoembryonic pummelo was the lowest, and there was no significant difference between polyembroynic and monoembryonic sweet orange cultivars. In the hybrid offsprings, the expression of the CitRWP gene showed an extreme two-stage differentiation. The expression in young leaf and ovule of polyembryonic and monoembryonic sweet orange cultivars were different, with a higher expression level in young leaf and a lower expression level in ovule of polyembryonic cultivars. Finally, the cDNA sequences of CitRWP from ovules were cloned and sequenced. Results revealed that the CitRWP has great variations in Poncirus, which included SNPs in start-codon and/or stop-codon as well as fragment insertion/deletion causing incorrect translation. The monoembryonic/polyembryonic sweet orange cultivars and pummelo varieties had similar variations also.Conclusion: CitRWP were not consistently distributed and expressed in different embryonic genotypes. It may not be the major or only major gene that regulates apomixis in citrus and its close related genus.
Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculation on Growth, Photosynthesis and Antioxidant Enzymatic Activity of Euonymus Maackii Rupr. Under Gradient Water Deficit Levels
Authors: Wu Na , Li Zhen , Meng Sen , Wu Fei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The role of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus (Rhizophagus intraradices) in amelioration of water deficit mediated negative influence on growth, photosynthesis and antioxidant system in Euonymus maackii Rupr. was examined. E. maackii seedlings were subjected to 5 water deficit levels: soil water contents of 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 % and 100 % field capacity (FC) respectively, and 2 inoculation treatment: with and without AM inoculation. Water deficit increasingly limited seedlings growth of height, biomass accumulation of shoot and root, chlorophyll content, gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters along the increase of water deficit level. In addition, Water deficit stimulated the activities of antioxidant enzymatic activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) of both shoot and root, except under 20 % FC condition. E. maackii seedlings under all water deficit conditions formed AM symbiosis well with AM fungi, which ameliorated the drought mediated negative effect significantly, especially under 40 % and 60 % FC conditions. Under 40 % to 80 % FC conditions, AM formation improved seedlings growth and photosynthesis by significantly enhancing biomass accumulation, chlorophyll content and assimilation. Mycorrhizal seedlings showed better tolerance and less sensitive to water deficit, reflected in lower SOD activities of shoot and root, and CAT activity of shoot under 40 % and 60 % FC conditions. Down-regulation of antioxidant system in mycorrhizal seedlings suggested better maintenance of redox homeostasis and protection of metabolism, including biomass accumulation and assimilation. All the results advocated the positive role of R. intraradices inoculation in E. maackii against water deficit, which suggested the potential role of AM fungi in ecological restoration in arid region.
Control of Graves’ Hyperthyroidism with Very Long-Term Methimazole Treatment: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Azizi Fereidoun , Abdi Hengameh , Amouzegar Atieh 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Long-term antithyroid drugs therapy has become one of the options for treatment of Graves’ hyperthyroidism. The aim of this study was to compare thyroid status in those who discontinued methimazole (MMI) treatment after 12.8 years with those who continued MMI as long as 24 years.Methods: Fifty nine patients with Graves’ disease on long-term MMI for 14.2±2.9 years were recruited; 32 patients (54%) decided to discontinue MMI and 27 (46%) preferred additional years of MMI treatment. All patients were followed for a mean of 6 additional years.Results: Of 27 patients who continued MMI, 16 and 11 subjects completed median of 20 and 24 years of MMI treatment, respectively. Suppressed serum thyrotropin (TSH) was not observed in any patient after seventh years of treatment. Serum free thyroxine, triiodothyronine, TSH and TSH receptor antibody concentrations remained normal up to the length of the study. Mean daily dose of MMI to maintain TSH in the reference range decreased gradually and reached to 2.8±1.7 mg by 24 years of MMI treatment. No adverse reaction related to MMI occured during additional years of therapy. In 32 patients who discontinued MMI, hyperthyroidism relapsed in 6 patients (19%), one left follow-up and 25 (78%) remained euthyroid during the study.Conclusions: Long-term low dose MMI treatment may be a lifelong effective and safe therapeutic modality in patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism for prevention of relapse.Trial registration: IRCT201009224794N, 2010-10-25. Retrospectively registered.www. IRCT.IR/Trial/5143.