bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Independent associations of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and serum cystatin C with carotid intima-media thickness in community-living Taiwanese adults
Authors: Liu Chiu-Shong , Li Chia-Ing , Guo Yuh-Cherng , Lin Chih-Hsueh , Lin Wen-Yuan , Liu Chung-Hsiang , Wang Mu-Cyun , Yang Chuan-Wei , Yang Shing-Yu , Li Tsai-Chung , Lin Cheng-Chieh 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Renal function is a key factor of cardiovascular disease. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) has been widely used as a marker of early subclinical atherosclerosis. The determinants of cystatin C, a novel marker of renal function, have not been extensively studied in the Asian population. This study aimed to assess the determinants of cystatin C and explore whether carotid thickening was associated with urinary albumin-creatinine ratio and cystatin C in community-living Taiwanese adults.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted on participants from Taichung City, Taiwan. All the participants underwent carotid ultrasonography. Carotid IMT-mean and IMT-maximum were derived. Kidney biomarkers were measured on the basis of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and cystatin C. Multiple linear regression analysis was used.

Results
A total of 1032 individuals were recruited, and 469 (45.44%) of them were men. An increased cystatin C level was significantly associated with older age, male gender, lack of physical activity, low HDL cholesterol, abdominal obesity, high hs-CRP, and high ACR. The multivariate-adjusted mean carotid IMT-mean and IMT-maximum values significantly increased by 80.49 and 195.23 μm for every one unit of increase in cystatin C level and by 0.07 and 0.14 μm for every one unit of increase in ACR, respectively (all p < 0.001 except ACR on IMT-maximum with p < 0.01). Lack of physical activity, low HDL, abdominal obesity, high hs-CRP, and high ACR were the determinants of cystatin C.

Conclusion
Cystatin C and ACR were strongly and linearly associated with carotid thickening, a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis.
Effectiveness of a psycho-educational intervention for expecting parents to prevent postpartum parenting stress, depression and anxiety: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Missler Marjolein , van Straten Annemieke , Denissen Jaap , Donker Tara , Beijers Roseriet 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe first months postpartum can be challenging for parents, leading to elevated symptoms of parenting stress, depression and anxiety. In turn, distressed parents are at higher risk for providing suboptimal quality of caregiving. As psychoeducational interventions can be effective in reducing psychological distress, the goal of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the effectiveness of low-intensity universal psychoeducational program to prevent postpartum parenting stress, and to enhance parental well-being and caregiving quality.MethodBetween 26 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, 138 pregnant women and 96 partners were randomized to the intervention or a waitlist control group. The intervention consisted of a booklet, a video, a home visit, and a telephone call. Information was provided on (1) sensitive responsiveness, adapting to the parental role, and attending to own needs; (2) crying patterns; (3) feeding (arrangements); and (4) sleeping (arrangements). The primary outcome was parenting stress postpartum. Secondary outcomes were additional measures of distress (depression and anxiety), parental well-being, and caregiving quality.ResultsBoth groups showed a rise in distress after birth. No between-group differences were observed on parenting stress, nor on the secondary outcomes. The intervention was rated as useful and of added value by the parents.ConclusionThis study offered no evidence that our universal prevention program was effective in decreasing parental distress or in increasing caregiving quality. However, parents found aspects of the intervention useful. More research is needed, including a longer period of follow-up as well as observational measures of parents’ responsiveness.Trial registrationThis trial has been registered on 15 September 2016 in the Netherlands National Trial Register, ID: NTR6065,https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/5782.
A gene-based survival score for lung adenocarcinoma by multiple transcriptional datasets analysis
Authors: Xiong Yanlu , Lei Jie , Zhao Jinbo , Lu Qiang , Feng Yangbo , Qiao Tianyun , Xin Shaowei , Han Yong , Jiang Tao 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains a crucial factor endangering human health. Gene-based clinical predictions could be of great help for cancer intervention strategies. Here, we tried to build a gene-based survival score (SS) for LUAD via analyzing multiple transcriptional datasets.

Methods
We first acquired differentially expressed genes between tumors and normal tissues from intersections of four LUAD datasets. Next, survival-related genes were preliminarily unscrambled by univariate Cox regression and further filtrated by LASSO regression. Then, we applied PCA to establish a comprehensive SS based on survival-related genes. Subsequently, we applied four independent LUAD datasets to evaluate prognostic prediction of SS. Moreover, we explored associations between SS and clinicopathological features. Furthermore, we assessed independent predictive value of SS by multivariate Cox analysis and then built prognostic models based on clinical stage and SS. Finally, we performed pathway enrichments analysis and investigated immune checkpoints expression underlying SS in four datasets.

Results
We established a 13 gene-based SS, which could precisely predict OS and PFS of LUAD. Close relations were elicited between SS and canonical malignant indictors. Furthermore, SS could serve as an independent risk factor for OS and PFS. Besides, the predictive efficacies of prognostic models were also reasonable (C-indexes: OS, 0.7; PFS, 0.7). Finally, we demonstrated enhanced cell proliferation and immune escape might account for high clinical risk of SS.

Conclusions
We built a 13 gene-based SS for prognostic prediction of LUAD, which exhibited wide applicability and could contribute to LUAD management.
Preoperative circulating tumor cells to predict microvascular invasion and dynamical detection indicate the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Jiangmin , Zhang Zhiwei , Zhou Honghao , Leng Chao , Hou Bingwu , Zhou Chenyang , Hu Xinsheng , Wang Jinlin , Chen Xiaoping 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
This study explored the diagnostic power of preoperative circulating tumor cells (CTCs) for the presence of microvascular invasion (MVI) and the relationship between dynamic changes in postoperative CTCs and prognosis.

Methods
A total of 137 patients were recruited for the study. Preoperative blood samples were collected from all patients to detect CTCs. The time points for blood collection were before the operation, during the operation, and at 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. The predictive power of CTC count for the presence of MVI was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. According to recurrence status, 137 patients were divided into three groups: no recurrence, early recurrence, and non-early recurrence groups.

Results
A threshold CTC count of 5 showed the most significant power for predicting the existence of MVI. In multivariate analysis, the parameters of preoperative CTC count, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and tumor diameter were independent predictors of MVI (P <  0.05). A CTC count greater than or equal to 5 had better predictive value than AFP > 400 μg/L and tumor diameter > 5 cm. The number of intraoperative CTCs in the three groups did not increase compared to that before surgery (P > 0.05). The number of CTCs in the nonrecurrence group and the non-early recurrence group decreased significantly 1 week after surgery compared with the intraoperative values (P <  0.001), although there was no significant difference in the early recurrence group (P = 0.95). Patients with mean CTC count ≥5 had significantly worse long-term outcomes than those with mean CTC count < 5 (P <  0.001).

Conclusion
The preoperative CTC counts in the peripheral blood of patients with HCC are closely correlated with MVI. The intraoperative manipulation of the lesion by the surgeon does not increase the number of CTCs in peripheral blood. Surgical removal of the tumor decreases the number of CTCs. The persistence of CTCs at a high level (≥ 5) after surgery suggests a risk of early recurrence.

Clinical trial registration
Registration number is ChiCTR-OOC-16010183, date of registration is 2016-12-18.
Diagnostic value of serum HER2 levels in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shamshirian Amir , Aref Amir Reza , Yip George W. , Ebrahimi Warkiani Majid , Heydari Keyvan , Razavi Bazaz Sajad , Hamzehgardeshi Zeinab , Shamshirian Danial , Moosazadeh Mahmood , Alizadeh-Navaei Reza 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Measurement of serum human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2/neu) levels might play an essential role as a diagnostic/screening marker for the early selection of therapeutic approaches and predict prognosis in breast cancer patients. We aimed to undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on the diagnostic/screening value of serum HER-2 levels in comparison to routine methods.

Methods
We performed a systematic search via PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane-Library, and Web of Science databases for human diagnostic studies reporting the levels of serum HER-2 in breast cancer patients, which was confirmed using the histopathological examination. Meta-analyses were carried out for sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, area under the ROC curve (AUC), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR).

Results
Fourteen studies entered into this investigation. The meta-analysis indicated the low sensitivity for serum HER2 levels (Sensitivity: 53.05, 95%CI 40.82–65.28), but reasonable specificity of 79.27 (95%CI 73.02–85.51), accuracy of 72.06 (95%CI 67.04–77.08) and AUC of 0.79 (95%CI 0.66–0.92). We also found a significant differences for PPV (PPV: 56.18, 95%CI 44.16–68.20), NPV (NPV: 76.93, 95%CI 69.56–84.31), PLR (PLR: 2.10, 95%CI 1.69–2.50) and NLR (NLR: 0.58, 95%CI 0.44–0.71).

Conclusion
Our findings revealed that although serum HER-2 levels showed low se nsitivity for breast cancer diagnosis, its specificity, accuracy and AUC were reasonable. Hence, it seems that the measurement of serum HER-2 levels can play a significant role as a verification test for initial negative screening test results, especially in low-income regions due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of implementation.
Health-related quality of life in patients with inoperable malignant bowel obstruction: secondary outcome from a double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled randomised trial of octreotide
Authors: McCaffrey Nikki , Asser Tegan , Fazekas Belinda , Muircroft Wendy , Agar Meera , Clark Katherine , Eckermann Simon , Lee Jessica , Joshi Rohit , Allcroft Peter , Sheehan Caitlin , Currow David C. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
This analysis aims to evaluate health-related quality of life (HrQoL) (primary outcome for this analysis), nausea and vomiting, and pain in patients with inoperable malignant bowel obstruction (IMBO) due to cancer or its treatments randomised to standardised therapies plus octreotide or placebo over a maximum of 72 h in a double-blind clinical trial.

Methods
Adults with IMBO and vomiting recruited through 12 services spanning inpatient, consultative and community settings in Australia were randomised to subcutaneous octreotide infusion or saline. HrQoL was measured at baseline and treatment cessation (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL). Mean within-group paired differences between baseline and post-treatment scores were analysed using Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and between group differences estimated using linear mixed models, adjusted for baseline score, sex, age, time, and study arm.

Results
One hundred six of the 112 randomised participants were included in the analysis (n = 52 octreotide, n = 54 placebo); 6 participants were excluded due to major protocol violations. Mean baseline HrQoL scores were low (octreotide 22.1, 95% CI 14.3, 29.9; placebo 31.5, 95% CI 22.3, 40.7). There was no statistically significant within-group improvement in the mean HrQoL scores in the octreotide (p = 0.21) or placebo groups (p = 0.78), although both groups reported reductions in mean nausea and vomiting (octreotide p < 0.01; placebo p = 0.02) and pain scores (octreotide p < 0.01; placebo p = 0.03). Although no statistically significant difference in changes in HrQoL scores between octreotide and placebo were seen, an adequately powered study is required to fully assess any differences in HrQoL scores.

Conclusion
The HrQoL of patients with IMBO and vomiting is poor. Further research to formally evaluate the effects of standard therapies for IMBO is therefore warranted.

Trial registration
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12608000211369 (date registered 18/04/2008)
Barriers and opportunities for cleanliness of shared sanitation facilities in low-income settlements in Kenya
Authors: Simiyu Sheillah N. , Kweyu Raphael M. , Antwi-Agyei Prince , Adjei Kwaku A. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
The sharing of sanitation facilities is a common practice in low-income areas in sub-Saharan Africa. However, shared sanitation is currently categorized as a limited sanitation service, and may therefore not count towards meeting the global goals. These shared facilities are often the only option available for most residents in low-income settlements, and improving their cleanliness and overall management is key to reducing open defecation and risk of disease. This study sought to investigate barriers and opportunities for improved cleanliness of shared sanitation facilities in low-income settlements of Kisumu city, Kenya.

Methods
Thirty-nine in-depth interviews and 11 focus group discussions were held with residents – mainly tenants and landlords – of a low-income settlement in Kisumu. Analysis followed a thematic approach to define the problem, specify the target behaviour and identify the changes needed.

Results
Sanitation facilities were mainly pit latrines, typically shared among landlords and tenants. Participants singled out behavioural (poor use of the shared toilets) and social (lack of cooperation in cleaning) challenges that led to unclean shared toilets. Available opportunities for improvement included instituting clear cleaning plans, improving communication among users, and enhanced problem-solving mechanisms between landlords and tenants. These approaches could form the basis for designing intervention strategies for improving the cleanliness of shared sanitation facilities.

Conclusion
The results highlight the need to focus on social aspects for improvement of cleanliness in shared sanitation facilities in low-income settlements. Through a social approach, shared sanitation facilities can be managed appropriately to provide the millions of low-income residents in Kenya an opportunity to access sanitation. This study provides further evidence on approaches for improved management of shared sanitation facilities in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Joint Monitoring Program’s (JMP) recommendation for high quality shared facilities.
Degenerative central lumbar spinal stenosis: is endoscopic decompression through bilateral transforaminal approach sufficient?
Authors: Zhang Bin , Kong Qingquan , Yan Yuqing , Feng Pin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundAt present, few reports of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal decompression surgery have been reported to solve central lumbar spinal stenosis (CLSS). Is endoscopic decompression through bilateral transforaminal approach decompression sufficient for degenerative CLSS?MethodsThis retrospective study included 47 cases of CLSS patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic decompression through bilateral transforaminal approach. Clinical outcomes such as ODI, back and leg VAS, the Macnab criteria were evaluated. Surgical results including operative time, postoperative hospital stay, recurrence, and surgical complications were also studied. Radiologically, lumbar stability was assessed and lumbar dural sac dimension was compared preoperatively and postoperatively.ResultsAll 47 patients were followed up. The average follow-up period was 24.5 months. The average operation time was 116 min. The mean VAS of leg and back pain, and the mean ODI improved from 7.81, 2.53, and 77.03% at baseline to a final 1.94 (P = 0.00), 2.47 (P = 0.71), and 19.40% (P = 0.00), respectively. According to the Macnab criteria, 97.9% of patients achieved excellent and good results. There were 2 cases of dural tear and 3 cases of transient postoperative dysthesia. The cross-sectional area of the dural sac was significant enlargement at the last fellow up (74.28 ± 13.08 mm2vs.104.91 ± 12.40 mm2,P = 0.00).ConclusionsExcept for the main pathogenic factors on the dorsal side of the dural sac, percutaneous endoscopic decompression through a bilateral transforaminal approach is sufficient for CLSS. It is a feasible, safe, and clinically effective minimally invasive procedure.
Physical exposure during patient transfer and risk of back injury & low-back pain: prospective cohort study
Authors: Vinstrup Jonas , Jakobsen Markus D. , Madeleine Pascal , Andersen Lars L. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common among healthcare workers. Because frequent patient transfer has been associated with increased risk of MSDs, we aim to quantify the physical load associated with commonly-used assistive devices and to investigate associations between accumulated physical exposure and risk of MSDs.MethodsBy applying an exposure matrix based on objective measurements of electromyography and trunk flexion on a large (n = 1285) prospective cohort, intensity of low-back pain (LBP) and odds of back injury at 1-year follow-up were modelled using linear models and logistic regressions, respectively. The cohort was divided into groups according to physical exposure; i.e. low (1st quartile), moderate (2nd and 3rd quartiles) and high (4th quartile) exposure.ResultsExposure profiles are provided for 9 groups of assistive devices, with ceiling lifts and intelligent beds eliciting the lowest physical exposure. In the fully-adjusted model, we report differences in LBP intensity at follow-up between the low and moderate exposure groups (p = 0.0085). No difference was found between the moderate and high exposure groups (p = 0.2967). Likewise, we find no associations between physical exposure and odds of back injury at 1-year follow-up, with a prevalence of 11, 13 and 11% for the three groups, respectively.ConclusionsLow physical exposure during patient transfer was prospectively associated with lower intensity of LBP. Consistent use of assistive devices associated with low physical exposure, namely ceiling-lifts and intelligent beds, may play a role in reducing the incidence of MSDs among healthcare workers.
Cervical myelopathy due to subaxial calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition with simultaneous asymptomatic crowned dens syndrome: two case reports
Authors: Chang Dong-Gune , Park Jong-Beom , Jung Ho-Young , Seo Kyung Jin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
There are few reports of cervical myelopathy caused by an attack of subaxial calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition. Moreover, there has been no report on cervical myelopathy by subaxial CPPD deposition with simultaneous asymptomatic crowned dens syndrome (CDS) at the same time.

Case presentation
The first case was a 68-year-old male complaining of cervical myelopathic symptoms. Plain radiographs, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings revealed spinal cord compression by calcified round lesions at C4 as well as a calcified lesion behind the dens. The second case was a 77-year-old female complaining of cervical myelopathic symptoms. Plain radiographs, CT and MRI findings revealed spinal cord compression by calcified round lesions at C3 and C4 as well as a calcified lesion behind the dens. In both cases, we believed that the calcified lesion behind the dens was an asymptomatic lesion. Therefore, the first patient received decompressive laminectomy of C3 and C4, removal of calcified round lesions, and posterior fixation from C3 to C5 due to associated kyphosis. The second patient underwent decompressive laminectomy of C3 and C4 and removal of calcified round lesions. Microscopic examination under polarized light showed dark blue calcifications with rhomboid crystals that were positively birefringent. The findings were consistent with those of CPPD.

Conclusions
This is the first study to report cervical myelopathy caused by subaxial CPPD deposition with simultaneous asymptomatic CDS. Surgical removal of the subaxial CPPD deposition alone achieved a satisfactory surgical outcome without recurrence.
Usefulness of ultrasonography for diagnosing iatrogenic spinal accessory nerve palsy after lymph node needle biopsy: a case report
Authors: Suzuki Hisataka , Matsui Yuichiro , Iwai Takahito , Nishida Mutsumi , Iwasaki Norimasa 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundSpinal accessory nerve (SAN) palsy is rare in clinical settings. Iatrogenicity is the most common cause, with cervical lymph node biopsy accounting for > 50% of cases. However, SAN palsy after lymph node needle biopsy is extremely rare, and the injury site is difficult to identify because of the tiny needle mark.Case presentationA 26-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with left neck pain and difficulty abducting and shrugging her left shoulder after left cervical lymph node needle biopsy. Five weeks earlier, a needle biopsy had been performed at the surgery clinic because of suspected histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis. No trace of the needle biopsy site was found on the neck, but ultrasonography (US) showed SAN swelling within the posterior cervical triangle. At 3 months after the injury, her activities of daily living had not improved. Therefore, we decided to perform a surgical intervention after receiving informed consent. We performed neurolysis because the SAN was swollen in the area consistent with the US findings, and nerve continuity was preserved. Shoulder shrugging movement improved at 1 week postoperatively, and the trapezius muscle manual muscle testing score recovered to 5 at 1 year postoperatively. The swelling diameter on US gradually decreased from 1.8 mm preoperatively to 0.9 mm at 6 months.ConclusionWe experienced a rare case in which US was useful for iatrogenic SAN palsy. Our results suggest that preoperative US is useful for localization of SAN palsy and that postoperative US for morphological evaluation of the SAN can help assess recovery.