bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ipsilateral Proximal and Shaft Femoral Fractures Treated With Bridge-Link type combined fixation system
Authors: Kang Liangqi , Liu Hui , Ding Zhenqi , Ding Yiqiang , Hu Wei , Wu Jin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Although many treatments for ipsilateral proximal and shaft femoral fractures have been developed, controversy exists regarding their optimal management. The purpose of this retrospective study was to discuss the effectiveness of the Bridge-Link type combined fixation system (BCFS) and evaluate functional outcomes in treating patients with these complex fractures. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 14 cases of ipsilateral proximal and shaft femoral fractures treated from January 2012 to December 2016. All cases were treated by BCFS combined with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO). Clinical and radiographic data were collected during regular post-operative follow-up visits. Functional outcomes were determined according to the Friedman and Wyman scoring system. Results: The proximal femoral fractures were emergency diagnoses in 11 cases and delayed diagnoses in 3 cases. The delay time was 5-6 days, with an average of 5.3 days. The mean operation time was 179.6 minutes (range 135-231 minutes) with a blood loss volume that ranged from 430 to 535 ml (average 483.6 ml). Follow up was conducted in 13 cases between 9 and 30 months post-operation, with an average follow-up time of 17.3 months. The proximal femoral fractures were united in 12 cases at the final follow-up. One case had nonunion 13 months after the operation, underwent valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy, and healed 6 months later. The femoral shaft fractures obtained rigid union at the latest follow-up in 12 cases. One case endured nonunion 12 months after the operation. After the revision surgery and iliac bone grafting, the fracture healed 6 months later. Eight of the cases had good functional results, 4 had fair results, and results were poor in 1 case at the final follow-up. Conclusions: The treatment of ipsilateral proximal femoral and shaft fractures with BCFS in combination with MIPPO demonstrated a high likelihood of union for both fractures and good functional results.
Evaluation of Camera-Based Freehand SPECT in Preoperative Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping for Melanoma Patients
Authors: Kogler Annie K. , Polemi Andrew M. , Nair Surabhi , Majewski Stanislaw , Dengel Lynn E. , Slingluff Craig L. , Kross Brian , Lee S J , McKisson J. E. , McKisson John , Weisenberger Andrew G. , Welch Benjamin L. , Wendler Thomas , Matthies Philipp , Traub Joerg , Witt Michael , Williams Mark Bennett 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Assessment of lymphatic status via sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is an integral and crucial part of melanoma surgical oncology. The most common technique for sentinel node mapping is preoperative planar scintigraphy of an injected gamma-emitting lymphatic tracer followed by intraoperative node localization using a non-imaging gamma probe with auditory feedback. In recent years, intraoperative visualization of SLNs in 3-D has become possible by coupling the probe to an external system capable of tracking its location and orientation as it is read out, thereby enabling computation of the 3D distribution of the tracer (freehand SPECT). In this project, the non-imaging probe of the fhSPECT system was replaced by a unique handheld gamma camera containing an array of sodium iodide crystals optically coupled to an array of silicon photomultipliers. A feasibility study was performed in which preoperative SLN mapping was performed using camera fhSPECT and the number of detected nodes was compared to that visualized by lymphoscintigraphy, probe fhSPECT, and to the number ultimately excised under non-imaging probe guidance.Results Among five subjects, SLNs were detected in nine lymphatic basins, with one to five SLNs detected per basin. A basin-by-basin comparison showed that the number of SLNs detected using camera fhSPECT exceeded that using lymphoscintigraphy and probe fhSPECT in seven of nine basins and five of five basins, respectively (probe fhSPECT scans were not performed for four basins). It exceeded the number excised under non-imaging probe guidance for seven of nine basins. There were no basins for which the number of excised nodes exceeded the number detected by camera fhSPECT. Conclusions Freehand SPECT using a prototype silicon photomultiplier-based gamma camera demonstrates high sensitivity for detection of SLNs in a preoperative setting. Camera fhSPECT is a potential means for efficiently obtaining real-time 3D activity distribution maps in applications such as image-guided percutaneous biopsy, and surgical SLNB or radioguided tumor excision.
PDTC inhibits apoptosis and phenotypic transformation of co-culture of myeloma cells and renal tubular epithelial cells by reducing the secretion of light chain protein
Authors: Yu Xiaoyan , Bao Jie , Cui Xinyu , Du Fengxia , Wang Yuefei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The human myeloma cell line RPMI-8226 is co-cultured with human proximal tubular epithelial cell HK-2, which is commonly used to simulate the renal environment in patients with multiple myeloma. This study aimed to investigate the effects of NFκB inhibitor PDTC on the viability, apoptosis and cell phenotype of HK-2 cells in the co-culture system of myeloma cells in renal tubular epithelial cells.Methods An in vivo environment was simulated through a cell co-culture system. RPMI-8226 cells and HK-2 cells were inoculated in the co-culture chamber and cultured for 24 h to establish the co-culture system. PDTC was used in the single culture group and the co-culture group, respectively. The activity of HK-2 cells and RPMI-8226 cells in each group was detected by MTT. An immunoturbidimetric assay was performed to assess the effect of PDTC on secretion of κ light chain and λ light chain in RPMI-8226 cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis of HK-2 cells. Western blot was carried out to detect NF-κB activation in RPMI-8226 myeloma cells, as well as the expression levels of caspase-3, bcl-2, Bax, E-cadherin, and α-SMAin HK-2 cells. Caspse-3 assay kit was used to detect the activity of caspase-3. The effect of PDTC on the secretion of κ light chain and λ light chain of RPMI-8226 cells was detected by immunoturbidimetry and the ratio was calculated.Results PDTC had a potent inhibitory effect on proliferation of RPMI-8226 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. PDTC had no significant effect on the viability of HK-2 cells cultured alone, and the addition of PDTC to the co-culture system significantly increased the viability of HK-2 cells. PDTC did not significantly change the apoptosis of HK-2 cells cultured alone, but could reduce the apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells by regulating the activity of caspase3 and the ratio of bcl2/bax in HK-2 cells in the co-culture system. After PDTC treatment, the expression of cell surface marker E-cadherin decreased, and the expression of α-SMA increased, which induced the renal interstitial fibrosis. The secretion of κ light chain and λ light chain of RPMI-8226 cells was significantly decreased after the addition of PDTC, but the ratio was not changed.Conclusions PDTC can inhibit the cell activity, promote apoptosis, and reduce the secretion of secretion of κ light chain and λ light chain through inhibiting the NF-κB pathway activation of myeloma cell RPMI-8226, leading to increased activity of renal tubular epithelial cells HK-2 in the co-culture system, decreased apoptosis, and renal interstitial fibrosis.
Generalized Kinematics Analysis of Hybrid Mechanisms Based on Screw Theory and Lie Groups Lie Algebras
Authors: Sun Peng , Li Yanbiao , Chen Ke , Zhu Wen-Tao , Zhong Qi , Chen Bo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The advanced mathematical tools are used to conduct research on the kinematics analysis of hybrid mechanisms, and the generalized analysis method and concise kinematics transfer matrix are obtained. First, according to the kinematics analysis of serial mechanisms, the basic principles of Lie groups Lie algebras in dealing with the spatial switching and differential operations of screw vectors are briefly explained. Then, based on the standard ideas of Lie operations, the method for kinematics analysis of parallel mechanisms is derived, and Jacobian matrix and Hessian matrix are formulated both recursively and in closed form. After that, according to the mapping relationship between the parallel joints and the corresponding equivalent series joints, a forward kinematics analysis method and two inverse kinematics analysis methods of hybrid mechanisms are studied. A case study is performed to verify the calculated matrices, in which a humanoid hybrid robotic arm with the parallel-series-parallel configuration is taken as an example. Simulation experiment results show that the obtained formulas are exact and the proposed method for kinematics analysis of hybrid mechanisms is practicable.
A pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Craving and Cessation in Marijuana Use Disorder Patients: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Appropriateness
Authors: davoudi mohammadreza , allame zahra , foroughi Aliakbar , Taheri Amir Abbas 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose: This study has investigated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of DBT for Marijuana cessation and craving reduction as a pilot RCT.Methods: sixty-one participants were randomly assigned to one of the DBT or psycho-education as active control-group with two-month follow-up. Patients completed measures at pre-interventions, post-interventions, and a two-month follow-up.Results: feasibility in DBT is significantly higher than the control group. In the DBT group 29/30 (96% retention) and in control group 24/31 (77% retention) completed all sessions (χ2= 4.95, p = 0.02). Moreover, 29/30 (96%) in the DBT group and 20/31 (64.5%) in the control group completed the two-month follow-up (χ2= 9.97, p = 0.002). For the acceptability of the intervention, results showed 16.57 (agree) in DBT and 9.6 (neither agree nor disagree) in control groups for p < 0.05. For appropriateness, results showed 17.03 (completely agree) in DBT and 10.7 (neither agree nor disagree) in control-groups for p < 0.05. for craving, results confirmed that there is no significant difference between groups (F = 3.52, p > 0.05); however, in “emotionality,” subscale DBT showed a significant reduction rather than the control group (F = 19.94, p < 0.05). For cessation rates, DBT was compared with the control group at the posttest (46% vs. 16%) and follow-up (40% vs. 9.5%), and results proved higher effectiveness in the DBT group for p < 0.05. Furthermore, among those who have lapsed, participation in the DBT group had fewer days than consume for p <0.05. Conclusions: DBT shows feasibility, acceptability, and promise in improving cessation rate in Marijuana use disorder and warrants further investigations.
The usefulness of melatonin supplementation in postmenopausal women with Helicobacter pylori-associated dyspepsia
Authors: Chojnacki Cezary , Mędrek-Socha Marta , Konrad Paulina , Chojnacki Jan , Błońska Aleksandra 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Dyspeptic syndrome in the form of epigastric pain are particularly frequent in postmenopausal women. The aim of the study was to assess the role of melatonin in chronic dyspepsia in this group of women, with consideration of Helicobacter infection.Methods The study comprised 152 subjects Including 30 healthy women (group I), 60 women with asymptomatic H.pylori infection (group II), and 64 women H. pylori infected with chronic dyspepsia (group III). Endoscopic examination, histological assessment of gastric end duodenal mucosa, urease breath test (UBT-13C), and serum levels of 17-β-estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone, melatonin and urinary concentration of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin were determined by immunoenzymatic method. In group III – 14-day antibacterial treatment was introduced with pantoprazole, amoxicillin and levofloxacin. Afterward, in 32 women was administered placebo(group IIIa), and in 32 women (group IIIb) melatonin at a dose 1 m/morning and 3 mg/at bedtime, for six months.Results No significant differences were assessed between serum level of female hormone. Serum level of melatonin in group I and in group II was similar – 12,5 ± 2,72pg/ml and 10,5±3,73 pg/ml (p>0,05), whereas in group III was lesser – 5,72±1,42 pg/ml (p<0,001). Eradication of H.pylori was obtained in 75,0% women in group IIIa, and in 84,3% in group IIIb (p>0,05). After 6 months dyspeptic symptoms resolved in 43,7% patients in group IIIa and in 84,3% in group IIIb (p<0,001). Conclusion Melatonin supplementation is useful to complex therapy of H. pylori-associated dyspepsia, particularly in postmenopausal women at whom secretion of this hormone is decreased.
Mutual interaction of clinical factors and specific microRNAs to predict mild cognitive impairment in patients receiving dialysis
Authors: Chen Jin-Bor , Chang Chiung-Chih , Li Lung-Chih , Lee Wen-Chin , Lin Chia-Ni , Li Sung-Chou , Moi Sin-Hua , Yang Cheng-Hong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background To examine mutual interaction of various clinical factors for cognitive impairment in patients receiving dialysis. Methods A total 48 dialysis patients with subjective memory complaints in outpatient clinic were recruited from 2015 to 2017. Demographics, circulating uremic toxin concentrations, miRNA concentrations and nerve injury protein concentrations were collected and measured. Clinical dementia rating (CDR) scores was used to stratify the functional scores of the patients. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) analysis was used to evaluate diagnostic test performance for predicting dichotomous results, cumulative ROC analysis to examine the combined contribution of clinical factors. Results CDR scale 0 included 15 patients (mean age, 59.1 years; 5 men and 10 women); CDR > 0.5 included 33 patients (mean age, 64.0 years; 18 men and 15 women). On cumulative ROC analysis, the major predictors of mild cognitive impairment were hemoglobin, age, sex, homocysteine, neuron-specific enolase and miR-486. The cumulative AUC on combining hemoglobin, age, and miR-486 was the highest (0.897, 95% confidence interval 0.806–0.988). Two dichotomized variables reached 81.82% sensitivity and 86.67% specificity, with the likelihood ratio for positive and negative results being 6.14 and 0.21, respectively. Conclusion Hemoglobin, age, and miR-486 exerts combined effects on mild cognitive impairment in patients receiving dialysis.
Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Among Sudanese Patients Diagnosed with Colon Polyps and Colon Cancer using Immunohistochemistry Technique.
Authors: Mohamed Aziza K. , Elhassan Nazik M. , Awhag Zahra A. , Ali Fadwa S. , Ali Eman T. , Mhmoud Najwa A. , Siddig Emmanuel E. , Hassan Rowa , Ahmed Eiman S. , Fattahi Azam , Ahmed Ayman , Muneer Mohamed S. , Osman Hussam A. , Mohamed Nouh Saad , Edris Ali MM. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objectives: infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori has been classified as class 1 carcinogen associated with increasing susceptibility of gastritis and gastric carcinoma. This study is aiming at investigating the prevalence of H. pylori in colon polyps and colon cancer lesions. A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted between February and June 2017. Sixty-nine formalin fixed paraffin blocks from colon polyps and colon cancer lesions to detect H. pylori using immunohistochemistry technique.Results: Of the Sixty-nine patients included in the study, 39 (56.5%) males and 30 (43.5%) were females, their age ranged from 21 to 80 years with a mean age of 47.1 ± 19.7. Of the 69 colon polyps and colon cancer cases, 44 (63.8%) were diagnosed as adenocarcinoma, 10 (14.5%) colitis, 15 (21.7%) juvenile polyposis syndrome. The results of immunohistochemistry technique showed the presence of 16 (23.2%) positive patients for H. pylori infection. Of these 16, 13 (81.3%) patients were off those diagnosed with adenocarcinoma and the remaining 3 (18.7%) patients were diagnosed with juvenile polyps. the results of H. pylori detection among the different colon polyps and colon cancer diagnosis was showing a statistically significant association for H. pylori infection and adenocarcinoma, P value 0.028.
High prevalence of suboptimal child-feeding practices and child morbidity among families from low socio economic areas in Harare
Authors: Chagwena Dexter T , Chopera Prosper , Mushonga Nyasha G , Nyanga Loveness K 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Recommended child-feeding practices such as exclusive breastfeeding for six months, prolonged breastfeeding and adequate complementary feeding have been proven to reduce prevalence of malnutrition. Declining socioeconomic environment may be putting children from urban poor families at risk of malnutrition due to poor feeding practices and increased risk of morbidity. Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess child feeding practices and morbidity prevalence among Harare urban families living in low socieconomic districts. Methods: A health facility based cross sectional study was conducted in Harare in five clinics serving low socio economic communities from July to August 2012. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire assessing WHO indicators for infant and young child feeding (IYCF) was used to interview primary caregivers on child-feeding practices. Secondary outcomes assessed was prevalence of diarrhea, influenza, malaria, measles, fever, and cough. Data were analysed using vSPSS-21 statistical software. Results: A total of 218 infant and caregiver pairs attending growth monitoring at the clinics were enrolled in the study. Seventy-five percent of the children were below two years of age. There was a high prevalence of early introduction of complementary foods (81.4% before 6 months of age). About half (49.2%) of the infants had 4 or more meals per day. A significant proportion (74.4%) had been weaned onto family meals. Fifty-three (24%) of the children had been sick with diarrhea, 59% influenza , 1% malaria , 1% measles, 23% fever and 53% with a cough during the 1 month recall period. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of inadequate infant feeding practices and morbidity in low resource communities in Harare. There is need to design child-feeding interventions for the urban community targeting all family members involved in decision-making.
Joint analysis of duration of ventilation, length of intensive care, and mortality of COVID-19 patients: a multistate approach
Authors: Hazard Derek , Kaier Klaus , von Cube Maja , Grodd Marlon , Bugiera Lars , Lambert Jerome , Wolkewitz Martin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The clinical progress of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 is often associated with severe pneumonia which may require intensive care, invasive ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The length of intensive care and the duration of these supportive therapies are clinically relevant outcomes. From the statistical perspective, these quantities are challenging to estimate due to episodes being time-dependent and potentially multiple, as well as being determined by the competing, terminal events of discharge alive and death. Methods We used multistate models to study COVID-19 patients’ time-dependent progress and provide a statistical framework to estimate hazard rates and transition probabilities. These estimates can then be used to quantify average sojourn times of clinically important states such as intensive care and invasive ventilation. We have made two real data sets of COVID-19 patients (n = 24* and n = 53**) and the corresponding statistical code publically available. Results The expected lengths of intensive care unit (ICU) stay at day 28 for the two cohorts were 15.05* and 19.62** days, while expected durations of mechanical ventilation were 7.97* and 9.85** days. Predicted mortality stood at 51%* and 15%**. Patients mechanically ventilated at the start of the example studies had a longer expected duration of ventilation (12.25*, 14.57** days) compared to patients non-ventilated (4.34*, 1.41** days) after 28 days. Furthermore, initially ventilated patients had a higher risk of death (54%* and 20%** vs. 48%* and 6 %**) after 4 weeks. These results are further illustrated in stacked probability plots for the two groups from time zero, as well as for the entire cohort which depicts the predicted proportions of the patients in each state over follow-up. Conclusions The multistate approach gives important insights into the progress of COVID-19 patients in terms of ventilation duration, length of ICU stay, and mortality. In addition to avoiding frequent pitfalls in survival analysis, the methodology enables active cases to be analyzed by allowing for censoring. The stacked probability plots provide extensive information in a concise manner that can be easily conveyed to decision makers regarding healthcare capacities. Furthermore, clear comparisons can be among different baseline characteristics.
Cost–benefit analysis of restoring an ephemeral desert stream after an ecological accident
Authors: Becker Nir , Gross Yogev , Lavee Doron 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis paper presents a methodology for examining the net benefit of site rehabilitation after an ecological disaster. While restoration of the site seems reasonable on the face of it, the cost of proactive restoration can be very high. In this article, we present a tool for decision makers to decide on the optimal route to rehabilitation – proactive or natural rehabilitation (or some combination thereof). We present a case study of an ecological catastrophe that occurred in June 2017 at an ephemeral desert stream in the south of Israel. We estimated the restoration costs and the benefits of restoration over the relevant time frame using a contingent valuation method. Comparing the present costs and benefits revealed a net present value of ILS 355.5 million in favor of proactive restoration of the stream. We also demonstrate that not all sections of the stream pass the benefit cost test, so a higher net benefit could be achieved through partial restoration. Our study demonstrates the importance of cost–benefit analysis when policy makers are contemplating proactive versus natural restoration.