bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic organ-sparing resection for pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Zhang Ren-Chao , Ma Jun , mou yiping , Zhou Yu-Cheng , Jin Wei-Wei , Lu Chao 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background：Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNENs) are rare neoplasms associated with a long life expectancy after resection. In this setting, patients may benefit from laparoscopic organ-sparing resection. Studies of laparoscopic organ-sparing resection for PNENs are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic organ-sparing resection for PNENs.Methods： A retrospective study was performed for patients with PNENs who underwent laparoscopic organ-sparing pancreatectomy between March 2005 and May 2018. The patients’ demographic data, operative results, pathological reports, hospital courses and morbidity, mortality, and follow-up data (until August 2018) were analysed.Results：Thirty-five patients were included in the final analysis. There were 9 male and 26 female patients, with a median age of 46 years (range, 25-75 years). The mean BMI was 24.6±3.3 kg/m2. Nine patients received laparoscopic enucleation (LE), 20 received laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP), and 6 received laparoscopic central pancreatectomy. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, transfusion rate, and postoperative hospital stay were 186.4±60.2 min, 165±73.0 ml, 0 d, and 9 d (range, 5-23 d), respectively. The morbidity rate, grade ≥III complication rate and grade ≥B pancreatic fistula rate were 34.2%, 11.4%, and 8.7%, respectively, with no mortality. The rate of follow-up was 94.3%, and the median follow-up time was 55 months (range, 3-158 months). One patient developed recurrence 36 months after LE and was managed with surgical resection. The other patients survived without metastases or recurrence during the follow-up. One patient had diabetes after laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy, and no patients had symptoms of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Conclusions： Laparoscopic organ-sparing resection for selected cases of PNENs is safe and feasible and has favourable short- and long-term outcomes.
A Cohort Study Evaluating the Association Between Concurrent Mental Disorders, Mortality, Morbidity, and Continuous Treatment Retention for Patients in Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) Across Ontario, Canada Using Administrative Health Data
Authors: Morin Kristen A , Eibl Joseph K , Gauthier Graham , Rush Brian , Mushquash Christopher , Lightfoot Nancy E , Marsh David 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Due to the high prevalence of mental disorders among people with opioid use disorder, the objective of this study was to determine the association between concurrent mental disorders, mortality, morbidity and continuous treatment retention for patients in opioid agonist treatment in Ontario, Canada. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients enrolled in opioid agonist treatment between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015. Patients were stratified into two groups: those diagnosed with concurrent mental disorders and opioid use disorder and those with opioid use disorder only, using data from the Ontario Health Insurance Plan Database, Ontario Drug Benefit Plan Database. The primary outcome studied was all-cause mortality using data from the Registered Persons Database. Emergency Department visits from the National Ambulatory Care Database, hospitalizations Discharge Abstract Database, and continuous retention in treatment, defined as one year of uninterrupted opioid agonist treatment using data from the Ontario Drug Benefit Plan Database, were measured as secondary outcomes. Encrypted patient identifiers were used to link information across databases.Results: We identified 55,924 individuals enrolled in opioid agonist treatment, and 87% had a concurrent mental disorder diagnosis during this period. We observed that having a mental disorder was associated with an increased likelihood of all-cause mortality (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.4; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.2-1.5. For patients diagnosed with mental disorders the estimated rate of ED visits per year was 2.25 times higher and estimated rate of hospitalization per year 1.67 times higher than for patients with no mental disorders. However, there was no association between having a diagnosis of a mental disorder and one-year treatment retention in OAT adjusted Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.0; 95%CI 0.9 to 1.1).Conclusion: Our findings highlight the consequences of the high prevalence of mental disorders for individuals with opioid use disorder in Ontario, Canada
Effects of Propofol on Intracranial Pressure and Prognosis in Severe Neuropathy Patients Undergoing Endotracheal Suctioning
Authors: Wu Menghang , Yin Xiaorong , Chen Maojun , Liu Yan , Zhang Xia , Li Tingting , Long Yujuan , Wu Xiaomei , Pu Lihui , Zhang Maojie , Hu Zhi , Ye Ling 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background To investigate whether intravenous propofol before endotracheal suctioning (ES) in severe neuropathy patients can reduce the sputum suction response, improve the prognosis, and accelerate recovery.Methods A total of 208 severe neuropathy patients after craniocerebral surgery were enrolled in the study. The subjects were randomly divided into the experimental group (n=104) and the control group (n=104). The experimental group was given intravenous propofol, 0.5-1 mg/kg, before ES, while the control group was subjected to ES only. Changes in vital signs, sputum suction effect, the fluctuation range of intracranial pressure (ICP) before and after ES, choking cough response, short-term complications, and length of stay and hospitalization cost were evaluated. Additionally, the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) prognosis score was obtained at six months after the operation.Results At the baseline, the characteristics of the two groups were comparable (P>0.05). The increase of systolic blood pressure after ES was higher in the control group than in the experimental group (P < 0.05). The average peak value of ICP in the experimental group during the suctioning (15.57 ± 12.31 mmHg) was lower than in the control group (18.24 ± 8.99 mmHg; P < 0.05). The percentage of patients experiencing cough reaction and pain during suctioning in the experimental group was lower than in the control group (P < 0.05), and the fluctuation range of ICP was increased (P < 0.0001). The effect of ES was achieved in both groups. The incidence of short-term complications in the two groups was comparable (P > 0.05). The difference at 6 months after the surgery, the GOS scores were significantly higher in the experimental than in the control group (4-5 points, 51.54% vs. 32.64%; 1-3 points, 48.46% vs. 67.36%; P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the length of stay and hospitalization cost between the two groups.Conclusions Propofol sedation before ES can reduce the choking cough response, the pain experience of patients, and the intracranial hypertension response. The use of propofol is safe and improves long-term prognosis.The study was registered on May 16, 2015 at Chinese Clinical Trail Registry (ChiCTR-IOR-15006441).
Did Granny know best? Evaluating the Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiviral Efficacy of Acetic Acid for Home Care Procedures.
Authors: Zinn Marc-Kevin , Bockmuehl Dirk 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Acetic acid has been used to clean and disinfect surfaces in the household for many decades. The antimicrobial efficacy of cleaning procedures can be considered particularly important for young, old, pregnant, immunocompromised people, but may also concern other groups, particularly with regards to the COVID-19 pandemics. This study aimed to show that acetic acid exhibit an antibacterial and antifungal activity when used for cleaning purposes and is able to destroy certain viruses. Furthermore, a disinfecting effect of laundry in a simulated washing cycle has been investigated. Results: At a concentration of 10% and in presence of 1.5% citric acid, acetic acid showed a reduction of >5-log steps according to the specifications of DIN EN 1040 and DIN EN 1275 for the following microorganisms: P. aeruginosa , E. coli , S. aureus , L. monocytogenes , K. pneumoniae , E. hirae and A. brasiliensis . For MRSA a logarithmic reduction of 3.19 was obtained. Tests on surfaces according to DIN EN 13697 showed a complete reduction (> 5-log steps) for P. aeruginosa , E. coli , S. aureus , E. hirae , A. brasiliensis and C. albicans at an acetic acid concentration of already 5%. Virucidal efficacy tests according to DIN EN 14476 and DIN EN 16777 showed a reduction of ≥ 4-log-steps against the Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) for acetic acid concentrations of 5% or higher. The results suggest that acetic acid does not have a disinfecting effect on microorganisms in a dosage that is commonly used for cleaning. However, this can be achieved by increasing the concentration of acetic acid used, especially when combined with citric acid. Conclusions: Our results show a disinfecting effect of acetic acid in a concentration of 10% and in presence of 1.5% citric acid against a variety of microorganisms. A virucidal effect against enveloped viruses could also be proven. Furthermore, the results showed a considerable antimicrobial effect of acetic acid when used in domestic laundry procedures.
Characteristics of Lawsuits against Physicians Charged with Opioid-Related Crimes in the United States, 1995-2019
Authors: Berman Julia B , Li Guohua 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Pharmaceutical companies and drug distributors are intensely scrutinized in numerous lawsuits for their role in instigating the opioid epidemic. Many individual physicians have also been held accountable for activities related to prescribing opioid medications. The purpose of this study was to examine the epidemiologic patterns of lawsuits against physicians charged with opioid-related crimes in the United States. Methods : We searched the Nexis Uni ® database for newspaper reports on physicians who had been arrested, indicted or criminally charged for illegally prescribing opioids between January 1995 and December 2019. Data collected from the newspaper reports include defendant’s age, sex, clinical specialty, type of crime and legal consequences. Results : The annual number of lawsuits against physicians charged with opioid-related crimes reported by US newspapers increased from 0 in 1995 to 43 in 2019. Of the 384 physician defendants in these lawsuits, 90.4% were male, 28.0% were 65 years and older (mean=59.5 ± 15.8 years), and 23.4% were charged in Florida. Of the 373 physician defendants with known clinical specialty, 243 (65.1%) practiced in internal medicine, family medicine, or pain management. Of the 248 lawsuits with known outcomes, 244 (98.4%) of the defendants were convicted of criminal charges and 4 were acquitted. Drug trafficking was the most commonly convicted crime (accounting for 54.2% of all convicted crimes), followed by fraud (19.1%), money laundering (11.0%) and manslaughter (5.6%). Of the convicted physicians with known sentences, 89.5% were sentenced to jail with an average jail time of 127.3 ± 120.3 months. Conclusions : An increasing number of physicians from a wide variety of clinical specialties is prosecuted for opioid-related crimes with high conviction rates and severe penalties. The most common crime charged is drug trafficking, followed by fraud, money laundering, and manslaughter.
Micromachined Ceramic-based Chipless LC Resonator for High-Temperature Wireless Sensing Application in Harsh Environments
Authors: Idhaiam Kavin Sivaneri Varadharajan , Sabolsky Katarzyna , Redinger Lawrence , Meyer James , Palakurthi Harish , Sabolsky Edward M. , Sierros Konstantinos A. , Reynolds Daryl S 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The primary objective of this work was the fabrication and testing of a wireless LC resonator based on micro-patterned electroceramic materials for the monitoring of high-temperature systems. The two-dimensional planar LC resonator sensors were designed and simulated using ANSYS Maxwell software, and these sensors were then fabricated from electrically conductive La 2 NiO 4 /Al 2 O 3 particulate inks. The patterning and deposition of the ink were completed using a novel micro-casting process onto Al 2 O 3 ceramic substrates, and the final pattern was bonded onto the substrate at 1200 o C for 2 h. The final patterned materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and four-point conductivity to characterize the phase and microstructure development, and the resultant electrical conductivity (at 500-1200 o C), respectively. The frequency shift with respect to temperature was measured, which is directly related to changes in the sensor’s dielectric permittivity and pattern dimensions. The sensors were characterized at 500 – 1000 o C in an ambient atmosphere with an RF signal ranging from 10 – 80 MHz at 175 kHz·s -1 sweep rate. A new robust and adaptive signal processing approach was introduced to increase the degree of freedom for analyzing the wireless sensors.
Characteristics and outcomes of Stanford type A aortic dissection patients with severe post-operation hyperbilirubinemia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Xiaolan , Bai Ming , Zhao Lijuan , Li Yangping , Yu Yan , Zhang Wei , Ma Feng , Sun Shiren , Chen Xiangmei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the common complications after cardiac surgery and is associated with increased mortality. However, to the best of our knowledge, the reports on clinical significance of postoperative severe hyperbilirubinemia in Stanford type A aortic dissection (AAD) patients were limited. Methods: Patients who underwent surgical treatment for AAD in our center between January 2015 and December 2018 were retrospectively screened. In-hospital mortality, long-term mortality, acute kidney injury (AKI), and the requirement of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) were assessed as endpoints. Univariate and multivariate regression models were employed to identify the risk factors of these endpoints. Results: After screening, 271 patients were included in our present study. Of the included patients, 222 (81.9%) experienced postoperative AKI, and 50 (18.5%) received CRRT. The in-hospital mortality was 30.3%. The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year cumulative mortality were 32.9%, 33.9%, and 35.3%, respectively. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that age (P < 0.033), AKI stage 3 (P < 0.001), the amount of blood transfusion after surgery (P = 0.019), mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the first postoperative day (P = 0.012), the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) (P = 0.02), and the peak total bilirubin (TB) concentration (P = 0.023) were independent risk factors of in-hospital mortality. The optimal cut-off value of peak TB on predicting in-hospital mortality was 121.2 μmol/L. Patients with post-operation TB ≥ 121 μmol/L was associated with worse long-term survival as well. Conclusions: Severe post-operation hyperbilirubinemia is a common clinical situation in patients had AAD repair. In AAD patients with severe post-operation hyperbilirubinemia, older age, lower MAP, increased blood transfusion, stage 3 AKI, the use of ECMO, and the increased peak TB lead to increase in-hospital mortality.
Lung Ultrasound Score Assessing the Pulmonary Edema in Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Received Continuous Hemofiltration Therapy: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Wang Fei , Wang Chunxia , Shi Jingyi , Shan Yijun , Miao Huijie , Sun Ting , Zhou Yiping , Zhang Yucai 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Lung ultrasound score is a potential method for determining pulmonary edema in acute respiratory distress syndrome. Continuous renal replacement therapy has become the preferred modality to manage fluid overload during acute respiratory distress syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of lung ultrasound score on assessing the effects of continuous renal replacement therapy on pulmonary edema and pulmonary function in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome. Methods: We conducted a prospective study in children with moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in a tertiary university pediatric intensive care unit from January 2016 to December 2018. Lung ultrasound score was measured within 2 hours identified acute respiratory distress syndrome as the value of 1st，and the following three days as the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.Results: A total of 70 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome were enrolled in this study. Thirty-seven patients received continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT group) and thirty-three patients treated by conventional therapy (Non-CRRT group). The 1st lung ultrasound score in CRRT group were significantly higher than Non-CRRT group (P < 0.05), but the lung ultrasound score decreased gradually following the continuous renal replacement therapy (P < 0.001). Lung ultrasound score was significantly correlated with PaO2/FiO2, dynamic lung compliance, and oxygen index based on 1st to 4th values (all P<0.001). Lung ultrasound score decreased from 22 (18 - 25) to 15 (13 - 18) and PaO2/FiO2 promoted from 106.00 (96.00 - 121.50) mmHg to 160.00 (142.50 - 173.00) mmHg after continuous renal replacement therapy for four days (both P < 0.001).Conclusions: Lung ultrasound score is closely correlated with PaO2/FiO2, oxygen index and dynamic lung compliance in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome. The improvement of pulmonary edema in patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome received continuous renal replacement therapy can be assessed by the lung ultrasound score.Trial registration: CCTR, ChiCTR-ONC-16009698. Registered 1 November 2016, prospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=16535&htm=4. This study adheres to CONSORT guidelines.
Challenges in Management of Bartholin gland Leiomyoma: A Case Report
Authors: Vinturache Angela , Ismail Lamiese , Damato Stephen , Maid Hooman Soleymani 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Leiomyomas are uncommon vulvar neoplasms often misdiagnosed as other Bartholin gland pathology. Due to their rarity and the absence of guidelines, their diagnosis and management remain challenging, largely based on expert opinion and evidence from case reports. Case Presentation: This case report describes a 44-year-old woman presenting with accelerating growth of a vulvar mass. Based on clinical signs and symptoms, the initial diagnosis was Bartholin cyst. Surgical excision was provided for symptom control and aesthetic reasons. The histopathologic diagnosis was vulvar leiomyoma. The postoperative recovery was complicated by secondary haematoma and dehiscence of the surgical site. There was no recurrence at two years follow up. Therefore, we discuss the dilemma posed by physical examination of a vulvar mass, the challenges of the management, and report on secondary morbidity and long-term follow up, aspects of care for patients with vulvar pathology not commonly addressed in the literature. Conclusions: Bartholin gland neoplasms are rare tumors, commonly misdiagnosed as Bartholin’s cysts. Excision is the treatment of choice. Short time follow up allows prompt management of potential postoperative complications. Continuing long term follow up is recommended due to recurrence risk.
Efficient Wireless Video Communication using Sophisticated Channel Coding and Transmitter Diversity Gain Technique
Authors: Minallah Nasu , Ullah Khadem , Khan Imran Ullah , Khattak Khurram Shahzad 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This article investigate the performance of various sophisticated channel coding and transmission schemes for achieving reliable transmission of H.264/AVC compressed video. The performance of the proposed schemes, namely Non-Convergent Coding (NCC), Non-Convergent Coding assisted with Differential Space Time Spreading (DSTS) and Sphere Packing (SP) modulation (NCDSTS-SP) and Convergent Coding assisted with Differential Space Time Spreading (DSTS) and Sphere Packing (SP) modulation CDSTS-SP, is analyzed using Bit Error Ratio (BER) and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) performance of the transmitted video stream. Channel codes incorporate artificial residual redundancy in the coded information bits, which is advantageous in the decoder side to overcome error effects and to accomplish the lowest desired BER. To cope with the very high compression ratio efficiency of the H.264/AVC video codec, our proposed system induces artificial redundancy in the compressed video bit-stream with the aid of Over Complete Mapping (OCM) and Recursive Systematic Convolution (RSC) channel codes, in order to improve the error resilience of the transmitted stream. Furthermore, overall BER reduction and improvement in objective quality performance is achieved using sophisticated transceiver design consisting of the advanced Sphere Packing (SP) modulation technique assisted by Differential Space Time Spreading (DSTS). The performance of the Iterative Soft Bit Source Decoding (SBSD) and channel decoding is analyzed using various error protection setups by allocating persistently constant overall bit rate budget. Additionally, the Iterative behavior of the SBSD assisted Recursive Systematic Convolution (RSC) code is analyzed with the aid of Extrinsic Information Transfer (EXIT) Chart. Moreover, it is observed from the experimental results that the sophisticated system design of CDSTS-SP outperforms its counterpart in terms of BER and PSNR. More specifically NCDSTS-SP results in PSNR gain of 6 dB and CDSTS-SP results in PSNR gain of 28 dB for Eb/N0 value of 10 dB, with reference to bench marker system design of NCC.
Competence of Pharmaceutical Mentors: A Survey of the Perceptions of Pharmaceutical Postgraduates and Their Mentors
Authors: Yue Juan-Juan , Chen Gang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Although mentorship can bring many benefits to medical education, mentors’ need for professional development is typically ignored. This study aims to acquire insight into the development of pharmaceutical mentors’ competence by comparing differences between mentors’ and postgraduates’ perspectives.Methods: We used ANOVAs, independent sample T-tests and paired-sample T-tests to analyze data collected via an anonymous survey including a prepared questionnaire completed by 118 pharmaceutical mentors and 118 pharmaceutical postgraduates from 8 Chinese universities and colleges.Results: 1. Research competence, professional knowledge, and communication competence exhibited the highest means. 2. Research competence was highly correlated with communication competence and moderately correlated with professional knowledge, educational competence, academic achievement and supportive competence. 3. Mentors’ educational competence was significantly more important to mentors than to postgraduates, and mentors’ supportive competence was significantly more important to postgraduates than to mentors. 4. Educational competence, supportive competence and academic achievement were significantly more important to mentors with a bachelor’s degree than to mentors with a master’s or doctoral degree. 5. Research competence, educational competence and communication competence were significantly more important to female students than male students.Conclusions: Good mentors should possess three core competencies: research competence, professional knowledge and communication competence. They are related rather than independent. The construction of a harmonious mentoring relationship should take full account of the student’s characteristics and expectations because graduate students care more about supportive competence and female students assign greater importance to mentors’ competence than male students. There should be more development opportunities for less educated mentors, as they have a greater need to increase their competence than more qualified mentors.