bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional difference in the susceptibility of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in China
Authors: Xia Mingfeng , Sun Xiaoyang , Zheng Lili , Bi Yufang , Li Qiang , Sun Lirong , Di Fusheng , Li Hong , Zhu Dalong , Gao Yanyan , Bao Yuqian , Wang Yao , He Lanjie , Wu Bingjie , Wang Shanshan , Gao Jian , Gao Xin , Bian Hua 
Published: June 2020

IntroductionNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health problem with high geographic heterogeneity. We aimed to investigate regional-specific concomitant rate of NAFLD and quantitative relationship between liver fat content (LFC) and glucose metabolism parameters in representative clinical populations from six provinces/municipalities of China.Research design and methodsA total of 2420 eligible Han Chinese were enrolled consecutively from 10 clinics of obesity, diabetes and metabolic diseases located at six provinces/municipalities of China, and divided into North (Tianjin, Shandong and Heilongjiang) and South (Shanghai, Jiangsu and Henan) groups according to their geographical latitude and proximity of NAFLD concomitant rate. LFC was assessed by a quantitative ultrasound method. Multivariate regression models and analysis of covariance were used to assess the regional difference in the risk of NAFLD.ResultsThe concomitant rate of NAFLD was 23.3%, 44.0% and 55.3% in individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), pre-diabetes and diabetes, respectively. A higher concomitant rate of NAFLD was found in the participants from the North comparing with the South group, regardless of glucose metabolism status (34.7% vs 16.2% in NGT, 61.5% vs 34.7% in pre-diabetes and 67.1% vs 48.1% in diabetes). This regional difference remained significant after adjustment for age, gender, alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, confounding metabolic parameters and liver enzymes. For any given blood glucose, participants from the North had higher LFC than those from the South group.ConclusionsHalf of Han Chinese with pre-diabetes/type 2 diabetes had NAFLD, and the individuals from the North cities were more susceptible to NAFLD.
Surgical treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy: results after removal of the subcutaneous bursa alone—a case series
Authors: Alfredson Håkan , Spang Christoph 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundInsertional Achilles tendinopathy is well known to be difficult to treat, especially when there is intra-tendinous bone pathology. This study is a case series on patients with chronic insertional Achilles tendon pain and major intra-tendinous bony pathology together with bursa and tendon pathology, treated with excision of the subcutaneous bursa alone.MethodsEleven patients (eight men and three women) with a mean age of 44 years (range 24–62) and a chronic (>6 months) painful condition from altogether 15 Achilles tendon insertions were included. In all patients, ultrasound examination showed intra-tendinous bone pathology together with pathology in the tendon and subcutaneous bursa, and all were surgically treated with an open excision of the whole subcutaneous bursa alone. This was followed by full weight-bearing walking in a shoe with open heel for 6 weeks.ResultsAt follow-up 21 (median, range 12–108) months after surgery, 9/11 patients (12/15 tendons) were satisfied with the result of the operation and 10/11 (13/15 tendons) were back in their previous sport and recreational activities. The median VISA-A score had improved from 41 (range 0–52) to 91 (range 33–100) (p<0.01).ConclusionIn patients with chronic painful insertional Achilles tendinopathy with intra-tendinous bone pathology, tendon and bursa pathology, open removal of the subcutaneous bursa alone can relieve the pain and allow for Achilles tendon loading activities. The results in this case series highlight the need for more studies on the pain mechanisms in insertional Achilles tendinopathy and the need for randomised studies to strengthen the conclusions.Level of evidenceIV Case series.
Impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on endoscopy training in a tertiary care centre in Germany
Authors: Roemmele Christoph , Manzeneder Johannes , Messmann Helmut , Ebigbo Alanna 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 crisis has impacted on all aspects of health care including medical education and training. We describe the disruption of endoscopy training in a tertiary care center in Germany.Design/MethodThe reorganization of a high-volume endoscopy unit during the German COVID-19 outbreak is described with special focus on endoscopy trainees. Changes in case volume of gastroenterology fellows were evaluated and compared to a year prior to the outbreak.ResultsReallocation of resources led to the transfer of gastroenterology fellows to intensive care and infectious disease units. Case volume of fellows declined between January and April 2020 by up to 63%. When compared with data from the year prior to the outbreak, endoscopy performed by fellows reduced by up to 56%. Educational meetings and skill evaluation were cancelled indefinitely.ConclusionThe COVID-19 outbreak has had a negative impact on endoscopy training of gastroenterology fellows in a high-volume center in Germany. This must be taken into consideration when planning “return-strategies” after the pandemic.
Prognostic role of PET/MRI hybrid imaging in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Kazimierczyk Remigiusz , Szumowski Piotr , Nekolla Stephan G , Blaszczak Piotr , Malek Lukasz A , Milosz-Wieczorek Barbara , Misko Jolanta , Jurgilewicz Dorota , Hladunski Marcin , Knapp Malgorzata , Sobkowicz Bozena , Mysliwiec Janusz , Grzywna Ryszard , Musial Wlodzimierz J , Kaminski Karol A 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveRight ventricular (RV) function is a major determinant of survival in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Metabolic alterations may precede haemodynamic and clinical deterioration. Increased RV fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in positron emission tomography (PET) was recently associated with progressive RV dysfunction in MRI, but the prognostic value of their combination has not been established.MethodsTwenty-six clinically stable patients with PAH (49.9±15.2 years) and 12 healthy subjects (control group, 44.7±13.5 years) had simultaneous PET/MRI scans. FDG uptake was quantified as mean standardised uptake value (SUV) for both left ventricle (LV) and RV. Mean follow-up time of this study was 14.2±7.3 months and the clinical end point was defined as death or clinical deterioration.ResultsMedian SUVRV/SUVLVratio was 1.02 (IQR 0.42–1.21) in PAH group and 0.16 (0.13–0.25) in controls, p<0.001. In PAH group, SUVRV/SUVLVsignificantly correlated with RV haemodynamic deterioration. In comparison to the stable ones, 12 patients who experienced clinical end point had significantly higher baseline SUVRV/SUVLVratio (1.21 (IQR 0.87–1.95) vs 0.53 (0.24–1.08), p=0.01) and lower RV ejection fraction (RVEF) (37.9±5.2 vs 46.8±5.7, p=0.03). Cox regression revealed that SUVRV/SUVLVratio was significantly associated with the time to clinical end point. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that combination of RVEF from MRI and SUVRV/SUVLVassessment may help to predict prognosis.ConclusionsIncreased RV glucose uptake in PET and decreased RVEF identify patients with PAH with worse prognosis. Combining parameters from PET and MRI may help to identify patients at higher risk who potentially benefit from therapy escalation, but this hypothesis requires prospective validation.
COVID-19: to be or not to be; that is the diagnostic question
Authors: Coleman Jamie J , Manavi Kaveh , Marson Ella J , Botkai Adam H , Sapey Elizabeth 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSince the first cases in December 2019, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread across the globe, resulting in the COVID-19 pandemic. Early clinical experiences have demonstrated the wide spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 presentations, including various reports of atypical presentations of COVID-19 and possible mimic conditions.This article summarises the current evidence surrounding atypical presentations of COVID-19 including neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, otorhinolaryngology and geriatric features. A case from our hospital of pneumocystis pneumonia initially suspected to be COVID-19 forms the basis for a discussion surrounding mimic conditions of COVID-19. The dual-process model of clinical reasoning is used to analyse the thought processes used to make a diagnosis of COVID-19, including consideration of the variety of differential diagnoses.While SARS-CoV-2 is likely to remain on the differential diagnostic list for a plethora of presentations for the foreseeable future, clinicians should be cautious of ignoring other potential diagnoses due to availability bias. An awareness of atypical presentations allows SARS-CoV-2 to be a differential so that it can be appropriately investigated. A knowledge of infectious mimics prevents COVID-19 from overshadowing other diagnoses, hence preventing delayed diagnosis or even misdiagnosis and consequent adverse outcomes for patients.
External sulfate attack in structural concrete made with Portland-limestone cement: an experimental study
Authors: Cefis Nicola , Tedeschi Cristina , Comi Claudia 
Published: June 2020

This experimental study aims to assess the effect of external sulfate attack on structural concrete made with a common Portland-limestone cement. The experimental campaign, which ran for approximately three years, was performed on standard-sized cylinders ([Formula: see text]15 cm × 30 cm) subject to different exposure conditions. The overall swelling of the specimens due to chemical reactions was monitored over time. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) observations and X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests were also carried out. Results showed the presence of secondary ettringite causing swelling and microcrack formation. The porosity increase due to sulfate attack of the outer skin of the specimens was measured. Ultrasonic measurements and compression tests on cores drilled from the cylinders immersed in different solutions allowed to confirm and quantify the consequent degradation of macroscopic elastic properties.
Branching fractions and CP asymmetries of the quasi-two-body decays in $$B_{s} \rightarrow K^0({\overline{K}}^0)K^\pm \pi ^\mp $$ within PQCD approach
Authors: Zou Zhi-Tian , Li Ying , Liu Xin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMotivated by the first untagged decay-time-integrated amplitude analysis of $$B_s \rightarrow K_SK^{\mp }\pi ^{\pm }$$Bs→KSK∓π± decays performed by LHCb collaboration, where the decay amplitudes are modeled to contain the resonant contributions from intermediate resonances $$K^*(892)$$K∗(892), $$K_0^*(1430)$$K0∗(1430) and $$K_2^*(1430)$$K2∗(1430), we comprehensively investigate the quasi-two-body decays in the three-body processes "Equation missing", and calculate the branching fractions and the time-dependent CP asymmetries within the perturbative QCD approach based on the $$k_T$$kT factorization. In the quasi-two-body space region the calculated branching fractions with the considered intermediate resonances are in good agreement with the experimental results of LHCb by adopting proper $$K\pi $$Kπ pair wave function, describing the interaction between the kaon and pion in the $$K\pi $$Kπ pair. Furthermore, within the obtained branching fractions of the quasi-two-body decays, we also calculate the branching fractions of the corresponding two-body decays, and the results consist with the LHCb measurements and the earlier studies within errors. For these considered decays, since the final states are not flavour-specific, the time-dependent CP could be measured. We then calculate six CP-violation observables, which can be tested in the ongoing LHCb experiment.
Wigner scattering theory for systems held together by Coulombic forces
Authors: Connerade Jean-Patrick 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

The relevance of Wigner Scattering theory and in particular of its K-matrix formulation is stressed for all systems held together by Coulombic forces including not only atoms and molecules but also clusters. Originally developed and formulated for nuclear scattering, Wigner’s theory is extremely general, with application in many branches of physics. Atomic Physics often makes use of an apparently separate formalism (MQDT) which is in fact a specialisation of Wigner’s theory. The advantage of the K-matrix is that analytic expressions can be given for interactions between resonances in terms of a meromorphic pole structure in the special case of asymptotically Coulombic potentials. By using the K-matrix, a number of novel effects (q-reversals, vanishing radiative and particle widths, vanishing fluctuations, etc.) are understood as general phenomena.

Graphical abstract
Outcome of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention During Non–ST‐Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Elderly Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Holzmann Martin J. , Siddiqui Anwar J. 
Published: June 2020

Background

There is a paucity of data on the benefit of revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (
PCI
) during non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction in patients aged >80 years with concurrent chronic kidney disease.

Methods and Results

Patients aged >80 years with chronic kidney disease, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (
eGFR
) <60 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
with non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction, during 2011 to 2014 in Sweden retrieved from the SWEDEHEART (Swedish Web‐System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence‐Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies) Registry. Cox regression was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios with 95% CIs for all‐cause mortality in patients with
PCI
versus no
PCI
treatment, stratified for
eGFR
. Logistic regression was used to evaluate adjusted odds for reinfarction and bleeding during hospitalization. Propensity score weighting analysis was also done as sensitivity analysis. In total, 12 821 patients were included, of whom 47%, 45%, and 8% had an
eGFR
of >60, 30 to 60, and 15 to <30 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
, respectively. Patients with
eGFR
30 to 60 and 15 to <30 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
, 22%, and 10%, respectively, underwent
PCI
, compared with 36% among patients with
eGFR
>60 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
. During a mean follow‐up of 3.2 years, the absolute risk of death was 42%, 56%, and 76% in patients with
eGFR
>60, 30 to 60, and 15 to <30 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
, respectively. Patients who underwent
PCI
had a lower risk of death in all groups of
eGFR
(0.47 [95% CI, 0.42–0.53], 0.50 [95% CI, 0.45–0.56], and 0.44 [95% CI, 0.33–0.59], respectively). Patients with
eGFR
15 to <30 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
had a higher risk of bleeding with
PCI
. Propensity score weighting showed similar outcomes for mortality risk as the unweighted analysis in all the
eGFR
groups.

Conclusions

PCI
is rarely used in non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction elderly patients with chronic kidney disease, and it appears to offer a survival benefit.
Frequency and Predictors of Major Bleeding in Patients With Embolic Strokes of Undetermined Source
Authors: Mikulík Robert , Eckstein Jens , Pearce Lesly A. , Mundl Hardi , Rudilosso Salvatore , Olavarría Veroníca V. , Shoamanesh Ashkan , Chamorro Ángel , Martí-Fàbregas Joan , Veltkamp Roland , Öztürk Şerefnur , Tatlisumak Turgut , Peacock W. Frank , Berkowitz Scott D. , Connolly Stuart J. , Hart Robert G. 
Published: June 2020

Background and Purpose:
Risks, sites, and predictors of major bleeding during antithrombotic therapies have not been well defined for patients with recent embolic stroke of undetermined source.

Methods:
Exploratory analysis of major bleeds defined by International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis criteria occurring among 7213 participants in international NAVIGATE (New Approach Rivaroxaban Inhibition of Factor Xa in a Global Trial) embolic stroke of undetermined source randomized trial comparing rivaroxaban 15 mg daily with aspirin 100 mg daily.

Results:

During a median follow-up of 11 months, 85 major bleeds occurred. The most frequent site was gastrointestinal (38%), followed by intracranial (29%). Assignment to rivaroxaban (hazard ratio [HR], 2.7 [95% CI, 1.7–4.3]), East Asia region (HR, 2.5 [95% CI, 1.6–3.9]), systolic blood pressure ≥160 mm Hg (HR, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.2–3.8]), and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (HR, 1.2 per 10 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
decrease, [95% CI, 1.0–1.3]) were independently associated with presence of major bleeds. Five (6%) were fatal. Among 15 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, 2 (13%) were fatal. There was no evidence of an early high-risk period following initiation of rivaroxaban. The annualized rate of intracerebral hemorrhage was 6-fold higher among East Asian participants (0.67%) versus all other regions (0.11%; HR, 6.3 [95% CI, 2.2–18.0]). Distribution of bleeding sites was similar for rivaroxaban and aspirin.

Conclusions:
Among embolic stroke of undetermined source patients participating in an international randomized trial, independent predictors of major bleeding were assignment to rivaroxaban, East Asia region, increased systolic blood pressure, and impaired renal function. East Asia as a region was strongly associated with risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. Estimated glomerular filtration rate should be a consideration for stratifying bleeding risk.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02313909.
Salafī Islam in Cambodia: Institution Building, Transnational Networks and Patterns of Competition in a Muslim-Minority Context
Authors: Pall Zoltan , Pérez Pereiro Alberto 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
After the departure of the United Nations and the restoration of the monarchy in 1993, Cambodia’s Muslim minorities became an important hub of transnational Muslim networks and movements, including the Salafī movement, which is increasingly influential. This article will examine how Salafism has inserted itself into Cambodian society and what limits there may be to its continued growth.
A linguistic study on rhyming in the Beijing dialect/ 北京歌谣押韵的语言学研究
Authors: WÁNG Zhì Hào 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Rhyming plays an important role in the study of Chinese phonology. Traditionally it is believed that there are two types of rhyming between finals: free rhyming and mixed rhyming. Finals which rhyme with each other freely constitute a rhyme group, while the rhyming between finals from different rhyme groups can only be mixed rhyming. By analyzing the rhyming in the modern Beijing dialect using a statistical method, we find a third type: semi-free rhyming, which is close to free rhyming. As a whole, these two types can be called pan-free rhyming. Thus, the definition of rhyme group must be revised as the maximum unit of pan-free rhyming, because free rhyming is no longer a transitive relation, i.e., when both final pairs A–B and B–C are free rhyming, A–C may be semi-free rhyming. As for the Beijing dialect, our statistical test results approve that non-érhuà finals are divided into 15 rhyme groups, and subsequent phonological analyses show that words in the same rhyme group share the same nucleus and coda. Besides finals, tones also function apparently in rhyming, but in a different way from the three types mentioned above. As more Chinese dialects are studied, the typology of rhyming in Chinese dialects can be analyzed, creating a useful reference for the study of Chinese historical phonology.
Use of a Cervicofacial Flap in Closing Large Defects Following Wide Local Excision of Complicated Preauricular Lesions
Authors: Akakpo Kenneth , Luck Kaylee , Chun Robert H. 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To describe innovative surgical technique for closure of large defect following complicated preauricular cyst excision secondary to prior failed excision attempts, infections, and drainage procedures. Preauricular cysts must be widely excised including any fistulous tracts in order to reduce recurrence rates; however, the resultant large local excision poses cosmetic challenges. Methods: Retrospective chart review of 3 patient cases who underwent excision of recurrent preauricular lesions involving cervical parotid flap closure. All three cases demonstrate complicated preauricular congenital cysts which were infected and had prior drainage, excision attempts, or sclerotherapy. A cervicoparotid flap was used to close all defects cosmetically with no facial nerve weakness and without distortion to the oral commissure or lateral canthus. Results/conclusions: There is a high recurrence rate seen with wide local congenital cyst excisions that have been previously excised, infected, and drained; as well as, cosmetically unfavorable outcomes utilizing traditional repair. Utilizing our closure technique which involves reconstructive local regional flap with cervicoparotid approach our 3 patients have had no reoccurance of cyst or infection. Our approach also maximizes cosmetic outcomes, with reduced scar visibility. Pre and postoperative photos will be shown.
The effects of a dialogue-based intervention to promote psychosocial well-being after stroke: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bragstad Line Kildal , Hjelle Ellen Gabrielsen , Zucknick Manuela , Sveen Unni , Thommessen Bente , Bronken Berit Arnesveen , Martinsen Randi , Kitzmüller Gabriele , Mangset Margrete , Kvigne Kari Johanne , Hilari Katerina , Lightbody C Elizabeth , Kirkevold Marit 
Published: June 2020

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a dialogue-based intervention targeting psychosocial well-being at 12 months post-stroke. Design: Multicenter, prospective, randomized, assessor-blinded, controlled trial with two parallel groups. Setting: Community. Subjects: Three-hundred and twenty-two adults (⩾18 years) with stroke within the last four weeks were randomly allocated into intervention group ( n = 166) or control group ( n = 156). Interventions: The intervention group received a dialogue-based intervention to promote psychosocial well-being, comprising eight individual 1–1½ hour sessions delivered during the first six months post-stroke. Main measures: The primary outcome measure was the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28). Secondary outcome measures included the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39g, the Sense of Coherence scale, and the Yale Brown single-item questionnaire. Results: The mean (SD) age of the participants was 66.8 (12.1) years in the intervention group and 65.7 (13.3) years in the control group. At 12 months post-stroke, the mean (SE) GHQ-28 score was 20.6 (0.84) in the intervention group and 19.9 (0.85) in the control group. There were no between-group differences in psychosocial well-being at 12 months post-stroke (mean difference: −0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): −3.08, 1.60). The secondary outcomes showed no statistically significant between-group difference in health-related quality of life, sense of coherence, or depression at 12 months. Conclusion: The results of this trial did not demonstrate lower levels of emotional distress and anxiety or higher levels of health-related quality of life in the intervention group (dialogue-based intervention) as compared to the control group (usual care) at 12 months post-stroke.