bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perioperative Hypoalbuminemia is a Risk Factor for Wound Complications Following Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: He Zhongyuan , Zhou Kai , Tang Ke , Quan Zhengxue , Liu Shaoyu , Su Bao 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Although serum albumin levels are increasingly used as an indicator of nutritional status in the clinic, the relationship between perioperative hypoalbuminemia and wound complications after posterior lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease remains ambiguous. The aim of this study was to evaluate perioperative serum albumin in relation to postoperative wound complications after posterior lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of single-segment lumbar degenerative disease.Material and methods : We reviewed patients who underwent single-segment posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery from December 2014 to April 2017 in the Department of Orthopedics at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. Perioperative (preoperative and early postoperative) serum albumin levels were assessed in all patients and were used to quantify nutritional status. We divided the patients into a surgical wound dehiscence ( SWD ) group and a normal wound healing group, and into an surgical site infection(SSI)group and a non-SSI group. To evaluate the relationship between perioperative serum albumin level and postoperative wound complications, we conducted univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses.Results: A total of 554 patients were enrolled in the study.The univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis of these differences showed that preoperative serum albumin <3.5 g/dl and postoperative serum albumin:<3.0 g/dl were significantly related to SWD (P<0.05). There were also significant differences between the surgical site infection (SSI) groups in terms of preoperative serum albumin <3.5 g/dl(P=0.001), postoperative serum albumin <3.5 g/dl (P<0.023) and <3.0 g/dl(P<0.001).Additionally, the increased hospitalization costs and length of hospitalization were statistically significant for patients with perioperative hypoproteinemia.Conclusions: For patients who underwent single-segment posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery, we need to pay more attention to steroid use,perioperative hypoalbuminemia, which are more likely to be associated with increased wound complications, hospitalization costs and length of hospitalization after surgery. Adequate assessment and management of these risk factors will help reduce wound complications and hospital stays for surgical patients and will save medical costs.
The effect of autophagy and mitochondrial fission on Harderian gland is greater than apoptosis in male hamsters during different photoperiods
Authors: Wang Zhe , Xu Jinhui , Mou Junjie , Zhao Xiangyu , Geng Xiaocui , Wu Ming , Xue Huiliang , Chen Lei , Xu Laixiang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Photoperiod is one of the important factors of mammalian seasonal rhythm. As an important photosensitive organ in addition to the eyes and pinecones, Harderian gland (HG) may respond to seasonal light cycle changes. Here, we studied the morphological differences in the HG of male striped dwarf hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis), a small mammal with annual rhythm under different photoperiods (short photoperiod, SP; moderate photoperiod, MP; long photoperiod, LP), and further investigated the molecular mechanisms related to these morphological differences.Results: Results showed that body weight, carcass weight, and HG weight were lower in the SP and LP groups than that in MP group. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining showed that random DNA fragmentation was observed in all three groups. The protein expression of bax/bcl2 and cytochrome C all have no significant difference between three groups, indicated that the level of apoptosis remained stable. Protein aggregation and mRNA expression of LC3 as well as the protein expression of LC3II/LC3I in the SP group were higher than that in the MP group. P62 protein aggregates and protein expression were lower in long photoperiod than other two groups. These results suggested that autophagy level was the lowest in MP group. The protein expression of ATP synthase and mitochondrial fission factor showed highest in MD group, while citrate synthase, dynamin-related protein1, and fission1 remain unchanged during three groups. These indicate that the mitochondrion fission and energy function are slightly reduced in SD and LD groups.Conclusion: In summary, since the fact that there is no significant change in the level of apoptosis in HGs under different photoperiods, the significant up-regulation of autophagy level in the long and short photoperiod may be the main factor leading to the loss of HG weight as well as the reduced mitochondrial energy supply.
Triple therapy combined with ventriculoperitoneal shunts can improve neurological function and shorten hospitalization time in non-HIV cryptococcal meningitis patients with increased intracranial pressure
Authors: Li Min , Liu Jia , Deng Xuhui , Gan Qingzhou , Wang Yijie , Xu Xiaofeng , Jiang Ying , Peng Fuhua 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) and insufficient antifungal regimens, are the two main factors result to unsatisfactory outcomes in non-HIV cryptococcal meningitis (CM) patients. In this study, we try to discuss that whether triple therapy of amphotericin B (AmB), fluconazole (Flu), 5-flucytosine (5-FC) plus ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) is superior to AmB, 5-FC, Flu plus intermittent lumbar puncture in induction therapy in non-HIV CM patients with increased ICP.
Methods
We reviewed 66 clinical records from non-HIV CM patients with increased ICP. The demographic and clinical characteristics, BMRC staging, cerebrospinal fluid profiles (CSF), brain magnetic resonance imaging, treatment, and outcomes of these individuals were retrospectively analyzed. All non-HIV CM patients with increased ICP (≥ 25 cmH2O) were divided into two groups, including 27 patients treated with triple antifungal agents and 39 patients treated with the same triple therapy plus VPS.
Results
Triple therapy plus VPS group had a significantly higher frequency of satisfactory outcomes. More patients in triple therapy plus VPS group have CSF sterilization at 10 weeks follow-up. And patients in triple therapy plus VPS group present with lower CSF opening pressure, less CSF cryptococci count and CSF culture positive, and lower BMRC staging scores one week after VPS. Patients in triple therapy plus VPS group got the improvement in neurological function circumstances evaluated by comparing the BMRC staging before and after VPS. Triple therapy plus VPS group patients had shorter hospital stay.
Conclusions
Triple antifungal agents combined with VPS can effectively reduce ICP, have faster rate of clearance of Cryptococcus, improve nerve function, shorten hospitalization time and get better outcomes in non-HIV CM patients with increased ICP. Our study indicated that triple therapy plus early VPS is maybe the optimal treatment for non-HIV CM patients with increased ICP.
The impact of social support and living alone on health literacy – A national population study from Denmark
Authors: Kirkeby Mette Jørgine , Svendsen Majbritt Tang , Bak Carsten Kronborg , Hansen Claus Dalsgaard , Andersen Johan Hviid , Torp-Pedersen Christian 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The complexity of demands regarding health literacy in present society requires knowledge and competences within health care, disease prevention, and health promotion in order to retain and obtain good health. Health literacy is mentioned in the literature to be part of the social determinants of health, however the mechanisms behind this association are still unclear. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of social support and living alone on health literacy.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted based on a randomly selected sample of 15,728 Danish citizens aged 25 or older. Information on health literacy, social support and living alone was gathered through a nationwide questionnaire during December 2016 and February 2017 and linked to administrative registry data. Multinomial regression was used to assess associations.Results: Adequate health literacy was seen in 60.3% of the respondents and more men (59.5%) than women (40.5%) had inadequate health literacy. Lower social support was associated with higher inadequate health literacy levels and problematic health literacy among respondents with lower opportunity for practical help when being ill. Men, younger respondents, and respondents with lower educational attainment had higher risks of problematic and inadequate health literacy. No associations were found between living alone and health literacy.Conclusions: The results from this study shed light on the mechanisms of social context and its relation to health literacy. But it also gives new insight to mechanisms behind the relationship between social support and health outcomes. We suggest that health literacy might be on the causal pathway between functional social support and health. We further recommend that future studies on social relationships and health should include measures of health literacy and multidimensional measures of social support.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban and Warfarin in the Prevention of Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in China
Authors: Wei Hongtao , Cui Can , Cui Xiangli , Liu Yi , Li Dandan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background and objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of new anticoagulants and warfarin in the prevention of stroke in Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods: the Markov model was constructed to compare the quality of life years of patients with dabigatran 110 and 150mg, twice a day, rivaroxaban 20mg, once a day, warfarin 3-6mg, once a day drug cost, and the cost of examination after taking the drug and the incremental cost of other treatments. Results: the total cost of warfarin, rivaroxaban, dabigatran for 110mg bid and 150mg bid was 37806.08 yuan, 210977.4 yuan, 167906.1 yuan and 244050.1 yuan, respectively. The QALYs available were 11.07 years, 15.46 years, 12.4 years and 15 years, respectively. The cost-effectiveness analysis of three new oral anticoagulants and warfarin showed that rivaroxaban compared with warfarin The incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) is 39446.77 yuan / QALY, which is the advantage scheme and warfarin is the expansion disadvantage scheme. Conclusion: In Chinese patients with AF, although warfarin is cheaper, rivaroxaban has a better cost-effectiveness advantage from an economic point of view.
Nomogram for individually predicting overall survival in rectal neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Feng Xingyu , Wei Gengzhou , Wang Wei , Zhang Yu , Zeng Yujie , Chen Minhu , Chen Ye , Chen Jie , Zhou Zhiwei , Li Yong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background This study was designed to develop a nomogram that predicts the overall survival (OS) of rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).Methods 310 patients with rectal neuroendocrine tumors in 5 hospitals in southern China were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were assigned to the training set. A multivariable analysis using Cox proportional hazards regression was performed using the training set. And a nomogram was constructed. The validation set was performed using the data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) databases of America (n=547).Results In the training set, the nomogram exhibited improved discrimination power compared with the WHO grade guidelines (Herrell’s C-index, 0.907 vs 0.809; p<0.001 ), and also improved compared with the seventh AJCC TNM classification (Herrell’s C-index, 0.907 vs 0.829; p<0.001 ). In the SEER validation sets, discrimination was also excellent (C-index, 0.824 vs 0.734 and 0.824 vs 0.766 respectively compared with G grade and TNM classification; both p <0.001). Calibration of the nomogram predicted survival corresponding closely with the actual survival. Conclusions We developed a nomogram predicting 1-, 3-year OS for rectal neuroendocrine tumors. Validation revealed excellent discrimination and calibration, suggested good clinical utility.
Sterile water; a novel and promising human experimental muscle pain model
Authors: Jounger Sofia Louca , Svedenlöf Johanna , Elenius Reija , Källkrans Christoffer , Scheid Emil , Ernberg Malin , Christidis Nikolaos 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Intramuscular injection of hypertonic saline evokes pain with similar characteristics as clinical myalgia and is thus, considered a valid human experimental model. The aim of this study was to investigate if intramuscular injection of sterile water can be used as a human experimental pain model by comparing it with hypertonic and isotonic saline, and to analyze if the effects differ between men and women.

Methods

This randomized double blind and placebo-controlled study included 15 healthy women and 15 healthy age-matched men (mean (SD) age of 23.6 (2.4) years). The study comprised of three separate sessions, with at least one week of wash out between each session. Sterile water (i.e. the test-substance), hypertonic saline (active control), and isotonic saline (passive control) were injected intramuscularly into one of the masseter muscles in a randomized order. Pain intensity (VAS) was assessed every 15 th s after the injection and pain duration (s) as well as pain drawing area (au) were recorded. Pressure pain thresholds (kPa) were assessed every 5 min after injection during 30 min.

Results

All substances evoked pain ( P < 0001), but sterile water and hypertonic saline induced pain with higher intensity ( P < 0.001), longer duration ( P < 0.001), and larger pain drawing area ( P < 0.001) than isotonic saline. The pain intensity was higher for hypertonic saline than sterile water 45-165 s after injection ( P < 0.015), but there were no significant differences between them regarding maximum pain intensity, pain duration or pain drawing area. There was no significant difference in PPT values with time or between substances. The pain duration was longer in the men compared to the women for all substances ( P < 0.006), while the pain drawing area was larger in women after injection of hypertonic saline ( P < 0.003), but not after injection of the other substances. No other sex differences were found.

Conclusion

Injection of sterile water had similar effects as hypertonic saline on pain variables, but no effect on PPT. Hence, the model mimics clinical myalgia and may offer a novel and simpler alternative to hypertonic saline injections.
Geomagnetic core field models and secular variation forecasts for the 13th International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF-13)
Authors: Wardinski Ingo , Saturnino Diana , Amit Hagay , Chambodut Aude , Langlais Benoit , Mandea Mioara , Thebault Erwan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Observations of the geomagnetic field taken at Earth's

surface and at satellite altitude were combined to construct

continuous models of the geomagnetic field and its secular variation

from 1957 to 2020. From these parent models, we derive candidate

main field models for the epochs 2015 and 2020 to the 13th

generation of the International Geomagnetic Reference Field

(IGRF). The secular variation candidate model for the period 2020 -

2025 is derived from a forecast of the secular variation in 2022.5,

which results from a multi-variate singular spectrum analysis of the

secular variation from 1957 to 2020.
High-efficiency and ultra-thin electromagnetic wave absorption xAl2O3-(1-x)Sr0.85Gd0.15TiO3 ceramics in X-band
Authors: Xie Hui , Yang Chaoqun , Zhou Yingying , Ren Zhaowen , Liu Ping 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
xAl2O3-(1-x)Sr0.85Gd0.15TiO3(x=0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) ceramics were fabricated by hot-press sintering. Their morphology, phase composition, conductivity, dielectric properties as well as microwave absorption performance were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), multifunction digital four-probe meter and vector network analysis, respectively. The microwave absorption of as-prepared xAl2O3-(1-x)Sr0.85Gd0.15TiO3 ceramics demonstrates excellent microwave absorbability. It is unexpectedly found that with a thickness of only 0.346 mm, xAl2O3-(1-x)Sr0.85Gd0.15TiO3 (x=0.2) ceramic exhibits an absorption bandwidth of 3.7 GHz (8.7-12.4 GHz), being consequential to reflection loss less than -10 dB (over 90% of microwave absorption). It is as well discovered that the minimum reflection loss and absorption peak frequency of xAl2O3-(1-x)Sr0.85Gd0.15TiO3 (x=0.3) with a thickness of 0.436 mm were -45.43 dB and 11.3 GHz, respectively. The prominent microwave absorption performance of the ceramic with such a thin thickness can be attributed to strong interfacial polarization, dielectric frequency dispersion, and good electromagnetic impedance matching. It indicates that the xAl2O3-(1-x)Sr0.85Gd0.15TiO3 ceramics with appropriate Al2O3 mass fraction and thickness showing good potential for effective microwave absorbing materials.
Incidence and determinants of mortality among HIV infected adult patients on antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia: A systematic review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Lijalem Habtamu , Workie Shimelash Bitew , Suleiman Mohammed , Gutulo Muluken Gunta , Tadesse Takele 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Antiretroviral therapy has been highly associated with reduction in the incidence of mortality in HIV/AIDS patients over time. However, there is a regional variation in the extent of reducing the incidence of mortality in many developing countries including Ethiopia. Hence, this study was conducted to generate summary evidences-based data for incidence of mortality and determinants of mortality.
Methods
Articles were comprehensively searched on Pub Med, Google Scholar, Cochrane library, Scopus, and DOAJ databases using Boolean operators. A Dersimonian and Laird methods of random effect model was used to estimate incidence and determinants of mortality. Heterogeneity, publication bias and quality of each study were checked. Subgroup analysis was employed. Relevant data from each study were extracted. STATA software version 14 was used for all statistical analysis.
Result
A total of 21 articles were finally reviewed and analyzed. Incidence of mortality was found to be 5/100-person year of observation (95% CI: 4–5/100pyo). Most of the death (67%) occurred during the first year of HAART initiation. Baseline Advanced WHO clinical stage (PHR (Pooled Hazard Rate) 2.88; 95%CI: 2.2–3.8), low CD4 cells count (PHR 1.88; 95% CI: 1.5–2.4), low body weight (PHR 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2–2.2), low hemoglobin level (PHR 2.4; 95% CI: 1.7–3.4), presence of TB infection (PHR 2.9; 95% CI: 2.13–4.61), non – working functional status (PHR 3.9; 95% CI: 2.8–5.4), bad medication adherence (PHR 4.8; 95% CI: 3.2–7.2), lack of cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (PHR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2–2.0), being male (PHR 1.4; 95% CI: 1.2–1.8) and older age (PHR 1.2; 95% CI: 1.04–1.41) were significantly associated with increased mortality in this study.
Conclusion
Incidence of mortality was high particularly early in the course of therapy. Advanced WHO clinical stage, CD4 cells count low body weight, low hemoglobin level presence of TB infection, bad medication adherence older age and non-working functional status were significant determinants of incidence of mortality. Comprehensive service and strict follow up should be given to avert this high rate of mortality.
MicroRNA-138-5p targets pro-apoptotic factors and favours neural cell survival
Authors: Maza Rodrigo M , Silvan Agata , Muñoz-Galdeano Teresa , Reigada David , Águila Ángela del , Barreda-Manso M. Asuncion , Soto Altea , Nieto-Diaz Manuel 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The central nervous system-enriched microRNA miR-138-5p becomes significantly downregulated after spinal cord injury (SCI). miR-138-5p modulates essential biological processes in the Central Nervous System (CNS). It also overcomes apoptosis by inhibiting the expression of proteins, including the effector CASP3, key in different cell death pathways. Therefore, we hypothesize that miR-138-5p downregulation following SCI underlies the overexpression of apoptotic genes and sensitizes neural cells to noxious stimuli. To confirm this hypothesis, this study aims a) to identify and validate miR-138-5p targets among the pro-apoptotic genes overexpressed following SCI; and b) to confirm that the miR-138-5p is able to modulate cell death in neural cells Methods We employed computational tools to identify potential pro-apoptotic targets of miR-138-5p. Dysregulation of selected targets after SCI and its relationship to changes in miR-138-5p expression were analysed through qRT-PCR in a rat SCI model. Validation of the regulation of those apoptotic targets was carried out by luciferase reporter, qRT-PCR, and immunoblot assays in cultures of neural cell lines transfected with a mimetic of the microRNA. The functional effects of modifying the expression of miR-138-5p were later examined in cultures of the rat neural cell line C6 employing enzymatic assays to measure the activity of effector CASP3 and CASP7 together with MTT and flow cytometry assays to estimate cell death. Results Consensus among different algorithms identified 209 potential targets of miR-138-5p. A total of 176 of them become dysregulated after SCI, including proteins basic to apoptosis process such as CASP3 and CASP7, or BAK (Bcl-2 homologous antagonist/killer). Downregulation of miR-138-5p after SCI correlates with the overexpression of these three targets. Cell culture analyses confirm that miR-138-5p targets their 3’UTRs and reduces their expression after microRNA transfection. Transfection of miR-138-5p in C6 cell line results in a reduced effector caspase activity and protects cells from apoptotic stimulation. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that downregulation of miR-138-5p after SCI can be deleterious to spinal neural cells. A mixture of direct effects mediated by the upregulation of apoptotic targets and indirect effects related to the upregulation of cell cycle proteins can be expected.