bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and evaluation of a venous computed tomography radiomics model to predict lymph node metastasis from non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Cong Mengdi , Yao Haoyue , Liu Hui , Huang Liqiang , Shi Gaofeng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The objective of this study was to develop a venous computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics model to predict the lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A total of 411 consecutive patients with NSCLC underwent tumor resection and lymph node (LN) dissection from January 2018 to September 2018 in our hospital. A radiologist with 20 years of diagnostic experience retrospectively reviewed all CT scans and classified all visible LNs into LNM and non-LNM groups without the knowledge of pathological diagnosis. A logistic regression model (radiomics model) in classification of pathology-confirmed NSCLC patients with and without LNM was developed on radiomics features for NSCLC patients. A morphology model was also developed on qualitative morphology features in venous CT scans. A training group included 288 patients (99 with and 189 without LNM) and a validation group included 123 patients (42 and 81, respectively). The receiver operating characteristic curve was performed to discriminate LNM (+) from LNM (−) for CT-reported status, the morphology model and the radiomics model. The area under the curve value in LNM classification on the training group was significantly greater at 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.77–0.81) by use of the radiomics model (build by best 10 features in predicting LNM) compared with 0.51 by CT-reported LN status (P < .001) or 0.66 (95% CI: 0.64–0.68) by morphology model (build by tumor size and spiculation) (P < .001). Similarly, the area under the curve value on the validation group was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.70–0.76) by the radiomics model, compared with 0.52 or 0.63 (95% CI: 0.60–0.66) by the other 2 (both P < .001). A radiomics model shows excellent performance for predicting LNM in NSCLC patients. This predictive radiomics model may benefit patients to get better treatments such as an appropriate surgery.
Improvement of a massage chair (BEG-100) on height growth in children with average
Authors: Lee Sun Haeng , Kim Mia , Jeon Chuljin , Cho Soohyun , Choi Min Hyung , Hwang Tae Hwan , Lee Jihong , Chang Gyu Tae , Lee Jin Yong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background:
Studies that examine the growth effects of massage at ages beyond infancy are rare. A recently developed massage chair (BEG-100) targets teenagers who want to increase their growth. The chair can stretch areas around the knee after fixating the knee and ankle areas.

Methods:
This is a clinical study that included 38 children aged 11 years whose heights ranged from 145.0 to 155.0 cm. We aim to observe the potential of a 24-week massage for growth promotion. We will also evaluate the changes in height percentile, height, height standard deviation score, bone age, height standard deviation score for bone age, growth rate, predicted height estimated from bone age, seated height-to-standing height ratio, weight, and body mass index. To confirm safety, the associated adverse events will be investigated.

Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate the growth-promoting effect of BEG-100 in children with average height.

Trial registration:
KCT0004673 (Clinical Research Information Service).
Clinical efficacy and safety of 6-thioguanine in the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Chen Liang , Yan Huai-Xiu , Liu Xiao-Wei , Chen Wen-Xin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background:
To systematic review the efficacy and safety of 6-thioguanine (6-TG) in the substitute of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) in the treatment for patients with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the maintenance phase, and to explore its clinical application value. It provides theoretical guidance for the maintenance treatment of ALL in children from the perspective of evidence-based medicine.

Methods:
By means of computer retrieval, Chinese databases were searched: Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM), China national knowledge internet (CNKI), Chongqing Weipu Database (VIP), and Wanfang Database; Foreign databases: PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were applied to find out randomized controlled trial (RCT) for 6-TG in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. By manual retrieval, documents without electronic edition and related conference papers were retrieved. The retrieval time ranges from the beginning of the establishment of the databases to September 1st, 2019. According to the inclusion, and exclusion criteria by 3 researchers, the literature screening, data extraction, and research methodological quality evaluation were completed. RevMan 5.3 software was applied to evaluate the quality of the included literature, and Stata 12.0 software was used to conduct meta-analysis of the outcome indicators of the included literature.

Results:
This study systematically evaluated the efficacy and safety of 6-TG in the substitute of 6-MP as a maintenance drug for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Through the key outcome indicators, this study is expected to draw a scientific, practical conclusion for 6-TG in the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This conclusion will provide evidence-based medical direction for clinical treatment.

Conclusion:
The efficacy and safety of 6-TG in the substitute of 6-MP in the maintenance treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia will be confirmed through this study. The conclusions will be published in relevant academic journals.

Registration:
PROSPERO (registration number is CRD42020150466).
Eye-acupuncture with rehabilitation therapy for stroke
Authors: Shao Yan , Wang Pengqin , Wang Qi , Yu Lihua , Zhang Lixin , Wang Wei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background:
Stroke survivors are accompanied by dysfunctions, greatly declining their activities of daily living and bringing burden to families and societies. Although modern rehabilitation therapy has a systematic program in post-stroke motor rehabilitation, numbers of patients still recover slowly. Eye-acupuncture (EA), as an important type of acupuncture, has been widely applied effectively in rehabilitation of stroke for about 50 years. So we combine EA with modern rehabilitation which has achieved successful results. Therefore, we need to adopt an objective and accurate evaluation method to study the effect of this method.

Methods:
We aim to design a multi-center, block randomized, parallel control trial to assess the effect of eye-acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training therapy for patients with hemiplegia in the convalescent stage of stroke. 360 patients will be enrolled from 6 centres, with half of them (n = 180) in the control group (routine treatment group) and others (n = 180) in the experimental group (eye-acupuncture combined with routine treatment group). Stratified block randomization will be used in the study and the serial number 001-360 which corresponds to a participant will be assigned to each center randomly. We will use the sequentially sealed envelopes to hide the generating of assignment sequence. The cases of dropouts will be recorded with reasons. And the clinical CRFs will be filled in accurately, completely, and timely for statistical analysis.

Results:
To verify the clinical effects, we will measure the change of bellows from visit 1 to visit 4. Primary outcomes: activity of daily living (ADL) scales (modified Barthel index); simple Fugl–Meyer motor function score; functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brain in the resting state. Secondary outcomes: traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score scale; western aphasia battery (WAB); water swallow test; Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA); growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43); microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2).

Conclusion:
The results of this study will provide present evidence on assessing effectiveness of EA combined with rehabilitation training for patients with hemiplegia in the convalescent stage of stroke.

Trial registration:
This trial has been registrated in Chinese Clinical Trail Registry with the registration number as ChiCTR1900027835 (http://www.chictr.org.cn/).
Morvan Syndrome and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Jiang Chao , Zhang Jing , Jia Chuanyu , Hong Michael , Wang Jiarui , Yang Yining 
Published: May 2020

Introduction:
The origin of contactin-associated protein-like 2 (Caspr2) antibodies in patients with Morvan syndrome is currently unknown. This case report investigated a possible association between the production of Caspr2 antibodies and aberrant proliferation of B lymphocytes.

Case Report:
We admitted a critically ill 65-year-old female patient with a suspected infection of the central nervous system (CNS). In addition to acquired neuromyotonia and CNS involvement, Caspr2 antibodies detected in her serum led to the presumptive diagnosis of Morvan syndrome. However, steroid and immunoglobulin treatment did not result in a satisfactory therapeutic outcome. On the basis of findings from immunohistochemistry, flow cytometric analysis, and immunoglobulin/T-cell receptor gene rearrangement detection of cerebrospinal fluid cells, we also made a concurrent diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the CNS of this patient. The patient then received 4 cycles of rituximab and methylprednisolone therapy with an interval of 2 weeks, which temporarily led to a near-complete remission of her symptoms. Upon follow-up, her symptoms relapsed at 3 months after the last treatment with rituximab and methylprednisolone.

Conclusions:
This is a first reported case of a patient who was concurrently diagnosed with Morvan syndrome and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the CNS. Additional studies are needed to determine whether aberrantly proliferating B lymphocytes are responsible for the production of Caspr2 antibodies.
Good Relationships With Parents During Childhood as Buffers of the Association Between Childhood Disadvantage and Adult Susceptibility to the Common Cold
Authors: Cohen Sheldon , Chiang Jessica J. , Janicki-Deverts Denise , Miller Gregory E. 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT

Objective
Children reared by parents of low socioeconomic status (SES) go on to have elevated rates of physical health problems and premature mortality. However, many children reared in low-SES families remain healthy throughout the life-span. Here, secondary analyses of archival data tested the hypothesis that a positive relationship with parents during childhood acts as a buffer of the increased risk of adult susceptibility to infectious illness associated with low childhood SES.

Methods
One hundred seventy-six healthy adults reported their childhood SES and the quality of their relationships with their parents during childhood. Relationship quality was defined as parental care, love and support, lack of conflict with parents, and family cohesiveness. Afterward, participants were exposed to a respiratory virus and monitored in quarantine for 5 days for the development of a “common cold” as indicated by infection and objective markers of illness.

Results
The increased risk of developing a cold associated with being reared in a low SES household was attenuated by a positive relationship with parents during childhood (b(SE) = 0.08 (0.03), p = .010). This buffering of disease risk held up across the four components of relationship quality (p values < .05). The association was independent of adult SES, demographics, prechallenge immunity to the virus, current levels of neuroticism and stress, parental divorce during childhood, and number of siblings (p values < .05).

Conclusions
Individuals with positive relationships with their parents during childhood are buffered from the increased risk of adult susceptibility to an infectious disease associated with low childhood SES.
Critical Illness Neuropathy
Authors: Tankisi Hatice , de Carvalho Mamede , Z'Graggen Werner J. 
Published: May 2020

Summary:
Critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) along with critical illness myopathy (CIM) is a frequent condition in critically ill patients. Similar to critical illness myopathy, the exact incidence, etiology, and mechanisms of CIP are not well understood. Although decreased compound muscle action potential amplitudes may be seen in both conditions, differentiation mostly relies on sensory nerve conduction studies which require special care to perform at intensive care units. In some instances, both CIP and critical illness myopathy are observed, and this condition is called critical illness neuromyopathy. In this review, nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography for the diagnosis of CIP and differentiation of CIP from critical illness myopathy and other conditions at intensive care units are summarized.
Effects of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on glucose tolerance in patients with coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Schwaab Bernhard , Kafsack Friderike , Markmann Edith , Schütt Morten 
Published: May 2020

Objectives
In patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), physical activity is strongly advised as nonpharmacological therapy. In general, a moderate aerobic exercise intensity is recommended. It was also proposed, however, that greater intensities tend to yield even greater benefits in HbA1c. Hence, the most appropriate exercise intensity seems not to be established yet. We compared the effect of moderate (aerobic) and vigorous (anaerobic) activity on postprandial plasma glucose.

Methods
In 10 consecutive patients (63 ± 12 years, BMI 28.3 ± 2.6 kg/m2, fasting plasma glucose 6.1 ± 1.2 mmol/l), 2-hour plasma glucose was ≥11.1 mmol/l in the oral glucose tolerance test at rest (OGTT-0). Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) was performed until a respiratory exchange ratio (RER) ≥1.20, beeing anaerobic (CPX-1), followed by OGTT-1. A steady-state CPX of 30-minute duration was performed targeting an RER between 0.90 and 0.95, being aerobic (CPX-2), followed by OGTT-2.

Results
In CPX-1, maximum exercise intensity (maxIntensity) averaged at 99 ± 30 Watt and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) reached 15.9 ± 2.8 ml/min/kg. In CPX-2, aerobic intensity averaged at 29 ± 9 Watt, representing 31% of maxIntensity and 61% of VO2peak. After aerobic exercise, 2-hour plasma glucose was significantly reduced to an average of 9.4 ± 2.3 mmol/l (P < 0.05). Anaerobic exercise did not reduce 2-hour plasma glucose as compared to OGTT-0 (12.6 ± 2.2 vs 12.6 ± 3.9 mmol/l).

Conclusion
Aerobic exercise intensity was very low in our patients with CHD and T2DM. Postprandial plasma glucose was reduced only by aerobic exercise. Larger studies on the optimal exercise intensity are needed in this patient cohort.
Ecologic correlation between underlying population level morbidities and COVID-19 case fatality rate among countries infected with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Okpokoro Evaezi , Igbinomwanhia Victoria , Jedy-Agba Elima , Kayode Gbenga , Onyemata Ezenwa James , Abimiku Alash’le 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe ongoing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is unprecedented in scope. High income countries (HIC) seemingly account for the majority of the mortalities considering that these countries have screened more persons. Low middle income countries (LMIC) countries may experience far worse mortalities considering the existence of a weaker health care system and the several underlying population level morbidities. As a result, it becomes imperative to understand the ecological correlation between critical underlying population level morbidities and COVID-19 case fatality rates (CFR).MethodThis is an ecological study using data on COVID-19 cases, prevalence of COPD, prevalence of tobacco use, adult HIV prevalence, quality of air and life expectancy. We plotted a histogram, performed the Shapiro-Wilk normality test and used spearman correlation to assess the degree of correlation between COVID-19 case fatality rate (CFR) and other covariates mentioned above.ResultAs at the 31st of March 2020, there were a total of 846,281 cases of COVID-19 from 204 countries and a global case fatality rate of 5% (range 0% to 29%). Angola and Sudan both had the highest CFR of 29%, while Italy had the highest number of deaths (i.e. 12,428) as at 31st of March 2020. Adult HIV prevalence has a significant but weak negative correlation with CFR (correlation coefficient = - 0.24, p value =0.01) while all the other variables have positive correlation with CFR due to COVID-19 though not statistically significant. Of the 204 countries analyzed, only 11 countries (i.e. 5%) had complete datasets across all 5 population level morbidities (i.e. prevalence of COPD, prevalence of tobacco use, life expectancy, quality of air, and adult HIV prevalence variables). Correlations of CFR from these 11 countries were similar to that from the 204 countries except for the correlation with quality of air and prevalence of tobacco use. Conclusion: While we interpret our data with caution given the fact that this is an ecological study, our findings suggest that population level factors such as prevalence of COPD, prevalence of tobacco use, life expectancy and quality of air are positively correlated with CFR from COVID-19 but, adult HIV prevalence has a weak and negative correlation with COVID-19 CFR and would require extensive research.
An epidemic CC1-MRSA-IV clone yields false negative test results in molecular MRSA identification assays: a note of caution
Authors: Monecke Stefan , König Elisabeth , Earls Megan R. , Leitner Eva , Müller Elke , Wagner Gabriel , Poitz David M. , Jatzwauk Lutz , Vremerǎ Teodora , Dorneanu Olivia S. , Simbeck Alexandra , Ambrosch Andreas , Zollner-Schwetz Ines , Krause Robert , Ruppitsch Werner , Schneider-Brachert Wulf , Coleman David C. , Steinmetz Ivo , Ehricht Ralf 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundA variety of rapid molecular PCR tests has been developed and commercialised that interrogate the junction site between the staphylococcal core genome, and the mobile genetic element (SCCmec) which harbours the gene responsible for methicillin-/beta-lactam-resistance.AimThe purpose of the present study was to investigate why a clinical MRSA isolate yielded false negative test results with widely used, commercial orfX/SCCmec junction site PCR tests.MethodsA collection of isolates that belonged to the same epidemic strain as the index isolate were investigated with commercial MRSA assays and all isolates were sequenced in order to explain this observation.ResultsIt was found that isolates of the epidemic “European CC1-MRSA-IV” clone, which likely originated in South-Eastern Europe and subsequently spread to Western Europe, generally exhibit this behaviour. The failure of the assays was attributable to a characteristic large insertion in the orfX/SCCmec integration site presumably targeted by such tests. In contrast to MW2 (GenBank BA000033.2, a CC1 “USA400” strain which also harbours SCCmec IVa), the European CC1 clone harbours an insertion of ca. 5,350 nucleotides adjacent to orfX. This sequence starts with a novel SCC terminal sequence alternate to dcs and encodes six different hypothetical proteins (E7MHX1, ydiL2, C5QAP8, A8YYX4, npd-SCC, H4AYD7; nucleotide positions 280,690–286,024 of GenBank RBVO000005.1). An SCCmec element with the same insertion was previously found in a Staphylococcus epidermidis isolate (GenBank MH188467.1) suggesting transfer between staphylococcal species.ConclusionIn order to ensure the reliability of molecular MRSA tests, it is vital to monitor the emergence of new SCCmec junction sites, not only in Staphylococcus aureus but also in coagulase-negative staphylococci.
A novel deterministic forecast model for COVID-19 epidemic based on a single ordinary integro-differential equation
Authors: Köhler-Rieper Felix , Röhl Claudius H. F. , Micheli Enrico De 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this paper we present a new approach to deterministic modelling of COVID-19 epidemic. Our model dynamics is expressed by a single prognostic variable which satisfies an integro-differential equation. All unknown parameters are described with a single, time-dependent variable R(t). We show that our model has similarities to classic compartmental models, such as SIR, and that the variable R(t) can be interpreted as a generalized effective reproduction number. The advantages of our approach are the simplicity of having only one equation, the numerical stability due to an integral formulation and the reliability since the model is formulated in terms of the most trustable statistical data variable: the number of cumulative diagnosed positive cases of COVID-19. Once this dynamic variable is calculated, other non-dynamic variables, such as the number of heavy cases (hospital beds), the number of intensive-care cases (ICUs) and the fatalities, can be derived from it using a similarly stable, integral approach. The formulation with a single equation allows us to calculate from real data the values of the sample effective reproduction number, which can then be fitted. Extrapolated values of R(t) can be used in the model to make reliable forecasts, though under the assumption that measures for reducing infections are maintained. We have applied our model to more than 15 countries and the ongoing results are available on a web-based platform [1]. In this paper, we focus on the data for two exemplary countries, Italy and Germany, and show that the model is capable of reproducing the course of the epidemic in the past and forecasting its course for a period of four to five weeks with a reasonable numerical stability.
Agent-Level Pandemic Simulation (ALPS) for Analyzing Effects of Lockdown Measures
Authors: Srivastava Anuj 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis paper develops an agent-level simulation model, termed ALPS, for simulating the spread of an infectious disease in a confined community. The mechanism of transmission is agent-to-agent contact, using parameters reported for Corona COVID-19 pandemic. The main goal of the ALPS simulation is analyze effects of preventive measures – imposition and lifting of lockdown norms – on the rates of infections, fatalities and recoveries. The model assumptions and choices represent a balance between competing demands of being realistic and being efficient for real-time inferences. The model provides quantification of gains in reducing casualties by imposition and maintenance of restrictive measures in place.