bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum ESPL1 Can Be Used as a Biomarker for Patients With Hepatitis B Virus-Related Liver Cancer: A Chinese Case-Control Study
Authors: Wang Rongming , Zang Weiwei , Hu Bobin , Deng Deli , Ling Xiaozhang , Zhou Huikun , Su Minghua , Jiang Jianning 
Published: December 2020

Aims: To investigate the feasibility of serum extra spindle pole bodies-like 1 (ESPL1) used as a biomarker for patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: 131 chronic HBV-infection patients were recruited and divided into HBV S gene integration, non-HBV S gene integration, chronic hepatitis B (CHB), HBV-related liver cirrhosis (LC) and HBV-related HCC group, 24 non-HBV-related HCC patients were selected as HCC control group, 30 people without HBV-infection as healthy control group. Serum ESPL1 were detected and compared. Results: ESPL1 level of integration group was significantly higher than that of non-integration group (346.7 vs 199.6 ng/ml, P = 0.000) and healthy control group (346.7 vs 41.3 ng/ml, P = 0.000). ESPL1 level of non-integration group was significantly higher than that of healthy control group (199.6 vs 41.3 ng/ml, P = 0.000); ESPL1 levels in chronic HBV-infection related groups were increased in turn according to CHB group (95.8 ng/ml), HBV-related LC group (268.2 ng/ml), HBV-related HCC group (279.9 ng/ml) and integration group (346.7 ng/ml). Except that there was no significant difference in ESPL1 levels between HBV-related LC and HCC group ( P = 0.662), pairwise comparisons between other groups showed significant differences ( P < 0.05). ESPL1 level of HBV-related HCC group was significantly higher than that of non-HBV-related HCC group (279.9 vs 46.6 ng/ml, P = 0.000), there was no noticeable difference between non-HBV-related HCC and healthy control group (46.6 vs 41.3 ng/ml, P = 0.848). ESPL1 level of HBV-related HCC group after resection was significantly lower than that of before resection (178.4 vs 260.8 ng/ml, P = 0.000). Conclusions: Chronic HBV-infection patients with high ESPL1 level may indicate HBV S gene integration and is a high-risk population for HBV-related HCC. Serum ESPL1 can be used as a biomarker for screening HBV-related HCC high-risk population and monitoring recurrence.
Complications After Clinic-Based Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet Hand Surgery at a Single Private Practice
Authors: Reynolds Michael , Srinivasan Ramesh C. , Person David W. 
Published: December 2020

Background This study was designed to analyze the results of all wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) procedures performed on the hand and wrist at a single practice hand surgery practice with a focus on quantifying and qualifying complications. Methods This retrospective chart review included 424 patients who underwent WALANT hand procedures in the minor procedure room of our private practice between 2015 and 2017. Patients were divided into groups based on the type of procedure, including carpal tunnel release, A1 pulley release, first dorsal compartment release, extensor tendon repair, mass excision, and foreign body removal. Data pertaining to patient demographics and complications were recorded. Results The overall complication rate for all procedures was 2.8% for 424 patients: A1 pulley release (n = 314, 2.5%), first dorsal compartment release (n = 11, 9%), extensor tendon repairs (5.5%), and mass excision (4%). The carpal tunnel release and foreign body removal groups experienced no complications. No adverse events (arrhythmias, vasovagal, etc.) were observed during the use of the WALANT technique. Conclusions Clinic-based WALANT hand surgery procedures are equally safe compared to the same procedures performed in the operating room at an ambulatory surgery center or hospital.
Moving and handling care of bariatric patients: a survey of clinical nurse managers
Authors: Dockrell Sara , Hurley Graham 
Published: December 2020

Background The prevalence of obesity is rising, and obese persons are more likely to use healthcare services and require moving and handling care. Aims This study explored the frequency, logistics and barriers to the provision of bariatric patient-handling care including equipment availability in acute hospitals. Methods A cross-sectional study design using an anonymous 24-item questionnaire was used to survey 322 clinical nurse managers. Completed hard-copy questionnaires ( n = 132) were returned by post. Results Most clinical nurse managers (93.1%) provided care for bariatric patients and 85.6% reported barriers to the provision of bariatric care within their clinical area. The principal barriers were lack of equipment (75%), staff (65.2%) and training (57.6%). Only 11.4% owned all the required equipment. Owning equipment provided significantly greater access to a hoist ( P = 0.001) and chair ( P = 0.032) than renting. Only 9.5% reported that rented equipment always arrives on time. The majority (74.4%) did not have guidelines for caring for bariatric patients, and 46.2% considered this to be a barrier. Conclusions Barriers to caring for bariatric patients were identified. Most of the equipment was rented, and significant delays in its delivery were reported. The need for education and training and the dissemination of policies and guidelines were identified.
Multimodal brain monitoring following traumatic brain injury: A primer for intensive care practitioners
Authors: Casault Colin , Couillard Philippe , Kromm Julie , Rosenthal Eric , Kramer Andreas , Brindley Peter 
Published: December 2020

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common and potentially devastating. Traditional examination-based patient monitoring following TBI may be inadequate for frontline clinicians to reduce secondary brain injury through individualized therapy. Multimodal neurologic monitoring (MMM) offers great potential for detecting early injury and improving outcomes. By assessing cerebral oxygenation, autoregulation and metabolism, clinicians may be able to understand neurophysiology during acute brain injury, and offer therapies better suited to each patient and each stage of injury. Hence, we offer this primer on brain tissue oxygen monitoring, pressure reactivity index monitoring and cerebral microdialysis. This narrative review serves as an introductory guide to the latest clinically-relevant evidence regarding key neuromonitoring techniques.
Failure patterns and outcomes of dose escalation of stereotactic body radiotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer: a multicenter cohort study
Authors: Zhu Xiaofei , Cao Yangsen , Su Tingshi , Zhu Xixu , Ju Xiaoping , Zhao Xianzhi , Jiang Lingong , Ye Yusheng , Cao Fei , Qing Shuiwang , Zhang Huojun 
Published: December 2020

Objective: This study aims to compare recurrence patterns and outcomes of biologically effective dose (BED10, α/β = 10) of 60–70 Gy with those of a BED10 >70 Gy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). Methods: Patients from three centers with a biopsy and a radiographically proven LAPC were retrospectively included and data were prospectively collected from June 2012 to June 2019. Radiotherapy was delivered by stereotactic body radiation therapy. Recurrences were categorized as in-field, marginal, and outside-the-field recurrence. Patients in two groups were required to receive abdominal enhanced contrast CT or MRI every 2–3 months and CA19-9 examinations every month during follow-up. Treatment-related toxicities were evaluated every month. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: After propensity score matching, there were 486 patients in each group. The median prescription dose of the two groups was 37 Gy/5–8 f (range: 36–40.8 Gy/5–8 f) and 42 Gy/5–8 f (range: 40–49.6 Gy/5–8 f), respectively. The median OS of patients with a BED10 >70 Gy and a BED10 60–70 Gy was 20.3 months (95% CI: 19.1–21.5 months) and 18.2 months (95% CI: 17.8–18.6 months) respectively ( p < 0.001). The median PFS of the two cohorts was 15.4 months (95% CI: 14.2–16.6 months) and 13.3 months (95% CI: 12.9–13.7 months) respectively ( p < 0.001). A higher incidence of in-field and marginal recurrence was found in patients with BED10 of 60–70 Gy (in-field: 97/486 versus 72/486, p = 0.034; marginal: 109/486 versus 84/486, p = 0.044). However, more patients with BED10 >70 Gy had grade 2 or 3 acute (87/486 versus 64/486, p = 0.042) and late gastrointestinal toxicities (77/486 versus 55/486, p = 0.039) than those with BED10 of 60–70 Gy. Conclusion: BED10 >70 Gy was found to have the best survival benefits along with a higher incidence of acute and late gastrointestinal toxicities. Therefore, a higher dose may be required in the case of patients’ good tolerance.
Clinical profiles of patients referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist clinic via community mobile hearing clinic in Singapore
Authors: Lim Zee Hui , Soo Ying Pei , Loo Jenny Hooi Yin 
Published: December 2020

Background: Community-based audiology service is new to the Singapore’s health-care landscape. Cases deemed unsuitable to remain under audiologists’ management in the community are referred to ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists. Objectives: Analysis of the clinical profiles for these referred cases revealed the local community burden of otological and auditory conditions. Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional pilot study. Clinical records of 375 patients who were seen by audiologists at a community-based mobile hearing clinic (MHC) and warranted ENT specialist referrals were extracted for descriptive analysis. Results: A total of 83.73% ( n=314) of patients attended their ENT appointments as advised by audiologists. Most patients (57.07%, n=234) had one condition diagnosed by the ENT specialist. One patient had four ENT conditions. Twenty-two types of otological conditions were diagnosed. Chronic suppurative otitis media, otitis externa, impacted cerumen and otitis media with effusion made up the four most frequently seen conditions in this subgroup. Twelve types of auditory conditions were diagnosed, with asymmetrical hearing loss topping the list. Sixteen types of other ENT conditions were diagnosed. Four incidental findings of vestibular schwannoma were reported. Conclusion: Many of the otological conditions diagnosed were chronic. Auditory conditions were predominantly hearing loss. Yet, they were found unnoticed or untreated by patients at the time of their visit to the MHC. This community-based audiology clinic had a catalytic effect on promoting timely or even early otological/hearing diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the prevailing ENT conditions of our wider population indicates the potential for growing community-based hearing health-care provision.
Active screening for COPD among hospitalized smokers – a feasibility study
Authors: Mycroft Katarzyna , Korczynski Piotr , Jankowski Piotr , Kutka Mikolaj , Zelazna Olga , Zagaja Marcin , Wozniczko Kornelia , Szafranska Urszula , Koltowski Lukasz , Opolski Grzegorz , Krenke Rafal , Gorska Katarzyna 
Published: December 2020

Background: Spirometry is a primary tool for early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) detection in patients with risk factors, for example, cigarette smoking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the strategy of an active screening for COPD among smokers admitted to the pulmonary and cardiology department. Methods: This prospective study was conducted between February and March 2019. All hospitalized smokers aged 40 years and older completed an original questionnaire and had spirometry measurement with a bronchial reversibility test (if applicable) performed by medical students using a portable spirometer. Results: One hundred and eighty-eight patients were eligible to participate in the study. Seventy (37%) subjects refused to participate. Eventually, 116 (62%) patients were included in the final analysis and 94 (81%) performed spirometry correctly. In total, 32 (34 %) patients were found to have COPD. Nine (28%) of these patients were newly diagnosed, 89% of them had mild-to-moderate airway obstruction. Patients with newly diagnosed COPD were significantly younger [age 63 (56–64) versus 69 (64–78) years], had a longer smoking-free period [17 (13–20) versus 9 (2–12) years], had fewer symptoms and had a better lung function compared with patients with a previous diagnosis of COPD ( p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Conclusion: The proposed diagnostic strategy can be successfully used to improve COPD detection in the inpatient setting. The majority of the newly diagnosed COPD patients had mild-to-moderate airway obstruction. Patients who should be particularly screened for COPD include ex-smokers with less pronounced respiratory symptoms.
Market-Making Practices of Private Tutoring in Finland: Commercialization of Exam Preparation for Admission to Higher Education
Authors: Jokila Suvi , Haltia Nina , Kosunen Sonja 
Published: December 2020

Purpose: This study focuses on courses that prepare applicants for universities’ highly competitive entrance examinations in Finland. The analysis clarifies the market-making practices and the construction of this field. Design/Approach/Methods: To understand these processes, we use Çalişkan and Callon’s five framings for studying marketization as a heuristic framework. In our analysis, we combine different data sets, including data on course provision, thematic interviews, documents, and ethnographic notes. Findings: In this article, we argue that the preparatory course markets in Finland are an example of private tutoring which operates in the privacy of the university applicants’ exam preparation process, thus commercializing this process. The market making of this type of private tutoring is an assemblage of a variety of agents that interact in parallel with each other. Originality/Value: This study aims to contribute to the systemic understanding of the assemblage of private tutoring markets in an equality-focused Nordic country by providing new heuristic lenses from economic sociology through which to view private tutoring.
Cost Analysis With Use of Expandable Cage or Cement in Single level Thoracic Vertebrectomy in Metastasis
Authors: Katzir Miki , Rustagi Tarush , Hatef Jeffrey , Mendel Ehud 
Published: December 2020

Study Design: Retrospective case series. Objective: Patient with metastatic cancer frequently require spinal operations for neural decompression and stabilization, most commonly thoracic vertebrectomy with reconstruction. Objective of the study was to assess economic aspects associated with use of cement versus expandable cage in patients with single level thoracic metastatic disease. We also looked at the differences in the clinical, radiological, complications and survival differences to assess non-inferiority of PMMA over cages. Methods: The electronic medical records of patients undergoing single level thoracic vertebrectomy and reconstruction were reviewed. Two groups were made: PMMA and EC. Totals surgical cost, implant costs was analyzed. We also looked at the clinical/ radiological outcome, complication and survival analysis. Results: 96 patients were identified including 70 one-level resections. For 1-level surgeries, Implant costs for use of cement—$75 compared to $9000 for cages. Overall surgical cost was significantly less for PMMA compared to use of EC. No difference was seen in clinical outcome or complication was seen. We noticed significantly better kyphosis correction in the PMMA group. Conclusions: Polymethylmethacrylate cement offers significant cost advantage for reconstruction after thoracic vertebrectomy. It also allows for better kyphosis correction and comparable clinical outcomes and non-inferior to cages.
Age in relation to comorbidity and outcome in patients with high-risk TIA or minor ischemic stroke: A Swedish national observational study
Authors: Fasth Oskar , Lesén Eva , Appelros Peter , Farahmand Bahman , Hedberg Jonatan , Ladenvall Per , Mellström Carl , Åsberg Signild 
Published: December 2020

Introduction Recent trials report positive results for preventing vascular events with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with high-risk TIA or minor ischemic stroke. We aimed to investigate this population regarding influence of age on vascular risk factors, hospital stay and mortality. Patients and methods Data on patients aged 40–100 years with TIA or ischemic stroke in the Swedish Stroke Register during 2012–13 were linked with national registers. To identify patients with high-risk TIA (ABCD2 ≥6) or minor ischemic stroke (NIHSS ≤5) eligible for DAPT, we excluded patients with atrial fibrillation, anticoagulant use, prior major bleeding, or unknown stroke severity. Findings We identified 10,053 potential DAPT-candidates (mean age 72.6 years, 45.2% female, 16.4% with TIA). With advancing age, most vascular risk factors increased. Antiplatelet treatment increased from 31.9% before the event to 95.5% after discharge. Within 1 year following index event, the proportion of patients with ≥1 re-admission increased with age (29.2% in 40–64 year-olds; 47.2% in 85–100 year-olds). All-cause death per 100 person-years was 6.9 (95% CI 6.4–7.4) within 1 year, and highest in the first 30 days (15.2; 95% CI 12.8–18.2). For each year of increased age, the risk of death increased with 3.5% (p = 0.128) in patients 40–64 years and with 11.8% (p < 0.001) in those ≥85 years. Conclusions While in theory representing a subset of patients with mild injury, our observational study highlights substantial use of health-care resources and high mortality rates among patients with high-risk TIA or minor ischemic stroke assumed eligible for DAPT.
Genetic Diversity of Landraces and Improved Varieties of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Taiwan
Authors: Hour Ai-ling , Hsieh Wei-hsun , Chang Su-huang , Wu Yong-pei , Chin Han-shiuan , Lin Yann-rong 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundRice, the most important crop in Asia, has been cultivated in Taiwan for more than 5000 years. The landraces preserved by indigenous peoples and brought by immigrants from China hundreds of years ago exhibit large variation in morphology, implying that they comprise rich genetic resources. Breeding goals according to the preferences of farmers, consumers and government policies also alter gene pools and genetic diversity of improved varieties. To unveil how genetic diversity is affected by natural, farmers’, and breeders’ selections is crucial for germplasm conservation and crop improvement.ResultsA diversity panel of 148 rice accessions, including 47 cultivars and 59 landraces from Taiwan and 42 accessions from other countries, were genotyped by using 75 molecular markers that revealed an average of 12.7 alleles per locus with mean polymorphism information content of 0.72. These accessions could be grouped into five subpopulations corresponding to wild rice,japonicalandraces,indicalandraces,indicacultivars, andjaponicacultivars. The genetic diversity within subpopulations was: wild rices > landraces > cultivars; andindicarice >japonicarice. Despite having less variation among cultivars,japonicalandraces had greater genetic variation thanindicalandraces because the majority of Taiwanesejaponicalandraces preserved by indigenous peoples were classified astropical japonica. Two major clusters ofindicalandraces were formed by phylogenetic analysis, in accordance with immigration from two origins. Genetic erosion had occurred in laterjaponicavarieties due to a narrow selection of germplasm being incorporated into breeding programs for premium grain quality. Genetic differentiation between early and late cultivars was significant injaponica(FST = 0.3751) but not inindica(FST = 0.0045), indicating effects of different breeding goals on modern germplasm. Indigenous landraces with unique intermediate and admixed genetic backgrounds were untapped, representing valuable resources for rice breeding.ConclusionsThe genetic diversity of improved rice varieties has been substantially shaped by breeding goals, leading to differentiation betweenindicaandjaponicacultivars. Taiwanese landraces with different origins possess various and unique genetic backgrounds. Taiwanese rice germplasm provides diverse genetic variation for association mapping to unveil useful genes and is a precious genetic reservoir for rice improvement.
Comparison of fundus fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography features of macular changes in Eales disease: a case series
Authors: Rajurkar Ketaki , Thakar Meenakshi , Gupta Priyadarshi , Rastogi Anju 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose
To study the macular features in Eales disease patients observed with fundus fluorescein angiography (FA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods
A cross-sectional study was done on treatment naïve 31 eyes (23 patients) with Eales disease. Baseline parameters such as Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp bio microscopy (SLB), indirect ophthalmoscopy, FA, spectral-domain OCT {quantitative (central macular thickness [CMT]) and qualitative analysis on SD-OCT} and OCTA were performed. Any media opacity precluding the above investigations was excluded.

Results
Macular findings comprised of- epiretinal membrane, macular exudation, full thickness macular hole, sub internal limiting membrane bleed, cystoid macular oedema, neurosensory detachment and retinal thickening. Sixteen (51.6%) of our patients had macular changes as seen on all modalities together. SLB and indirect ophthalmoscopy missed macular findings in 50% patients and FA in 18.8% patients. OCT and OCTA diagnosed all macular findings. On comparison of mean BCVA in patients with macular involvement on FA, OCT and OCTA, compared to those without macular involvement, patients with macular involvement had lower BCVA (p 0.000, 0.01 and 0.001 respectively). Thus, FA missed many patients who had significant macular involvement and hence less vision.

Conclusion
Eales disease though described in literature as classically being peripheral retina disease process, also has macular involvement. OCT and OCTA are useful guides to evaluation of macular involvement in these patients. The latter seems to be superior to FA in detecting macular abnormalities in this ailment. OCTA is non-invasive and shows deep capillary plexus changes which are not shown by any other modality.
Potential predictors of type-2 diabetes risk: machine learning, synthetic data and wearable health devices
Authors: Stolfi Paola , Valentini Ilaria , Palumbo Maria Concetta , Tieri Paolo , Grignolio Andrea , Castiglione Filippo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
The aim of a recent research project was the investigation of the mechanisms involved in the onset of type 2 diabetes in the absence of familiarity. This has led to the development of a computational model that recapitulates the aetiology of the disease and simulates the immunological and metabolic alterations linked to type-2 diabetes subjected to clinical, physiological, and behavioural features of prototypical human individuals.

Results
We analysed the time course of 46,170 virtual subjects, experiencing different lifestyle conditions. We then set up a statistical model able to recapitulate the simulated outcomes.

Conclusions
The resulting machine learning model adequately predicts the synthetic dataset and can, therefore, be used as a computationally-cheaper version of the detailed mathematical model, ready to be implemented on mobile devices to allow self-assessment by informed and aware individuals.
The computational model used to generate the dataset of this work is available as a web-service at the following address: http://kraken.iac.rm.cnr.it/T2DM.