bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of interventions to increase uptake and completion of treatment for diabetic retinopathy in low- and middle-income countries: a rapid review protocol.
Authors: Bascaran Covadonga , Mwangi Nyawira , D’Esposito Fabrizio , Cleland Charles , Gordon Iris , Ulloa Juan Alberto Lopez , Maswadi Ranad , Md Shaffi , Ramke Jacqueline , Evans Jennifer R , Burton Matthew 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy can largely be prevented or delayed through treatment. Patients with vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy are typically offered laser or intravitreal injections which often require more than one treatment cycle. However, treatment is not always initiated, or it is not completed, resulting in poor visual outcomes. Interventions aimed at improving the uptake or completion of treatment for diabetic retinopathy can potentially help prevent or delay visual loss in people with diabetes. Methods We will search MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health and Cochrane Register of Studies for studies reporting interventions to improve the uptake of treatment for diabetic retinopathy (DR) and/or diabetic macular oedema (DMO), compared with usual care, in adults with diabetes. The review will include studies published in the last 20 years in the English language. We will include any study design that measured any of the following outcomes in relation to treatment uptake and completion for DR and/or DMO: 1) Proportion of patients initiating treatment for DR and/or DMO among those to whom it is recommended, 2) Proportion of patients completing treatment for DR and/or DMO among those to whom it is recommended, 3)Proportion of patients completing treatment for DR and/or DMO among those initiating treatment, 4) Number and proportion of DR and/or DMO rounds from the recommended treatment protocol completed per patient. For included studies we will also report any measures of cost-effectiveness when available. Two reviewers will screen search results independently. Risk of bias assessment and data extraction will be done by one reviewer with verification of 10% of the papers by a second reviewer. The results will be synthesised narratively. Discussion This rapid review aims to identify and synthesise the peer-reviewed literature on the effectiveness of interventions to increase uptake and completion of treatment for DR and/or DMO in LMICs. The rapid review methodology was chosen in order to rapidly synthesise the available evidence to support program implementers and policy makers in designing evidence-based health programs, public health policy, and inform the allocation of resources. Rapid review registration OSF: osf.io/h5wgr
Development of risk factor-based scoring system for detection of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infections.
Authors: Togawa Atsushi , Yoshimura Michinobu , Tokushige Chiemi , Matsunaga Akira , Takata Tohru , Takamatsu Yasushi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (HVKp) infections have distinct clinical manifestations from classical K. pneumoniae infections. The hallmark of HVKp infections are liver abscess formation and metastatic infections. Due to the severe sequelae of these complications, method to identify patients at-risk of HVKp infections should be developed.
Results
A retrospective cohort study of 222 patients with K. pneumoniae bloodstream infections (BSIs) was performed. Patient demographics, clinical manifestations, and bacterial characteristics were investigated. Ten cases of liver abscesses were identified. Characteristics such as community-onset BSIs, hypermucoviscosity phenotype, and capsular serotype K1 were identified as risk factors for HVKp infections. A scoring system was developed based on the risk factors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the scoring system was 0.90. A score of ≥ 2 points provided sensitivity and specificity of 0.70 and 0.94, respectively.
Conclusions
Simple scoring system was developed for the diagnosis of HVKp infections. The system allows early identification of patients with K. pneumoniae BSIs in whom hypervirulent infections should be evaluated. Prospective evaluation is expected.
Early intravenous tranexamic acid intervention reduces post-traumatic hidden blood loss in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ma Hui Xu , Wang Hairuo , Long Xiaotao , Xu Zexiang , Chen Xiaohua , Li Mingjin , He Tao , Wang Wei , Liu Lei , Liu Xi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose Elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures exhibit post-traumatic hidden blood loss (HBL). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of reducing post-traumatic HBL via early intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) intervention in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture.Methods A prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted with 125 patients (age ≥65 years, injury time ≤6 h) who presented with intertrochanteric fracture from September 2018 and September 2019. Patients in the TXA group (n=63) received 1 g of IV TXA at admission, whereas those in the normal saline (NS) group (n=62) received an equal volume of saline. Hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct) were recorded at post-traumatic admission (PTA) and on post-traumatic day (PTD) 1–3. HBL was calculated using the Gross formula. Lower extremity venous ultrasound was performed to detect venous thrombosis.Results Hgb on PTD 2 and 3 were statistically higher in the TXA group than in the NS group. Hct and HBL on PTDs 1-3 were significantly less in the TXA group than in the NS group. Preoperative transfusion rate was significantly lower in the TXA group than in the NS group. There was no difference between the two groups with regard to the rates of complications.Conclusion Early IV TXA intervention could reduces post-traumatic HBL and pre-operative transfusion rate in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures without increasing the risk of venous thrombosis.
FDG uptake of the normal spinal cord in PET/MR imaging
Authors: Aiello Marco , Alfano Vincenzo , Salvatore Elena , Cavaliere Carlo , Picardi Marco , Pepa Roberta Della , Nicolai Emanuele , Soricelli Andrea , Vella Alessandra , Salvatore Marco , Mascalchi Mario 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The lack of visualization of the spinal cord hinders the evaluation of18F Fluoro-deoxy-glucose (FDG) uptake of the spinal cord in PET/CT. By exploiting the capability of MRI to precisely outline the spinal cord, we performed a retrospective study aimed to define normal pattern of spinal cord FDG uptake in PET/MRI.Methods: Forty-one patients with lymphoma without clinical or MRI signs of spinal cord or bone marrow involvement underwent simultaneous PET and MRI acquisition using Siemens Biograph mMR after injection of 3.5 MBq/kg body weight of 18FDG for staging purposes. Using a custom-made software, we placed ROIs of 3 and 9 mm in diameter in spinal cord, lumbar CSF and vertebral marrow that were identified on MRI at 5 levels (C2, C5, T6, T12 and L3). The SUVmax, SUVmean and the SUVmax and SUVmean normalized (NSUVmax and NSUVmean) to the liver were measured. For comparison, the same ROIs were placed in PET-CT images obtained immediately before the PET-MRI acquisition following the same tracer injection.Results: On PET/MRI using the 3 mm ROI the following average (all level excluding L3) spinal cord median (1st and 3rd quartile) values were measured: SUVmean1.68 (1.39 and 1.83), SUVmax1.92 (1.60 and 2.14), NSUVmean1.18 (0.93 and 1.36), NSUVmax1.27 (1.01 and 1.33). Using the 9 mm ROI the corresponding values were: SUVmean1.41 (1.25-1.55), SUVmax2.41 (2.08 and2.61), NSUVmean0.93 (0.79 and 1.04), NSUVmax1.28 (1.02 and 1.39). Using the 3 mm ROI the highest values of PET-MRI SUVmax, SUVmean, NSUVmax and NSUVmean were consistently observed at C5 and the lowest at T6. Using a 9 mm ROI the highest values were consistently observed at C5 and the lowest at T12 or T6. The spinal cord FDG-uptake values correlated with bone marrow uptake at the same level, especially in case of NSUVmax. Comparison with PET-CT data revealed that the average SUVmax and SUVmean of the spinal cord were similar in PET-MRI and PET-CT. However, the average NSUVmax and NSUVmean of the spinal cord were higher (range 21% - 47%) in PET-MRI than in PET-CT.Conclusions: Using a whole-body protocol we defined the maximum and mean FDG uptake of the normal spinal cord in PET/MRI. While the observed values show the expected longitudinal distribution, they appear to be higher than those measured in PET/CT. Normalizing the SUVmax and SUVmean of the spinal cord to the liver radiotracer uptake could help in multi-institutional comparisons and studies.
Quantitative Eeg as a Biomarker in Mild Cognitive Impairment With Lewy Bodies
Authors: Schumacher Julia , Taylor John-Paul , Hamilton Calum A. , Firbank Michael , Cromarty Ruth A. , Donaghy Paul C. , Roberts Gemma , Allan Louise , Lloyd Jim , Durcan Rory , Barnett Nicola , O’Brien John T. , Thomas Alan J. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objectives:To investigate using quantitative EEG (1) differencesbetween patients with mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies (MCI-LB) and MCI with Alzheimer’s disease (MCI-AD) and (2) its utilityas a potential biomarker for early differential diagnosis.Methods:We analyzed eyes-closed, resting state, high-density EEG data from highly phenotyped participants (39 MCI-LB, 36 MCI-AD, and 31 healthy controls). EEG measures included spectral power in different frequency bands (delta, theta, pre-alpha, alpha, and beta), theta/alpha ratio, dominant frequency, and dominant frequency variability.Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses were performed to assess diagnostic accuracy.Results:There was a shift in power from beta and alpha frequency bands towards slower frequencies in the pre-alpha and theta range in MCI-LB compared to healthy controls. Additionally, dominant frequency was slower in MCI-LB compared to controls. We found significantly increased pre-alpha power, decreased beta power, and slower dominant frequency in MCI-LB compared to MCI-AD. EEG abnormalities were more apparent in MCI-LB cases with more diagnostic features.There were no significant differences between MCI-AD and controls. In the ROC analysis, beta power and dominant frequency showed the highest area under the curve values of 0.71 and 0.70, respectively. While specificity was high for some measures (up to 0.97 for alpha power and 0.94 for theta/alpha ratio), sensitivity was generally much lower. Conclusions:Early EEG slowing is a specific feature of MCI-LB compared to MCI-AD.However, there is overlap between the two MCI groups which makes it difficult to distinguish between them based on EEG alone.
Host Reproductive Cycle Influences the Pouch Microbiota of Wild Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombats (Lasiorhinus Latifrons)
Authors: Weiss Sesilje , Taggart David , Smith Ian , Helgen Kristopher M , Eisenhofer Raphael 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Marsupials are born much earlier than placental mammals, with most crawling from the birth canal to the protective marsupium (pouch) to further their development. However, little is known about the microbiology of the pouch and how it changes throughout a marsupial’s reproductive cycle. Here, using stringent controls, we characterized the microbial composition of multiple body sites from 26 wild Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats (SHNWs), including pouch samples from animals at different reproductive stages. Results: Using qPCR of the 16S rRNA gene we found higher concentrations of microbial DNA in the pouch than in negative controls. We observed significant differences in microbial composition and diversity between the body sites tested, as well as between pouch samples from different reproductive stages. Three of the five most abundant taxa identified in reproductively active pouches had closest matches to microbes previously isolated from tammar wallaby pouches. Conclusions: Our results suggest that SHNW pouches contain communities of microorganisms that are altered by the host reproductive cycle. We recommend further investigation into the roles that pouch microorganisms may play in marsupial reproductive health and joey survival.
Diversity patterns of soil microbial communities in the Sophora flavescens rhizosphere in response to continuous monocropping
Authors: Lei Haiying , Hou Qinwen , Zhao Qingsong , Guo Jia , Wang Zhijun , Liu Ake 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background : Deterioration in soil continuously cropped with Sophora flavescens (a traditional Chinese herb sensitive to continuous monocropping systems) has not been elucidated, especially regarding taxa present in the microbial community and soil properties. Results : In this study, comparative 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) MiSeq sequencing analyses were used to examine the taxonomic community structure and microbial diversity in nonrhizosphere soil (CK) and rhizosphere soils (SCC, TCC, and FCC) sampled from fields that had undergone two, three and five years of continuous cropping, respectively. Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria were the most enriched phyla in the bacterial communities, and Ascomycota and Mortierellomycota were the dominant phyla of fungal communities in soil continuously cropped for different periods of time. As the continuous cropping time increased, the diversity of the bacterial community decreased, but that of fungi increased, indicating that long-term monocropping exerted great impacts on microbial community distributions. Redundancy analysis also showed that among the properties of the rhizosphere soil, the available phosphorus, organic matter, total nitrogen and sucrase had the greatest impacts on the diversity of the rhizosphere microbial community. Moreover, a biomarker for S. flavescens soil was also identified using the most differentially abundant bacteria and fungi in soil samples.Conclusions : Overall, investigating the microbial community and physicochemical properties of rhizosphere soil will help clarify the relationship between continuous cropping with S. flavescens and soil degradation. Our study may aid in uncovering the theoretical basis underlying obstacles to continuous cropping and provide better guidance for crop production.
Evolutionary Chemical Binding Similarity Approach Integrated with 3D-QSAR Method for Effective Virtual Screening
Authors: Durai Prasannavenkatesh , Ko Young-Joon , Pan Cheol-Ho , Park Keunwan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite continued efforts using chemical similarity methods in virtual screening, currently developed approaches suffer from time-consuming multistep procedures and low success rates. We recently developed a machine learning-based chemical binding similarity model considering common structural features from molecules binding to the same, or evolutionarily related targets. The chemical binding similarity measures the resemblance of chemical compounds in terms of binding site similarity to better describe functional similarities that arise from target binding. In this study, we have shown how the chemical binding similarity could be used in virtual screening together with the conventional structure-based methods. Results: The chemical binding similarity, receptor-based pharmacophore, chemical structure similarity, and molecular docking methods were evaluated to identify an effective virtual screening procedure for desired target proteins. When we tested the chemical binding similarity method with test sets of 51 kinases, it outperformed the traditional structural similarity-based methods as well as structure-based methods, such as molecular docking and receptor-based pharmacophore modeling, in terms of finding active compounds. We further validated the results by performing virtual screening (using the chemical binding similarity and receptor-based pharmacophore methods) against a completely blind dataset for mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1), ephrin type-B receptor 4 (EPHB4) and wee1-like protein kinase (WEE1). The in vitro kinase binding assay confirmed that 6 out of 13 (46.2%) for MEK1 and 2 out of 12 (16.7%) for EPHB4 were newly identified only by the chemical binding similarity model.Conclusions: We report that the virtual screening results could further be improved by combining the chemical binding similarity model with 3D-QSAR and molecular docking models. Not only the new inhibitors are identified in this study, but also many of the identified molecules have low structural similarity scores against already reported inhibitors and that show the revelation of novel scaffolds.
Bladder perforation during transurethral resection of bladder tumour is not a result of deficient structure of the bladder wall
Authors: Poletajew Sławomir , Ilczuk Tomasz , Krajewski Wojciech , Niemczyk Grzegorz , Cyran Agata , Białek Łukasz , Radziszewski Piotr , Górnicka Barbara , Kryst Piotr 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TUR) is associated with a risk of bladder perforation. The underlying mechanisms and risk factors are unknown. The aim of this study was to describe the quality and architecture of urothelium and bladder submucosa in patients undergoing TUR complicated by bladder perforation. Methods Fifteen patients who underwent TUR complicated by a bladder perforation were retrospectively enrolled into this morphological analysis (group 1). As a control group, 15 patients, who had undergone uncomplicated TUR, were matched (group 2). Surgical specimens were collected from all participating patients. Immunohistochemical studies were performed with primary mouse anti-human E-cadherin, beta-catenin, type IV collagen, cytokeratin 20 and epithelial membrane antigen antibodies. The intensity of the immunohistochemical reaction was assessed using an immunoreactive score (IRS). Ultrastructural examinations were performed in transmission electron microscopy. The microscopic assessment was focused on the intensity of fibrosis in bladder submucosa and the presence of degenerative changes in the urothelium. Results Patients’ age, sex distribution, tumour diameters, surgeon experience or cancer stage did not differ between study groups. Immunohistochemical analysis did not reveal statistically significant differences between group 1 and group 2. From clinical point of view, ultrastructural analysis by electron microscopy showed higher rate of severe fibrosis in group 1 (63.6% vs. 38.5%), with no differences in the rate and degree of urothelial changes. However, these differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.32). Conclusions Bladder perforation during transurethral resection of bladder tumour is not a result of deficient structure of the bladder wall and surgical technique seems to play the most important role in its prevention.
Adjuvant instant pre-operative renal artery embolization facilitates the radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy in locally advanced renal cancer with venous thrombus: A retrospective study of 54 cases
Authors: Tang Guangxin , chen xiaoxu , Wang Jianwei , He Wei , Niu Zhihong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The role of renal artery embolization (RAE) in the therapeutic armamentarium is always controversial. The present study aimed to assess the safety and the surgical outcomes of the instant renal artery embolization (I-RAE) prior to nephrectomy and thrombectomy in locally advanced renal cell carcinoma patients with venous thrombus.Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 54 patients treated with nephrectomy and thrombectomy between Jan 2012 and Jan 2019. Twenty-four patients were treated by I-RAE before surgery. Thirty patients were performed surgery alone (Non-RAE). The patient demographics, operation time, blood loss, transfusion requirements, complications and other surgical parameters were analyzed between the two groups.Results: The mean tumor size in I-RAE group was significantly larger than that in the Non-RAE group (11.1cm versus 7.9cm; p = .001). The mean estimated blood loss was significantly lower in I-RAE group compared to Non-RAE group (596ml versus 827ml; p = .015), and the patients in the Non-RAE group were more likely to receive blood transfusion (RBC units, 4U versus 6U, p = .025; plasma volume, 200ml versus 400ml, p = .01). No differences were found in operative duration, ICU stay, perioperative complications and length of postoperative hospitalization. Conclusions: The adjuvant instant pre-operative renal artery embolization (I-RAE) is a safe technique. It facilitates the nephrectomy and thrombectomy by reduction of blood loss, transfusion requirements and complication of delayed operation, providing the urologists with a reliable option for locally advanced RCC with tumor thrombus.
Sensitivity of Radio-Photoluminescence Glass Dosimeters to Accumulated Doses
Authors: Kim Dong Wook , Sung Jiwon , Son Jaeman , Kim Min-Joo , Shin Han-Back , Noh Yu-Yun , Kim Hojae , Han Min Cheol , Kim Jihun , Han Su Chul , Chang Kyung Hwan , Kim Hojin , Park Kwangwoo , Yoon Myonggeun , Kim Jinsung , Shin Dongho 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background This study investigated the effect of accumulated doses on radio-photoluminescence glass dosimeters (RPLGDs) from measurements involving mega-voltage photons. Methods Forty-five commercially available RPLGDs were irradiated to estimate their dose responses. Photon beams of 6, 10, and 15 MV were irradiated onto the RPLGDs inside a phantom, which were divided into five groups with different doses and energies. Groups 1 and 2 were irradiated at 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 Gy in a sequential manner; Group 3 was irradiated 10 times with a dose of 10 Gy; and Groups 4 and 5 followed the same method as that of Group 3, but with doses of 50 Gy and 100 Gy, respectively. Results For the annealed Group 1, RPLGD exhibited a linearity response with variance within 5%. For the non-annealed Group 2, readings demonstrated hyperlinearity at 6 MV and 10 MV, and linearity at 15 MV. Following the 100 Gy irradiation, the readings for Group 2 were 118.7 ± 1.9%, 112.2 ± 2.7%, and 101.5 ± 2.3% at 6, 10, and 15 MV, respectively. For Groups 3, 4, and 5, the responsiveness of the RPLGDs gradually decreased as the number of repeated irradiations increased. The percentage readings for the 10th beam irradiation with respect to the readings for the primary beam irradiation were 84.6 ± 1.9%, 87.5 ± 2.4%, and 93.0 ± 3.0% at 6 MV, 10 MV, and 15 MV, respectively. Conclusions The non-annealed RPLGD response to dose was hyperlinear for the 6 MV and 10 MV photon beams but not for the 15 MV photon beam. Additionally, the annealed RPLGD exhibited a fading phenomenon when the measurement was repeated several times and demonstrated a relatively large fading effect at low energies than at high energies.