bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical value of texture analysis in differentiation of urothelial carcinoma based on multiphase computed tomography images
Authors: Wang Zihua , He Yufang , Wang Nianhua , Zhang Ting , Wu Hongzhen , Jiang Xinqing , Mo Lei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Identification of histologic grading of urothelial carcinoma still depends on histopathologic examination. As an emerging and promising imaging technology, radiomic texture analysis is a noninvasive technique and has been studied to differentiate various tumors. This study explored the value of computed tomography (CT) texture analysis for the differentiation of low-grade urothelial carcinoma (LGUC), high-grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC), and their invasive properties.
Radiologic data were analyzed retrospectively for 94 patients with pathologically proven urothelial carcinomas from November 2016 to April 2019. Pathologic examination demonstrated that tumors were: high grade in 43 cases, and low grade in 51 cases; and nonmuscle invasive (NMI) in 37 cases, and muscle invasive (MI) in 37 cases. Maximum tumor diameters on CT scan were manually outlined as regions of interest and 78 texture features were extracted automatically. Three-phasic CT images were used to measure texture parameters, which were compared with postoperative pathologic grading and invasive results. The independent sample t test or Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare differences in parameters. Receiver-operating characteristic curves for statistically significant parameters were used to confirm efficacy.
Of the 78 features extracted from each phase of CT images, 26 (33%), 20 (26%), and 22 (28%) texture parameters were significant (P < .05) for differentiating LGUC from HGUC, while 19 (24%), 16 (21%), and 30 (38%) were significant (P < .05) for differentiating NMI from MI urothelial carcinoma. Highest areas the under curve for differentiating grading and invasive properties were obtained by variance (0.761, P < .001) and correlation (0.798, P < .001) on venous-phase CT images.
Texture analysis has the potential to distinguish LGUC and HGUC, or NMI from MI urothelial carcinoma, before surgery.
Application of probiotics in adjuvant treatment of infant allergic rhinitis
Authors: Cao Xueqiu , Zhong Ping , Li Gang , Zhu Jiao , Zheng Yun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background:
Several studies have suggested that intestinal flora may play an important role in allergic diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of probiotics of Bifidobacterium triplex on the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR). The effects of this probiotic on the immune system have been reported in some studies, but most previous studies have been in animals.

Methods/Design:
60 infants and young children with AR were randomly divided into 2 groups: probiotics/placebo group. The main outcome was the use of a comprehensive symptom drug score to assess allergy symptoms. In addition, health-related quality of life was investigated (rhinitis quality of life questionnaire). Secondary outcomes included a visual analog scale of allergy burden and a second quality of life questionnaire. This report describes the study design of a randomized controlled trial.

Discussion:
The study design described a double-center, randomized, location at the Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University and West China Hospital of Sichuan University, which will be focused on the study about probiotics treatment and its effect on AR symptoms.

Trial registration:
It has been registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn/listbycreater.aspx (Identifier: ChiCTR2000031175), Registered March 22, 2020.
The correlation of patientsʼ anxiety after a liver or kidney transplantation with functional and self-reported work ability
Authors: Wesolowska-Gorniak Katarzyna , Wojtowicz Monika , Gierus Jacek , Czarkowska-Paczek Bozena 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Organ transplantation has become the treatment of choice for end-stage organ failure, including renal and liver failure. The benefits of patient employment after transplantation are numerous, but factors determining the ability to work among these patients are not clearly defined. The growing interest in these factors has strong practical implications for organizations creating vocational rehabilitation programs. Given the interconnection between psychological and physical functioning in patients after transplantation, the present study examined the impact of anxiety on vocational rehabilitation and its relationship with functional tests. A total of 100 patients after liver or kidney transplantation underwent functional tests, including the 6-minute walking test and 30-second chair stand test (30”CST), and psychological tests, specifically the Inventory of Physical Activity Objectives, Work Ability Index, and State-Train Anxiety Inventory. Working ability was affected by psychological factors. State and trait anxiety exhibited inverse relationships with subjective readiness to occupational activity (P < .001, r = -.59 and P < .001, r = -.56, respectively). The level of anxiety was negatively related to the results of the 30”CST. State-Train Anxiety Inventory, State Anxiety subscale and State-Train Anxiety Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety subscale vs 30”CST: P < .001, r = -.43 P < .001, r = -.44). Thus, state and trait anxiety influence perceived work ability and partially functional status. These observations may indicate the potential benefits of including psychologists in interdisciplinary teams for physical and especially vocational rehabilitation of patients after liver or kidney transplantation.
When the Temporal Artery Biopsy is Negative
Authors: Ford Erika , Smith Jonathan H. 
Published: May 2020

Introduction:
Older adults presenting with a new or changed headache pattern in the setting of a diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are at risk for incident giant cell arteritis. However, the differential diagnosis of headache has not been evaluated in patients with a negative temporal artery biopsy (TAB). Headache has not been described as a symptom of PMR.

Methods:
After prospectively identifying an individual felt to have headache attributed to PMR, we performed a chart review to identify additional cases. As a secondary outcome, we summarized alternative headache diagnoses in patients with PMR, headache and a negative TAB.

Results:
A 75-year-old woman presented with a subacute history of radiating cervical pain in the setting of a 3 month history of lower back stiffness at rest and fatigue. Clinical examination was suggestive of a cervicogenic headache. Following treatment with low-dose corticosteroid for PMR, headaches, cervical mobility and systemic findings resolved with treatment of PMR with low-dose corticosteroid. In our cohort of 36 patients, we identified a single additional patient meeting our study criteria for headache attributed to PMR. Three additional patients met all but 1 diagnostic criterion. The retrospective case was a 73-year-old woman with a subacute history of both morning-predominant headaches and muscle stiffness, diagnosed with PMR. Headaches remitted with low-dose corticosteroid and relapsed with corticosteroid taper.

Conclusions:
Headache attributed to PMR is a steroid-responsive syndrome which should be considered in an older adult presenting with features of PMR, when the TAB is negative. Diagnostic criteria for headache attributed to PMR are proposed.
Blepharospasm With Photophobia Secondary to Midbrain Tuberculoma and Thalamic Infarct
Authors: Chouksey Anjali , Pandey Sanjay 
Published: May 2020

Introduction:
Blepharospasm is a type of focal dystonia and categorized into primary and secondary forms, based on whether or not a cause can be established. Secondary blepharospasm is uncommon and can be associated with underlying brain lesions. Photophobia is a prominent complaint in blepharospasm patients. We are reporting a case of secondary blepharospasm with photophobia in a patient who had underlying midbrain tuberculoma and thalamic infarcts. This type of presentation has not been reported to the best of our knowledge.

Case Report:
A 26-year-old man presented to us with the complaint of increased blinking and involuntary closure of both eyes for 1 year. He had a past history of tubercular meningitis 16 years back when he presented with bilateral ptosis, left up gaze palsy and right hemiparesis suggestive of Weber syndrome. His magnetic resonance images of the brain were suggestive of multiple intracranial tuberculomas, thalamic infarcts, and noncommunicating hydrocephalus. Following treatment he recovered significantly with no residual neurological deficit except mild bilateral ptosis. His recent magnetic resonance images of the brain was suggestive of calcified granuloma in the midbrain and chronic left thalamic lacunar infarcts. He was treated with injection Onabotulinum toxin and his symptoms improved significantly.

Conclusions:
Our patient had tuberculoma in the midbrain and chronic infarcts in the thalamus, and both lesions may cause blepharospasm and photophobia independently, so it is difficult to ascertain the causative lesion in our patient. However, it is possible that these heterogenous lesions are all part of a single functionally connected brain network and further studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.
Stroke-Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Patel Urvish K. , Kodumuri Nishanth , Dave Mihir , Lekshminarayanan Anusha , Khan Nashmia , Kavi Tapan , Kothari Ravish , Lunagariya Abhishek , Jani Vishal 
Published: May 2020

Introduction:Pneumonia is the most common complication after stroke, but our knowledge on risk factors and predictors of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is limited. We sought to evaluate the predictors and outcomes of SAP among acute ischemic stroke (AIS) hospitalizations.Methods:This is a cross-sectional study of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from the year 2003 to 2014. We identified adult hospitalizations with AIS using International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, clinical modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. The SAP was identified by the presence of a secondary diagnosis of hospital-acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Multivariable survey logistic regression models were utilized to evaluate the predictors of SAP.Results:Overall, 4,224,924 AIS hospitalizations were identified, of which 149,169 (3.53%) had SAP. The prevalence of SAP decreased from 3.72% in 2003 to 3.17% in 2014 (P<0.0001). Mortality [17.12% vs. 4.77%; adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.71;P<0.0001] and morbidity (22.53% vs. 3.28%; aOR: 1.86;P<0.0001) were markedly elevated in SAP group compare to non-SAP group. The significant risk factors of pneumonia among AIS hospitalization were nasogastric tube (aOR: 1.21;P=0.0179), noninvasive mechanical ventilation (aOR: 1.65;P<0.0001), invasive mechanical ventilation (aOR: 4.09;P<0.0001), length of stay between 1 to 2 weeks (aOR: 1.99;P<0.0001), >2 weeks (aOR: 3.90;P<0.0001), hemorrhagic conversion (aOR: 1.17;P=0.0002), and epilepsy (aOR: 1.09;P=0.0009). Other concurrent comorbidities which increased the risk of SAP among AIS patients were acquired immune deficiency syndrome (aOR: 1.88;P<0.0001), alcohol abuse (aOR: 1.60;P=0.0006), deficiency anemia (aOR: 1.26;P<0.0001), heart failure (aOR: 1.62;P<0.0001), pulmonary disease (aOR: 1.73;P<0.0001), diabetes (aOR: 1.29;P=0.0288), electrolyte disorders (aOR: 1.50;P<0.0001), paralysis (aOR: 1.22;P<0.0001), pulmonary circulation disorders (aOR: 1.22;P<0.0001), renal failure (aOR: 1.12;P<0.0001), coagulopathy (aOR: 1.13;P=0.0006), and weight loss (aOR: 1.39;P<0.0001).Conclusion:Our data underline the considerable epidemiological and prognostic impact of SAP in patients with AIS leading to higher mortality, morbidity, length of stay, and hospital cost despite advancements in care.
The Effect of Athletic Chest Protectors on the Performance of Manual and Mechanical CPR
Authors: Garg Nidhi , Brave Martina , Dym Akiva , Gupta Sanjey , Becker Lance B. 
Published: May 2020

Objectives
Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in athletes. Although athletes wear various athletic chest protectors (ACPs) to prevent commotio cordis (CC), cardiac arrest cases still occur. Although it is established that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality affects outcome, little research has evaluated the effect of ACPs on CPR compressions quality. This study aimed to observe whether: (1) ACPs impact depth, rate, and hand positioning of both bystander and LUCAS CPR. (2) LUCAS devices affect CPR performance compared with traditional compressions.

Methods
An observational, prospective, convenient sample of 26 emergency medicine residents performed CPR on a high-fidelity Laerdal mannequin, which recorded real-time performance data. Baseline CPR for 1- and 2-minute cycles, CPR on a mannequin wearing the ACP, and ACP removal time was recorded. LUCAS CPR performance was measured at baseline and over the ACP.

Results
Bystander CPR had a statistically significant difference in both hand placement and compression rate for baseline versus ACP compressions (85% vs 57%, P < 0.05; 138 vs 142, P < 0.05, respectively), but not in compression depth (51.08 vs 50.05 mm, P = 0.39). LUCAS CPR had no significant difference in CPR performance. Bystander versus LUCAS CPR had a significant difference in compression rate (138 vs 101, P < 0.01), but not in depth or hand placement.

Conclusions
Athletic chest protectors significantly impacted hand placement during bystander CPR, which may diminish CPR quality. Considering ACP removal required only 5.4 seconds, removing the ACP before standard CPR may improve quality.
End-Plate Disorders in Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Camdessanché Jean-Philippe 
Published: May 2020

Summary:
Even if nerves and muscles are the principal targets of intensive care unit-acquired weakness, the neuromuscular junction may be as well involved. In intensive care units, neuromuscular blocking agents are classically used, and side effects are possible. Sepsis, immobilization, and denervation which are common in intensive care units may be the cause of neuromuscular junction disorders and participate to the pathophysiology of weakness. We propose here a review of end-plate disorders in intensive care units to highlight their mechanisms and propose diagnosis tools.
Association of lipid peroxidation and interleukin-6 with carotid atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Alharby Hesham , Abdelati Talaat , Rizk Mostafa , Youssef Eman , Moghazy Khaled , Gaber Noha , Yafei Saeed 
Published: May 2020

Aim
Enhanced lipid peroxidation and elevated interleukin-6 levels are common in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Atherosclerotic vascular complications greatly contribute to morbidity and mortality in diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the relation of lipid peroxidation and interleukin-6 with carotid atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods
This cross-sectional study included 90 type 2 diabetes mellitus male patients with age ≥ 40 years and 30 healthy male subjects matched for age. All of them were subjected to measuring of 8-iso prostaglandin F2α as a marker of lipid peroxidation, interleukin-6 and carotid intima media thickness as a marker of carotid atherosclerosis.

Results
Both 8-iso prostaglandin F2α and interleukin-6 were found to have significant positive correlation with carotid intima media thickness (P < 0.001) and both were found to be significant predictors of the presence of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in multiple regression analysis.

Conclusion
Lipid peroxidation and interleukin-6 may play an important role in atherogenesis in type 2 diabetes mellitus and limiting their effects may reduce atherosclerotic vascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The comparison of the relationships about the presence of branch retinal vein occlusion and endothelial functions between diabetic and non-diabetic patients
Authors: Demir Vahit , Dogru Mehmet Tolga , Onaran Zafer , Kandemir Huseyin , Alp Caglar 
Published: May 2020

Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate the endothelial functions in both patients with diabetics and non-diabetics with branch retinal vein occlusion by using pulse wave analysis and flow-mediated dilatation methods.

Patients and methods
This cross-sectional study included a total of 136 participants (47 diabetic patients with branch retinal vein occlusion, 43 non-diabetic patients with branch retinal vein occlusion, and 46 otherwise healthy subjects). Evaluation of endothelial functions was performed by flow-mediated dilatation and pulse wave analysis methods. Stiffness index, reflection index (RI), and pulse propagation time were calculated.

Results
The mean stiffness index and RI were significantly higher in the diabetic branch retinal vein occlusion group compared with the non-diabetic branch retinal vein occlusion and the healthy controls (for stiffness index: 11.5 ± 2.8 vs. 10.1 ± 2.5 and 8.3 ± 2.0, P < 0.001; and for RI: 75.1 ± 11.7 vs. 65.4 ± 8.4 and 60.2 ± 18.8, P < 0.001, respectively), whereas the pulse propagation time was significantly lower in the diabetic group (156.4 ± 32.3 vs. 174.4 ± 46.5 and 205.0 ± 58.5, P < 0.001, respectively). There was a significant negative correlation between visual acuity and stiffness index (r = −0.512, P < 0.001). Besides, there was also a significant positive correlation between visual acuity and pulse propagation time (r = 0.398, P < 0.001).

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that the stiffness index and RI values were higher in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion compared to the healthy subjects.
Ten tips for promoting your research
Authors: Hardman Timothy C. , Krentz Andrew J. , Wierzbicki Anthony S. 
Published: May 2020

Publishing the results of scientific research is more than a personal choice; it is an ethical and increasingly regulatory obligation. It is generally accepted that top-ranking journals attract wider audiences than specialist publications and scientists have long recognised that the importance of targeting so-called high impact journal in getting their work noticed. However, gaining access to top-flight journals is difficult and a broader exposure is not necessarily guaranteed. Huge competition exists for attention within the scientific literature. Traditionally, scientists have viewed promoting their own research as somewhat self-serving and gauche, preferring its value to speak (passively) for itself. However, times have changed. Researchers can now be divided into two camps: those who see publication of their research as the final step in the process and those who see it as the first step in sharing their findings with the wider world. We summarize here 10 considerations for peri-publication activities that, when used in the right measure and appropriately to the work involved should aid those looking to increase the discoverability, readership and impact of their scientific research. The internet has transformed scientific communication. If you ignore this development, it is possible that your research will not get the recognition it deserves. You need to identify the specific issues to focus on (scope) and how much effort (resource) you are prepared to commit.
Video abstract: http://links.lww.com/CAEN/A22.
Using Supervised Machine Learning and Empirical Bayesian Kriging to reveal Correlates and Patterns of COVID-19 Disease outbreak in sub-Saharan Africa: Exploratory Data Analysis
Authors: Onovo Amobi Andrew , Atobatele Akinyemi , Kalaiwo Abiye , Obanubi Christopher , James Ezekiel , Gado Pamela , Odezugo Gertrude , Ogundehin Dolapo , Magaji Doreen , Russell Michele 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging infectious disease that was first reported in Wuhan1,2, China, and has subsequently spread worldwide. Knowledge of coronavirus-related risk factors can help countries build more systematic and successful responses to COVID-19 disease outbreak. Here we used Supervised Machine Learning and Empirical Bayesian Kriging (EBK) techniques to reveal correlates and patterns of COVID-19 Disease outbreak in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).MethodsWe analyzed time series aggregate data compiled by Johns Hopkins University on the outbreak of COVID-19 disease across SSA. COVID-19 data was merged with additional data on socio-demographic and health indicator survey data for 39 of SSA’s 48 countries that reported confirmed cases and deaths from coronavirus between February 28, 2020 through March 26, 2020. We used supervised machine learning algorithm, Lasso for variable selection and statistical inference. EBK was used to also create a raster estimating the spatial distribution of COVID-19 disease outbreak.ResultsThe lasso Cross-fit partialing out predictive model ascertained seven variables significantly associated with the risk of coronavirus infection (i.e. new HIV infections among pediatric, adolescent, and middle-aged adult PLHIV, time (days), pneumococcal conjugate-based vaccine, incidence of malaria and diarrhea treatment). Our study indicates, the doubling time in new coronavirus cases was 3 days. The steady three-day decrease in coronavirus outbreak rate of change (ROC) from 37% on March 23, 2020 to 23% on March 26, 2020 indicates the positive impact of countries’ steps to stymie the outbreak. The interpolated maps show that coronavirus is rising every day and appears to be severely confined in South Africa. In the West African region (i.e. Burkina Faso, Ghana, Senegal, Cote d’Iviore, Cameroon, and Nigeria), we predict that new cases and deaths from the virus are most likely to increase.InterpretationIntegrated and efficiently delivered interventions to reduce HIV, pneumonia, malaria and diarrhea, are essential to accelerating global health efforts. Scaling up screening and increasing COVID-19 testing capacity across SSA countries can help provide better understanding on how the pandemic is progressing and possibly ensure a sustained decline in the ROC of coronavirus outbreak.FundingAuthors were wholly responsible for the costs of data collation and analysis.
When the storm is the strongest: Healthcare staff’s health conditions and job satisfaction and their associated predictors during the epidemic peak of COVID-19
Authors: Zhang Stephen X. , Liu Jing , Jahanshahi Asghar Afshar , Nawaser Khaled , Li Jizhen , Alimoradi Hadiseh 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis study reports the physical health, mental health, anxiety, depression, distress, and job satisfaction of healthcare staff in Iran when the country faced its highest number of total active COVID-19 cases. In a sample of 304 healthcare staff (doctors, nurses, radiologists, technicians, etc.), we found a sizable portion reached the cutoff levels of disorders in anxiety (28.0%), depression (30.6%), and distress (20.1%). Age, gender, education, access to PPE (personal protective equipment), healthcare institutions (public vs. private), and individual status of COVID-19 infection each predicted some but not all the outcome variables of SF-12, PHQ-4, K6, and job satisfaction. The healthcare workers varied greatly in their access to PPE and in their status of COVID-19 infection: negative (69.7%), unsure (28.0%), and positive (2.3%). The predictors were also different from those identified in previous studies of healthcare staff during the COVID-19 crisis in China. This study helps to identify the healthcare staff in need to enable more targeted help as healthcare staff in many countries are facing peaks in their COVID-19 cases.
SARS-CoV-2 receptor mutation in Egyptian population
Authors: Hafez Mohamed M , Hassan Zeinab K , Bahnasy Abeer A. , Ahmed Ola S. , Abouelhoda Mohamed , Zekri Abdel-Rahman N. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 triggers severe pneumonia leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome and death in severe cases. According to WHO reported, Egypt is among the countries with low confirmed SARS CoV2 infected symptomatic cases and death. We postulate that one of the reasons for this may be due mutations in the viral receptor. Therefore this study was conducted to confirm or reject this postulation.