bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BRAF V600E Mutations in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Their Relation to Clinical Features and Oncologic Outcomes in A Single Cancer Centre Experience
Authors: Al-Masri Mahmoud , Al-Shobaki Tawfiq , Al-Najjar Hani , Iskanderian Rafal , Younis Enas , Abdallah Niveen , Tbakhi Abdelghani , Haddad Hussam , Jarrar Awad , Al-Masri Mohammad 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction BRAF V600E is one of the most common mutations in Papillary Thyroid Cancer (PTC). Its clinical correlation has been extensively studied with contradictory results. The aim of this study is to evaluate the oncological impact of BRAF V600E mutation on a cohort of Middle Eastern PTC patients treated at a single institute.Methods Patients with histologically confirmed PTC that were treated surgically between 2006 to 2015 were included in the study. Formalin fixed paraffin embedded tumor blocks were sectioned and tested for BRAF V600E mutation. Short- and long-term oncological outcomes were collected. Results 128 patients (68% females) were included with a mean age of 38 years (±13.8). Median follow-up was 50 months. BRAF V600E mutation was found in 71% of patientsIThe BRAF negative tumors were significantly larger than the BRAF positive (3.47 cm versus 2.31 cm respectively, P = 0.009). All other clinicopathological characteristics were comparable between BRAF V600E mutation positive and negative groups. The two groups showed similar 5-year Disease-free (P= 0.37) and Overall survival rates (P = 0.94).Conclusion BRAF V600E mutation did not affect loco-reginal recurrence, distant metastasis, overall and disease-free survival. These results support the diversity of BRAF V600E significance among various ethnicities.
The Value of Transbronchial Lung Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Authors: xu wenshuai , cui han , Liu hongrui , feng ruie , Tian Xinlun , Yang Yanli , Xu kaifeng 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) in the diagnosis of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is not a common approach, although TBLB is often performed in diffuse lung diseases. We aimed to examine the diagnostic value and safety of TBLB in LAM patients based on the data collected in our center.METHODS: We reviewed LAM patients registered with the LAM Clinic in our hospital from December 8, 2006, to December 30, 2019. All patients with definite or probable diagnosis of LAM who had been examined using TBLB were included. All available pathology slides were reviewed by an experienced LAM pathologist. All complications were reviewed by the medical record and confirmed using telephone interviews.RESULTS: The pathology results of 86 patients (including 74 definite LAM and 12 probable LAM) were available. The positive rate of TBLB in LAM patients was 49/86 (57.0%). The positive rates of SMA, HMB-45, ER, and PR in LAM patients were 97.6%, 93%, 84.6%, and 78.4%, respectively. The positive rate of TBLB was 40%, 60% and 60.8% in mild, moderate, or severe LAM patients, respectively, and the difference was not significant. Patients who had 3-4 or 5-6 biopsied specimens had a higher rate of diagnosis than those with 1-2 biopsied specimens. Four patients (5.6%) reported pneumothorax. No major hemoptysis was reported.CONCLUSIONS: TBLB is a feasible and safe procedure for obtaining a pathological diagnosis of LAM. Taking more than 2 samples during the biopsy procedure increased the rate of diagnosis.
A Simplified Method for Calculating Spectral Emission of Nonequilibrium Air Plasmas in Hypersonic Shock-Layers
Authors: He Xin , Gao Cheng , Jiang Tao 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
A simplified method for calculating the spectral emission of nonequilibrium air plasmas is developed. In order to obtain the nonequilibrium energy level populations, the nonequilibrium coefficients are introduced into the Saha-Boltzmann equation. These nonequilibrium coefficients are calculated by using several significant radiative processes. An approach to the determination of nonequilibrium electronic energy level populations of diatomic molecules is also presented. Based on the method, spectral emission of atoms and molecules in a typical air plasma cell is investigated. The results reveal that there is a significant difference between the nonequilibrium and equilibrium emission. We apply the method to the nonequilibrium AVCO R-156 experiment. Good agreement with the measured data is shown, indicating that the method is reasonable and has good accuracy.
Useful Electrocardiographic and Laboratory Findings in Shiraz Outbreak of 356 Methanol Poisoned Patients
Authors: Nikoo Mohammad Hossein , Estedal Alireza , Pakfetrat Maryam , Abtahi Firoozeh , Heydari Seyed Taghi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Binge alcohol eating especially in underdeveloped countries may be complicated by methanol toxicity, especially when blinded drunken cases come to emergency department. Unfortunately, in early months of 2020, Fars, one of the largest provinces in southern Iran, reported one of the largest methanol poisoning outbreaks with high case-fatality rate. Here we like to share our experience and introduce some simple measures which may announce more urgent dialysis to save the lives of these patients.Method: In this study, 356 cases with methanol toxicity referred to the Tertiary Hospitals (Faghihi and Namazi) affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences during March and April, 2020. To collect the required data, clinical findings on blindness and impaired level of consciousness, laboratory data such as arterial blood gas, electrolytes, and creatinine, and the most common findings from ECGs were collected. Results: Among the participants, 321 (90.2%) patients were male, and 162 persons (45.5%) were aged below 30 years old. Reviewing the laboratory data of the included patients revealed that PH, HCO3, and O2 saturation decreased. While PCO2, Cr, K, BS increased (P<0.05). In the multiple analysis, when the intervening factors of age and gender were adjusted and all ECG items were included in the model, T slope>=70, Brugada pattern, low voltage QRS, severe metabolic acidosis (PH<7.2) and lack of hyperventilation when severely acidotic showed independent relationship with mortality with the odds ratios of 3.42, 5.65, 6.70, 4.55 and 5.74 respectively.Conclusion: Apart from usual modalities like acidosis, electrolyte imbalance, QTc prolongation and prominent U wave, we found Brugada like ECG, notch in QRS and steeply terminal T wave more than 70 degrees to be ominous signs and need urgent attention.
Common Causes of Chest Pain in the Emergency Department of Orotta National Referral Hospital, Asmara, Eritrea
Authors: Berhe Selam , Amanuel Naomi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundChest pain is one of the common causes of visits to the emergency department. However, there is scarcity of studies on the causes and prevalence of this common symptom in Eritrea. This retrospective descriptive study was done to determine the prevalence, causes, clinical features, demographics, diagnostic modality and outcome of all patients with the chief complaint of chest pain who presented to the ED of Orotta national referral hospital in Eritrea and the association of demographic characters, diagnostic modality, and clinical features with final diagnosis and outcome.MethodsAfter securing approval by Ministry of Health ethical and research committee, Clinical Service Division and from Orotta National Referral Hospital in Asmara Eritrea, Records of patients 15 years and older presenting with the complaint of chest pain from 1st January 2018 through 31st December 2018 were assessed. Samples of patients who presented with chest pain and did ECG were also included. All data were collected in Microsoft excel software, cleaned and then analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.Results855 patients presented with chest pain to the emergency department, out of which 798 patient files were retrieved. Respiratory disease was the most common cause 441(51.6%), with pneumonia the most common diagnosis 415 (94.1%) followed by cardiac cause at 234( 27.4%).Out of the study population 253 study sample were taken with inclusion criteria of those who did an ECG. In these study samples the most common cause was cardiovascular 149(58.9%) out of which the most common illness was ST elevation myocardial infarction 60(23.7%). Out of 253 patients who did electrocardiogram 230(90.9%) were discharged and 23(9.1%) died. 6(26%) of those who died were smokers and 13(56.5%) of those who died were above 69 years old.ConclusionThe main cause of chest pain was found to be respiratory disease, followed by cardiovascular disease in the population study, which was reversed in the sample study (those who did ECG). Age and Smoking were found to affect the prognosis. There were highest mortality rates in STEMI and pulmonary embolism.
Implementation and Evaluation of Obstetric Early Warning Systems in tertiary care hospitals in Nigeria
Authors: Umar Aminu , Ibrahim Saidu , Liman Idris , Chama Calvin , Ijaiya Munirdeen , Mathai Matthews , Ameh Charles 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundObstetric Early Warning Systems (EWS) use combined clinical observations to predict increased risk of deterioration and alert health workers to institute actions likely to improve outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a validated obstetric EWS in improving health outcomes and explore the experience of health workers/managers regarding its use.MethodsThis mixed-method study included 2400 obstetric admissions to inpatient wards between 1 August 2018 and 31 March 2019 at three tertiary Nigerian hospitals (1 intervention and 2 control). The quality of patient monitoring and prevalence of outcomes were assessed through retrospective review of case notes before and 4 months after EWS was introduced. Outcomes were maternal death, direct obstetric complications, length of hospital stay, speed of clinical review, caesarean section (CS) and instrumental birth rates. Qualitative data was collected to explore the views of healthcare workers on EWS’ acceptability and usability.ResultsEWS correctly used in 51% (n=307) of cases. Of these, 58.6% (180) predicted to have increased risk of deterioration, and 38.9% (n=70) were reviewed within 1 hour. There was a significant improvement in the frequency of vital signs recording in the intervention site: observed/expected frequency improved to 0.91 from 0.57, p<0.005, but not in the control sites. CS rate reduced from 39.9% to 31.5% (chi-square p=0.002). No statistically significant effect was observed in the other outcomes.Health workers reported that the EWS helped cope with work demands while making it easier to detect and manage deteriorating patients. Nurses and doctors reported that the EWS was easy to use, and that scores consistently correlated with the clinical picture of patients.Identified challenges included rotation of clinical staff, low staffing numbers and monitoring equipment.ConclusionThe implementation of EWS improved the quality of patient monitoring, but a larger study will be required to explore the effect on health outcomes. With modifications to suit the setting, coupled with regular training, the EWS is a feasible and acceptable tool to cope with the unique demands faced in low-resource settings. Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN15568048. Registration date; 9/09/2020- Retrospectively registered, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15568048
C-Myc Overexpression Increases Ribosome Biogenesis and Protein Synthesis Independent of mTORC1 Activation in Mouse Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Mori Takahiro , Ato Satoru , Knudsen Jonas R. , Henriquez-Olguin Carlos , Li Zhencheng , Wakabayashi Koki , Suginohara Takeshi , Higashida Kazuhiko , Tamura Yuki , Nakazato Koichi , Jensen Thomas E. , Ogasawara Riki 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: High-intensity muscle contractions (HiMC) are known to increase c-Myc expression which is known to stimulate ribosome biogenesis and protein synthesis in tumor cells. However, whether the increase in c-Myc stimulates ribosome biogenesis and protein synthesis in skeletal muscles remains unknown. Methods: We investigated the effect of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated c-Myc overexpression, with or without fasting or percutaneous electrical stimulation-induced HiMC, on ribosome biogenesis and protein synthesis in adult mouse skeletal muscles. Results: AAV-mediated overexpression of c-Myc in mouse skeletal muscles for 2 weeks increased the DNA polymerase subunit POL1 mRNA, 45S-pre-rRNA, total RNA, and muscle protein synthesis without altering mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling under both ad libitum and fasted conditions. RNA-seq analyses revealed that c-Myc overexpression mainly regulated ribosome biogenesis-related biological processes. The protein synthesis response to c-Myc overexpression mirrored the response with HiMC. No additional effect of combining c-Myc overexpression and HiMC was observed. Conclusion: c-Myc overexpression is sufficient to stimulate skeletal muscle ribosome biogenesis and protein synthesis without activation of mTORC1. Therefore, the HiMC-induced increase in c-Myc may contribute to ribosome biogenesis and increased protein synthesis following HiMC.
Effects of Refractive Errors and Age on Binocular Function in Normal Adult Population
Authors: Zhou Xiaodong , She Man , Li Tao , Hu Qianqian , Zhu Jie 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the relationship between binocular function with gender, ages, and spherical equivalent (SE) .Methods: This observational study enrolled 243 healthy, non-strabismic adults, including 94 men and 149 women aged from 20 to 59 years. The subjects were divided into three groups according to SE: myopic group, emmetropic group and hyperopic group. The subjects were also divided into four groups according to age: 20-29 years group, 30-39 years group, 40-49 years group, and 50-59 years group. The binocular vision function was measured with a synoptophore, including subjective angle (SA), divergence, convergence and fusional vergence range (FVR). Results: The mean values of SA, divergence, convergence and range of fusion for the whole sample group were 3.33±0.16°, 9.72±0.26°, 19.34±0.54°, and 29.06±0.62°, respectively. The mean values of SA and divergence in myopic group were significantly larger than the emmetropic group (both p<0.05). SE, SA, divergence and FVR were significantly different among age groups (all p<0.05). Besides, linear regression analysis showed SE was correlated with SA and divergence (p=0.007, p=0.003). Age was correlated with SE, SA, divergence and FVR (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.005, p=0.002, respectively). In addition, the proportion of SA being in comfort zone (defined as the value of SA located in the middle 1/3 area of FVR) in age groups were statistically different. (χ2=8.283, p=0.041)Conclusion: Both SA and motor fusion are associated with age and SE in normal adult population.
The Curative Effect of PTCD and PTGD in Obstructive Jaundice&nbsp;Patients
Authors: Liu Lei , Li Xiukun , Zhou Yanan , Sui Mingwei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Both percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGD) and percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage(PTCD) can reduce jaundice in patients with obstructive jaundice, and recover of liver function. However, is there difference in effectiveness. No studies have confirmed that. We retrospectively investigated the change rate of jaundice and transaminase change rate in patients underwent PTCD and PTGD surgery. The incidence of complications was also studied.Methods: Retrospective analysis 106 patients with obstructive jaundice admitted to the First Hospital of Jilin University. 55 patients were treated with PTGD. 51 patients were treated with PTCD. Compared the serum TBil(total bilirubin), DBil(direct bilirubin), IBil(indirect bilirubin), ALT(alanine aminotransferase), AST(aspartate aminotransferase) levels 1 day before and 7 days after surgery, the decrease rate of jaundice was obtained. And compare the incidence of postoperative complications, such as infection, bleeding, and bile leakage, etc.Results: Reduction was observed in most patients, but elevation was still observed in a few patients. The change rate of jaundice and aminotransferase of PTGD and PTCD group have no significant difference (P>0.05), the incidence of complications have no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05) . Conclusions: There was no significant difference between PTGD and PTCD in treatment of obstructive jaundice and incidence of postoperative complications. The appropriate puncture method can be selected according to the specific situation of the patient.
Reduced Levels of hsa-miR-342-5p in Plasma Are Associated With Worse Cognitive Evolution in Patients With Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Dakterzada Farida , Benítez Iván David , Targa Adriano , Lladó Albert , Torres Gerard , Romero Leila , Gonzalo-Calvo David de , Moncusí-Moix Anna , Tort-Merino Adria , Huerto Raquel , Sánchez-de-la-Torre Manuel , Barbé Ferran , Piñol-Ripoll Gerard 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Progressive cognitive decline is the most relevant clinical symptom of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the rate of cognitive decline is highly variable between patients. Synaptic deficits are the neuropathological event most correlated with cognitive impairment in AD. Considering the important role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating synaptic plasticity, our objective was to identify the plasma miRNAs associated with the rate of cognitive decline in patients with mild AD.Methods: To discover the miRNAs related to the rate of cognitive impairment, we analysed 754 plasma miRNAs from 19 women diagnosed with mild AD using TaqMan low-density array cards. The patients were grouped based on the rate of decline in the MMSE score after two years (<4 points (N=11) and ≥ 4 points (N=8)). The differentially expressed miRNAs between the two groups were validated in an independent cohort of men and women (N=53) with mild AD using RT-qPCR.Results: In the discovery cohort, 17 miRNAs were differentially expressed according to the fold change between patients with faster declines in cognition and those with slower declines. miR-342-5p demonstrated differential expression between the groups and a good correlation with the rate of cognitive decline in the validation cohort (r=-0.28; p=0.026). This miRNA had a lower expression level in patients who suffered from more severe decline than in those who were cognitively more stable after two years (p=0.049).Conclusion: Lower levels of miR-342-5p in plasma were associated with faster cognitive decline in patients with mild AD after two years of follow-up.
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Vitamin D Levels and Related Serum Markers as Well as Disease Activity in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-sectional Study in Western Iran
Authors: Moghimi Nasrin , Faridfar Ali , Shahriarirad Reza , Nikandish Mohsen , Salimi Amirhossein , Salimi Maryam 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Many studies have reported the role of vitamin D in autoimmune disease including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) which is related to several serum autoantibodies such as RF and Anti CCP. It also has been shown that vitamin D deficiency affect the DAS28 and VAS score inversely. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and RA-related autoantibodies including Anti CCP and RF levels and also evaluate the association between these parameters and the severity of rheumatoid arthritis.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, RA patients over 16 years of age who refer to the clinic and rheumatology ward were enrolled. The severity of diseases was assessed via the DAS28 scoring system. Serum levels of 25(OH) vitamin D were determined by the ELISA method, along with other rheumatoid related laboratory evaluations including Anti CCP, RF and CRPResults: A total of 100 patients with a mean age of 45.27± 14.14 were included and evaluated; of them, 75% were female and 77% lived in the city. Most of the patients (66%) had moderate DAS28 levels; however, no substantial relationship was observed between DAS28 and vitamin D levels. A significant positive relation between serum 25(OH)D level and disease duration, as well as the level of education, was observed. There was also no significant correlation between RA-related autoantibodies (e.g. anti CCP, and RF) and inflammatory serum marker (e.g. CRP) with 25(OH)D.Conclusion: Due to vitamin deficiency in the majority of cases (73%) and the relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and the duration of disease, it can be concluded that vitamin D levels should be checked in those patients.
Helicobacter Pylori Different Virulence Genes and the Risk of Gastric Cancer in Iranian Patients
Authors: Kianmehr Maryam , Hormati Ahmad , Zargar Mohsen , Fateh Roohollah , Nazari Razieh 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Some disease-specific Helicobacter pylori virulence genes can be used for predicting the outcome of diseases. Thus, the current study aimed to explore the frequency of the vacA, cagA, sabA, dupA, babA, oipA, and iceA1 genes in H. pylori isolates, and to determine whether any association exists between the expression of these genes and gastric cancer (GC).Methods: H. pylori isolates were collected from individuals with digestive diseases. The cagA, vacA, dupA, sabA, babA, oipA, and iceA1 genes were determined by PCR. The qRT-PCR was used for expression analysis of the tested genes. Results: The presence of the cagA, vacA, dupA, sabA, babA, oipA and iceA1 genes in H. pylori isolates were 41.3%, 95.5%, 31.0%, 93.1%, 55.1%, 82.7%, and 62.0%, respectively. The cagA, dupA, and babA expression in the GC patients was statistically higher than that of the control group (P <0.05). Conclusions: Our results indicated a high diversity and frequency of H. pylori virulence genes among individuals with gastric diseases in the Iranian population. The cagA, dupA, and babA expression were significantly higher in the GC patients, thus, it may suggest that screening of these genes may help identify peoples at higher risk for GC.
Headache in the Emergency Department in Chongqing Province, China: A Multicentre Study
Authors: Li Qin , Ye Tao , Ma Jingxi , Yuan Dongli , Peng Xuemei , Cai Min , Xi Zhengwei , Zhang Yujiao , Liu Qinlin , Tan Ge 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the present situation of emergency headache in many general hospitals in Chongqing Province, China.Methods: From January 1 to December 31, 2017, we studied patients who complained of headaches as the main symptom in the emergency department of 17 general hospitals in Chongqing Province. Each patient with a headache was interviewed and the medical history was collected by administering a questionnaire. The diagnosis of headache is based on the third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3 beta). Results: In 2017, 16434 patients complained of headache in 17 general hospitals in Chongqing, accounting for 2.3% of all emergency patients. Eight thousand one male patients (48.7%) and 8433 female patients (51.3%) experienced a headache. The average age was (41.8 ± 13.2) years, and the course of disease was 3 hours to 15.2 years. Regarding the initial diagnosis, 7299 patients (44.4%) were diagnosed secondary headache, 5076 (30.9%) were diagnosed with primary headache and 4059 (24.865%) could not be diagnosed. The hospitalization rates for these patients were 60.3%, 12.2%, and 41.5%, respectively. Migraine is still the most common type of primary headache. Conclusions: This study shows that the misdiagnosis rate and missed diagnosis rate of patients with an emergency headache are high, and the emergency department still performs overtesting and hospitalizations.